MXA MID-WEEK REPORT: Photos That You Need To See, A Cool New Product, Tracking Down “One Punch,” Jake Weimer’s Wisdom Was Taken, & Two Suits That Everyone Should Own

MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORTÿ
By John Basher

MXA’S PHOTO OF THE WEEK (PART 1)ÿ


ÿÿÿ I miss the warm weather already. I feel for the riders that live in the cold and snowy climates, because right about now the nice weather is about to turn sour. For those of you who are forced to put the bike away for the winter, hopefully this image of the Budds Creek motocross track will warm you up. These next five months will be tough, but hang in there!

MXA MINI-VIEW: RYAN VILLOPOTO
ÿÿÿ Welcome back, Ryan Villopoto! It’s good to see one of the most dominating 250F racers back on the bike after a rough freshman year in the 450 class. In Supercross Ryan suffered from a virus that zapped his energy, while in the outdoors he blew out his knee shortly after winning his first 450 National. Villopoto made his return to racing at the U.S. Open and is now preparing for the 450 Supercross series.


Ryan Villopoto was stunning this year in the races where he wasn’t hurt or sick. He won two Supercross races and a National in his first full year in the 450 ranks. Not bad!

MXA: Hey Ryan, what are you up to?
Ryan: I’m not up to very much right now. I’m picking up Nick Wey from a practice Supercross track.

MXA: Is the reconstructed knee feeling well?
Ryan: It’s all good. I started riding eight days before the U.S. Open, and then I decided to just go out and race. Things there ended up okay [note: Ryan’s bike sustained a bent shifter the first night and he had to DNF the main event]. The second night went pretty well for me. I got a little tired towards the end of the race, but I knew it was going to happen, since I haven’t been on the bike for very long.

MXA: What have you been doing since racing the U.S. Open?
Ryan: I’ve just been riding and training. That’s about it. I’m doing the normal stuff. I’m still working on buying Tim Ferry’s house in Florida. It has been a process, but things seem to be going well there.


At the last minute Villopoto decided to race the U.S. Open. He gave spectators and mechanics alike a big scare when he tried a triple in a tough rhythm section the first night. As you can see, his front wheel is pointed straight toward the MGM Grand Garden Arena ceiling. He cased the landing, but still won the heat race.

MXA: What’s your plan if you do purchase the house in Florida?
Ryan: I’m going to split my time between Florida and California. I will go to Florida and live there for a while once the Supercross series heads back East after Anaheim 3.

MXA: I understand that you’re working hard in preparation for the Supercross season, but you find time to have fun, don’t you?
Ryan: I have an RC car track in the yard behind my house in California that I like to play around on. RC cars are definitely cool and I like to drive them when I can, plus they’re also fun to watch. A long time ago I raced RC cars, but not lately.

MXA: Good luck in the offseason and try to find a little time to have fun when you’re not riding and training.
Ryan: I will. Thanks for the phone call.

MXA MINI-VIEW: TYLER EVANS
ÿÿÿ I learned long ago to never judge a book by its cover (or to always believe wild stories that I’ve heard from other people). Case in point, Tyler Evans. He has a history of fighting, but I know Evans as a pretty nice person. At nearly 30 years of age, Tyler might also be taming down.
ÿÿÿ The first time I ever met Tyler Evans was about 12 years ago. He was a young phenom with a thirst for success and a chip on his shoulder. Not much has changed since then, although now Tyler has a smorgasbord of colorful tattoos and a UFC-style “One Punch” nickname. I caught up with Evans after a moto session at Glen Helen this past Thursday.


Don’t call it a comeback! Tyler “One Punch” Evans is racing at least a portion of the 2010 Supercross series.

MXA: Tyler, where in the world have you been?
Tyler: It’s been a long rough year due to injuries. I’m just trying to get back into the swing of things. I’ve actually been teaching a lot of riding schools up in Northern California, and that has been going well for me.

MXA: You mentioned that you’re coming off of several injuries. What have you been healing up from?
Tyler: I broke my wrist last year at the first Supercross race, and then the season before that I had my shoulder operated on. It’s been two years of horrible luck. Everybody is pumped to see me back, but I really never left racing!

MXA: What have you been doing in your down time? I heard that you were a bodyguard for a rapper or something along those lines. Is that true?
Tyler: I definitely have had a hard year, but a fun year. I went on tour with The Game [note: The Game is a rapper, and he’s best known for songs “Hate It Or Love It” and “How We Do”]. He needed help with bodyguard work, but let’s not get distracted with what I do for a living, which is riding my dirt bike.

MXA: Fair enough. It’s good to see you back on a bike, spinning laps around Glen Helen.
Tyler: I definitely need some outdoor practice. I got new bikes just this past week, so I’m trying to get used to the bike and get my speed up. Right now I’m looking for sponsors to help me out with the 2010 season. If I have to pit out of my van then that’s what I’ll have to do.

MXA: Do you plan on racing the entire Supercross series, or will you be hitting a select few rounds?
Tyler: I plan on racing the West coast races and also racing a few overseas events. In the summer I want to concentrate on my riding schools. If everything goes well in Supercross and I’m top ten in points, which I plan on being, then I’ll go and do the entire series. If I’m struggling a little bit then I’ll get my feet wet.

MXA: What kind of deal are you trying to put together?
Tyler: I wanted to get a team deal, but those rides are scarce right now because of the recession. It all goes back to why I started racing, which is because it was fun. I started getting a little sidetracked toward the end of my career, and all I thought about was money. But you know what? It’s not about money anymore, it’s about having fun. I want top results and gratification for myself. I reached a point in my life where I want to start doing things for myself.

MXA: How long have you been racing professionally now? It’s been quite a few years.
Tyler: 14 years! I guess you could say that I’m an O.G. of the sport now [laughter]. I can’t even believe it. I see Randy Lawrence and Buddy Antunez out at the practice tracks and I remember when those guys were the old guys, but now the young guys look at me like an old guy! Oh well. I guess older means that I’m more experienced.

MXA: Are you still living up to the “One Punch” nickname?
Tyler: I’ve calmed down. I would like to say that the “One Punch” nickname means that I go out and give it all that I’ve got, and I’m not going to go try and fight everyone. Sometimes you have to give it all you’ve got, and that’s one punch. I’m trying to steer away from that image; instead I am concentrating on being a better person and family man.

MXA: I remember back in 2005 you were on fire in the Supercross series.
Tyler: A lot of people have to understand that in 2005 the bikes and the tracks were different. Now they have the tracks so fast that all of the guys after James Stewart and Chad Reed are mostly the same speed. If you get a good start then you can stay up front. Back a few years ago it wasn’t like that. If you made a mistake then you were going to crash or fade away. However, I’m rolling with the punches and will adapt to the changes.

MXA: Do you like the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F that you’ve just purchased?
Tyler: I do. It’s a lot different from the Honda. I went from Suzuki, which I rode for a long time, to Honda, and now I’m on Kawasaki. It needs some fine tuning, but it’s not far off.

MXA’S PHOTO OF THE WEEK (PART 2)


ÿÿÿ The MXA wrecking crew has been busy for the past week testing the 2010 Yamaha YZ450F. We’ve learned a whole lot about the bike and have gathered the information and put it in a bike test that you’ll be able to read about in the January 2010 issue of MXA. Until then, here’s a photo of MXA test rider Dennis Stapleton getting the wheels off the ground.

“COOL” NEW TECHNOLOGY: PUN INTENDED

This fuel cooler circulates gas through a system that drastically cools the fuel for greater horsepower.

ÿÿÿ Michael “Rock” Rigdon of Rock’s Racing Services is always buzzing around the pits with gizmos and gadgets to make your bike faster or quieter. This weekend the Rock got his hands on an SRS Fuel Cooler (the same model Joe Gibbs Racing uses). The portable Fuel Cooler uses a 12V DC rechargeable battery and dry ice to circulate and cool fuel from a gas tank or gas can. There’s no doubt that cold gas produces more horsepower, but at $1400 for this model (SRS also offers a $1000 model) you would have to be serious to invest in this piece of equipment. The Rock got the fuel in our KX450F down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit before our moto and we enjoyed getting the factory treatment.
ÿÿÿ For more info visit www.srsperformance.net.

MXA MINI-VIEW: JAKE WEIMER
ÿÿÿ Would you have thought of Jake Weimer as an American hero before the 2009 seasons began? Me neither. However, after having a great Supercross series and very good National series, Weimer was tapped as the second rider aboard Team U.S.A. for the Motocross des Nations event in Italy. Jake helped bring the Chamberlain trophy back to the States for the fifth year in a row. In the process he became an American hero (at least in my mind he did). I caught up with Jake to find out what he was up to.ÿ


Jake Weimer has quite an eventful year. He won his first Supercross race, as well as his first National. He also helped Team U.S.A. win the MXDN.

MXA: I could ask you about your season, which I plan on doing, but what have you been up to since coming home from Italy?
Jake: I actually just got back to California from being home in Idaho. I went hunting up in the mountains for a week with my dad. He got a really nice five-point elk, but I didn’t get any big game. I did get a few birds though. After hunting I went to the dentist and had my wisdom teeth pulled. That wasn’t any fun! I had the dentist knock me out so I didn’t have to feel anything, and since then I’ve been recovering from the surgery.

MXA: Getting the wisdom teeth pulled is never fun. Speaking of pulling, are you happy that you pulled off fourth overall in the 250 National series?
Jake: No! I mean, it was all right now that I look back on the series, but I’m certainly not happy with my overall performance. My season didn’t start off very well, but as the series progressed I did better. Had I started the season off better then I probably would have been more towards the top of the point standings.ÿ

MXA: What do you attribute to your early season struggles?
Jake: I’m not 100 percent sure. The only thing that I can even think of was being so wrapped up in the 250 West coast Supercross Championship that I wasn’t mentally ready for the Nationals. I think that I didn’t get switched over to outdoor mode fast enough.

MXA: Did you make any changes in your riding or training program during the first part of the season that led to winning your first National at Colorado?
Jake: Everything stayed the same. My goal has always been to remain consistent during the week. I was a real yard sale at High Point for some reason. I did terrible there, and then there was an off-weekend. During that time off I didn’t ride at all. I focused on getting my head on straight, and then in Colorado I just got really good starts and started turning my season around.

MXA: Talk about your experience of representing the U.S. in the Motocross des Nations.
Jake: Wow, that was an experience for sure! There really isn’t any way to even prepare for that race. I heard everyone talking about what it was going to be like, but then I got there and I was still so surprised with how things worked. I mean, everything was different.

MXA: What do you mean that everything was different?
Jake: I mean, everything! The foot, the hotels, the way practice ran, the starting gate, and the crowds were unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I was so nervous the entire time! When I got back home I had cold sores because I was so stressed out. Luckily everything worked out in our favor and we were able to win. With things being so different it took me out of my element a little bit, but it was also a great experience. The team had their hands full, but we won. I can tell you right now that I would race the MXDN again in a heartbeat if I was asked.


Weimer’s not happy with his fourth overall finish in the 250 Nationals. Expect a title out of the Idaho native in 2010.

MXA: Next year you’ll be back on the mighty Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. When did Mitch Payton sign you to another year?
Jake: Right before the MXDN I had a letter of intent signed with him.

MXA: What is the biggest difference between Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and every other team that you have ever ridden for?
Jake: Bottom line, and to put it into the simplest terms possible, Pro Circuit/Kawasaki has the drive to win. They aren’t happy with anything less. Most people think that it’s always good to get on the podium, but with Pro Circuit it’s not the goal. The goal is always to win.

MXA: You are quite the representative for Pro Circuit! If you had your choice, which coast would you race?
Jake: If I had my choice, probably the West coast, but I haven’t even been out to the Supercross track yet. I like racing on the West coast, and I had better make it count, because 2010 is going to be my last year on a 250. I’m going to point out and be moved up to the 450 class for 2011. At least that’s the plan.

WEIRD & WILD: DARK KNIGHT MOTORCYCLE SUITS FOR SALE

[Press Release]

ÿÿÿ The debut of the hand-crafted, remarkably detailed Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit from UD Replicas has elicited enormous response from fans worldwide ? but the opportunity to own one of only 1,000 suits ends on Oct. 31, the deadline for ordering at www.udreplicas.com.

ÿÿÿ “Batman fans recognize that nothing like this has ever been created and we’ve received orders from around the globe,” says David Pea, owner of Universal Designs, which is producing the screen-accurate Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit under license from Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Comics.

ÿÿÿ UD Replicas, the officially licensed division of Universal Designs, is strictly limiting production of the full Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit to 1,000 pieces, which will retail for US $998.ÿ Due to shipping restrictions, orders can be placed only for addresses in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia.ÿ Outside of the U.S., the retail price is $1,149 CDN.ÿ Orders for the full Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit will be accepted only through Saturday, Oct. 31.ÿ Payment may be split into three equal installments by following ordering instructions at www.udreplicas.com.

ÿÿÿ The Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit includes a full-leather jacket, pants, gloves and boots, and these elements can also be ordered separately at www.udreplicas.com.ÿ The boots, which go on sale Nov. 1, are exact replicas of those worn on screen in The Dark Knight, featuring custom-made rubber boot soles with a black injection-molded rubber base and high-quality, tanned cowhide leather featuring a deep-embossed, basket-weave design.ÿ Among the features of the gloves ? which are currently on sale ? are high-impact, Kevlar-lined knuckle guards and skid-resistant, Kevlar-lined outer palms.

ÿÿÿ But it’s the Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit that has generated the most attention, with MTV.com calling it “the next best thing” to being Batman himself, and Screen Rant adding, “When you first see it, you instantly want one.”

ÿÿÿ The Dark Knight Motorcycle Suit will ship its maximum of 1,000 orders no later than March 2010.ÿ “Our production is based on the orders received,” Pea explains, “ensuring that fans who place an order by Oct. 31 will have a truly rare, intricately crafted Motorcycle Suit that is truly custom made for them.”

A SUIT OF ANOTHER SORT: ALPINESTARS WINTER TECH PERFORMANCE SUIT

ÿÿÿ [Press Release]

ÿÿÿ Description: Alpinestars Winter Tech Performance suit is part of Alpinestars range of base layer underwear developed for providing core temperature regulation. Dual density layers provide extra moisture wicking to keep body comfortable.

ÿÿÿ Winter Tech Performance Suit Highlights:

ÿÿÿ * One piece suit with a hidden front zip closure offers full coverage warmth with a minimal number of seams.
ÿÿÿ * Developed for cold weather riding conditions with double density fabric covering the most exposed areas.
ÿÿÿ * Comfortable moisture wicking material for optimal thermal protection.
ÿÿÿ * Made from polypropylene with elastine fabric that will not melt under abrasion.
ÿÿÿ * Tubular, seamless construction.
ÿÿÿ *Compression fit for muscle support to reduce fatigue.
ÿÿÿ * Hypoallergenic and bacteriostatic fabric.

ÿÿÿ Colors: Black
ÿÿÿ Sizes: XSS/ML/XXL
ÿÿÿ Suggested retail price: $219.95

ÿÿÿ For more information see: www.alpinestars.com

MXA’S PHOTO OF THE WEEK (PART 3)


ÿÿÿ This weekend is the Bercy Supercross, which several top riders plan on racing. The Big Kahuna, James Stewart, will be racing, and apparently so will Davi Millsaps, Josh Hill, and Justin Brayton (although this is all hearsay). Stewart had little trouble winning the U.S. Open, but can he win for the second year in a row in France? Oui.

MXA PRESS RELEASE: NEW EVS RS8 KNEE BRACE


MXA PRESS RELEASE: MSR RIDER NICK WEY IS HEADED TO PARIS

ÿÿÿ Long time MSR front man Nick Wey is slated to compete at the 2009 Bercy Supercross this weekend in Paris, France.ÿ Wey, the 1998 Prince of Bercy, will join a talented pack of American riders as they line up against Europe’s best on their home turf.ÿ Nick has been hard at work back in Michigan and will no doubt put his best foot forward.ÿ

ÿÿÿ Keep an eye on Two Seven as he contends for his first King of Bercy crown in the impressive 2010 MSR MX apparel.

ÿÿÿ For more product information, check out the 2010 MSR online catalog:
http://www.msracing.com/MSR_010Catalog/010Catalog.htmlÿ

A LOOK TO THE FUTURE: BIG-BORE HONDA CRF250

Go big or go home. You’ll see a review on this big-bore Honda CRF250 in an upcoming issue.

ÿÿÿ The MXA wrecking crew always has several projects going on at once, and this month is no exception. Without letting the cat out of the bag, let me just say that we’re busy testing a big-bore Honda CRF250 that has CP Pistons/Cometic/Millennium Technologies work done to it by Jay Clark. So far, so good! For more information, check out the February issue of MXA.
ÿ
HEAL UP, SCOTTIE!
ÿÿÿ REM regular and all-around good guy (although he’s not always a good example of a responsible adult when bowling is involved) Scott Williams took a trip over the handlebars during practice at the Glen Helen Octobercross race this past weekend. The crash left Scottie with a broken sternum, fluid around his heart, and a less-than-stellar shoulder. He was taken to Loma Linda hospital, where he remained for a day. Scott is now home resting a broken body, but I wanted to send him get well wishes. Heal up, #107!

FINALLY…THE COOL THING THAT ALL THE KIDS ARE DOING…FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
ÿÿÿ If you want to know what MXA is up to at all times, click here.