MOTOCROSS ACTION’S MID-WEEK REPORT: (05/19/10)

By:Zap

PHOTO OF THE WEEK #1 – Here Comes Hangtown

Out with the indoors – in with the outdoors! Don’t forget that the AMA Nationals kick-off this weekend at Hangtown with TV coverage to boot. This will be the 42nd annual National promoted by the Dirt Diggers MC. Here Can-Am’s Jimmy Ellis leads out the pack which includes Montesa mounted Mickey Kessler # 18, Honda’s Marty Smith # 9, and Maico rider Steve Stackable # 6.

2010 LUCAS OIL AMA MX NATIONALS

They might not be as pretty and they may not dress as well as their Supercross watching brethren, but no one is more passionate about the sport than our beloved outdoor motocross fans. Do yourself a favor and plan to attend a outdoor event this summer – it will change your life for the better!

2010 MX Schedule
May 22nd RockStar Energy Hangtown Classic @ Sacramento, CA  
June 5th Freestone National @ Wortham, TX
June 12th Rockstar Energy High Point National @ Mt. Morris, PA
June 19th Budds Creek National @ Mechanicsville, MD
June 26th Toyota Trucks Thunder Valley National @ Lakewood, CO
July 3rd Rockstar Energy Red Bud National @ Buchanan, MI
July 17th Rockstar Energy Spring Creek National @ Millville, MN  
July 24th Washougal National @ Washougal, WA  
August 14th  Rockstar Energy Unadilla @ New Berlin, NY  
August 28th Rockstar Energy Southwick National @ Southwick, MA  
September 4th Steel City National @ Delmont, PA  
September 11th Pala Raceway @ Pala, CA 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK #2 – Here Comes The USGP

Don’t forget that one week following the AMA National opener at Hangtown, you’ll have a rare opportunity to see Antonio Cairoli and his European cohorts do their best to tackle the GP course at Glen Helen.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: Smooth Sun Screens

Nobody enjoys getting back into their truck after it has been sitting out all day at the track on a hot summer day. Unfortunately when it is 100 degrees outside there isn’t a lot you can do to prevent your truck from heating up inside, but did you know that a Smooth Industries sunshade can keep your dashboard an average of 26 degrees cooler? Our new Ride Smooth sunshade features 2 separate panels that fill most model cars and trucks front windshield’s , it pops open and folds down easily to store when not in use and best of all, they block 99% of damaging UV rays which should help your dashboard to last longer. Each panel measures 25″ x 28″. $12.95. Head to Smooth Ind.

MXA MINI-VIEW: Roger DeCoster

MXA: You promoted two GP’s at Glen Helen back in the early 90’s What are your thoughts on the upcoming Grand Prix?
Roger: This one didn’t come about the right way  but I also know how and why it came about so I also understand. I’d prefer to see it run at the end of the year and not after the first AMA National.

MXA: As a long-time GP rider yourself, what do you think about the way the GP’s are being run now, especially with the high costs and zero purse money offered?
Roger: I’ve known Luongo for a long time, he is a businessman and if the teams and riders don’t like the system than they should do something about it. The thing about motocross is that it is a sport where whether you had money or not, you could get in and, if you had the talent, the sponsors would find you and you could have a career in the sport. I’m not saying it’s easy, but that way is possible. With the high costs of racing GP’s, now you have to start off being connected. It’s like car racing where you can have all the talent in the world and not have a job if you don’t have enough money.

MXA: How about the youth movement over there with the sensational 15 year old riders like Jeffery Herlings and Ken Roczen? You said Roczen aspires to race in America, but obviously with the new minimum age requirement he won’t be here for a few years still.
Roger: Yeah, I think that’s a stupid rule that will hurt racing in America. Do you really think that this rule will make kids stay in school? I don’t think kids don’t need to have an education, but why not make them show their report cards to get a license and keep racing? Already you have some of these agents shopping their kids to the teams Europe.

MXA: Speaking of kids, what’s the latest with Austin Stroupe?
Roger: He just had some surgery and he’ll be out for about half of the Nationals.

MXA: Are you planning to bring in a new rider to take his place, maybe someone from Billy Keefe’s team?
Roger : I’m thinking about things, but I don’t like to take riders from the Rockstar team because it hurts their team and becomes difficult for the sponsors.

MXA: In talking with Dungey he mentioned that you were planning to win the Supercross title from the beginning of the year.
Roger: I start every race with the idea of winning it ? just like when I used to  race ? even if it was just a small chance, I always thought I could win. I knew it wouldn’t be easy , but I was confident he’d be on the podium. And, if luck rolled our way I thought a title could come to us. It turns out that it  went better than we thought!

MXA: Was there any time during the series that you got nervous?
Roger: I knew that at St. Louis he had to fight back. Villopoto was getting a lot of momentum and Dungey needed to do something to stop that. I think even if Villopoto hadn’t of crashed that Dungey would’ve beaten him that night.

MXA: There has always been a joke that when the first Suzuki RM’s were introduced back in the 70’s that the RM designation meant “Roger’s Machine”. Any truth to that?
Roger: No, I don’t think so….I can’t see the Japanese doing that. I think it stood for Racing Motocross.”

MXA’S ONE STOP BIKE TEST GUIDE

It’s a fact that no other moto magazine has been testing bikes for as long as Motocross Action. As such, if you’re looking for all the pertinent info on a bike you own, or are planning to buy, look no further than MXA’s Bike Tests page where you can use the pull-down menu to find a brand specific directory. No, you won’t find a page for the 1975 Puch 125 (above), but all the other modern brands can easily be found there.

LAS VEGAS SUPERCROSS OUTTAKES

Every member of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit team can hold their head high for the effort given and rewards received…as in being named the 2010 Team of The Year. No other team was more deserving.

One impressive thing about Ryan Dungey is that he’s never short on words of appreciation for how much his family has helped him out over the years.

The battle between Dungey and Chad Reed for the outdoor honors could be epic.

Remo Berlese is the man who started AXO waaay back in the day. He’s now the man behind the Italian-made Jett boot and he was in Vegas attending to the lightweight plastic boots at the BBMX team camp. www.jettboots.com

The three-digit guys are still the heart & soul of the sport – cheer them on.

Jerry Lymburner and his wildly enthusiastic wife made the trip down from Alaska, but he missed the night show cut by two places.

Christophe Pourcel’s mechanic, Kyle Bentley, is widely regarded as the master of creative start line prep.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: Quantya Wins First Gas Vs. Electric Race

Drew Gosselaar and his Quantya “Track” electric motorcycle scored the top spot in the first ever AMA-sanctioned electric versus gas-powered dirt bike race, dubbed the Energy Crisscross (ECX) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV this past weekend. Gosselaar led an electric bike sweep of the top six spots, with the first gas-powered bike taking seventh. The rules for the Energy Crisiscross event restricted the modifications to the gas-powered bikes and required use of the stock frame, forks, cylinder, carburetor and engine cases.

Gosselaar, the fastest qualifier of the day, pulled the holeshot and never looked back while on his way to the checkered flag. Drew and his Quantya “Track” also scored the fastest lap of the race. “Quantya gave me the best equipment possible,” said Gosselaar. “Even though they’re a new company, they’ve made an all around awesome machine. I was comfortable from the second I got on the bike. It just shows the potential of electric bikes and how easy they are to ride and even win major events.”

Quantya is the result of eco-conscious motorcycle enthusiasm mixed with Swiss craftsmanship and quality. The Quantya Strada and Track are high-performance, zero-emission electric motorcycles built and tested for the true enthusiast. For more information on Quantya USA, please visit www.quantyausa.com.

Quantya USA is pleased to partner with: Parts Unlimited/Thor, RK Chains/Excel Rims, Roth Racing Suspension and Motor Work, Advantage Metal Products, Town & Country Contractors, Inc., The Creative Works, Wolfman Luggage, Motorex Oils, Dirt DNA Graphics, ARC Levers and Guts Racing Seat Covers.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: Daystar Lift Kits

Daystar has listened to the needs of our customers and now offers a variety of Combo truck lift Kits! The Daystar Combo Kits consist of our legendary Comfort Ride Lift & Leveling kit applications that require shock absorbers, so you can now order one part number that includes our leveling kits and our new Scorpion Performance Shock Absorbers in one convenient package!  We have also included popular combinations of suspension kits, shocks, and 1″ body lifts on select applications; one convenient part number orders it all. Raise your vehicle for less and maintain your factory ride quality with Daystar! For more info: www.daystarweb.com

MXA QUERY: The Rookie Dungey – Is He Or Isn’t He?

After all the ballyhoo raised by the AMA and Rockstar/Makita team about Ryan Dungey being the first rider since Jeremy McGrath to win the Supercross title as a rookie, a few people started wondering ? hasn’t Ryan raced in the 450 class? Yes. And, didn’t he also make the podium in the 450 class as well? Yes. Does that still qualify him as a rookie? And, thinking ahead would that also mean that a rider like Trey Canard, who landed on five consecutive 450 class podiums this year, was to win the 450 title next year that he too will also be a rookie next year ? just like Jake Weimer who has yet to race a 450 indoors? Apparently.

Asking around the the pits elicited quite a few different opinions (see below) and discussion about what constitutes a “rookie” in other sports. Finally, Speed announcer Ralph Shaheen provided some needed facts ? that the NASCAR model (which the AMA seems ceaselessly enamored with) allows a driver to race seven NASCAR series races and still retain their rookie status. In fact, even if the “rookie” were to win all seven of those races, as long as it was just seven, he could come back the following year and still race with “rookie” honors.

Finally, I tracked down an AMA official who put all the lingering doubt and suspicion to rest. He said that in acknowledging Dungey’s “Rookie” status that the accolade is in recognition of a “rookie season.” Which to me, still leaves some gray area ? say if a rider races in 16 Supercross events one season and passes on Las Vegas ? still a “rookie” the next year? Either way, we all know that Ryan Dungey is the real deal. The concern is only about the language used in all the race hype and trying to make sure that certain historical standards are maintained. This (somewhat lighthearted) debate which turns on the vernacular used is similar to the ongoing “what is a privateer?” discussion which I plan to take up soon. Stay tuned!

MXA QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I like the way Jeremy McGrath did it better.” Bones Bacon on comparing McGrath’s “Rookie” status with Ryan Dungey’s.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Returns To Supercross

For years, Toyota has been one of the strongest supporters of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and race promoter Feld Motor Sports has announced that the automaker will return for 2011 and 2012 in continued support of the world’s premier motocross championship.

“Toyota is a major champion of the supercross series — our partnership allows us to connect with our younger enthusiasts,” said Keith Dahl, Toyota’s National Engagement Marketing Manager.

For the past five seasons, Toyota has been a staple in the sponsorship and promotion of the sport. Recently, the brand has stepped up its involvement through various initiatives, most notably within the pits at every round of Monster Energy Supercross as well as on the track, showcasing the Tundra, the official truck of supercross. For the next two seasons, Toyota will continue to build on its legacy and usher in a new era of Monster Energy Supercross.

Toyota is no stranger to the sport and knows what the motocross enthusiast needs when it comes to transporting a bike and heading to the track. Through interactive displays and a hands on approach, Toyota has allowed Supercross fans an up close look at their premier lineup of off-road vehicles from the races with their popular Monster Energy Pit Party display. Thanks to its close ties with the Muscle Milk/Toyota/Joe Gibbs Racing program, Toyota also offers the hundreds of thousands in attendance exclusive merchandise not available anywhere else.

“Toyota has done an incredible job of connecting and interacting with our Supercross fans over the years, said Charlie Mancuso, President of Feld Motor Sports.  We look forward to their continued involvement in Monster Energy AMA Supercross.” For more info, head to Toyota.

THE SUPERCROSS AWARDS SHOW

With the conclusion of the 2010 Monster Energy Supercross series the year-end awards ceremony was held at The Joint by Rogue inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. A total of 24 awards were presented to recognize the championship’s top riders and industry personnel who enjoyed a remarkable 2010 Monster Energy Supercross season.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey was crowned the AMA Supercross class champion following a prominent rookie season. Dungey closed the championship with a 70 point lead over GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham, following a season ending win at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

“It’s been an amazing year,” stated Dungey. “This has been something I never thought I would do, it’s an unreal feeling. It’s something you have worked so hard for since a kid. I never thought I would be at this point in my career; everything worked out for the best. Roger (DeCoster) gave me an opportunity of a lifetime and everyday I’ll remember that.“

“Overall this was a great season,” said Dave Prater, director of Supercross. “We were faced with a bit of a challenge due to the unfortunate weather, but everything worked out in the long haul.  I’d like to congratulate all of the riders, sponsors and teams for making the 2010 Monster Energy Supercross season a huge success.”

2010 Award Recipients

Road 2 Recovery Main Jet Award ? Mark Hall

Transport Driver of the Year Award ? Tim Dixon

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) Top Tech Award ? Commemorates the top 17 mechanics throughout the 2010 AMA Supercross season.


Team Manager of the Year Award ? Larry Brooks. Really? We love Larry, but with James going out early and and the visible slowing (due to injury) of Josh Hill, we’re still not sure what he did to earn this award. Seems like DeCoster, who not only oversaw Dungey’s title run, but also Stroupe’s effort in both the 250 & 450 class and gave aid to Billy Keefe’s team, had a bigger overall impact on the series. Oh yeah, he’s also “The Man”!

Rising Star Award ? Trey Canard. Without a doubt.


Spike Super Spills Award ? Justin Barcia. It was interesting to watch Barcia mull things over on the start line at Las Vegas when the conversation about Danny “Magoo” Chandler swirled around him between some old-timers. After hearing the tales of the wild riding Magoo, the Geico rider offered the obvious, “So he was kinda like me?” he asked.
 
Manufacturer of the Year Award ? Suzuki


Team of the Year Award ? Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Without a doubt.
 
Lifetime Achievement Award ? Steve Hudson


Champions Mechanic Award ? Mike Gosselaar. Without a doubt.

1st Place Top Privateer / CE Altman Award ? Tommy Hahn. A “privateer” out of a shiny 18 wheeler?!

2nd Place Top Privateer Award ? Ivan Tedesco

3rd Place Top Privateer Award ? Kyle Chisholm


Humanitarian of the Year Award ? Shasta Johnson. While the Supercross series has a long history of doing charity work, it was Shasta who parlayed her own illness and love of the sport  to re-define the effort and take it to the ext level. The Supercross world joined the ranks of big-time charitable causes when she got the ball rolling to turn round three at Anaheim pink for breast cancer awareness. Bravo!

ASSORTED MID-WEEK REPORT AWARDS

Unfortunately, injuries once again claimed some of the top riders this year. Who knows how the season would’ve turned out if James, Chad, RV and Grant (here giving a good luck fist bump to his replacement, Michael Byrne) didn’t get hurt. The upside to the stars getting hurt is that there’s always a big pool of hungry riders willing to take the call-up.


I’m not sure why there’s no “Privateer” award for the 250 class, but if there was, and since Tommy Hahn could win the 450 version, the award should go to Tommy’s younger brother Wil who finished second overall. In fact, Wil’s Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil backed team would be the top “privateer” team in the 250 class as well since Wil’s teammate Cole Seely finished 8th overall. It may have taken the TLD squad a couple of years to get it together, but they have now officially arrived.

As much as the all the 18 wheelin’/factory-aided teams still get the “privateer” nod, in the 250 west coast class the first real out-of-the-back-of-van privateer finisher was Phil Nicoletti in 8th overall. Yeah, he got the call-up for the last three races to ride the factory FMF/KTM, but all that did was bump him up one slot as he left A3 in ninth. Kudos to Phil and his mechanic Terry Varner. The next closest privateer was Chris Gosselaar in 16th overall.

Taking top real privateer honors on the east coast would be Jimmy Decotis who ended the season in 12th overall (with a top finish of fifth in Jacksonville). Thanks to KennyG Performance and DCS Financial for helping him stay on the road.

Every top 20 rider in the Supercross class pitted out of semi. It wasn’t until Justin Keeney (above) & Jarret Jet Browne who came in at 21st & 22nd overall that the 18-wheeler chain was broken. Top Euro in the overall standings was Wonder Warthog rider Manuel Rivas in 23rd.

The BBMX team continues to lead the pack in exposing fans and sponsors to the sport. Not only are they the only team in the pits with a sponsor’s product expo under the team tent, they also held fan appreciation contests that allowed the public to attend a race and get a true inside look at how the world of Supercross spins.

Best new team? I think that should go to the Honda of Troy squad. Not even in existence as late as December, the four rider squad, backed by Kilbarger Drilling and Eleven 10’s Chad Sanner, the four-rider squad had the look and feel of a seasoned, well-oiled machine. Very impressive.

Best “what if” rider? Easy, James Stewart. No one else brings the level of excitement, speed and passion to their on track effort as James. What if he didn’t get hurt?

Best dirty look? I thought the one I got from Nick Wey for “throwing him under the bus” (as he accused me of doing – and I wasn’t) earlier in the year was pretty good, but his effort was eventually undone by this sweet look of contempt and suspicion offered up by Kawasaki team manager Mike Fisher as I shot a photo while he met with a table of green heavies.

Best wasted effort of the year? That’s an easy one again – Jason Lawrence.
 
MXA PRESS RELEASE: Rockwell Styles Out Weimer

Winning the East-West Shootout in Vegas was icing on the cake for Rockwell Time Team rider Jake Weimer. Jake had an outstanding Supercross season to say the least and with a total of 4 race wins, he ended his Supercross 250 career with the 2010 West Coast Championship. Rockwell Time enjoys having Jake as part of our team and to congratulate him on his incredible season, we presented Jake with a custom engraved 50 Squared. All of us here at Rockwell believe that the timepiece should compliment his #1 plate quite well. If you’re ready to rock Rockwell, head to www.rockwelltime.com and use our Supercross promo code “DIAL” to receive a solid discount on watches and apparel.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: Hangtown Deals

If your checking out the National in Hangtown for Round 1 this weekend, make sure to
scope out the new MX Belt Buckle at the Gear Racewear Merchandise Booth!!!

MID-WEEK REPORT SCHWAG CONTEST

Yesterday I ran a review of Scott USA’s 2011 product launch that included some key Scott product trivia. After over 30 years as the leader in MX goggle development, Scott has now become a head to toe accessory company with an complete line of gear, helmets, boots and of course, goggles.  To celebrate the Sun Valley, Idaho company’s continued evolution in motocross, I’m giving away the sweet backpack they handed out that includes a Scott hat and t-shirt PLUS I’ll be throwing in a pair of Scott goggles as well – all that to the randomly chosen entry…the giving never ends at MXA!!!

1.Who will win the 250 & 450 overall at Hangtown and why?
2. If you were stuck on a desert island and could watch either Supercross or Motorcross re-runs on Speed, which would it be and why?
3. Identify the rider (#37) above.
4. Which lens is the Scott Pro Stack tear-off system designed specifically for?
5. What did Jeff Emig use to make his prototype Scott EFS work.
Mail your entries to Zap’s Schwag Contest.

PARTING SHOTS