MXA MID-WEEK REPORT: Comeback Rider Of The Year Already?! Privateer Team Spotlight: Riley MX, Inside Stewart’s Lid, New Products, Bikes Of The Stars And A3 Outtakes

On Feb 13, 2009

MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

By: Zap

FEATURE PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Although the track at A3 was rideable, many parts of the infield weren’t….as E-Street MX backed Kramer Patterson discovered when heÿfound himselfÿoff the race line. Photo by John Ker.

ANAHEIM THREE PHOTO GALLERY: The Stewart/Alessi Grudge Match

In their heat race, the always fast starting Mike Alessi was drag racing James Stewart into the second turn…

While Josh Grant is heading into Ben Coisy on the inside, Alessi took Stewart high causing the Yamaha rider to bobble slightly…

Stewart, of course, is not one to either: A. Get brake checked, or B. Lose. So following the previous run-in, James chased Mike through the whoops down the next straight….

And returned the favor before riding off for another dominant win. And so it goes!

MXA MINI-VIEW: Jake Moss ? The Comeback Kid

Jake Moss wasn’t sure what to expect in his comeback ride at A3.

Just by browsing the 250 West class results of A3 you might not be too impressed with Jake Moss and his 14th place finish. But for Jake, just being able to ride a motorcycle was something special. Not only did he out-qualify a bunch of riders to make it into the main where he finished ahead of six other guys, but the most notable difference between the 20-year-old Troy Lee Designs rider and his competitors was that Jake had only been riding his bike for the previous week. A bad crash back in October left the Aussie rider seriously injured and bed ridden for eight weeks. It was only two weeks ago that his doctor gave him clearance to ride again.

In the first timed practice, Jake went out aboard the TLD/Sea Span Honda that he had gotten only one day of specific Supercross practice (and set-up) on and came away with the fastest time by two seconds. That performance was good enough to get Jake into the night program. For most anyone, from that point on, nothing else would’ve really mattered, but it did to Jake. Here’s what Jake had to say about how things went.

MXA: Back in October you crashed and broke your back – can you tell us what happened?
Jake: It was the day after I’d made my deal with Troy and I was out practicing. I had just finished a moto and was headed back to my truck for a drink, had my goggles off and just before I got to the truck I decided to ride over this small rhythm section. I ended up hitting a neutral, went over the bars and my bike hit me. At first I thought I was just winded, but then I started having this weird feeling coming through my body. I went to the hospital. They said I just had a small crack. I went to another doctor and they found the real injury ? I crushed my thoracic T-5 vertebra.

It took winning the LCQ to qualify, but Jake made the 250 West main in his first race back from serious injury.

MXA: What was the aftermath of all that?
Jake: It was a nightmare really. I ended up in this hospital that didn’t have insurance to work on back injuries, so they were going to release me. Making it worse, it was a Saturday so the place was filling up with a bunch of drunks and party people who’d been taking drugs. They were in the halls and bumping my bed and I was freaking out thinking that some of the movement could jar my spine and paralyze me. None of the nurses would move me because they were afraid of the liability. I heard the doctors say they wanted to put me in an ambulance, but since it was raining out they wouldn’t do that. I told them I’d sue them if they tried to kick me out. Finally, I got airlifted to a hospital in Sydney and that’s where I stayed for the next eight weeks. I ended up having to lay flat on my back for eight weeks. I wasn’t allowed to move or roll over and I even had to be hand fed to keep from moving.

MXA: So when were you finally able to get up and move around?
Jake:ÿ I flew to the States just before Christmas and I was thinking about going to Las Vegas for New Years to watch Robbie Maddison make his jump, but I was afraid with the crowd and everything that it might not be the best idea, so I didn’t go. My back feels 100%, but I still feel the need to be cautious.

MXA: So how does that kind of injury affect your racing?
Jake: Well, I had to make the decision if I was going to keep racing, but racing is my life – it’s what I do.ÿ

Last year Jake rode for Star Yamaha. At the Glen Helen National he raced hard against his future Troy Lee Designs/Sea Span teammate Sean Borkenhagen.

MXA: How would you rate your comeback?
Jake: I have to say that it was just awesome to back on a bike. The weather was good for me because with the mud anything can happen. I’d say the injury is still in the back of my mind, but it seems to matter less each time I ride. I was pumped to have the fastest time in the that first qualifier, but in the first heat race I started making some rookie moves by trying to make things happen to quickly. I was also getting some bad arm pump which I expected. I missed qualifying by one place which was a bummer because no one likes to race the LCQ, but at least I won that and that was cool. I ended up crashing a few times in the main, but overall getting through the whole night was a big weight off my shoulders.

MXA: What about the future? You have San Diego this weekend, followed by a seven week break with two Supercross rounds and then finally the outdoors.
Jake: The seven weeks will be good because it will give me a chance to get in shape and get my bike sorted out a lot more. After that I’m just hoping to get a good result in the last three Supercross races. Since the Troy Lee program is only for the 250 west coast series, I need to start looking for an outdoor program. I know right now the budgets are really tight due to the economy, but if I could get a deal with aÿ good bike and bonus structure for the outdoors I’d be stoked. The bike side of it is so important. I was on Yamaha for the last seven years so it was good to change. I think you can even see that with Chad and how he’s excited to be on a new bike. And my bike makes me happy to ride it everyday ? it’s the fastest thing I’ve ever ridden.

ÿ
MXA PRESS RELEASE: Sunline Wheels

(Press release) Brand new for 2009 are the Sunline wheels. Why are Sunline wheels different? Everything. We use is our own design from the hub to the spoke to the rim. What does that mean? You get perfect alignment for the spokes when they leave the hub to when they meet the rim. Also being our own design, we are able to use one size spoke for the front and one size for the rear. What does all that mean? You get a more evenly tensioned wheel that is stronger than any other wheel on the market?oh it’s lighter too – under 15 pounds for a front and rear wheel.

Sunline Rims are extruded from a proprietary 7000 series alloy then rolled to a coil and electro fused and machined for a consistent round shape and tire bead match. Crush tested to other rims on the market, the Sunline rim is stronger

The Sunline hubs employ tight tolerances to ensure perfect concentricity. Drilling angles in the hub and rim are perfectly matched to the spoke bend angles. This creates a stronger, more efficient wheel.ÿWheel spacers are captive, thus there is no way the elements will enter hub causing premature wear. They are totally sealed and will not fall off while mounting. Utilizes the optimum 100 mm x 100mm front flanges and 120mm x 100mm rear flanges. Creating a stronger and durable wheel.ÿTwo cross lacing pattern is optimum for resilience and strength.ÿWe spec an ultra high grade ABEC 3 bearing. Bearings are within .0001 tolerance means almost no drag. Chevron waterproof, non-fling 80% load pack grease is used.ÿThe Sunline spokes are forged and utilize a Nylock anti-seize treatment. This is a feature that will not allow the the unique six-point nipple to back out of the rim due to vibration.ÿThe Sunline Spokes are made of 7075 hardened to T-6 alloy then clear anodized with a black ED finish that won’t flake or rub off and does not add unwanted weight.ÿ

The SunLine wheels are available in either nickel or black finish. For more info, Click Here.
ÿÿ

PRIVATEER TEAM SPOTLIGHT: RILEY MX

The Riley MX team was started last year by the father and son duo of dad Blake Gillman (r)ÿand his son Riley. For the 2009 season they have two west coast riders under their tent; Scott Champion and Adam Chatfield.ÿ

MXA: Tell us about your team?
Riley: We started as a parts and accessory shop in Scottsdale, Arizona, and then we decided to start taking the parts to the riders at the races. So many times we would see racers break something when they were racing and not have a spare to race again, so we thought it would be a good service. Last year we decided to take the next step and start a Pro team. We did the 250 west coast Supercross series and then the outdoor series with Michael Blose when his Supercross ride ended. We found Scott Champion through the middle of the outdoor series and he’s now become our key guy. Scott is the perfect kind of rider a sponsor would want, always willing to do what ever is necessary.

Riley Gillman has a team named after him and the task as team crew chief.

MXA: So what’s the deal for 2009 – how has the program changed?
Riley: We learned a lot last year, one which is that it’s probably not the best time to start a team when the economy starts to falter. But no one knew what would happen with the economy so we’re still here, although without any major sponsor.

For more info, Click Here.ÿ

THE RILEY MX TEAM BIKEÿ

Dunlop tires, IMS pegs, Crower Cams, Works Connection clutch lever, DeCal Works graphics and Braking rotors.

Enzo suspension, Dunlop tires, Excel rims, Cycra plastic and Works Connection skid plate.

Hinson clutch, FMF pipe, Works Connection bits and radiator mount, PJ-1 lubes, No Toil filter and CV4 hoses.

Pro Taper handlebars, SDG saddle, Pro Honda oil and ODI grips.

MXA MINI-VIEW: Scott Champion

Name: Scott Champion
Age: 19
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
ÿ
MXA: How would you say your season has gone so far?
Scott: It’s been a big learning experience and every weekend I feel like I learn more and more… but it has been a lot of fun. I was super pumped to get into the 250 main at Anaheim 2 and finish 17th.
ÿ
MXA: What have you learned so far this season?
Scott: I’ve learned a lot, but starts are a pretty big key. In the beginning of the season I would be in qualifying position and would just ride over my head trying to push it and I would crash. I’ve learned to just settle in and ride my own race.

MXA: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Scott: I want to obviously get into the mains and be top ten. I know I’m capable of it and I am going to do my best to make that happen.

MXA: What about long term career goals?
Scott: I want to be up there on the podium and up there with the top guys.
ÿ
MXA: How do you like riding for Team Riley Racing?
Scott: I’m super thankful for all those guys, because without them I could honestly say I wouldn’t be here today. They’re really nice people. Riding for them is great, they take care of everything for us, just super nice people. We all get along and all put in hard work.
ÿ
MXA: Do you plan on staying with them for outdoors?
Scott: They’re still on the fence about racing outdoors.
ÿ
MXA: If you had to pick three riders to be stranded on a desert island with, who would they be?
Scott: 1. Josh Hillÿ 2. Josh Grantÿ 3. Ryder Hansen
ÿ
MXA: If you had to pick three riders you wouldn’t want to be stranded on a desert island with, who you they be?
Scott: 1. Steve Bonifaceÿ 2. Jason Lawrenceÿ 3.ÿMichaelÿLeib

MXA CLOSE-UP: Sean Estes & Stewart’s Bell Moto 8

Bell’s Sean Estes strikes a pose with James Stewart’s Moto 8.

MXA: Can you tell us a little about James’ helmet?

Sean: It’s a production Bell Moto 8, but he’s using some prototype Moto 9 cheek pads that we’re still developing. We’ve been testing the foam that we use on our Bell Star road helmet and the biggest difference is that it has a stiffer density. We probably won’t see a Moto 9 until 2010. Chris Wood fromÿAirtrix did the paint with a really cool chrome base layer. Right now we’re also working on a James Stewart signature line of helmets. We have about ten different artistsÿ – from sub-cult to mainstream – that are working onÿvarious styles and James will choose the one he likes.ÿÿ

For more info, Click Here.

THE TEAM DNA ENERGY/BTO SPORTS/BUTLER BROS. PHOTO GALLERY

Click Hereÿto see the BBMX Anaheim III photo gallery.ÿ

BELL BACK IN THE DAY

James Stewart, the Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM team and Star Yamaha are flying the Bell flag today, but the brand has been a part of motocross for a long, long time. Check the names on the boxes in this Jody Weisel photo: Gerrit Wolsink, Danny LaPorte, Tony D, Roger DeCoster and Wayne Boyer.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: DeFeet Motosock

Riding a motorcycle exposes a person to many of the same stresses as riding a bicycle. DeFeet sat down with top riders to find out exactly what they were looking for. The result is DeFeet MotoSox. Available in three heights, MotoSox are designed to work with modern motorcycle boots. They will stand up to the toughest, longest rides and keep going day after day. Pack fewer socks on your journey. Try a pair and you will find that your feet stay drier (critical to maintaining your overall body temperature). This also means that you won’t need to swap them out at the end of the day. MotoSox fit your feet closely, without bunching. They stay right where you put them. They help alleviate hot-spots. They dry more quickly during long and multi-day rides. Find out what Pro cyclists have known for 16 years. No one makes socks for two-wheeled performance like DeFeet.ÿ Also available from the DeFeet Custom Shop with your logos and choice of fibers.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
ÿÿ No-slip cuff keeps sock in place.
ÿÿ Light gray CoolMax FreshFX, made to minimize odors & maximize moisture management to keep feet dry and odor free
ÿÿ Cushioned sole to maximize comfort on and off the foot pegs
ÿÿ Vented panel on top of foot maximizes cooling
ÿÿ Terry padding around toe box area reduces impact on top of toe during shifting

For more info, Click Here.

ANAHEIM THREE OUTAKES

Despite the lack of any picnic facilities in the pits, that didn’t stop this Supercross family from enjoying a meal amidst all the bikes and fans.

The cast of characters in the press box included many motocross luminaries. (left to right) Jim Holley, David Bailey, Bevo Forte and Ron Lechien.

As if Monster needed any more PR beyond the legion of Monster clad girlies and the monster two-story high Monster encampment, they also brought out this Batman style Baja racer for spectators to ogle over.

There’s never any shortage of hands available when it comes to prepping the Champ’s bike.

With his eighth place finish Josh Hill was probably having a better time in the pits than he was on the track.

Here’s Troy Lee (right) looking over theÿSwiss-made Quantyaÿelectric bike, which can only mean one thingÿ- if electric bikes ever go big it will probably be thanks in no small part to Troy and Gavin Tripe (left) whose sense of vision and imagination have fueled some of the sport’s best ideas.ÿFor more info, Click Here.

THE CYCLING SIDE: BIKES OF THE STARS

Troy Lee andÿBlue Cycles recently teamed up to produce this sweet TT rig for NASCAR star Tony Stewart. Blue has a standing offer to anyone who buys their TT bike that they will pay for you to be in the wind tunnel in Charlotte, NC. where many NASCAR teams do their aero testing. For more info, Click Here.

RV’S GOT A SWEET NEW RIG

Ryan Villopoto picked up a new sponsor this year in Cannondale Bicycles. At A3 Ryan happily took possession of a sweet Cannondale Super Six Team Liquigas replica bike. This is the same bike ridden by Cannondale’s top Euro team and it sells for $5900 – yes, almost as much as a new 250F.

The Liquigas bike is outfitted with Campagnolo’s all new & all fantasticÿeleven speed drivetrain, plus Fulcrum wheels, Fizik saddle and bar tape and a Cannondale CAAd crankset. For more info, Click Here.

BORK’S BIKE

Troy Lee Designs rider Sean Borkenhagen was also the recipient of a new bike at Anaheim, only he chose a Cannondale mountain bike.

The $3000 Rize 3 is equipped with front & rear Avid disc brakes, five inches of travel with the one-sided Cannondale Lefty forkÿandÿFox rear shock combo. The Rize 3 represents the high-end of the aluminum Rize line with two higher-end carbon fiber versions also available. For more info, Click Here.

OVER AT THE PRO CIRCUIT TENT

ÿ
The Monster Pro Circuit team recently inked a deal with Spanish bike maker BH Bicycles to be the official bicycle of the team.

All five Pro Circuit riders will be getting their own BH Connect to ride and stay in shape with. For more info, Click Here.

WHAT DOES JAMES RIDE?

Teamed with trainer (and former Pro mountain biker) Aldon Baker, James Stewart training regimen includes a lot of cycling. James is hooked up with Specialized, who in turn hooked the San Manuel rider up with their beautiful S-Works Tarmac SL. Equipped with Shimano’s ten speed Dura-Ace drivetrain andÿZipp 404 carbon (clincher) wheels, the carbon Tarmac is a thing of beauty. For $8500 it should be! Specialized has a complete line of performance road bikes which also include the next level down Tarmac Pro SL for $5500. For more info, Click Here.

For his dirt duties, James rides a Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper. For more info, Click Here.

DON’T FORGET: The Versus Channel to Air The Tour of California

For the first time ever, Versus will air live weekday coverage of the United States top cycling event and Lance Armstrong’s second race of the season

Versus, the network that celebrates real competition and the home of professional cycling in the United States, announced today it will air wall-to-wall coverage of the fourth annual Amgen Tour of California, Lance Armstrong’s second race of the 2009 cycling season.ÿ Now in its third year of televising the race, Versus will air all nine days of the event, including live coverage of the middle stages for the first time, beginning February 14 at 5 p.m. ET.ÿ

The recently expanded 750-mile, nine-day race from Sacramento to San Diego County will feature the world’s top professional cyclists and teams including: Lance Armstrong in his first Amgen Tour of California competition, two-time defending race champion Levi Leipheimer and top U.S.-based teams Garmin-Slipstream and Team Columbia-Highroad.ÿ Vsersus’ on-air broadcast team of Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, the undisputed voices of cycling, will call all the race action.ÿÿ

“The Amgen Tour of California has become one of cycling’s most prestigious events and we’re excited to offer cycling fans nine straight days of all the intense competition the race usually delivers,” said Jamie Davis, President of Vsersus.ÿ “With strong U.S.-based teams and Lance Armstrong competing in the race for the first time, it is undoubtedly a marquee year for the race and we’re extremely proud to be able to showcase each weekday stage live for the first time.”ÿ

VERSUS’ ON-AIR SCHEDULE FOR THE AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

February 7ÿÿÿÿÿÿ Preview Showÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ ÿÿ 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)

February 14ÿÿÿÿ Prologue – Sacramento (live/same-day delay)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)ÿÿÿÿÿ

February 15ÿÿÿÿ Stage 1, Davis to Santa Rosa (live/same-day delay)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT)

February 16ÿÿÿÿ Stage 2, Sausalito to Santa Cruz (live)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ

February 17ÿÿÿÿ Stage 3, San Jose to Modesto (live)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿÿ 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)ÿÿÿÿÿÿ

February 18ÿÿÿÿ Stage 4, Merced to Clovis (live)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)

February 19ÿÿÿÿ Stage 5, Visalia to Paso Robles (live)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ

February 20ÿÿÿÿ Stage 6, Solvang time trial (live)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)

February 21ÿÿÿÿ Stage 7, Santa Clarita to Pasadena (live/same-day delay)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿÿ 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ

February 22ÿÿÿÿ Stage 8, Rancho Bernardo to Escondido (live/same-day delay)ÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ ÿ 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)

Times subject to change

“The 4th edition of the Amgen Tour of California will have the greatest collection of riders ever assembled on American soil,” said Andrew Messick, President of AEG Sports. “Besides Lance Armstrong, we are expecting a generation’s worth of great American riders in Levi Leipheimer, Christian van de Velde, Floyd Landis, current national champion Tyler Hamilton and four-time stage winner George Hincapie. International riders include current Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre, Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso, Fabian Cancellara, Tom Boonen, Thor Hushvold and the fastest man in the world, Mark Cavendish.”

For more info, Click Here.