PHOTO OF THE WEEK

As the 2010 Motocross des Nations approaches, it is time to look back to Team USA's greatest des Nations moment—when the 1981 team whipped the world for the first time. But rather than run of photo of the '81 team (O'Mara, Sun, Hansen and LaPorte), we thought we'd take a nostalgic look at team member Chuck Sun...as he was way before he became a National and MXDN Champion and as he is today (inset). Find out more about Chuck at www.chuck-sun.com.

Team Honda manager Erik Kehoe.

MXA: What have been some highlights and lowlights of your season?

Erik: It’s had some ups and downs, Andrew Short has had some good races and some that haven’t been so good. Unfortunately, Davi Millsaps got injured, which was not a good thing for our team. The addition of Kevin Windham late in the season has been pretty exciting and pretty cool. Kevin is a great racer and personality to have around and it has been fun. We’ve definitely had some ups and downs.

MXA: What are some behind the scene things that people won’t get from watching the nationals on TV or reading race coverage?

Erik: I can talk about something that we have really worked on this year. We weren’t happy with our starts last season, so we really worked on that. I won’t go into too much detail about how we did it, but we really worked on it and coming into the nationals Andrew Short had really exceeded expectations with his starts, he has really improved in that area. I don’t know the stats off the top of my head, but he has about eight of the last twelve holeshots or something. He’s right there on the starts now. That’s been something we’ve kind of worked on behind the scenes and it has worked out for us, he just has to work on the second half of the moto now.

Windham—the fill-in. He doesn't ride like a Supercross-only guy.

MXA: Was part of the start strategy bike setup?

Erik: It’s a combination of bike setup, rider technique and concentrating on using the power and making the most of it.

MXA: How much bike development happens during the season?

Erik: It’s constantly a work in progress. We have a staff here whose only job is to continually try and improve things. After every race, we reevaluate the weekend and look at the positives and negatives and decide where we need to work. It’s a weekly ongoing thing through the season and we’re always looking to improve.

MXA: How has Kevin Windham come into play in that process?

Erik: Kevin has a lot of experience, and he comes from a completely different team. The Geico Powersports Honda Team has a great bike as well, so for him to come over and give his ideas on our bike setup is good. It’s a fresh, new opinion on how to further improve things. It’s been a positive learning experience to have him on board.

MXA: There’s a lot of speculation about sponsors who will be on the team. What is in the team’s future?

Erik: We’re not a position to officially announce our team or anything. We’ve been talking to Trey Canard. He’s been a Honda rider for quite some time and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with him. We’re going through the season with Andrew Short right now and waiting to see how things turn out. Davi Millsaps is not able to compete right now. We’re still working on budget and trying to get things together and the team finalized.

Shorty.

MXA: Does the team’s strategy change when you’re racing against different types of riders. Is the game plan for Dungey different than for Reed or Carmichael?

Erik: We watch each of the guys every week. Dungey has a lot of the pieces put together right now. He has confidence, his bike seems to be working well, he is riding well and he’s in good shape. His starts sometimes seem to be one of his week points. We look at every part of the puzzle and focus on any areas that we can take advantage. There is always a strategy involved, but you never know what can happen so you have to be as prepared as possible to be there and capitalize on whatever happens.

MXA: Is there anything beyond the norm you do with an extra week off like this one?

Erik: We have a routine that we go through every week. When we have a week off it gives us some extra time to work on some things that we might not usually have time to. With back-to-back races it can be difficult to get in a lot of testing. With the riders’ travel schedule resting is just as important as going out and working hard, so testing can be tough. With a week off we can do more testing.

MXA: Will you do anything different for Southwick this weekend?

Erik: It is a pretty demanding track. Obviously tire selection, and suspension setting are a little bit different because of the rough, high-speed sand conditions. The bike setup will definitely be a little different and it will definitely be a rough, fun event. The women’s class will be coming back and we’re looking forward to Ashley coming out to race. That has been a highpoint this year, Ashley’s been riding really well. There is some exciting stuff going on and Southwick should be fun.

CATALINA GRAND PRIX REGISTRATION DELAYED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 7

Feets Minert winning the Catalina Grand Prix in 1956.

When word was first announced that the famous Catalina Grand Prix would return after a 52-year absence from the motorcycle racing schedule, most of the SoCal racing community was excited and skeptical. They were excited because back in the 1950’s Catalina was the premiere motorcycle race on the West Coast. They were skeptical because Catalina is a nature conservancy. The Catalina GP was a big deal. Held on the famous island (26 miles across the seas, Santa Catalina is a'waiting for me), a victory in the 100-mile race was a major prize for a motorcycle manufacturer. In fact, after Chuck “Feets” Minert won in 1956, BSA built and sold a copy of his race winning bike—the BSA Catalina Scrambler.

Feets Minert is now 79 years old. Here is Feets with a BSA Catalina Scrambler.

Everyone hopes that this famous race can be held, but it does look like an uphill battle, as the following article from the Avalon Bay News points out. Applications for the race have been delayed until September 7, 2010. For any updated news go to www.thecatalinagrandprix.com.

MAKING A TRUE-TO-LIFE NINTENDO EXCITEBIKE

Love that swingarm.


Artists Justin Harder made a pixelated helmet and trophy to go with his wooden bike.


The original.

Every motocrosser is familiar with the most popular motocross game ever produced—Nintendo’s ExciteBike. Well-respected L.A. artist Justin Harder, who most motocrossers would know from his Fuel TV promo films, must be an ExciteBike fan because he built a full-size 8-bit picellated bike from wood. If you’d like to see more of Harder’s work go to www.flickr.com/photos/justinharder

You might be inclined to think that sponsorships are just for pros and amateurs touted as the next big thing. In fact, it’s oftentimes more difficult for these guys to get sponsored than a regular Joe, weekend racer. The fast guys have to fish for a free gear deal or a paycheck and in these times, money is tight. There are a lot more discount deals available to help weekend warriors than free equipment deals for national up-and-comers. This is the time of year when most moto companies are accepting resumes and deciding what riders they will support for the year. This is the time for you to plan ahead so you can afford to race as much as possible for the next year. We decided to talk to Randy Valade of MSR who worked in rider support for years to get some tips to help get you sponsored. Then we included a few places where you can send your resume to get you started. Here’s what Randy Valade of MSR had to say:

“When you’re building your resume don’t forget your contact information, email, phone number address. Then, basically what we look for in a resume is a brief bio and history about yourself. Include your last two years of racing experience and results. Pictures help. We suggest including a face shot of yourself as well as some riding shots. Include a list of other sponsors you’ve had in the past. You don’t want to overdo it with the resume either, keep it brief and to the point. Include everything you want to, but we don’t want to read a book and we don’t have time to look at a DVD.

“Being in school and doing well is a plus. Sometimes we have people send in report cards to make sure they are doing well in school while they are racing. We tend steer away from kids who are in home school... being in school is good because not a whole lot of kids can make it in racing.

“Also, where you live makes a difference. We’re looking to spread the sponsorship all around the United States. We don’t want to clog one area with a hundred riders and just have a couple guys in another area. Part of our reason for this is that we don’t want to hurt the dealers in that area. We print out a map, and obviously Southern California is big. There are a lot of dealers and we sponsor a lot of riders in this area, but we sponsor a lot of riders all over the country as well.

“For someone who is looking for a bigger deal we’ll look at championships won and accomplishments, but for a discount deal we’re just looking for someone who races consistently, at least a couple times a month. 

“You don’t need to attend the big races to get sponsored. We’re just looking for someone who will attend the races locally and promote the brand the best they can while they are racing with our gear and when they are out at the track with stickers and stuff.

“Free gear deals are few and far between, especially in this economy. We don’t do as many free gear deals as we have in the past. The discount deals are what we are really shooting for with our rider support program and just giving kids the chance to be sponsored.

“You don’t have to be fast to get sponsored. We sponsor all classes and disciplines, really. From beginner to pro, we sponsor off-road guys and ATV guys as well. Last year we had around 800 riders total that we sponsored throughout the United States. You don’t have to be pro or go to the nationals. If you are going to the big races it’s a plus, but we don’t do away with the kids that are just racing locally.

“There are three ways to get MSR sponsorship. First, you can go to our website (www.msrmx.com) and fill out the application. Second, you can mail your resume MSR MX, 1055 Montecito Dr., Corona, CA 92879. Third you can email the resume to msrcustomerservice @msracing.com. But, you have to do it by October 31.”

DUBACH RACING DEVELOPMENT NOW ACCEPTING 2011 RIDER SUPPORT APPLICATIONS

DR.D supported athletes claimed two Arenacross Championships, MX1 and MX2 Canadian Outdoor National Championships, four Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championships and an X-Games Gold Medal. With a banner 2010 season in the books, DR.D is looking for qualified Motocross, Freestyle, ATV, and Off-Road athletes that want to take their program to the “Next Step.” Click here for application:  http://www.dubachracing.com/sponsorship.html

MAXXIS SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD STARTS SEPTEMBER 1

Press release: “The wait will soon be over: Maxxis’ 2011 sponsorship application period begins September 1, 2010. From that day through November first, riders, teams and event organizers in bicycle, motorcycle and ATV racing can apply for 2011 sponsorship.

“Maxxis welcomes applications from participants at all levels, from amateur to pro. To apply, simply visit the “Get Sponsored” pages in the bicycle, motorcycle or ATV product sections of Maxxis.com. Download, print and complete the form, attach a race resume or event proposal and mail both documents to the specified address, postmarked no later than November first. All applicants will be notified of sponsorship status via email by December first, 2010.

“Maxxis looks forward to another great year of competition, with racing’s best riders paired with the finest tires on the market. Be sure to visit Maxxis.com September first and submit your application ASAP. Good luck! For more information, please visit maxxis.com.”

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: THE MAN TURNS 66

Roger when he was 28.

Everyday is somebody’s birthday, but this Saturday will be Roger DeCoster’s birthday—that’s cool.
Aug. 25: Nathan Ramsey—1999 125 West Supercross Champion
Aug. 25: Pedro Gonzalez—Mexican National Champion
Aug. 27: Sheri Ridenour—TLD Marketing manager
Aug. 28: Amy Ritchie—Red Bud owner
Aug. 28: Jason McCune—Leatt public relations
Aug. 28: Roger DeCoster was born on August 28, 1944, in Uccle, Belgium, in 1944. He would go on to win five 500cc World Motocross Championships and tally 36 GP victories (a number just tied by Antonio Cairoli last weekend).
Aug. 29: Tony Berluti—Suzuki mechanic
Aug. 29: Skip Norfolk—Jeremy McGrath’s mechanic
Aug. 29: Ty Wallace—racer
Aug. 30: Drake McElroy—freestyler
Aug. 30: Eric Sorby—racer and manfriend
Aug. 30: Brian Garrahan—desert racer
Aug. 31: Ezra Lusk—winner of 12 AMA Supercrosses
Aug. 31: Greg Schnell—racer
Aug. 31: Denny Hartwig—race coordinator
Aug. 31: Ian Harrison—Suzuki mechanic

EVS 2011 RIDER SPONSORSHIP

Press release: "The 2010 racing season is coming to an end: that can only mean one thing: It’s sponsorship season! EVS is now accepting resumes for the 2011 race season and season and here are a few things to keep in mind while going through the process.

-Resumes are accepted between August first through November 15th, 2010.

-No late resumes are accepted.

-New resumes are requested for continued support (even if you have one from last year)

-All age and skill levels are welcome to apply for sponsorship

Resumes are best submitted through the following options:

1. Email to: Jamey@evs-sports.com
2. Fax to: (608) 754-4800
3. Mail to: EVS Sports, 119 W. Milwaukee St. Suite B, Janesville, WI 53548
4. Online through: www.hookit.com, www.mxsponsor.com, www.mxresultz.com

Don’t miss out on the chance to be sponsored by the number one protective gear company in the industry!"

DT-1 AIR FILTERS SPONSORSHIP SEASON

Press release: “DT-1 Air Filters is officially opening its 2011 sponsorship season. If you want to use the same air filter as James Stewart, Antonio Cairoli, Mike Alessi, Josh Hill, Ryan Sipes and Josh Strang, then send us your resume. DT-1 filters are hand made in the USA. For more information check us out at dt1filters.com or contact you nearest Parts Unlimited dealer. Email your resume to dt1service@aol.com, support@mxfilters.com, or dt1filters@yahoo.com 

"DT-1 is looking forward seeing your resume and making you part of our team.”

NEXT STOP? THE ROSE BOWL PARADE

What? No float.

Tim Ferry will be the honorary Grand Marshall for the FMF Steel City National on September 4. During his his 19-year career, Ferry, made the top three in the National standings six times (although never winning the title). He capped off his career by finishing second in the 2008 AMA National Motocross Championship. Ferry retired at the end of the 2009 season with a foot injury. Tim will take a parade lap at Steel City and will join the broadcast team as a guest analyst.

THE RANCH'S GRAND OPENING

The Ranch is a brand-new motocross track that replaces the old Rynoland in Anza, California. The grand opening of The Ranch was last weekend and MXA cruised up to Anza to check out the new track and get all the info. The Ranch was built on 700-acres of Indian Reservation by Marc Peters, who has a lot of experience in the business (Petersbuilttracks.com). When we pulled into the facility, we half expected a warmed-over Rynoland track. In fact, it was difficult to tell that we were in the same place. Marc had cleared a ton of bush, and created a bunch of new track area. The area didn’t resemble Rynoland. They have an 800,000 gallon reservoir of water and they are going to expand by another 800,000 gallons. The track was wet and prepped when we arrived, so we hurried to get out and ride.

Main Track.

First, we rode the Main track. Their goal with the main track was to bring an “East Coast National track feel to the West Coast.” As with the top soil of most new tracks, the dirt was awesome. It was deep, power robbing and the type that makes anyone feel like a hero. There was a variety of jumps and there was one of just about everything. There were no fast straightaways and no dangerous jumps. There was good elevation changes, but no big climbs or descents. The track was really long. Marc said that Ryan Villopoto was out on Friday (along with Dean Wilson, Nick Wey and some other pros). Besides getting positive feedback, he clocked Villopoto’s lap times at about two minutes and fifty seconds. That’s well over three-minute lap times for most of us. There was a nice path cut around the entire track for a water truck (or ambulance). Marc already has plans for a new section, and to shorten it up a bit. He also plans to put some clay in the corners so they dirt will hold water longer. The Main track was fun and geared for someone who loves turns, but will leave a jumper wanting more air.

1980s track.

The 1980s track was like their Vet track and was really fun. It also had great elevation changes, great dirt and even safer jumps. This track was really good practice for turning and line selection because there were no straightaways. We were always turning and focusing on setting up for the next turn while exiting the one we were in.

Mini track.

The Mini Track was built over one of Rynoland’s big bike tracks and it was impressive for a mini track. There were a lot of jumps, but they were all safe and perfect for 60s and 80s. Plus, if dad wanted to stand at the entrance he could see the whole track.

There were two more tracks still under construction. The 1960’s or Vintage was laid out by Preston Petty and has no jumps and has Vintage guys excited already. There will be a Pee Wee track, for the littlest guys. It will have small obstacles geared for beginning riders.  

The fresh dirt on the new track would make a hero out of you.

“The Ranch” will be open the 3rd & 5th weekends of the month on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The track is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days. The gate fee is $25.00 per day to practice. Spectators free for practice. It costs $10 for overnight parking per vehicle. For more information email: theranchanzaca@yahoo.com or visit their Facebook page under The Ranch.

CHANGING LIVES ONE LAP AT A TIME


Wisconsin motocross racer Perry Prichard from Fond du Lac went on a church trip to Haiti four years ago—before the earthquake. The 42-year-old Prichard liked helping the Haitian people, so after the January Earthquake, Prichard wanted to do more to help. Starting on September 11, will use his motorcycle to raise money during the “24 Hours for Haiti” fundraiser at Gravity Park USA in Chilton, Wisconsin. Prichard’s goal is to break the Guinness World Record for the most continuous laps on a motocross bike by one individual in 24 hours. His fund-raising goal is $100,000.


Perry Prichard.

Prichard will be be allowed a five-minute break each hour for refueling, refreshments, bathroom breaks and necessary bike repairs. A tank of gas lasts about two hours. "I will be able to do it," said Perry Prichard. "I may not be able to break track records, but I will be able to do it for 24 hours. When I sat down to think of what I could do to raise money for Haiti, the first thoughts through my head were not to sell pizza’s, girl scout cookies or anything like that. I love to ride motorcycles, so when I asked friends and family members what I could do, my brother in law, Ken Davin said ‘You should ride your motorcycle for as many laps as you can and find people to pledge per lap.’ I thought that was a great idea.”

All money raised will further the work of “Lazarus Project Haiti,” a grassroots effort to respond to the poor of Haiti and its three-year goal to help in the construction of a new health facility in Ganthier, located in Ouest, Haiti. The organization also provides homes

for orphaned and disabled children. If you would like to help, go to www.24hoursforhaiti.com

LOOKING FOR A DIRT BIKE THAT WILL RUN ON FRENCH FRY OIL?

It started life as a Kawasaki, but Hayes turned it into a diesel.

Military motorcycles are not the same as the dirt bikes they are built from. Unlike the Kawasaki KLR650 that they are derived from, the Marine Corps' latest military motorcycle must be able to traverse two feet of water, carry lots of ammo and go over 300 miles on a tank of gas. Oh yeah, it can’t run on gasoline because every vehicle in the military (from tanks to trucks to jet airplanes) have to use the same JP8 to Jet-A  fuel.


This would be a cool clutch cover to have on your KX450F.

The Hayes Diversified Technologies M1030-M2 JP8 is a 670cc military motorcycle capable of operating on JP8, JP5, JP4, AVTUR, JET-A1, Diesel and Bio-diesel. The M1030-M2 JP8 is Hayes’ fourth generation heavy fuel motorcycle engine. The Advanced Multifuel Technology engine produces 20 percent more power over previous generations. Hayes holds multiple patents on diesel motorcycles and the M20390M2 represents a breakthrough in military ground vehicle technology. It produces 33 horsepower, goes from 0 to 30 mph in 3.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 95 mph. For more info go to www.hdtusa.com.

SOCAL VISITOR'S PARADISE: CHEAP STAY, CLOSE TO TONS OF TRACKS AND A GARAGE FOR BIKES

Press release: "SoCalMXHaven.com and the Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy have partnered to be able to offer not only lodging for riders wanting to experience riding the great southern California tracks, but also to offer training from one of the top motocross instructors in the U.S. Private training sessions are available that include training, bike rental, food, lodging and transportation to and from local airports. Individual programs are designed to fit the rider's needs and expectations. For more information on DHMA’s programs please email Donnie@DHMA.com, call toll free at (877) 883-7260, or check out www.DHMA.com .

"Not interested in taking motocross instruction? Want to tour the So-Cal tracks & shops or take in a Supercross, National or USGP while on vacation? This is the place to do it.  We have rates tailored to everyone’s needs. Our facility is conveniently located in the middle of “Motocross USA,” with motorcycle related retail stores and tracks only minutes from the house. To find out more about it go to www.socalmxhaven.com.

"Not quite ready for motocross instruction?  Want to learn to ride a dirt bike?  We have also partnered with www.Coach2Ride.com. They teach according to ability and rate of learning. They only proceed to the next level after a rider has grasped the concept of the current technique being taught. Operation of controls, cornering, braking, up and down hills.  Everyone will develop a sense of "real-world" trail riding by actually doing it. For more information on Coach2Ride’s programs, please email Coach2Ride@aol.com, or call 858-382-1515 or check out their website at www.Coach2Ride.com.

"So, go ahead, mark your calendars to spend some time in So-Cal while being a part of the motorcycle scene. Call us today and reserve your spot before it’s taken. SoCalMXHaven.com Reservations:  951-313-0380 or Info@SoCalMXHaven.com

INSIDE THE MIND OF A MAD CANADIAN: GARY WOROBEC'S CUSTOM SUZUKI DR650

By John Minert: "I was visiting my old friend Spencer and his dad Gary around Christmas time. To be frank, when I first saw Gary Worobec’s 1997 DR650 it was an ugly, old, purple beater. If it would have been anyone else’s bike I would have laughed at them for buying it. I didn’t laugh at Gary, I knew it would be awesome when he was done with it. Every now and then all red-blooded American males get the itch to spruce up their bike or automobile, and end up going overboard and spending too much money. It’s in our nature. Gary takes this manly trait and turns it into a borderline sickness. He specializes in turning clunkers in to super trick rides.

"Gary’s son Spencer and I were classmates through grade school and high school, we loved to go have adventures on our dirt bikes. Thanks to Gary, we didn’t just go to the desert or mountains in a pickup truck and sleep in a tent. We rolled in comfort and style in a custom motorhome and drove around in a custom VW Beetle turned into a dune buggy with a Manx body. Each of these things took years for Gary to complete. Each ended up with a ton of trick little parts that he fabricated and trick aftermarket stuff that he mated seamlessly to the original. Gary always went the extra mile to strip everything down to powder coat frames, rewire electronics, or to replace shoddy parts with airplane or street bike parts. If there is a nicked panel, Gary will replace it with carbon fiber and if it needs four bolts to secure it, Gary will probably mount eight. His latest project was the ugly, purple 1997 DR650 that he bought. Gary took the engine out of the frame, stripped it down for powder coating and a complete rebuilding.

"The dash panel is made from silver fiberglass and carbon fiber composite sheet. The frame that holds the Trail Tech Vapor and supports the dash panel is welded aluminum, then powder coated. The lights on the Vapor are left and right turn signals, neutral light and high beam light. On the right side of the dash is a 12 volt power plug for a Magellan Crossover GPS. There is also a Powerlet cigarette lighter outlet and a small LED that serves as a digital charge indicator that monitors battery voltage. On the left of the dash are two switches for low beam and LED running lights and below the outlets and controls for the Heatroller heated gear controller.

"The right side engine guard fabricated from 3/8 tubing and then powder coated. The skid plate is a Moose unit but with five inches welded onto the rear for better mounting and coverage. Gary used AMP side cases and oil filter covers. He custom fabricated the engine guards, then had them powder coated. He had the head milled and ported (five angle valve job) and used a 10:1 compression piston. He also opened up the airbox.

"On the front of the bike, Gary mounted LED running lights from ProCycle with fabricated ¼ inch aluminum mounts that use the lower fork tube clamp bolts (Gary found that the supplied steel ones vibrated badly). Gary used a cut down and reversed CR250 fender to protect engine without blocking the oil cooler. He used a Britannia Composites fairing and mounted it to the forks so it would turn with the bars. The Brittania Composites windscreen can be adjusted up and down. The paint work for the tank and fairing is by Superbike in Poway, California. Gary used Halogen headlights, ZETA hand guards with aluminum mounting bars. The handguards and fairing have small built-in LED lights operating as turn signals. The front end also has an RSW fork brace with neoprene protectors.

"To stop all the extra weight, Gary mounted an EBC oversize front disc and braid steel brake lines front and rear. He also mounted a speed sensor from Trail Tech. The front suspension utilizes.50 kg/mm Eibach springs with Race Tech Emulators (lowered). The rear shock is a Cogent also lowered because the Worobecs are kind of short. Gary used ProTaper Kawi high-bend 7/8 inch bars and bar extenders so he could use the stock control levers. He mounted a Scotts damper and weld-on tower for riding in sand. Gary used TKC-80 dual-sport tires.

"Gary used a YZ Sportbike LED taillight/brake light/turn signal/ license plate light combo. The rear fender has carbon fiber where the old taillight went. The pipe is an FMF Q4. The license bracket is fabricated aluminum. The rack is custom 3/8 IPS welded and powder coated. Gary also mounted a container from Agrisupply with an aircraft clamp on one end and another curved aluminum bracket on the front along with the existing plastic bracket to hold tools.

"When you look closely at the bike, you notice details like safety-wired bolts, Zerk fitting bolts on the brake lever and swing arm pivots and other special things. Gary even modified the kick stand by removing two inches and replacing it with a welded in 3/4" grade 8 bolt, making it easily adjustable for extra weight.

"Gary’s love of tinkering rubbed off on his son Spencer, who is a mechanical engineer and travels the world working on satellite equipment. I learned a lot of stuff from Gary as a kid too, and now I tinker and test motorcycle stuff for a living. It’s been seven years since Spencer and I were in school together, but we both still look forward to coming home. It’s like being a kid again going out for an adventure on motorcycles, testing out and tinkering with Gary’s latest creations.

HOLLAND AND SOUTH AFRICA LOOK LIKE NO-SHOWS FOR THE MXDN; ITALY STILL BATTLING & THE AUSSIES MAKE A CHANGE

Word from Tyla Rattray is that the South African federation does not want to pay to send a South African team to Lakewood, Colorado, for the Motocros des Nations. Although Rattray could throw his bike in the Pro Circuit semi, which will be going to support Dean Wilson, he is too old under FIM rules to race the 250 class. Thus, Rattray would need to get a KX450F and find two South African teammates...who would also be willing to pay their own way and one who is under the age of 23. The likely candidates (although the under-23 pool is limited) are Gareth Swanepoel, Grant Langston, Ryan Newton or Kerim Fitzgerald.

Earlier the Netherlands dropped out. They had issues when Jeffrey Herlings said that he didn't want to go to the MXDN because Holland didn't have two other riders who would allow Holland to make the A-main. Then, Herlings was injured and the point was moot.


Tony Cairoli, KTM and the Italian federation have yet to work out a compromise.

As everyone knows Team Italy is still up in the air. Italy wants the team to wear the traditional blue jersey with Italia on the front (worn by Italian teams in World Cup soccer), but KTM and Yamaha want their logos on the front. At the moment the stand-off means that 2009/2010 450 World Champion Tony Cairoli and 2008 450 World Champion David Philippaerts are not currently on the team. But, there will be an Italian team—whether Cairoli and Philippaerts are on it is the only question.

The proposed Italian jersey.

Meanwhile, when Chad Reed dropped out with Epstein-Barr, Jay Marmont was put on the Aussie team in his place. According to the Australian federation, Motorcycling Australia, Team Australia will now field Marmont, Dean Ferris and Brett Metcalfe.

Jay Marmont said, “This is a dream come true for me. I was wondering if I would ever get my shot because the last few years, even though I’ve done well domestically, there’s always been a strong group of riders based in America. When I got the call I was over the moon and now I’m just so excited to go over there—to race guys I’ve never raced before and most importantly to represent my country.

“I’ve always been a team player and been consistent in my racing so I’m going to give it all I’ve got to put myself and the team in the best position possible. Dacka (Marmont’s Team Manager Craig Dack) likes to remind us every time the des Nations is on, that when he went over to race they were the highest placed Aussie Team and that no one’s has topped it yet, so this is my chance to go one better!

“We’ve got a strong team – on paper it may not be as strong as we’ve had in the past – but it’s a team with nothing to lose so everyone is going to go out there and give it their all and hopefully we can do well.”