MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: WHAT IS FMF SNAP? WANT TO OWN RICKY CARMICHAEL’S BIKE? WHAT’S THE SMALLEST CAR HONDA MAKES?

On Oct 29, 2012

THE DOCTOR DOES IT AGAIN! DOUG DUBACH WINS OVER-40 VET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The most trouble that Doug Dubach had on his way to an amazing 20th World Vet title was in the opening laps of each moto when he had to make his move to the front. Here, Doug (15) lines up Kurt Nicoll and Terry Fowler (2).

Canadian Julian Cerny was second overall. There is a strong Canadian history at the World Vet dating back to Zoli Berenyi (Sr. and Jr.) and carried on by Pete DeGraaf.

Billy Mercier could have been second overall, but a slight mistake in moto two cost him the second step of the podium.

Welcome to America! Spanish rider Kim Sunol (93) stuffs Germany rider Luc Perdieus (19) as they fight over 23rd place.

OVER-40 WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
1. Doug Dubach (Yam)………….1-1
2. Julian Cerny (Kaw)……………3-2
3. Billy Joe Mercier (Kaw)……..2-3
4. Kurt Nicoll (KTM)……………..4-4
5. Terry Fowler (Yam)…………..6-5
6. Justyn McCabe (Hon)………7-7
7. Todd Mitchell (Kaw)…………5-10
8. Shawn Wynne (Kaw)……….8-9
9. Robby Clauss (Yam)………12-6
10. Willy Musgrave (Yam)…..11-8
11. Revelle Harrison (Hus)…..9-11
12. Ed Foedish (Kaw)…………14-12
13. Pete DeGraaf (Hon)………13-13
14. Kevin Williams (Kaw)…….15-15
15. Jonathan Rhodes (Hon)…20-14
Other notables: 21. Don Bisceglia; 24. Kim Sunol; 27. Xavi Costa; 29. Tim Rutherford; 31. Pedro Gonzalez.

THE WINTER SUPERCROSS SEASON BEGINS: GENOA SUPERCROSS RESULTS

Inside the Palasport Fiera. Photo: Moto.It

Justin Brayton won the Genova Supercross in Italy with a 2-1 that edged out Eli Tomac’s 1-2. Third place was Gautier Paulin. Christophe Pourcel struggled finishing with 11-12 results. The race was held at Genova’s Palasport Fiera and Brayton’s last turn pass of Eli Tomac (who fell) was an exciting moment.

450 class:
1. Brayton Justin……..2-1
2. Tomac Eli……………1-2
3. Gautier Paulin………4-3
4. Cedric Soubeyras…3-4
5. Christophe Martin…6-5
6. Loic Rombaut………8-6
7. Fabien Izoird……….7-7
8. Cyrille Coulon……..5-12
9. Boris Maillard………9-9
10. JasonClermont….11-8
Other notables: 11. Davide Degli Esposti; 12. Christophe Pourcel Christophe.

RICKY CARMICHAEL’S LORETTA LYNN SUZUKI RM-Z450 TO BE AUCTION OFF FOR CHARITY

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation has partnered with Ricky Carmichael to auction the Pro Circuit-Built Suzuki RM-Z450 he raced at the 2012 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championships. Over $17,000 in performance parts makes this one-of-a-kind RM-Z450 worth almost $26,000. Ricky will autograph the bike before it is shipped to the winning bidder. Proceeds from the sale will benefit ECHO (30%), Kidz1stFund (30%), the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (20%) and the Kevin Harvick Foundation (20%). The auction is on eBay. This bike has only been ridden by Ricky Carmichael and the MXA wrecking crew. See the MXA video below.

         THE FMF SNAP IS JUST WHAT YOUR ENGINE ORDERED

FMF has long been a leader and at the forefront of the latest technology. From patented items such as the SST two-Stroke exhaust to the most copied header in the world, the Powerbomb and Megabomb four-stroke headers. FMF Racing has just launched the latest in technology, the FMF Snap. Quick install and immediate throttle response is exactly what the FMF Snap is all about. The FMF Snap increases air flow from filter to the valves quicker which means faster response.

   ? Better throttle response & more torque
   ? No fuel or jetting changes required
   ? Easy installation
   ? Retail price: $99.99
   ? www.fmfracing.com

DID YOU MISS THE BIG HUSKY NEWS FROM YESTERDAY?

On November 1, 2012, Husqvarna officially entered the Brazilian motorcycle market. It is hard to believe that the iconic brand, which was started in 1903, has never been sold in Brazil. BMW Grupo do Brazil will start sales operation in early 2013, and Husqvarna bikes will be sold though selected dealers, most of them already a part of the BMW network. The first Husqvarna motorcycles to be sold in Brazil are the competition enduro models TE477 and TE 10R.

BMW’s press announcement said: “Husqvarna Motorcycles set a new milestone in its expansion strategy entering this strategic motorcycle market. The Brazilian motorcycles market is quickly increasing its volume, becoming one of the most important markets worldwide and is currently the fifth largest market for BMW Motorrad.”

RYAN VILLOPOTO’S VIEW OF THE MOMENT THAT RYAN DUNGEY BENT HIS SHIFT LEVER…AT 43 SECONDS IN

HONDA SIDE-BY-SIDE PRODUCTION MOVED TO SOUTH CAROLINA

Big Red.

American Honda today announced that production of Honda side-by-side MUVs will transfer in 2013 from Honda de Mexico Timmonsville, South Carolina. Honda currently markets the Big Red side-by-side in the U.S. These changes are part of a global Honda strategy tied to future growth forecast in the side-by-side segment. The South Carolina plant has the capacity to produce more than 250,000 vehicles and 310,000 engines annually. It is one of nine major Honda factories in the U.S. and opened in 1998.

THE FINAL THREE “KTM MOTO TOUR” RIDE DAYS ARE COMING UP FAST

How would you like to get a chance to ride the 2013 KTM motocross bikes…you can. But, there are only three Moto Tour dates left on KTM’s schedule. One in Texas and two in Florida. See your local KTM dealer for info.

KTM MOTO TOUR SCHEDULE
    Nov. 9…..3 Palms Action Sports Park – Conroe, TX
    Nov. 17…Thundercross MX Park – Okeechobee, FL
    Nov. 20…Gatorback MX Park – Gainesville, FL

SEE CHAD AT THE AUSSIE SUPERCROSS SERIES…ALONG WITH CHEYNE BOYD (42) AND TYE SIMMONDS (4)

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS

Nov. 3…Ben Evans
Nov. 4…Paul Lindsey

Nov. 4…Damon Huffman
Nov. 4…Greg Fox

Nov. 7…Shane Watts

Nov. 8…Dave Strijbos

BOISE ENDUROCROSS VIDEO: TADDY PROVES HE’S HUMAN WITH A LAST LAP CRASH…BUT HE STILL WINS

PRO CIRCUIT’S ALL-NEW SUPERCROSS TRACK

The new track is 50 feet from the old one, but Pro Circuit uses them both.

Pro Circuit has two Supercross tracks for its team to test on. The original one, which was once the Suzuki test track, is still in use, but the new one (shown here) is just to the left of the Talladega first turn (shown in the foreground).

USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: ARAI VX PRO3 HELMET

Somebody has to have the plushest, snuggest and cushiest helmet. That somebody is Arai. The padding is full-contact with no gaps, ear holes or airy spots. It’s very quiet in an Arai. Most MXA test riders believe this helmet is at the top of the class in terms of safety, quality and comfort. And, when given a choice of what helmet to wear, 3 out of 4 MXA test riders choose Aria. That is testament to Aria’s reputation. Additionally, Arai has special cheek pads that an EMT can pull out to remove the padding before removing an injured rider’s helmet. High-end helmets are expensive and the Arai tops the price list.

VERDICT: This is the most notable helmet to ever received a five-star rating from the MXA wrecking crew. $550.00 to $675.00 ?www.araiamericas.com or (800) 766-2724.

THE STORY BEHIND THE DC SHOES/TROY LEE DESIGNS COLLABORATION

SHADES OF LANCE ARMSTRONG: MOTOGP ROAD RACER CAUGHT IN DRUG TEST

Ant West during happier times.

For Moto2 road racer Ant West the best memory of his 2012 seaosn will be making the podium in the 600cc Moto2 road race at the Phillip Island GP in Australian last weekend. His worst memory will be being caught with Methylhexaneamine (DMMA) in the post-race drug test from the French Grand Prix several weeks earlier (the test just came back this week). Methylhexaneamine is a nasal decongestant, but it’s also considered a stimulant. It is a vasoconstrictor that increases the heart rate and blood pressure to sending more blood to the areas of the body that need it. The compound is popular in dietary supplement and strength-conditioning powder drinks. It could be accidentally taken if the rider failed to read the contents of the dietary supplements he takes. West has been handed a 30-day ban from the sport and will miss the final round of the FIM Moto2 season.

VIDEO: MEET MIKE McDADE AND HEAR HIS PICK AS THE MOST UNDERRATED RIDER IN THE NATIONALS

WHAT IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE 250 FOUR-STROKE AND WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE?

The 2013 Husqvarna TC250.

The Husqvarna TC250 holds the honor of being the least expensive 250cc four-stroke motocross bike. It has a retail price of $7199. The Husky is $700 cheaper that the most expensive bike and $91 cheaper than the next cheapest retail price. The Yamaha YZ250F is the second most affordable at $7290. The Honda CRF250 sits right in the middle at $7420, while the Suzuki RM-Z250 and Kawasaki both retail for $7599. The KTM 250SXF is the most expensive at $7899.

DEAN WILSON: NEW BIKE, NEW CLASS, NEW TEAM, NEW SHOULDERS…BUT WHERE, WHEN & WHO?

MALCOLM SMITH PARKING LOT SALE ? NOVEMBER 3

For more info go to www.malcolmsmith.com

THIS IS NOT MOTOCROSS…BUT IT IS STUNNING NONE-THE-LESS

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.

HONDA’S RETRO-CHIC MINICAR FOR YOUR EYES ONLY…IF YOU LIVE IN JAPAN

On the heels of the Mini Cooper and the Fiat 500, Honda has the ultimate retro-chic minicar waiting in the wings…although those wings are for the Japanese market only.

The all-new, five-door, Honda N-One will never be imported to the USA. At just around 133.3 inches long, it is 3 inches shorter than the Fiat 500 by a full three inches. Its 660cc, three-cylinder, front-wheel drive engine uses CVT the wheels (two or four). It owes its heritage to the minicar craze started decades ago by the Mini Cooper and carried on by Honda with the U.S. imported Honda 600 of the 1960s.

Features include the fold-flat Magic Seat system, a $14,375 price tag and styling inspired by Honda original 1963 N360 minicar.

Claimed fuel mileage is 63 mpg, but the Japan-only makes about 63 horsepower (although a turbocharged model will be made available). Although not destined for the USA, it could work on American freeways if it’s horsepower was upped to around 115 and the steering wheel magically moved left.

         WHAT’S LEFT IN THE 2012 RACING SEASON…AND A SNEAK PEAK AT 2013

   MTA WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP
   Nov. 3-4………………………………Glen Helen, CA
   AMA ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
   November 17………………………..Las Vegas, NV
   2012 PARIS SUPERCROSS
   November 9-11……………………Paris, France
   2012 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
   November 10………………………Toowoomba, QSL
   November 17………………………Newcastle, NSW
   WINTER OLYMPICS
   November 19-24………………….Gatorback, FL
   DAY IN THE DIRT
    November 23-25………………….Glen Helen, CA
   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 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

PRESENTATION PISTE SUPERCROSS PARIS-BERCY 2012…. WHICH MEANS THE RED ARROW LEARNS TO SPEAK FRENCH