MOTOCROSS ACTION’S MID-WEEK REPORT: (09/05/12)

By John Minert
 
MXA MINI VIEW: JAKE WEIMER
Photos by Scott Mallonee

Jake.

Even though there’s less than a week to go until the last race of the outdoor series, Jake Weimer and Factory Kawasaki were still out testing and working hard to get the best possible setup this week. Yes, the number one spot has been sewn up, but guys are still fighting hard for championship positions at the last round and Jake is fighting for third with Andrew Short. Jake had a few minutes down time while his forks were being worked on, so we asked him about his race last weekend and his thoughts on the final race.

MXA: For the fans out there, since TV coverage doesn’t do any justice to the track, how was Steel City?
Jake: It was pretty brutal. They put a lot of water down and it didn’t seem like it was ripped really deep. So we went through the top layer and got down to the hard base, which is normal there. It was wet and the ruts were very long so it was difficult to try to move around on the track. You pretty much just had to pick a line and ride. So it was tough to race on and tough to make passes because you couldn’t move around. It was a tricky track, and if you got a little bit off, you had to give it everything you have to save it.

Weimer at Steel City.

What happened in your first moto? Who were you battling with?
I don’t even know where I started in my first moto, probably about 18th. I tried to make passes quickly, but it took me a while to get around people. I worked my way up and at the end of the moto I was pretty much following Tyla Rattray around for a quite while. Not really any great battles. I worked my way up to seventh.

How about the second moto?
In the second moto I got a good start but JG [Josh Grant] got by me right out of the gate. I worked on him for a while and when I finally passed him I pretty much rode the rest of the race by myself in third. So, it was nothing too spectacular for me.

Have you ridden Elsinore very much?
Yeah, I’ve been out there a handful of times. I know they have big hopes and plans. I think the facility and the track are good, but the dirt’s not good. It’ll be interesting to see what they can do with it.

What is your championship points standing? Are you fighting for a position at Lake Elsinore?
I’m six points out of third place. So the goal is to have a good race and get into third place overall.

LAKE ELSINORE NATIONAL TRACK TRANSFORMATION
Photos by Dennis Stapleton
Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park personnel have been working hard to make sure their first AMA Pro National is a success, transforming a track designed for weekly use into a track that accommodates crowds of spectators and the fastest racer on the planet. MXA’s Dennis Stapleton went to the the track, while it was closed to the public, to take some spy shots of their progress.
 

The Elsinore National track is significantly changed and some of the previous track has been cut and new sections have been added to the north.


The elevation changes are man-made, but give some depth to the flat lake bed.

A flat lake-bed normally isn’t great for spectating, but these elevated grandstands on the Lucas Oil Offroad Truck track will offer prime seating for the start.

The obstacles are getting beefed-up for the fast guys.

NUCLEAR COWBOYZ ANNOUNCES 11-STOPS FOR 2013

This show is sensory overload.

Feld Motor Sports announced the schedule for the 2013 Nuclear Cowboyz freestyle motocross (FMX) tour, which kicks off Saturday, January 12 at the Sprint Center of Kansas City, Mo. For the first time ever, the highly acclaimed Nuclear Cowboyz 2013 tour will visit New Orleans and San Antonio, and back by popular demand, will return to Houston and Atlanta, following a one-year hiatus. Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, September 21. Nuclear Cowboyz 2013 is the only FMX tour of its kind that’s told through an adrenaline-packed narrative based in a futuristic setting. The saga is defined through jaw-dropping freestyle stunts meshed with stimulating pyrotechnic and laser displays all synchronized to heavy metal, rock alternative and electronic dubstep music. “We are so excited to bring Nuclear Cowboyz 2013 back for its fourth tour in North America,” exclaimed producer Juliette Feld. “This is the only place where fans can catch the top freestyle riders in the world riding side by side in an all out production. Fans will be mesmerized as two, three, then four riders flip together. These thrills are heightened by the most radiant pyrotechnic and laser effects ever seen indoors. Nuclear Cowboyz 2013 is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on every fan.”

NUCLEAR COWBOYZ 2013 TOUR SCHEDULE
     January 12-13                Sprint Center                             Kansas City, Mo.
     January 19-20                U.S. Bank Arena                        Cincinnati
     January 26-27                Consol Energy Center                Pittsburgh
     February 1-2                  Alamodome                              San Antonio*
     February 9                    The Palace at Auburn Hills         Auburn Hills, Mich.
     February 15-17              Tampa Bay Times Forum           Tampa, Fla.
     March 2-3                      Philips Arena                             Atlanta
     March 8-9                      New Orleans Arena                    New Orleans
     March 16-17                  IZOD Center                              East Rutherford, N.J.
     April 5-7                        Citizens Business Bank Arena    Ontario, Calif.
    April 27-28                    Reliant Stadium                         Houston*
For tickets or info visit  www.nuclearcowboyz.com

FIRST GLANCE: ALL-NEW TM 85MX BIKE
This bike is so new that the US importer hasn’t even figured out pricing information or received bike specifications. What we do know is that the bike is totally redesigned. Keep an eye on tmmotorcyclesusa.com for info when it becomes available.

You can’t afford this Italian works-style minibike on paper-route salary.

MXA MINI VIEW: BLAKE BAGGETT
Photos by Scott Mallonee

This Steel City rut was so big that it almost swallowed Blake whole!

Blake has had the upper hand in the 250 championship hunt all season-long, but his position isn’t secure going into the last round. Eli Tomac is 14 points back and Justin Barcia is 18 points back, both within striking distance if Blake has any problems. We talked to Blake to get his game plan for winning the number one plate.

MXA: What are you working on to get ready for Elsinore?
Blake: Just doing the same old thing. Today I’ll probably just do two thirty-minute motos and call it a day. I’m just focusing on Elsinore right now. My goal is to get a top three start, work my way to the front and try to get two moto wins.
 

Blake (12) is 14 points ahead of Tomac (17) and 18 ahead of Barcia (20) going into the last round.

Have you been looking at the points spread back to Tomac and figuring out where you need to finish to win the championship?
No, my plan is just to try and win the first moto, and come out firing for the second one.

Have you ridden Lake Elsinore since they reopened?
I rode it once for about twenty minutes. It’s gonna be Elsinore, same as it’s been since I was on 50’s? a little bit slippery and super greasy when watered. But everybody has to race the same track and you just have to go as fast as you can.

NEW PRODUCT: FASTWAY EVOLUTION AIR FOOTPEG

Fastway Performance released new details today about its’ recently introduced ultra- strong 7075 billet aluminum Evolution AIR footpegs. Fastway’s new footpegs come in 6 brilliant colors, have unique impressive features, and are protected by two of Fastway’s patents. Evolution AIR features include: (1) Patented Adjustable Height- Fastway’s replaceable Universal Collar allows Fastway footpegs to be mounted in standard or low positions, and allows riders to easily adapt their Fastway footpegs to their next bike. (2) Patented Adjustable Traction- Fastway patented the replaceable traction cleat that many have tried to copy. Fastway offers 4 types of cleats in several different heights allowing riders to “contour or arch” the footbed as well as choose their traction level. Two sets of F3 threaded cleats come standard with every set of Fastway footpegs.

(3) Patented Adjustable Camber (tilt)- Fastway’s patented system allows adjustment of the upward or downward tilt angle of the pegs, bringing the riders knees closer to, or farther from the bike. Proper rider alignment has never been easier. This can also help riders get more grip and control over their bike. (4) Profit-Enhancing Packaging- Dealers concerned about cash flow and inventory levels love stocking the Evolution AIR footpegs. Each set of AIR footpegs is packaged “universally”. Add Fastway’s inexpensive “Fit Kit” and Dealers can fit the Evolution AIR footpegs to virtually any rider that comes through the door. (4) Lightweight- Fastway Evolution AIR’s are 13.7% lighter than stock KTM pegs, and 20.8% lighter than KX450f pegs! (5)   Super Strength- No one disputes the strength of Fastway’s stainless steel Evolution 3 footpegs. The new Evolution AIR footpegs have 8% more ultimate tensile strength than the Evo 3 pegs. Evolution AIR’s are machined by Pro Moto Billet from USA produced 7075 T-6 billet stock- the strongest USA sourced aluminum available. (6) Perfect Size- At 2.25″ wide and 3.25″ long, and offering 9% more available traction than Fastway’s Evolution 3 footpegs, the Evolution AIR’s are the perfect balance of size and traction for motocross, off-road racers and riders. For more info visit www.ProMotoBillet.com
 
JEFF WARD RACING TEAM AUTOGRAPH SIGNING AT MALCOLM SMITH MOTORSPORTS THURSDAY

Want Josh Grant’s John Hancock? Head to Malcolm Smith’s.

In lieu of the season ending Elsinore National MX race weekend, Malcolm Smith Motorsports will be hosting a Jeff Ward Racing autograph signing on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 6:00 p.m. to ? 7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and meet team owner Jeff Ward and riders Josh Grant and Kyle Chisholm along with freestyle motocross rider Robbie Maddison. Fans will also be excited to learn that there will be Jeff Ward Racing merchandise giveaways taking place as well.

NEW PRODUCT: CYCRA POWERFLOW REAR FENDER

Following up its popular Powerflow Shrouds, Cycra Racing has released their new Powerflow Rear Fenders for KTM.  Redesigned to be narrower than stock and incorporating airflow venting to push the cleanest air into the air box,  these fenders are sure to be a must have amongst KTM riders. For more info go to www.cycraracing.com.

24 HOURS OF GLEN HELEN ENDURANCE VIDEO BY LA SLEEVE


NEW PRODUCT: RACE TECH SPLIT DESIGNS GRAPHICS

Race Tech and Split Designs Co. are excited to announce the 2013 Race Tech Series graphics kits available now to give your bike a clean new look. Available for all five major OEM’s, Split Designs has Race Tech Series graphics available for almost any motocross bike out there. Each kit can be customized upon order to add your name and number free of charge. Full bike kits or just shroud graphics options are available. “I first saw Split Designs Co.’s eye-catching graphics on Destin Cantrell’s FMX bikes (Destin is also supported by Race Tech), and I knew I had found the perfect company to work with for some Race Tech kits. The guys at Split are great to work with and do an amazing job. I’m definitely excited to see our riders running these great looking kits,” said Race Tech’s Director of Marketing Chris Riesenberg. Full graphic kits are printed on high-tac, 21 mil, motocross material to ensure appearance and performance. Complete Kits include shrouds, front and side number plates, air box decals, front fender tip, rear fender, fork guards and swing arm decals. Complete kits retail for $169.99 and shroud kits retail for $59.99. To order, visit SplitDesignsCo.com.

WHERE TO GET SPONSORED!

MOTOREX USA
 
Motocroex USA is now accepting rider support resumes for 2013. They are expanding their rider support roster for 2013 and will accept resumes through Dec 1st 2012.  
To apply please send your resume with race results via email or mail to the addresses below before the December 1, 2012, deadline.  Email: [email protected].  Mail: Motorex USA,  Attn: Rider Support, 900 Mendelssohn Ave. N., Golden Valley, MN 55427. For more info visit www.motorexusa.com

DUBYA USA

Dubya USA, the leader in performance motocross wheels, has begun accepting applications for their 2013 rider support program. Motocross, off-road moto, freestyle and supermoto athletes are encouraged to fill out the application form on the Dubya website at www.dubyausa.com/sponsorship, or on their hookit page at www.hookit.com/brands/dubyausa.

DT-1 FILTERS

DT-1 Air Filters is officially opening its 2013 sponsorship season. Join the team and start using the best air filters in the world. DT-1 is the choice of Two Two Motorsports, JGR, Valli/Star racing, Rockstar Suzuki, JWR Kawasaki, MotoConcepts Racing, JStar KTM, Red Bull KTM Europe, Monster Yamaha Europe, and many more. DT-1 filters are hand made in the USA. View the products at dt1filters.com. Support riders will use mxfilters.com to place orders online. Email your resume to [email protected].

ATLAS BRACE TECHNOLOGIES

Atlas Brace Technologies is now accepting sponsorship applications for 2013. If you want to be an Atlas Athlete just like former 7 time SX Champion Jeremy McGrath, or former 250 SX Champion Jake Weimer, please apply at www.hookit.com/brands/atlasbracetechnologies. To learn more about the revolutionary Atlas Brace, please visit atlasbrace.com.