MXA MID-WEEK REPORT: DeCoster Speaks About Reed, A WORCS Extravaganza, Visiting A Beautiful Motocross Track, And MXA Mouse Pad Winners!


MXA MID-WEEK REPORTÿ
By John Basher

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
ÿÿÿ This week’s photo comes from Michael LaPaglia’s house in Murrieta, California, where we tested Cole Seely’s Fun Bike Center RM-Z250 for an upcoming issue of MXA. Our test rider found a pile of wood chips that he quickly laid waste to.

This pile of mulch will never be the same.

MXA MINI-VIEW: ROGER DECOSTER

Roger DeCoster’s crew had a great weekend in Indianapolis.

MXA: Three podium finishes out of a possible six. That was a pretty good weekend for Team Makita/Suzuki. Your thoughts?
Roger: It was a very good weekend for us. Winning with Chad was great. I knew, just like most of us knew, that if Chad could race with Stewart from the beginning then he would have a chance to win. Of course if he started far back and James got the holeshot then there wouldn’t be any way that he was going to race with Stewart. When James can ride on his own without any pressure he’s unbeatable.

MXA: What words of advice did you give to Chad Reed these past few races when James kept winning?
Roger: I told him to keep his head down and really try not to lose too much ground on the opening laps. The start is a weird thing. Sometimes if you start thinking about it too much then it’s worse than just going out there and lining up. The last week he had a really good start in the heat race, but then in the main something happened with Josh Hill hitting the gate. Maybe he was too focused and when Hill hit the gate he wasn’t ready for the gate dropping immediately after. The AMA held the gate longer than usual anyhow. Hopefully he’s over this thing now. I know it’s not a problem with the bike setup, because Mike Alessi has had good starts almost every weekend. Michael Byrne, even with the few races that he’s raced, he has had decent starts. It was difficult because, like I said, the more you think about it and worry too much then it creates a negative effect.

MXA: What are your thoughts on the red flag restart in the 250 main, especially after your rider, Nico Izzi, grabbed the holeshot? Was it a smart decision by the AMA?
Roger: All of the best guys, except for Nico, were involved in the crash. It was caused from Darryn Durham. He went straight and didn’t turn, but he was on the inside of Nico. When Nico saw what was about to happen he made a smart decision by moving. Durham ended up taking out half the field and Nico got the holeshot. Normally the AMA doesn’t red flag a race unless there is an injury, but there were so many riders out right away. It would have been very close to riders still being on the ground by the time Nico crossed the finish line for the first lap. Of course it wasn’t a good deal for us, but I can understand why they did it. Things just happen like that sometimes.

“The Man” and the “G.O.A.T.” line up at Red Bud, 2007.

MXA: What impressed you more this past weekend, Chad’s win or Mike Alessi’s third place finish?
Roger: With Chad I definitely knew that he could win. With Alessi, if I would have gambled between Chad’s win or Alessi’s podium, I think that I would have taken Chad’s win.

MXA: What is it going to take for Chad to win the title?
Roger: He needs to keep pressure on Stewart and not give up a lot of ground in the opening laps. The championship is like a new start right now. The points are dead even and there are eight races to go.

MXA: What did you think of the Mike LaRocco designed Indianapolis Supercross track?
Roger: A lot of the tracks this year have had a lot of chicanes and tight turns. They put a couple of those in a row, and I think that it makes for bad racing. You can never get beside somebody and challenge them. Indianapolis was a good track, because it wasn’t like the other ones. The whoops were pretty difficult because you couldn’t come into them with maximum speed due to the sand before the whoops. The track was difficult and I think it was very challenging for every rider. I liked it.

MXA: Looking forward, what are the chances that Reed will race the entire outdoor series?
Roger: I don’t think that there is any chance that he will race the whole series. He will probably come out and race a few, but not the entire series.

OUTDOOR NEWS: LIVE RACES ARE COMING!

The Red Bud National will be shown live on NBC.

ÿÿÿ Before the Indianapolis Supercross race it was announced that six of the AMA outdoor Nationals will be shown live on TV. Three of the races will be shown on NBC (a first for the series, being that the races will be shown on live network television). Three other races will be shown live on SPEED.
ÿÿÿ The goal of these live races? According to the press release, “?This television package, anchored by the NBC broadcasts, will expose an entirely new audience to motocross,’ explained Lucas Oil Executive Vice President Bob Patison. ?The exposure works towards building a greater interest and hopefully making the sport more visible to its large fan base, benefiting the series and its teams.'”
ÿÿÿ The other six rounds will be shown on SPEED with same-day coverage. The 250 class will be shown three days later (on Tuesday) on SPEED.

2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship NBC Sports and SPEED Live Schedule

Saturday, May 30 – SPEED – Hangtown

Saturday, June 13 – NBC – High Point

Saturday, June 27 – SPEED – Thunder Valley

Saturday, July 4 – NBC – Red Bud

Saturday, July 25 – SPEED – Washougal

Saturday, August 22 – NBC – Budds Creekÿ

MXA MINI-VIEW: ZACA STATION’S ED GUAJARDO

This is only one view of the Zaca Station motocross track.

ÿÿÿ If you live in southern California, or you just want to make a trip out west, then you must visit the Zaca Station motocross track. Located about 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara, Zaca Station is one of the most picturesque tracks that the MXA wrecking crew has ever ridden on.
ÿÿÿ After spinning laps around the track we caught up with Zaca Station partial founder Ed Guajardo. Again, this is a must-ride attraction.

MXA: How long has Zaca Station been operational?
Ed: We’ve been here for 3-1/2 years. The reason the track became a reality is because the rancher that owns the property came to us. He takes his equipment to a mechanic whose kid rides with us. He asked us if we wanted to build a track on his ranch. He has mountain bike races, pig hunts, and weddings also on his property.

MXA: You are a very fast vet rider. How long have you been involved in the sport?
Ed: I’ve been doing it since 1977. I quit for ten years, but I always loved the sport, so I started riding again in 1994.


Zaca Station’s Ed Guajardo.

MXA: What do you do for work aside from running the Zaca Station track?
Ed: I’m a plastering contractor in Santa Barbara. That’s my full-time job. We don’t really make any money out here with the track. We just run the track for the love of the sport.

MXA: You have a racing series coming up here in the next few weeks. How many entries are you expecting?
Ed: Typically we have a good amount of guys come. The first race we held we only had three weeks to advertise it, but we had about 150 guys show up. For the race coming up we’re expecting about 400 racers. Until the big Mammoth race we have about one race a month, and we’re billing the races as ?The Road To Mammoth.’

MXA: What kind of clientele come out here?
Ed: Kawasaki came out when we first opened, and they did all of their commercials and photo shoots. We’ve had just about everyone come out here to either do photo shoots or test for the outdoor Nationals. Team Honda and Team Suzuki have ridden here before.

MXA: Please describe the track.
Ed: This is a destination track. There’s nothing like it around here. The track is about a 2-1/2 minute lap time and the length is about 1.4 miles. The trees and green make the surrounding area beautiful, so it really is a picturesque track. There are good ruts that form and the dirt is pretty dark.

MXA: How much money does it cost to ride here?
Ed: It’s $35 to ride. We’re open on Wednesday from noon until dusk and then on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. As for directions, visit www.zacastationmx.com.

MY WORCS EXPERIENCE

The miles of sand whoops were torture on the body. The pro riders made it look easy.

ÿÿÿ After two years of convincing, I finally raced a World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS for short) race. MXA test rider Dennis Stapleton swears that this grueling off-road series is one of the top motorcycle racing formats that he has ever competed in, so I gave it a shot. Dennis was right.
ÿÿÿ I almost always stick to the motocross track, so the idea of racing a one-hour long moto on a course that is comprised of only about 20% motocross track (the rest is an off-road loop) made me feel like a fish out of water. The Racetown motocross track, situated outside of Adelanto, California in the high desert, was the location for round two of the ten race WORCS series. Southern California has been blessed with rain the last few weeks, meaning that the oft-dry and dusty desert dirt was soft and sandy. Of course the fact that a few hundred riders constantly navigated the course led to knee deep whoops and sand showers. That, coupled with the man-made obstacles of a tire crossing and log section, rewarded riders who possessed a go-for-broke attitude. Needless to say, the course was tough.
ÿÿÿ I really didn’t fathom how long a one-hour race would be, nor did I realize how fast the pace was going to be. I was out of my element, holding on for dear life and only finding comfort on the motocross track. Thankfully Dennis and my girlfriend, Hope, helped me out with my much needed pit stop. While carbureted bikes could manage the one-hour race, my electronic fuel-injected KX450F was guzzling gas at an alarming rate. I stopped halfway through and I was already delirious from slamming through the miles of sand whoops that I had to face every lap.
ÿÿÿ Normally I’m completely focused on the race track, but my mind was wandering by about the 35-minute mark. Instead of diagnosing my plan of attack for the next turn and the following straightaway, I was thinking about what I was going to have for dinner and wondering why there were so many people standing out in the middle of the desert.
ÿÿÿ At 45 minutes I started to feel numerous blisters forming on my hands. I tried to loosen my grip on the handlebars, but the sandy course wouldn’t let me. Instead I gritted my teeth and marched on, hoping that the blisters would stay at bay and not pop. Unfortunately I wasn’t that lucky.


Tires and logs made the course even more difficult.

ÿÿÿ With four minutes to go I crossed the scoring area, which meant that I would have to complete one more lap before calling it a day. By that time I could feel two blisters on my left hand being ripped further open with each passing bump. Oddly enough, the sharp pain and irritated skin brought my mind back into racing focus. I picked up my pace slightly, sensing that the end was near. However, by the time I entered the motocross portion of the track (the final stretch), I almost couldn’t stand it any longer. I looked down, lifted my left hand, and saw blood on my grip. Not a good sign. I tiptoed across the finish line, happy that I managed to complete my first WORCS race.
ÿÿÿ Racing for an hour on a tough course amid a few hundred other riders truly is an experience. After the race I felt satisfied and content in knowing that I had made it through the race. I stalled my bike once, passed quite a few riders, was passed by quite a few riders, suffered from the biggest blisters that I have ever seen, and lived to tell the story.
ÿÿÿ Would I race again? You bet! The race was a blast and a great experience. Next time I’m going to bring a carbureted bike (or a bigger gas tank), Camelback drinking system, and plenty of sports tape for my baby-like hands.
ÿÿÿ I’d like to thank the WORCS man himself, Sean Reddish, for being so accommodating, as well as Dennis Stapleton, Dennis Sr., Mark Kalpakoff, and Hope Morrice. For more information on the WORCS series, visit www.worcsracing.com.

My hands will never be the same again.

RIDER RATINGS: WHO’S HOT & WHO’S NOT

Who’s Hot:

Chad Reed is on a one race roll.

Chad Reed – Chad gets the holeshot, wins his first race of the season, and ties up the point standings with James Stewart. It’s an eight-race battle for the title!
ÿ
Mike Alessi – Third place? You bet! Mikey boy turned quite a few heads by not giving an inch to Ryan Villopoto in the heat race, trying to re-pass James Stewart, and finishing third. Wow!

Ben CoisyTres bien for the Frenchman. The privateer, who up until Indianapolis had a season high eighth place finish, ended up in sixth this past weekend.

Christophe Pourcel – Christophe understands that consistency is key to winning a title. His two win race streak ended, but he still finished second. Pourcel leads the point standings and has a comfortable ten point cushion over Nico Izzi.

Austin Stroupe – If only Austin hadn’t stalled his bike while leading in Atlanta it could be a completely different story for the sophomore star. Regardless, he rode well in Indy and won his second career 250 Supercross race.

Nico Izzi – Nico crossed the finish line two times on the first lap of the main event. Say what? He was leading when the main was red flagged, so the field had to line up again. The second time he logged his first lap he was mired back in sixth. Izzi doesn’t have any quit in him, though. The Michigan kid charged up to third and kept himself in contention for the title.

Steven Clarke – The Suzuki City rider finished fifth in the main event and is seated seventh in points. Very nice.

Who’s Not:

Josh Hill needs to ride like he did in Minneapolis last year.

Tim Ferry – Come on, Red Dog!

Josh Hill – Josh, think back to Minneapolis last year. Now go out and repeat that performance.

Blake Wharton – Blake was a recipient of numerous crashes, which led to him not making the main event. This came after a tremendous performance in Atlanta. Heat back up, buddy!

Just Plain Bad Luck:

In this photo Kevin Windham’s chain is fully functional.

Andrew Short – Stuck rock in the rear brake pedal? That right there is simply bad luck, especially after Short was looking at a podium finish.

Kevin Windham – For the first time since I can remember, someone’s chain broke. Windham’s chain broke with five laps to go, all while he was in third place.

MXA MINI-VIEW: KEVIN ROOKSTOOL

Kevin Rookstool is trying to get his factory Husky on the WORCS podium.

ÿÿÿ You might be familiar with Kevin Rookstool’s name. After all, he has been racing the AMA Nationals for the past few years. A native of Klamath Falls, Oregon, the 21-year-old earned National number 76 for the 2009 season. However, there’s a good chance you won’t see Rookstool at any Nationals this year. Instead Kevin is making a serious push at finding a successful career in the WORCS series. We caught up with the factory Husqvarna sponsored rider last weekend.


MXA: This is your first year on a Husqvarna. How has the season been going thus far?
Kevin: It’s been going well, but it’s a lot of work. We didn’t get our bikes until two weeks before the first round, and not a lot of companies make aftermarket products for the Husqvarnas. Everything we have Ty Davis has had to make. It’s coming along, but it’s a long process. It’s really unbelievable how fast Ty is making things come together. He’s working hard, as is Jordan [Kevin’s mechanic]. The entire team is working really hard. Robert [the team trainer] has been working the riders hard and getting us all in really good shape. We’ve been riding at Honda Valley and in places where it’s super rough, which will only make us better as riders.

MXA: It must be a different world for you after riding a Honda CRF450 last year. What has been the biggest area of the bike that you’ve had to adapt to?
Kevin: Mainly the suspension. It’s different. It’s coming together, but it’s a slow process. This bike can be capable of winning, so I’m excited about that.

MXA: What are your goals for the season?
Kevin: I would definitely like to win and be on the podium, and I mean it. I’m not here to screw around. I bust my butt during the week and I’m working toward that goal. I’m not in the WORCS series just to be a top ten guy. I know that it’s going to take a little while, because this is my first full year racing the series, but by the end of the season I want to have good results. I want to be a full-time WORCS racer and keep progressing. With Ty’s help there isn’t any doubt in my mind that I can make a successful career racing this series.

MXA: You mentioned that this is your first full year of racing the WORCS series. Have you had prior experience racing any of the events?
Kevin: I tried a few last year, but I was on a clapped out practice bike. I was doing well in the two races that I did, but each time my bike broke halfway through the race. It was a disappointment, but this year with the proper preparation I’m excited.

MXA: Having raced the AMA Nationals in the past and being successful there, how truly different is it to race the WORCS series? It must be mentally taxing having to race for two hours straight offroad.
Kevin: Honestly, my mentality is my biggest advantage. There aren’t any mind games that I play or worry about anymore. I’m here to do work. As for training, I’ve been riding more than I ever have before. I moved up to the desert by Ty, and that’s all that I do. I ride with Bobby Garrison, Nick Brozovich and Ty. We go on four hour trail rides that are insane! It’s quite an adventure. Those rides have helped me out, and I’m really glad that Ty is willing to help me out. He has been there and done that. I actually called up Ty before the season started and asked for help. He had me try out at the 24 hour race and things worked out well. I listen to Ty. He tells me to jump and I ask him how high he needs me to jump.

MXA: Before the season started did you sign a two-year deal with Husqvarna?
Kevin: No, I signed a one-year deal. I definitely want to stay, and hopefully they will keep me around. Everyone seems happy right now. The results will come I think. At the first round I was up toward the front for most of the race, but then I got dehydrated. I fixed that problem and got on a drinking schedule, so that should be taken care of.

MXA: What else do you have coming up, aside from the WORCS series?ÿÿÿ
Kevin: I have a few things coming up, actually. Unfortunately Glenn Kearney got hurt and he’s the factory Husqvarna guy back east. I recently got a phone call and Husqvarna wants me to go to Florida and race the opening round of the GNCC series. I’m going to ride Glenn’s 300cc two-stroke. I have one day to test, and then the next day I have a three hour gnarly sand race. It’s going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it. This year is a learning year for me. Immediately after the race I fly back out to California and head straight out to Laughlin and doing an off-road race there. As for the rest of the season, I plan on doing the complete WORCS series, as well as the Endurocross series.

MXA: Do you have any time in your schedule to race any AMA Nationals?
Kevin: Man, I want to really badly, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to. Right now you can’t race a Husqvarna in the Nationals. If they were legal then I would race the west coast Nationals. I’m bummed, but I have to look at the future. If the future is in the WORCS series for me, then that’s what I need to focus on.
ÿ
MORE WORCS RACING: BIKE SET-UP

Large gas tanks with quick fill spouts are a necessity in WORCS racing.


The Valli Motorsports team uses Acerbis footpeg covers to keep mud out of the brackets.


Handguards are commonplace in off-road racing.


Even in a two hour race, a fast pit stop can be the difference between winning and losing. IMS makes a quick fill gas dispenser.


All of the WORCS tracks have high speed sections where front end stability is needed. Many riders use steering stabilizers.


Although heavier than aluminum, the longer lasting steel material on the outside of the rear sprocket improves longevity – a must for long grueling races.

PRESS RELEASE: D.I.D. NEW DIRT STAR RIMS

ÿÿÿ D.I.D’s new Dirt Star rims are designed for world class Supercross, Motocross and Enduro Racing. They are available for the following manufacturers’ top race models:ÿ KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and
Yamaha. Dirt Star Rims are compatible with these manufacturers’ OEM component parts.
ÿÿÿ Now racers have the choice between two competitive styles. Our LT-X SX/MX model is Ultra Lightweight while maintaining the same strength as our competitor’s strongest race rim. The LT-X is available in black or silver. For Enduro and Desert Racers where strength is mandatory, our ST-X is 15% stronger than the LT-X but only a fraction heavier. The ST-X is available in black only. Both rims utilize the special “7 series” aluminum.
ÿÿÿ Whether you’re competing in world class Motocross where shaving off grams while maintaining the
optimum balance between weight and strength is your desire or you’re pounding through severe terrain where strength makes the difference between winning and a DNF, D.I.D has a Dirt Star Model that is designed to Win
Races.
ÿÿÿ For additional information, contact (866) 219-9972.

PRESS RELEASE: MOTOREX FREE T-SHIRT PROMOTION

ÿÿÿÿ Buy 4 liters of MOTOREX Oil and receive a free racer t-shirt! MOTOREX USA is proud to announce that our FREE t-shirt promotion is back for 2009. Here is how it works:

Buy 4 liters of Power Synt 4T, Cross Power 4T, KTM Racing 4T, Top Speed 4T, ATV Racing 4T or Cross Power 2T between 2/15/09 and 6/30/09 and receive a free MOTOREX racer t-shirt!ÿ Coupons are available at stocking dealers. Just mail in the coupon with required proof of purchase and we will send you the MOTOREX racer t-shirt.

Racer Shirts Available:
Mat Mladin
Tommy Hayden
Taddy Blazusiak
Kurt Caselli
Justin Brayton

MOTOREX is used by top factory teams worldwide, by independent pros and by top amateurs who demand the best performance from of their race machines. The complete MOTOREX line includes a broad range of synthetic engine oils, aerosol sprays, cleaners and care products for motorcycles and ATVs. MOTOREX is available at powersports dealerships nationwide. For more product info go to www.motorexusa.com

YOUTUBE MUST-SEE VIDEOS
ÿÿÿ Every now and again I get emailed links to YouTube, and these emails typically have subject headings like “Must See” or “Unbelievable Motorcycle Crash.” Of course I feverishly open up the email, click on the link, and I remained amused for a few minutes while I watch poor saps crash on their motorcycles. A few days ago while I was once again wasting time on YouTube an idea popped into my head. Why not share these videos with you? Although you might have already seen the majority of these clips, they’re still worth watching again. Feel free to waste a few minutes of your life laughing at the expense of others.

Brandon’s first race. Make sure to watch the video in its entirety.

Classic Stanton/Bayle footage, mixed with Bradshaw, makes for a great crashing reel.

An oldie but a goodie. This is why you should always wear a helmet and the proper protection, regardless of what you plan (or don’t plan) on doing while on a motorcycle.

A NOTE TO PRO NATIONAL RACERS

ÿÿÿ If you qualify for an outdoor racing credential and you’re not quite sure where to find the information necessary for a credential, please check out www.mxnationals.com. Click on “Motocross Credential Application Packet,” and the paperwork will be downloaded directly to your desktop.

PRESS RELEASE: PRO TAPER TIE-DOWNS

ÿÿÿ
ÿÿÿ Features of the Pro Taper Tie-Downs include:
Spring loaded carabiner safety hook.
Patent pending ball bearing swivel carabiner. No more twisted straps.
Extra wide 1.5″ straps for added durability.
Soft-looped handle feature to protect the finish of your bike.
Retail price: $34.95.
ÿÿÿ For more information, visit www.protaper.com or visit your local dealer.

PRESS RELEASE: WOSSNER PISTONS

ÿÿÿ We are the innovative specialists for high performance pistons and cylinder blocks. Our products are to be found in engines operating at the highest levels of motor sport, in competition and, of course, in everyday use – in fact, anywhere where longevity and operational noise are important factors.
ÿÿÿ Our products are the source of the superior power behind the success of well known motor sport teams at national and international race meets. We develop, build and produce top quality pistons for both important international engine manufacturers and individual customers active within motor sport. Inside our 2500m(2) fully air-conditioned works the newest CNC
controlled machines guarantee a quality and precision down to the micron level. Our extensive store of standard spare parts from many well known manufacturers – including special sizes – ensures the quickest possible service. The strength of our fully certificated company lies in the extraordinary
precision and high quality or our products, the short development time for prototypes, as well as the highly flexible and un-bureaucratic direct contact we have with our clients. The dynamism with which we innovate has
secured a place at the leading edge of development.
ÿÿÿ Our enthusiasm for innovation is based upon the belief that it is only possible to discover something new when you constantly question that which you already know. This is one of the reasons why we are actively involved in researching the properties of low friction
surfaces and in developing new such materials. We are in close contact with the research departments at various colleges and universities and are currently carrying out a series of tests, together with a Swiss institution, into friction reduction. In close cooperation with the R&D departments at leading motor manufacturers we develop high performance prototype pistons.ÿÿÿ
ÿÿÿ For many years now we have been in close contact with the development departments of leading motor manufacturers. In cooperation with their engine specialists we develop and build new piston models as well as putting together prototypes for test runs. Next to our technical expertise our biggest strength is the un-bureaucratic and flexible manner in which we fulfill the needs of our customers. This guarantees the shortest development times.
ÿÿÿ Our high performance pistons are available from importers throughout the EU as well as in Australia, Japan, South Africa, South America and the USA. We
would be happy to let you know the whereabouts of your nearest dealer.
ÿÿÿ For more information, visit www.woessner-usa.com.

MXA MOUSE PAD WINNERS

ÿÿÿ I’d like to thank everyone that submitted their opinions regarding what they would like to see in the Mid-Week Report. Some of the answers were very informative, while others were downright funny. I’ll take your ideas and put some of them into effect in the upcoming Mid-Week Reports. For the winners, be sure to check your mailbox!

List of MXA Mouse Pad Winners:
Jeff Birdsong
Mike Cash
Rob Edwards
Mike Ruffner
Josh Thornton
Steve Donavan
Randy Hyde
Daniel Matis
Matthew Kurtz
Burrito Vallalpando
Jim Taylor
Brad Behrens
John Cather
Mike DeCamp
James Dillow
Mark Yoklic
Brad Frost
Jim Pierce
Brian Funk
Rebeca Schimensky

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