MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Austin Politelli

Austin was a rider who was extremely dominant on mini bikes through amateur racing. He snagged a ride with Rockstar Suzuki in the 85cc 7-11 classes in 2005. Though his class was stacked with riders like Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb, Jessy Nelson, Jesse Masterpool, Joey Savatgy, and many more top riders he was always one battling for the top position. When turning pro he took a different route than some of his competitors. He did start in the Supercross 250 West series in 2012 and in 2013 grabbed fourth place overall at the San Diego Supercross. Despite good Supercross results, he found success in Arenacross racing which is a challenging series in its own. This year Austin gears up with Rock River Yamaha and once again sets his sights on Arenacross where he is looking to take home the championship.

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA STAR RACING SIGNS AMATEUR STAR CADEN DUDNEY

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is pleased to announce a multi-year deal with Caden Dudney. The young rider from Des Moines, Iowa, will make his debut with the team aboard the YZ250F at this year’s Thor Mini O’s and looks to battle for top honors next season in Supercross Futures, the Scouting Moto Combine, the Amateur National Championships and at Loretta Lynn’s.

One of the sport’s top-up-and-coming riders, Dudney had a standout performance at this year’s Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, winning five of his six motos to earn the number one plate in the 250 B and Schoolboy 2 Championships. In addition to the pair of titles, he also won the Oakley Award for setting the fastest lap time during the week of racing at Loretta Lynn’s and was named the Amateur Rider of the Year.

Caden Dudney said: “I’m really excited to join the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team and to be a part of their program. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

2024 WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIPS

Josh Fout (946) progressed as conditions became more rough. Finishing 5-3-2 moto scores for third overall in the 35+ expert class.

The World Vet Championships were held at Glen Helen Raceway this past weekend and had one of the largest turnouts that it has ever been seen. Thousands of people filled into the Glen Helen parking lots, with riders coming from all over the world. With so many riders out on the course, the track broke down, and conditions looked like that of an outdoor AMA National. That meant that the riders got the full experience of the roughest, toughest, fastest track in all the land. Riders like Phil Nicoletti, Mike Brown., Mike Alessi and Ryan Morais all took victory in their respective classes. The MXA Wrecking Crew also had a large showing at the race, Josh Mosiman took home second overall with Brian Medeiros fourth in the Over-25 class, Dennis Stapleton was fourth in t he Over-40 Pros and ninth in the Over-30 Pros, Jon Ortner was sixth in the Over-60 Expert class and Josh Fout finished third in 35+ Expert.

2024 DUBYA WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP. RESULTS

OVER-30 PRO CLASS
1. Phil Nicoletti (Yam)…1-1
2. Mike Alessi (Hon)…2-2
3. Giacomo Redondi (Gas)…4-2
4. Sean Lipanovich (KTM…3-4
5. Justin McDonald (Hon)…5-5
6. Dominic Desimone (KTM)…6-6
7. Benny Breck (Yam)…9-7
8. Marcello Disetti (Gas)…10-8
9. Dennis Stapleton (Hon)…8-11
10. Bryce Huffman (Kaw)…13-10

OVER-40 PRO CLASS
1. Ryan Morais (KTM)…1-1
2. Mike Brown (Gas)…2-2
3. Kris Keefer (Yam)…3-3
4. Dennis Stapleton (Hon)…5-4
5. Mark Tilley (Kaw)…4-5
6. Todd Minnie (Yam)…7-6
7. Marcello Disetti (Gas)…6-7
8. Billy Jurevich (Bet)…9-8
9. Mike Cundari (Hon)…8-11
10. Adam Miller (KTM)…12-9

OVER-50 PRO CLASS
1. Mike Brown (Gas)…1-1
2. Kurt Nicoll (KTM)…2-2
3. Rusty Holland (Kaw)…3-3
4. Julien Cerny (KTM)…4-4
5. Brian Wheeler (KTM)…5-5
6. Alan Jullien (Yam)…7-6
7. Bryan Sabbaugh (KTM)…11-8
8. Myles Rockwell (Yam)…4-5
9. Brandon Milstead Suz)…13-7
10. Troy Cardiel (Hon)…9-11

OVER-60 EXPERT CLASS
1. Pete DeGraaf (KTM)…1-1-2
2. Michael Roth (KTM)…3-2-1
3. Ed Foedish (Yam)…7-5-3
4. Kurt Mozingo (KTM)…6-6-8
5. Ed Guajardo (Yam)…5-3-5
6. Jon Ortner (Yam)…8-7-5
7. Don Goettling (Hus)…10-12-7
8. Milt Reimer (KTM)…4-4-21
9. Isao Ida (Gas)…18-8-5
10. Ken Smith (KTM)…11-9-11

OVER-70 EXPERT CLASS
1. Brent Wallingsford Kaw)…1-1-2
2. Gary Jones (Hon)…2-2-1
3. Dave Eakin (Hon)…3-3-3
4. Tom Jessmer (YaM)….4.4-4
5. Carl Gazafy (Yam)… 5-7-5
6. Robert Hueth (Kaw)…7-6-6
7. Kyle Montgomery (Yam)…6-5-9
8. Vladimir Kolev (Yam)…7-4-5
9. David Harrison (KTM)…9-10-11
10. Masaaki Furukawa (Kaw)…15-8-8

OVER-80 EXPERT CLASS
1. Bruce Hoover (Hus)…1-1-
2. Josef Verny (KTM)…2-2-2
3. Chuck Koistra (Hon)…4-4-3

OVER-30 WOMEN EXPERT CLASS
1. Alison Bushnell (Hus)..1-1-1
2. Tatum Juhnke (KTM)…3-2-2
3. Michelle Horton (Yam)…2-D-D

OVER-25 EXPERT CLASS
1. Trevor Stewart (Sta)…2-1-1
2. Josh Mosiman (Yam)…1-2-2
3. Jack Simpson (Yam)…3-3-3
4. Brian Mederios (Suz)…4-4-5
5. Hunter Carmody (Kaw)…5-5-4
6. Juan Cordovez (Hus)…8-9-7
7. Dakota Garner (Suz)..14-6-6
8. Tyler Rayner (Yam)…6-13-8
9. Rob Holyoake (Gas)…7-7-13
10. Max Lee (Hus)…10-8-10

PASHA OVER-30 125 PRO CLASS
1. Mike Alessi (KTM)…1-2
2. Ryan Morais (KTM)…4-1
3. Phil Nicoletti (KTM)…2-3
4. Giacomo Redondi (Gas)…3-5
5. Sean Lipanovich (KTM)…5-4
6. Brock Hoyer (Yam)…7-6
7. Bryce Huffman (KTM)…8-7
8. Jim Davies (Yam)… 9-8
9. Brian Storrie (KTM)…11-10
10. Dane Rouse (Suz)…14-9

PASHA OVER-50 125 PRO CLASS
1. Mike Brown (KTM)…1-1
2. Kurt Nicoll (KTM)…2-2
3. Doug Dubach (Yam)…3-3
4. Brian Storrie (KTM)…4-5
5. Nick Mairose (Kaw)…5-9
6. Alan Jullien (Gas)…6-10
7. Richard Ellis (Yam)…7-D
8. Michael Keating (Yam)…8-6
9. Chris Packwood (Yam)…9-D
10. Don Goettling (Hus)…10-8

MXA’S JOSH FOUT TAKES ON THE 2024 IRONMAN GNCC

MXA PHOTO TRIVIA

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

TEAM USA VS. THE WORLD FINALE (OFFICIAL SERIES)

HUSQVARNA MOBILITY ADDS THE ALL-NEW PIONEER TO ITS ELECTRIC-POWERED MOTORCYCLE LINE-UP

The Pioneer is expertly crafted around a chromium-molybdenum frame for assured durability and performance. The unique chassis design incorporates the motor and battery as load-bearing components, which in turn reduces overall weight and contributes to the precisely calculated geometry and flex characteristics of the new machine.

Selectable ride modes further enhance the exceptional riding experience that the Pioneer offers. With three options to suit varying abilities as well as the terrain, the perfect amount of power is always delivered to the rear wheel. In addition, Traction Control can be activated in conjunction with any ride mode, while three levels of energy recuperation for the battery are available—energy recuperation modes also adjust levels of engine braking. All options are easily engaged using the handlebar-mounted switch cube.

The 11 kW electric motor used to power the Pioneer was designed and developed in-house by Husqvarna Mobility. With no clutch or gearbox, the Pioneer offers beginners an easy introduction to riding motorcycles, while allowing those with more experience to master more technical terrain with ease. Adding to the simplicity of riding the machine is the rear brake, which is operated by a lever on the left side of the ProTaper handlebars.

A 5.5 kWh Li-Ion battery provides up to three hours of running time and can be replaced with a fully charged spare within 10 minutes if required. Using the supplied 660 W charger, a full recharge can be achieved in eight hours using a standard 110 V household supply. With the Pioneer designed to be ridden offroad in all conditions, the battery, motor, and all connected components are rated IP 67, making them all fully dust and waterproof.

Adjustable WP suspension, offering 250 mm of travel front and 240 mm of travel rear, ensures all riders can customize the settings to suit their requirements. The WP XACT forks feature an air spring, and the Pioneer is supplied with the pump required to adjust the pressure. Additionally, the compression and rebound can be fine-tuned using the easy-access clickers. The WP XPLOR PDS rear shock offers both high and low-speed compression, rebound, and preload adjustment to ensure maximum comfort and traction.

To underline the quality specification of the exciting Pioneer model, the machine is equipped with ProTaper handlebars, Braktec brakes, and Michelin nduro tires.

Technical highlights:

• 11 kW nominal power
• 19.2 kW peak power
• 59 mph (95 km/h) top speed
• 21”/18” wheels
• 5.5 kWh battery capacity
• Battery removal (10 minutes with tools)
• Charging time (0-100%) with included 660 W charger ~ 8h
• Charging time (0-100%) with optional 3.3 kW power charger ~ 2h
• Weight – 246.9 lb (112 kg)
• Michelin enduro tires
• ProTaper handlebars and ODI grips

ASK THE MXPERTS: MY CRAZY SPARK-PLUG LIFE

Dear MXA,

I worry about the spark plug on my Honda CRF450. I have never given a passing thought to changing it, yet on my 2007 Honda CR250 two-stroke I changed it all the time. What’s the deal?

Spark plugs on a two-stroke were subject to oil contamination and carbon build up as excess premix oil turned into charred carbon. Four-strokes don’t have this problem, but their plugs still wear out, mostly from gap erosion. What is gap erosion? The spark jumps the gap from the sharpest edge of the plug’s electrode to the opposing sharp edge of the ground strap. Unfortunately, every time the plug fires, it eats away at the electrode and ground strap. When the sharp edge is worn down, it becomes harder for the spark to jump the gap. So, it moves to the next closest sharp edge, which is, of course, farther away. As that edge gets eaten away, the spark has to jump to a new location. The erosion of the sharp edges is hard to see, but it exists. The center electrode will round before the ground strap. If your bike’s fuel/air mixture, timing and carburetion are correct, your spark plug should last until the electrode’s edges are rounded off. We would change to a new plug every six months.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: COLTON HAAKER COLLECTS ANOTHER EX PRO PODIUM

“I was able to win Moto 2 and we were all tied up coming into the last race, but I did what I could – did my best – and we were on the podium again in third for the night,” Haaker said. “It was a good weekend overall, on the box both rounds, and we have to be satisfied with that.”

MXA PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Josh Fout’s MXA 6D ATR-3 helmet was painted by Kordel Caro for the World Vet Championships. On the top, Kordel airbrushed a photo of Josh’s father, Randel Fout, who passed away in a cross-country race accident earlier this year, Josh had dedicated his riding to Randel.

CLASSIC MXA PHOTO

Tim Ferry riding with style during the 1999 Supercross series. 

MXA Photo Trivia: Marty Smith is a member of the Honda factory racing team, with whom he won 18 AMA race victories and three National Motocross championships.