California Rider on the Road in European Motorcycle Union Supermoto Championship Series

Michelle DiSalvo is a long way from her home in Manteca, California. She is on the road for the European Motorcycle Union (UEM) Supermoto Championship Series.

A thunderstorm stops riders in round three of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series in Latina, Italy
A thunderstorm stops riders in round three of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series in Latina, Italy
DiSalvo travelled from Belgium to the third round of the series in Latina, Italy. “The trip to Latina was hot and extensive,” said DiSalvo. “The track is located about 60 miles south of Rome on the western coast of Italy. Our large truck was older and limited to speeds of up to 60 mph.” The race team had to travel slowly through the mountains until they faced an obstacle at the Italian border.
RMZ 450 Suzuki ready to ride with K&N products in Round 4 of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series in Pas de la Casa, Andorra
RMZ 450 Suzuki ready to ride with K&N products in Round 4 of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series in Pas de la Casa, Andorra

K&N supported Manteca, California team waits in the pits for Round 3 of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series about 60 miles south of Rome, Italy
K&N supported Manteca, California team waits in the pits for Round 3 of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series about 60 miles south of Rome, Italy

“In order to enter Italy, we had to drive through a 12 mile tunnel,” she said. “The border police told us our truck was too old and therefore the emissions were too great to enter the tunnel. Fortunately, the police changed their minds and let us through.” If the team had to go to another crossing, they would not have made the race at the Italian Track II Sagittario in Latina.

DiSalvo and her crew fortunately made it in time for the technical control portion of the series. “It was hot and humid, but I made it to my second practice session in my RMZ 450 Suzuki with K&N products,” she said. “The dirt looked easy but the jumps made me feel like I was hitting a wall.”

DiSalvo rode over bumps and berms through the grass and dirt track. “I went out for my qualifying race and avoided a huge pileup in the first mound of earth,” she said. “I went through a large cloud of dust and debris to finish the course in 17th place.”

The next day riders dealt with the problems and delays a huge thunderstorm brings to a race track. “I went from wet grass to wet dirt and almost missed the first jump,” said DiSalvo. “I did manage to take 2 more seconds off my best lap time.” Currently DiSalvo is 15th overall in the UEM Supermoto championship standings.

DiSalvo's  motorcycles are equipped with K&N air filters, product number YA-2506XD and K&N oil filters, product number KN-207.

Round 4 of the UEM Supermoto Championship Series resumes in Pas de la Casa, Andorra September 19 and 20.

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