MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: THE AMA NATIONAL COUNTDOWN CLOCK IS RUNNING

2020 AMA 250/450 NATIONAL WINNERS AT A GLANCE: THREE TO GO

Adam Cianciarulo has won the last two 450 Nationals and is on a hot streak with only three races to go.

Date                       Venue                                        450                                      250
1. Aug. 15…Hurricane Mills, TN…………..Zach Osborne              Dylan Ferrandis
2. Aug. 22…Hurricane Mills, TN…………..Zach Osborne             Jeremy Martin
3. Aug. 29…Crawfordsville, IN……………..Eli Tomac                        Jeremy Martin
4. Sept. 4….Red Bud, MI………………………..Zach Osborne             Jeremy Martin
5. Sept. 7….Red Bud, MI………………………..Adam Cianciarulo      R.J. Hampshire
6. Sept. 19…Millville, MN……………………..Adam Cianciarulo      Dylan Ferrandis
7. Sept. 26…Jacksonville, FL…………….
8. Oct. 3…Lakewood, CO…………………..
9. Oct. 10…Pala, CA……………………………
450 Points leader…Zach Osborne
250 points leader…Dylan Ferrandis

CURRENT 2020 AMA NATIONAL POINT STANDINGS

Zach Osborne had a solid lead heading to Millville, but a flat tire in the second 450 moto left him 15 points in front of Adam Cianciarulo, 20 points up on Marvin Musquin, 39-points ahead of Eli Tomac and 41 points in front of Justin Barcia.

2020 AMA 250 NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS
(After 6 of 9 rounds)
1. Dylan Ferrandis (Yam)…257
2. Jeremy Martin (Hon)…254
3. R.J. Hampshire (Hus)…202
4. Alex Martin (Suz)…194
5. Shane McElrath (Yam)…186
6. Justin Cooper (Yam)…164
7. Jett Lawrence (Hon)…162
8. Cameron McAdoo (Kaw)…140
9. Mitchell Harrison (Kaw)…123
10. Brandon Hartranft (KTM)…114

2020 AMA 450 NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS
(After 5 of 9 rounds)
1. Zach Osborne (Hus)…235
2. Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw)…220
3. Marvin Musquin (KTM)…215
4. Eli Tomac (Kaw)…196
5. Justin Barcia (Yam)…194
6. Blake Baggett (KTM)…190
7. Chase Sexton (Hon)…173
8. Christian Craig (Hon)…141
9. Broc Tickle (Yam)…134
10. Joey Savatgy (Suz)…122

 

DEAN WILSON OUT OF AMA 450 NATIONALS — TORN MENISCUS

Dean Wilson sidelined.

Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team’s Dean Wilson will miss the remainder of the 2020 AMA Pro Motocross Championship due to a knee injury sustained during a practice incident last week. Wilson will undergo surgery to repair a slight tear in his left meniscus . He had already signed his 2021 contract, so he can start the recovery process without worrying about his job.

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO CIRCUIT ENGINE PLUG KITS

Press Release: At Pro Circuit, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality accessories that are more durable than OEM and give your bike a factory look as well. This is why we’re excited to release our new Engine Plug Kit for the 2014-2020 YZ250F and 2010-2020 YZ450F models. Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, hand polished and anodized blue, these new plugs are a must-have for any rider looking to add a little flash to their YZF. Give your bike an upgrade with Pro Circuit accessories. For more info go to www.procircuit.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 450SXF

 

2020 FIM 250/450 GRAND PRIX WINNERS AT A GLANCE

Who would have thunk it? Tony Cairoli not only won his second 450 GP of 2020, but he took over the points lead in the 450 World Championships.

Date                       Venue                                        450                                      250
1. Mar. 1…Matterley, Great Britain …..Jeffrey Herlings        Tom Vialle
2. Mar. 8…Valkenswaard, Holland…….Jeffrey Herlings        Jago Geerts
3. Aug. 9…Kegums, Latvia…………………..Glenn Coldenhoff     Tom Vialle
4. Aug. 12…Kegums, Latvia………………..Tony Cairoli                 Jago Geerts         
5. Aug. 16…Kegums, Latvia………………..Jeffrey Herlings        Jago Geerts
6. Sept. 6…Faenza, Italy……………………..Jeffrey Herlings        Maxime Renaux
7. Sept. 9…Faenza, Italy………………………Jorge Prado               Tom Vialle
8. Sept. 13…Faenza, Italy……………………Tony Cairoli                 Tom Vialle
9. Sept. 27…Mantova, Italy
10. Sept. 30…Mantova, Italy
11. Oct. 4…Mantova, Italy
12. Oct. 11..Arroyomolinos, Spain
13. Oct. 18…Lommel, Belgium
14. Oct. 21…Lommel, Belgium
15. Oct. 25…Lommel, Belgium
16. Nov. 1…Trentino, Italy
17. Nov. 4…Trentino, Italy
18. Nov. 8…Trentino, Italy
450 Points leader…Tony Cairoli
250 points leader…Tom Vialle

 

CURRENT 2020 FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

With the exception of Glenn Coldenhoff’s victory in Latvia on the GasGas, every 450 Grand Prix of 2020 has been won by a KTM—and the kicker is that Coldenhoff’s GasGas is a KTM at heart.

2020 FIM 450 GRAND PRIX POINTS STANDINGS
(After 8 of 16 rounds)
1. Tim Gajser (Hon)…278
2. Tony Cairoli (KTM)…285
3. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)…263
4. Jeremy Seewer (Yam)…255
5. Jorge Prado (KTM)…237
6. Arminas Jasikonis (Hus)…233
7. Glenn Coldenhoff (Gas)…233
8. Romain Febvre (Kaw)…203
9. Gautier Paulin (Yam)…201
10. Clement Desalle (Yam)…194

Jago Geerts got to within 3 points of the 250 World Championship points lead two week’s ago, but a 3-9 this past weekend dropped him to 21-points behind Tom Vialle.

2020 FIM 250 GRAND PRIX POINTS STANDINGS
(After 8 of 16 rounds)
1. Tom Vialle (KTM)…354
2. Jago Geerts (Yam)…333
3. Maxime Renaux (Yam)…259
4. Jed Beaton (Hus)…247
5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (Kaw)…210
6. Ben Watson (Yam)…191
7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (Hus)…188
8. Mathys Boisrame (Kaw)…182
9. Conrad Mewse (KTM)…162
10. Ruben Fernandez (Yam)…156

 

THE REM RACE SCHEDULE FOR WHAT’S LEFT OF 2020

REM has announced the six remaining races on its 2020 race schedule. The very popular REM races at Glen Helen have had their 2020 season disrupted by the coronavirus situation, but plan to hold their normal 30 races in 2021. The big news is that the yearly Octobercross, a continuation of the old REM “Commotion-by-the-Ocean” event from Carlsbad Raceway, will be held prior to the November 6-8 World Vet Championship on October 17. Here are the remaining six races on the 2020 schedule, starting on October 10 and finishing on December 19. For more info go to www.remsatmx.com

2020 REM RACE SCHEDULE
Oct. 10….REM track
Oct. 17…STI Tires, X Brand Goggles Octobercross on the Vet World track
Oct. 24…REM track
Nov. 14…REM track
Dec. 5…REM track
Dec. 19….REM track

 

MXA TEAM TESTED: VP RACING T2 PRE-MIXED TWO-STROKE FUEL

T2 is a two-stroke racing fuel that is already pre-mixed with oil. It requires no mixing; just pour and go. T2 is a leaded fuel with a 105-octane rating (R+M/2). This is more than sufficient to provide all modern two-strokes with protection against detonation. T2 vaporizes better, burns cleaner, contains no ethanol and remains stable in a sealed container for up to two years. It should be noted that VP Racing’s T2 is formulated for modern water-cooled two-strokes. If you own an air-cooled two-stroke, please stick with VP’s C12 two-stroke fuel. C12 has a 113-octane rating and is recommended for compression ratios as high as 15:1. It is the go-to gas for ported, milled and air-cooled engines. Modern pump gas has ethanol in it. Ethanol-blended pump gas can foul carburetors and goes bad after just a few weeks in storage. To address those problems, VP Racing Fuels has introduced T2, which is ethanol-free fuel.

T2 is pre-mixed at a 40:1 ratio with a top-quality, JASO FD-rated, certified premium two-stroke oil. Although VP does not say what two-stroke oil it uses in the T2 mixture, we would bet the pre-mix oil is Maxima and the fuel is VP Racing’s VPR fuel.

With 5 gallons of premium pump gas going for around $20.00 and a liter of pre-mix running $15.00, T2 retails for about $30.00 more than 5 gallons of conventional 91-octane fuel. The price is not comparable, however, because T2 does not contain any ethanol (pump gas contains at least 10 percent), and the octane rating of T2 is 14 points higher than premium pump gas. Plus, T2 is prepackaged in a metal container and has a life span of two years (while pump gas goes bad in a couple of weeks).

Thanks to its oxygen content and high octane rating, T2 produced more power in our KTM 250SX, Husky TC250 and Yamaha YZ250. Although the gains were modest across the board, the engine ran crisper. Pinging under a load was totally eliminated, and throttle response was better. The T2 offered a degree of consistency that pump gas can never guarantee. Consistent performance is especially important for riders on the road to far-away race events where they have to buy gas from strange stations. Although we didn’t have to re-jet for our mildly modified engine, it would be a good idea to carry a one-size-larger main and pilot with you to the track to deal with changing temperature and humidity conditions.

DIGITS. $73.00 in 5-gallon containers —  www.vpracingfuels.com or (210) 635-7799.

MXA RATING: The decision to buy race gas for your smoker should be based on whether you want the power increase more than you want the money.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450

 

WHAT’S INSIDE THE OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE OF MXA?

The October 2020 issue of MXA features close-up looks and tech specs for the 2021 Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis. Plus, the best barn find ever, know-how from Twisted Development’s Jamie Ellis and an interview with the long forgotten Mike Hartwig.

What would you do if you found a 1979 Yamaha YZ125 sitting in the back corner of a barn. Dan Alamangos ask himself that same question. His answer was to restore it to exactly how it was raced 41 years ago.

This wasn’t just any 1979 Yamaha YZ125. When the dust was wiped off it was found to be equipped with exotic Thork leading link forks and a rare Fox Mono Airshox. Oh yeah, it also had the relatives of Mickey and Minnie living in the airbox.

It’s hard to imagine that a Czechoslovakian motorcycle was once the winningest Grand Prix bike of all-time. Unfortunately, that was a long time ago, but we will always have the joy of racing a 1972 CZ yellow tanker as kids.

We are proud that Yamaha still makes two-strokes when their partners in the “Big Four” gave up. We are even prouder that Yamaha has taken those motocross smokers and turned them into a line cross-country racers to give KTM a run for their money in the off-road world.

Ask a question on the internet and you will get 20 different answers, but only one anwer is correct and you don’t know which one it is.  Ask the MXperts and you’ll get the real inside scoop. Ever wonder if you could turn your KTM 250SXF into a KTM 350SXF with just a top-end change? Think again.

Once we saw the 2021 KX450F, we knew that we could take our trusty, but rusty, 2020 Kawasaki KX450 and make it better than the 2021 KX. Read all about it here.

Mike Hartwig was a true Cinderfella story. He came out of no where, well Michigan to be honest, and shocked the factory riders with his speed. Mike Hartwig won AMA Nationals, made the MXDN team and a year later was gone. Read the story of Mike Hartwig’s brief but spectacular career.

We sent MXA’s Josh Mosiman to a Supercross track to test Mitchell Falk’s BWR Engines Honda CRF250. The BWR team is one of the most successful privateer Supercross effort in the sport. Learn how they do it and what other privateer teams could do to be as good.

Remember when Ryan Sipes raced for the Rockstar Energy Suzuki team? Of course you do, but we thought it would nice to revisit his 2013 Suzuki RM-Z250.

Even the greats have to reconsider the decisions they make. This is Ryan Villopoto at the 2013 Monster Energy Cup rethinking the last jump.

 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA SO THAT YOU NEVER MISS ANOTHER ISSUE, PLUS GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD TO COVER YOUR COSTS

If you subscribe to MXA you can get the mag on your iPhone, iPad, Kindle or Android by going to the Apple Store, Amazon or Google Play or in a digital version. Even better you can subscribe to Motocross Action and get the awesome print edition delivered to your house by a uniformed employee of the U.S. Government. Did we mention the $25 gift card for any part you want from Rocky Mountain ATV/MX? You can call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here (or on the box at the bottom of this page) to subscribe.

 

MXA TEAM TESTED: REKLUSE 12-PLATE TORQDRIVE CRF450 CLUTCH

The Rekluse 12-plate TorqDrive clutch pack for the Honda CRF450 is made in the USA. It is the same basic system used by the factory teams, only at an affordable price point. It uses your stock components and is a plug-and-play plate replacement system. This clutch system is available for all of the major bike brands. The 2017 to 2020 Honda CRF450s are known for their weak clutches. The clutch is critical on the 2019-20 CRF450s because the bikes are pumping out over 60 horsepower. This monster power puts a strain on the CRF450’s already weak clutch. The CRF450 has a tendency to go through clutch plates quickly, which causes the oil to get contaminated at a faster rate, requiring more frequent oil changes.

The Rekluse TorqDrive clutch pack increases the clutch torque capacity by about 20 percent. With 12 plates, the TorqDrive pack offers a lighter lever feel and a more controlled release at your fingertips. Not only does it have a smoother feel, it also helped with the throttle-to-rear-wheel consistency. When testing it, the engagement let out quite early with a smoother transition, allowing more control over the bike. During testing of the Rekluse clutch pack, the MXA wrecking crew had no issues. It lasted much longer than the stock clutch with better feel. The play in the lever also stayed consistent. On the plus side, we noticed that the oil was cleaner when changing it out compared to the stock clutch. We checked it at regular intervals to see the condition of the metal sleeves on the basket tangs. It’s important to note that clutches are high-wear parts. In fact, they work by wearing the plates down, so regular maintenance is required.

Installing the Rekluse TorqDrive clutch pack is fairly easy—if you follow the instructions to a T. The Rekluse clutch cover ($159) is not required, but it holds more oil and offers a factory look. The TorqDrive clutch pack comes with springs, 12 TorqDrive friction plates and 10 steel drive plates. The tools that are needed to install the Rekluse TorqDrive clutch pack are a fluid catch container, 8mm socket, 10mm socket, torque wrench and awl. After draining the oil, lay the bike on its left side. Disassemble the OEM clutch. Check the clutch basket for notching on the tangs, then install the new clutch. This clutch comes with steel basket sleeves to reduce notching on the tangs, so install these first. Follow the instructions from there. For more detailed installation instructions, see the manual on the Rekluse website.

DIGITS? $349.00 (TorqDrive Pack), $159.00 (Rekluse clutch cover) — www.rekluse.com or (208) 426-0659

MXA RATING: This is a must-have product for the 2017–2020 Honda CRF450. It is a vastly superior product to the OEM clutch. 

 

MXA VIDEO: FIRST RIDE ON THE 2021 KTM 350SXF

 

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 2021 THOR MX COLLECTION

2021 REFLEX HELMET

After years of research and development, Thor’s brand-new Reflex helmet embodies the infusion of style and technology. Available with carbon fiber or fiberglass composite shell, the Reflex offers Koroyd technology integrated into a premium dual-density EPS liner in conjunction with MIPS Brain Protection System. This unique combination of multiple technologies in a single helmet is what truly sets the Reflex apart from the competition.

THOR PRIME PRO GEAR

Factory Red Bull KTM ace Cooper Webb has preferred the Prime Pro chassis since it was launched in 2019. It was throughout Cooper’s championship-winning season and strong 2020 series follow up that THOR gathered vital race day knowledge to enhance the Prime Pro for 2021. Featuring new lay-flat, inboard side cinches, amplified density In-Motion main chassis fabric and upgraded stretch mesh panels in critical areas, the revamped Prime Pro pant is ready to continue its winning ways.

THOR PULSE GEAR

Taking critical material and fit cues from Prime Pro, the all-new Pulse chassis continues a legacy rooted in materials designed for better abrasion resistance and extended wear, with focused integration of In-Motion materials at key locations to reduce weight and increase flexibility. No other gear on the market offers this level of tech and performance fit, at such a reasonable price.

THOR PULSE AIR GEAR

The all-new Pulse Air is purpose-built to combat troublesome heat with maximum airflow and elite functionality. The jersey offers a full mesh main chassis and engineered mesh panels strategically placed to enhance airflow and comfort. The pant boasts durable, fully breathable, “power mesh” panels incorporated with In-Motion materials to amplify performance. For more details on the entire 2021 collection, head to www.THORMX.com or visit your local Parts Unlimited dealer.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HUSQVARNA FC450

 

MXA TEST RIDER PHOTO OF THE WEEK: WE’LL RIDE ANYTHING

Nobody told Dennis Stapleton that water buffalo are dangerous when he hopped up on the back of this beast in Thailand. Luckily, they were sympatico.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ450F

 

MXA AD OF THE WEEK: DO YOU THINK MOTOCROSS GEAR IS TOO EXPENSIVE.

Well, have we got great gear for you. Dynamite Denims retail for under $25 and come with a red or yellow competition stripe down each leg. It’s time to blast off in Dynamite Denims.

 

$10,000 WORCS MOTO OFF-ROAD RACE AT GLEN HELEN THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

For more info go to www.worcsracing.com

 

2020 WISECO WORLD TWO-STROKE MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 3, 2020

For more information go to www.glenhelen.com

 

2020 OLD SCHOOL SCRAMBLES SERIES ON OCT. 3-4, OCT. 10-11 & DEC. 19-20 AT GLEN HELEN

For more information go to www.ossrg.org

 

WASHOUGAL 125 DREAM RACE POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 10-11

For more info go to www.125dreamrace.com

 

OLD SCHOOL SCRAMBLES “OKTOBERFAST” GRAND PRIX ON OCTOBER 11

For more information go to www.ossrg.org

 

36TH ANNUAL WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ON NOVEMBER 6-8: PRE-ENTRY OPEN NOW

Save money and time by submitting your online pre-entries now. The Dubya World Vet MX Championships takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday being the World Vet Motocross Championship Day. For additional savings riders have the option to sign-up for both Saturday and Sunday!
PRE-ENTRY FEES
Saturday & Sunday $100 | $90 Second Class
Saturday Only $70 | $60 Second Class
Sunday Only $70 | $60 Second
To sign-up click this link:
https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/glenhelen/index.asp?event=83&mc_cid=66136c7217&mc_eid=3c9b324536 For more information go to www.worldvetmx.com

 

24-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN ENDURANCE RACE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 21-22

Glen Helen’s 3Bros-sponsored 24-Hour off-road endurance race is scheduled for November 21-22.The 24-Hour of Glen Helen will begin on November 21 at 10:00 a.m. and end on Sunday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. The amateur teams can have 6 riders and two bikes, but the Pro teams can only have 4 riders and must finish the 24 hours on the one bike. Headlights are required for the 24-hour. For more info go to www.glenhelen.com.

 

8TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY ON SATURDAY, DEC. 5 AT PALA

For more information go to www.kurtcaselli.com.

 

KEEPING TRACK OF THE 2020 RACE SCHEDULES

Tony Cairoli’s 10th Grand Prix Championship hopes got a boost when the revised 2020 MXGP schedule came out and had nine races held in Italy (out of 18 events) .

TENTATIVE AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Aug. 15…Hurricane Mills, TN
Aug. 22…Hurricane Mills, TN
Aug. 29…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 4 (Friday)…Red Bud, MI
Sept. 7 (Monday) …Red Bud, MI
Sept. 19…Millville, MN
Sept. 26…Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 3…Lakewood, CO
Oct. 10…Pala, CA, CA

REVISED 2020 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 1…Matterley, Great Britain
Mar. 8…Valkenswaard, Holland
Aug. 9…Kegums, Latvia
Aug. 12…Kegums, Latvia
Aug. 16…Kegums, Latvia
Sept. 6…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 9…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 13…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 27…Mantova, Italy
Sept. 30…Mantova, Italy
Oct. 4…Mantova, Italy
Oct. 11..Arroyomolinos, Spain
Oct. 18…Lommel, Belgium
Oct. 21…Lommel, Belgium
Oct. 25…Lommel, Belgium
Nov. 1…Trentino, Italy
Nov. 4…Trentino, Italy
Nov. 8…Trentino, Italy

2020 WISECO WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Oct. 3…Glen Helen, CA

2020 DUBYA WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 6-8…Glen Helen , CA

2020 FIM MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
CANCELED

 

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