MXA WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: EVERY WAR BEGINS WITH A FIRST SHOT

On Jan 6, 2022 Last updated Jan 16, 2022

• TAKE A LOOK AT THE ANAHEIM 1 TRACK MAP

• LAWRENCE BROTHERS TO SWAP EAST FOR WEST AFTER JETT BREAKS RIB

Jett (left) will wait until February 19 to race, while Hunter will replace him at A1.

Team Honda’s Jett Lawrence sustained a cracked rib on his left side in a crash while training at The Compound in Florida in late December. When he tried riding in California on January 3, he was still in pain, so, the team has decided to have Jett and teammate/brother Hunter Lawrence trade coasts.Which will give Jett intil February 19 when the first 250 East round is held in Minneapolis.

Jett Lawrence said, “It’s a bummer, but at the end of the day, it could have been much worse. If it was necessary, I might even have been able to race at A1, but waiting for the East Coast races is obviously the smarter choice. I’ll focus on healing up and getting ready for Minneapolis, and in the meantime, I know Hunter will do great in the West.”

Hunter Lawrence said, “I’m pumped to be able to start racing sooner than expected. Honestly, I was already getting impatient to race, so although I’m obviously bummed for my brother, I was kind of excited when the decision was made for me to move to the West Coast races. Hopefully we can both come out on top.”

• 2022 AMA SUPERCROSS TV SCHEDULE: TIMES, CHANNELS & DAYS

All times Eastern (subtract three hours for Pacific Time Zone).

• STAR YAMAHA’S JUSTIN COOPER WILL MISS COMPLETE 2022 SUPERCROSS SEASON

Justin Cooper broke and dislocated four metatarsals, among other bones in his foot. He hopes to come back for the AMA 250 Nationals in May.

Star Yamaha’s Justin Cooper posted this message, “Unfortunately I had a crash yesterday at the track. I got a little bit off line in a rhythm and didn’t get the lift for the next triple and cased it pretty hard which was fine. Almost had it saved and when I finally laid it down my foot got pinched under the footpeg. That being said it turns out I have broken and dislocated 4 metatarsals and have some fractures in the center of my foot as well. I will most likely get surgery next week.”

“Not the way I wanted to start the year off, everything has been going really good until this. This is called a Lisfranc injury and will probably put me off the bike for about 6 months. Tough pill to swallow, but this is part of life and you have these obstacles. How you overcome these difficulties is what defines you. I’ll keep you guys updated once I know more, it’s all very fresh so just giving a quick update on what i know so far. I will be missing all of Supercross, hopefully will be good to go for motocross.”

Star Yamaha has announced that it will field a three rider lineup for the 250 West Supercross Championship. The lineup will consist of defending 250SX East Champion Colt Nichols, Christian Craig and Nate Thrasher.

• TEAM TEDDER SIGNS JOSH HILL TO FILL-IN FOR BENNY BLOSS

Thirty-three year old Josh Hill started his AMA Pro career in 2006. It reached it’s zenith when Josh won the 2008 Minneapolis 450 Supercross. It was the only win of his 16-year-career, but Josh never gave up and he even came back in 2020 to return to the 250 East class. Josh has scored AMA points in 11 of his 16 years, missing several seasons to injuries and joining the work force, but he’s back for the 2022 Supercross season on the Team Tedder KTM 450SXF.

• KING” KENNY ROBERTS’ 70TH BIRTHDAY PRESENT

King Kenny and his birthday gift from Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Jr. Yamaha and his family.

The one and only “King” Kenny Roberts celebrated his 70th birthday on Friday, December 31st, with a very special gift presented to him from his family and friends of a “one off” Yamaha RMAX 1000 LE Side-by-Side built specially for him by Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia. The RMAX 1000 was a birthday gift from his family and friends including his son and 2000 World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr., three-time World Champion Wayne Rainey, their management team of International Racers, and other close industry friends who all contributed to honor the legend and celebrate with their special gift to him.

The Special RMAX 1000 was built by an enthusiastic team of engineers at the Yamaha factory in Newnan, Georgia, all of whom are big fans for the three-time World Champion and styled the machine after Kenny’s 1978 OW Yamaha 500 World Championship-winning machine. “Kenny is a true legend and icon in our sport,” said Yamaha Motorsports President Mike Martinez. “The team at our factory here in Georgia was indeed honored to build this special RMAX 1000 as a gift from his family and friends for his 70th birthday. All of us at Yamaha truly wish Kenny a very happy birthday and sincerely appreciate his tremendous contributions to our sport!”

• “THIS WEEK IN MXA WITH JOSH MOSIMAN:” WIN TWO FREE TICKETS TO OAKLAND SX

• BIKES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE: 1980 MOTO VILLA 350MX

The 1980 Moto Villa 350MX.

The Moto Villa firm was born thanks to the experience of Francesco Villa, a skillful racer and technician for Ducati, FB Mondial and Montesa, who had built a two-stroke 125 racing motorcycle in 1965, called Beccaccino, which was given to the Spanish Montesa firm. Francesco’s new company’s first actual branded bike was the Moto Villa PR125 in 1968. It was an evolution of the Beccaccino.

Moto Villa’s four-cylinder, rotary-valve, air-cooled, two-stroke 250cc Grand Prix road race engine was essentially two, 43 x 43mm bore/stroke, 125cc twins mounted on one crankcase and laid down.

In 1970 the company committed itself to a new 250cc, four-cylinder, rotary-valve, two-stroke road racer, only to have the FIM ban 250s with more than two cylinders the same year.

The first production machines down the assembly line at Moto Villa used 50cc and a 125cc Franco Morini engines. With it’s success assured, Moto Villa stopped being the Italian Montesa importer. And when they couldn’t get Franco Morini to improve the racing performance of his engines, they decided to build their own. The first Moto Villa CR models were developed in 1973 in 250cc and 450cc versions as well as motocross and enduro models.

By 1979 they were manufacturing 250, 350 and 410cc air-cooled two-stroke engines—and they won the Italian 500 Championship. Moto Villa also supplied engine technology to SWM and Carabela. Starting from the end of 1981 Moto Villa adopted monocross rear suspension for all its machines along with water-cooling for the 250. The next major project was the Moto Villa 125 TT4.

In the 1980s there were several technical and mechanical innovations applied to Moto Villa’s racing motorcycles and the company expanded into 125cc kart engines—winning the 125cc Junior Italian Championship and French 125 Kart French Championship. Things were looking up, but by 1984 the big Japanese firms had moved into the European market and small manufacturers, like Moto Villa, were squeezed.

The MX-series of Moto Villa motocross bikes came in 125, 250, 350 and 410 versions (and later a 480cc engine).

Our 1980 Moto Villa 350 was in its second year of production in 1980. Moto Villa made the same bike in 250, 350 and 410 versions. The MX-series air-cooled engines were housed in twin shock, double-cradle, chromoly frames, with resin gas tanks replacing the normal aluminum tanks.

Towards the end of the MX series they designed a stronger single-beam chassis and expanded the racing line to 125, 250, 350, 410 and 480 engines. The 350 engine had a 81.5mm bore with a short 68mm stroke. It displaced 354.56cc. It was fed by a 38mm Bing carb, Motoplat ignition and six-petal reed valve. The forks were 38mm Marzocchis and the twin shocks were piggyback Corte Cossas.

Marzocchi forks were mated to Corte Cossa rear shocks. In 1980, drum brakes were still common place.

By 1987, Moto Villa stopped production. Francesco kept the family’s racing heritage alive with a series of special race bikes, but in 2012 sold Moto Villa to the Bivio family. To this day, there are spurts of activity at the old race shop as they roll out occasional special machines, but they rarely see production.

Moto Villa showed this water-cooled FV125 on the European motorcycle show in 2018, but it hasn’t been seen since.

Francesco’s brother Walter Villa played an important role in Moto Villa history, first by racing the early Moto Villa race bikes in Italian road races and later by helping the firm out. Walter was a four FIM World Road Racing Champion and eight-time Italian Champion. Walter died at the age of 58 of a heart attack in 2002. In 2019 Francesco Villa opened a permanent motorcycle museum dedicated to the history of Moto Villa. However two months later, in February 2020, Francesco Villa passed away at the age of 87.

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ODI EMIG PRO V2 LOCK-ON GRIPS

We’re a big fan of having as much grip as possible when it comes to racing. Squeezing the bike with your legs, not sliding down a stock Honda seat cover, and most importantly, having a firm connection between the handlebars and the rider. It’s no secret that we’re also a fan of ODI, with how successful their Emig Pro V2 system is, who isn’t? The second generation of the Emig Pro Lock-On grips have improved ridges for your phalanges to grab onto as well as a reinforced end cap so when our clumsy photographer gets his grubby hands on one our test bikes, we’re not wondering why the sides of the grips are missing. Scroll down below to check out some of our favorite grips on the market. The Retail Price is $28.95.

Here’s a really, really, reallyyyyy close look at a grip.

ODI EMIG PRO V2 GRIP FEATURES:

Raised center JE logo pattern conforms to palms, improves padding & reduces vibration
Extra-soft, undercut independent ribs deliver lateral & rotational traction
Alloy reinforced end caps provide extra durability against grip blowout
ODI exclusive locking clutch-side collar attaches the grip providing 360° of Security
Simple Installation and Removal Without Waiting for Glue to Dry
Throttle Tube Included with Snap On Cam to match more models
No safety wire required means longer grip life, even in the event of a crash
Kit provides Cams for both 2 & 4-Stroke Applications
Throttle cams included in kit.
For more info go to www.ODI.com

• THIS ONE IS IN THE BOOKS: 2021 REM GLEN HELEN TOP TEN

1. Robert Reisinger (Hus)…646

REM Motocross host a season-long points paying series at Glen Helen Raceway that starts in January and ends in December. The 2021 edition just came to an end and when the points were totalled up, 6D helmet designer, former AMA Pro and Mountain Cycle “San Adreas” mountain bike builder took the top spot. In fact, Robert had to miss the last three races of the season because of a concussion he suffered at the World Vet Championship. But, he had a big enough lead to hold off former Pros Ed Guajardo and Luc De Ley for the top spot. Here is the top ten in action.

2. Ed Guajardo (Yam)…578

3. Luc De Ley (Hus)…520

4. Dave Eropkin (KTM)…480

5. Marc Crosby (KTM)…450

6. Val Tamietti (Yam)…442

7. Bill Reimer (KTM)…386

8. Dan Alamangos (Kaw)…290

9. Joe Sutter (Yam)…288

10. Gene Boere (KTM)…252

• MXA AD OF THE WEEK: RICK JOHNSON’S WELL-PRACTICED MODEL STARE

This 1990 Alpinestars ad is one of many Ricky Johnson ads where the multi-time Champion used his Derek Zoolander “Blue Steel” look.

• MXA PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT: LEATT X-FRAME HYBRID KNEE BRACE

The new Leatt X-Frame Hybrid knee brace is engineered to reduce injuries and is CE-certified as a medical device and as impact protection. Made from injected carbon composite, it has a 40-percent-slimmer inner hinge to provide superior bike feel, and the outer hinge has metal gears for durable and precise movement. Leatt’s unique technology offers a medically certified knee brace with a separate sleeve that includes the impact protector built in to reduce the bulk in the knee area. Retail price: $449.95 at www.leatt.com or (800) 691-3314.

• HAVE YOU SEEN THE JANUARY 2022 ISSUE OF MXA? IT IS THE BEST DEAL IN THE SPORT!

If you don’t subscribe to MXA, you are missing a whole different world of motocross news, facts, test and photographs. For example, the just released January 2022 issue includes a complete and thorough test of Jo Shimoda’s Pro Circuit Kawasaki KX250 and Dilan Schwartz’s Bar-X Suzuki RM-Z250. Not only did Jo become the leading rider on the Pro Circuit team (after being picked up in a try-out after the Geico Honda team folded and left Jo without a ride), better yet Dilan did what they said couldn’t be done when he put his often-berated RM-Z250 into the top ten at the 2021 AMA 250 National Championships.

If that’s not enough, we give the 2022 Husqvarna FC450 the full test treatment and tell you all the things we found to make it better. Plus, we run the 2022 Yamaha YZ450F and Honda CRF450 through their paces. When you’re done reading the bike tests, take the time to sit down and read Jim Kimball’s interview with Billy “Sugar Bear” Grossi and Josh Mosiman’s interview with EKS Brand’s Rich Taylor. You will be surprised by their takes on living the motocross lifestyle. Plus, much, much, much more.

YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA! IT’S FULL OF THINGS YOU CAN’T LEARN ANYWHERE ELSE, YOU PLUS GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CREDIT TO COVER YOUR COSTS

You can’t afford not to subscribe, because when you get order a $19.99 subscription, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC sends you a $25 gift credit to use on anything you want from their massive selection. Plus, subscribers to MXA can get the digital mag on their iPhone, iPad, Kindle or Android by going to the Apple Store, Amazon or Google Play or in a digital version. Even better, you can subscribe to Motocross Action and get the awesome print edition delivered to your house by a uniformed employee of the U.S. Government. Do we have to mention the $25 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC gift card again? You can’t lose on this deal? Call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here

• MXA’s 2022 450 MOTOCROSS BIKE TEST LIBRARY

• MXA VIDEO: 2022 MXA 450 SHOOTOUT VIDEO TEST

MXA VIDEO: 2022 YAMAHA YZ450F VIDEO TEST

MXA VIDEO: 2022 GASGAS MC 450F VIDEO TEST

MXA VIDEO: 2022 HUSQVARNA FC450 VIDEO TEST

MXA VIDEO: 2022 KAWASAKI KX450F VIDEO TEST

MXA VIDEO: 2022 HONDA CRF450 VIDEO TEST

• IT’S ALMOST HERE! 2022 AMA MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE

2022 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 8…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 15…Oakland, CA
Jan. 22…San Diego, CA
Jan. 29…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 5…Glendale, AZ
Feb. 12…Anaheim, CA
Feb. 19… Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 26… Arlington, TX
Mar. 5…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 12…Detroit, MI
Mar. 19…Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 26…Seattle, WA
Apr. 9…St. Louis, MO
Apr. 16…Atlanta, GA
Apr. 23…Foxborough, MA
Apr. 30…Denver, CO
May 7…Salt Lake City, UT

2022 AMA 250/450 NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

2022 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 28…Pala, CA
June 4…Hangtown, CA
Jun 11…Thunder Valley, CO
June 18…Mt. Morris, PA
July 3…Red Bud, MI
July 9…Southwick, MA
July 16….Millville, MN
July 23….Washougal, WA
Aug. 13…Unadilla, NY
Aug. 20…Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 27…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 3…Pala, CA

• TENTATIVE 2022 RACE SCHEDULES

2022 FIM GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP (TENTATIVE)
Feb. 20…Matterley Basin, England
Mar. 6…TBA, Argentina
Mar. 20…TBA
Mar. 27…Oss, Holland
April 10…Trentino, Italy
Apr. 24…Kegums, Latvia
May 1…Orlyonok, Russia
May 15…Rio Sardo, Sardinia.
May 29…Intu Xanadu, Spain
June 5…Ernee, France
June 12…Teutschenthal, Germany
June 26…Jakarta, Indonesia
July 3… Semarang, Indonesia
July 17…Locket, Czech Republic
July 24…Lommel, Belgium
Aug. 7…Uddevalla, Sweden
Aug. 14…KymiRing, Finland
Aug 21…St. Jean d’ Angely, France
Sept. 4…Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
Sept. 18…TBA

2022 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 28…Pala, CA
June 4…Hangtown, CA
June 11…Thunder Valley, CO
June 18…Mt. Morris, PA
July 3…Red Bud, MI
July 9…Southwick, MA
July 16….Millville, MN
July 23….Washougal, WA
Aug. 13…Unadilla, NY
Aug. 20…Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 27…Crawfordsville, IN
Sept. 3…Pala, CA

2022 KICKER ARENACROSS SERIES
Jan. 7-8…Loveland, CO
Jan. 15…Amarillo, TX
Jan. 21-22…Oklahoma City, OK
Jan. 29…Greensboro, NC
Feb. 4-5…Reno, NV
Feb. 11-12…Denver, CO

2022 WORLD SIDECAR MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Apr. 24… Holland
May. 22…Czech Republic
June 12…Holland
June 26…Ukraine
July 3…Estonia
July 10…TBA
July 23…No. Ireland
July 31…Germany
Aug. 7…TBA
Aug. 28…Czech Republic
Sept. 4…Slovenia
Sept.18…Germany

2022 WORCS OFF-ROAD SCHEDULE
Jan. 21-23…Primm, NV
Feb. 18-20…Glen Helen, CA
Mar. 11-13…Lake Havasu City, AZ
Apr. 8-10…Taft, CA
Apr. 29-May 1…Las Vegas, NV
May 27-29…Cedar City, UT
Sept. 16-18…Preston, ID
Oct. 14-16…Mesquite, NV
Nov 4-6…Primm, NV

2022 CANADIAN TRIPLE CROWN SERIES
June 5…Kamloops, BC
June 12…Drumheller, AB
June 19…Pilot Mound, MB
July 3…Walton, ON
July 10…Courtland, ON
July 17…Ottawa, ON
July 24…Moncton, NB
July 31…Deschambault, QC
Aug. 14…Walton, ON

2022 GERMAN ADAC MOTOCROSS MASTERS
Apr. 3…Princely Drehna
May 22…Dreetz
June 19…Möggers
July 3…Bielstein
July 10…Tensfeld
July 31…Gaildorf
Sept. 4…Jauer
Sept. 11…Holzgerlingen

2022 MICHELIN BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 20…TBA
May 1…TBA
May 29…TBA
July 3…TBA
Aug. 7…TBA
Sept. 4…TBA

2022 IRISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 27…TBA
Apr. 10…TBA
June 5… TBA
June 26… Loughbrickland
July 24…TBA
Aug. 21… Saul

2022 DUTCH MASTERS SERIES
Mar. 13…Arnhem
April 18…Oldebroek (Monday)
May 8…Harfsen
May22…Oss
June18…Rhenen

2022 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Sept. 25… Red Bud.Michigan

• MXA YOUTUBE CHANNEL | HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON

The MXA wrecking crew is everything moto related. Check out our MXA YouTube channel for bike reviews, Supercross coverage, rider interviews and much more. And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button.