MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: RYAN HUGHES DOMINATES BRITISH VINTAGE MXDN; TADDY KEEPS ON ROCKIN’, KIARA FONTANESI; ADAM C GETS A NEW BIKE
BELGIUM WINS VETS MXDN, AT FARLEIGH CASTLE BUT RYNO WINS 7 OUT OF 8 MOTOS
VETS MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
1. Belgium
2. USA
3. Great Britain
Jeff Ward, Ron Lechien, Ryan Hughes and Doug Dubach were all mounted on KX500s.
EVO VMXDN RESULTS
1. Werner Dewitt……..1-2-3-5
2. Ryan Hughes………10-1-1-`3
3. Gordon Crockard….5-4-2-2
4. Johan Boonen……..3-3-4-4
Other notables: 6. Brian Wheeler; 7. Doug Dubach; 12. Jeff Ward.
TWIN SHOCK VMXDN RESULTS
1. Ryan Hughes……….1-1-1-1
2. Patrick Caps………..2-3-3-2
3. Colin Dugmore…….7-2-2-7
4. Jurgen Kuppers…….3-7-5-3
Other notables: 5. Doug Dubach; 9. Pascal Bal; 10. Didi Lacher; 14. Rob Andrews; 15. Neil Prince.
EVO 250 RESULTS:
1. Kristian Whatley………1-1-1-2
2. Gordan Crockard…….15-5-2-1
3. Jack Gribble…………….7-7-4-5
4. Stuart Rawlings……….8-2-7-6
EVO 500 RESULTS:
1. Scott Elderfield………..3-2-2-2
2. Dorren Coutts…………2-3-5-1
3. Tom Church…………..1-1-3-9
4. Sam Chapman………..4-5-6-7
Other notables: 6. Phil Mercer; 17. Aaron Poolman; 23. Gordon Crockard.
TWIN SHOCK UNDER-40 RESULTS
1. Tom Church…….5-1-3-3
2. Ed Bradley………3-3-4-5
3. Luke Hill………….2-4-6-6
4. Brad Tomlin……1-12-5-3
Other notables: 8. Olly Jones; 13. Matthew Stephenson; 14. Alex Rach.
TWIN SHOCK OVER-40 RESULTS
1. Anders Sydborg………..1-1-1-1
2. Howard Standfield……..3-3-2-2
3. Danny Scheers…………2-2-3-4
4. Gary Turner………………4-6-7-5
Other notables: 5. Martin Stokes; 9. Lars Hedenskog; 18. Chris Walker.
TWIN SHOCK OVER-50 RESULTS
1. Russell Priddle……..2-2-3-9
2. Mike Bell……………..5-5-2-5
3. Nick Toms……………9-3-4-8
4. Chris Elderfield……..11-10-8-6
Other notables: 15. Chuck Sun; 16. Herbert Schmitz; 26. Geoff Ballard.
KIARA FONTANESI ON RACING IN THE USA
Kiara Fontanesi is the FIM Women’s Champion and won the WMX race at Lake Elsinore. Photo: Yamaha-Racing
Kiara, were the motos tougher or harder than you expected in the USA?
No, not really, although I didn’t expect to win so easily there?in fact I didn’t expect to win! So it was a surprise in a way. I thought the level would be higher than it is in Europe but it isn’t. If anything it is the other way and I think there are faster girls in Europe.
What comparison can you make between the American and European scenes?
I found many good things but as I was over for just one race then I don’t think I really got the full picture. I thought there might be more emphasis behind women’s motocross, but it is not so different to Europe. Overall some things were better but then the FIM World Championship also wins in other parts.
How did you find Lake Elsinore?
The track was new for everyone and it was really deep and wet in the beginning with a lot of jumps, doubles and a big table-top. I didn’t do one of the doubles which Fiolek was making every lap. The track was not easy but it was cool and I enjoyed riding it.
Are you thinking about an AMA season now?
It is hard to say right now! I feel good in the FIM World Championship and that’s where I’ll be next year with Yamaha and Monster Energy. But I love the USA so?who knows what options we might have for the future.
How was the reception from the press and the American public and people?
Really nice. I felt good with everyone there, especially the Yamaha and Monster Energy people and all the help from the Rock River team; they were really hospitable and made me feel at home. It was cool to meet some other Pro riders like Blake Baggett. I asked him for a photo and he said because I’d gone 1-1 at the meeting then he’d like a photo with me! It was also nice to have congratulations from Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Gareth Swanepoel and even Mitch Payton. I wasn’t sure how the American fans would feel about a European coming over and beating their girls but the response was good and the reaction to my visit was really positive. I am happy we went and I want to give a big thanks to all who made it possible.
ENDUROCROSS VIDEO: WHAT YOU MISSED SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE CITIZEN’S BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA
THE NEXT GUY ON PRO CIRCUIT’S RADAR ? DILLON EPSTEIN RACES HIS FIRST NATIONAL
THIS ISN’T MOTOCROSS: SEE THE 207 MPH V10 MOTORCYCLE WITH A VIPER ENGINE
LOS ANGELES POLICE CHIEF INJURED IN MOTOCROSS CRASH
Charlie Beck races with the International Old Timer’s Club. Photo: Times
According to the L.A. Times, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck suffered what the L.A. Times called a “mild injury” in a motocross accident on Thursday. Beck is expected to make a full recovery. Sources familiar with the incident said Beck injured a shoulder and underwent a medical procedure to repair the damage.
Beck, 59, a motocross veteran who specializes in riding vintage motorcycles, has competed in various categories of motocross and off-road racing since the 1970s. In recent years, Beck has competed in over 50 expert-class competitions; he was won events at police and fire competitions.
In addition to motorcycle riding, Beck and his family are avid horse riders. Beck was named police chief in 2009. His father was a deputy chief and two of his children are LAPD officers.
BAGGETT, BARCIA, DUNGEY, ROCZEN & MUSQUIN TALK ABOUT THE MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS…THEY KNOW THAT IT’S THE “DES NATIONS,” WHY DOESN’T GIUSEPPE?
ADAM CIANCIARULO STEPS UP TO A 250 FOUR-STROKE AT JEREMY MCGRATH’S RANCH
SKIPPY GETS BACK TO WORK…ONLY THIS TIME ON A 2013 HONDA CRF450
HANGIN’ OUT WITH KEN ROCZEN ON A DAY BETWEEN RACES
VIDEO PREVIEW OF THIS WEEKEND’S VET MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS… ACTUALLY MORE OF A VINTAGE MXDN; THE AMERICANS INCLUDE STANTON, WARD, HUGHES, DUBACH & SUN
MORE FOREIGN INTRIGUE WITH CHRISTOPHE POURCEL: CP DOESN’T LIKE MC
SEE HOW JUSTIN BRAYTON SETS UP HIS MUSCLE MILK HONDA CRF450
26th ANNUAL WORLD VETERAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP: NOVEMBER 3-4 AT GLEN HELEN
The 2012 MTA-sponsored World Vet Championship is the longest running Championship motocross event for older riders?it was started 26 years ago, before most countries, sanctioning bodies or tracks recognize the Vet movement, and continues full speed today. The event hosts classes for Novice, Intermediate and Experts racers in age groups that include Over-25, Over-30, Over-35, Over-40, Over-45, Over-50, Over-60 and Over-70. Additionally there are Pro Championships for Over-30 and Over-40 professionals (with big purses). Riders from more than 20 countries converge on Glen Helen to vie for the coveted title of champion in each age group. Plus, Glen Helen opens the track for several practice days leading up to the World Vet to insure that riders who come from other countries and states have time to acclimate to Glen Helen’s rough ground and big hills.
Ryan Hughes ? Five-time Over-30 Champion.
The Over-30 World Vet Championships has been won by stars like Rex Staten, Ryan Hughes, Doug Dubach, Gary Jones, Warren Reid, Kyle Lewis, Spud Walters, Casey Johnson, Erik Kehoe and Randy Rodriquez. Champions in other age groups have included Alan Olson, Pete DeGraaf, Lars Larsson, Zoli Berenyi, Eyvind Boyesen, Thorlief Hansen, Toon Karsmakers, J.N. Roberts, Andy Jefferson, Kent Howerton and Feets Minert.
Dubach (15) leads the pack.
In addition to great racing, the event features a vendor’s row, where spectators can peruse the latest and greatest in motocross accessories. To top off the weekend, the annual Edison Dye Lifetime Achievement Award is also presented. This year the recipient will be former Honda factory star Marty Smith?the first 125cc AMA Champion. Marty won a total of 18 AMA Nationals, including wins in 125, 250, and 500 divisions. He won the United States 125 Grand Prix class, in both 1975 and 1976. His style, class, and demeanor made him the first “rock star” of motocross?extremely popular with the teenage ladies. For additional information, including online entry for competitors and spectator ticket information, visit www.glenhelen.com.
Doug Dubach ? 19-time Champion (and next year he will be eligible to race the Over-50 class).
WORLD VETERAN CHAMPIONS (1986-2011)
1986
30 …Randy Rodriques (ATK)
40 …Alan Olson
1987
30 …Gary Jones (Hon)
40 …Alan Olson
1988
30 …Rex Staten (Hon)
40 …Alan Olson
50 …Ron Way
Warren Reid ? 1989 Champion.
1989
30 …Warren Reid (Kaw)
40 …Alan Olson
50 …Ron Way
1990
30 …Rex Staten (Hon)
40 …Tom White
50 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
1991
30 …Rex Staten (Hon)
40 …Alan Olson
50 …Ron Dugan
1992
30 …Rex Staten (Kaw)
40 …Gary Jones
50 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
1993
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Gary Jones
50 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
1994
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Kent Howerton
50 …Alan Olson
60 …Fred Sessions
1995
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Kent Howerton
50 …Alan Olson
60 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
1996
30 …Erik Kehoe (Hon)
40 …Mike Webb
50 …Gary Dogget
60 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
Alan Olson ? Nine-time Over–40, Over-50 and Over-60 Champion
1997
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Ron Turner
50 …Alan Olson
60 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
1998
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Ron Turner
50 …Rich Thorwaldson
60 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
1999
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Ron Turner
50 …Hideaki Suzuki
60 …John Berkezewski
2000
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Pete Murray
50 …Hideaki Suzuki
60 …George Spearing
2001
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Jeff Ward
50 …Ike DeJager
60 …Lars Larsson
70 …Feets Minert
Gary Jones turned 60 this year and will try to become the first man to win titles in the Over-30, Over-40, Over-50 and Over-60 classes (that’s forty years of Vet racing). He already has four 250 National Championships to his credit
2002
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Andy Jefferson
50 …Gary Jones
60 …Eyvind Boyesen
70 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
2003
30 …Spud Walters (Hon)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Gary Jones
60 …J.N. Roberts
70 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
2004
30 …Ryan Hughes (Hon)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Gary Jones
60 …Hans Hansson
70 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
2005
30 …Ryan Hughes (Hon)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Brent Wallingsford
60 …Alan Olson
70 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
2006
30 …Casey Johnson (Yam)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Kim Houde
60 …Terry Sage
70 …Zoli Berenyi, Sr.
Pete DeGraff ? Four-time Over-50 Champion
2007
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Pete DeGraaf
60 …Bill Maxim
70 …Mike Dobbins
2008
30 …Kyle Lewis (Hon)
40 …Eric Sandstrom
50 …Toon Karsmakers
60 …Thorlief Hanssen
70 …Jerry Harpole
2009
30 …Doug Dubach (Yam)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Pete DeGraaf
60 …Bill Maxim
70 …Jimmy Redwine
2010
30 …Ryan Hughes (Hon)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Pete DeGraaf
60 …Bill Maxim
70 …Feets Minert
Lars Larsson ? 2001 Over-60 Champion & 2011 Over-70 Champion
2011
30 …Ryan Hughes (Yam)
40 …Doug Dubach
50 …Pete DeGraaf
60 …Gary Chase
70 …Lars Larsson
MXA RIDES RICKY CARMICHAEL’S LORETTA LYNN SUZUKI RM-Z450…FOR A FUTURE MAG TEST
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: MOTION PRO TITAN THROTTLE TUBE
Motion Pro tested many different materials by hitting them with hammers and dropping weights on them before deciding on the exact recipe for the Titan’s plastic. The secret formula had the right combination of strength and flexibility, plus low-friction properties for easy twisting.
VERDICT: Motion Pro didn’t want to settle for a better-than-stock throttle tube; they wanted to build the most crash-resistant throttle tube on the market. How can a piece of plastic be more durable than a CNC’d piece of aluminum? If aluminum is bent or dented in a crash, it will deform and not return to its original shape. The Titan tube is more rigid than OEM plastic throttle tubes, but more flexible than aluminum. That flexibility may make a material seem weak, but it adds resilience. The result is an amazingly durable throttle tube.
$24.99?www.motionpro.com or (650) 594-9600.
TECH VIDEO: THE MOTORCYCLE THAT REFUSES TO FALL OVER… YOU GOTTA SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT
JESSY NELSON NAMED 2012 AMA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jessy Nelson?2012.
Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda rider Jessy Nelson was named 2012 AMA Rookie of the Year. The young rider wasn’t even scheduled to join the Troy Lee team in the professional ranks until later in the summer, after the Amateur National Championships at Loretta Lynn’s. However, after some preseason testing, Jessy and the team agreed that he was ready to make the jump. Duringt eh AMA Nationals Jessy had some top-five finishes, a bunch of holeshots, and was regularly inside the top ten during the series. By the end of the season he was ninth overall in AMA 250 National Championship points.
Juss Laansoo?2005.
AMA ROOKIES OF THE YEAR (1979-2012)
2012… Jessy Nelson
2011… Malcolm Stewart
2010… Dean Wilson
2009… Justin Barcia
2008… Nico Izzi
2007… Ryan Dungey
2006… Ryan Villopoto
2005… Juss Laansoo
2004… Broc Hepler
2003… Brian Gray
2002… James Stewart
2001… Bobby Bonds
2000… Travis Pastrana
1999… Ernesto Fonseca
1998… Nick Wey
1997… Brock Sellards
1996… Ricky Carmichael
1995… Paul Currie
1994… Kevin Windham
1993… Robbie Reynard
1992… Tim Ferry
1991… Butch Smith
1990… Buddy Antunez
1989… Damon Bradshaw
1988… Donny Schmit
1987… Jeff Stanton
1986… Larry Brooks
1985… Billy Frank (125)
Scooter Stafford (250)
Kevin Foley (500)
1984… Guy Cooper (125)
Keith Bowen (250)
Ron Dunfee (500)
1983… Ron Lechien (125)
Billy Liles (250)
Tim Locey (500)
1982… George Holland (125)
Jim Tarantino (250)
John Finkeldey (500)
1981… Ricky Johnson (125)
Andy Stacey (250)
Kenny Keylon (500
1980… Scott Burnworth (125)
Mike Loeffler (250)
Alan King (500)
1979… Larry Wosick (125)
Donnie Cantaloupi (250)
Goat Breker (500)
GRAND PRIX VIDEO! BASKING IN THE GLORY OF A WORLD TITLE
IS TANEL LEOK OUT AT SUZUKI’S GP TEAM? IT SURE SEEMS THAT WAY
Tanel is headed to England.
Word out of England is that Team Suzuki rider (and Clement Desalle’s teammate) Tanel Leok will not return to the Suzuki team for 2013, but instead will sign a deal to race fort he British-based Route77 Honda team in 2013. The deal will reportedly have him race both the British Maxxis series and the FIM 450 World Championships. Leok is currently 8th in the 450 World Championships.
BOYESEN CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A GIVE-AWAY CONTEST
To celebrate Boyesen’s 40th year in the motocross aftermarket performance business, their engineers have developed a limited edition Supercooler available in Red, White, or Blue. Dag Boyesen said, “Lap times don’t lie! Every year Boyesen helps many pro-level, and amateur race teams to gain control over their internal engine temperatures. Overheating is a big performance issue outdoors and our Supercooler presents an absolute bolt-on advantage. The Supercooler’s unrivaled design ensures that the rider’s engines maintain maximum horsepower even at the end of the long, grueling summer motos like we have seen this past summer.” For more information about the free give-away, visit www.boyesen.com
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: DR.D YZ450F ENGINE RELOCATION KIT
Every MXA test rider complained about the YZ450F’s tendency to get loose on the entrance to turns. The search for solutions led MXA to longer shock linkages to lower the rear end, which allowed us to lower the front end, and eccentric motor-mount inserts that allowed the engine to be moved forward (to put more weight on the front wheel). The only sources for these kits are LightSpeed or DR.D. The YZ450F’s front-end problem is a byproduct of the new frame, which steepened the head angle and relocated the weight farther rearward. By moving the engine forward 2.5mm, a racer could get more bite on the front tire at turn-in.
VERDICT: Since all of MXA‘s complaints revolve around the way the YZ450F front end felt at turn-in, we can gladly report that moving the engine forward 2.5mm is a big improvement. $149.95?www.dubachracing.com or (800) 382-2241.
NEW BAD IDEA: THE SPHERICAL DESIGN OMNIDIRECTIONAL MOTORCYCLE
Students at San Jose State University have been developing a motorcycle with spherical wheels. The promise is that can move in any direction, move side to side without having to turn and even spin on the spot. The student haven’t worried about a lot of practical motorcycle concerns?like suspension or traction. The wheels have no tread and the wear on the rubber-coated carbon fiber balls will be uneven. Three electric motors, mounted off center on top of the balls, can be controlled to determine the direction in which the ball spins. The electric motors can be seen in the photos (front and rear). For more info go to www.sphericaldrivesystem.com
THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS…AND ONE GIRL
Sept. 17…Trey Canard
Sept. 17…Danny Smith
Sept. 17…Chad Johnson
Sept. 18…Juha Salminen
Sept. 18…Tarah Gieger
Sept. 19…Mike Taylor
Sept. 19…Billy Liles
Sept. 20…Eddie Mulder
Sept. 22…Josh Woods
Sept. 22…Warren Reid
BLAKE BAGGET DESCRIBES THE LAKE ELSINORE NATIONAL’S LONGEST JUMP
HONDA VICE PRESIDENT RAY BLANK RETIRES AS OF OCTOBER 1
Ray Blank.
“After nearly 30 years with the Motorcycle Division, I have made the decision to step down,” said Blank. “American Honda has been wonderful to me over all these years, and I am very proud of what the people at American Honda have all achieved together through both the good and bad times. I never thought I would have the good fortune to be involved with so many great motorcycles and industry friends during my time here. I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with for memories I never dreamed possible.”
Robert Gurga has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Motorcycle Division.
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: KALI PRANA CARBON HELMET
Dubbed “Composite Fusion Plus,” the Prana Carbon incorporates an inner foam liner of pyramid-like structure of different foam densities. These structures take the brunt of the initial impact and direct energy sideways within the foam instead of linearly down to your head. Essentially, the “Composite Fusion Plus” features a shock absorbing liner based on a series of compressible cones that work much like the crumple zones on a car. The cones are arranged to provide varying degrees of compression so that the more delicate areas of the riders skull are offered greater protection. The result is a lighter and stronger helmet design. MXA is familiar with dual-density foam, but Kali’s forward-thinking design is intriguing.
By using two densities of foam and arranging them in a unique porcupine layout, the Kali Prana absorbs energy as the pointy parts crush laterally.
VERDICT: On MXA‘s scale, any helmet that weighs less than three pounds is exceptionally light. The Kali Prana Carbon weighed in at a svelte 2.75 pounds (size Medium). The Kali Prana Carbon is available in sizes XS through XL, and in two color ways (Skari black or white). Kali also sells the Prana FRP, which has a fiberglass shell and retails for $249. The Prana Carbon comes with a thin storage bag, as well as a very nice helmet travel bag. If you are looking for a very lightest, high-end, certified motocross helmet?this is it. The ingenious pyramid-shaped, dual-density, inner foam liner is a show stealer. It won the “Invention of the Year” award from Australia’s ABC-TV network and is a worthy contender in the U.S. helmet market. $349.00 ( Prana Carbon), $249 (Prana FRP)?www.kaliprotectives.com or (408) 778-2700.
SLEEPY HOLLOW TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT ? $7000 PURSE ON SEPT. 22-23 IN PENNSYLVANIA
THE FINAL ROUND VIDEO: WORCS GOES TO HONOLULU…HONOLULU HILLS THAT IS
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO IN 2012? HOW ABOUT THE GERMAN GP?
MX1/MX2/MX3 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
September 23……………………….Teutschenthal, Germany
RED BULL PRO NATIONALS
September 22-23…………………..Culham Park, Oxfordshire
MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
September 30……………………….Lommel, Belgium
MAXXIS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
October 7……………………………..Little Silver, Exeter
MONSTER ENERGY CUP
October 20…………………………….Las Vegas, NV
REM OCTOBERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
October 27……………………………Glen Helen, CA
MTA WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 3-4………………………………..Glen Helen, CA
PARIS SUPERCROSS
November 9-11……………………….Paris, France
2012 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
October 13……………………………….Dubbo, NSW
October 27-28…………………………..Phillip Island, VIC
November 10……………………………Toowoomba, QSL
November 17……………………………Newcastle, NSW
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: MATRIX M2 WORX STAND WEDGE
The odd shape of the engine cradles of Honda CRFs,two-stroke KTMs, and Yamaha YZ125s and YZ250s means that they won’t sit level on a standard bike stand. This is a pain; it is much easier to wash a bike, check the spokes, lube the chain and change tires if the wheels are suspended in the air. The Worx wedge is a $19.95 bolt-on top that fits on Matrix’s M2. It has a uniquely angled profile that compensates for the frame cradles of offending machines.
VERDICT: The Matrix M2 Worx stand wedge made washing and working on our CRF and YZ two-strokes easier. It’s not a mandatory part, but it is a convenient upgrade. $19.95?(661) 253-1592 or www.matrixracingproducts.com.
Comments are closed.