FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

KTM team manager Roger DeCoster does much more than just manage a team. A lot of days you will catch him machining one-off parts or building things like you see above. Roger wanted a place other than the floor to put his race engines, so he built his very own one-off engine rack, by hand. To visit MXA’s Facebook page go here www.facebook.com/motocrossactionmag?ref=ts&fref=ts.

TECHNIQUE CHECK

At the top of the professional level in motocross, just a few tenths of a second can be the difference between a win and a top five finish. These tenths can be the difference between good and bad technique. The technique we are focusing on in the pictures is riding on the balls of the feet.

There is a huge difference between riding in the arches and the ball of the feet. When riding in your arches you have almost no use of the ankle joint. This leaves your ankles rigid when riding. When you move your feet a few inches back, you gain inches not just mobility, but the joint will act like suspension just as your knees do when absorbing an impact. Another thing to gain from riding on the balls of the feet is leverage. This effects shorter riders the most as they tend to struggle in sections where they have to be back on the bike, such as whoops. Just a few inches further back on the pegs will transfer to a few more inches back on the seat which will produce much more leverage. This gets more weight to the rear tire, equaling increased traction.

In the photos, take notice of the riders feet and where they are placed. You will begin to notice good verses bad technique. Since the riders pictured are all top professionals, you will notice how many perform the technique correctly — which is the point. If these were a bunch of amateur riders the majority would be riding in the arches. These pictures show just how important the technique is to improve your riding skills.

Andrew Short is on his toes. This allows for optimum use of the ankle joint. When riding on your toes ensure you have sharp pegs so you don’t slip off.

Jake Weimer riding on his toes.

Nico Izzi riding in the arch of his foot. As you can see he is off balance going through the whoops.

Jason Anderson riding on the balls of his feet.

Trey Canard on the balls of his feet.

Josh Grant is in the arch and his weight is getting thrown forward. Moving onto his toes would have helped transfer weight back.

Nick Wey executing perfect technique.

Josh Hill needs to move his feet about four inches back.

Both the Hill brothers have the same issue, only Justin’s is worse. His left foot is pointing out which can leave room for the bike to move side to side.

 

AMERICAN MOTOCROSS, LAST CHANCE OF A LIFETIME

Press Release: “American Motocross, Last Chance of a Lifetime,” a 15 episode documentary series on professional motocross, announces postponement of the series until the 2016 season. Set to air on MAVTV, the show will provide viewers with an insider’s look at Pro Motocross from a privateer’s point of view.

“Unfortunately, the title sponsor we had lined up for the team fell through, which means we will be unable to participate in the 2015 outdoor series,” explained team owner, Angela Taylor.  “We face the same obstacles any privateer faces, which is what our show is all about.  And, like every privateer out there, we are not giving up!  Instead, we have regrouped and are now planning to participate in the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series. While the news is disappointing, we feel the show will resonate well with our viewers,” Steve Grein, Executive Producer at MAVTV, declared.  “We will continue to hold a time slot and support the show any way we can.”

Larry Brooks confirmed he will remain on as the team coach/consultant.  “Like I said before and I’ll say it again, this is a great program and something motocross needs.” “American Motocross, Last Chance of a Lifetime” will continue to accept rider applications via their website:  www.amxtv.com.  Any rider who has or is eligible for an AMA pro license may apply.  Applications already received will be kept on file and do not need to be resubmitted for the 2016 season.

THE MXA FUNNIES

It looks like Ryan Villopoto is roughing it while in Europe. That is one way to get better fuel mileage to the track.

A beehive on the starting line is one way to get the riders to beehave.

Parents, instead of giving up your Smartphone to your toddler just hand them an MXA mag. Both put smiles on their cute faces.

THOUGHTS: COLE SEELY ON HIS PODIUM AT INDY

COLE: “It’s my rookie season and I can’t complain about a podium. It’s been a great year of learning and gaining experience among some of the greatest riders. When I was behind [Ryan] Dungey, I tried to be patient and wait for a mistake, but that’s a bit rare with him. I knew if I stayed close, I could learn a lot and I’m happy overall with how I rode. The last couple weekends, I’ve felt really spunky and have a lot of energy on the bike, which I think is showing in my riding. I’ve been trying not to overdo my training during the week so that I can come into the weekend fresh and excited to ride. Everyone has been really great supporting me this season, and I’m thankful for the group I have in my corner.”

MOTO~ART

No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.~Oscar Wilde

#MXATALKSINSTAGRAM

This is a picture of Chris Plouffe’s back after a bad crash at the Atlanta Supercross. He broke his left collarbone, multiple broken ribs, chipped T2 vertebrae, shattered T10, along with two plates and eight screws to hold his back in place. Chris is a multi-time amateur champion. He was on the radar screen of the factories coming into the big leagues. Chris was plagued with injuries and unfortunately never got his chance to really prove himself on good equipment — which only factory support can provide. Soon after the crash, Chris announced his retirement from racing. As racing is all that Chris has known, at the young age of 22 he now has to build another career. This is a sad story, and it happens more than you would think. Racing professionally is not for the faint of heart. These kids put everything on the line to have a chance at making a career out of their passion. We wish you the best, Chris.

FASTWAY PERFORMANCE AND ANKLE-SAVERS TECHNOLOGY JOIN TOGETHER

Press Release: Fastway Performance by Pro Moto Billet and  Moto Innovations 2 (Mi2) are excited to announce a partnership to bring to market Fastway motorcycle footpegs with Ankle-Savers technology. This union delivers a Fastway patented, adjustable footpeg with the performance and protection features of the patented Ankle-savers technology.  Together they deliver a new generation of world class, lightweight, performance footpegs. Fastway President, Lynn Hodges says about the partnership, “I am excited about the marriage of the Fastway and Ankle-savers technologies to create the most innovative and adjustable footpeg in the world. And we are very proud to produce them in our Nampa, Idaho facility by our skilled machinists.”

MI2/Ankle-savers President, Tom Crain says, “We are excited to partner with front line American manufacturer PMB/Fastway.  We have admired their products for years, and have been looking for the right team to partner with in creating the best dirt bike footpeg ever manufactured – lightweight with first class quality and engineering.  Now there is no reason for any professional or amateur racer, youngster or weekend warrior to ride without the performance benefits and protection of Ankle-savers technology.” For more info go to www.anklesavers.com

MXA ARCHIVES

Can you name Team Honda from 1984? The answer is right under the photo.