GASGAS TO BUILD A MOTO3 ROAD RACE BIKE FOR 2021 MOTOGP SEASON
GasGas is expanding their global racing program for 2021 and going road racing for the first time ever! They will team up with Aspar team manager Jorge Martinez and riders Sergio Garcia and Izan Guevara for the 2021 FIM Moto3 World Road Racing Championship. GasGas is a Spanish brand and the Spaniards are wild about motorcycle racing. Since Aspar is a Spanish team and the two riders are Spanish, it should give a boost to the Barcelona brand to have a Spanish bike (albeit KTM powered) competing against the world’s best. It’s a perfect fit.
They will race Gas Gas RC 250GP machines, once they are built. As for now, the photo is a computer-generated image of the concept bike. The Aspar team was founded by four-time World Champion Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez and the team has 95 race victories and 304 podiums since it started racing back in 1992 in the former 125cc category, where they won four World Championships between 2006 and 2011. During the 2020 season, the Aspar team was led by Albert Arenas who claimed three Grand Prix wins and five podiums.
TEAM PUERTO RICO’S SECOND OVERALL AT THE WORLD VET CUP OF NATIONS WAS A DREAM COME TRUE
Puerto Rican Team Captain Nickl Luciano, explains how happy he is that Team Puerto Rico’s Kevin Barda, Luis Grana and himself made a 20-year-old dream come true.
“In 1999/2000 I was living in Puerto Rico and I remember watching Glen Helen National on TV,” say Nick Luciano. “That year Sebastien Tortelli dominated the Glen Helen National like no other. Coming from behind in both motos, he beat everyone. It was truly a masters class! From the distance, I always dreamed of racing at Glen Helen. Little did I know that in 2008 I would come to California and take a one-day motocross school with Sebastien Tortelli at Perris Raceway (which he owned at the time). During those few hours, I realized how little I knew about riding a dirt bike. He told me that if I wanted to improve I had to move to California!
“I was living in Colorado at the time and after 12 years of snow and cold weather, I told my wife that we were moving to California! I quit my job and moved here in November of 2012! I was living in my RV at an RV Park while I secured a job that would allow me to relocate my family (my wife stayed home in Colorado pregnant with our second child!). Looking back that was insane! But thank god I got a great job and we all moved to Menifee in January 2013.
“I met world Vet Founder Tom White in 2013 during my first time at the World Vet Championships. He was genuine, funny, full of life! He wanted to know where I was from and I told him I was from Puerto Rico! From that point forward every single time we met he would say ‘Puerto Ricooo!’ Later I formed a team to race the World Vet and he started calling me ‘Team Puerto Ricoooo!’
“Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that many years later (20 years to be exact from the moment I watch AMA National at Glen Helen on TV), that I would be racing for Team Puerto Rico in the World Cup of Nations and taking my team to second place on the podium! I could not believe we were standing next to Mike Brown and Doug Dubach! Plus, we got to pop a bottle of champagne and spray the crowd! Just wanted to share this personal note and give you thanks forkeeping Tom’s legacy alive! This is a great race”
2021 AMA SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE CHANGES: DOUBLE HEADERS BECOME TRIPLE HEADERS…WHAT NEXT? 17-HEADER?
Scheduling issues, related to the coronavirus, have resulted in the 2021 Supercros season being boiled down, at this point, to four triple headers and Daytona. The season finale will take place at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on a yet to be determined date— along with three other yet to be announced (TBA) races—probably another triple header.
REVISED 2021 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 16 (Saturday)…Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan. 19 (Tuesday)….Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan. 23 (Saturday)…Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan 30 (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 2 (Tuesday)….Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 6 (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 20 (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Feb. 23 (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Feb. 27 (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Mar. 6 (Saturday)…Daytona Beach, FL (250 East)
Mar. 13 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 16 (Tuesday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 20 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
May ?? (Saturday)…Salt Lake City
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450
3BROS 24-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN ENDURANCE RACE STARTS THIS SATURDAY AND ENDS ON SUNDAY
Glen Helen’s 3Bros-sponsored 24-Hour off-road endurance race is scheduled for November 21-22. The 24-Hours 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 one bike. Headlights are required for the 24-hour. For more info go to www.glenhelen.com.
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX250
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NIHILO CUSTOMIZED ALUMINUM STARTING BLOCKS
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 350SXF
2020 RED BULL DAY IN THE DIRT GRAND PRIX ON NOV. 27-29 AT GLEN HELEN RACEWAY
WHAT’S INSIDE THE DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE OF MXA?
What’s in the newest issue of MXA? How about full tests on the 2021 KTM 350SXF, 2021 Honda CRF250, 2021 Kawasaki versus 2021 Yamaha YZ450F shootout, Josh Mosiman’s World Two-Stroke Championship KTM 300SX and our 1994 CR125 restoration disaster (not only did it blow up a couple times, but it might be the ugliest project bike we ever built).
That’s not all, we interview the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” test Fly’s new zipperless pants, explain why BNG isn’t always a bad thing, spend too much time at Red Bud, look back at our 1998 test of Mike LaRocco’s Factory Connection/Jack in the Box Honda CR250 and fill the magazine up with stuff you don’t know, but need to know.
A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S INSIDE THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF MXA
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 FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO-VUE PRESCRIPTION GOGGLE NOW AVAILABLE IN 100% ACURI FRAMES
Pro-Vue has their prescription lens system available in the new 100% Accuri Gen 2 OTG goggle, and it is the best yet. Available in a half a dozen frame colors including this cool neon orange, and about a dozen different lens tints. Contact Pro-Vue at (507) 534-1247 or at www.pro-vue.com
MXA AD OF THE WEEK: WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250F
8TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY ON SATURDAY, DEC. 5 AT PALA
MXA TEAM TESTED: PRO TECH WRAP-AROUND FORK GUARDS
ProTech fork guards directly replace the standard OEM guards on WP-equipped KTM, Husqvarna, Gas Gas and Sherco dirt bikes. Plus, ProTech also makes the same guards for Hondas and Yamahas. The ProTech guards offer much more protection from roost for the fork legs, and this vastly improves the chances of your fork seals lasting twice as long.
Prior to the 2015 models, KTMs and Husqvarnas came with full-wrap fork guards. This meant that instead of just protecting the chrome on your fork legs from rock damage from the front, they also guarded against rocks ricocheting off the frame and roost thrown off the trailing edge of your own front tire from the back. Why is this important? Just one stone chip to a chrome fork leg is enough to take a divot out of the plating. The edge of that divot can tear the fork seal as it passes by. A torn seal will spew oil like a Texas wildcat rig. The fix? New fork seals, but only after you have buffed and polished the ding out of the fork leg. And, if the ding is too big to sand down, you will need a new fork leg.
Prior to 2015, the MXA wrecking crew rarely had to replace WP’s SKF fork seals. Why? Prior to 2015, WP forks came with wrap-around fork guards. From 2015 on, WP forks came with the same-style fork guards as Japanese bikes, and thus the seals blew at the same pace as Showa and Kayaba fork seals.
Thankfully, a small British company understood the problem and made injection-mold full-wrap fork guards for riders interested in protecting their fork legs and fork seals. They are well made, strong and fit perfectly. We don’t know how strongly we can says this, but these forks guards are worth their weight in fork seals (and if you’ve priced fork seals lately you know that one SKF fork seals costs as much as the ProTech Guards—not counting the labor to put them in). The MXA wrecking crew highly recommends that every racer throw his stock fork guards away and go with ProTech.
DIGITS $47.99 —They are available in white, black, orange, red and yellow (depending on bike brand). You can order them direct from the British manufacturer at www.protechguards.co.uk or from their American supplier by Clicking Here. or going to www.n2dirt.net/product/protech-full-wrap-fork-guards/
MXA RATING: The MXA wrecking crew loves the ProTech full-wrap fork guards. Who wouldn’t want to protect their expensive forks, tubes and seals from damage? Well played, ProTech.
KYLE YARNELL MEMORIAL TEAM RACE ON DECEMBER 6 AT GLEN HELEN
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 450SXF
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO CIRCUIT’S RYAN VILLOPOTO REPLICA RV WORKS PIPE & RV T2 SILENCER
Pro Circuit is excited to introduce the Ryan Villopoto-spec YZ125 Works Pipe and Ti-2 Carbon Kevlar titanium silencer. this is the set-up that the multi-time champion used on his Yamaha YZ125 at the National 125 All-Star races. The RV Works Pipe is available for 2005 to 2021 YZ125 models and is designed to be stronger from bottom to mid of the YZ125 powerband. The added midrange power is extremely beneficial off the start or on tighter, softer tracks where acceleration out of corners is key.
The RV Ti-2 silencer is available for 2002-2021 YZ125 models and offers a professional look and a factory sound. When compared to a stock silencer, the RV Ti-2 version increases power on the bottom-end.
The RV Works Pipe and Ti-2 silencer is the perfect option for YZ125 riders looking to increase performance. Retail price $265.00 (RV Works pipe), $329.95 (RV Ti-2 silencer). For more info go to www.procircuit.com
MXA FIRST RIDE: 2021 KTM 250SXF
MOTO-PHOTO! OUR FAVORITE DEBBI TAMIETTI ACTION SHOTS
Debbi has shot AMA Nationals, Grands Prix, the World Two-Stroke Championships, World Vet Championships, the Motocross des Nations and literally every REM race in a decade. Debbi is special to all the racers she shoots photos of. When her husband, Val Tamietti , decided to return racing after a long lay-off, Debbie decided to pick up her camera shoot some photos. She loved and so did the riders she shot. Debbi getsout of the the truck early in the morning and doesn’t return to it until all the races are over. Rain, shine, wind and obsessive Glen Helen heat don’t seem to bother her. If it happened on the track she shot it.
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ450F
MXA TEAM TESTED: FXR RACING LIMITED EDITION HELIUM GEAR
WHAT IS IT? The new 2020.5 Limited Edition Helium gear is like the KTM 450SXF Factory Edition. It features most of the updates that the 2021 FXR Helium gear will have; however, it came out six months earlier and includes unique colors and designs.
WHAT’S IT COST? $79.00 (jersey), $199.00 (pants).
CONTACT? www.fxrracing.com or (877) 999-9798.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the FXR Racing 2020.5 Helium Limited Edition gear.
(1) Jersey. The FXR Racing Helium jersey has a simple and lightweight chassis made with moisture-wicking polyester and a polyester-spandex mesh material. These two fabrics work together to provide a ventilated jersey that dries quickly. The arms and back panel are perforated with small holes to enhance airflow, and the round collar and tapered cuffs also give the jersey a comfortable fit. Additionally, the tail of the jersey extends 1 inch to help it stay tucked in.
(2) Pants. Like the 2020 pants, the main shell utilizes a lightweight and perforated four-way-stretch material to offer flexibility, strength and ventilation. The pants use a dual-layer knee fabric to prevent the cosmetic damage that comes with excessive roost. It also uses a full-grain leather panel at the knee and triple stitching in high contact areas. The waistband features a silicone grip material and is secured with a heavy-duty zipper and simple Velcro closure. It also has sans-a-belt adjustments on each hip to create a customized fit.
(3) Pant updates. FXR Racing’s 2020.5 Limited Edition Helium pants have an updated chassis dubbed the “M-2” or “Motion-2.” It has a new slim-fit knee design with a more aggressive curve that prevents excess material from bunching up at the knees. Second, the updated back yoke of the pants comes without the upper flap that followed the rear of the waistband before. Now, the seat of the pant features a simplified design that has increased flexibility. Last, the seat uses a new material that offers additional flex.
(4) Fit. The updates to the 2020.5 Helium pants create a positive and nonrestrictive contact area on the seat and at the knees. The new pants aren’t skintight, but they do fit closer to the skin than before. Luckily, the stretchy, spandex-infused blend of polyester and nylon allowed the pants to move without hesitation. The slimmer knee and its more aggressive curve were a hit as well. The excess material that previously bound up at the knee is reduced. The jersey is the same as before—and we still like it. It’s neither too tight nor too baggy.
(5) Durability. Our testers were impressed with how well the dual fabric layers held up in the knee area. The only issue we had with durability was at the back of the knee on the breathable mesh inserts. We appreciate that mesh breathes, but our knee braces tore holes in the lightweight material.
(6) Options. The FXR Racing Helium LE gear comes in a six colors and design options. The jersey sizes range from extra small to double-extra large and pant sizes go from 28- to 38-inch waistbands.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Our complaint is minor. We’d like a more durable material behind our knee braces to prevent tearing.
MXA RATING: The designers at FXR Racing hit the bullseye with their 2020.5 Limited Edition Helium gear. It is light enough to wear at the gym, flexible enough to wear while doing yoga, comfortable enough to wear as pajamas, stylish enough to wear for Supercross, ventilated enough to wear on a hot summer day, and durable enough to wear for a season of racing.
PANICREV’S WINTER CAMP AT GLEN HELEN ON DECEMBER 28-30
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450X OFF-ROAD BIKE
KEEPING TRACK OF THE 2021 RACE SCHEDULES
2021 AMA KICKER ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 8…….Starkville, MS
Jan. 9…….Starkville, MS
Jan. 15…….Lubbock, TX
Jan. 16…….Lubbock, TV
Jan. 22…….Guthrie, OK
Jan. 23…….Guthrie, OK
Jan. 29…….Denver, CO
Jan. 30…….Denver, CO
Feb. 5…….Reno, NV
Feb. 6…….Reno, NV
Mar. 5…….Amarillo, TX
Mar. 6…….Amarillo, TX
REVISED 2021 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 16 (Saturday)…Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan. 19 (Tuesday)….Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan. 23 (Saturday)…Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan 30 (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 2 (Tuesday)….Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 6 (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 20 (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Feb. 23 (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Feb. 27 (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Mar. 6 (Saturday)…Daytona Beach, FL (250 East)
Mar. 13 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 16 (Tuesday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 20 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
May ?? (Saturday)…Salt Lake City
2021 PROVISIONAL GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE
Apr. 3…Muscat, Oman
Apr. 25…TBA, Italy
May 9…Agueda, Portugal
May 23…Oss, Holland,
May 30…Teutschenthal, Germany
Jun. 13…Orlyonok, Russia
Jun. 20…Kegums, Latvia
Jul. 4…Jakarta, Indonesia
Jul. 11…Semarang, Indonesia
Jul. 25…Locket, Czech Republic
Aug. 1…Lommel, Belgium
Aug 8…Uddevall, Sweden
Aug. 22…KimiRing, Finland
Aug. 29…Igora, Russia
Sep. 12…Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
Sep. 19…TBA, China
Oct. 10…St, Jean d’Angely, France
Oct. 17…Intu Xanadu, Spain
Oct. 31…TBA
Nov. 14…Neuquen, Argentina
2021 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr. 11…Wonthaggi, VIC
May 2 …Canberra, ACT
May 30…Gillman, SA
Jun. 27…Maitland, NSW
Jul. 25…Wodonga, VIC
Aug. 9…TBA, QLD
Aug. 14….Coolum, QLD
Aug. 14….Coolum, QLD
2021 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Sep. 26…Imola, Italy
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR A MOTOCROSS FAN! ROB ANDREWS “THE INSIDE LINE” HARDCOVER ON THE GRAND PRIX RACING
The critically acclaimed book, “The Inside Line: Racing the 500cc World Motocross Championship” (Second Edition) is back on sale at www.insidelinebook.com. After receiving rave reviews from press and public alike, “The Inside Line” first press run sold out in three weeks. Now back in print “The Inside Line” offers a detailed, first-hand account of the life of a professional GP racer competing in the heydays of the 1980s. There are facts that will surprise you, anecdotes that will make you laugh, and brutally honest, never-before-published information.
MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HUSQVARNA FC450