MOTOCROSS ACTION’S MID-WEEK REPORT: (08/23/11)
BY JOHN MINERT
450 CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE POINTS BREAKDOWN
Apparently, coming off a 250F is the recipe for holeshots…Barcia and Craig demonstrate.
They have all been fast, but who has been fast the most often? The numbers don’t lie, so here is a breakdown of the top riders’ finishes and their chances at wearing the crown after it’s all over. They have completed 9 out of 12 races in the series, but for the 450 Championship, only individual moto finishes count. There have been 18 motos, that for all practical purposes, can be considered 18 separate National races. With only Southwick, Steel City and Pala to go there are six motos worth of points left up for grabs.
Points left up for grabs: If a rider wins every moto left this season, he would score and additional 150 points.
Riders who can’t win: Mike Alessi currently sits in fifth place in the championship with 210 points. If Mike won every moto left and the top-four riders DNS’ed every moto, he still couldn’t win. In fact, he couldn’t finish in the top three in the standings.
Riders who can win: It’s a four-man fight for the final podium. Statistically, Villopoto, Reed, Dungey and Metcalfe are the only riders in the hunt for the top three positions.
Ryan Villopoto
With 391 points, Ryan is the points leader. Coming off a 1-1 finish at Unadilla, Ryan is in the driver’s seat going into Southwick.
Moto Wins: 7
Second place finishes: 4
Thirds: 5
Outside the top five: Once, in moto one at Red Bud.
Ryan Dungey
With 384 points, Ryan is only seven points down on the leader.
Moto Wins: 4
Second place finishes: 12
Thirds: 1
Outside the top three: Once. Dungey has been the King of Consistency, hindered only in moto two at Freestone, where he couldn’t restart his bike and scored zero points. In fact, he only finished outside the top-two twice. If it weren’t for that one moto, Dungey would easily have the points lead. If his consistency holds out, he’ll make a very strong run for the championship.
Chad Reed
With 366 points, Chad is 25 points down on the leader and 18 points down on Dungey. With some luck for him (and bad luck for the Ryan’s), one moto could get Reed back in the hunt.
Moto Wins: 7
Second place finishes: Zero
Thirds: 3
Outside the top five: Twice. His moto 2 crash at Millville and the next moto, weeks later at Washougal were the bad finishes. Tied for the most moto wins and leading the season early, there’s no doubt that Reed has what it takes to win. But the Aussie veteran has been just a bit off the pace since one of the scariest crashes in memory, which happened at Millville. Reed will be looking for the rebound at Southwick.
Brett Metcalfe
With 262 points, Brett is a long, long, long shot.
Moto Wins: Zero
Second place finishes: Zero
Thirds: 2
Outside the top five: Ten. Metcalfe was the runner up in the championship last year. This year, Metty has faced stiffer competition and struggled to find his rhythm.
New spoiler
A spoiler is a rider who can get between the top riders in the Championship chase and cause bigger points gaps in motos than if he wasn’t there. Spoilers can make things very interesting. Justin Barcia’s 450 debut at Unadilla proved that he can run up front and be that spoiler. The points are paid out with 25 to the winner, 22 for second, 20 for third and 18 for fourth. If Barcia makes the top three, he will be pushing some contenders backwards. Without a spoiler the most a rider can lose, as long as he stays in the top three, is five points per moto?with a spoiler pushing him out of the top three that number goes to seven points or more. Barcia has nothing to lose by going for it. He has to move to the 450 class in Supercross in 2013. He considers this his audition for a factory ride. He isn’t afraid to pin it and get a little squirrelly.
WHY BROC TICKLE HAS TO MOVE TO THE 450 CLASS FOR THE 2012 SUPERCROSS SEASON
No one fully understands the AMA’s Supercross eligibility rules for the 250 East/West Championships. But one thing is known for sure. Broc Tickle, the 2011 AMA 250 West Champion, will not be back to defend his title in 2012 (at least not under the current rules). Tickle, by virtue of the AMA rule book, must move to the 450 class for Supercross, although he can still race the 250 AMA Nationals outdoors. That leaves two openings at Pro Circuit for 2012?because Josh Hansen is leaving for the H&H team (also in the 450 class).
If you read the rule book carefully, which the Pro Circuit team did, you will note that under rule e:2, “If a rider wins the Championship in their third year of Supercross Lites competition, they will be ineligible for the Supercross Lites class, regardless of points and therefore not eligible to defend their Supercross Lites title.” Lites refers to the 250 East/West Championship (we don’t know why they saddled it with the stupid “Lites” nomenclature.
A rider is also require to move out of the 250 West/East series if they win earn 135 points in a nine-race series (or 120 points in an eight-race season or 105 points in a seven-race season) for any three years since 2007. The over-the-max point years do not have to be consecutive, but Tickle has not earned the required points for three years (only two years…187 in 2011 and 140 in 2010).
Here is the rule:
IRS SEIZES OLD BROOME-TIOGA AMA NATIONAL TRACK
The front gate.
The track.
From 1980 until its AMA National was sold to Freestone in Texas, Broome-Tioga Sports Center held AMA 125, 250 and 500 Nationals. The first Nationals at Broome were won by Mark Barnett (125) and Chuck Sun (500) in 1980. Now, Broome-Tioga has been seized by the U.S. Government for nonpayment of internal taxes (most likely on the money that Freestone paid to Broome-Tioga). Under the IRS auction the minimum bid is $168,047.15 (for multiple lots that equal 190 acres). This land is a piece of motocross history, where O’Mara, Ward, Bailey, Glover, Johnson, Stanton, Cooper, Bradshaw, Emig, Windham, Carmichael, Dowd, Hannah, and McGrath won races. Motocross history is still being made here…but not the good kind.
IS IT A MOTORCYCLE, A PASSENGER CAR OR AN FORMULA 1 RACER?
The Furore One.
London’s Daily Mail was surprised to discover a Formula 1 race car driving down the quiet streets of London?only to discover that it was made from a Kawasaki street bike engine and left-over parts from a Toyota MR2…and is entirely street legal.
Powered by a Kawasaki street bike engine the Furore One is docile in traffic, but at 550 pounds it doesn’t lose many stoplight drag races.
It is actually a two-seater, because Russ Bost said, “What’s the use of having a Formula 1 car if you can’t take someone along.”
Builder Russ Bost says that his 1400cc Kawasaki engine makes the car capable off 0-to-60 mph in three seconds and that there is even a second seat for a passenger. Sold as a kit named “Furore One,” the 550-pound kit car sells for about $15,000. For more info go to www.furorecars.co.uk
HONDA GRAND PRIX TEAM SIGNS BOBBY AND RUI FOR 2012
(Back row), Roger Harvey and Lorenzo Resta. (Front row) Rui Goncalves and Evgeny Bobryshev.
Not wasting any time, the Honda World Motocross Team have confirmed that Rui Goncalves and Evgeny Bobryshev will form the rider line-up for the 2012 season. Honda Offroad Manager, Roger Harvey, and Team Manager, Lorenzo Resta, announced the contination of Honda’s three-year plan to achieve success within the World Motocross Championship. Roger Harvey said, “This is the natural continuation of our three-year plan. We are extremely happy with the performance of both riders this year and still feel like they have a lot to give. With increased support from Honda Japan for next season, we are positive that we are heading in a really strong direction.”
Rui Goncalves said, “I feel really proud to be involved with this project and really proud of what we have achieved so far as a team. Coming to Honda this season was a big step for me and I really feel as though things are starting to come together now. I am looking forward to the future.”
Evgeny Bobryshev said,”Honestly, coming to the official Honda team has changed my life. Right from the beginning when we were testing in Japan before the season, things felt really good and I felt really comfortable. It is from this point I have pushed on to have a great season and I am looking forward to racing with this team again next year for sure.”
MARTY TRIPES CARLSBAD REUNION RACE AT THE REPLICA TRACK AT THE RANCH: SEPTEMBER 3-4
FINAL CANADIAN CMRC 2011 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
250 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP:
1. Tyler Medaglia…401
2. Kaven Benoit…322
3. Austin Politelli…317
4. Jeremy Medaglia…269
5. Tyler Sjoberg…250
6. Kieran Leigh…199
7. Brad Nauditt…192
8. Topher Ingalls…180
9. Dylan Kaelin…138
10. Dylan Schmoke…126
450 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP:
1. Colton Facciotti…410
2. Dusty Klatt…352
3. Teddy Maier…162
4. Kyle Keast…171
5. Matt Goerke…113
6. Shawn Maffenbeier…117
7. Bobby Kiniry…144
8. Mason Phillips…112
9. Michael Willard…106
10. Kevin Urquhart…134
2012 CMRC CANADIAN NATIONAL NUMBERS:
1. Colton Facciotti
2. Dusty Klatt
3. Teddy Maier
4. Kyle Keast
5. Matt Goerke
6. Shawn Maffenbeier
7. Bobby Kiniry
8. Mason Philips
9. Michael Willard
10. Kevin Urquhart
11. Tyler Medaglia
12. Kaven Benoit
14. Austin Politelli
15. Jeremy Medaglia
16. Tyler Sjoberg
17. Kieran Leigh
18. Brad Nauditt
19. Topher Ingalls
20. Jared Allison
NEW PRODUCTS: FLY RACING SINGLE- & DOUBLE-BUTTON HOLESHOT DEVICES
Fly’s single-button Fly Racing Holeshot Device offers better mounting to the plastic fork guard with everyday common tools. An elongated groove is flawless in all types of conditions including mud. No aiming and hoping the pin locks into the ring, just compress the forks, push the pin and it is locked in. Retail price: Single button $99.95.
The double-button system allows you the choice of settings for different conditions. The upper button is perfect for dry or concrete starts while the lower button is suited for tacky conditions. The double system allows you a choice without changing fork guards. As starting line conditions change throughout the day, and from track to track, the Fly Racing Double Button changes along with the conditions. Retail price: Double Button $109.95.
Both Fly Racing single- and double-button holeshot devices include these features:
(1) Large ring groove allows for easy connection and mud build up is no hassle.
(2)Machined lip ensures base stays in place on fork guard.
(3) Large stainless screws keep button on plastic guard.
(4) Rebuildable design for long lasting performance.
(5) Aluminum pin and stainless steel spring resist rusting for durability and continued smooth action.
Visit www.flyracing.com for more details.
VOGT RANCH VET MXDN FUND RAISER
HARLEY’S OLD TEST TRACK FOR SALE IN SWAMP
Would you expect a Harley test track to be anything more than a straight?
A test track in Naples, Florida, which was previous used by Ford Motor Company and then bought by Harley-Davidson in 2002, is now being put up for sale for a reported $7.5 million. Harley Davidson’s property houses a private test track for high temperature and year-round testing. It is zoned as a PUD (Planned Unit Development) and approved for an auto test track, auto storage, auto repairs and fuel storage
The test track, next to a swamp, is 531 acres near Highway 75 (known as Alligator Alley). The test track consists to a two-mile long straight (with loops at each end) that can be used as a four-mile endurance course (Ford also used it as a runway to fly personnel into the remote track). The property also includes a skid pad, 1.5-mile road course, helipad, buildings and 6.2 miles of roads in total.
Contact Jim Garinger at Colliers International at www.colliers.com if you have a Harley that you want to push to its max (and $7.5 mil).
CHRISTINI ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE LAUNCHES THE CHRISTINI BRAND OF MOTORCYCLES
Christini used to modify stock motorcycles to build their all-wheel-drive bikes, but now they have their own bikes. Two models will be available: A Christini AWD 450cc four-stroke model with a retail price point of $6895 and a Christini AWD 300cc two-stroke model featuring a Gas Gas 300 engine and other high-end racing components for an estimated retail price point of $8995.
The new Christini AWD models are priced and configured to compete in the market head-to-head with products offered by the major OEMs. Each unit will be final assembled in the Christini AWD Philadelphia facility with frames and AWD drive system components designed by Christini and supplied by established industry manufacturers.
Steve Christini, founder, President and the inventor of the AWD technology, commented “We have been planning the launch of our own branded AWD factory models for years and believe the new price points will provide the opportunity for every motorcycle enthusiast to experience the quality and improved benefit of AWD. We presently sell our custom AWD motorcycles in the US and more than 20 other countries and fully expect the availability of a complete factory CHRISTINI AWD model to dramatically increase the market reach.”
Individuals interested in reserving one of the limited 2012 launch year models should contact the company at (215)351-9895. A $500 deposit will hold one of the limited first year production models. Go to www.christini.com for more info.
BELL MOTO-9 COLLECTION
Looking for a Bell Moto-9. Here are a few of the available designs. For more info go to www.motorcycle-superstore.com
KTM EXPANDS INTO THE URBAN ELECTRIC CAR MARKET WITH THE E3W
KTM E3W (Electric Three Wheeler).
Austrian-based KTM, best known for producing motorcycles and the X-Bow sport racer, has teamed up with the Austrian Institute of Technology to create an electric vehicle called the E3W. The E3W (Electric 3-Wheeler) can carry two passengers for up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) using a 15 kW motor and lithium-ion battery, not to mention a body that is primarily built of plastic. As a result, the E3W weighs just 500 kilograms (1102 pounds).
The E3W also features Lamborghini-type doors that open to allow the two-seater to fit in small parking spaces. KTM hopes to build 50,000 of the E3W units in 2013. The price has not been confirmed for the vehicle, but estimates fall somewhere in the $7000-$11,500 range.
Renault Twizy.
The KTM E3W’s main competition will come from the Renault Twizy. Equally ugly, the Twizy also has a 15 kW motor and a lithium-ion battery. The Renault Twizy has a projected retail price of $10,000.
BEL-RAY SPONSORSHIP
Bel-Ray is accepting resumes for racing support for the 2012 season. Bel-Ray is seeking racers from beginner to professional in all types of racing and will only be accepting resumes from 9/1/2011-11/30/2011. Resumes may be emailed, mailed or faxed for consideration.
Mail To:
Bel-Ray Company
Attn: 2012 Racer Support
PO Box 526
Farmingdale NJ
Fax to: (732) 378-4080
Email to: [email protected]
SPECTATOR’S NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT THE SOUTHWICK NATIONAL
The gates will open at 7:00A.M. on race day, Saturday, this weekend.
Ticket admission information:
Adult: $40.00
Children age (6 to 12): $20.00
Children under six are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the track or online. Rain or shine no refunds. Cash only at the ticket booth.
Factory Connection VIP Hospitality Package
For $200, you get access to tent Seating, bleacher seating, free national tee shirt, live timing /scoring, catered lunch on Saturday, Coffee, soda, water, Rockstar Energy Drinks, miniature pastries and fruit medley in the morning, catered lunch (steamship beef, barbeque chicken, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, toss salad, Rockstar, soda), live tv, free souvenir program book, full access pit pass for Saturday, transportation to and from the pits, and a meet and greet with the Factory Connection pro riders.
There is no overnight camping allowed at the track, but Sodem Mt. Campgrounds (call them at (413) 569-3930) is nearby.
Saturday Parking: Located at Recreation Center and School Grounds Area. $10.00 donation to Southwick School and Youth Sport Activities.
The women will race at Southwick, too.
Saturday Pit Passes:
The pits are open from 9 a.m. to noon.
Buy pit passes online or at the ticket booth on Saturday for $20 (children 6 and under are free).
Bring:
Cash: The ticket booth won’t take checks or credit cards.
AM/FM radio: Tune it in to 104 1 FM to hear the commentators.
For more information visit www.motocross338.com or (413) 896-8948
MATRIX CONCEPTS SPONSORS TEAM JYG/FIRE POLICEMX.COM
Matrix Concepts is a proud sponsor of Team J.Y.G / FirePoliceMX.com which will be participating in this years World Police/Fire Games. The World Police Fire Games is an Olympic-style event that will host athletes from 70 different countries and is set to begin August 26 in New York City. The worlds best Fire & Police athletes gather together to represent their countries and departments in 69 different events from angling to wrestling and, yes, even motocross. Team J.Y.G / FirePoliceMX.com / U.S.A. will be using the Matrix M2 Stands, M3 Utility Cans, and M9 Worx Mats during the race held at Long Island MX.
SPECIAL EVENT: SHIFT RIDE CLUB
RIDE CLUB: Head to head bar banging racing. Three teams of 3 riders battle in our steel cage in a relay style race. Bikes and gear will be supplied. Helmets are required.
DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN BIKE!
DOORS OPEN: 7:00 p.m.
RACING STARTS: 7:30
REGISTRATION OPENS: 8/12
REGISTRATION CLOSES: @ NOON 8/26
MUST BE 18+ TO RACE:
(MUST BRING ID)
Visit www.shiftmx.com/us/rideClub for more info.
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