MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: WESTON PEICK WINS ATHENS SX, THE FLYIN’ HAWAIIAN, BRUCE WILLIS’ BIKES, JAMES STEWART POV, BRUCE WAYNES’ YAMAHA, GODSPEED KELVIN FRANKS & MUCH MORE
WESTON PEICK WINS ATHENS SUPERCROSS: FILIP NEUGEBUER, MICKAEL MUSQUIN AND FLORENT RICHIER TOP FOUR
KADUUZ SIGNS MATHIAS GRYNING: WHO LIKE ANY SMART EURO WANTS TO RACE IN THE USA SOMEDAY
MONSTER ENERGY WORLD SPEEDWAY INVITATION IN CITY OF INDUSTRY OF DEC. 29
The unique event will showcase the world’s best speedway riders, all on 500cc, single cylinder, methanol-burning, brakeless machines in a one-night, winner-take-all competition. In total, 16 riders will be invited for an international showdown between the best riders in America and the global elite from the Monster Energy FIM Speedway Grand Prix.
Mail order tickets are $18 (adults), $10 (Over-60 and under 17), Free (under 12-with adukt)
Industry Racing at The Grand Arena
16200 Temple Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91744
Info: www.industryracing.com
1979 YAMAHA OF HAWAII TV SPOT… STARRING JOHN DESOTO
BRUCE WILLIS TO AUCTION OF FIVE OF HIS PERSONAL BIKES FOR CHARITY
Hollywood actor Bruce Willis is auctioning off five of his personal motorcycles for the Boot Campaign, a non-profit military appreciation organization. The first bike to go up for auction is Willis’ 2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000DS (with just 285 miles on the odometer). The Multistrada has an estimated value of $5500 and the current bid is $1750. The Ducati auction ends on December 20. The other motorcycles Willis has donated are a 1991 Yamaha XT350, 1988 Yamaha TW200, 1972 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster XLH and a 1962 Cushman Eagle. One bike a month will be auctioned off for the charity. For more info go to www.charitybuzz.com.
ONE MINUTE AND 24 SECONDS WITH JAMES STEWART…ACTUALLY WITH HIS VISOR AND FRONT FENDER
ASK THE MXperts: HOW MUCH MONEY CAN A SUPERCROSS RIDER MAKE IN PURSE MONEY
Dear MXA,
In Europe they don’t pay purse money and the very vocal Luongo defenders always claim that purse money in the USA is very small. MXA is the only media source to tell the truth, so how much money could a rider make on purse money alone if he won every AMA Supercross, finished fifth in every race or finished tenth in every race?
Of course it depends on where the rider finishes, but if a rider won every AMA 450 Supercross, which is always a possibility, he would earn $205,000 in purse money alone. It goes without saying, but we will say it, that he would also earn $1,700,000 in factory win bonuses (at $100,000 per win), a $1,000,000 Championship factory bonus and a $100,000 Feld Entertainment series bonus. The total is $3,005,000 (not counting his salary and sponsorship bonuses). What about riders farther back in the pack? A fifth place rider will earn $67,550 in purse and Feld series bonus, a tenth place rider $51,800 and a 20th place rider $44,895. In fact, the rider who finished dead last in every nigh program (40th place), and didn’t make the main during the complete season, would still earn $15,385 in purse money.
GODSPEED! KELVIN FRANKS
The Franks Racing logo was attached to an array of exotic one-off motocross bikes.
Jeff Jennings raced for Kelvin at the Four-Stroke Nationals.
It is with regret that we inform you that Kelvin Franks passed away and will be laid to rest on December 12 in Adelaide, Australia. The Aussie was a one of the most creative minds in motocross and spent most of the 1970s and early ’80s in the United States building custom, one-off motocross bikes. Kelvin was also a co-founder of the CMC racing organization in SoCal. He returned to Australia after his stint in the USA and opened up the Australian version of Franks Racing Products on Marion Road where he manufactured road race rear sets, triple clamps and clip-on handlebars bars.
JON-ERIK BURLESON NAMED AMA MOTORCYCLIST OF THE YEAR
Jon-Erik is the son of multi-time AMA National Enduro Champion Dick Burleson.
KTM North America Presdient Jon-Erik Burleson has been named the 2012 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year. “Jon-Erik’s innovation and leadership have positioned his company to take full advantage of what could only be described as a challenging environment in the motorcycle industry?an industry that is fighting back from its worst downturn in history,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. Jon-Erik took the reins of KTM North America in 2005 and led KTM away from its reputation as an obscure European brand to a premium brand. From 2009 to 2012, KTM sales increased 20 percent.
ARE YOU READY FOR SUPERCROSS? THE OFFICIAL TRAILER WILL PUMP YOU UP
MARK KALPAKOFF NAMED DIRECTOR OF WORCS RACING
Mark Kalpakoff, who many will know from his work at L.A. Sleeve and at Bermcannon Marketing, will take on more responsibility by becoming the Director Racing for the WORCS series. WORCS CEO Sean Reddish said, “For the last few years Mark has consulted WORCS in the media dept, but will now take on a main roll in the everyday WORCS business structure, as well as racer relations, Mark has a broad scope of the motorcycle business industry as well as being a long time racer that makes him right for this job.” The 2013 WORCS season Kicks off January 18 in Peoria, Arizona at Canyon MX. For more info www.worcsracing.com.
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: 100% RACECRAFT GOGGLE
The Racecraft goggle is the cream of the 100% crop. It boasts an outrigger frame design, expansive peripheral vision, a nose guard, and plenty of extras.
VERDICT: 100% makes the lower-line Accuri and the Racecraft. Both goggles share the same frame shape, but the Racecraft has outriggers to help the goggles sit snugly against the face. A tearoff post is affixed to the outrigger, which negates the nuisance of a sliding tearoff clip. The MXA test riders were particularly impressed with their tearoffs. We installed seven tearoffs before vision became milky from the plastic sheets. On other goggles we have vision difficulties after installing a half that many tearoffs. Kudos to the Racecraft. The Racecraft’s strap is a robust 45mm wide. A wide bead of silicone prevents the massive strap from sliding. The 100% Racecraft goggle comes with a nose guard, 20-pack of tearoffs and goggle bag. $65.00 to $75.00.?www.ride100percent.com or (619) 876.4202.
MATRIX CONCEPTS’ TWO TWO MOTORSPORTS CHAD REED PRODUCT LINE IS NOW AVAILABLE
Press release: Get the same elite set-up as multi-time Aupercross and motocross champion Chad Reed from Matrix Concepts. Matrix Concepts offers the full line of Two Two Motorsports products including the M40 Carpeted Mat, M2 Worx Stand, M1 Phatty Tie-Down set, and M6 Folding Ramp. All Two Two Motorsports Chad Reed products are now available at www.MatrixRacingProducts.com.
JAKE WEIMER SIGNS WITH BELL HELMETS FOR 2013
Jake Weimer. Photo: Simon Cudby
Press release: Monster Energy Kawasaki standout Jake Weimer will be lining up with new confidence next season as Bell has added him to their roster of SX/MX riders for the 2013 campaign. Coming off a year that saw the Idaho native finish third overall in outdoors and fifth in Supercross, Weimer is excited about the upcoming SX season and his new helmet as well. “The helmet is so good, I really love it. I’ve obviously been wearing other brands for quite a while now, and the Moto-9 is definitely my favorite,” said Jake Weimer. “I’m looking forward to the 2013 season and I’m really excited about my new look.” Bell is just as excited about Weimer who will round out a 450 roster that includes James Stewart and Davi Millsaps.
“I’m stoked to be working with Weimer next year,” said Bell Sports Marketing Manager Patrick Houlihan. “There’s never been any doubt about his dedication, work ethic, and speed?he’s obviously really pumped on the Moto-9, and I’m looking forward to seeing him on the top step of the podium this season.” Weimer will race and train exclusively in the award-winning Bell Moto-9 Carbon. For more information on Bell’s industry-leading helmets, check out www.bellhelmets.com.
POLARIS ACQUIRES KLIM TECHNICAL RIDING GEAR
Klim Technical Riding Gear is known for its durable and rugged offraod riding gear, so it was ony a natural that Polaris, with its core business of ATVs and snowmobiles would join forces. Polaris says that it will operate the KLIM brand in conjunction with the other existing Polaris apparel brands. Additionally, Klim will continue operations at its current location, and will retain its staff.
WILL THERE BE A PALESTINIAN TEAM AT THE 2014 MXDN?
The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) accepted the application from the Palestinian Motor Sport and Motorcycle Federation (PMSMF) to join the FIM. Palestine will be the 108th FIM member. The PMSMF has already been granted member status in the auto world with the FIA. Can we expect an FIM Grand Prix of Palestine on the 2014 World Motocross Championship schedule? If they can come up with the money, anything is possible with Giuseppe.
THREE RACE TWO-STROKE SERIES COMING IN 2013
BATCYCLE SELLS FOR $170,000…PLUS, THEY THREW IN A SPARE
Pow! The $170,000 Yamaha Catalina 250. Photo: Teddy Pieper
Fans of the 1960’s “Batman” TV show had a chance to buy the “Batcycle” last weekend. This is the bike that Adam West and Burt Ward used in the tongue-in-cheek TV show based on the popular comic book. This was the original Batcycle from the show, but it wasn’t the bike used in the pilot episode (which was a Harley-Davidson). After the pilot the Batcycle was based on a Yamaha Catalina 250. The Batcycle sold for $170,000 (and it included a replica Batcycle for day-to-day use by the high bidder).
RYAN “EL TORO LOCO” DUNGEY: DUNGEY SWITCHES TO MONSTER TRUCK RACING… HE BETTER KEEP HIS DAY JOB
USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: WORKS CONNECTION FACTORY 4 SUPER-WIDE STAND
Works Connection has come out with a wider, lower and stronger aluminum bike stand that is a 1/2 inch lower (16.5 inches) and two inches wider (12-inches) across the top than a normal bike stand.
VERDICT: You wouldn’t think that a one-half inch lower bike stand would not be noticeable, but several test riders said that they could get the bike up on the Factory 4 stand with less effort. The other plus is that the super-wide top piece decreases the chances of overshooting the stand (during that last-ditch pitch). With a 12-inch top instead of a 10-inch top the bike sits more securely. On the durability scale, the wider top spreads the curved tubing legs out for a better stance, which made the stand much more durable. $99.95 (stand), $19.95 Stand Wedge), $19.95 (replacement mat)?www.worksconnection.com or (530) 642-9488.
CHAD REED TALKS ABOUT WHY THE AUSSIE SUPERCROSS SERIES WAS GOOD FOR HIM
TEDESCO SIGNS WITH TEAM TEDDER FOR SUPERCROSS-ONLY
Ivan Tedesco.
Team Tedder is the family-run race team that has been Kawasaki-backed for several years. Matt Tedder, the patriarch is a multi-time Loretta Lynn Champion, while son Dakota and Myles have been racing the AMA circuit every since graduating from the amateur ranks. Now, Team Tedder, which is not a low-budget team, has signed Ivan Tedesco for the 2013 Supercross season. Tedesco will race a Pro Circuit-equipped Kawasaki KX450F. Dakota Tedder will be the only other rider and he will most likely race the 250 West.
THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS BOYS: SHU AIN’T SCARED
Dec. 9…Ben Townley
Dec. 10…Bob Graham
Dec. 10…Earl May
Dec. 11…Darrell Shultz
Dec. 11…Lance Smail
Dec. 11…Keith S. Johnson
Dec. 12…Marty Moates
Dec. 13… Brian Fleck
Dec. 13…Mike Buckley
Dec. 13…Ron Lechien
Dec. 14…Bill Butcher
ASK THE MXperts: CRYPTIC MESSAGES ON PLASTIC
Dear MXA,
What’s with all the writing on your test bikes. I saw an MXA test bike at the Cahuilla Creek track recently and it had stuff written all over it. It looked like code. What is that all about?
It is code. The numbers on the muffler are the bike’s weight and its decibels, while the numbers on the fender are the suspension settings and mapping. We start each test day with the previous test days settings written on the bike and then are able to keep track of the changes we make throughout the test cycle.
LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR YOUR LITTLE RACER? TRY “MY FIRST MOTO”
If you’d like to get you young kids a motocross related book that captures the excitement and fun of the sport, look no further than “My First Moto.” Each page contains professional, full color illustrations for people of all ages to enjoy. Aimed at children from 3 and up, the 48-page book sells for $10.00 at www.my1stmoto.com
THE MOTOCROSS FILES ? SEASON ONE BOX SET FINALLY AVAILABLE
It took five years, but the entire Season One collection of the hit TV series “The Motocross Files” is available now. The $79.95 five-disc set includes bonus footage, added scenes and extras that any motocross fan will enjoy for years to come. The box set includes full-length episodes with Brad Lackey, Marty Smith, Roger DeCoster, Ricky Johnson and Bob Hannah. his would be a nice gift for any moto friend or family member. To order go to www.motocrossfiles.com
ATLAS HOLIDAY OFFER: $50 OFF AND FREE GRAPHICS RIGHT UNTIL DECEMBER 31
INSIDE THE REVOLUTIONARY 6D HELMET: TEAM GEICO HONDA WILL USE IT IN 2013
THE RECKONING: WOMEN’S MOTOCROSS AT COMP EDGE ON DECEMBER 15
For more info go to www.wmnracing.com
COMPLETE 2013 MOTOCROSS CALENDAR: WHERE THE ACTION IS
2012 YAMAHA PRO/AM GP CHAMPIONSHIP
December 28-30………………..Glen Helen, CA
2013 AMA SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE
January 5……………………………Anaheim 1, CA
January 12………………………….Phoenix, AZ
January 19………………………….Anaheim II, CA
January 26………………………….Oakland, CA
February 2…………………………..Anaheim III, 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 250/450 NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
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…………………………….Tooele, UT
August 24……………………………..Lake Elsinore
2013 250/450 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
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 WMX WOMEN’S NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 18………………………………….Hangtown, CA
June 8…………………………………..Mt. Morris, PA
June 29…………………………………Southwick, MA
2013 FIM WOMEN’S WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
April 1……………………………………Holland
June 2…………………………………..Croatia
June 9…………………………………..Slovenia
June 16…………………………………Italy
August 25……………………………..Great Britain
September 1………………………….Czech Republic
September 15………………………..France
September 22………………………..Portugal
2013 FIM SIDECAR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
April 1…………………………………..Switzerland
May 19…………………………………Ukraine
May 26…………………………………Germany
June 9………………………………….Czech Republic
June 16………………………………..Holland
June 23………………………………..Belgium
July 7……………………………………France
July 21………………………………….Germany
August 4………………………………..Estonia
August 11………………………………Latvia
August 18……………………………..Switzerland
September 8………………………….France
September 15………………………..Germany
September 22………………………..Belgium
2013 AMSOIL ARENACROSS SERIES
January 4-6…………………………..Worcester, MA
January 11-13………………………..Baltimore, MD
January 18-20……………………….Grand Rapids, MI
January 26-27………………………..Tulsa, OK
February 1-3………………………….Cedar Park, TX
February 8-10………………………..Wilkes-Barre, PA
February 16-17………………………Little Rock, AR
February 23-24………………………Wichita, KS
March 2-3………………………………Kansas City, KS
March 15-17……………………………Denver, CO
2013 AUSTRALIAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
April 14………………………………..Raymond Terrace, NSW
April 28………………………………..Murray Bridge, SA
May 5………………………………….Wonthaggi, VIC
May 19………………………………..Broadford, VIC
June 2…………………………………Conondale, QLD
July 14………………………………..Appin, NSW
July 28………………………………..Hervey Bay, QLD
August 11…………………………….Swan Hill, VIC
August 25……………………………Toowoomba, QLD
September 1………………………..Coolum, QLD
2013 WORLD OFFROAD CHAMPIONSHIP (WORCS) SERIES
January 18-20………………………Peoria, AZ
February 8-10……………………….Primm, NV
March 15-17…………………………Lake Havasu, AZ
April 19-21……………………………Hurricane, UT
May 10-12…………………………….Surprise, AZ
July 12-14……………………………..Pala, CA
August 9-11…………………………..Glen Helen, CA
September 20-22…………………..Honey Lake, CA
October 11-13……………………….Taft, CA
2013 MTA WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP
April 7, 2013…………………………….Glen Helen, CA
2013 NMA WORLD MINI GRAND PRIX
April 8-13…………………………………Mesquite, NV
2013 AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS
July 19-21, 2013……………………….Lexington, OH
2013 NMA GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
July 21-26………………………………..Norman, OK
2013 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
July 29-Aug. 3, 2013………………….Hurricane Mills, TN
2013 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
September 29, 2013………………….Teutschenthal, Germany
2013 WORLD VETERAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
November 2-3, 2013…………………..Glen Helen, CA
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