MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: TADDY; THE GREAT DANES; WORLD MECHANIC CHAMPIONSHIP; WHERE TO GET OFFSET CRF450 SPROCKETS, MORE BANKRUPTCY NEWS; WORLD MECHANIC CHAMPIONSHIP; AMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS


            THE BOYS ARE BACK…DENMARK-STYLE WITH STEFAN KJER OLSEN, THOMAS KJER OLSEN, KALLE OLSSON AND BRIAN JORGENSEN

            NO SURPRISE! TADDY WINS ENDUROCROSS FINAL IN VEGAS & 2012 ENDUROCROSS TITLE

Taddy.

KTM’S Taddy Blazusiak from Poland was crowned the 2012 AMA EnduroCross Championship after sweeping both mains events in the Las Vegas double-header finale held at the Orleans Arena.
 
MAIN EVENT ONE
1. Taddy Blazusiak
2. Cody Webb
3. Mike Brown
4 Geoff Aaron
5. Justin Soule
6. Colton Haaker
7. Cory Graffunder
8. Kyle Redmond
9. Max Gerston
10. Jamie Lanza

MAIN EVENT TWO
1. Taddy Blazusiak
2. Cody Webb
3. Kyle Redmond
4. Geoff Aaron
5. Mike Brown
6. Justin Soule
7. Cory Graffunder
8. Taylor Robert
9. Max Gerston
 
2012 ENDUROCROSS FINAL STANDINGS
1. Taddy Blazusiak…249
2. Cody Webb…………179
3. Taylor Robert………154
4. Mike Brown………..151
5. Cory Graffunder……133

            CHAD WINS THREE OUT OF FOUR, BUT DOESN’T GET THE TOP PRIZE IN OZ SUPERCROSS SERIES

Chad Reed had to skip round one of the short four-race Australian Supercross series and that was his downfall in the Down Under title chase. Chad ended up third behind Jay Marmont and Daniel McCoy?even though he swept the three rounds that he went to…including this weekend’s Newcastle finale. Meanwhile, American Gavin Faith won the 250 title.

AUSTRALIAN 450 SUPERCROSS FINAL POINTS STANDINGS
(after 4 of 4 races)

1. Jay Marmont……….87
2. Daniel McCoy……..78
3. Chad Reed…………75
4. Jake Moss………….67
5. Lawson Bopping….66
6. Todd Waters……….62
7. Cheyne Boyd………55
8. Tye Simmonds…….55
9. Ben Townley………..48
10. Billy Mackenzie….46

AUSTRALIAN 250 SUPERCROSS FINAL POINTS STANDINGS
(after 4 of 4 races)

1. Gavin Faith…………95
2. Ryan Marmont…….79
3. Kade Mosig…………77
4. Steven Clarke……..69
5. Scott Coloumb…….54
6. Nick Sutherland…..46
7. Kim Ashkenazi…….43
8. Taylor Potter………..39
9. Luke Clout…………..38
10. Geran Stapleton…37

            AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTS SUE FISH, ROD BUSH & JIMMY ELLIS

The class of 2012 at the Red Rock Hotel on Friday night.

The 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Friday night. It was hosted by actor Perry King. The late Rod Bush, Ty Davis, Jimmy Ellis and Sue Fish were the notables to be put into the Hall. Also of interest was road race mechanic Nobby Clark, who was voted in, thrown out by the tone-deaf Hall of Fame board and then voted back in again by a disgruntled Hall of Fame membership. No word on when the AMA Hall of Fame board will be voted out.

    ROD BUSH: The late Rod Bush helped establish KTM North America and served as company president from 1987 until his death in 2005. When Rod Bush took the position of KTM North America president in 1987 the company sold 2500 motorcycles a year. When Bush died in 2005, KTM sold 28,000 units annually and had 140 employees.
    TY DAVIS: Ty Davis is one of the most-versatile offroad motorcycle racers of all-time. He has won in AMA National Hare & Hound, AMA National Enduro, Baja 1000, ISDE and was the 1990 AMA 125 West Supercross Champion.
    JIMMY ELLIS: In 1974, riding the works 250 Can-Am, Jimmy finished third in the 250 National Championships. Then in 1975, Ellis won the AMA Supercross 250cc championship by sweeping the four-round series. he moved to Team Honda in 1978 and finished second to Bob Hannah for the 1978 250 National Championships.
    SUE FISH: Sue Fish was one of the first women motocross racers to hold an AMA pro racing license and compete in the AMA National. Sue was also a three-time Women’s National Motocross Champion and worked as a stuntwoman on “Terminator” and “Footloose.”

            WHAT? ANOTHER STEVE MCQUEEN HUSKY UP FOR AUCTION

Bonhams auction house plans to sell a 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross offroad motorcycle once owned and ridden by Steve McQueen. The auction will be Bally’s Hotel & Casino on January 10, 2013. Last year, Bonhams sold a similar bike that McQueen owned for $144,500 in a Carmel, California, auction. The auction company said it does not believe this is the same bike. In related news, Tupac Shakur will have a new record out soon.

            ALEX MARTIN TELLS YOU HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LINES

            THE WORLD MECHANIC’S CHAMPIONSHIPS: TWO AMERICANS PODIUM IN YAMAHA COMPETITION

Mark Sagers, Thorsten Brand, Damien Vincent and Eric Romanowicz on the podium.

Two American Yamaha technicians, Mark Sagers from South Valley Motorsports in Draper, Utah, and Eric Romanowicz from Mondus Motorsports in Hudson, Wisconsin, finishes second and third at the World Technician Grand Prix (WTGP) held at Yamaha Motors world headquarters in Iwata, Japan. Germany’s Thorsten Brand placed first, while France’s Damien Vincent tied for third. Both Sagers and Romanowicz are Yamaha Technical Academy (YTA) Gold Level Training graduates and each earned an invitation to the international competition by being a U.S. Technician Grand Prix winner.

The WTGP is an international head-to-head competition where technicians must prove their skills and knowledge with multiple hands-on trials and a challenging written test. Twenty eight top technicians representing Yamaha distributors in 20 different countries competed, and this highly skilled group represents the very best among Yamaha technicians worldwide.

            FIRST SUZUKI & NOW TWINKIES FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY

The food that fueled motocross stars of the 1970s could be no more. Motocross isn’t what it used to be.

Twinkies may last forever, but the the company that makes the cream-filled sponge cakes won’t. Hostess Brands, makers of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, has asked a court for permission to go out of business…and lay off 18,500 workers. It plans to sell its assets to the highest bidders. Hostess is blaming its decision to shut down on a labor strike by members of the Bakery Union, but could have easily cited the anti-junk food movement.

            FREESTONE OUT, STEEL CITY ON THE CUSP, MUDDY CREEK IN

The Texas round of the AMA Nationals has been dropped from the schedule. Freestone’s run on the Nationals is over, but Sam Gammon’s Muddy Creek track in Tennessee will take over the date (on June 1, 2013). With the sudden shift in fate for the Texas National it is only natural for inquiring minds to turn their thoughts to the TBA date on the new schedule on August 17. It leaves the fans to wonder about the Steel City National in Delmont, Pennsylvania, that previously occupied that spot.

2013 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS SERIES
May 18…………………..Hangtown, CA
May 25…………………..Lakewood, CO
June 1……………………Muddy Creek, TN
June 8……………………Mt.Morris, PA
June 22………………….Budds Creek, MD
June 29………………….Southwick, MA
July 6…………………….Red Bud, MI
July 20…………………..Washougal, WA
July 27……………………Millville, MN
August 10……………….Unadilla, NY
August 17……………….TBA
August 24……………….Lake Elsinore 

            SAVE YOUR OLD CRF450 WHEELS: CRF STUFF MAKES OFFSET 2013 SPROCKETS

The 2013 Honda CRF450 has a new rear wheel hub design that is 3.8mm offset to the left side of the bike to reduce problems with the chain rubbing on the tire and mud flap. This prevents riders from using aftermarket wheels or previous CRF450 wheels on the 2013 model. If you try to run your 2012 wheels, the chain will be out of alignment enough to throw the chain and wreck your cases… and your day.

The 3.8mm offset is visible on the bottom sprocket. This moves the CRF450 rear sprocket over enough to allow your expensive practice wheels to be used on the 2013 CRF450.

CRFStuff has developed an offset sprocket to allow 2004 to 2012 CRF wheels to be used on the ’13. At this time CRFStuff is only offering them in the stock 48-tooth gearing. If there is enough demand, they may run another batch with 49 teeth. CRFStuff’s sprockets are made from 7075 aluminum alloy. The retail price is $148. For more info go to www.crfstuff.com or call (503) 830-6433.

            THE 2013 HONDA “X’S” WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH OF 2013: BOTH THE 250X AND 450X

2013 CRF450X

Having won the world-renowned and ultra-rugged Baja 1000 and Baja 500 races multiple times?enough to rightfully earn its reputation as the King of Baja?the CRF450X boasts some pretty impressive credentials in the world of offroad racing. At the same time, if you’re planning a weekend of relaxed trail riding rather than aiming for a prestigious offroad racing victory, the CRF450X offers equally impressive credentials for a weekend of fun rides. So the choice is really up to you; no matter how seriously or how relaxed you want to approach your weekend ride, the CRF450X is more than up to the task. Available in Red. Price: $8440. Availability: March 2013.


2013 CRF250X
Honda’s CRF250X stands tall as the machine that delivers a just-right balance of light weight, exemplary handling and tractable four-stroke power. Thanks to its handy size and weight and delightfully agile handling, this thoroughly capable offroad mount flat-out sets the standard for 250-class performance among offroad mounts. Whether you’re into offroad competition or you just enjoy leisurely explorations through the woods, the CRF250X is a great companion to have along for the ride. Available in Red. Price: $7410. Availability: March 2013.

            FIRST LOOK AT THE THAI GRAND PRIX TRACK…WELL, THERE ISN’T ACTUALLY A TRACK THERE YET

            THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS: LET’S ALL MEET AT MIKE’S ON MONDAY

Nov. 16…Jim Pomeroy


Nov. 17…Arne Kring
Nov. 18…Chris Taylor


Nov. 19…Jeremy McGrath
Nov. 19…Mike Metzger
Nov. 20…Weston Peick


Nov. 20…Sten Lundin
Nov. 20…Jeff Hedden
Nov. 20…Jon Hedden
Nov. 20…Mike Healey
Nov. 20…Rob Healy
Nov. 20…Malcolm McCassy


Nov. 21…Broc Tickle
Nov. 21…Dave Casella


Nov. 21…Danny Storbeck


Nov. 22…Ron Turner
Nov. 22…Trevor Vines

           USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: IRP KAYABA COMPRESSION CLICKERS

    The IRP compression adjuster doesn’t require any tools to change the clickers on CRF450, KX450F, YZ250F and YZ450F Kayaba forks, but (not 2013 air forks). With the IRP clickers MXA test riders could simply pulled over and make changes to the easily accessible IRP knobs in a matter of seconds. This saved a lot of time, especially during the rush of practice.

    VERDICT: We have fiddled with other no-tool suspension clickers and they always wobbled, slipped or stuck out like a sore thumb, but IRP Clickers fit perfectly and nestled in the recess of the fork caps. The IRP Clickers mated perfectly to the stock adjustment screw and stayed that way when running through the range of clicks. MXA test riders loved being able to make quick and easy compression adjustments without having to return to the pits. $52.95?www.irp-llc.com or (503) 860-5712.

            CHAD REED, TYE SIMMONDS, CHEYNE BOYD & UNDER-10 RIDER DYLAN LONG TALK AUSSIE SUPERCROSS

            TWO-STROKE RACE AT “DAY IN THE DIRT”


There will be a two-stroke only race at the Day in the Dirt on Friday, November 23, at Glen Helen Raceway. The two-stroke race starts at 11:00 am and is open to Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert and Pro riders with division Over-30 and Under-30. The 30-minute GP is open to 125cc, 250cc and 500cc smokers. For more info go to www.adayinthedirt.com

            “KTM MOTO TOUR” COMES TO AN END IN FLORIDA ON TUESDAY

The last chance to test ride a 2013 KTM motocross bike…for free…will be on Tuesday, November 20, at Gatorback. See your local Florida KTM dealer to get a ticket to ride.

FINAL KTM MOTO TOUR EVENT
    Nov. 20…Gatorback MX Park – Gainesville, FL


            WHAT’S LEFT IN THE 2012 RACING SEASON? PLUS A PREVIEW OF 2013

WINTER OLYMPICS
    November 19-24………………….Gatorback, FL
DAY IN THE DIRT
    November 23-25………………….Glen Helen, CA
2013 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
    July 29-Aug. 3, 2013………………….Hurricane Mills, TN
2013 AMA SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE
    January 5……………………………Anaheim, CA
    January 12………………………….Phoenix, AZ
    January 19………………………….Los Angeles, CA
    January 26………………………….Oakland, CA
    February 2…………………………..Anaheim, CA
    February 9…………………………..San Diego, CA
    February 16………………………….Arlington, TX
    February 23………………………….Atlanta, GA
    March 2……………………………….St. Louis, MO
    March 9……………………………….Daytona, FL
    March 16……………………………..Indianapolis, IN
    March 23……………………………..Toronto, Can
    April 6………………………………….Houston, TX
    April 13………………………………..Minneapolis, MN
    April 20………………………………..Seattle, WA
    April 27………………………………..Salt Lake City, UT
    May 4…………………………………..Las Vegas, NV
2013 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS SERIES
    May 18…Hangtown, CA
    May 25…Lakewood, CO
    June 1…Muddy Creek, TN
    June 8….Mt.Morris , PA
    June 22…Budds Creek, MD
    June 29…Southwick, MA
    July 6…Red Bud, MI
    July 20…Washougal, WA
    July 27…Millville, MN
    August 10…Unadilla, NY
    August 17…TBA
    August 24….Lake Elsinore
2013 250/450 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
    March 2………………………………..Qatar
    March 10………………………………Thailand
    April 1…………………………………..Holland
    April 14…………………………………Italy
    April 21…………………………………TBA
    May 5…………………………………..Portugal
    May 19…………………………………Brazil
    May 26…………………………………Mexico
    June 9………………………………….France
    June 16………………………………..Italy
    June 30………………………………..Sweden
    July 7……………………………………Latvia
    July 14………………………………….Russia
    July 28…………………………………Germany
    August 4……………………………….Czech Republic
    August 18……………………………..Belgium
    August 25……………………………..Great Britain
    September 8………………………….TBA    
2013 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS    
    September 29………………………..Teutschenthal, Germany

            CHRISTIAN CRAIG (SON OF STINGRAY) TELLS YOU HIS TOUGHEST TRACK, WHO HE LOOKS UP TO & HIS GUILTY PLEASURE


            TONY CAIROLI TO BECOME A DISC JOCKEY?

Tony Cairoli will do a weekly radio appearances on Virgin Radio in Italy starting on November 21 when he hosts the Lime Light Disco in Milan. After that Tony will be pre-race and post race spots after every major race. Virgin Radio does the same kind of coverage for the World Superbike series and MotoGP. Tony Cairoli said, “I am very happy to have reached an agreement with Virgin Radio. A very important media partner that will allow me to speak directly to my fans and to the large audience that listens to the radio. Virgin has always been one of my favorite radio shows, I really like the music broadcasts and listen often, even before training. Working with them fills me with pride and I know that together we can make the cross to those who do not know me.”

            TROY LEE TO AUCTION OFF TEAM HELMETS TO HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANESANDY

Troy Lee Designs is auctioning of the race helmets worn by Christian Craig, Troy Lee, Cole Seely, Jessy Nelson and Travis Baker to aid in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts for New York and New Jersey. All the helmets will be personally autographed by the rider. The auction is on eBay and all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

            ROBBIE MADDISON’S HIGHLIGHT REEL: BIG AIR MASTER

            PROOF POSITIVE THAT MIRACLES DO HAPPEN: VALENTINO ROSSI IS BACK ON YAMAHA

Valentino on his first day back on a Yamaha. How many 46’s does he need on his gear? Photo: motogp.com

            USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: SKF FORK SEALS/DUST WIPERS

With one of every 2013 motocross bike made in our test fleet, the MXA test crew gets tired of blown forks seals. Which is why we replace the stock seals with SKF seals (they come stock on KTM’s and we rarely blow a KTM fork seal). SKF seal kits consist of a new oil seal and a new dust wiper. SKF’s self-lubricating rubber compound not only enables them to keep the oil in, but to reduce static friction (stiction) by a significant amount.

VERDICT: Nothing is more frustrating than looking down at your fork leg and seeing oil oozing towards your front brake rotor. A modern upside-down fork requires complete disassembly to replace a fork seal. In MXA‘s opinion, modern fork seals are lightyears better than seals from a few years ago and SKF is better than any other modern seal. It is highly likely that a 2013-era fork seal would never leak or wear out if dirt wasn’t introduced into the equation. It’s not a matter of keeping the oil in, as much as the dirt out?thus the dust wiper. $35.99 (one seal and wiper)?www.mx-tech.com, www.innteck.com or (877) 850-5114.

            JAKE WEIMER SIGNS WITH ARNETTE GOGGLES FOR 2013

Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Jake Weimer, who just last week won the Paris Supercoss, will be wearing Arnette’s Series 3MX goggles this season. Jake said, “I’m excited Arnette is backing me. They have a tight crew and really support what I want to do moving forward/ Their Series 3MX goggle is sick and they have a new goggle in the works I’m psyched on that I think is going to blow minds.” For more info on Arnette go to www.arnette.com.


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