Injured U.S. Veterans Named Grand Marshals For MotoAmerica Superbike SpeedFest At Monterey

Published: Thursday, July 4, 2024, 12:03 [IST]

MotoAmerica, North America’s leading motorcycle road racing series, has announced that U.S. Service Members Tyler Vargas-Andrews and Jake Simmons will be the Grand Marshals for the sixth round of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship. This event will take place at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from July 12-14. Both Vargas-Andrews and Simmons are former military personnel who have sustained life-altering injuries and are avid motorcycle racing enthusiasts.

"We are honored to have these two servicemen as our Grand Marshals for our WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca round," said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. "MotoAmerica has tremendous respect for the men and women who serve in our country’s military. Having Tyler and Jake with us for our event makes us proud. We know they will both have a great experience, and we look forward to spending time with them at the racetrack."

Originally hailing from Northern California, Tyler Vargas-Andrews joined the Marine Corps in 2017 as an infantry rifleman. He was promoted to Corporal during his first deployment and served as a squad leader until 2020. After passing V2/1’s Scout Sniper Screener, he was selected and remained a P.I.G. (Professionally Instructed Gunman). In February 2021, he was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant.

On August 26, 2021, Vargas-Andrews was critically injured in Kabul, Afghanistan, when a bomber detonated a suicide vest nearby, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members.

Jake Simmons grew up in Fort Carson, Colorado, within a military family and always aspired to serve his country. He joined the Utah National Guard in 2019 to help fund his education. During basic training, he earned the Cycle Award and Iron Soldier Award. At Advanced Individual Training (AIT), he received top PT and Battalion Hero Award.

Simmons was one week away from his Warrant Officer Flight School Board when he was struck by a car while riding his motorcycle, leading to paralyzing injuries.

Business Ventures Post-Service

Despite their injuries, both Vargas-Andrews and Simmons have continued to achieve remarkable milestones. Simmons completed his bachelor’s degree while undergoing rehabilitation and earned an Able Flight Scholarship to obtain his private pilot’s license this week after passing his check ride.

Together, they co-founded Flatline Hardgoods, a company that handcrafts custom-made knives by disabled veterans supporting military non-profits.

For more information on Flatline Hardgoods, visit https://flatlinehardgoods.godaddysites.com