MOTOCROSS ACTION’S MID-WEEK REPORT: (12/02/11)


By John Minert

MXA INTERVIEW: DAN FAHIE                      

Team Factory Kawasaki has a new manager. We wanted to get to know the man who will help Ryan Villopoto in his championship defense in 2012, along with former 250 Supercross champ Jake Weimer who will try to complete his first full-season on the 450. Here’s what Dan had to say.

MXA: Would you tell us a little about your motorcycle background?
Dan: Most of my experience is in road racing, from a technical side. I raced motocross as an amateur and also raced as a local pro. As I got older, I grew into road race and started racing as a local pro in that sport as well. Because I loved the sport so much, I got really involved into the technical side of things. I eventually migrated to the engineering side of the road race industry. I have a degree in metallurgical engineering, and have been working with road racing at the factory level since 1997. I came to Kawasaki as a Crew Chief in 2002 and worked with the road race team until it disbanded around 2009. I migrated over to the Monster Energy Kawasaki SX/MX team as Racing Development Supervisor and have been with the team ever since.

Tell us about your experience with the team so far. What are your impressions?

I have really enjoyed working with the Monster Energy Kawasaki SX/MX team. As Racing Development Supervisor I was really able to work in depth with every aspect of our team. We really have a great group of guys on the team. We have great riders, a great crew of technicians, and everyone works together to get the job done. Our riders are the best in the industry and we have a crew that is technically strong and extremely effective. I feel our team’s results really speak volumes.


The Villopoto/Stewart battle is highly anticipated and the teams are working hard to prepare.

What are you currently working on to prepare for the season?
We really got a head start this year because we have actually been testing the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F since Unadilla. We had half of the outdoor season to work with the new bike and get our riders comfortable before the start of the Supercross season. We began testing for Supercross prior to the Monster Energy Cup, and I think our results at that event really speak for themselves. Besides getting the race team, the bikes, and our athletes ready to go, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that need to be addressed prior to A1. Currently, I’m working with Kawasaki’s Senior Manager of Racing, Reid Nordin, to ensure my smooth transition as Team Manager for Monster Energy Kawasaki.

What do you think motocross/Supercross teams can learn from road racing?
In road race our learning and ability to interpret and analyze data was accelerated. The technical advantage we had was data acquisition tied directly into the machine. The bikes were synched with computers so during testing, as soon as the rider came off the track, we would immediately plug the bike into computers and download performance data.


Jake Weimer (32) fought hard to be up front last year, and wants to be there regularly in 2012.


What areas are the key to success, and what things will you focus on for the season?

I think all aspects of the team are areas that are crucial to the success of the program. First of all, we are lucky to have a couple great riders on the team. Ryan Villopoto and Jake Weimer are great guys to work with, extremely professional, and committed on getting the job done. Secondly, we have an extremely experienced support crew who knows what it takes to run a successful race team. The team works great together and is technically proficient. Lastly, we have a great bike. The 2012 KX450F has already earned an outdoor national title and won the Monster Energy Cup. We feel the bike is second to none in the sport. I think even if you have the best riders in the world, if the bike is junk, they won’t consistently win. The same goes with the team, without top-notch support, a race team cannot consistently perform at the top of their sport. It takes a full-fledged team effort to successfully run a race team. We know that we have great riders, a great bike, and a great support crew that has proven itself at the top of the sport.Our focus for the season is consistency. To be successful in any sport you have to perform consistently.

REMEMBER HOW PALA WAS THE AMA’s CAT’s MEOW, NOW IT’S JUST OWWW!     

Ryan Dungey takes the last-ever victory in the two-year history of the Pala AMA National.

MX Sport’s released most of the 2012 AMA National Motocross schedule. It isn’t much different from last year’s schedule save for some juggling of the dates (but not the race order) and the unceremonious ousting of the track they previously praised?Pala Raceway?from the schedule. MX Sports said, “The season finale will feature a new venue in the motocross hotbed of Southern California. Details and additional information will follow.” The Pala National lasted only two years.

Although the true story has not come out (and given the nature of the disagreement between the two parties, the public may never know the real events), this is most likely not an Indian decision (the Indian tribe did not run the races or even care about the races), nor is it a traffic problem. This is reportedly a business deal gone sour?as to which party soured the deal, we’ll leave that to each side to tell their tale. If the money wasn’t there for one party…then the money wasn’t there for the other party. And money seems to be at the heart of the matter. One thing is for sure?there will be an AMA National in SoCal on September 8, 2012. The choice of what track will get the National comes down to their size, amenities, location, access and bank account?but not in that order.

2012 AMA 250/450 NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Date…………Venue
May 19…….Hangtown, CA
May 26…….Freestone, TX
June 2……..Mt. Morris, PA
June 9……..Budds Creek, MD
June 16……Thunder Valley, CO
July 7………Red Bud, MI
July 14……..Millville, MN
July 21……..Washougal, WA
Aug. 11…….Unadilla, NY
Aug. 18…….Southwick, MA
Sept. 1……..Delmont, PA
Sept. 8……..TBA, CA
www.allisports.com

WORKS CONNECTION 1-2-3 EZ BUILD PERCHES          

If you are a dedicated MXA reader, you have probably noticed that we almost always complain about aftermarket clutch lever/perches, because they are only available in one leverage ratio and only works ideally for one brand… Honda. Works Connection decided to address the issue, and Work Connection’s Eric Phipps told us about a new program that will debut in January:

“In a nutshell, the new 1-2-3 buildable perches will allow our customers to choose a lever ratio based what brand of bike they have. All Yamaha owners will want to choose the ‘Y’ lever, while the Honda & Kawasaki riders will get the ‘A’ lever. Suzuki riders will also use the ‘A’ lever…but it will also include a cable spacer, so it will has it’s own part #. We are doing a product launch on the new 1-2-3 build perch near the end of January (it will be in our ’12 catalog) and we are in process of producing the ‘Y’ lever that will be ideal for the YZF’s. I think this new system will work well with all of the different brands, as we have discovered (along with your help) that not all bikes like the ‘CR’ ratio anymore.”  
MXA has already done some preliminary testing with the “A” lever on our KX450 with positive results.At MXA, we sometimes try-out pre-production versions before testing the finalized version, but this time you are in luck! The “A” Lever is currently in stock and available for purchase. Yamaha riders will still have to wait until mid-January for the “Y” lever, however. Here is the official PR:

Elite Perch 1-2-3 EZ-Build!
Design your own customized Works Connection Elite Perch.
     1. Choose your Body and color
     2. Choose your Thumbwheel color
     3. Choose your Lever and color

Introducing levers with pull ratios specifically matched to your Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha.
 
Elite Perch Body Assembly
    -Durable CNC’d Aerospace grade 6061 T-6  billet construction
    -Chrome finish bolts
    -Nylon sleeve allows the perch to rotate under impact  
    -Adjustable lever reach feature
    -Heavy-duty lever cover with embossed logo   
    -Optional Thumb operated Hot Start
    -Available in Blue, Red or Black anodized finish
    -Made in the USA

Elite Perch Thumbwheel Assembly
    -“Factory” On-the-fly adjuster with machined grooves
    -Two ball/spring detent system
    -Hard anodized adjuster stud
    -CNC’d Aerospace grade 6061 T-6  billet construction
    -Available in Blue, Red or Black anodized finish
    -Made in the USA

Elite Perch Lever
    -Leverage ratio designed to match your specific brand of bike
    -Three sealed bearing pivot assures buttery smooth lever action
    -“Shorty” lever design with machined logo
    -CNC’d Aerospace grade 6061 T-6  billet construction
    -Available in Black anodized or Silver finish
    -Made in the USA

ALL-JAPAN  450 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS          

2011 All-Japan 250 National Champion?Akira Narita.          
Photo: Zeta Racing

1. Akira Narita (Yam)…………….462
2. Yoshitaka Atsuta (Suz)……..407
3. Yohei Kojima (Suz)…………..340
4. Hiroaki Arai (Kaw)……………..339
5. Takase Tanaka (Kaw)………..334
6. Yu Hirata (Hon)………………….317
7. Kazumasa Masuda (Hon)….257
8. Takeshi Katsuya (Kaw)………253
9. Yoshiki Kitai (KTM)…………….191
10. Seiji Numata (Kaw)………….164

ALL-JAPAN 250 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS          

2011 All-Japan 250 National Champion?Takuya Mihara.          
Photo: Zeta Racing

1. Takuya Mihara (Kaw)………….418
2. Makoto Ogata (Hon)……………341
3. Tomonori Nakamura (Kaw)…336
4. Yui Hoshino (Hon)……………..307
5. Yoshiki Inagaki (Suz)………….303
6. Yutaka Hoshino (Kaw)……….302
7. Masami Tanaka (Hon)………..227
8. Manabu Watanabe (Yam)…..218
9. Riichi Katoh (Kaw)……………..203
10. Yuta Ikegaya (Suz)…………..194

“GREAT ESCAPE” REPLICA TO BE AUCTIONED BY BONHAMS ON THURSDAY 

Steve McQueen in 1963 movie “The Great Escape.”

The 2011 Great Escape 2 is a British charity organization that commemorates the 50 Royal Air Force (RAF) officers who were killed during the real “Great Escape” from the German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III in March of 1944. To help raise funds, a 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100 has been commissioned for auction at Bonham’s in London this Thursday, December 1. The bike has been modified to replicate the bike ridden by Steve McQueen in the 1963 film “The Great Escape.”


“The Great Escape” replica is expected to bring $15,000 in auction.


Bud Ekins jump.

The famous jump was performed by Bud Ekins (although McQueen wanted to do it) near the town of Fussen in Bavaria. The scene where McQueen’s character attempts to jump the wire fence was done on a 1962 Triumph TR6 Trophy modified to look like a German WWII era motorcycle. For more info go to www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19293/lot/465/#

FABIO PICKS UP A NEW TM MX300 TWO-STROKE           


Do you share a great romance with the sport of motocross? Fabio does.


What does a TV star/model/romance novel cover boy do with his free time? He rides motorcycles of course. Here is Fabio sitting on a brand-new TM 300, imported by Motoman. The next time you see some long, blond hair flowing out of the back of a helmet, remember that it might be Fabio, tearing it up on his new TM 300 two-stroke. For more info on TM’s, visit www.tmusa.homestead.com

HONDA MIGHT MOVE BIG BIKE PRODUCTION TO THAILAND  

No word on what models might be involved in the Thailand move other than bikes with engines larger than 400cc.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun news reports, Honda Motor Company plans to shift output of motorcycles with engines bigger than 400cc to Thailand as a result of the strong yen. The newspaper said that auto maker deemed the move overseas as necessary to cut costs as the Japanese yen’s surge has caused profitability to worsen. Honda is leaning toward shifting production to a factory outside of Bangkok in October of next year, the Yomiuri said.

SPEED TO HOST “THE MOTO SHOW”…SPEEDTV.COM THAT IS


After airing four successful pilot episodes in August 2011, “The Moto Show With Jim Holley” has been picked up to run on SpeedTV.com as featured content (in addition to being on YouTube). Existing and new episodes of the weekly television web show will be hosted on an exclusive The Moto Show page at www.speedtv.com/feature/the-moto-show. “It’s great that Speed.com has recognized the value and potential of The Moto Show by hosting it on their site,” said series creator Todd Huffman. “With the awareness of the Speed.com audience, The Moto Show  will continue to gain traction and grow into the important motorsports media property as intended.”

YAMAHA’S 250 SUV MOTORCYCLE: THE XTW250 RYOKU

Yamaha XTW250 Sport Utility Vehicle.

The Yamaha XTW250 Ryoku is Yamaha’s idea of an “SUV motorcycle.” Yamaha’s press department said it was “Yamaha’s idea of a dependable partner for people who love motorcycles and the outdoor life.” It is a blending of the fat-tired TW200 and a dual-sport XT250. The fuel tank has long hanging side pods and there are racks, bash guards, side-mounted air pump and fat tires.

MAXIMA WINS BIG AT AT THE MINI O’S

Maxima backed riders took 17 Championships home this past holiday weekend from the 40th Annual Winter Olympics. Among the standouts were Adam Cianicarulo with a total of four championships (two in SX and two in MX) and Tanner Stack grabbing an additional two in SX. Congratulations to all our champions! At Maxima we know you have a choice, we hope you choose the best products available and we stand behind you all the way. Enjoy the ride!

Maxima Racing Oils, developed in the USA and tested on the toughest tracks in the world, are proven to increased horsepower, prolong engine life and offer unsurpassed engine cleanliness. Maxima has been committed to MX & SX for over 30 years and is used by more factory teams, engine builders and racers. Know you’re running the best with championship winning products. Maxima ? Race Grade Formulas.

RYNO BUILDS HIS OWN BIKE!         

The lance-like spear on the front is to keep the Ryno’s cowling from hitting the ground in the likely event of an endo (and comes in handy if you need to bring a watermelon home from the store).

No, not Ryan Hughes! In the market for a motorcycle with one wheel? No? Well, if you are the Ryno Micro-Cycle is perfect for you. Based in Portland, Oregon, Ryno Motors is gearing up for manufacturing and will start selling the lithium-ion battery-powered Ryno for around $4200. The Ryno has a range of about 20 miles and a reported top speed of 20 mph. The tire is a 25-incher, while the wheelbase is…oops. The Ryno weighs 125 pounds and can turn on a dime. To be added to the customer base email [email protected] or for more info go to www.rynomotors.com


To see more tracks go to www.supercrossonline.com/Tracks.aspx

AMA ARENACROSS GOES TO WILKES BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA


The next AMA Arenacross Race will take place December ninth through December eleventh in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, with Pro racing on the ninth and tenth and amateur racing on the eleventh. Here’s the important info:
Doors Open
Friday – 6:30PM
Saturday – 6:30PM
Sunday – 8:00AM
Show Times
Friday – 7:00 PM
Saturday – 7:00 PM
Sunday – 10:00 AM
Ticket Prices – Professional Racing
Gold Circle – $25.50 All Seats
Price Level 2 – $17.50 Adults / $10 Kids (Ages 2-12)
All tickets $2 more day of show
Ticket Prices – Amateur Day
General Admission – $17.50 Adults / $10 Kids (Ages 2-12)
All tickets $2 more day of show
Ticket Outlets
Tickets available at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza Box Office or by phone at 800-745-3000

MEANWHILE OVER AT HONDA: THE HONDA N-BOX MINI-MINIVAN IS HERE    

Honda, which has great experience in producing minivans, developed the N Box with the goal of creating a “mini-minivan,” condensing the attractiveness and values of a minivan into a mini-vehicle. Featuring an innovative platform, the N Box realizes spaciousness, comfort and economic efficiency beyond the concept of a mini-vehicle.

The Honda N Box features one of the largest cabin spaces among all mini-vehicles in the market. This new platform embodies Honda’s “man maximum/machine minimum” concept. The center-tank layout is Honda’s unique packaging technology, first adopted for the Honda Fit, which innovated the concept of a “small car.”

With its newly-developed 660cc engine (normally aspirated or turbo) DOHC engine, front-wheel-drive, continuously variable transmission, idle stop mechanism, vehicle stability control, hill assist and 90% recyclable materials. Retail price is $15,000. Mini-minvans are not popular in the USA and 660cc wouldn’t cut it on freeways?so it will most likely not be imported.

NEW PRODUCT: ATLAS NECK BRACE       

Atlas Brace Technologies is pleased to announce the worldwide launch of its new Atlas Neck Brace. After 3 years of development, refinements, and testing by some of the top riders in the world, Atlas Brace Technologies will release its revolutionary Neck Brace worldwide this December.

Atlas Brace Technologies brings safety, innovation, comfort, and design all into one neck brace. The Atlas Brace design features a dual chest and back support, which distributes the force of an impact onto a larger surface area, while at the same time transferring the pressure off of the sternum and spine area. Suspension was also designed into the front chest supports to absorb impact and prevent possible injuries.

To provide extreme rider comfort, the Atlas Brace features 3-Axis adjustability and an open-ended rear design, which allows the brace to flex and follow body movements, instead of restricting them.The Atlas Brace comes in 3 adjustable sizes and 7 colors. For more info head to www.atlasbrace.com

BEL-RAY TEAM NEWS         

 
AMAERICA: Bel-Ray and Hart and Huntington
Bel-Ray Company, Inc. is pleased to announce their partnership Dodge Motorsports/Hart and Huntington Racing and Carey Hart for the 2012 and 2013 Supercross seasons. For 2012 the team has doubled the amount of riders and will feature two full semi-trucks complete with an innovative fan experience. Combining the lifestyle of today’s youth with the performance of a professional racing team is a difficult balancing act and the Hart and Huntington team pulls it off with style. With industry veteran Ivan Tedesco leading the four-man team the Bel-Ray backed Kawasaki’s are sure to be at the front of the pack. Joining Tedesco on the team for 2012 will be Josh Hansen, Kyle Partridge and Josh Hill.

NEW ZEALAND: Bel-Ray and Blue Wing
Bel-Ray is pleased to announce a partnership with Blue Wing Honda of New Zealand and the creation of the Bel-Ray Honda Motocross Team. The official Honda factory team in New Zealand will consist of Peter Broxholme, Michael Phillips, Cam Dillon, and Justin McDonald, all aboard 2012 Honda CRF250 and 450 motorcycles. In addition to the agreement to support the team Bel-Ray will be working in conjunction with their distributor in New Zealand, Northern Accessories, to provide every new CRF250 and 450 customer a Bel-Ray starter pack consisting of the essential fluids necessary to allow their machine to operate at the maximum potential.

You might also like

Comments are closed.