MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Mike LaRocco

Mike LaRocco competed professionally from 1988 to 2006. LaRocco began his motocross racing career riding a Yamaha then, signed a contract to race for the Suzuki factory racing team and placed third in the 1990 AMA 250cc national championship. In 1992, he switched to the Kawasaki team and won the 1993 500cc Motocross national championship, becoming the final AMA 500cc champion when the AMA discontinued the class after the 1993 season.LaRocco also won the 1994 250cc Motocross national championship, the 2000 World Supercross title and the 2002 U.S. Open Supercross Championship. In 2002 another rider caused LaRocco to crash at a small town Supercross event. The accident caused LaRocco to dislocate his wrist and tear ligaments in his leg. The injury caused him to discontinue the Supercross season, the first time in seven years he had not participated.

He retired in 2006 with 53 podium appearances in the 450cc class and 16 in the 125cc class. At the time of his retirement, he had finished in the top five 145 times. LaRocco was inducted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2014. In 1991, a 120 ft triple jump was constructed at Red Bud motocross track in Buchanan, Michigan. It was modeled after “Kong”, a large jump found at LaRocco’s personal track. Track co-owner Tim Ritchie decided to build a replica of the jump at the Red Bud track. It was later named after LaRocco as he became the first person to clear it, doing so on a 125cc bike.

CHASE SEXTON IN INDIANAPOLIS

450SX Class title-challenger Sexton posted the third quickest time in the afternoon’s qualifying sessions, dialing in his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION on the rutted, technical Indianapolis layout. In charging to a fast start in the second 450SX Heat, Sexton battled Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger at the head of the field during the opening laps, before taking the lead and taking a commanding victory.

A top-three start in the Main Event saw the number 4 push the pace in the early laps, keeping the pressure on before a late-race mishap resulted in a third-place finish. With five podiums in nine races, Sexton sits P2 in the championship as the second half looms.

Chase Sexton said: “Back on the podium and tonight was good early on, with the Heat Race win. In the Main, the line I was taking in the sand rollers just went away and I lost the front, which is pretty easy to do especially when you get down into that clay dirt. It took me four or five laps to get back into my groove, which I did, but by the time I did there were only two laps to go. It’s unfortunate, but it’s racing. Now we have a week off to regroup and come out in Birmingham strong. Typically, when I come back from the break in the Supercross season I tend to be better, so hopefully I can do that again and get some good momentum back on my side.”

HEADING BACK TO EAST COAST RACING

The last time riders hit the track it was an East/West showdown which means both Coast divisions battled head to head but as we head to Birmingham this weekend we will only see the East Coast riders out there. In that showdown, Tom Vialle was able to finish second overall which put him one point in front of Max Anstie in the point standings. This week we will see if Tom Vialle can maintain that lead and increase his points. Tom is the defending champion and has been in this position before.

FIRST RIDE REVIEW: 2025 HONDA CRF450RX & CRF250RX

MXA PHOTO TRIVIA

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

WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING A FACTORY KTM JR. SUPERCROSS RACER FOR A DAY

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SURVIVING 500-MINUTES OF SAND WHOOPS AT MESQUITE (TEAM RACE)

MXA PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Rider is Jalek Swoll who has been out so far this season due to a torn Achilles. However, he just re-signed with Triumph racing for the 2026 season and he is a podium-level rider who has the potential to win.

CLASSIC MXA PHOTO

Mike Craig riding for Honda of Troy which later became the famous team Yamaha of Troy. This photo is from 1998.

MXA Photo Trivia Answer: Mark Barnett: In 1976 he was crowned the AMA 125cc Amateur National Champion and, began his professional racing career in 1977. He scored three top-10 finishes and placed sixth in the final standings of the 125cc national championship.