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#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Justin Barcia
Location: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas
Date: October 20, 2012
Photographer: John Basher
Camera: Canon 1D Mark III
Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8
Focal length: 200mm
Exposure: 1/640 sec.
F-stop: 3.2
ISO: 3200

MONSTER ENERGY CUP SIGHTS

Eli Tomac (far left) talks with Kawasaki tech Mike Williamson (back to camera) and his father, John (plaid shirt), while Kurt Rood reviews practice footage.

How many technicians does it take to work on one bike? When you’re Chad Reed you get star treatment. That’s master mechanic, Mike Gosselaar (far left) changing out the handlebar mount cones after the first practice session, while Keith McCarty and Jim Perry sweat the details.

One of Ken Roczen’s requests before signing on the dotted line with HRC Honda was that he could bring along Oscar Wirdeman, his wrench from RCH Suzuki. It was a wise move.

Any kid would be in heaven riding this fully modified Pro Circuit Kawasaki mini.

A mechanic’s job is never done. After making adjustments to Ryan Dungey’s bike, Carlos Rivera gave the KTM 450SXF a spit-shine.

You know you’re a big-time rider when there is more than one technician working on your bike. Cole Seely has made it.

Chad Reed knows what he likes out of a bike and isn’t afraid to ask for changes. That’s the sign of a great test rider.

Benny Bloss’ mechanic fills his KTM 450SXF with petrol using a Matrix Concepts M3 Utility Can.

Ryan Dungey’s mom, Michelle, and Aldon Baker share stories in front of Ryan’s motor home.

Carlos Rivera blows the chalky Las Vegas hardpack off Dungey’s ride.

Who wore it better? Although Josh Grant (33) didn’t ride the Monster Cup, his bike was outfitted with Showa forks. Eli Tomac chose to run KYB on Saturday.

How cool is this? Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM is raffling off Jessy Nelson’s race bike, with all proceeds going to Jessy. This is your chance to help an outstanding individual, with the bonus of possibly winning his bike. Click www.r2rjn13tld.com to purchase your tickets. 

PRO TAPER 2017 CATALOG NOW AVAILABLE

[Press Release]

Innovation is defined as “the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new and useful.” ProTaper introduced something entirely new and useful with the first 1-1/8″ taperwall handlebar design in 1991, and remains the industry’s innovator to this day. The 2017 ProTaper digital catalog features 26 years of innovations and is now available in downloadable or searchable online formats.  

“Here at ProTaper, we pride ourselves on being the innovator,” says Brand Manager Paul Perebijnos. “From the Fuzion, the industry’s first dual-function handlebar, to the computer-profiled EVO and the industry standard Contour, ProTaper continues to define and refine what handlebars should be.”   

However, ProTaper has evolved to more than bars in the past couple of decades. The 2017 catalog has nearly 100 pages packed with everything from grips, levers/perches, throttle tubes, foot pegs, sprockets, chains and more. “When it’s time to upgrade your riding experience, turn to innovations from ProTaper,” says Perebijnos.

Webster’s further defines innovation as “a creation resulting from in-depth study and experimentation.” Want to see what innovations will revolutionize the market in 2017? Access ProTaper’s 2017 digital datalog here:
http://online.fliphtml5.com/lxnd/gxac/#p=1

TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: JOHN SMALE’S YAMAHA COLLECTION

The secret’s out–I’m a Yamaha YZ125 nut. I appreciate other 125cc two-strokes, but the good old YZ125 gets my pulse pounding. England’s John Smale used that information to gain an upper hand, leaving me no choice but to select him as this week’s “Two-Stroke Spotlight” recipient. He has a fleet of sweet Yamaha’s, including a YZ125. Take it away, John.

“Hi John, I know you’re a YZ125 fan (big fan of them myself), so I thought I’d send you some pics of my YZ125 for the Two-Smoke Spotlight feature. I’m 49 years old from Kent, England and rode and raced from 1980 until I stopped riding in 2005. I have had neck surgery/fusion for eroded discs in the past, which left some nerve damage to my left arm. I still love motocross, so I decided to build a nice YZ250 a while back to keep involved in some way. That led to a YZ125 build. I’ve also been buying parts for yet another YZ125 for about two years now, which should be super cool when it’s done. I’m far from rich, so these things take time. The next bike will have a trick handmade carbon fiber tank that uses YZ250F shrouds from Italy. It will also have a rainbow titanium bolt kit, Ti-Nitrate Kashima coatings, carbon Talon wheels, Xtrig clamps and loads more besides that.

“The other YZ125 is a 2011 model, which I bought used when it was one year old, and the YZ250 is a 2003 I bought new. I still own them both today. The bikes are smothered in trick parts, which I tend to swap around and still buy. I’m always on the lookout for parts. I have a handmade GMX aluminum fuel tank on the 125, and a yellow Clarke tank on the Hannah 250 look-a-like. Other bits are from Boyesen, Wossner, Vforce, Scalvini, Ohlins, Pro Taper, Talon wheels, RG3 clamps, VHM, Pro-Carbon Racing, K-Tech suspension…the list goes on and on.”

If you would like your bike to be featured in the “Two-Stroke Spotlight,” please email me at [email protected]. All I ask is that you give a breakdown of your bike and a detailed description of the thing. Please also send a few photos of your steed. By submitting your bike for the “Two-Stroke Spotlight,” you agree to release all ownership rights to the images and copy to MXA. Please don’t email me spam or try selling me beachfront property in Arizona. Happy submitting your smoker!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: FLY RACING HYDROGEN LE TIE DYE GEAR

[Press Release]

Press release: Starting with the same flexible, lightweight and breathable materials as its standard Lite Hydrogen racewear, FLY Racing designers created this special retro graphic that hits the mark with its tie dye color burst accents that complement the clean black and white base colors. Available in a limited quantity—only 1,000 sets made! Visit www.flyracing.com for more information.

INDUSTRY NEWS: 2017 KTM JR. SUPERCROSS DATES ANNOUNCED

Press release: KTM Motorsports is excited to announce the 2017 schedule for the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) program, the popular intermission show of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Now in its 18th season, the 2017 KJSC program will include ten total Supercross venues, beginning Jan. 14 with San Diego Supercross and concluding in Las Vegas with the final round of the series on May 6. The schedule and application deadlines are below:

Event………………..…Event Date…Application Deadline
1. San Diego……….…January 14…December 16, 2016
2. Anaheim 2………..January 21…December 23, 2016
3. Phoenix……………January 28…December 30, 2016
4. Dallas………………February 11…January 13, 2017
5. Minneapolis……..February 28…January 20
6. Atlanta…………….February 25…January 27
7. Toronto……………March 4…February 3
8. Indianapolis….…March 18…February 17
9. St. Louis………….April 1…March 3
10. Las Vegas…….…May 6…April 7

The KJSC is an intermission program where 15 randomly selected riders race aboard identically prepared KTM 50 SX motorcycles. Throughout the day, the young riders will experience a track walk like the pros, participate in two practice sessions, sign autographs for the fans, participate in opening ceremonies and race a three-lap exhibition race during the Supercross night program.

Entry is now open. 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 the KJSC event website www.ktmjrsx.com. Any additional inquiries about the KJSC should be directed to local KTM dealerships or through the Contact Us section of the website.

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?

For 2017 teammates will do more than share space inside semi trailers. While perusing the pits this past weekend, a common theme began to form–teammates with similar numbers. Like Eli Tomac (#3) and Josh Grant (#33).

Or Chad Reed (#22) and new stablemate, Cooper Webb (#2), for example. See below for the list.

Factory Yamaha:
Cooper Webb – #2
Chad Reed – #22

Monster Energy Kawasaki:
Eli Tomac – #3
Josh Grant – #33

Rocky Mountain KTM:
Blake Baggett – #4
Benny Bloss – #34

Red Bull KTM:
Ryan Dungey – #5
Marvin Musquin – #25

HRC Honda:
Cole Seely – #14
Ken Roczen – #94

And speaking of numbers, with Joey Savatgy (#17), Aaron Plessinger (#23) and Alex Martin (#26) grabbing career numbers, there are only four numbers open in the first 30 slots (not including #8 and #9, which are reserved for AMA Champions). Austin Forker, at #24, is the top placing rider not to earn a career number.

BUD RACING ANNOUNCES 2017 TEAM

[Press Release]

The 2017 race season will arrive in a few month and we are happy to announce our new set up with 5 riders to compete the main Motocross and Supercross championships worldwide. Like usual, the team will focus on young talents and will help them to achieve their goals and to become the next future stars.

No less than 5 championships to compete in 2017 starting with the AMA SX 250 west championship, the European EMX 125 & 250 championships and the French Elite MX/SX 250 & 450 national championships aboard the all new KX250F & KX450F.

Our goals will be to improve and show great potential in the SX 250 West championship for the second attempt and to clinch the titles in the European & French championships. The French & American Flag will be up at BUD racing Team during all season and the young talents from each countries will fight for the win!

The BUD Racing Monster energy Kawasaki team riders will be:

Brian Moreau (FR) 14 years old: European EMX 125 & French Elite 250
Kim Savaste (FI) 16 years old: Injured at MXDN 2016 (back injury), Kim will only come back late during the season to prepare his comeback in 2018.
Tristan Charboneau (USA)18 years old: AMA SX 250 west + European EMX 250 & French Elite 250
Ryan Surratt (USA) 19 years old: AMA SX 250 west + European EMX 250 & French Elite 250
Maxime Desprey (FR) 23 years old: French Elite MX 450 + SX Tour 450

Thanks to all our partners and our fans for their support and we will be happy to see you on the tracks again next year.

LOOKING BACK: MXA’S 250 FOUR-STROKE SHOOTOUT

Meeting of the minds.

Last Tuesday, Daryl Ecklund and the MXA wrecking crew met at Milestone in Riverside, California, to conduct the 2017 MXA 250 Four-Stroke Shootout. The group was joined by representatives from the bike manufacturers in order to make adjustments for the gang. Special thanks to the brands for offering support on what was a fun-filled day of nonstop riding. The day kicked off with action photos of the six test riders on their appointed bikes. After that, the riders switched up bikes and rode for as long as they liked. Once satisfied, each switched to another brand. A game of musical chairs was played for hours. In the end, the test riders reaffirmed what we had already learned through months of past test sessions. What are the results? Sorry, folks, I can’t divulge that information. Jody would hop in his Bonanza and fly to North Carolina just to smack me upside the head for such insolence. I’d rather not lose any more brain cells. Look for the full results in the January 2017 issue (which goes on sale on December 10). Until then, here are some photos from the day’s events.

2017 KTM 250SXF–a high-powered Austrian engine.

2017 Honda CRF250–a carbon copy of the 2016 model.

2017 Kawasaki KX250F–a metered powerband designed for racing.

2017 Husqvarna FC250–KTM’s nearly identical brother.

2017 Yamaha YZ250F–last year’s MXA 250 Shootout winner.

2017 Suzuki RM-Z250–slot car cornering ability.

THEY SAID IT: BROC HEPLER

“Looking back, I wouldn’t have taken so many chances during my career. I always rode and trained so much that I felt like I was the best guy, and if I didn’t get the holeshot I rode over my head. It would have been a lot better taking a third or fourth instead of falling down trying to get first. I realize now that it would have been better if I didn’t try to win every time no matter where I started. I should have tamed things down. I was living in the moment and wanted to win.”

RED BULL STRAIGHT RHYTHM NEWS & RIDER LIST

Press release: The full list of competitors for the third consecutive Red Bull Straight Rhythm on October 22 has been announced. Standout riders at the innovative event at Fairplex in Pomona include Ryan Dungey, Marvin Musquin and Josh Hansen, who will all return to race in the Open Class, alongside newcomer Trey Canard. In the Lites Class (250cc or less), South African Kerim Fitz-Gerald will face off against Shane McElrath, Dakota Alix and Josh Hill, who will try his luck aboard an Alta Motors electric motorcycle. In addition, the event will feature a special exhibition showdown between the irreverent motocross personalities Ronnie Mac and Trevor Piranha. New to 2016, the finals will be taking place in the evening, under the lights. Tickets are available at www.redbull.com/straightrhythm and the event will air live on Red Bull TV at 5:30pm PT.

The Red Bull Straight Rhythm rider field is split up into two classes – 16 riders in the 450 Class and eight riders in the Lites. In the 250 Class, two additional riders will compete for the main eight spots, having earned the opportunity by winning qualifying events held at Pala Raceway and Riverfront MX Park.

The head-to-head, best-of-three racing will once again take place at the former horse track at Fairplex in Pomona with the 24 riders racing on a 1⁄2-mile rhythm section with no turns. Similar to 2015, riders will start from an elevated platform, which provides for a unique feature for both the competitors and spectator viewing. However, this year the riders will be heading directly in to a rhythm section, leading to different rhythm options right out of the gate. The 1/2-mile long track will also be built on top of two tunnels, which spectators will be able to walk through and which elevate the whoops to eye-level. .

Gates open at 1pm, allowing ticket holders access to the track, shaded grandstand seating and the vendor village, which provides numerous concessions and side acts including rider signings and Geoff Aaron moto trials demos. Pit viewing access is open all day, with qualifying beginning at 2pm. In addition, fans will be able to put BF Goodrich tires to the test in the “Are you Driver Enough” experience located in the parking area outside of the venue from 9am – 5pm.

General admission tickets are available for $35 and VIP tickets are $150 at www.redbull.com/straightrhythm.

RED BULL STRAIGHT RHYTHM ENTRY LIST

Open Class
Ryan Dungey, Marvin Musquin, Trey Canard, Josh Hansen, Jeff Alessi, Nico Izzi, Austin Politelli, Darryn Durham, Deven Raper, Tevin Tapia, Kyle Chisholm, Nick Schmidt, Vince Friese, Axell Hodges, Dustin Pipes, Gregg Duffy

Lites Class
Shane McElrath, Jordon Smith, Mitchell Oldenberg, Dakota Alix, Kerim Fitz-Gerald, Josh Hill, Colton Aeck, Ben LaMay,  Jon Jon Ames, Dare DeMartile

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TWIN AIR POWERFLOW THROTTLE BODY KIT

A FATHER’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

Between practice sessions at the Monster Energy Cup, Troy Dungey grabbed a rag and cleaned his son’s wheels. The Red Bull KTM staff got a crack out of Troy putting in some elbow grease–apparently this isn’t a normal occasion. Regardless, father Dungey never wavered. Maybe he was daydreaming back to the old days, when he was kneeling in a field prepping Ryan’s mini bike for battle at a local track. Whatever Troy was thinking when this photo was taken, it shows that a father’s work is never done, even when that father has a millionaire son.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: JEFF STANTON

“It drives me absolutely insane. ‘Oh yeah! I got fourth place!’ Dude, you were a minute and a half behind the leader! Are you kidding me? You’re pumped on that? I work with some amateur kids, and one dad was pumped his kid got sixth place at the Amateur National Championship. I looked at the lap times every single day, and the kid was 13 seconds a lap slower than the leader. That won’t get the sixth place kid anywhere.”

Click here to read the riveting interview with six-time AMA Champion Jeff Stanton if you haven’t done so already.