MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Ryan Villopoto

Ryan Villopoto was one of the most dominant riders in motocross and Supercross racing and is on the list of greats. Ryan did have a good amateur career, but was not stellar as he did receive support from Yamaha on minis and then moved to Kawasaki where he would spend his entire professional career. Though he had many second-place finishes at the Grand National Championship at Loretta Lynns, he only came away with one victory in the 125 Pro class the same year he made his pro debut for Pro Circuit Kawasaki. He would go on to become a staple in the professional circuit winning the 250cc motocross championship just a year later in 2006. From there he flourished and became a rider that everyone feared when they showed up on race day. When he raced in the 450cc class he was able to win the outdoor motocross series twice and the Supercross series four times (consecutively). After years of success, Ryan announced his retirement and moved back home to his native state of Washington where he would spend just a couple of years before returning to Southern California and the motocross scene. He works as a brand ambassador for Yamaha and can be seen at local events and sometimes in the broadcast booth.

BAD LUCK CONTINUES

Austin Forkner leading the heat race in Arlington.

Unfortunately at the last round in Arlington Texas, Austin Forkner’s luck had ran out again. Some speculate he may have been riding over his head, but Austin was as prepared for this season as any other rider. It had seemed that we were going to get a full season of amazing riding from the Pro Circuit rider after he dominated the first round in Detroit. Austin was looking very good in Arlington as well, he put in great times in qualifying and came from behind to win his heat race. Through the main event, he seemed comfortable while leading and mentally strong with the pressure being put on by Haiden Deegan. However in this sport, anything can happen, with the slightest miscalculation Austin had come up just a few feet short entering into one of the challenging rhythm sections, this propelled his body forward on the bike where his hand came off the handlebars. This sent Austin flying off course without hise motorcycle. He slammed down onto the concrete stadium floor. It was one of the scarier crashes we have seen in a while. Unfortunately for Austin, he ended up injured in the crash, luckily his injuries did not require surgery and he is expected to make a full recovery. Such a bummer after the years of adversity, it had seemed that we were going to see Austin’s full potential this season.

COOPER WEBB BACK ON TOP

Cooper Webb winning in Arlington.

Cooper Webb has had quite the record in Texas and this past weekend added his sixth win to the list of Dallas area Supercross wins. Though he did not start up front and it had seemed that Jett Lawrence would get the best of him, Jett Lawrence made a costly mistake when he jumped wide in a rhythm section and got caught on the Tuff Blocks, sending him down. Cooper was able to take the lead  and hold it for the rest of the race. Cooper Webb now only sits 3 points out of the points lead and if he can gain momentum from this win, he will be a force to be reckoned to the end of the season. Cooper is famous for his mental strength on the track and refusing to breakg under pressure. We will see how he does in Daytona on Saturday.

HAIDEN DEEGAN’S FIRST WIN IN SX

Haiden Deegan on the podium after his win in Arlington.

Haiden Deegan rebounded after a tough race in Detroit by winning the 250 East round in Arlington. Throughout the main event, he pressured leader Austin Forkner until Austin’s unfortunate crash gave Haiden his first ever AMA 250 East win. He proved his strength and determination and rode a fairly mistake-free main event. He was able to grab the win and, in true Deegan fashion, ghost rode his bike after then finish. He is still in fifth in points after his round in Detroit, but only 7 points out of the lead. Haiden is looking to carry this momentum into Daytona.

GODSPEED! RANDEL FOUT (1958-2024)

Randel Fout was the 2023 Over-65 World Vet Motocross Champion, an MXA test rider and the friendliest racer you could ever meet.

In it’s 51 years of existence, Motocross Action has never had a test rider die in a racing incident, but in great sadness MXA regrets having to announce the passing of one of our best test riders and closest friends. Randel Fout was killed when his motorcycle went over the edge of a ridge during an SRA cross-country race at Glen Helen on Sunday, February 25.  Randel and son Josh had raced the “Saturday at the Glen” motocross the day before, winning three classes between them, and they camped out at the track that night so they could race the cross-country Grand Prix the next day. As Randel’s race ended, he did not come around on the last lap. Five sweep riders were sent out to search the length of the long off-road course. They search for over an hour before finally finding Randel and his bike down the steep side of one of Glen Helen’s hills. He was killed in the crash, but coroner has yet to determine the exact cause of death.

Logan and Randel Fout between motos at Glen Helen.

Randel leaves behind three sons, Jake, Josh and ten-year old Logan. MXA is devastated by the passing of one of the nicest guys in the sport. He was an incredible person and our prayers go out to his family and friends. A Go Fund Me account has been set-up for his young son Logan . All the donations will go to the aid and support of Logan Fout—the Fout family will take care of the expenses for Randel’s final resting place. If you’d like to donate to help his young son, please Click Here.

MXA PHOTO TRIVIA

Who is this rider? The answer can be found at the bottom of the article. 

IT WAS MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEKEND AT ARLINGTON SUPERCROSS!

LOSI PROMOTO-MX RC MOTORCYCLE

An RC motorcycle that looks and performs just like a real dirt bike? It’s not a dream anymore — it’s the Losi Promoto-MX. Innovative mechanical and electronic technologies combine to make this the first RC dirt bike that really works. So let’s ride! If you’re looking to shop click here!

2024 BETA 450 RX TESTED (NEW MOTOCROSS MODEL)

ASK THE MXPERTS: MY HUSQVARNA FC250 SEEMS TO HAVE LOST ITS PEP

INITIALIZING YOUR ECU

Dear MXperts,
My 2022 Husqvarna FC250 seemed to slow down suddenly. It still runs okay, but it doesn’t have the pep it had before. I checked everything from the fuel supply lines to the spark plug to the wiring loom, but nothing was wrong. What can I do?

If we were betting men, we would assume that your bike ran great in the spring and summer and then suddenly slowed down as fall and winter approached. If this is the case, you need to teach your ECU what the atmospheric conditions are like every time there are significant temperature, humidity, or altitude changes. Initializing the ECU allows the black box’s sensors to learn the information it needs for different conditions and keeps everything up to date. It is not hard to initialize a Husqvarna or KTM ECU. Here is how to do it: (1) Start your engine, but do not touch the throttle. (2) Let the bike run for four minutes, but do not let it overheat. (3) After the time is up, your ECU sensors will be attuned to that day’s atmospheric conditions. The MXA wrecking crew initializes our KTM and Husky black boxes every race—and sometimes we re-initialize them when the afternoon sun heats up the air.

If this does not work, take your bike to your local friendly Husqvarna dealer and have them initialize your ECU while connected to their proprietary software.

If you’d like to check out more from the MXPERTS click here.

THE OWNER OF DAYTONA

Eli Tomac blasting a berm in Arlington.

Eli Tomac looked like his old self again this past weekend in Arlington. Though a mistake early in the main started him in last place, he quickly worked his way through the field, riding at another level. By the end of the main event, he had worked his way all the way up to second. With this newfound speed from the veteran, we head into Daytona where Eli has been known to be dominant. It will be tough for the rest of the field if Eli rides like he did in Arlington. In the past Eli has won in Daytona seven times and has five wins consecutively. This is Supercross so anything can happen but he will be one to watch this weekend.

WEEKLY PRIZES IN THE SUPERCROSS MXA FANTASY LEAGUE

Even though the season has started, you can still join for an opportunity to win weekly prizes!

Apple app download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mxa-fantasy-league/id6473468112
Android app download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxa.fantasyleague&pcampaignid=web_share

Dive into an unparalleled Supercross Fantasy experience with MXA’s cutting-edge app, meticulously crafted to deliver all the action directly to your fingertips. Our sophisticated, seamless, and completely free platform allows you to engage in intense competitions, even if you join mid-season. With opportunities to win prizes every weekend based on the most points gained from each race, you’re never out of the running. The season is already in full swing, but you can still challenge your friends, create groups, and immerse yourself in the competition by joining private parties. Enter at any point in the 2024 Supercross series, and stay tuned for our 2024 AMA Motocross Fantasy game. If you’re using Apple click here and if you’re on Android click here.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: AARON PLESSINGER BACK IN FLORIDA

“We just had our first week in Florida and it was great to get back home, to get back to my own house, and just chill. It was a really good week. Everything was dialed in. I had good motos and it was just a fun, fun week with the crew and just to get back with everybody. It was nice not to have all the extra outside noise as in California.”

MOTO 4 KIDS THRILLER BEEZZZ SERIES AT LACR

This past weekend the Moto 4 Kids series continued at LACR for an action-packed weekend.

First turn charge from LACR MX local boy Jamison Posca #57 as he leads Tristan Fernandez and Hunter Humphreys en route to an overall in the Supermini and 85cc Open classes.

Boys will be boys – Half the fun of race day is spending with your friends.

Even the PW’s get a shot at the Main Track – JR Love #185 showing his speed and good style!

Elevated views of LACR MX’s new track layout for Round No. 2 of the Thriller Beezz Series.

Photos courtesy of: Take Two Photos

450SX CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS

Jett Lawrence had a commanding lead over second-place Cooper Webb and it appeared he would take the win up until getting cross-rutted and going down over a tough block. Jett would remount but only to run into the back of a lapped rider which caused him to go down again. Cooper Webb would grab the win and make up valuable points after a disappointing last few rounds. Eli Tomac also saved valuable points as he started near the back after falling early and making his way all the way back to second position. The points standings are tightening up heading into Daytona.

POS.	#	NAME
1	18	Jett Lawrence		135
2	2	Cooper Webb		132
3	7	Aaron Plessinger		128
4	1	Chase Sexton		127
5	3	Eli Tomac		122
6	21	Jason Anderson		118
7	94	Ken Roczen		116
8	14	Dylan Ferrandis		93
9	96	Hunter Lawrence		86
10	32	Justin Cooper		75
11	51	Justin Barcia		71
12	27	Malcolm Stewart		64
13	12	Shane McElrath		56
14	111	Jorge Prado		45
15	15	Dean Wilson		44
16	28	Christian Craig		39
17	9	Adam Cianciarulo		33
18	46	Justin Hill		28
19	125	Vince Friese		26
20	52	Derek Drake		25
21	67	Benny Bloss		20
22	11	Kyle Chisholm		18
23	22	Freddie Noren		13
24	55	Mitchell Oldenburg		10
25	81	Cade Clason		10
26	981	Austin Politelli		7
27	200	Ryan Breece		6
28	148	Justin Rodbell		5
29	82	Mitchell Harrison		4
30	97	Tristan Lane		3
31	41	Carson Mumford		3
32	70	Jerry Robin		2
33	73	Robbie Wageman		1
34	144	Jason Clermont		1
35	91	Devin Simonson		0
36	636	Luke Kalaitzian		0