MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Eli Tomac 

Eli Tomac is one of the most decorated riders in motocross history. He has won the 450cc AMA Supercross Championship twice and the 450cc AMA Pro Motocross Championship four times. Additionally, he’s clinched the 250cc AMA Supercross & AMA Motocross title once. He ranks second in 450cc AMA Supercross victories with 51 wins and stands third in 450cc AMA Motocross wins with 32. We’re excited about his return from injury in the 2024 season and look forward to watching him mix it up front.

UPCOMING MOTOCROSS OF NATIONSKen Roczen 2010 mxdn lakewood_-7

Ken Roczen will return to team Germany for the 2023 MXDN. Ken, whose schedule is usually inundated with racing, has taken a different approach this year. Usually, racing an entire Supercross season, followed directly by a whole Motocross season, the riders may feel burned out by the end and not want to do MXDN. But with a lighter schedule for Ken this year, he only decided to race Supercross. He ran the Monster Energy Supercross; he joined the WSX Series in Great Britain. Ken did race one Motocross event this year in preparation for the SuperMotocross playoffs. Well, now Ken is off to France to represent his Country of origin. Check out some of Ken Roczen’s last MXDN stats below.

The last time Ken Roczen won an MXDN was in 2012 when Team Germany overcame Team Belgium and Team USA to clinch the overall. Consistency would help them take that top position that year, as none of the riders would win a moto but still took the overall. Ken Roczen would go 5-4 in the 250 class, giving him a good enough score to take the overall. His teammates Max Nagl would grab second in the 450 class and Marcus Schiffer went 7-14 for 7th in the Open class. The combination of the results was enough to bring the team to victory.

Ken Roczen 2010 mxdn lakewood_-7
The next year, Ken would return to Team Germany for a chance to win back-to-back Des Nations, but as a team event, every moto matters. Ken would go 2-1 in the 250 class, beating Eli Tomac after he ejected himself over a fast single. Ken’s teammate Max Nagl would also put up good results with Moto scores 11-4, placing himself in sixth. Unfortunately, the third rider of the squad, Dennis Ulrich, would run into issues in the Open class, resulting in moto scores of 40-39.  Ultimately, the team would end up seventh overall after this result.
EDITORS NOTE:  NEW TO THE EDITORIAL TEAM, JUSTIN LEE, WILL WORK ON MID-WEEK REPORT. Please keep those two-stroke (or four-stroke) spotlight submissions coming. If you want your bike or info featured in the “Moto Spotlight,” please email me at [email protected]. All I ask is that you give a breakdown of your bike or moto info and a detailed description. Please also send a few photos of your steed. By submitting your bike or info, you agree to release all ownership rights to the images and copy them to MXA.

MXA PHOTO TRIVIA

Who is this rider? Answer at the bottom of the page.

RIDE ENGINEERING 2023 KTM450SXF

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: RYDER D GOES TO GAS GAS

“I’m ready for new challenges and learning a new bike, which is the exciting part of what’s ahead together.”

MXA DATA ANALYSIS: WHY DO WE COME BACK FOR MORE?

Motocross racing is an intense sport that releases dopamine within the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. The sensory stimulation of loud, high-powered engines, the physicality of controlling the bike in tight or technical sections, and the rush of adrenaline from gate drops all contribute to this release. Also, success, whether setting up and making passes on other riders, skimming a set of whoops, or winning races, is a significant source of dopamine. Motocross creates a rewarding environment that keeps participants coming back for more. Riders often set personal goals, such as improving lap times or testing various settings for a better overall riding experience. Achieving these goals triggers a sense of accomplishment and pleasure, reinforcing their commitment to the sport.

Eli Tomac 2023 Denver SupercrossDopamine release during racing is a complex interplay of sensory stimulation, achievement, risk, and social recognition. The brain’s reward system is wired to respond to these stimuli by releasing dopamine, which creates a sense of pleasure and motivation. This physiological response reinforces the desire to engage in racing, making it a passion for many riders.

MXA PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Mechanics win, too. Though the spotlight is on the rider on Championship day, much team effort goes into a win like this. Jett has always been great about standing up for his mechanic; it’s nice to see the two get to celebrate. 

LOOKING BACK AT THE PAST 250 SHOOTOUTS

In 2009, the Honda took the top spot of rider’s choice by the MXA wrecking crew. “How did Honda receive the first for 2009?”  “What are the two most essential traits of a 250F? The engine and handling are very good.” If you want to reflect on how the former bike tests were performed, click here.

MXA Trivia answer: The iconic number three  is Jeff Ward.

 

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