PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This photo captures the embodiment of the Motocross des Nations–the flags held by the hordes of spectators as they cheered on the world’s top racers. Simply stunning. Photo by Massimo Zanzani.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: TRAVIS PASTRANA

“Our job at the end of the day is to have as much fun as possible and make people smile. That’s why the shows are so cool. Honestly, the Nitro Circus Tour is the highest-rated traveling show in the world. That’s cool for us. We have the highest-rated show of all-time at the MGM Grand in Vegas. The more people that go to the shows, then the more people that come back. We’ll go to Australia now and do four or five shows in one city. Every year we add another show to it, because the word of mouth travels. It’s pretty inspiring. To see Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham launch the Giganta Ramp in his wheelchair is incredible. Nitro Circus is like a rock show. There’s great music and great action. It’s built for an ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) audience. Everyone is on their feet.”~Travis Pastrana

To read the full interview, click here.

SHIFT VIDEO: TIM GAJSER–250 WORLD CHAMP

MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS: A PHOTO ESSAY

Photos by Massimo Zanzani

BARCIA VS. MUSQUIN: A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

Marvin Musquin is moving up to the 450 class in 2016. Let’s hope that Marvin and Barcia have some epic battles like they did in the first moto in France.

MXDN LAP TIMES: THE FRENCH ALSO WIN ON THE STOPWATCH

Marvin Musquin was on a heater during the first moto at the MXDN on Sunday.

TOP TEN FASTEST LAP TIMES

1. Marvin Musquin (Fra)…1:47.977 (1st moto)
2. Evgeny Bobryshev (Rus)…1:48.881 (3rd moto)
3. Romain Febvre (Fra)…1:49.125 (3rd moto)
4. Ben Townely (Nzl)…1:49.487 (3rd moto)
5. Justin Barcia (USA)…1:49.865 (1st moto)
6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (Bel)…1:49.871 (3rd moto)
7. Dean Ferris (Aus)…1:50.004 (3rd moto)
8. Gautier Paulin (Fra)…1:50.093 (1st moto)
9. Cooper Webb (USA)…1:50.097 (2nd moto)
10. Jeremy Martin (USA)…1:50.153 (2nd moto)

* Marvin Musquin logged the fastest lap on Sunday out of all the racers. He did the deed in the first moto (combined 450 and 250). He was nearly two seconds faster than race winner, Justin Barcia, in that moto. Musquin finished fourth in the first moto (and top 250 rider). Musquin’s marvelous first moto lap was also the fastest time of the entire weekend (qualifiers included).

* Romain Febvre’s fastest lap came in the third moto. He was 0.133 second faster than his fastest time in the second moto.

* Evgeny Bobryshev caught fire in the third moto. He logged a 1:50.318 in the first moto, but blew that time out of the water in the final moto of the day, when he hit a 1:48.881.

* The difference between Dean Wilson’s fastest lap in the second moto and his fastest time in the third moto was 0.022 second.

* Of the ten fastest lap times on Sunday, half of them were logged in the final moto of the day (when the track should have been at its roughest).

SACRAMENTO ENDUROCROSS HIGHLIGHTS

FUN FACT: 125 USGP WINNERS

Jessy Nelson became the latest American to win the 125 (now 250) United States Grand Prix.

The Grand Prix 125 series has raced the U.S. 11 different occasions since 1975, visiting three tracks (Lexington, Delmont and Glen Helen). Of the nine different winners (Marty Smith and Mark Barnett won twice), only three were born on foreign soil–Gaston Rahier, Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen.

THOR MX: ARE YOU FIT?

TWO MXDN RACES IN 2016? NOT QUITE

These guys will probably all be at next year’s “Riders and Manufacturers Cup,” some of them by choice. 

News dropped on Tuesday that there will be a “Riders and Manufacturers Cup” next October. It’s an interesting concept of pitting the different motorcycle brands against each other for top honors. The race will be held in the Veltins Arena in Germany–a soccer stadium. That begs the question, will the track be of a Supercross design? Something in between?

There are good and bad reasons to hold such a race. See below:

THE GOOD

1. This part of the press release caught my eye. “Financial support will be given to the manufacturers and substantial prize money will be available for riders and manufacturers.” It’s nice that Grand Prix riders will finally be getting paid. Unfortunately that list will be short, given that only the three best riders from every brand will participate. If my math serves me correct, 18 riders will earn money (six manufacturers at three riders each). This, of course, raises the question of why Luongo is willing to provide prize money for a one-off race and not the entire MXGP series (and for riders that could really use financial aid in getting to races all over the world).

2. It’s hard to hate on the idea of having another race, especially when that race consists of the best Grand Prix riders on the circuit.

THE BAD

1. Whether they know it or not (they probably do), Youthstream is hoping to confuse the public by having a miniature version of the Motocross des Nations. Heck, the format will be the same as the MXDN. The difference? There won’t be any U.S. riders–at least those racing the Nationals–in the field. This is a Grand Prix-only party. Alienating U.S. riders from the race shouldn’t sit well with an American public that is still struggling to accept MXGP. Whether U.S. riders would actually race the event at a time when they’re busy preparing Supercross and doing events such as the Monster Energy Cup and Red Bull Straight Rhythm remains to be seen. It doesn’t really matter, because they’re not invited. Furthermore, it’s a slap in the face for Youthstream to state in their press release, “…have the participation of all the Motocross manufacturers and all the best Motocross riders in the world.” Ummm…what about Ryan Dungey, Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, Justin Barcia, James Stewart, Blake Baggett and any other number of great U.S.-based riders?

2. Haven’t the Grand Prix racers had a long enough season? The 2015 schedule consisted of 18 rounds that spanned the globe. Stuffing another race into the calendar year will be mind-numbing, especially for those chosen, who will presumably have raced the MXDN prior to this all-new event.

Here’s the official press release:

Mr Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream’s President, used the opportunity to present a new big event which will be launched in 2016: the Riders and Manufacturers Cup, an event that will take place in the well-known Veltins Arena in Germany on the 8^th October 2016.  Every manufacturer will take part with their 2 best MXGP riders and their best MX2 rider, the concept will be similar to the MXoN but instead of the riders riding for their country they will ride for their manufacturer.  The format will be 3 races with the 3 riders per manufacturer in each race, and the race track will be built with riders’ safety as priority while providing a great show for the fans.  The event will be televised worldwide with a television coverage similar to the MXGP World Championship.  Financial support will be given to the manufacturers and substantial prize money will be available for riders and manufacturers.   This new project will be organized and promoted by Youthstream, be sanctioned by FIM, in cooperation with ADAC and DMSB and have the participation of all the Motocross manufacturers and all the best Motocross riders in the world.

ENERGY WARS: 51FIFTY GRAPENESS

[Press Release]

51FIFTY has always been about striving for more, doing more, and NEVER SETTLING for being normal. We believe everyone can be GREAT if they really want to be. They just need to find it in themselves to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Our NEW grape flavor is based off of the original line of drinks with all the same NATURAL HERBS and VITAMINS, but with the taste of grape.

A LOOK AT KAILUB RUSSELL’S KTM 350

Russell clinched his third GNCC XC1 Pro title at Unadilla. Here’s a glance at his works KTM off-road weapon.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MATRIX CONCEPTS GOES RED, WHITE & BLUE

[Press Release]

In honor of MXND, Matrix Concepts has launched a limited edition USA graphic for the following core products.

A2 Aluminum Stand – Aluminum factory edition
A7 Folding Ramp – 7.5ft. Lightweight folding ramp
M1 Worx Tie Down – 1.0” Tie Down with a plastic nameplate & steel carabineers
M3 Utility Can – 4.2 Gallon with 2-handle design
M64 Elite Stand – Plastic composite elite stand
M80 Tool Boxes – Lightweight high quality all steel construction

Shop all USA products here: www.matrixracingproducts.com