MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: GASGAS DOLLARS, RED DOG AD, BLACKBIRD & THE REMOLUTION

GASGAS HITS THE GROUND RUNNING WITH A NEW TRIALS, MOTOCROSS & OFF-ROAD CONTINGENCY PROGRAM

GasGas North America is pleased to announce their 2021 Contingency Program with a massive effort to support racers all over the U.S. in both national and regional motocross/Supercross, off-road racing and of course, trials competition.

TRIALS
Beginning at its roots, GasGas is pleased to support the Mototrials USA National Championship by offering an industry-leading contingency program with per-round payouts throughout the season. With a robust 2021 schedule making stops all across the U.S., the GasGas Factory Racing Team is excited to compete at the highest level in trials competition.

MOTOCROSS/SUPERCROSS
New for 2021, GasGas will be competitive in the nation’s premier motocross/Supercross racing series, including the AMA Pro Motocross and AMA Supercross World Championships. GasGas will be offering competitive rewards at major amateur motocross nationals including the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championship, Freestone Spring Championship and Winter Mini Olympics. Additionally, GasGas will be going racing and supporting select regional motocross series across the country.

OFFROAD
GasGas is excited to dive into the vast world of U.S. offroad racing with a competitive contingency program in premier national series—such as the AMA Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, World Offroad Championship Series (WORCS), AMA National Hare and Hound Championship, and AMA National Enduro Championship. In addition, GasGas will be going racing and supporting select regional offroad series across the country. For the tentative race series and payouts, visit the GASGAS website at www.gasgas.com

HONDA CONTINUES WIN STREAK IN BAJA 1000

The victory in this year’s Baja 1000 was Mark Samuels’ fifth, Justin Morgan’s fourth and Justin Jones’ fourth 1000 win.

For the third time in as many years, the SLR Honda team rode to victory during this past weekend’s SCORE International Baja 1000, extending Honda’s overall motorcycle win total in the event to 30, including six straight and 22 in the last 23 years. It also marked a record 14 wins for the CRF450X. It was a dominant performance for riders Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan and Justin Jones, as the No. 1X bike led the entire way around the 898.4-mile course, turning in a winning time of 20 hours, 50 minutes, 30 seconds.

Mark Samuels rolled off the Ensenada start line at 4:00 a.m. Friday and quickly handed the bike off to Morgan, who raced 124 miles through the darkness down the Pacific Coast, building a three-minute lead that was largely erased when the team pulled off the headlights at the end of his stint. Justin Jones, son of four-time 250 National Motocross Champion Gary Jones, took over and built up a margin of approximately half an hour before Samuels took the helm at race-mile 304 to tackle a technical, 300-mile, seven-hour section across the peninsula to San Felipe. Morgan remounted at dusk and rode the final 290 miles to the finish back in Ensenada.

The victory also wrapped up SLR’s third-consecutive SCORE World Desert Championship. This year’s series was shortened due to COVID-19 and included just the Baja 500 and Baja 1000, both of which the team won, extending its undefeated tally in SCORE racing to 10.

 

TEAM MXA/PRO CIRCUIT WINS THE 24-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN

In order to test  the  2021 Honda CRF450X, MXA’s Josh Mosiman formed a four-man team to race the 24-Hours of Glen Helen. The team was comprised of Josh Mosiman, Zac Commans, Carlen Gardner and Preston Campbell. They raced day and night for 24 straight hours, switching off every hour and 20 minutes. Behind the scenes, Mitch Payton built the bike from the ground up to perform flawlessly. Mitch also stayed up for 24 straight hours to make sure that his team of mechanics and organizers took care of every pit stop.

Former factory Honda mechanic Mike “Schnikey” Tomlin played a huge role in Team Pro Circuit’s first win. He was the lead mechanic on the Honda CRF450X and in the pit area with help from Averi Lison, Jason “Gothic Jay” Haines, John Parkinson, Bones Bacon and a list of other mechanics and helpers.

In the end, the MXA/Pro Circuit team covered 79 laps and over 700 miles of single-track, big hills, high-speed ridges, rocky trails, two motocross tracks and a Lucas Oil Off-road truck track to win the Open Pro class by a full lap. It was, surprisingly enough, the first overall win at the 24-Hours of Glen Helen for Pro Circuit and Mitch was thrilled.

Having a proficient pit crew is ultra-important in a 24-hour race.

Equally thrilled was Preston Campbell, who is the son of off-road legend Johnny Campbell, who rode to his first big off-road win (and one that his father has won also). Campbell was the only full-time off-road racer on the MXA/Pro Circuit team, as the other three riders were professional motocross racers.

MXA’s Josh Mosiman bombs down a trail in the fading light of dusk.

Zac Commans on on the same section of trail 10 hours later in daylight. 

Mitch Payton (left) and team rider Preston Campbell (right) keeping an eye on the bike during a rider change and pit stop.

Carlen Gardner grabbing the Pro Circuit bike after new front and rear wheels were installed.

Long exposure photos do a great job at displaying the track at night. 

24-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN RESULTS: OPEN PRO CLASS
1. Josh Mosiman, Zac Commons, Carlen Gardner, Preston Campbell
2. Colton Udall, Evan Kelly, Nic Garvin, Derek Ausserbauer
3. Tyler Nicholson, Cody Simpson, Thomas Dunn, Christian Clark
4. Nick Stover, Colton Aeck, Trevor Hunter, Brandon Graveley
5. Blaine Thompson, Jeff Loop, Danny Cooper, Ryan Surratt

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250F

 

MXA AD OF THE WEEK: THE FAMOUS HONDA RED DOG AD

In 1990 Honda unleashed a whole new breed of CR and had this remarkably symbolic ad to illustrate it.

 

RED BULL KTM SIGNS FORMER EMX125 CHAMP TO JOIN TO TOM VIALLE AT KTM GP TEAM

Claudio Di Carli and Mattia Guadagnini sign the contract.

Italian Mattia Guadagnini has been signed to join Tom Vialle and Rene Hofer at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2021 FIM 250 World Championships. Guadagnini, the 2019 EMX125 Champion, hadfinished second in the 2020 EMX 250 series. As an Italian, Mattia Guadagnini will be assigned to the Claudio de Carli half of the Red Bull KTM team, where he will join Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado. Former Grand Prix racer and now team manager Claudio De Carli said of Guadagnini, “He gives me the impression of a boy with solid principles and great motivation. I want him to face this first year with us by working with his teammates, without pressure and with the aim of improving in every aspect in his first full season of MX2.” Mattia Guadagnini’s 250 GP teammates, Vialle and Hofer, along with Jeffrey Herlings will be run out of the Austrian factory effort. KTM’s 2021 450 GP team will be Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado.

Mattia Guadagnini said, “For me this is a dream come true to join the KTM family, especially the De Carli team as I grew up watching Tony’s races. I always said ‘one day I want to be there also and fight in the world championship,’ so the day has come and I’m so happy. I like how they work as a big family, spending lots of time together. Also having Tony and Jorge as direct teammates will be awesome. I can learn a lot and I think I have all I need to work on my goals for the future!”

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450X OFF-ROAD BIKE

 

MXA TEAM TESTED: BLACKBIRD RACING DOUBLE-GRIP SEAT COVER

Blackbird Racing is new to the American market, but has deep roots in Europe as one of the leaders in graphics and seat covers. It was founded in 1966, has 40 employees and is based out of Genoa, Italy. We tested Blackbird’s Double-Grip seat cover. It is 100 percent made in Italy with water-resistant material, rub-resistant seams and traction stripes created by the high-frequency welding of three different materials.

The MXA crew put the Double-Grip seat on different KTM test bikes and rode for a total of 30 hours. The non-slip material showed very little wear; it felt the same on hour 30 as it did on hour one—and the color did not fade. The water-resistant material was definitely effective, even after multiple bike washes. The seat foam held its shape and density; it did not have that sacked-out feel the foam gets after being water-logged a few times.

A few riders commented that the Blackbird Double-Grip seat cover had the perfect amount of grip. It was just enough to keep you in place on the bike without pulling your pants down. There are five foam bumps that rise above the cover. They are noticeable under acceleration. These small bumps reminded our test riders of their position and kept them firmly in place while still allowing them to slide over the top of the bumps without any issues.

Blackbird’s list of custom seat options is extensive. They offer everything from custom covers with your name printed on them to standard foam, tall seat foam and even seat-bump kits that can be added to any motocross seat.

DIGITS? $49.95 — www.blackbirdracing.com or (800) 749-2890.

MXA RATING: Blackbird Racing has helped many factory-level teams with their seat issues. If you’re looking for a gripper seat cover without abrasive pyramids or pleats, the Blackbird Double-Grip seat cover offers great traction, good durability and a clean fit. We liked Blackbird’s unique take on the gripper seat cover.

 

LONG LOST PHOTOS OF ROGER DECOSTER DURING HIS CZ DAYS

Roger relaxing in the sun, while his Czech mechanic tightens Roger’s front axle clamp.

Moto-photographer Justyn Norek, who captured the GP scene in the East Bloc countries in the 1970s, always surprises us with the photos that he finds in his negatives from 50 years ago. Today, he sent us five Roger DeCoster photos shot before Roger had won any of his five FIM 500cc World Motocross Championships.

Roger got a CZ factory ride in 1967 and finished fifth in the 250 World Championships in 1967, 1968 and 1969.

After the 1970 season on CZ, where he finished third behind the Suzukis of Joel Robert and Sylvain Geboers in the 250 series. Roger switched to the 500 class and to Suzuki.

Roger said the the CZ’s Jikov carb was good when brand new, but it wore out very quickly because it was made from cheap metal.

Roger said that in 1970, “CZ made me a lot of promises to support me and provide me with bikes, mechanic and parts. They also agreed to pay me $5000. I’m still waiting for that check.”

 

MIKE ALESSI TO RACE 2021 KICKER ARENACROSS SERIES

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

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450

 

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

For more information go to www.kurtcaselli.com.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 350SXF

 

JOIN THE REMOLUTION ON SATURDAY, DEC. 5 AT GLEN HELEN RACEWAY

For more info go to www.remsatmx.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE

 

KYLE YARNELL MEMORIAL TEAM RACE ON SUNDAY, DEC. 6 AT GLEN HELEN

The Kyle Yarnell Memorial team race is a charity event for the San Gorgonio Animal Placement Center in memory of Kyle Yarnell. There will be prizes raffled off and, best of all, the two-man team race has an afternoon starting time (1:30 p.m.). For more info call Lori Wilson at (909) 224-9658 or email [email protected].

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ450F

 

FIRE & POLICE CHRISTMAS GP ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 AT GLEN HELEN

For more info go to www.firepolicemx.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX250

MXA FIRST RIDE: 2021 KTM 250SXF

 

PANICREV’S WINTER CAMP AT GLEN HELEN ON DECEMBER 28-30

PanicREV is excited to announce their Western Region Winter Camp at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California on December 28, 29 & 30! CampREV is designed to help give riders a solid spiritual, physical and technical foundation through their world class program. CampREV is set up for riders of all ages and skill levels that are looking to take their skills on the racetrack to a new level! This is achieved by breaking everyone up into groups based on their ages and skill levels. CampREV features daily chapel services and prayer, in addition to refining skills such as conditioning, corners, jumping, starts, riding position, technique and a whole lot of fun! Come bring in the new year with CampRev at Glen Helen and have the time of your life! For more info go to www.camprev.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 450SXF

 

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).

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 HUSQVARNA FC450

 

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TWIN AIR’S HOTTEST PRODUCTS

TWIN AIR DUAL-STAGE FILTER

Twin Air’s industry-leading, dual-stage, flame-laminated, open-pore foam has set the standard in air filtration and performance for motocross. The outer layer of open-pore foam and the fine inner foam work together to trap the smallest particles of dirt while allowing maximum airflow. For just $32.95, the new, rounder design also boosts airflow by minimizing glue seams thanks to a revolutionary micro-gluing process; shorter seams equals more foam and more airflow.

TWIN AIR BIO FACTORY PRE-OILED, DUAL-STAGE FILTER

Twin Air’s pre-oiled filters start with our Dual-Stage Filter being placed in our state-of-the-art, automated oiling machine, which carefully submerges the filter in Bio Liquid Power Oil. The filter is then placed on a conveyer belt that evenly massages the filter oil throughout the foam pores. This is the exact same oil and oiling process that is used for the filters of the factory race teams . At only $35.95, you get the highest quality filter pre-oiled and ready to install; it’s performance right out of the bag!

TWIN AIR ICEFLOW COOLANT

Twin Air’s commitment to overall performance and protection has spilled over to IceFlow Coolant. Twin Air IceFlow Coolant focuses on increasing heat dissipation to prevent overheating while also maintaining consistent operating temperatures for maximum cooling system efficiency. This product is ideal for all liquid-cooled systems, not just off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Biodegradable and ready to use, IceFlow comes in a 2-liter bottle for just $19.95.

TWIN AIR ICEFLOW RADIATOR CAPS

Twin Air’s high-pressure radiator caps replace the OEM radiator caps and reduces loss of coolant due to overheating. Twin Air has two applications available, 1.8 bar for the Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki models, 2.0 bar for the KTM and Husqvarna models. Twin Air’s IceFlow radiator caps increases the boiling point of the water in your bike’s radiator by increasing the amount of pressure inside the radiator. The difference between a stock radiator cap and a high-pressure one is dramatic for just $24.95.

CONTACT? www.twinair.com or your local dealer.

 

MXA’S FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HONDA CRF450

 

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR A MOTOCROSS FAN! ROB ANDREWS “THE INSIDE LINE” HARDCOVER ON THE GRAND PRIX RACING

Rob Andrews’ eagerly awaited new book, “The Inside Line: Racing the 500cc World Motocross Championship” is now available at www.theinsidelinebook.com.

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.

Tracing the journey of the British former 500 GP star, from unremarkable amateur through to factory Kawasaki rider, GP contender, and member of Great Britain’s 1985 Motocross des Nations team, “The Inside Line” is a unique, comprehensive, and fascinating first-hand account of what it was really like to race in the 500cc World Motocross Championship during the 1980s.

“Inside Line, litho printed on the finest silk art paper, is a mammoth, heavyweight, 416-page hardback book of uncompromising quality. It has over 400 photographs from the sport’s most acclaimed photographers. Available for world-wide shipping, the book can be ordered at www.theinsidelinebook.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HONDA CRF250

 

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.It’s not every day that riders get to bolt on a professional setup like this, so if you’re in the market for an YZ125 exhaust that will help pull you out of corners a little quicker or if you’re a professional looking for a better jump out of the gate, look no further.

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

 

KEEPING TRACK OF THE 2021 RACE SCHEDULES

Supercross is coming back in 2021, but it isn’t necessarily coming to a stadium near you, but if it does, it will be there three times.

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. 20 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 23 (Tuesday)… Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 27 (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
TBA……………………………………………
TBA…………………………………………….
May 1 (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 ADAC GERMAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr.18…Dreetz
May 16…Moggers
Jun. 6…Reutlingen
Jul. 3…Bielstein
Jul. 18…Tensfeld
Sep. 5…Princely Drehna
Sep. 9…Gaildorf

2021 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Sep. 26…Imola, Italy

 

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