MOTOCROSS ACTION’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: CATCHING UP WITH SUPERMAC, JEFFRO TELLS US WHAT’S UP & WE TELL YOU WHO’S RACING THE 250 WEST, PLUS MUCH MORE

                                                                   
CATCHING UP WITH JEREMY MCGRATH: “I’VE BEEN RIDING THE 2013 HONDA CRF450 FOR DEVELOPMENT, BUT I DON’T HAVE ONE YET”

                                                                   
WHO’S RACING THE 250 WEST?

Eli Tomac will defend his number 1 plate.

The age-old question?which 250 riders will shown up at Anaheim 1? Here are some educated guess:  

Blake Baggett – West
Eli Tomac – West
Martin Davalos – West
Tyla Rattray – West
Cole Seely – West
Christian Craig – West
Ryan Sipes – West

Zach Osborne – West
Jason Anderson – West
Kyle Cunningham – West
Malcolm Stewart – West
Josh Cachia – West

Jessy Nelson – West
Travis Baker – West
Killy Rusk – West
PJ Larsen – West
Michael Leib – West
Dillon Epstein – West
Chris Plouffe – West

Ken Roczen – West
Preston Mull – West
Jake Anstett – West
Dustin Hoffman – West
Broc Shoemaker – West
Dakota Tedder – West
Jake Canada – West
Derek Anderson – West

                                                                   
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH TLD’S JESSY NELSON, COLE SEELY & CHRISTIAN CRAIG

                                                                   
2013 AMA SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE

Houston hosts the Supercross series on April 6.

    January 5……………………………Anaheim 1, CA
    January 12………………………….Phoenix, AZ
    January 19………………………….Anaheim II, CA
    January 26………………………….Oakland, CA
    February 2…………………………..Anaheim III, CA
    February 9…………………………..San Diego, CA
    February 16………………………….Arlington, TX
    February 23………………………….Atlanta, GA
    March 2……………………………….St. Louis, MO
    March 9……………………………….Daytona, FL
    March 16……………………………..Indianapolis, IN
    March 23……………………………..Toronto, Can
    April 6………………………………….Houston, TX
    April 13………………………………..Minneapolis, MN
    April 20………………………………..Seattle, WA
    April 27………………………………..Salt Lake City, UT
    May 4…………………………………..Las Vegas, NV

                                                                   
THE SUPERCROSS ANNOUNCERS TELL YOU WHAT THEY THINK BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS

Jeff Emig, Erin Bates and Ralph Sheheen.

In its seventh year together, the Speed broadcast team of Ralph Sheheen, Jeff Emig and Erin Bates talk about the upcoming season.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE BIGGEST STORY HEADING INTO THE 2013 SUPERCROSS SEASON?

Ralph: “The biggest story is whether or not Ryan Villopoto returns to top form from a serious injury yet again. He did it after his horrific crash in St. Louis in 2010 to win the title in 2011. He won everything there was to win all the way through 2011 and 2012 including a second Supercross crown, only to suffer another major injury.”

Jeff: “The level of competition. It is projected that we will have 10 riders on the gate for the Anaheim opener who have won at least one Monster Energy Supercross main event. In addition, we should have Justin Barcia, who just won the Monster Energy Cup on a 450. So, I look at it as a pretty stacked field with three groups of riders contending for the title. You have veterans like Chad Reed, James Stewart and Kevin Windham, established champions like Villopoto, Ryan Dungey, Trey Canard and Jake Weimer in the middle of their careers, and finally first- and second-year racers Justin Barcia and Broc Tickle, who have 250 titles to their credit. And that’s just a few racers in the 450 class; the 250 is just as exciting!”

Erin: “That’s the beautiful thing about Supercross …  we have a handful of big stories coming into the 2013 season.  Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing riders returning from injury showing up Jan. 5 ready for battle. Defending two-time Supercross champ Ryan Villopoto coming back from trials … and former two-time Supercross champ Chad Reed returning after a bittersweet 2012 season. I think the new generation entering the SX field is filled with hunger and could play a factor in this year’s championship as well.”

WHO HAS THE EDGE IN THIS YEAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT?

Ryan Villopoto is the odds-on favorite.

Ralph: “Until somebody steps up and beats Villopoto, it’s going to be hard to bet against him. My top three are: 1. Ryan Villopoto 2. Ryan Dungey 3. Chad Reed.”

Jeff: “Villopoto is the champ until some takes the Number 1 plate from him.”

Erin: “It’s way too early to tell at this point. I’m going to have to see a few laps of practice first and then witness the gate drop at Angel Stadium before I can give my prediction. For me, it’s a good indicator of who’s done their homework during the offseason and is coming in fully prepared. They’re all extremely physically fit, so it could boil down to who’s tougher mentally.”
    
WHICH RIDER WILL SURPRISE FANS THIS YEAR?

Chad Reed and mechanic Lars Lindstrom.

Ralph: “I think there are two guys who will surprise people in 2013. First, I think two-time champ Chad Reed will be back stronger than ever and a title contender once again after a very serious injury in 2012. I also think Justin Barcia will have a great rookie season, and I think he will win a race or two.”

Jeff: “Oh, that’s Justin Barcia. They don’t call him ?Bam Bam’ for nothing! He has a tendency to muscle his way past other riders. But he isn’t in the 250 class anymore ? the ?Big Boys’ will do some pushing back.”

Erin: “I think that Justin Barcia, aka ?Bam Bam,’ will surprise a lot of people this year. He’s a two-time SX Lites East Champion moving up to the 450 class. He’s known for his aggressiveness and incredible talent on track. He never concerns himself with making friends while racing and is clearly not intimidated by the competition. It will be interesting to see if he’ll be able to manage the power of the 450 and duplicate his performance at the Monster Energy Cup.”
     
WHICH TRACK WILL MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE THIS SEASON?

Daytona is the roughest, longest and fastest Supercross of the year…and the weather is unpredictable in Florida.

Ralph: “Daytona. The weather can be very treacherous. We have raced there in driving rain storms more than once and it can definitely have an impact on the title chase.”

Jeff: “Anaheim is important because we will have three races there. Daytona is a real test of physical fitness. Atlanta is huge event with an immeasurable energy so it’s always a big boost. But if it comes down to it, you better be good on the hard-packed desert dirt of Las Vegas.”

Erin: “The track could be considered the ?21st rider.’ Every track is uniquely designed with obstacles and rhythm sections made from different types of dirt ? East Coast to West Coast. Line choices change lap to lap, making it tricky for riders to predict what to prepare for next.  Every track suits each rider’s style differently. So, in my opinion, every track will make the difference.”

                                                                   
ASK THE MXPERTS: IS MY 2012 KTM 250SX TOO LIGHT FOR THE AMA NATIONALS

Dear MXA,
I own a 2012 KTM 250SX and it only weighs 218 pounds. Is it legal in the AMA 450 Nationals?

As far as the weight goes your 2012 KTM 250SX two-stroke is legal because 250cc two-strokes are allowed to be as light as 212 pounds and still be legal in the 450 class. It should be noted that a 450 four-stroke can‘t be lighter than 220 pounds. So the weight of your 2012 KTM 250SX is not an issue. But, your 2012 KTM 250SX still cannot be raced in an AMA Supercross or motocross Nationals because the only homologated KTM two-stroke on the AMA’s 2013 approved bike list is the 2013 KTM 250SX. Thus, your 2012 model is not approved. Even weirder, the only Yamaha YZ250 two-strokes on the approved list are units made between 2008 and 2010 (which means that the identical 2011-2013 YZ250s can not be raced). Only a manufacturer can put a bike on the approved list…which requires submitting a few parts for tech and a check to the AMA for $3000. Most manufacturers skip paying the fee for bikes that have little or no chance of ever showing up. Additionally, no bike more than five years old can be raced?which means that the oldest approved model for 2013 is  2008.

For clarification, the minimum motorcycle weights for the 250 Supercross/motocross classes are: 194 pounds (125 two-stroke) or  212 pounds (250 four-stroke). And, for the 450 Supercross/motocross classes, the weigh limits are 212 pounds (250 two-stroke) or 220 pounds (450 four-stroke).

                                                                   
MEET YOUR FAVORITE SUPERCROSS STAR AT BERT’S MOTO MALL ON JANUARY 4

For more info go to www.bertsmegamall.com

                                                                   
ONE TO WATCH! ZACH OSBORNE TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW GEICO HONDA 250 SUPERCROSS RIDE

                                                                   
2013 AMA SUPERCROSS TV SCHEDULE: MISS THE BEER FIGHT THIS YEAR

The 2013 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series will have nearly 100 hours of TV coverage on Speed, CBS and Fuel TV. Speed will air live coverage from a record 11 races, including Anaheim I, Anaheim III, Phoenix, San Diego, Dallas, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Toronto, Houston, Salt Lake City and Vegas. CBS will have nine hours of next-day coverage (Anaheim II, Oakland, St. Louis, Minneapolis) and Seattle. Fuel will re-air every Speed broadcast.

2013 SUPERCROSS TV SCHEDULE
Date……..Event……………TV network…Time
(live shows in Bold)
Dec. 22…Preview show….CBS………………3:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Jan. 5…..Anaheim I………Speed…………..9:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Jan. 12…Phoenix…………Speed…………..9:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Jan.20….Anaheim II………CBS/Speed……12:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Jan. 27…Oakland………….CBS/Speed……12:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Feb. 2…..Anaheim III…….Speed………….10:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Feb. 9…..San Diego………Speed………….10:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Feb. 16…Dallas…………….Speed…………..9:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Feb. 23…Atlanta…………..Speed…………..7:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Mar. 3…..St. Louis………….CBS/Speed……12:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Mar. ?…..Daytona………….Speed…………….7:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Mar. 16…Indianapolis …..Speed…………..7:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Mar.23….Toronto…………..Speed…………..8:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Apr. 4……Houston…………Speed…………..9:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Apr. 14….Minneapolis…….CBS/Speed…….12:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Apr. 21….Seattle……………CBS/Speed…….12:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Apr. 27….Salt Lake………..Speed…………..9:30 p.m. (Eastern)
May 4……Las Vegas………Speed………….10:00 p.m. (Eastern)

                                                                   
THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS

Dec. 29…Steve Ramon ? 1979
Dec. 29…Chris Gosselaar ? 1981

Dec. 31…Marvin Musquin ? 1989

 
Dec. 31…Doug Domokos ? 1955

Dec. 31…David Bailey ? 1961

Jan. 1……Larry Brooks ? 1967
Jan. 2……James Dobb ? 1972

Jan. 2…….Ron Hinson ? 1972
Jan. 3…….Nathan Woods ? 1978

                                                                   
TEAM SUZUKI’S “NO OCTANE” TRAINING CAMP

Suzuki’s Grand Prix team of Clement Desalle, Kevin Strijbos, Julien Lieber, Jorge Zaragoza, Jeremy Seewer and Markus Schiffer spent two weeks in Portugal training for the 2013 GP season. But, they didn’t ride motocross bikes. Instead the 14-day camp followed an “octane-free” training program of mountain biking, cycling, swimming, running and power training under the watchful eye of team trainer Yves Demeulemeester and team manager Eric Geboers.

                                                                   
KTM’S 2013 TEAM INTRODUCTION: RYAN DUNGEY, MARVIN MUSQUIN, KEN ROCZEN & THE NEW 2013-1/2 KTM 450SXF-FE

                                                                   
REM GLEN HELEN MOTOCROSS: ABSOLUTELY THE FINAL RACE OF 2012 IS THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29

For more info go to www.remsatmx.com

                                                                   
HONDA’S 2013 CRF50, CRF150, CRF250 & CRF450 MOTOCROSS CONTINGENCY PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

You can get paid to race a Honda CRF at a wide range of American races…the only catch is you have to do well. Honda has released its 2013 contingency program for CRF250, CRF450, CRF150 and CRF50 riders. Here are some of the particulars.

AMA 450 Supercross…1. $10,000, 2. $5000, 3. $4000, 4, $2000, 5. $1000, 6. $900, 7. $800. 8. $750, 9. $700, 10. $650.
AMA 250 Supercross…1. $8,000, 2. $4000, 3. $2000, 4, $1000, 5. $900, 6. $800, 7. $750. 8. $700, 9. $600, 10. $600.
AMA 450 motocross….1. $10,000, 2. $5000, 3. $4000, 4, $2000, 5. $1000, 6. $900, 7. $800. 8. $750, 9. $700, 10. $650.
AMA 250 motocross….1. $8,000, 2. $4000, 3. $2000, 4, $1000, 5. $900, 6. $800, 7. $750. 8. $700, 9. $600, 10. $600.
AMA 450 Arenacross…1. $250, 2. $100, 3. $75.   
AMA 250 Arenacross…1. $150, 2. $125, 3. $100.
Loretta Lynn AMA Amateur Championships…1. $1000, 2. $500, 3. $300, 4. $200, 5. $100.
Mammoth Mountain MX (pro, mini, schoolboy, supermini)……1. $400, 2. $300, 3. $200.
NMA World Mini GP….1. $400, 2. $300, 3. $200.
Mini Olympics….1. $400, 2. $300, 3. $200.
GNC Finals….1. $400, 2. $300, 3. $200.

Other events and series are listed here: AMA Amateur Arenacross Series, AMA Amateur Regional Qualifiers, Daytona Amateur Supercross, District 20 Top Texan Championship Series, AMA Spring Championship, Texas State series, Texas Winter series, Thor Spring Classic, AMA Western Pro-Am, AMA Women’s Cup, American Bluegrass Championship, Dodge Amateur National, Arizona Championship series, Arkansas State Championship, Aztalan Triple Cross, Baja Brawl, Branson USA, California Gold Cup, various CMC series, GFI Fall Series, Plus many more. To see the complete list go to www.xtrm.com/contingency/honda/index.asp?yr=2013

                                                                   
2013 OVER THE HILL GANG RACE SCHEDULE

Here is the tentative schedule for the SoCal chapter of the Over The Hill gang (OTHG). Remember to check their website for updates at www.othgmx.org

Jan. 12………….OTHG Banquet
Jan. 27………….AV Motoplex
Feb. 10…………Cal City MX Park
Feb. 17………..Glen Helen GP
March 10………Milestone
March 24………I-5 Gorman
April 7………….Racetown
April 21………..Perris Raceway
April 27………..Sierra National
May 5…………..Comp Edge
May 19…………Starwest
May 25-26…….Reno National
June 2………….Glen Helen
June 23………..Lake Elsinore
July 14…………The Ranch
July 28………….Perris Raceway
Aug. 11………..Comp Edge
Aug. 25………..OTHG Picnic
Aug. 31-Sep. 1…Bay National
Sept. 8………….Glen Helen
Sept. 22………..TBA
Oct. 5-6…………South National Glen Helen
Oct. 20………….Cahuilla Creek
Nov. 3…………..Glen Helen
Nov. 9…………..Valley National
Nov. 17…………Cal City  MX Park
Dec. 8…………..Starwest

                                                                   
JOHN PENTON MOVIE TEASER: MY BLOODIEST RACE EVER

                                                                   
ASK THE MXPERTS: CRF450 GEARING GAME

Dear MXA,
My Honda CRF450 has 13/48 gearing. I like the stock gearing, but I want to run a 14-tooth front sprocket. What size rear sprocket do I need to run to duplicate the 13/48 setup?
    
You would need to mount either a 51 or 52-tooth rear sprocket to come up with comparable gearing to your 13/48 (3.692). A 14/52 is a lower 3.714 gear ratio, while the 14/51 is taller 3.643. As a rule of thumb one tooth on the countershaft sprocket is equal to three and one-half teeth on the rear.

                                                                   
MONSTER ENERGY WORLD SPEEDWAY INVITATION IN CITY OF INDUSTRY OF DEC. 29

This unique event will showcase the world’s best speedway riders, all on 500cc, single cylinder, methanol-burning, brakeless machines in a one-night, winner-take-all competition. In total, 16 riders will be invited for an international showdown between the best riders in America and the global elite from the Monster Energy FIM Speedway Grand Prix.Mail order tickets are $18 (adults), $10 (Over-60 and under 17),  Free (under 12-with adult).
    Industry Racing at The Grand Arena
    16200 Temple Ave.
    City of Industry, CA 91744
    Info: www.industryracing.com

                                                                   
GLEN HELEN PRO/AM CHAMPIONSHIP DECEMBER 28-30: STADIUMCROSS, MOTOCROSS & GRAND PRIX

For more info go to www.glenhelen.com

                                                                   
BLAKE SHIPMANS’ SEASON ENDING VIDEO FROM REYNARD RACEWAY…BEARD-APOCALYPSE?