MXA MINI WRECKING CREW TAKES ON THE MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN MOTOCROSS

The Mammoth motocross track from above, early in the morning before the pits got packed.

The MXA wrecking crew test riders have been a staple of Motocross Action Magazine since 1973. Over the past five decades, MXA has been very intentional when it comes to the testing of products and machines. Our team of test riders, made up of all levels from novices to pros, takes great pride in providing honest and meaningful feedback to the racing community. Throughout those years, we have had some well-known names manning the “wrecking crew.” It started with Jody Weisel, who brought in four-time National Champion Gary Jones; nine-time World Vet Champion and AMA Supercross Mechanic of the Year Alan Olson; legendary team manager Larry Brooks, who got his start testing mini-cycles for MXA; long-time test rider Dennis Stapleton; John Basher, who now works for Joe Gibbs’ NASCAR team; plus Daryl Ecklund, Josh Mosiman and Brian Medeiros, just to name a few.

A lot of factory stars have spent time helping MXA over the years, most notably Johnny O’Mara, Jeremy McGrath, Mike Alessi and Cole Seely; however, with over 50 years of testing, we consistently run into one problem: every one of our loyal mini-cycle test riders grows up. While it’s true that Hawaiian hero Brian Medeiros is small enough to ride 85s for us, we have been hard-pressed to find consistent mini-bike testers. Finally, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to the mini bike world, and we’re excited to introduce MXA’s mini wrecking crew. Not only will more youth content help parents introduce their kids to our beloved sport, it will also allow our industry partners to gather real feedback when it comes to the development of their youth products and bikes. 

IN SELECTING OUR “TEST RIDERS IN TRAINING,” WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE HAD A VARIETY OF SKILL LEVELS TO MATCH THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF OUR FULL-GROWN WRECKING CREW.

In selecting our “test riders in training,” we wanted to make sure we had a variety of skill levels to match the depth and breadth of our full-grown wrecking crew. We also wanted to ensure we had riders that could fit on every size of mini-bike (50cc, 65cc, 85cc and Supermini). 

Mammoth Motocross is one of the largest and most historic amateur races on the West Coast, so naturally it was the perfect place to introduce the MXA mini wrecking crew to the world. Mammoth is unique, because the racetrack is nestled in the mountains at 8000 feet above sea level, creating a challenge for re-jetting two-strokes. Over the 10-day event, the racing is split into three separate categories. The vets practice on Friday and race on Saturday/Sunday. The minis practice on Monday and race on Tuesday/Wednesday, and the big bikes practice on Thursday and race on Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Not only does this allow for all racers to fit within the venue’s tight parking confines, it also allows for more racing. Each race day is considered its own unique day with two motos per class per day. This leads to more opportunities to go “bear hunting” (so named because the top 10 in each class get a hand-carved wooden bear trophy). 

From left to right: Koa Sheetz #25, Nixyn D’Errico #833, James Ellis #40, Amari Arnold #224, Enzo Posca #246, Crue Posca #346 and Nixon Meineke #96.

The goal of the mini wrecking crew is to replicate what our renowned MXA wrecking crew has been doing for years. So, not only were Enzo Posca (246), Crue Posca (346), James Ellis (40), Koa Sheetz (25), Nixyn D’Errico (833), Nixon Meineke (96) and Amari Arnold (224) sporting MXA’s famous orange helmets throughout the three days, they were also testing products and racing two project bikes. 

James Ellis (40) has mastered the attack mode.

James Ellis (son of Jamie Ellis) was riding our new 2024 Husqvarna TC65 test bike, while Amari Arnold was riding his personal Husqvarna TC85. Both bikes received pre-race prep from Twisted Development. Jamie Ellis re-jetted the two-strokes to run at 8000 feet with FMF pipes and VP Racing fuel. We also used Faster USA wheels, ODI bars and grips and Xtrig triple clamps. Finally, Nihilo Concepts hooked Amari and James up with custom-engraved ignition covers and grip tape. Roost MX tied it all together with the graphics. 

Crue Posca on the charge.

Before the racing began, we felt it was important to get the young riders together for some fun. MXA hosted an official kick-off event at Mammoth’s local bowling alley where the kids enjoyed some pizza, bowling and good times. Each mini test rider was outfitted with his very own orange helmet (thank you to Arai, 6D and Alpinestars for providing us with the youth helmets) and given one of our new MXA hats. 

EACH MINI TEST RIDER WAS OUTFITTED WITH HIS VERY OWN ORANGE HELMET (THANKS TO ARAI, 6D AND ALPINESTARS FOR PROVIDING THE RIDERS WITH NEW HELMETS).

Covering seven mini-bike test riders racing in six different classes (most having multiple kids in the race) was like herding cats. Thankfully, our friends Andy and Christian at Camworkx were on hand to cover the action. The mini wrecking crew could easily be spotted on the track with their bright orange helmets. We also had a few of our boys earn some of those bear trophies we mentioned before. Nixon Meineke took fifth in the 65cc 10-11 class. Crue Posca placed fourth in the 7-9 65cc division, and Amari Arnold finished day one collecting two bears, placing 10th in Mini Sr. 1 and seventh in Mini Sr. 2. The rest of the boys rode their hearts out and showed top-10 speed. With some crashes, bike issues and bad luck, Sheetz, D’Errico, Ellis and Enzo Posca just missed out on collecting some bears. 

Amari Arnold’s TC85 matched James Ellis’ TC65 thanks to Roost MX graphics.

The MXA engraved Nihilo ignition cover was the cherry on top for our 2024 Husky TC65.

After a short night’s rest, the MXA boys were back at it bright and early for day two, pulling into the pits at 5:00 a.m. Yes, you read that right. Because of the tight confines of the Mammoth pits, you have to drive in and out of the track every day. Overnight camping isn’t allowed, and motorhomes aren’t allowed, either. Each family has to drive either a van, a truck or a truck and trailer. 

The MXA mini wrecking crew with their new orange helmets and MXA hats.

Koa Sheetz.

Nixon Meineke.

Amari Arnold.

Practice starts early on the mountain, with the first group being released on the track at 7:00 a.m. Unfortunately, we had a couple of riders go down early. Nixyn D’Errico and Enzo Posca both had yard sales during their morning motos that sidelined them for the remainder of the day. As always with racing, the rest of the mini wrecking crew experienced highs and lows. Arnold, Meineke and Crue Posca improved on their finishes, while Ellis and Sheetz encountered some bad luck, falling just short of earning bears. When it was all said and done, Nixon Meineke finished day two with sixth-place finishes in the 65cc 10–11 classes and an eighth in the 65cc Open class. Crue Posca finished day two with a fifth in the 65cc 7–9 division and a third overall in that class over the two days. Amari Arnold finished day two with a seventh in Mini Sr. 1 and a ninth in Mini Sr. 2, earning him two extra bears with a pair of ninths overall for the two days in both classes. All in all, the mini wrecking crew came away with a total of 13 bear trophies. Not bad considering they were competing against the fastest kids in the western states. 

BECAUSE OF MAMMOTH’S SMALL PITS, RIDERS HAVE TO DRIVE IN AND OUT OF THE TRACK EVERY DAY. CAMPING ISN’T ALLOWED, AND THAT INCLUDES MOTORHOMES. EACH FAMILY HAS TO DRIVE EITHER A VAN, A TRUCK OR A TRUCK AND TRAILER.

 
A lot of work went into the development and launching of the mini wrecking crew, but we are glad we have made this commitment. When one takes on a new challenge, it is exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking. We are very proud of how our boys represented MXA on and off the track up in Mammoth. They raced, they tested, they overcame some adversity, and they earned some bears. What more could we ask for? We are excited about this new adventure and look forward to bringing you more 50cc, 65cc, 85cc and Supermini content in the future.