MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS REPORT: TEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP, PLUS KTM CLINCHES ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP

      KTM ADDS ANOTHER TITLE TO THEIR AMAZING 2012 SEASON WITH THE 250 ROAD RACE TITLE

Sandro Cortese celebrates. Photo: Gold & Goose

Sandro Cortese of Germany and the Red Bull KTM Ajo Factory Racing Team won the first-ever FIM Moto3 World Championship title on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix to write another chapter in KTM’s successful history. KTM  CEO Stefan Pierer said. “This is an unbelievable and wonderful day for KTM and all KTM Racing Fans. With Sandro becoming the first rider to win a World Championship on asphalt (for KTM) is an unforgettable milestone in the history of the company.”

MOTO3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Sandro  Cortese…..280
2. Luis Salom………….207
3. Maverick Vinales…199
4. Alex Rins……………128
5. Romano Fenati……126

      THE KTM PEE-WEES ARE BACK IN SUPERCROSS AFTER 5 YEARS OF THE WORST HALF-TIME SHOWS IMAGINABLE SOMETHING GOOD THIS WAY COMES

Good news for Supercross fans, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge is back after a five-year break (largely caused by the Supercross promoters asking KTM to not only supply all the bikes, mechanics, gear and logistics, but also to pay the promoters hundreds of thousands of dollars). There will on be five events where the Pee-Wees will race (Anaheim 2, Dallas, Atlanta, Indianapolis and Las Vegas). Interested applicants must be 7-8 years old and meet the full requirements listed in the official rules. All rules and online entry forms can be found at www.ktmjrsx.com

      CHAD REED’S AUSSIE SUPERCROSS SERIES TRIP

Chad Reed has confirmed that he will race the three remaining rounds of the 2012 Terex Australian Supercross Championship ? starting the weekend after the Monster Cup in Las Vegas. Obviously, Reed had planned to race the Australian series before the Facebook challenge was put out that if the Aussie promoter could get 10,000 “likes” to the series’ Facebook page then Reed would have to race. In the end, the number of “likes” was 10,800 on their Facebook page, but it was obvious to all that Reed was going to race in the first place.

With the second round of the Australian Supercross series paired with the Phillip Island MotoGP road race on October 26 and 27 this could be the biggest crowd in Down Under Supercross ever. Reed said, “We had originally planned to make a trip home to be spectators at the event and spend time catching up with friends and family, but the opportunity to race at such an amazing circuit along with MotoGP was one I couldn’t pass up. We saw it as a good chance to race and test the 2013 bike and then felt it would be a significant investment for only a single race so decided to extend it to both Toowoomba and Newcastle.

“It’s a win-win for me ? I get to race at home, launch the awesome new 2013 Honda, test and develop the bike against guys I consider world-class competitors, catch up with my friends and family and get to spend some time with the guys in the MotoGP paddock as well.”

      ANTONIO CAIROLI TESTS A STOCK CAR… FOUR-WHEELS IN HIS FUTURE?

      YAMAHA’S OFFICIAL 2013 AMA SUPERCROSS AND NATIONAL TEAMS
The Yamaha Motor Corporation has announced its professional race teams for the 2013 Supercross and Motocross Season starting at the Monster Energy Cup on October 20, 2012.


Josh Grant (33) returns to the team he rode for before. In fact, both Brayton and Grant are returnees.

JOE GIBBS RACING
Leading the 450 charge is Joe Gibbs Racing (JGRMX) with their solid lineup of Justin Brayton and Josh Grant.

STAR YAMAHA
Star Racing leads the 250 charge with Kyle Cunningham, Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb.

ROCK RIVER POWERSPORTS
Rock River Powersports will field a competitive team for the 2013 race season, in addition to running Yamaha’s highly popular “Pro Parts” program at all 2013 Supercross and Outdoor National events. The riders names have yet to be announced.

      OUR FAVORITE RUSSIAN TAKES US TO HIS HOMETOWN IN KONDROVO

      TEN THINGS THING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NOV.3-4 WORLD VET MX CHAMPIONSHIPS


(1) TWO DAYS OF RACING & A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES
The 2012 MTA World Veteran Motocross Championship will feature two days of racing (Saturday, November 3, and Sunday, November 4). New this year is an Over-55 class and an extra day of racing for the Over-25 class.There will not be an Over-35 class in 2012.

(2) $4000 FOR THE OVER-40 PROS ON SATURDAY
The Saturday races are considered warm-up races for all the classes except the Over-40 Pro class. The Over-40 Pros will race for their share of a $4000 purse. Why do they hold warm-up races before the World Vet? Because riders come from 20 different countries and almost every state to race and the extra day allows them to learn the track, the dirt and the massive Talladega start before the big day on Sunday. It is no surprise that foreign and out-of-state riders need time to get used to the roughness, elevation and size of Glen Helen.

(3) THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING THERE ON SUNDAY
Sunday’s races represent the actual 2012 World Vet Championship classes. To claim the title, you have to win on Sunday…with the exception of the Over-40 Pros (who get claiming rights on Saturday). The Over-30 Pro class races on Sunday…and they too have a $4000 purse.

(4) OVER-25 CLASS RACES ON BOTH DAYS
This year the Over-25 class will race both days (in the past they only raced on Saturday). Additionally, there will be an Over-55 class this year.

(5) THURSDAY PRACTICE
As an added bonus, Glen Helen will be open on Thursday, November 1, for open practice from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(6) SPECIAL FRIDAY PRACTICE
Then, for riders who have pre-entered the World Vet races the track will be open again for practice on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

(7) SATURDAY WORLD VET CLASSES
   25 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   30 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   40 yrs…Novice, Intermediate
   40 Pro…$4000 purse
   45 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   50 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   55 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   60 yrs…Novice, Intermediate., Expert
   70 yrs…All
   80 yrs…All
 
(8) SUNDAY WORLD VET CLASSES
   25 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   30 yrs…Novice, Intermediate
   30 Pro …$4000 purse
   40 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   45 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   50 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   55 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   60 yrs…Novice, Intermediate, Expert
   70 yrs…All
   80 yrs…All
 
(9) PRACTICE, GATE, TIMES AND FEES
    ? Overnight camping is free (starting on Thursday, November 1).
    ? A weekend ticket is $20 (adult), $10 (6 to 12), under 6 free.
    ? The track gates open at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday
    ? Entry fee is $40 pre-entry and $45 on race day.
    ? Scoring is by transponder, but there is no charge for the transponder.

(10) HOW TO ENTER
    1. You can enter the race on the website at www.glenhelen.com
    2. You can enter on Friday between noon and 5:00 p.m.
    3. You can enter on Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
    4. You can enter on Sunday starting at 6:00 a.m.

      MXA SPENDS THE DAY WITH DAVI MILLSAPS AS HE TESTS HIS NEW ‘ZOOK


      KEVIN STRIJBOS TO RETURN TO SUZUKI GP TEAM FOR THE THIRD TIME

Kevin Strijbos.

Kevin Strijbos has bee a Suzuki factory rider twice already, but for 2013 the Belgian rider will join Clement Desalle at the team for the third time. In 2013, the 27-year-old Strijbos won the British 450 Championship, made three podiums in the 450 World Championships and ended up sixth overall in the series.

Team owner Sylvain Geboers said, “With Clement and Kevin we have two different riders with two different approaches to the championship and, importantly, we all know each other and the best way to work, so I’m happy Kevin is back on board and showed in 2012 that he can still run at the front of a series that has a lot of talent and fast riders.”

      USED IT, ABUSED IT, TESTED IT: KALI PRANA CARBON HELMET

Dubbed “Composite Fusion Plus,” the Prana Carbon incorporates an inner foam liner of pyramid-like structure of different foam densities. These structures take the brunt of the initial impact and direct energy sideways within the foam instead of linearly down to your head. Essentially, the “Composite Fusion Plus” features a shock absorbing liner based on a series of compressible cones that work much like the crumple zones on a car. The cones are arranged to provide varying degrees of compression so that the more delicate areas of the riders skull are offered greater protection. The result is a lighter and stronger helmet design. MXA is familiar with dual-density foam, but Kali’s forward-thinking design is intriguing.


By using two densities of foam and arranging them in a unique porcupine layout, the Kali Prana absorbs energy as the pointy parts crush laterally.

VERDICT: On MXA‘s scale, any helmet that weighs less than three pounds is exceptionally light. The Kali Prana Carbon weighed in at a svelte 2.75 pounds (size Medium). The Kali Prana Carbon is available in sizes XS through XL, and in two color ways (Skari black or white). Kali also sells the Prana FRP, which has a fiberglass shell and retails for $249. The Prana Carbon comes with a thin storage bag, as well as a very nice helmet travel bag. If you are looking for a very lightest, high-end, certified motocross helmet?this is it. The ingenious pyramid-shaped, dual-density, inner foam liner is a show stealer. It won the “Invention of the Year” award from Australia’s ABC-TV network and is a worthy contender in the U.S. helmet market. $349.00 ( Prana Carbon), $249 (Prana FRP)?www.kaliprotectives.com or (408) 778-2700.

      ADAM CIANCIARULO TALKS ABOUT RACING THE AMATEUR CLASS AT SATURDAY NIGHT’S MONSTER CUP

      TWEET OF THE DAY: MARC DE REUVER IS THE WINNER

      MARK EASTWOOD DOES THE HARDEST THING IN MOTOCROSS…HE RIDES AND TALKS AT THE SAME TIME

      NEWS FROM DOWN UNDER

Chad wants to go to the MotoGP race to see Casey Stoner’s last race, so he might as well race while he’s there.

Chad Reed has agreed to race the remaining three rounds of the 2012 Australian Supercross Championship.

The second round of the Aussie Supercross chase will be held in conjunction with the Phillip Island MotoGP race.

Matt Moss was injured at round one a week ago and just recently had surgery. He dislocated his shoulder and tore ligaments in a collision with Billy Mackenzie.

The Australian Supercross Series is sponsored by Terex, a heavy equipment manufacturer.

Josh Cachia, an up-and-coming star, skipped the Aussie Supercross series to join his new JDR/J-Star KTM team for winter testing in SoCal.

Tye Simmonds will join the Berry Sweet/Lucas Oil/Yamaha team for the 2013 Australian National Championship season aboard a YZ450F. Craig Anderson, who retired from racing at the end of the 2012 season, owns the team.

Monster Energy has made a move to support the riders with bonus money for a Triple Challenge award. If a rider sets fast time, wins his heat and wins the main?he will get a $1000 bonus. If a rider can win three of the four rounds?he will win a $5000 bonus. If a rider holeshots three of the four main events he will win a $2000 bonus. We applaud Monster for putting money into the rider’s pockets instead of the sanctioning bodies bank account (although we’re sure they had to do that too).


Gavin Faith.             Photo: Rice Photos

American Gavin Faith became the first Monster Energy Triple Challenge bonus recipient after he qualified first, won his heat race and the 250 final.

The Australian-made PodMX knee braces recently got New Zealander Ben Townley to switch to the PodMX K700 knee brace. It seems like every rider in Australia wears a Pod as the list includes Josh Coppins, Lawson Bopping, Todd Waters, Brad Anderson, Tye Simmonds, Craig Anderson, Adam Monea, Cam Sinclair,Jackson Strong, Steven Clarke and Luke Arbon.

      RYAN SIPES FUNNIEST MOMENTS, BEST RACE, FAVORITE RIDER & WHAT HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

      KEANU REEVES FORMS HIS OWN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Arch KR GT-1.

Have you ever heard of Arch Motorcycles? Probably not, but with Keanu Reeves as the owner and ChopRods designer Gard Hollinger as the builder you probably will ? at least on TMZ.


Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves.

The Arch KR GT-1 will be offered for sale in 2013. It is basically a Harley-powered, upside-down forked, steel-framed, cheney-style monoshock suspended street bike that is part cafe racer and part chopper. For more info go to www.archmotorcycle.com

      WHAT’S LEFT TO DO IN 2012? IT’S NOT OVER UNTIL TROY LEE SAYS IT IS AT THE DITHD


REM OCTOBERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

    October 27……………………………………Glen Helen, CA
AMA ENDUROCROSS

   October 27…………………………………….Boise, ID
2012 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS RD. 2

    October 27-28……………………………….Phillip Island, VIC
MTA WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

    Nov. 3-4……………………………………….Glen Helen, CA
2012 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS RD. 3

    November 10………………………………..Toowoomba, QSL
PARIS SUPERCROSS

    November 9-11……………………………..Paris, France
AMA ENDUROCROSS FINALE

    November 17………………………………..Las Vegas, NV
2012 AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS RD.4

    November 17………………………………..Newcastle, NSW
WINTER OLYMPICS

    November 19-24……………………………Gatorback, FL
DAY IN THE DIRT

    November 23-25……………………………Glen Helen, CA

      TROY LEE DESIGN SIGNS AMATEURS JUSTIN HOEFT AND SHANE MCELRATH

Troy and Justin.

Minicycle racer Justin Hoeft has signed a contract to race for the Troy Lee Designs team for 2013 and beyond. Hoeft won the 2012 Loretta Lynn’85cc Stock and Mod classes, the Mammoth Motocross Super Mini Champion and 85cc  classes as well as the James Stewart Spring Championship 85cc Stock and Mod classes. “I am excited for this opportunity with the Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda Team,” said Hoeft. “I’ve always liked TLD and am proud to represent them in the amateur class.” Hoeft joins Cole Seely, Christian Craig, Jessy Nelson and Tarah Gieger under the Troy Lee Designs tent.

TLD also signed Shane McElrath, a surprise standout at this years Loretta Lynn’s National, to a multi-year deal with the Troy Lee Designs Honda Team. The signing comes after logging two second place finishes in the B Classes at Loretta Lynn’s as well as logging the fastest lap time of any rider.

      YOU ARE THERE! SEE ALL SIX OF MXA’S 2013 450s AT ONE TIME IN ONE PLACE

      THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS: DOES VINCE FRIESE BLOW OUT THE CANDLES OR RAM THEM?

Oct. 19…Vince Friese


Oct. 19…Jimmy Ellis
Oct. 21…Terren O’Dell


Oct. 21…Matiss Karro
Oct. 22…Michael Brandes


Oct. 22…Ashley Fiolek
Oct. 24…Teddy Parks


Oct. 25…Tony Amaradio
Oct. 25…Mike Lafferty


      RYAN HUGHES & DOUG DUBACH TO TEACH MX SCHOOL AT GLEN HELEN ON THE DAY BEFORE THE WORLD VET

For more info go to www.rynoinstitute.com

      MXA TECH SPEC: YOUR INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE 2013 KTM 250SXF


FRAME. The chromoly steel frame has a stiffer head tube (for more torsional rigidity), gunmetal gray paint, thinner-wall down tubes (for weight reduction), a reinforced swingarm (for more vertical rigidity), lighter shock-linkage bolts (for weight reduction) and a 25mm rear axle (for more torsional rigidity). The frame geometry is the same as the previous model, but has been modified to accept the all-new engine cases.



ENGINE. The basic design of the 2013 KTM 250SXF’s double-overhead-cam engine follows the same philosophy of last year’s 250SXF engine. It still has four titanium valves (made by Del West), two camshafts and finger-follower actuators, but that is where the similarities end. The 2013 engine has larger ports, redesigned combustion chamber, larger intake valves (32.5mm from 30.9mm), bigger water jackets, new cam timing and, most importantly, high-pressure die-cast cases (instead of sand-cast). The exhaust has been massaged with a resonance chamber and tapered muffler core. The new engine reportedly pumps out five more horsepower and weighs less. It is closer to the 350SXF engine than last year’s 250SXF mill.

KICKSTARTER. Last year, 250SXF owners could remove the electric starter and reinstall the old-school kickstarter. No more. To save weight, the kickstart bosses have been removed from the cases.

CRANKSHAFT. The 2.5mm shorter stroke is achieved with a high-tech Pankl rod (featuring plain bearings instead of needle bearings?think bushings).

BORE AND STROKE: The performance of the new 250SXF engine is due to a shorter stroke and larger bore, new cylinder head and higher rpm range. The bridge-boxed Konig piston has a 2mm-larger diameter (from 76mm to 78mm), which allows for both higher rpm and more room for the larger 32.5mm valves.

COUNTERBALANCER. The 2013 KTM 250SXF gets a laterally mounted counter-balance shaft, which also drives the water pump and timing chain to save weight.

FUEL INJECTION. The new throttle body features a bore of 44mm (the Keihin carb had a 42mm bore). The 12-hole injector sprays upwards from the bottom of the throat’s venturi for a more efficient spray pattern. There are in-line fuel-filter screens on the quick-release fuel-line fittings, and the idle adjuster is now separate from the cold-start button (and located on the back of the throttle body).

ELECTRICS. The wiring harness has a longer lead, and all of the critical con-nectors are protected by rubber caps. The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is tucked in better and comes with its own rubber cover to keep it safe from roost and water.

ELECTRIC START. The 2013 KTM 250SXF does not have a kickstart boss on the cases to accept an optional manual kickstarter.

SUSPENSION. Although the front and rear spring rates remain unchanged, WP increased the midstroke damping to the great relief of every KTM racer.

MISCELLANEOUS: Renthal’s new 827 FatBar is 12mm taller than last year’s 672 bar. The rims are Takasago Excels laced with black anodized spokes and fitted with Dunlop Geomax MX51 tires (front and rear). The plastic parts have a new look, courtesy of the “Ryan Dungey Replica,” which also includes an orange rear fender instead of white.

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