4TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY ON DECEMBER 10

On behalf of the Kurt Caselli Foundation we are very excited to announce the 4th Annual Kurt Caselli Ride Day in partnership with FMF Racing, KTM, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, and Glen Helen Raceway. This event, with the support of Kurt’s fans and industry, has been a huge part of the success of the Foundation and the safety initiatives we have been able to provide. Our mission statement “Protecting And Supporting The Lives Of Offroad Riders” is so fitting because of the support we receive from all of you.  We look forward to seeing everyone. Below is a list of activities and information on the day. The biggest thing to know is that we have an events page set up so guest can purchase tickets ahead of time online, save $5 by doing so and have their own special entry line at the front gate. You can also sign up for the Caselli Team challenge here as well.

WHERE: Glen Helen Raceway
WHEN: Saturday, December 10th, 2016
TIME: Gates open at 9:00 a.m.
TICKETS: $25 Gate Fee “Day of event” ($20 if purchased prior to event at www.classy.org/san-bernardino/events/4th-annual-kurt-caselli-memorial-ride-day/e103607
EVENTS: Raffle, Live Auction, Caselli Team Challenge (Entry $40. Each entry receives a souvenir KC66 challenge bib), Vendor village
INFO: www.kurtcaselli.com

GIUSEPPE LUONGO MAY BE UP TO IT AGAIN

Word out of Europe is that one week after Youthstream’s Giuseppe Luongo announced that all GPs in the future would not start on dirt, but on wire mesh, there is scuttlebutt that he is also going to make every Grand Prix bike run a GET ignition system in the future. This rule change would be a shocker for the GP teams who are not bound by production rules and have always enjoyed the right to experiment in any way they want. We guess that GET will be paying for this honor.

2016 WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP WAS GIANT

With riders from 20 countries and over 1200 entries for the two-day race at Glen Helen, the power of the older generation of riders flexed its muscles this year. Photo: Rich Stuelke.

TOP FIVE: OVER-30 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Mike Sleeter (KTM)………………2-1
2. Josh Coppins (Yam)…………….1-2
3. Travis Preston Yam)…………….3-3
4. Daryl Hurley (Hus)……………….7-4
5. Cole Siebler (Hon)……………….5-6

TOP FIVE: OVER-40 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Daryl Hurley (Hus)………………1-1
2. Kurt Nicoll (KTM)…………………2-2
3. Kenjiro Tsuji (Hon)……………….4-3
4. Javier Garcia Vico (Hon)………3-4
5. Ryan Hunt (Hon)…………………6-5

TOP FIVE: OVER-50 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Kurt Nicoll (KTM)…………………1-1
2. Pete Murray (Yam)……………….2-2
3. Ed Foedish (Yam)……………….3-3
4. Mitch Rowe (KTM)………………4-4
5. Jon Ortner (Yam)…………………5-6

TOP FIVE: OVER-60 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Pete DeGraff (KTM)…………….1-1
2. Isao Ida (Hon)…………………….2-2
3. Chuck Sun (TM)………………….3-3
4. Tony Cooksey (Yam)……………4-4
5. Jim Latendresse (KTM)………..5-5

TOP FIVE: OVER-70 WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Jim O’Neal (Hus)…………………1-1
2. Bill Van Vug (Yam)……………….2-2
3. Bart Kellogg (KTM)……………….3-4
4. Nobuhiro Furuta (Yam)…………5-3
5. Steve Machado (Yam)………….4-5

LARS LARSSON: MOTOCROSS PIONEERS HONORED WITH EDISON DYE AWARD

MONSTER ENERGY JOINS FORCES WITH TEAM HRC TO FACE THE RALLY DAKAR

HRC press release: Honda Racing Corporation takes great pleasure in welcoming Monster Energy – producer of energy drinks – to the ranks of the official Honda HRC Rally Team. Milan’s Spazio Davide Campari today hosted the official presentation of all the brand new 2017 Honda models. Also unveiled were the new HRC teams set to compete in the various motorcycle disciplines: MotoGP, MXGP, Trial and Rally. The event’s big news was the announcement of energy drink-maker Monster Energy as the Rally team’s leading collaborator. The team will now be known as: Monster Energy Honda Team. All those present in the Spazio Davide Campari were able to witness how the team – made up of Joan Barreda, Paulo GonCalves, Michael Metge, Ricky Brabec and Kevin Benavides – revealed the new livery that the squad will now be sporting. Monster Energy unites with Team HRC in a long term agreement for the rally team project. Monster Energy is an energetic and youthful brand, strongly linked to motorsport, and in particular, motorcycle racing. The company has strong faith in the commitment and ambition of Team HRC and their desire to accomplish the main aim of winning the Rally Dakar.

“The Dakar is the ultimate challenge for every off-road enthusiast. It’s much more than a race, it’s a pure human adventure and teaming up with Factory Honda could not have been a better partner,” said Mitch Covington, vice president of sports marketing, Monster Energy.

2016 TRIPLE CROWN OF MX STARTS THIS WEEKEND, BUT SHOULDN’T IT BE THE QUAD CROWN?

The 2016 Triple Crown MX Series will start on October 16 at Milestone, then move to Perris on October 23, Glen Helen on November 13 and Perris again on November 20. For more info go to www.triplecrownmx.com

ZERO MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCES FIRST PRODUCTION ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE TO EXCEED 200-MILE RANGE

Zero press release: Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycle sales and technology,  announced its 2017 model line featuring as much as 19% more torque, up to 11% more power and the world’s first production electric motorcycle to exceed 200 miles on a single charge. Advancements in Zero’s proprietary Z-Force powertrain include interior permanent magnet (IPM) motors with increased temperature thresholds and higher amperage motor controllers. Combined, they produce greater acceleration throughout the rev range and up to 116 ft-lb of instant torque on Zero SR and Zero DSR models—more than any gasoline-burning production 1,000cc sport bike.

These economical models feature a compact battery that sheds 95 pounds, offering more nimble handling and additional space for convenient, locking storage. For those seeking longer range, the Zero S and Zero SR ZF13.0 models equipped with the optional Power Tank accessory now exceed 100 miles on the highway and 200 miles in the city (based on standardized SAE J2982 riding range testing), the longest range of any production electric motorcycle.

Zero’s Z-Forcepower packs are the most energy and power dense in the EV industry. For 2017, they feature more powerful processors and new engineering innovations in battery architecture that simplify cell interconnectivity, making the batteries even more robust and reliable. The advanced lithium-ion power packs are maintenance free, designed to exceed the life of the motorcycle, and are now backed by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

“Zero’s 2017 lineup offers riders more power, versatility and options than ever before,” said Zero Motorcycles CTO Abe Askenazi. “For those interested in the most fun way of efficiently traversing their urban environment, we’ve released the new, lighter, Zero S and Zero DS ZF6.5 models. On the other end of the spectrum, our top of the line Zero SR and Zero DSR now deliver even more thrills with higher levels of asphalt-shredding torque, while still offering penny-per-mile fuel efficiency and no routine powertrain maintenance.”

2017 models arrive at authorized US Zero Motorcycles dealers in November 2016. Suggested retail prices range from $8495 to $15,995. However, US buyers can take advantage of a 10% federal tax credit, making the effective price range from $7645 to $14,395. Additional states offer incentives, such as California’s $900 rebate, that drop the effective prices even lower. The new, higher capacity ZF3.3 Power Tank lists for $2695. Both options can now be factory-installed when the customer places an order.

NEW MXA ON THE NEWS STANDS RIGHT NOW

The December issue of MXA is out now. It includes tests on Ken Roczen’s National Championship winning RM-Z450, the 2017 Husqvarna FC250, 2017 Suzuki RM-Z250, 2017 Honda CRF250 and 2017 Husqvarna TC125 two-stroke.

HONDA ANNOUNCE 2017 FACTORY MXGP LINE-UP

Honda press release: During the traditional motorsport announcement press conference held last night at EICMA in Milan, Italy, Team HRC presented its factory line-up for the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship, MXGP, and an evolution of team structure. Team HRC will field two works entries in the MXGP category, where reigning World Champion Tim Gajser and Evgeny Bobryshev will continue to campaign the all-new 2017 Honda CRF450RW. In a change to team structure, Bobryshev will move under the awning of the team that in 2016 was called Honda Gariboldi Racing. From 2017, the World Championship-winning Italian squad will be renamed Team HRC, and will be responsible for the works programme for the 450cc machines ridden by Gajser and Bobryshev.

DEBBI TAMIETTI’S WORLD VET PHOTO OF THE WEEK

It’s all fun and games until someone’s under-gutchies get caught in the chain.

CHRISTINI REINTRODUCES ITS AWD MOUNTAIN BIKE

Christini press release: After a ten-year break in production of All Wheel Drive mountain bikes, Christini’s re-launch of their original design concepts has taken the company into the popular Fatbike segment. Initially offering both a 4″ split frame and a 5″ wide tire design, the bikes will feature Christini’s patented AWD system providing unmatched traction and control while enabling a rider to conquer the toughest conditions. These two models will also have an electric assist option utilizing a mid drive motor and high capacity battery.

Christini mountain bikes were first introduced back in 2001 with production AWD hardtail and full suspension models. The company partnered with several small builders and some larger companies to make a unique, all purpose, trail bike that could traverse even the most difficult trails. The proprietary AWD system is entirely enclosed within the frame and head tube of the bike and is extremely efficient, resulting in less than 1% power loss while adding less than 2.5 lbs total weight to the bike. Traction and safety in wet and treacherous terrain are dramatically improved by AWD.

“We are excited to get back to our roots in the bicycle industry and provide Fatbike enthusiasts with the unmatched traction of AWD,” said Steve Christini “Kate Leeming has been testing the AWD Fat bike prototypes for several years now, and her success has proven that our AWD design will offer something truly unique to the Fatbike market.”

Kate Leeming is one of the worlds most accomplished athletes having cycled across every continent except Antarctica. She intends to be the first person to accomplish this amazing journey on board this unique AWD Fatbike. To assist with this effort, Christini AWD has launched a Kickstarter campaign to support Kate’s expedition. We welcome anyone to join in this effort at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/883527055/christini-all-wheel-drive-fat-bikes-and-antarctica

Individuals interested in purchasing a Christini AWD Fatbike should contact the company at 215-351-9895 or visit the Christini AWD Bicycle website at www.christinibicycles.com.

GAUTIER PAULIN MOVES ONCE AGAIN—THIS TIME TO HUSQVARNA

Gautier Paulin on a Kawasaki in 2014.

Gautier Paulin on a Honda in 2015-2016.

When Gautier Paulin signed on at Team Kawasaki he was expected to break Tony Cairoli’s hold on the 450 World Championship. When Honda hired Paulin away from Kawasaki, he was expected to make the red rockets into a winners (but Tim Gajser did that instead). Now, Paulin has left Honda for Husqvarna. Gautier said, “I’m really excited to be part of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna. In our sport there are no limits to improvement and I believe I’ve got everything I need now to take my riding a step further. I’m in a very professional team that’s proven they have the potential to win championships. We have a very good base in terms of equipment and the best support to battle for the top. Obviously, I need time to adapt to my new bike, but my goal is to get the best feeling I ever had on a bike. With 20 rounds announced for next year’s MXGP series, it’s going to be more important than ever to remain consistent and stay away from injuries. My plan is to work harder than ever to get familiar with the bike and prepare myself for every different kind of track.”

MAVERICK PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS TO LICENSE VP RACING FUELS

Maverick press release: Maverick Performance Products (MPP) signed a long-term trademark license agreement with VP Racing Fuels to market, manufacture and sell VP-branded lubricants in the US, Canada and Mexico. The agreement comes on the heels of VP’s recent introduction of VP Racing Lubricants, a family of professional grade racing oils, high performance motor oils, engine break-in oils, assembly lube and high performance gear oils. The product line will boast an initial portfolio of 90+ SKUs, available early in first quarter 2017. With the agreement, MPP will manufacture VP Racing Lubricants according to VP’s strict specifications and both companies will market the product line through targeted retail channels and select wholesale petroleum distributors, according to Shane Terry, Managing Director of Maverick Performance Products. “We’re establishing a value-added marketing platform wherein VP’s 41-year history of manufacturing high-performance racing fuels and MPP’s upstream expertise in refining, finished lubricant blending and packaging will serve to bring top-quality products closer to the consumer. VP currently offers a remarkable 70+ fuel blends, each formulated to optimize performance in specific applications,” Terry continued. “We aim to take the same approach with lubes – to generate ultimate performance with the best product for each specific application. It’s a business model driven by the competitive will to win and a recognition that we’re manufacturing performance parts, not just lubricants.” said Terry.

PRO CIRCUIT BLACK FRIDAY SALE COMING ON NOV. 25

For more info go to www.procircuit.com

YAMAHA LAUNCHES NEW CREDIT CARD PROGRAM

Yamaha press release: Yamaha Motor Finance Corp., USA, has launched an all-new credit card program that is available through all Yamaha dealers starting November 1, 2016. This important Yamaha-exclusive consumer financing tool is replacing an outgoing program that had been managed by various banks over the last 20 years.

“Yamaha will maintain the key features our dealers and customers value, while providing the program directly through our captive finance company,” says Kim Ruiz, Vice-President of Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS) and President and CEO of YMFUS. “The new credit card moves Yamaha closer to our dealers and customers, allowing us to better understand and fulfill their needs.” The new program provides an easy-to-use application process and instant approvals to qualifying customers when they are considering a new purchase, and the revolving line of credit provided by the card translates to repeat purchases. YMFUS is supporting the card with low, attractive special financing promotions and expects the new program to serve as the primary financing source for many of Yamaha’s products, including Motorcycles, ATV’s, Side-by-Side vehicles and Personal Watercraft.

YMUS launched Yamaha Motor Finance last year to initially focus on first-time and limited credit buyers, enabling its dealers to expand their business in a segment underserved by traditional banks and lenders. This new credit card program will allow Yamaha Motor Finance to expand its focus to “Prime” consumers and take over a program that has provided financing solutions to more than one million customers.

PRO CIRCUIT 2017 KX250F & KX450F AXLE BLOCKS

Pro Circuit press release: Pro Circuit now has axle blocks for the new 2017 Kawasaki KX250F and 2016-2017 KX450F. CNC-machined from aircraft quality billet aluminum for light weight and durability, Pro Circuit Axle Blocks have easy-to-see adjustment lines for quick and accurate wheel alignment. Used by our Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team, Pro Circuit Axle Blocks are a great way to add a bit of factory style to your bike. They retail for $62.95 for all 2016-2017 KX250F/KX450F models. For more info go to www.procircuit.com

WPS BECOMES DISTRIBUTOR FOR ALPINESTARS MOTOCROSS PRODUCTS

Craig Shoemaker and Gabriele Mazzarolo seal the deal.

WPS press release: Western Power Sports is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Alpinestars for distribution of motocross and off-road riding products in the United States. Effective from November 2016, WPS will begin to distribute Alpinestars’ offroad and adventure boots, neck supports, knee braces, knee/shin/elbow guards, chest protectors and roost guards, protective undergarments, moto socks and a limited line of MX casualwear from its six regional warehouses strategically located throughout the United States.

To kick off the new agreement, on Friday, October 28th the WPS management team and sales rep force, along with staff from Alpinestars, took part in a ride day at the WPS test track located on-site at WPS headquarters in Boise, Idaho. The ride day enabled WPS sales reps and staff to use Alpinestars products in a real-world track-day scenario before attending product training the next day in downtown Boise. Alpinestars athletes Andrew Short, Justin Barcia, and Eli Tomac were on hand to support the event and talk shop with the WPS team.

Craig Shoemaker, WPS President and CEO: “We couldn’t be more proud to put together this new partnership with Alpinestars. With their long and storied history of producing premium products, as well as their passion and support of all things motorsports, we are honored to be the newest Alpinestars distributor. This brand fits perfectly into our long-term goal to offer our dealers the best product, service, and delivery in the powersports industry.”

Gabriele Mazzarolo, Alpinestars President and CEO: “Alpinestars has always been, at its core, a product innovation company. From the very beginning, with the first protective motocross boot to the current Tech 10, knee braces and advanced body protection for off-road riding, including the first fully independent airbag for motorcycle road riding and the most lightweight fireproof material for Formula 1, as just a few examples, we have always concentrated on developing the most advanced products for our Athletes to win Championships and our audience to enjoy their activities in motorsports. Distribution is essential to bring the benefits of all this innovation to our customers and we are happy to announce the start of the cooperation with WPS; enlarging our distribution across the US market.”

Alpinestars products will begin shipping to WPS dealers through WPS’ six regional warehouses beginning in November. For information about WPS and its growing list of brands and product offerings, visit them online at www.wps-inc.com.

HOLIDAY INN OF VICTORVILLE GIVING DISCOUNTS TO VINTAGE RACERS

For more info on the November 18 Route 66 Scrambles go to www.oldschoolscramblesracing.com. To reserve a room go to www.hivictorville.com