450 CLASS:
1. Ryan Dungey…KTM 450SXF
2. Ryan Villopoto…Kawasaki KX450F
3. James Stewart…Yamaha YZ450F
4. Davi Millsaps…Yamaha YZ450F
5. Justin Brayton…Honda CRF450
6. Cole Seely ….Honda CRF450
7. Jake Weimer…Kawasaki KX450F
8. Kevin Windham…Honda CRF450
9. Brett Metcalfe…Suzuki RM-Z450
10. Nick Wey…Kawasaki KX450F
11. Kyle Chisholm…Kawasaki KX450F
12. Mike Alessi…Suzuki RM-Z450
13. Matthew Goerke…Suzuki RM-Z450
14. Robert Kiniry…Yamaha YZ450F
15. Joshua Hansen…Kawasaki KX450F
16. Broc Tickle…Kawasaki KX450F
17. Kyle Partridge…Kawasaki KX450F
18. Jeff Alessi…Suzuki RMZ450
19. Justin Sipes…Kawasaki KX450F
20. Weston Peick…Kawasaki KX450F

250 EAST
1. Justin Barcia…Honda CRF250
2. Blake Baggett…Kawasaki KX250F
3. Justin Bogle…Honda CRF250
4. Blake Wharton…Suzuki RM-Z250
5. Darryn Durham…Kawasaki KX250F
6. Ken Roczen…KTM 250SXF
7. Kyle Cunningham…Yamaha YZ250F
8. Hunter Hewitt…Suzuki RM-Z250
9. Jake Canada…Honda CRF250
10. Shane Sewell…KTM 250SXF
11. Lance Vincent…KTM 250SXF
12. P.J. Larsen…KTM 250SXF
13. Matt Lemoine…Kawasaki KX250F
14. Les Smith…KTM 250SXF
15. Shawn Rife…Honda CRF250
16. Levi Kilbarger…Honda CRF250
17. Daniel Herrlein…Honda CRF250
18. Angelo Pellegrini…Suzuki RM-Z250
19. Austin Politelli…Honda CRF250
20. Bradley Ripple…Honda CRF250

450 POINTS STANDINGS
(After 8 of 17 races)
1. Ryan Villopoto…180
2. Ryan Dungey …170  
3. James Stewart…136
4. Chad Reed…128  
5. Jake Weimer…106
6. Kevin Windham…105A
7. Brett Metcalfe…100
8. Justin Brayton…96
9. David Millsaps…94
10. Mike Alessi..90

250 EAST POINTS STANDINGS
(After 2 of 8 races)
1. Justin Barcia…50
2. Darryn Durham…38
3. Blake Wharton…36  
4. Ken Roczen…35
5. Blake Baggett..28
6. Justin Bogle…27
7. Jake Canada…26
8. Hunter Hewitt…22
9. P. J. Larsen…22
10. Lance Vincent…21

RIDE WITH JAMES STEWART AS HE TAKES A HOT LAP AROUND HOTLANTA IN QUALIFYING

ATLANTA SUPERCROSS TIMED QUALIFYING BREAKDOWN

KTM’s Ken Roczen set the fastest time in 250 East qualifying. Photo: Hoppenworld

Supercross came to the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome?where they drew the biggest crowds of the year (over 70,000 people). The fastest 250 East qualifier was Ken Roczen, while Ryan Villopoto was the fastest of the 450s.

THE TEN FASTEST 250 EAST QUALIFIERS
   1. Ken Roczen…52.1
   2. Justin Barcia…52.3
   3. Justin Bogle…52.5
   4. Blake Wharton…53.6
   5. Kyle Cunningham…53.8
   6. Malcolm Stewart…54.0
   7. Matt Lemoine…54.14
   8. Darryn Durham…54.17
   9. Jake Canada…54.2
   10. Blake Baggett..54.4

250 PENALTY BOX
Rashid Kerrison had his fastest lap time taken away for failing the post-qualifying sound test.

WHO DIDN’T MAKE THE 250 WEST CUT
Only the top 40 make it to the 250 East night show (out of the 64 who tried in Atlanta) and the difference between making the program and going home is often hundreds of a second. Michael Akaydin’s 58.8 gave him the final and 40th spot in the night program. Here are the next closest, but not close enough, five
   41. Tyler McEwen…58.9
   42. David Butler…59.4
   43. Frank Lettieri…1:00
   44. Zach Jaynes…1:00.1
   45. Jacob Locks…1:00.2

THE TEN FASTEST 450 QUALIFIERS
   1. Ryan Villopoto..50.7
   2. James Stewart…51.1
   3. Ryan Dungey…51.3
   4. Davi Millsaps…51.7
   5. Kevin Windham…52.0
   6. Jake Weimer…52.5
   7. Kyle Chisholm…52.6
   8. Justin Brayton…52.84
   9. Broc Tickle…52.87
   10. Cole Seely…52.9

450 PENALTY BOX
No 450 riders lost their fastest laps timed for unsportsmanlike conduct, jumping when the red lights were on or failing post-qualifying sound tests.

WHO DIDN’T MAKE THE 450 CUT
Only 54 riders tried to make the 40-man night show in the 450 class?which meant 14 had to go home empty handed. Kyle Goerke was the 40th fastest and last qualifier (with a 57.8) to make the big show. Here are the next five riders who didn’t make the cut.
   41. Justin Freund…58.0
   42. Matt Schneider…58.1
   43. Myles Tedder…58.2
   44. Auston Albers…58.75
   45. Dustin Pipes…58.79

JAMES STEWART ANALYZES HIS NIGHT IN ATLANTA
Is there a volume knob on your video camera, James?

WHO’S STILL LOOKING FOR THE FABLED HOLESHOT?

James Stewart (7) doesn’t have a holeshot yet.

In the 450 class Ryan Villopoto has got the jump 2 out of 7 times, while in the 250 class Vince Friese and Martin Davalos have done the deed twice each (but they are 250 West riders and won’t be back in action for weeks on end). It pays $1500 to holeshot the 450 class and $1000 in the 250 East/West. Here is the list up to Atlanta

450 class:
Anaheim1………..Ryan Villopoto
Phoenix…………..Ryan Dungey
Los Angeles…….Jake Weimer
Oakland…………..Chad Reed
Anaheim II……….Ryan Villopoto
San Diego………..Brett Metcalfe
Dallas……………..Jeff Alessi
Atlanta……………..Cole Seely

250 class:
Anaheim 1………Vince Friese
Phoenix………….Tyla Rattray
Los Angeles……Martin Davalos
Oakland…………..Martin Davalos
Anaheim II……….Eli Tomac
San Diego……….Vince Friese
Dallas (East)……Darryn Durham
Atlanta (East)…..Justin Barcia

THINKING OF BUYING A USED BIKE? TRY HERE

HIGHLAND ISN’T DEAD YET: THE TULSA MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER REBOUNDS ONCE AGAIN

The 450 motocross model.

Highlands 450cc dirt bike might come back. 18 months ago everyone in the motorcycle industry thought that the creative Highland motorcycle was doomed. When US Highland President Mats Malmberg, chief operating officer Chase Bales and chief financial officer Damian Riddoch died in a plane crash on July 10, 2010, the company’s three top men were gone. The company lasted six months without its founders, but its Swedish investors refused to provide additional funding or give up control.

The single cylinder Highland four-stroke engine can be made in displacement from 250cc to 550cc.

After a year of arguing over control, the Swedish investors finally sold the company to American investors in August 2011. John Fitzpatrick, a former executive with Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles, was hired as CEO a month later. Fitzpatrick recognized that the Highland engines were the gold in the company and began rebuilding from the ground up. The plans revolve around a 450cc dirt bike and twin cylinder sport bikes. A week ago Highland leased 17,000 square foot building in Tulsa. The plan is to start assembling engines in three months and get back into building high-end motorcycles.

Highland plans to make twins in 750cc to 1150cc versions.

Will it succeed this time? We hope so. You can find out more about US Highland by going to www.ushighland.com.

FORGET GAS, ELECTRICITY OR HYDROGEN, AUSSIE INVENTOR WANTS TO USE COMPRESSED AIR

Powering vehicles with compressed air isn’t exactly a new idea, but Australian design Dean Benstead, has joined a DiPietro air engine, Yamaha WR250F chassis and Rinlatech Engineering know-how to try to take the air-powered idea as far as it could go. The O2 Pursuit bike is propelled by the air from scuba diving tanks.
Benstead said, “I wanted to explore the viability of compressed air as an alternative fuel, and my childhood experiences riding dirt bikes led me to design the motocross bike based around the Engineair engine. Developing the working prototype involved balancing many design elements to get the bike functional and show-ready, but also meet budget, functionality, tight timelines and skill requirements.”

The obvious drawbacks of the design is the lack of fuel (air storage), plus a racing motorcycle with exposed compressed air tanks could be dangerous. The pluses are that the design is simple and clean.

KTM ANNOUNCES WHAT EVERYONE ALREADY KNOWS: KTM IS NUMBER 1

The 2012 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition.

According to KTM: KTM is officially the most successful motorcycle manufacturer in Europe and the USA. KTM, who specializes in offroad bikes, but is expanding into street bike, sold 81,200 bikes in 2011 (up from 66,327 in 2010). Despite a motorcycle market that has seen a 5 percent decrease in sales overall KTM’s numbers increased,

KTM’s market share in Europe increased by 30 percent compared to previous year. “Hence, KTM is the most successful brand and outpaced its competitors clearly”, explains Stefan Pierer, Chairman of the Executive Board of KTM Power Sports AG.

The 2012 Duke 200.

For the future KTM plans to expand into the Indian market, which is the largest motorcycle market in the world, with support from its partner Bajaj. KTM hopes to sell 20,000 motorcycles in Indian in 2012?mostly the small displacement Duke street bikes.

RELIVE A GREAT DAY OF RACING AT DITD WITH JEREMY, EMIG, ROVZEN, RYNO, LECHIEN, LANGSTON & DOUG HENRY
You should start getting ready for next year now.

HOW TO LOSE A FACTORY RIDE BECAUSE OF PAPERWORK

Phillip Nicoletti.                   Photo: Kawasaki Au

According to Moto Online Australia: In a reverse of Dean Wilson being trapped in Canada and not allowed to leave two years ago, American Phil Nicoletti has has been banned from Australia for three years following a series of visa difficulties in 2011. Nicoletti raced for Kawasaki Australia in last year’s Austrlalian 250 NationalsChampionships?finishing third. But, he obviously had not crossed his X’s and dotted his I’s on his visa formed because when he tried to return to Australia he found out that his original visa request had never been filed.

Australian has the same immigration rules as most Western countries ? you can come for 90 days on a tourist visa, but you can’t stay longer than that without filing for a new visa. If you never file the necessary paperwork, your name goes on a list and when you finally show up at the airport to leave the country, you are told not to come back. This miscue cost Nicoletti a good ride.

WHIPS, WHIPS & MORE WHIPS: SO MANY WHIPS THAT YOU’LL WISH FOR  IT TO END

NICK WEY DOES THE IMPOSSIBLE: HE FINDS A NEW SPONSOR IN THE MIDDLE OF A SERIES

Nick.

Arnette is excited to announce Supercross veteran and Michigan native, Nick Wey, is now a part of the Arnette Motocross Team. Wey, who  turned pro 15 years ago, has the drive and hustle that Arnette is looking for as they open up their new MX racing program.”I couldn’t be more excited to team up with Arnette, they’ve got the image and product I’m looking for in a sponsor. The Series 3MX goggle performs flawlessly and their sunglasses can’t be beat,” commented Nick.

Arnette has been making moves in MX and FMX since the launch of their Series 3MX goggle in September of 2011. Other dirt notables wearing the Series 3MX goggle include Robbie Maddison and Adam Jones, as well as former professional racer and current Arnette Motocross Team Ambassador, Jeff Northrop. “Nick’s the kind of rider we want backing Arnette on the track. He works hard at racing, but he’s having fun out there too. I’m psyched he’s on our program,” commented Jeff.

Stay up to date with Nick’s race results online at www.nickwey.com

TWEET-CITY: WESTERN UNION WITHOUT THE HORSES

The new MXA App lets you download the latest issue of MXA right to your iphone or ipad. Its all the things you love about Motocross Action in a new digital format. The app saves the magazine on your mobile device so there is no waiting to load the next page and no lag time. This is also the cheapest way to suscribe ($8.99) or to buy a single issue ($2.99). Go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motocross-action-magazine/id497706566?mt=8 and check out the newest way to read Motocross Action.

BAD NEWS! HONDA OF HOUSTON STOPS ITS AMATEUR SUPPORT PROGRAM

Press release: Due to changes in the amateur support programs provided by manufacturers, Honda of Houston Racing, the amateur motocross support subsidiary of Honda of Houston, Houston’s exclusive Powerhouse Dealership, is suspending its amateur motocross trackside support program.  The program which began in 1997 has supported amateur motocross across the country providing riders both young and old everything from technical services, parts support and bike transport. “We’ve been part of the careers of some of the sports premier riders and we are grateful for that experience,” says Race Team Manager Shaun Martin.

Today’s pro Supercross and motocross fields see a number of riders that have participated in HHR’s program. Riders such as Josh Grant, Will Hahn, Tommy Hahn, Jake Weimer, Lance Vincent, Chris Plouffe, Jessica Patterson, and many more have all benefitted from the guidance and support provided by the HHR crew. “It is with great regret we are forced to make this decision, but the current economic state prevents the manufacturers from continuing the support we have been so successful with,” says Honda of Houston President Dave Martin.  Martin goes on to say “Honda of Houston Racing would like to thank the many sponsors over the years that have helped the team achieve its goals and hopes the HHR program has contributed in some small way to the success and well being of amateur motocross racing and the customers of American Honda.”

UNBELIEVABLY LIGHT! SUOMY MX JUMP HELMET

The Suomy Monster graphics are a special issue and will be worn by Tommy Searle.

While at the Indy Show last weekend, Jody and John Basher ran into Jim Doyle (if you don’t know who Jim is, you probably never heard of Kenny Roberts either). Jim took us to Skip Van Leeuwen (if you don’t know who Skip is, that just means you’re young). They showed us the lightest ECE-legal motocross helmet that we have ever seen?the Suomy MX Jump (in Italy they call it the Mr. Jump).

Coming in at just under 2.5 lbs, the Suomy Jump is handmade in Italy with a composite carbon and aramidic fiber shell. Additionally, the polystyrene liner features differentiated foam density to increase the mechanical resistance to crushing. The Suomy Jump meets ECE 22-05, DOT, QAS, JIS and INMETRO NBR 7471 certification. Your dealer can order the Suomy Jump from KK, Lemans, Van Leeuwen Enterprises or Romaha.

BEVO HONORED AT ATLANTA SUPERCROSS

Sure Bevo gets honored, but what about Savitski?

Regarded as one of the most recognizable and respected men in motocross, Bevo has amassed 40 years of experience in the industry. For his career accomplishments, was honored this past Saturday, February 25, 2012 during round eight of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
Bevo Forte bought his first motorcycle, a Suzuki Savage, in 1970 and has been hooked ever since.  He quickly hit the amateur racing circuit before becoming a mechanic for privateer, John Savitski, in 1972. Beginning in 1978, Bevo worked as a mechanic for Factory Yamaha until he joined Scott USA in 1981.

Bevo has spent the last 30 years in the development, sales and race support of Scott USA’s goggle line. Throughout his tenure, Bevo has worked closely with the likes of Bob Hannah, David Bailey, Jeff Stanton, Mike Larocco, Jeremy McGrath, and Chad Reed, to name just a few. He now works for 100% goggles..

“He has been an icon in the moto world and has contributed so much to our growing industry” states Alex Moroz and Mike Owens, managing partners of the Legends & Heroes of Motocross Tour. “He has logged nearly two million miles in the air and countless hours on the road, attending over 1500 motocross events throughout his impressive career..”

THOR PRO CIRCUIT GEAR AVAILABLE NOW


For more info go to www.thormx.com

THE RXR INFLATABLE CHEST PROTECTOR, NOW GETS PLASTIC PARTS

The RXR Strongflex white.

RXR protect body armor features patented ASA (Air Shock Absorber) technology which is revolutionizing the action sports world. In CE certified crash testing RXR armor absorbed at least 9 times more energy than traditional plastic protectors and 10 times that of foam. Designed for the hardcore riders and pros, that is looking for the most technically advanced.

For more info go to www.rxrprotect.com/category.php?id_category=6

After the Mantova race last weekend, Team Honda Europe stayed at the track to test their 2012 Grand Prix bikes. The new bikes are the prototype 2013 CRF450’s with the left to right cross-over exhaust system, new engine and redesigned frame. Honda Europe was also testing Showa SFF Air forks, which use nitrogen instead of coil springs, but only in one fork leg.

36th GNC INTERNATIONAL MOTOCROSS FINAL ON MARCH 3-9 IN TEXAS

Oak Hill Raceway will host the GNC International on March 3 through 9. Here is the complete schedule.        
    SATURDAY, MARCH 3RD: MOVE IN
The Park opens for everyone at 8:00am and will close at midnight.
    SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH: MOVE IN & POST REGISTRATION
Gates open 7:00am – Midnight. Post entry sign in 9:00am to 5:00pm also sign up for the Industry Race (no charge). Riders Meeting 6:00pm. Practice & Race order posted on posting board in front of tower this evening.
    MONDAY, MARCH 5TH: PRACTICE
Gates open 6:30am to 10:00pm. Practice 8:00am. Industry Race 1st moto approximately 30 minutes after practice. Sign up at Tower for Industry Race (no charge). Awards 1st?3rd
    TUESDAY?FRIDAY MARCH 6TH-9TH: RACING
Gates open 6:30am to 10:00pm.Racing 8:00am. For more info go to www.gncmxracing.com

FREESTYLE LEGEND TO OPEN MOB SYNDICATE TATTOO PARLOR IN LAKE ELSINORE

The Lake Elsinore Planning Commission unanimously approved a request by American Freestyle champ Mike Metzger to operate a tattoo business in the city. “The Godfather of Freestyle” will bring his famous name and his love of body art to Lake Elsinore.

Tuesday night, the Lake Elsinore Planning Commission unanimously approved a request by American Freestyle Motocross champ Mike Metzger to operate a tattoo business inside a 1800-square-foot leased space in Westlake Village Commercial Center at 31712 Casino Drive. Without reservation, the commission approved a conditional use permit for the business, which Metzger plans to call Mob Syndicate Tattoo after his motocross moniker. The shop, which Metzger hopes to open within two months, will offer tattoos and body piercings, as well as the FMX star’s mixed-media paintings.

MOOSE MAKES QUICK PULL CANISTERS FOR OAKLEY, SCOTT, SMITH, SPY & UTOPIA GOGGLES

Moose Racing’s Quick Pull System is the perfect solution for riders that need to battle the elements and keep their vision clear. The Quick Pull System is equipped with clear canisters to allow for easy viewing of the film, while the mud flaps keep water out. The system includes one roll of film, the mud flap, supply side and motor side canisters, and a lens. Applications are available for a wide-variety of goggles. With a price of just $36.95 for the complete system, its a small price to pay for clear vision. For more info go to www.MooseRacing.com

KTM’S FORGOTTEN BIKE: 2012 KTM 200XC-W

Two-stroke fanatics are always looking for project bikes to build, but perhaps the most overlooked of all the two-stroke is KTM’s 200XC-W. It has a 64mm x 60mmm bore and stroke compared to the KTM 150SX’s 56mm x 58.4mm and the KTM 125SX’s 54mm x 54.5mm. The 193cc, water-cooled, reed intake engine with a broad spread of power.

The compromises from the SX line are the 48mm WP open cartridge forks and the PDS no-link rear suspension. For 2012 it got a new ignition curve for smoother ridability, completely new PDS frame, one-piece cast aluminum swingarm, Excel AL7 rims, Dunlop MX51 tires, 2.64 gallon translucent fuel tank, redesigned intake boot and up-to-date bodywork. Why mess with a 125 or a 150, when you could have a 200?

It is easy to find out who’s number 11 (Kyle Chisholm) or 21 (Jake Weimer) or even 54 (Weston Peick), but have you ever tried to find out who is AMA National number 774? The answer is Preston Tilford. To make life easier, MXA has compiled a complete list of active AMA National numbers for 2012 (up to the Atlanata Supercross). We will update it with every event and add more names and numbers as young riders race enter the AMA circuit.