MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: THE GREATEST GENERATION TAKES CENTER STAGE THIS WEEKEND

END OF AN ERA! AFTER 20 SEASONS TANEL LEOK RETIRES, BUT PLANS ONE LAST RIDE

Tanel Leok at Matterley Basin early this season.

Tanel Leok is the third 450 GP rider to announced his retirement in the last two weeks. First it was Clement Desalle, then a week later it was Gautier Paulin, now Estonian hero Tanel Leok has announced that he will retired after Sunday when the the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship concludes.

Tanel Leok celebrating his 500 Grand Prix.

But, Tanel admits that given the chance he will race once in the 2021 Grand Prix season—at the 2021 Grand Prix of Latvia. It is the closest GP to his home country and he wants to take the opportunity to say “thank you” to his many fans.

 

THIS WEEKEND’S WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK MAP

The 2020 World Vet Championship will officially start on Friday with a special practice session to give riders from other countries and states a chance to get familiar with the undulating terrain of the hilly track. It is not an easy track to learn on race day. Riders have to be entered in the World Vet Championship to ride the Friday practice, but sign-up will be open Friday morning at the main tower.

The Talladega first turn.

Friday is the first time that anyone will be allowed to ride the complete World Vet layout, although riders can also come to the regularly scheduled open practice on Thursday, but it will not have all of the Championship tracks sections.

There will also be a World Vet Championship vintage race held on the REM track on Friday.

The Velodrome turn.

The racing starts on Saturday with all of the Vet classes, but the only Pro Championship rounds run on Saturday are the Over-40 Pro, Over-50 Pro, Over-30 Pasha 125 Two-Stroke Pro and moto  one of the International Vet Cup of Nations.

The Mount Saint Helen downhill is like jumping out of the window of a 22-story office building.

Sunday will see all of the regular classes (racing for the official World Vet crowns) with the big race being the Over-30 Pro class (and the Over-60, Over70 and Over-80 Expert Championship events). Additionally, the Over-50 Pasha 125 Two-Stroke race will be held. The Pasha 125 races are open to two-strokes up to 150cc with a $2000 purse on both Saturday and Sunday.

Glen Helen from above.

For more info go to www.glenhelen.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250F

 

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO CIRCUIT’S RYAN VILLOPOTO REPLICA RV WORKS PIPE & RV T2 SILENCER

Ryan Villopoto on his Pro Circuit-tuned YZ125.

Pro Circuit is excited to introduce the Ryan Villopoto-spec Works Pipe and Ti-2 Carbon Kevlar titanium silencer. this is the set-up that the multi-time champion used on his Yamaha YZ125 at the National 125 All-Star races. The RV Works Pipe is available for 2005 to 2021 YZ125 models and is designed to be stronger from bottom to mid of the YZ125 powerband. The added power is extremely beneficial off the start or on tighter, softer tracks where acceleration out of corners is key.

The RV Ti-2 silencer is available for 2002-2021 YZ125 models and offers a professional look and a factory sound. When compared to a stock silencer, the RV Ti-2 version increases power on the bottom-end.

It’s not every day that riders get to bolt on a professional setup like this, so if you’re in the market for an YZ125 exhaust that will help pull you out of corners a little quicker or if you’re a professional looking for a better jump out of the gate, look no further.

The RV Works Pipe and Ti-2 silencer is the perfect option for YZ125 riders looking to increase performance. Retail price $265.00 (RV Works pipe), $329.95 (RV Ti-2 silencer). For more info go to www.procircuit.com

 

2021 AMA KICKER ARENACROSS SERIES TO KICK OFF IN MISSISSIPPI ON JANUARY 8

The 2021 AMA Kicker Arenacross Series will have twelve rounds beginning on January 8 at Mississippi State University. Every event will be a two-day double header with events in Lubbock, Texas; Guthrie, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; Reno, Nevada; and Amarillo, Texas. The dates and locations were picked after careful consideration about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For the safety of theracers, spectators and staff, the 2021 series locations are one that the race promoters believe best fit for the goal of safe yet exciting race action.

The first two rounds of the series will be held at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi on January 8th and 9th. The series is scheduled to wrap up in Amarillo, Texas with Rounds 11 and 12 on March 5th and 6th. For more info go to www.arenacrossusa.com

2021 AMA KICKER ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 8…….Starkville, MS
Jan. 9…….Starkville, MS
Jan. 15…….Lubbock, TX
Jan. 16…….Lubbock, TV
Jan. 22…….Guthrie, OK
Jan. 23…….Guthrie, OK
Jan. 29…….Denver, CO
Jan. 30…….Denver, CO
Feb. 5…….Reno, NV
Feb. 6…….Reno, NV
Mar. 5…….Amarillo, TX
Mar. 6…….Amarillo, TX

 

MXA FIRST RIDE: 2021 KTM 250SXF

 

2020 FIM 250/450 GRAND PRIX WINNERS AT A GLANCE

Jeremy Seewer only won a single GP this year, but has fought his way to third overall, only 4 points behind Tony Cairoli with one race left to go.

Date                       Venue                                                      450………………… 250
1. Mar. 1…Matterley, Great Britain …..Jeffrey Herlings……….Tom Vialle
2. Mar. 8…Valkenswaard, Holland…….Jeffrey Herlings……….Jago Geerts
3. Aug. 9…Kegums, Latvia…………………..Glenn Coldenhoff……….Tom Vialle
4. Aug. 12…Kegums, Latvia………………..Tony Cairoli…………………Jago Geerts
5. Aug. 16…Kegums, Latvia………………..Jeffrey Herlings…………Jago Geerts
6. Sept. 6…Faenza, Italy……………………..Jeffrey Herlings………….Maxime Renaux
7. Sept. 9…Faenza, Italy………………………Jorge Prado………………..Tom Vialle
8. Sept. 13…Faenza, Italy…………………….Tony Cairoli………………..Tom Vialle
9. Sept. 27…Mantova, Italy…………………Jeremy Seewer…………..Thomas Kjer Olsen
10. Sept. 30…Mantova, Italy……………….Romain Febvre…………..Thomas Kjer Olsen
11. Oct. 4…Mantova, Italy…………………..Tim Gajser…………………..Jago Geerts
12. Oct. 11..Arroyomolinos, Spain……..Jorge Prado………………..Tom Vialle
13. Oct. 18…Lommel, Belgium……………Tim Gajser…………………..Tom Vialle
14. Oct. 21…Lommel, Belgium……………Tim Gajser…………………..Tom Vialle
15. Oct. 25…Lommel, Belgium……………Tim Gajser…………………..Ben Watson
16. Nov. 1…Trentino, Italy…………………..Tony Cairoli………………..Jago Geerts
17. Nov. 4…Trentino, Italy…………………..Tim Gajser………………….Jago Geerts
18. Nov. 8…Trentino, Italy
450 Points leader…Tim Gajser
250 points leader…Tom Vialle

 

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE & MOTOSPORT.COM JOJN FORCES TO HELP VETERANS

In support of America’s Veterans, MotoSport.com, an online leader in the powersports industry, has announced that fit will carry “MotoSport Race Fuel,” a newly developed coffee blend roasted by Black Rifle Coffee Company, to raise money for the Boot Campaign. Black Rifle MotoSport Race Fuel features a cocoa and vanilla aroma, bold tasting notes, and a smooth buttery finish. For every bag purchased through December 31, MotoSport will donate $5 to the Boot Campaign. In honor of Veterans Day, MotoSport customers will have the option to add a $1 donation of their own, starting on November 8. These funds will support the Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots program that surprises veteran and military families with specially curated gift boxes during the holiday season.

“Black Rifle Coffee Company was built by and for veterans and active-duty service members and the people who support them,” said Marine veteran and BRCC co-CEO Tom Davin. “We’re proud of our community, and through this incredible partnership with MotoSport and the Boot Campaign, we’re making it stronger and more resilient one fresh, hot cup of coffee at a time.” For more info visit www.motosport.com

 

2020 RED BULL DAY IN THE DIRT GRAND PRIX ON NOV. 27-29 AT GLEN HELEN RACEWAY

For more information go www.dayinthedirt.com

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ450F

 

2020 ENDURCROSS SERIES TO AIR ON FOX SPORTS 1 ON NOVEMBER 7

Colton Haaker won his fourth AMA National Endurocross Championship this past week.

The 2020 AMA EnduroCross National Championship will be televised nationally on Fox Sports 1 (FS1). The six-round series was held on consecutive weeks on a custom-built circuit at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. All six rounds of the series will air on FS1 starting with round one and two airing back-to-back at 8:00 a.m. and 9;00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7th. A week later, on Saturday, November 14, the third and fourth rounds will air at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The final two rounds will be shown on Sunday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. for round five and 11:00 a.m. for the final round.

The announcing team will be Kristen Beat doing the rider interviews and behind the scenes stories, while Daniel Blair calls the race action. Each show will include the three-moto Super EnduroCross main events as well as feature one of the support classes. You can keep up with the latest EnduroCross news at www.endurocross.com.

2020 AMA ENDUROCROSS TV SCHEDULE
Nov. 7……8:00 a.m…Round 1
Nov. 7……9:00 a.m…Round 2
Nov. 14….8:00 a.m…Round 3
Nov. 14….9:00 a.m…Round 4
Nov. 22…10:00 a.m…Round 5
Nov. 22…11:00 a.m…Round 6
(All times Eastern).

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450

 

CURRENT 2020 FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS AFTER 17 OF 18 ROUNDS

Tim Gajser clinched the 2020 450 World Champion at round 17 of 18.

2020 FIM 450 GRAND PRIX POINTS STANDINGS
(After 17 of 18 rounds)
1. Tim Gajser (Hon)…673
2. Tony Cairoli (KTM)…584
3. Jeremy Seewer (Yam)…580
4. Romain Febvre (Kaw)…525
5. Jorge Prado (KTM)…476
6. Gautier Paulin (Yam)…467
7. Clement Desalle (Yam)…438
8. Glenn Coldenhoff (Gas)…375
9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (Hon)…316
10. Brian Bogers (KTM)…282

Tom Vialle is the new 250 World Motocross Champion.

2020 FIM 250 GRAND PRIX POINTS STANDINGS
(After 17 of 18 rounds)
1. Tom Vialle (KTM)…718
2. Jago Geerts (Yam)…661
3. Maxime Renaux (Yam)…541
4. Jed Beaton (Hus)…528
5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (Hus)…517
6. Ben Watson (Yam)…506
7. Roan Van De Moosdijk (Kaw)…454
8. Conrad Mewse (KTM)…338
9. Ruben Fernandez (Yam)…332
10. Stephen Rubini (Hon)…259

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE

 

MXA PRODUCTS SPOTLIGHT: FXR’S 25th ANNIVERSARY
2021 MOTO COLLECTION

Known for its industry-leading comfort, FXR’s team of professional athletes across the globe wear off-the-shelf Revo gear because it fits and flows with the shape and movements of the next level motocross athlete. The road to the Pro ranks is long and difficult, so Revo gear is also tough, not a tear-off. You won’t find a better set of gear that fits and moves your body while you ride – no restrictions, no distractions, pure focus. Through testing and continuous refinement, FXR has made numerous improvements to the Revo chassis, setting a higher standard for FXR’s already industry leading fit, finish, durability, and performance.

2021 REVO JERSEY—$69.99

The Omni-Stretch material in FXR’s Revo jersey was developed to give riders the ultimate combination of 4-way stretch with the right amount of air flow.  The Revo jersey’s hybrid vented material is constructed in a performance fit pattern that allows the jersey to flex and move without restriction, while helping riders maintain a lower core temperature.

2021 REVO PANT—$199.99

For 2021, FXR has refined and improved the fit and performance of the M-2 Motion Pant chassis, dialing in the right amount of stretch to have positive fit, feel, and contact with the bike without restricting mobility. An all-new industry first Auto-Buckle front closure system works with our fool-proof Hook & Loop side hip adjusters to further secure the waist closure and provide a positive feeling under hard acceleration or seat bouncing scenarios. For more info go to www.fxrracing.com.

 

2021 SUPERCROSS SCHEDULE

The 2021 Supercross series will start in Houston’s NRG Stadium. It will stay in Houston for a three-race stand on Saturday, Tuesday and Saturday before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, for a Saturday/Tuesday doubeheader, followed by Glendale, Arizona’s Saturday/Tuesday/Saturday tripleheader. On March 6th, the only stand-alone race on the schedule will take place at Daytona International Speedway. After Daytona, the AMA Supercross series will return to the Saturday/Tuesday/Saturday schedule in Arlington, Texas.

The remaining five races on the 2021 schedule are up in the air, save for the finale in Salt Lake City at an unspecified date in May. The “To Be Announced” (TBA) dates  could be in California, but don’t be surprised of they end up being a four-peat in Salt Lake City.  Stay tuned.

 

MXA AD OF THE WEEK: THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF PLASTIC

Not the first hinged plastic boot, that honor goes to Heckel, but the most successful. The Scott boot only lasted three years on the market before it fell out of vogue. Do you remember what Scott boots owners used a hacksaw on after the first ride? Answer at the bottom of the page.

The Swiss-made Heckel boot was introduced in the 1970s. It set all the design cues of every plastic boot to follow—which included Scott, Vendramini, Nava, MXL, M.Robert, Scott Genius and Jett. Can you name the American star who wore Heckel boots? Answer at the bottom of the page.

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 450SXF

 

MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE RACING’S MR-1COLORED ALUMINUM CHAIN GUIDES

Moose’s new MR-1 colored aluminum chain guides.

Durability and strength have met their match in the new MR-1 chain guide. It is constructed from high-quality T6 aluminum for added strength and durability. The chain block is made from high-density TPU material for guaranteed high-wear abrasion and impact resistance. A unique 3D design helps prevent mud and debris from building up and causing chain derailment. Durability and strength are not all, there is a high-quality anodized coating to prevent fade and gives you the choice of five colors. All mounting hardware is included. MSRP is $56.95. Head over to your local dealership or got to www.mooseracing.com to check out the MR-1 colored chain guides.

 

36TH ANNUAL WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ON NOVEMBER 6-8: PRE-ENTRY OPEN NOW

Save money and time by submitting your online pre-entries now. The Dubya World Vet MX Championships takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday being the World Vet Motocross Championship Day. For additional savings riders have the option to sign-up for both Saturday and Sunday!

 

MXA’S FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HONDA CRF450

 

BIG NEWS! WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP GETS TWO NEW CLASSES—OVER-30 125 PRO & OVER-50 125 PRO

Hollywood actor Pasha Afshar is putting his money into two special 125 two-stroke races at the 2020 World Vet Championship on November 7-8. Each class has a $2000 purse, with the winner get $1000.

The plan is for the two Pasha 125 classes to be “Over-30 125 Pro” and “Over-50 125 Pro.” It is open to any rider who is from 30 to 49 years of age for the Over-30 125 Pro class and any rider over the age of 50 in the Over-50 125 Pro classes. There are no skill divisions and displacements of up to 150cc are legal. The current plan is to run the “Pasha Over-30 125 Pro” class on Saturday and the “Pasha Over-50 125 Pro” class on Sunday.

These will be the only two-strokes classes at the 2020 World Vet Motocross Championship and although they pay a $2000 purse in each class they are really just fun races for riders who love to race their 125s. First place pays $1000, second place $600 and third place $400. For more info or to sign-up go to www.glenhelen.com.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX250

 

24-HOURS OF GLEN HELEN ENDURANCE RACE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 21-22

Glen Helen’s 3Bros-sponsored 24-Hour off-road endurance race is scheduled for November 21-22.The 24-Hour of Glen Helen will begin on November 21 at 10:00 a.m. and end on Sunday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. The amateur teams can have 6 riders and two bikes, but the Pro teams can only have 4 riders and must finish the 24 hours on the one bike. Headlights are required for the 24-hour. For more info go to www.glenhelen.com.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HONDA CRF250

 

8TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY ON SATURDAY, DEC. 5 AT PALA

For more information go to www.kurtcaselli.com.

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KTM 350SXF

 

WHAT’S INSIDE THE DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE OF MXA?

Waht’s in the newest isse of MXA?> How about fulltest on the 20201 KTM 350SXF, 2021 Honda CRF250, , 2021 Kawasaki versus 2021 Yamaha YZ450F, Josh Mosiman’s  World Two-Stroke Championship KTM 300SX and  our 1994 CR125 restoration disaster (not only did it blow up a couple times, but it might be the ugliest project bike we ever built). That’s not all, we interview the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” test Fly’s new zipperless pants, explain why BNG isn’t always a bad thing, spend too much time at Red Bud,  look back at our 1998 test of Mike LaRocco’s Factory Connection, Jack in the box Honda CR250 and fill the magzine up with stuff you don’t know, but need to know.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA SO THAT YOU NEVER MISS ANOTHER ISSUE, PLUS GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GIFT CARD TO COVER YOUR COSTS

If you subscribe to MXA you can get the mag on your 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. Did we mention the $25 gift card for any part you want from Rocky Mountain ATV/MX? You can call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here (or on the box at the bottom of this page) to subscribe.

 

OLD SCHOOL SCRAMBLES TT ON SUNDAY, DEC. 20 AT GLEN HELEN

For more information go to www.ossrg. org

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 KAWASAKI KX450X OFF-ROAD BIKE

 

KEEPING TRACK OF THE 2020 RACE SCHEDULES

Supercross is coming back in 2021, but it isn’t necessarily coming to a stadium near you.

2021 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 16  (Saturday)…Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan. 19  (Tuesday)….Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan. 23  (Saturday)…Houston, TX (250 East)
Jan 30  (Saturday)…Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 2  (Tuesday)….Indianapolis, IN (250 East)
Feb. 20  (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Feb. 23  (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Feb. 27  (Saturday)…Glendale, AZ (250 West)
Mar. 6  (Saturday)…Daytona Beach, FL (250 East)
Mar. 20  (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 23  (Tuesday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
Mar. 27  (Saturday)…Arlington, TX (250 West)
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
TBA…………………………………………….
May ?? (Saturday)…Salt Lake City

REVISED 2020 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 1…Matterley, Great Britain
Mar. 8…Valkenswaard, Holland
Aug. 9…Kegums, Latvia
Aug. 12…Kegums, Latvia
Aug. 16…Kegums, Latvia
Sept. 6…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 9…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 13…Faenza, Italy
Sept. 27…Mantova, Italy
Sept. 30…Mantova, Italy
Oct. 4…Mantova, Italy
Oct. 11..Arroyomolinos, Spain
Oct. 18…(Sunday) Lommel, Belgium
Oct. 21…(Wednesday) Lommel, Belgium
Oct. 25…(Sunday) Lommel, Belgium
Nov. 1…(Sunday) Trentino, Italy
Nov. 4…(Wednesday) Trentino, Italy
Nov. 8…(Sunday) Trentino, Italy

2020 DUBYA WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 6-8…Glen Helen , CA

2020 FIM MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
CANCELED

 

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2021 HUSQVARNA FC450

 

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