With a much tighter track than we have seen so far up to this point, and more Lites riders trying to qualify the usual, practices were split into several different segments.  The Lites class had three separate practice sessions, while the Supercross class had the standard seeded and no-seeded practices.  Several West Coast Lites riders have chosen to try out the premier class this weekend, including Ryan Sipes and Jason Lawrence.  Both look pretty fast and should easily make the night program. Check out the photos below and be sure to check back later this evening for the race report.

Having read all of the Internet rumors about Josh Hansen joining Jason Lawrence’s Boost Mobile/am pm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing team and showing up in the East Coast Supercross Lites class this weekend in Indianapolis, we fired a text message off to Team Manager Chris McAvoy, asking for the scoop.

“No, he isn’t on the team,” replied McAvoy. “Josh is just buddies with Jason and since he quit the Hart and Huntington team, he has been staying with Jason at his house. He asked to borrow one of our old ‘for sale’ bikes to ride until he figures stuff out and finds a team to ride for.”

no foam pit, tramp bikes, lake jumps! Warmed up to a high of 45! and had a lil cabin fever. This should be a good summer!

NikeID has been around for a bit, but now the 6.0s are getting into the mix. You can design your own 6.0 Mogan Mid’s on NIKE iD. Check them out. New premium materials, graphic prints, and a retro-inspired color palette.

www.NIKEiD.com

When the Supercross series moves to the East Coast, it is common to see the West Coast riders begin testing for the outdoor season.   A trip to Glen Helen this morning saw a few of the riders putting in laps. 

old video, i think i just fell asleep trying a no hander lander lol. thats about it

The guys at Metal Mulisha have put together a great memorial shirt for the late Jeremy Lusk. All proceeds will go to the Jeremy Lusk Legacy Foundation, which will strive to improve the safety conditions for FMX riders and contests around the globe. To get one, click here.

URGENT: Call to Action from MX Sports

Dear Industry Leaders, Racers, Fans and Enthusiasts,

Yesterday, a law went into effect prohibiting the sale of minicycles to children under the age of 13 as a result of the lead content in the machines (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Title I, Section 101). This law, which arguably applies to both motorcycles and ATVs, treats any children’s product that contains more lead than the limit established by law as a banned hazardous substance.

We have already begun to experience the devastating consequences of this new legislation upon our sport, as OEMs have already pulled these machines from their showroom floors. Youth racing is the foundation of our sport. That is when most of you fell in love with motorcycles in the first place, only to grow up to bring your own kids back to the racetracks. Only now, they can’t ride.

On behalf of MX Sports (Loretta Lynn’s), Racer Productions (GNCC), and ATVPG (ATV Amateur Nationals), we are extremely concerned with the short- and long-range effects of this new legislation, as the first rounds in all of our various series are less than two weeks away, and all include classes for youth racers under the age of 13. But it’s not just our events - WORCS, NMA, Mini Os, SETRA, etc., are all adversely impacted.

It is our opinion that the new law is inapplicable to off-highway motorsports, as neither motorcycles nor ATVs have the potential for ingestion, and lead from motorcycles is not likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream or present a health hazard. Let’s face it - when was the last time someone swallowed a motorcycle? Any other interpretation would be silly. Be that as it may, the law will continue to adversely affect our industry unless and until an exemption is granted.

Presently, there is a petition for an immediate temporary exemption pending before the Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) filed by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) on behalf of the OEMs, distributors, and industry associations. This petition, if granted, would enable our industry to move forward this racing season while the applicability of the law to the off-highway industry is determined.

What can you do?

A form letter for submission to the CPSC in support of the petition for exemption is attached as prepared by the MIC. The letter will also be available this weekend at the Indy tradeshow. Simply print out one copy for each person in your family and submit it ASAP. In the meantime, AMA is preparing a letter for submission by its membership to the CPSC. Be on the lookout for that one as well.

Also, an electronic form letter has been prepared by State Representative Tom Self of Missouri. Please go his website at www.tomself.com. Just fill in your name and address and hit “Submit” to register your support. Please submit this letter on behalf of every member of your family - regardless of age.

What else can you do?

Contact your congressmen and senators; let them know that this legislation will have the unintended consequences of crippling an entire industry. Surely, it could not have been the spirit or intent of the new law to apply to motorcycles or bicycles (which apparently have lead in the brake cables).

Time is of the essence. The very future of our sport and of our industry depends on this. We must support the pending petition before the commencement of the national racing season.

Please give this matter your immediate attention, and forward this letter to EVERY PERSON available ASAP.

Thank you,

c.

Carrie Coombs Russell

DOWNLOAD CPSC FORM LETTER HERE—See below

February 16, 2009

Acting Chairman Nancy Nord
Commissioner Thomas Moore
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East-West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

Re: MIC and SVIA Petitions for Temporary Final Rule to Exclude a Class of Materials under Section 101(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

Dear Chairman Nord and Commissioner Moore:

My company is in the business of selling youth ATVs, youth off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), parts or accessories for and/or services relating to those vehicles. I am writing to urge you to grant the above-referenced petitions filed by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and several manufacturers and distributors.

While most parts of youth powersports products are compliant with the CPSIA lead limits, some parts unavoidably contain small quantities of lead in excess of the CPSIA limits, such as the valve stems on the tires, the aluminum in some brake components and the terminals on the batteries, to name some examples. Lead in these components is necessary, either because small amounts of lead are needed for safety (such as machining the deep grooves on tire valves, which is needed to assure tire air retention) or functionality (such as the lead in battery terminals, which is needed to conduct electricity). Because these small quantities of lead are unavoidable, powersports businesses had to cease selling youth products on February 10, 2009 and will need relief from the CPSIA requirements in order to resume selling these products.

In enacting the CPSIA, Congress gave you the tools to grant merited, common-sense exclusions from the lead standards. Children do not eat, lick or mouth ATV or OHM parts. Relief from the CPSIA’s lead content requirements for youth ATVs and OHMs should be granted because the lead-containing components, parts and accessories pose no risk of causing measurable increase in blood lead levels in children ages 12 and younger.

I also am very concerned about an unintended consequence of the CPSIA. Applying the new lead content regulations to youth ATVs has resulted in many youth models being unavailable to families, and may result in more youth riding adult size ATVs. CPSC, the ATV industry, consumer groups, safety advocates and parents all agree that the key to improving ATV safety for riders under the age of 16 is to keep them off of ATVs designed for adults.

I urge you to grant the petitions for temporary exclusions filed by MIC, SVIA and the manufacturers/distributors.

Respectfully Submitted,

_______________________________
Name:__________________________
Company: _______________________
Address: ________________________
________________________________

Our good friend Randy Valade at MSR sent us 20 special edition Kevin Windham T-Shirts to give to dedicated K-Dub fans. These shirts are not available for sale, as they were produced solely for Windham’s crew and friends. The first 20 readers to correctly answer the following trivia questions about Windham will win one of these super-cool shirts! E-mail your answers to twmxwebcontest@gmail.com with “Windham T Shirt” in the subject line. And be sure to include your T-Shirt size and mailing address. Good luck!

1. What was the last number the Kevin Windham ran before settling into his permanent number 14?

2. When was K-Dub’s first 250 Supercross win, and what was significant about it?

3. Windham won two 250cc Nationals in 2001. Name them.

BONUS QUESTION: (Answering this correctly will make up for missing any of the original three)

How many bedrooms are in Windham’s mansion in Centreville, Mississippi? (Hint: We included the answer in Windham’s December 2006 interview feature.)

some stuff i found on my tapes, wait till the end too

Cypress California, February 25, 2009 – Wouldn’t it be great to win a brand new Yamaha? Well, now is your chance. Through May 3, 2009, Yamaha Motor Corporation is accepting entries for a chance to win a James Stewart Replica YZ450F, with many of the same performance parts that can be found on James Stewart’s Supercross winning YZ450F. Of course the bike won’t instantly lower your lap times to James Stewart levels, but it’s definitely a good start.

Signing up for a chance to win the James Stewart Replica YZ450F couldn’t be easier, just go to http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/racing/stewart_replica_YZ450F.aspx and click “enter to win”.

Indianapolis AMA Supercross Class Stats
The first race held in  Indianapolis was March 21,  1992, and  Jeff Stanton won on a  Honda
There not have been any first-time  winners in Indianapolis
This will be the first race at the  new Lucas Oil Stadium after 17 years at the RCA Dome
Indiana native Mike LaRocco won the last  AMA Supercross class race of his career in Indianapolis back in  2004
LaRocco won his first  AMA Supercross class race 1991 and it  was 14 seasons between his first win and last win race  wins
Jeremy  McGrath has 6  wins here and Ricky Carmichael has 4 wins here.



AMA Supercross Class Wins By Brand in Indianapolis
Honda (8); last win 2004
Yamaha (4); last win 2008
Kawasaki (3); last win 2007
Suzuki (2); 2006



AMA Supercross Class Notables from Atlanta
James Stewart earn his  32nd AMA Supercross win and 76th AMA career win
Stewart’s win in  Atlanta marked Yamaha’s 155th  AMA Supercross class win
Yamaha is 2nd on the  all-time win by brand list behind Honda
Stewart became the first Yamaha  rider to win 7 consecutive AMA Supercross races, which ties his 2007 record of  seven-consecutive wins
Chad Reed earned another podium  finish with a second-place finish. Reed is the only racer to finish on the  podium in every race this season
Broc Hepler finished a career-best  5th

Indianapolis AMA Supercross Lites Class Stats
The first race was held  March 21,  1992, and  Jimmy Button won on a Yamaha.
This is the 18th time  the gate will drop in Indianapolis for an AMA Supercross Lites class  race.
Chad Reed, and Ricky Carmichael  are the only riders to win in Indianapolis in both classes, can Davi  Millsaps join them?



AMA Supercross Lites Class Wins by Brand in Indianapolis
Yamaha (5); last win 2004
Suzuki (5); last win 2007
Honda (4); last win 2008
Kawasaki (3); last win 1998

AMA Supercross Lites Class Notables from Atlanta
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit  Kawasaki earned their 5th AMA Supercross Lites class win of the  season
Nico Izzi earned moved into second  place in overall points with a second-place finish last  weekend

AMA Supercross Laps Led
James Stewart               127
Josh Grant                   14
Kevin Windham              11
Chad Reed                    5
Ryan Villopoto               3

AMA Supercross Lites Class Laps Led
Jake Weimer                 42
Ryan Dungey                 36
Christophe Pourcel         21
Austin Stroupe               9
Justin D. Brayton           7
Ryan Morais                  4
Daniel Reardon              2

Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Class)
James Stewart (Anaheim 1)
Josh Grant (Phoenix)
Mike Alessi (Anaheim 2)
Mike Alessi (Houston)
James Stewart (San Francisco)
James Stewart (Anaheim 3)
Mike Alessi (San Diego)
James Stewart (Atlanta)

Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Lites Class)
Daniel Reardon (Anaheim 1)
Jake Weimer (Phoenix)
Ryan Morais (Anaheim 2)
Christophe Pourcel (Houston)
Jake Weimer (San Francisco)
Justin Brayton (Anaheim 3)
Ryan Morais (San Diego)
Austin Stroupe (Atlanta)

MMI Top Tech Award
Mark Valcore (Anaheim 1)
Rich Simmons (Phoenix)
Mike Gosselaar (Anaheim 2)
Glenn Hobson (Houston)
Jon Mitcheff (San Francisco)
Carlos Rivera (Anaheim 3)
Craig Lyons (Atlanta)

US Smokeless Tobacco Company Pro Privateer Challenge
1. Heath Voss               51
2. Paul Carpenter         46
3. Nick Wey                 44

Asterisk Medic Card
Cole Seely (Anaheim 1)
Derek Costella (Phoenix)
Alex Martin (Anaheim 2)
Fred Karrle (Houston)
Michael Hall (San Francisco)
Chris Gosselaar (Anaheim 3)
Justin Keeney (San Diego)
Spencer Dally (Atlanta)

Racer X Gas Card
Jacob Marsack (Anaheim 1)
Sean Hamblin (Phoenix)
Josh Summey (Anaheim 2)
Ben Lamay (Houston)
Nicholas A. Wey (San Francisco)
Ben Lamay (Anaheim 3)
Josh Hansen (San Diego)
Heath Voss (Atlanta)

AMA Supercross Class Results, Atlanta
James Stewart,  Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Chad Reed,  Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
Ryan Villopoto,  Poulsbo, Wash.,  Kawasaki
Andrew Short,  Smithville, Texas, Honda
Broc Hepler,  Kittanning, Pa., Yamaha
Kevin Windham,  Centreville, Miss., Honda
Ivan Tedesco,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
Timmy Ferry,  Largo,  Fla.,  Kawasaki
Josh Hill,  Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
Davi Millsaps,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
James Stewart,  Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 177
Chad Reed,  Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 174
Andrew Short,  Smithville, Texas, Honda, 140
Ryan Villopoto,  Poulsbo, Wash.,  Kawasaki, 126
Josh Grant,  Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 120
Ivan  Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 116
Kevin Windham,  Centerville, Miss., Honda, 111
Davi Millsaps,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 102
Mike Alessi,  Apple  Valley,  Calif., Suzuki, 93
Tim Ferry,  Largo,  Fla.,  Kawasaki, 87

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Atlanta
Christophe Pourcel,  Corona, Calif.,  Kawasaki
Nico Izzi,  Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
Martin Davalos,  Cairo, Ga., KTM
Blake Wharton,  Pilot Point, Texas, Honda
Branden Jesseman,  New  Brighton,  Pa.,  Kawasaki
Wil Hahn,  Decatur, Texas, KTM
Austin Stroupe,  Lincolnton, N.C.,  Kawasaki
Matt Lemoine,  Collinsville, Texas, Yamaha
Matthew  Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki
Steven Clarke,  Cairo, Ga., Suzuki

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1.       Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 50
2.       Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 42
3.       Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 34
4.       Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 34
5.       Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 32
6.       Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 30
7.       Branden Jesseman, New Brighton, Pa., Kawasaki, 25
8.       Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 23
9.       Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 22
10.   Steven Clarke, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki, 19

Today, while Jason Lawrence was dialing in his suspension on his 450, we pulled him aside for a little chat.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Jason Lawrence and his Boost Mobile/am pm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing team manager Chris McAvoy invited TransWorld Motocross to come check out J-Law as he finalized his Yamaha YZ450F suspension settings before heading to Indianapolis. J-Law makes his Supercross class debut this weekend, and his jump to the premier class has Internet pundits hammering away at their computer keyboards. How do you think Lawrence will do? Having seen him in action today, let’s just say that nothing would surprise us.

The video is a big one, so be patient as it loads. (”Dude, let’s make, like a seven-minute video,” said Lawrence. “Enough of these short little wimpy ones, okay?”)

And before you go a ‘hatin’ on the ending, keep in mind that Jason was in a very good mood today. To say that he’s excited about racing a 450 would be an understatement…

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TWMX was there today to film Jason Lawrence aboard his YZ450F today as he gears up to race the premiere class this weekend at Indianapolis. While Swap slices and dices the footage, check out some photos Skinny snapped off to hold you over.

Friend Loses Dirt Bike On Highway

Pin Up Flashback - Sharon

As the world wide web has grown and the TWMX site has evolved, migrated, and experienced many re-launches, posts, photos, and various content has slipped through the cracks. Well, we’ve continued to sift through the rubble and we’ve found gold! 7 pages worth!

If the photos don’t show up immediately, click the fast-forward button on the player.

We know they are only 300px wide, but the large files fell through the cracks.

Chino, Calif. - February 23, 2009 - As official supplier to the Honda Red Bull factory Motocross/Supercross team, Yoshimura knows something about how to get the most power out of the newly designed ‘09 CRF450R from Honda. One easy, inexpensive and effective way is to replace the stock header with a Yoshimura brand — which, until now, was not available without purchasing a RS-4 Full System.

Yoshimura has just announced that CRF450R replacement headers are now available that will fit either the Honda stock muffler or a Yoshimura RS-4 exhaust. These mandrel bent headers have larger diameter tubing for smoother power delivery and are available in either stainless steel or titanium.

Stainless Steel Replacement Header:
Part Number: 2257-101-K
MSRP: $229.95

Titanium Replacement Header:
Part Number: 2257-704F-K
MSRP: $429.95

BREA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2009) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation today announced an all-new online experience for motorcycle and ATV customers, www.SuzukiCycles.com. The new SuzukiCycles.com Web site invites users to more fully experience the Suzuki brand and all its products and services. Questus, American Suzuki’s online, managed the Web site redesign.

“The new SuzukiCycles.com is one of the many ways this year the Suzuki brand will engage with those who are really looking to activate their motorcycle and ATV passions, in this case through the Internet,” said Steve Bortolamedi, senior advertising manager for American Suzuki’s motorcycle division. “The new site creates deeper and more dynamic experiences that engage loyal fans and potential new riders.”

The site features a new navigation tool that helps visitors get even more information on specific models. Dynamic images of Suzuki products and the motorsports lifestyle allow viewers to better connect with all the products Suzuki offers. The Team Suzuki Racing section provides a closer connection to all of Suzuki’s competition activities.

“Overall, we wanted to capture the raw emotion, power, and excitement of Suzuki’s incredible product line and stir the imagination of every kind of rider, whether new to Suzuki or a loyal customer,” says Jeff Wagener, creative director at Questus. “Ultimately, of course, we see the job of the site to drive eager customers into dealerships— fully informed and eager to buy. And now, with all of the graphics, photos, videos, and other great content on the new site, we also see it as a compelling way to tell the Suzuki brand story.”

About American Suzuki

The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC).  ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states.  ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines.  Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.

Stewart Streak to Seven as he Takes Points Lead for First Time in 2009

AURORA, Ill. (February 23, 2009) – After 17 years of racing at the RCA Dome, Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship makes its début at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday, February 28. Team San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., brings a seven-race win streak to the new world-class stadium in AMA Supercross class racing. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel, of Corona, Calif., carries the points lead in Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class racing with a two-race win streak.

A near capacity crowd at the Georgia Dome Saturday night saw Stewart lead wire to wire, dominating all 20 laps of the premier-class main and proving he’s back with a vengeance after missing nearly the entire 2008 season because of a knee injury. The win Saturday night also snapped the overall points tie with rival Chad Reed, of the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team.

Stewart’s win streak has erased the 23-point deficit he faced after the opening race of the year at Angel Stadium. Although Reed has finished second in each of Stewart’s wins, he’s still winless through the first eight races.

“The start was great,” said Stewart. “The San Manuel Yamaha pulled another holeshot. It was a good race for me. The track was tough but we came out on top. I’ve always liked the ‘ATL’ and I’m glad we could do well here. I want to thank all the fans and all the motivation they give me. It feels good to have the points lead but there is a long way to go.”

Reed managed to pass rookie Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., for second just past the halfway point.

“I just had to be patient,” stated Reed. “Not much I could do though. I got by Ryan (Villopoto), made a mistake, and got by him again. It was a tough race. I just needed to keep pushing and as the laps went on wait for a mistake (from Ryan). I want to thank all the guys on Rockstar/Makita Suzuki. The bike was awesome tonight.”

To open the AMA Supercross Lites main event Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe, of Lincolnton, N.C., grabbed the holeshot. Behind Stroupe, Pourcel and Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Nico Izzi, of Murrieta, Calif., followed in second and third. On lap nine, Pourcel assumed the lead after Stroupe stalled his bike and carried the lead to victory. Izzi and Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM’s Martin Davalos, of Cairo, Ga., rounded out the podium. Stroupe fell to seventh.

“It was very fast in the beginning so I just rode my pace,” explained Pourcel. “The track was difficult and a lot of riders were crashing so I just wanted to ride smart. I got my speed where I wanted it and Austin (Stroupe) stalled so I just built a big lead. Every week I’m thinking about the championship and two wins is a good way to start the season.”

Media Day will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium Thursday, February 26 from Noon-2:00p.m. CST, featuring the JGRMX/Yamaha team, including Cody Cooper and Josh Grant who currently sits in 5th place overall in the AMA Supercross class.

At the final Monster Energy Supercross race at the RCA Dome last year, Reed picked up the early holeshot and won the main event en route to the AMA Supercross class championship.. Josh Hill, of Yoncalla, Ore., finished second and Honda’s Andrew Short finished third. The win for Reed marked his first at the RCA Dome in the premier AMA Supercross class.

“I struggled with the track in practice,” said Reed after his first-ever win inside the RCA Dome last year. “In the main event, I was able to put it together. I wanted to win the holeshot and get this win here at the RCA Dome. I have never won here before tonight.”

Honda’s Trey Canard opened the AMA Supercross Lites class main event by winning the holeshot award last year. Arch rival Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., was close behind on the opening lap and challenged Canard for the lead. During his attempt to pass Canard, Villopoto cause the two riders to crash, giving the lead to Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Branden Jesseman.

On lap seven, Jesseman crashed and handed the lead back to Canard.

“I received a couple presents out there tonight with Jesseman crashing,” said Canard. “I tried to ride hard and smart, but I am really excited about this win. These last two weeks have been amazing.”

The first AMA Supercross race at the RCA Dome was March 21, 1992, where Honda’s Jeff Stanton won the main event. Yamaha’s Jimmy Button won the first AMA Supercross Lites main event the same evening. Seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath holds the AMA Supercross all-time win record at the RCA Dome with six. Five-time AMA Supercross class champion Ricky Carmichael is the only rider to win the AMA Supercross and AMA Supercross Lites main events in Indianapolis. This weekend’s race at Lucas Oil Stadium marks a new era of Monster Energy® Supercross racing in Indianapolis.

This weekend’s AMA Supercross class race will air on SPEED Sunday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class will air on SPEED at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Tickets are available at www.SupercrossOnline.com <http://www.supercrossonline.com/> , the Lucas Oil Stadium box office, Ticketmaster, Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com/> , and participating Yamaha dealerships. Club Level seats are $45; Mid-level seats are $35; Level 3 tickets are $25; Treadhead seats are $10. All seats are $2 more on the day of the race.

AMA Supercross Class Results, Atlanta
James Stewart,  Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Chad Reed,  Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
Ryan Villopoto,  Poulsbo, Wash.,  Kawasaki
Andrew Short,  Smithville, Texas, Honda
Broc Hepler,  Kittanning, Pa., Yamaha
Kevin Windham,  Centreville, Miss., Honda
Ivan Tedesco,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
Timmy Ferry,  Largo,  Fla.,  Kawasaki
Josh Hill,  Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
Davi Millsaps,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
James Stewart,  Haines City, Fla., Yamaha,  177
Chad Reed,  Tampa, Fla., Suzuki,  174
Andrew Short,  Smithville, Texas, Honda, 140
Ryan Villopoto,  Poulsbo, Wash.,  Kawasaki, 126
Josh Grant,  Riverside, Calif., Yamaha,  120
Ivan  Tedesco, Tallahasse, Fla., Honda, 116
Kevin Windham,  Centerville, Miss., Honda, 111
Davi Millsaps,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 102
Mike Alessi,  Apple  Valley,  Calif., Suzuki, 93
Tim Ferry,  Largo,  Fla.,  Kawasaki, 87

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Atlanta
Christophe Pourcel,  Corona, Calif.,  Kawasaki
Nico Izzi,  Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
Martin Davalos,  Cairo, Ga., KTM
Blake Wharton,  Pilot Point, Texas, Honda
Branden Jesseman,  New  Brighton,  Pa.,  Kawasaki
Wil Hahn,  Decatur, Texas, KTM
Austin Stroupe,  Lincolnton, N.C.,  Kawasaki
Matt Lemoine,  Collinsville, Texas, Yamaha
Matthew  Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki
Steven Clarke,  Cairo, Ga., Suzuki

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1.       Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 50
2.       Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 42
3.       Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 34
4.       Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 34
5.       Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 32
6.       Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 30
7.       Branden Jesseman, New Brighton, Pa., Kawasaki, 25
8.       Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 23
9.       Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 22
10.   Steven Clarke, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki, 19

Past Winners in Indianapolis
AMA Supercross Class
March 1, 2008:                                      Chad Reed
March 24, 2007:                                    James Stewart
March 04, 2006:                                    Ricky Carmichael
February 12, 2005:                                Ricky Carmichael
March 20, 2004:                                    Mike LaRocco
March 01, 2003:                                    Ricky Carmichael
February 09, 2002:                                 David Vuillemin
February 10, 2001:                                 Ricky Carmichael
February 12, 2000:                                 Jeremy McGrath
April 24, 1999:                                       Ezra Lusk
February 14, 1998:                                 Jeremy McGrath
February 15, 1997:                                 Jeff Emig
March 30, 1996:                                     Jeremy McGrath
March 18, 1995:                                     Jeremy McGrath
March 19, 1994:                                     Jeremy McGrath
April 24, 1993:                                       Jeremy McGrath
March 21, 1992:                                     Jeff Stanton

AMA Supercross Lites Class
March 1, 2008:                                      Trey Canard
March 24, 2007:                                    Ryan Dungey
March 04, 2006:                                    David Millsaps
February 12, 2005:                                David Millsaps
March 20, 2004:                                    Josh Hansen
March 01, 2003:                                    Branden Jesseman
February 09, 2002:                                 Chad Reed
February 10, 2001:                                 Travis Pastrana
February 12, 2000:                                 Michael Brandes
April 24, 1999:                                       Ernesto Fonseca
February 14, 1998:                                 Ricky Carmichael
February 15, 1997:                                 John Dowd
March 30, 1996:                                    Mickael Pichon
March 18, 1995:                                     Mickael Pichon
March 19, 1994:                                     Ezra Lusk
April 24, 1993:                                       Doug Henry
March 21, 1992:                                     Jimmy Button

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

About Feld Motor Sports
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

Britt is where I bought all of our family bikes. Chris is great on the sales floor, and Dave is the man for parts.


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Words and Photos by Brendan Lutes

As the first true “east coast” race of the series, Atlanta is always a popular round with the fans and industry alike. This year, like always, the Georgia Dome stands were visibly packed if not sold out. But despite that, there was plenty of other news and happenings going down in Hotlanta. Lites class title contender Brett Metcalfe crashed and broke his collarbone in practice, James Stewart now holds onto the points lead in the SX class, and Christophe Pourcel knabbed his second win of the season, not mention much more. So without wasting anymore of your precious time, here’s Kickstart from the eighth round of the series.

Words and Photos by Brendan Lutes

Inside the warm confines of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, in front of a near capacity crowd, and live on Speed TV, the eighth round of the series wrapped up with San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/Yamaha’s James Stewart taking his seventh win of the season and seventh win in a row. For Stewart, the win solidified his place at the top of the points standings and served noticed to his competition that he indeed is the rider to beat in this year’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. But for the defending champion, and Stewart’s main rival, Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Chad Reed, Stewart’s seventh win has left him even more determined than ever to get to the top step on the podium. Reed’s runner-up finish in Atlanta, however, is once again due largely to a mediocre start, which held him back from the beginning, forcing him to climb back up to second after rounding the first turn in seventh.
In the Lites class, Mitch Payton’s powerhouse Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team continues to dominate, as teammates Austin Stroupe and Christophe Pourcel ran one-two for over half the race until Stroupe stalled his bike, allowing Pourcel to go by for an easy win. With two rounds in the books, Pourcel enjoys a relatively comfortable eight-point lead over Atlanta’s second place finisher Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Nico Izzi.

LITES QUALIFYING

Heat One Results:

1.    Austin Stroupe (Kaw)
2.    Martin Davalos (KTM)
3.    Darryn Durham (Yam)
4.    Vince Friese (Hon)
5.    Fred Karrle (Suz)
6.    Levi Kilbarger (Hon)
7.    Cody Gilmore (Hon)
8.    Blake Wharton (Hon)

Heat Two:
Just like in the first heat, another privateer took the holeshot as Yamaha-mounted Jacob Saylor rounded the first turn in the lead. Also just like the first heat, though, a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider was in second and made quick work to get into the lead, as Christophe Pourcel did so shortly after the pack headed down the first straight. With that, the race for the win was over. Pourcel checked out, leaving the other riders to battle for second. In the end, Star Racing/Yamaha’s Matt Lemoine took second ahead of Suzuki City’s Steven Clarke in third, a hard-charging Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM-backed Wil Hahn in fourth, and Saylor fifth.

Heat Two Results:
1.    Christophe Pourcel (Kaw)
2.    Matt Lemoine (Yam)
3.    Steven Clarke (Suz)
4.    Wil Hahn (KTM)
5.    Jacob Saylor (Yam)
6.    Branden Jessemen (Kaw)
7.    Teddy Parks (Suz)
8.    Tyler Wharton (Hon)

LCQ
With Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Nico Izzi on the line due to a gnarly crash at the start of his heat race, it was almost a foregone conclusion as to who would be winning this race. A red flag after one lap, however, spiced things up a little bit, but once the race was re-started, Izzi quickly took the lead and checked out. Matt Goerke finished second, Spencer Daily third, and Ryan Smith fourth.

LCQ Results:

1.    Nico Izzi (Suz)
2.    Matt Goerke (Suz)
3.    Spencer Daily (Hon)
4.    Ryan Smith (Suz)

Page One: Lites Qualifying, Page Two: SX Qualifying, Page Three: Lites Main, Page Four: SX Main

CARLSBAD, Calif., (Feb. 20, 2009) – Defending 2008 WSX Lites class champion Jason “JLaw” Lawrence (Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing) announced today that he will contest the Indianapolis Supercross on a YZ450F, round nine of 2009 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Feb. 28th.

Making the best of his recent free time, Lawrence has worked with Boost Mobile/ampm/MonsterEnergy/Troy Racing’s Chris McElvoy, Keith Burns and head mechanic, Toshi, to get the big bike prepped and ready for Indy.

“I’m stoked, to be honest,” said Lawrence. “Our team’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain by me moving up to the 450 class. Nick’s (Wey, Lawrence’s Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing teammate) given me some good advice and we’ll see if I can’t put it all together at Indy. Looking forward to it.”

The inaugural event at the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is expected to be highly attended and there’ll be a considerable amount of focus on Lawrence’s attempt to break into the super competitive 450 ranks. Hailing from New Jersey, this will be Lawrence’s first supercross race at an eastern United States stadium.

Next up for the Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing team’s Nick Wey is this Saturday’s Atlanta Supercross at the Georgia Dome, round eight of Monster Energy Supercross.

About Crown Athlete Management Group

Crown Athlete Management Group is the most comprehensive marketing, branding and athlete management firm focused on the future of action sports. For sponsorship opportunities or media information please contact (info@crownamg.com) or by phone at (760) 918-9382.

Please visit us online at www.CrownAMG.com

The second set of practice sessions for the second round of East Coast racing just concluded inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. Just like the first round of practice, San Manuel/Yamaha’s James Stewart posted the quickest lap in the Supercross class, while Houston SX winner Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Sebastien Pourcel once again turned in the quickest time in the Lites class. As for the defending Supercross Class Champion Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Chad Reed, he was second quickest—only less than a second off Stewart’s best time. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto completed the top three in the SX class.

Second and third in the Lites class went to Pourcel’s teammate Austin Stroupe—he was one second off Pourcel’s best—and Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM’s Martin Davalos. Another rider who made news in practice was Geico Powersports/Honda’s Brett Metcalfe who crashed hard in the first session and didn’t return for the second. Jagermeister/KTM’s Josh Summey also went down hard in the second session, but word from his mechanic is that he’s ok, but just a little sore. He should be racing tonight.

Tonight’s race will be televised live on Speed TV tonight beginning at 7:30 PM Eastern time. Don’t forget to watch!

The first set of timed practice sessions have wrapped up in Atlanta. As usual, San Manuel/Yamaha’s James Stewart sits atop the leader board with the fastest lap in the Supercross class. In the Lites class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel posted the quickest time. Be sure to check back later for more photos from the second round of practice sessions.

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It’s no secret that you can run into any number of pros at Perris Raceway in Southern California, and lately we have been running into British transplant Tommy Searle a lot lately. Today, we ran into him again, as well as Trey Canard, and Ryan Morais. And yes, you’ve seen photos just like these a week or so ago, but we say, if we snapped ‘em, might as well post ‘em. We included a few wallpapers as well, just in case you need a freshie on the desktop.

(1900×1267)

The guys from LoudmouthMX came out west last week to do some testing with the TWMX crew at Cahuilla Creek MX Park. For this test, they put their focus on the 2009 Suzuki RM-Z450. Check it out.

Looking for more ideas for my pitbike track. The more pain it will cause the better:).

Nathan Ramsey has retired from professional racing, but that does not mean he has stepped away from the sport.  The former factory rider and Supercross champ is now helping young racers achieve the level of success he enjoyed during his career.  Nate Dawg has enlisted the help of an old friend to offer complete training for those interested in taking their racing to the next level.  Nathan spoke with us about his latest endeavor and his thoughts on what it takes to make the big step.

Nathan, what have you been up to since announcing your retirement?

Being a racer myself, I’ve been waiting to see where I end up within the industry.  Some friends of mine, James Coy and Brian Fleck from Dunlop, introduced me to Blake Baggett and his family.  He was my first guy and I have been doing this now for a couple of months.  There is starting to be some more interest.  I have been going to the races with Nick Wey and helping him more on the coaching side of things.  It’s becoming something that I really enjoy doing; it’s the next best thing to racing because you get a little part of yourself out on the track.  I raced professionally for 16 years, so I have learned a few things.

The guy who I viewed as a mentor, or even a life coach in many ways, is Jeff Spencer who I worked with for about nine years.  He is a part of this program as well and we put our heads together to come up with the best ideas for our riders.  The goal is to create an individual program to let each guy become self-motivated and independent champions so they can achieve what they want to in racing and in life.  What Jeff was able to teach me applied to a lot of my life.  Lessons from riding and racing, with the mental and physical sides, teach you how to deal with life.  So I just wanted to pass on a little wisdom that I’ve learned over the years to some of these kids, with their eyes wide-open, so they can live out their dreams.

So you are working with long-time trainer, Dr. Jeff Spencer.  Is he helping with the physical training aspect and you are working with racers on their riding technique?

Jeff is more behind the scenes, but he knows the body and has the degrees and experience to back up any question that might come up.  Whether it has something to do with conditioning the body, supplements, diet, recovery,  or injury and injury prevention.  I know a lot of that stuff too from my own trials and years in racing, but like I said, he has the degrees to back up his knowledge.  So between the two of us the package is really complete because you get the point-of-view from a racer and a professional trainer/doctor.  My experience helps with what I feel I did right and wrong, and we can help riders make their careers last as long as possible.  There are a lot of kids who come in, blow up right away, and then are gone within a year or two.  This is a tough sport and you want to make yourself last as long as you can.  With the combined experience between Jeff and myself, I believe we have a program that gives you the longevity needed for a sustained career that you can be proud of.

A lot of kids will come into the pro ranks, and once they have established that they are another front-runner, burnout is often not far behind.  Usually they have been racing for so long already they just lose their motivation.  Sometimes that can also be due in part to the way racing was approached by the family, where it can either be forced or they let the kid decide for his/her self.

We definitely address that, and I think that is still one of the biggest problems.  There are the kids who are just dynamite amateurs who are pushed so hard the whole way.  Honestly, even if that is not the case, a lot of people change and it can just get to a point where they say, “I don’t have it in me anymore.”  It has to be something that the individual wants, not how bad the parents want it.  If that’s not there, then they can still have a lot of fun riding motorcycles and maybe race locally.  But if that passion is not there it is going to show in some way.

What we try to do is build a program that is sustainable and does not burn people out.  It still dots the “i’s” and crosses the “t’s” but does not put you into the hurt locker.  It is a new style of thought and people are becoming wise to the idea.  The bottom line still is: how long can you last and how long can you stay motivated?

Are you working with any other riders aside from Blake Baggett and Nick Wey?

Blake is my first guy and I wanted to get my feet wet first and get to know his family, who are great people.  As a rider he is very impressive; I have high hopes for him and he seems to be the total package.  There has been some interest with some other guys and I am exploring some of those possibilities right now although nothing has been nailed down for sure.  I am actually starting to work with one of the female riders now though, Sarah Price.  I do a little bit of coaching with her, although she does have another guy who helps her already.  I think I am fairly versatile in that respect, where I can do some of  the training, but I would prefer to offer the complete package because that’s when a rider can get the most out of it.  But if it’s just coaching, I am open to that as well.

Right now you are working mainly within the group of riders who are making the transition from amateur to professional.  Are you willing to work with riders with less experience?

Honestly I am very open, although I seem to have landed in that group where guys are ready to make the jump to pro.  That is a very important time to get sound thought process behind you and get a good group of people surrounding you.  But I was not one of those guys myself, so I certainly would not want to turn my back on the mediocre guys who have potential, or don’t even know their potential yet because they have not been given as many opportunities.  So I definitely I am not shutting the door on them.  The only thing that I am trying to do is to keep a small, tight group.  I do not want to get spread out too thin where I am not really helping the riders and taking care of them the way they should be.  For me to teach them what they need to learn, I believe I need to maintain a small, core group.

What I will probably end up doing is have a certain day of the week when I’ll work with individuals or a couple riders at a time.  At this point I am not planning on doing big schools.  Maybe that will happen in the future occasionally.  But for now I would like to have perhaps three or four main guys and then have set days to work with new riders and do small training sessions.

Is there a way for people to get in touch with you if they are interested in your program?

I can be reached at my email address, which is natedawg25@verizon.net

Good luck with your new venture Nathan.  I am sure there are plenty of young riders out there who can use that extra bit of help and training.

Just being around that level of amateur these last couple of months is pretty impressive; seeing the level that they have all reached.

They’ve taken the scrub to a whole new level!

Everyone does it! They never hit jumps and just go straight anymore (laughs)!  Its part of what they do and it’s pretty cool.

Everyone is still reeling from the tragedy that struck the entire motocross world. Jeremy Lusk’s passing devastated not only the people closest to him, but the tons of fans, supporters, and industry peers that watched him grow to stardom. Fuel TV’s Weekly Update presented by Boost Mobile played a tribute to the fallen rider and Fuel was kind enough to allow us to post it as well.
So in case you missed it on Fuel TV, here is their tribute to Jeremy Lusk.

Spokane, Wash. (February 18, 2009) – MotoConcepts Racing (MCRMX) is pleased to announce the signing of Tyler Bowers and Vince Friese.  This past weekend Bowers joined the team in San Diego.  Friese will make his MCRMX debut this Saturday in Atlanta.

“We are excited to have these young and very talented riders join our team,” stated team owner Mike Genova.  “These riders have high expectations for themselves and we are eager to see their accomplishments on the track.”

Friese is participating in the 250 East Supercross class and will continue in the 250 Motocross class this summer.  Number 719 is coming off a very successful amateur career.  During his amateur days, Friese gathered up 10 National Titles.  His most recent success was in 2008 where he won the Supercross Mini O’s “A” class title and the overall Motocross “A” class title.  Vince was also the AMA National Champion at the 2008 Loretta Lynn’s “A” class.

Bowers will continue in the 450 class and join MCRMX after starting the year with MDK/Warthog.  Bowers is another example of the excellent job the Warthog team does in developing riders.  As an amateur, the Danville, KY native achieved years of success and garnered 13 titles, including multiple Loretta Lynn titles.

MCRMX would like to thank team sponsors: MotoConcepts, MDK, FMF, FLY Racing, Pirelli, DeCal Works, Smooth Industries, Alpinestars, Utopia, Vortex, TCR, Sunline, Dragon Racing Fuel, Excel RK, Goldfren, Boyesen, Guts, Motion Pro, Motorex, Leisure Concepts, Northwest Steel Fab., Extreme Motosport MX park.
All interested team sponsor enquires please contact Alison Turner alison@atlantic-promotions.com <mailto:alison@atlantic-promotions.com>  805-214-1106.
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About  MotoConcepts: MotoConcepts is a Pacific Northwest Manufacturer of innovative and unique Motorsports accessories designed for the professional and recreational rider.  MotoConcepts is proud to partner with top motocross companies like MDK, FMF, Fly Racing, Smooth Industries, and DeCal Works to help support the MCRMX team.  For more information about MotoConcepts products visit www.motoconcepts.com.

Factory Connection will be at Racetown 395 in Adelanto, CA this weekend for Round 2 of WORCS Racing, with their Trackside Support Vehicle and Staff February 20th – February 22nd. They will be on hand starting Friday morning as the riders arrive, and will stay all day Friday for practice and through the races the entire weekend.
“The WORCS races are awesome events. We are really looking forward to having a great showing there. With the Valli Motorsports Team running our suspension, which includes series champ Bobby Bonds, along with stand outs Bobby Garrison and Kyle Summers, we are pumped to show our support to the riders and offer our services not only to FC support riders, but to any rider who needs assistance”, said Mark Rodgers – Sales Manager of Factory Connection West. “Come by and see what the Best Suspension Period is all about. And get on the same suspension company as WORCS front runners Bobby Bonds, Kyle Summers, Bobby Garrison, along with the Am-Pro Yamaha GNCC team Randy Hawkins, Jason Raines, Barry Hawk and Thad Duvall, multi time National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty and of course Geico Powersports/Honda/Factory Connection Racing team riders Kevin Widnham, Trey Canard, Bret Metcalf, Dan Reardon, Blake Wharton and rookie Justin Barcia.”
FREE bike set up and technical support will be offered. In addition, Factory Connection will have Fork / Shock Rebuild services, Fork / Shock Oil Changes, Fork / Shock Springs and Wear Parts available. The professionals at Factory Connection will help you tune your suspension and dial it in for your needs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment in advance, for priority turn around time… call 951-549-9526.     And to see the most up to date Trackside Schedule visit www.factoryconnection.com

Champion Tool Storage is proud to announce the launch of our new product and website, www.factorybox.net. Champion has again set the standard with an industry first, the Factory Box. This new tool box by Champion is the first to utilize high quality durable graphics that can be replaced or changed to give you that Factory look. You can now change out the graphics as you change brands or the graphics update to match the latest trends. Whether it’s in your garage, the back of your pickup, or at the races like San Manuel Yamaha and James Stewart, you will have the best tool box on the market.

We know it’s been a few weeks since Anaheim III, but with deadlines and such looming right around the time of the race, the job of producing wallpapers fell to the wayside. Nonetheless, though, here are some of Lutes’ favorites from the second-to-last California round of the series.

PRODUCT REPORT
FMF 4.1 SLIP-ON
APPLICATION: All four-strokes (tested here on 2009 Honda CRF450R)
PRICE: $449.99 (titanium); $399.99 (stainless steel)
RATING: 10

WHAT IT IS: In addition to offering a full line of complete exhaust systems for four-stroke off-road motorcycles, FMF also has an equally as stacked line of slip-on mufflers, which are tuned to compliment a bike’s stock header pipe. For the budget-conscious rider, or those looking to replace a damaged stock muffler, the 4.1 Slip-On is just what the doctor ordered.
HITS: Installing the 4.1 Slip-On took only a few minutes. In the ’09 CRF450R, it was a matter or loosening and tightening four bolts. The muffler comes outfitted with a spark arrestor, but since we ride only on closed courses, we removed it before even firing up our test bike and haven’t tested the spark arrestor installed.
The first thing we noticed once we brought the EFI-equipped Honda to life was that the 4.1 Slip-On gave the bike snappier throttle response. Not that the EFI Honda isn’t snappy as delivered, mind you: the 4.1 Slip-On just seems to wake the bike up even more down low. Out on the track, the system yields noticeable power gains down low and up top, as it allows the bike to pull further in each gear than it does with the OEM muffler installed. Having tested the complete FMF Factory 4.1 system with the Megabomb header, we must admit that the performance yielded by the cheaper $399.99 system is nearly every bit as good. Furthermore, the 4.1 Slip-On works better than many full systems that we’ve tested this year.
MISSES: One of the days at the track was extremely muddy, as heavy rainfall in our area has left all of our tracks in sloppy condition lately. After a hard day’s ride in the abrasive decomposed granite mud of Cahuilla Creek MX Park, we found that the FMF graphics on the muffler were practically worn off, Aesthetics aside, our only “performance” issue with the 4.1 Slip-On was the louder-than-stock exhaust note. We didn’t sound test it, but we’re fairly certain that the system would not meet the 94 db requirement in AMA Pro Racing.
THE VERDICT: To be honest, there are very few riders who can make the most of the power that the ’09 Honda CRF450R has to offer in bone stock condition. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t need more power!  Dollar for dollar, the FMF 4.1 Slip-On is without a doubt the best aftermarket exhaust we’ve tested on the ’09 Honda CRF450R.
Call 310/631-4363 or visit www.fmfracing.com

Bremen Race Park’s 6th Annual DMXS Ride4AT will be held on February 22, the day after the Monster Energy AMA Atlanta Supercross. Over the past five years we have raised more than $200,000 to fund research for Ataxia Talangiectasia, a rare and debilitating childhood disease and we know one of these dollars will eventually be the one that finds a cure.

We will once again have Bremen’s entire outdoor track prepped and ready to go along with a full-blown pitbike track for your riding pleasure. The industry has embraced our event since the beginning and we will have plenty of pro riders out for autographs including Davi Millsaps, Tim Ferry, Ezra Lusk, Matt Walker, and the Alessi brothers.

The auction always includes very rare motocross memorabilia and will surely be a great addition to any collection. We will be accepting credit cards for your convenience and remember that 100% of the proceeds collected from the event will go directly to the A-T Children’s Project for research and support to children stricken with the disease.

Please make plans to attend the Ride4AT for a great day of riding while raising money for a worthy cause. For more information, please go to www.Ride4AT.com or call Heath Hamrick at 678-300-7773. Visit www.atcp.org <http://www.atcp.org/>  to learn more about AT.

We would like to thank Roost MX, Mountain Motorsports, Fox, Smooth Industries, Suzuki, Yamaha, Makita, Pro Circuit, Racer X, OGIO, Maxxis, Tucker Rocky, and Western Powersports, and Serious MX for their continued and valiant support.

Wandering around the pits in San Diego, we ran into Division Seven/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Donovan Mitchell.  The former pro racer is now Star’s go-to-guy for just about everything logistical.  Donovan took a few minutes to tell us about his role on the team, the outlook for the season, and his thoughts on the future of Star Racing.

What is you role on the Star Racing team?

After the off-season I got back into working with Star Racing/Yamaha again just helping with the managing and coordinating of the race team.  I’m dealing with all the logistics, sponsors, and all the day-to-day stuff as far as riders or whatever is needed to keep the program going.

I started with the team about five years ago with management and working with sponsors and I worked with the riders a bit.  Nowadays, the riders tend to have their own program.  I go out to the test track a little, but a lot of my work involves doing emails, phone calls, ordering parts, arranging hotels, and making sure everyone knows where they are supposed to be.

So you pretty much keep the team functioning?

Yeah, putting out fires a lot of the time (laughs).  Anything that comes up, such as people needing passes, if the team owner needs something; whatever it may be I’ll try to help out in any way that I can.

It seems like the team has stepped up this year.  The Yamaha support that was split between Yamaha of Troy and Star Racing has now been shifted entirely over to Star?

Yamaha stepped up big for us this year and we’re now established as the only factory Yamaha satellite Lites team.  It’s been really good for and was five years in the making.  We’ve been working really hard to gain that status and we’re glad to be there.  We are just wanting to get the results now, which so far are lacking.  I think we have the look now though; with the bikes as far as equipment goes it’s the best of the best.  We just need to get the results and that will put us in the forefront as being considered in the same light as a Pro Circuit- or Factory Connection-type team.

Although the team has been around for a while, you still have some young guys who have just moved up to the pro ranks and are not quite established yet.  At the same time, you also have a couple riders who have been around for a few years.

Well, Sean Collier stepped back in for us last minute after Broc Tickle got hurt.  But we started with Yamaha wanting us to have young up and coming guys and grow them into becoming the top professionals.  We are still involved with the young kids in that way; grooming them into young champions but there is going to come a time when we are going to try to attain the guys who are already legitimate contenders.  Obviously that is just going to take some time.  Hopefully next year you’ll see some top riders on our program, as well as some other guys.  We have Matt Lemoine (shown at left) in the East Coast Lites, and he was really fast over in Houston and we expect some really good things out of him in Atlanta.  Darryn Durham did very well in his first race at Houston as well.  He got a second place start, dropped to last after he was taken out in a crash, then worked his way back to eighth at the finish.  So this next weekend we’re really hoping to shine and expect some big things to come.

In talking about stepping up the program, is there any possibility of having a 450 part of the team?

Actually for the outdoors we just brought on a 450 rider from Brazil.  Its something we are just trying out.  His name is Lucas Moraes.  It’s going to fit the program and just add something extra.   He wanted to come over here and get into racing in the United States.  He’s the top rider in Brazil as far as their championships and he wanted to try the US circuit out so we arranged a deal.  So everything just got finalized in the last week and everyone can look forward to seeing him this summer.  We’ll see how it works out.

I think its good when teams look at foreign prospects as well, and not just in the States.

We’ve always been open as far as riders go.  If we don’t have a bike out on the track due to an injured rider, we like to give somebody a shot.  There are always young kids, and I’ve been there before myself.  There’s always going to be a guy who needs a shot and we can at least give him the opportunity to see what he can do on competitive machinery.

Bel-Ray held their annual Umbrella Girl party at San Francisco Supercross, and we snatched up some photos of the event (yes, it was a few weeks ago, but who doesn’t want to check out photos from a party with a bunch of umbrella girls?).

Here are a few Wednesday Wallpapers from the San Diego SX.

We know its random, but here’s our two favorite things to shoot for fun…

Here are some photos from this year’s packed party at the annual Indy Tradeshow. Complete with a Karaoke contest sponsored by Von Zipper and plenty of adult beverages to go around, everyone had a blast.

For more photos CLICK HERE

Check the link! http://www.metalmulisha.com/blog/2009/02/4-ways-to-help-the-lusk-family/

Metal Mulisha is also offering 3 packages to the NASCAR Auto Club 500 in Fontana, CA. this Saturday.

1. Rockstar/Metal Mulisha/NASCAR ticket package -  Includes 1 Ticket, VIP pass for MM rider meet & greet, and a Rockstar/Mulisha swag pack. $100

2. 10 Ticket NASCAR Suite Package - Includes 10 tickets to the Jeremy Lusk VIP Terrace Suite 39 at the NASCAR Auto Club 500 in Fontana, CA., plus the swag pack listed above for each ticket (10 swag packs!). There are only 2 of these packages available. Bids start at $1,000

3. 5 Ticket NASCAR Suite Package - Includes 5 tickets to the Jeremy Lusk VIP Terrace Suite 39 at the NASCAR Auto Club 500 in Fontana, CA., plus the swag pack listed above for each ticket (5 swag packs!). There are only 4 of these packages available. Bids start at $500

Check the link! http://www.metalmulisha.com/blog/2009/02/4-ways-to-help-the-lusk-family/

If the photos weren’t enough, check out the video from Jen’s pin-up shoot…

FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocycliste) is proud to announce the launch of its new website on 17th February 2009. The website is mainly targeted to the fan base audience of the motorcycling world and the whole FIM family. The aim of this website is for the FIM to get close to the fans so that they can also interact by posting their ideas and communicate with the motorcycling community. There have been many improvements to the site, such as the incorporation of FIM TV, which shall show highlights of our different events. FIM-LIVE.COM brings you regular and up to date news at a sporting and non-sporting level from all of FIM Events during the whole year. Companies have the possibility to contact FIM in order to include their own advertising banners on the website. This will also be possible on the FIM-STORE.COM. Vito Ippolito, President of FIM expressed: “This new website with new dynamic elements has the intention to be more useful to the users as well as having a more interactive relationship with a wider and younger audience.” The website will still continue to provide all official FIM information: FIM history, FIM Regulations and FIM administrative documents.

Before you watch this video, let us give you some background on the mullet hunt, because there is no doubt that a few people out there might be wondering what it’s all about. Back when TransWorld Motocross first began, the mullet hunt was a regular feature in the mag, but as time when on, the mullet became a somewhat endangered species of sorts. This past weekend while at the Indy Tradeshow, we found that in fact the mullet is flourishing once again, and we couldn’t be happier. Armed with our super secret spy camera—that’s why the quality isn’t the greatest—we managed to snag quite a few beauties.

Our good friend Jen stopped by the studio last week and allowed us to shoot a little web pin-up gallery for your enjoyment.

Here are a few wallpapers to clean up that desktop, courtesy of LocoMX.com

Saturday evening marked a turning point in the 2009 Monster Energy Supercross Series.  Not only was San Diego the last west coast round of the series until Seattle in two months, but it also played host to the changing of the guards so to speak.

In the West Coast Regional Supercross Lites series, Ryan Dungey was more or less dominant on his run to reclaim the points lead before the West’s long break.  After a less than perfect round at Anaheim II, Dungey found himself a few points down in the points chase.  Following Saturday night however, the Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki rider now sits two points ahead of series rival, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer.  Jake looked strong in the main but could not get around his teammate, Ryan Morais, and eventually finished third.

Supercross class action was fairly predictable thanks to a strange heat race system that basically had all of the top riders in the second heat.  With the top three in points all in the same heat, it took away from the guessing game of where each rider stood come the main event.  Hopefully, the AMA will think better of this format in the future.  In the main event itself, San Manuel/L&M/Yamaha’s James Stewart led every lap on his way to tying Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki ace, Chad Reed, in the points chase as the series heads east next weekend for Atlanta.

The SX series made its final stop in California at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.   Here are photos from the practice and racing action. 

Due to the outpouring of love, affection,
admiration and sentiment regarding
Jeremy, please note that funeral services
will be webcast simultaneously at
http://www.revival.tv/jeremylusk

Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 1:00 PM.

Limited church capacity mandates that only
family, friends and industry associates
attend please.

Photos by Will Topete

Despite early week warnings of rain, San Diego offered up sunshine and near-60 degree temperatures for the final Supercross round in California for 2009. The golden bear was ready to dropkick the Supercross series out of Cali and back to the east, but not before one final hoorah. Coming into the night, Chad Reed had a slight points lead on James Stewart in the premier class, despite the fact a win had eluded him up to this point. Stewart, however, came into the San Diego round with five straight wins.
In the Lites class, Jake Weimer came in with the points lead with 113, but Ryan Dungey was close behind with 110. Weimer’s teammate, Ryan Morais, rounded out the top three with 102, so it was anyone’s game when the lights came on inside Qualcomm Stadium.

LITES QUALIFYING
When the gates dropped for the final California Supercross round of 2009, Geico Powersports Honda’s Trey Canard snatched up the holeshot, followed by Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer. Muscle Milk MDK/KTM’s Justin Brayton made chase in third place, with Cole Seely in a distant fourth. Dan Reardon rounded out the top five in the first heat of the night.
Heat 1 Top Five
1.    Trey Canard
2.    Jake Weimer
3.    Justin Brayton
4.    Cole Seely
5.    Dan Reardon

Page 1: Lites Qualifying  Page 2: SX Qualifying�Page 3: Lites Main�Page 4: SX Main

Read more

Stewart Grabs Share of Points Lead at Monster Energy® Supercross California Closer in San Diego

Ryan Dungey Reclaims AMA Supercross Lites Points Lead

SAN DIEGO (February 14, 2009) – Before the 2009 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, moves east, the world’s best riders brought the action to a close in the state of California as San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., extended his winning streak to six races at Qualcomm Stadium. In the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., reclaimed the Western Regional championship points lead with his third win of the season.

Over the past six races, Stewart completely erased the 23-point deficit he faced after the season-opening race in Anaheim, Calif., and now sits in a tie with rival and reigning champion Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla. The Rockstar/Makita Suzuki rider has been the picture of consistency this season, finishing on the podium in every race, capped off by a runner-up finish tonight to give him six straight second-place efforts behind Stewart.

Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, of Victorville, Calif., grabbed the holeshot in the 20-lap main event with Stewart and Reed in tow. The class’ top two riders quickly made their move around Alessi and gapped the field. Reed kept pace with Stewart for a couple laps, but the Yamaha rider slowly pulled away, leading flag-to-flag.

“The track was definitely tough,” explained Stewart. “I just had some good luck. The track was slick, but, man, this San Manuel Yamaha was awesome. To come back where we were at, 23-points back, it’s just amazing. (San Diego) is special to me - it gave me my first victory in 2002 so I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for the city.”

Reed held of the late charges of both Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short, of Smithville, Texas, and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., to capture second while Short edged Villopoto at the line for third.

“I got great starts and I was there,” stated Reed. “I just wasn’t fast enough. James rode awesome and I want to thank the team for being patient with me all day. I’m happy to be second and once again San Diego was good to me. I want to thank my team and all my sponsors. We’re just keeping it consistent.”

Dungey led the field into the first corner, but was edged out for the holeshot by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryan Morais, of Murrieta, Calif., while GEICO Powersports Honda’s Dan Reardon, of Menifee, Calif., followed in third. Points leader Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, garnered a mid-pack start aboard his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki but began to work his way through the field. Dungey led every lap of the main event and carries a 2-point lead into a seven-week break for the Western Regional championship. Morais earned a runner-up finish while Weimer worked his way up to third.

“I’m really pumped,” said Dungey. “I think I really rode an awesome race form start to finish. Sometimes when you’re given that kind of opportunity you need to take advantage of it and I think I did that tonight. I just want to thank my team, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki for everything.”

AMA Supercross Class Results, San Diego

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
4. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
5. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki
7. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
8. Michael Byrne, Newnan, Ga., Suzuki
9. Nick Wey, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
10. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 152
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 152
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 122
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 112
5. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 106
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 102
7. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 96
8. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 91
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 83
10. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 74

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, San Diego

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
2. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
3. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
5. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ky., KTM
6. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda
8. Jake Moss, Temecula, Calif., Honda
9. Jeff Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Honda
10. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Suzuki

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 135

2. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 133

3. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 124

4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 103

5. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ky., KTM, 85

6. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 82

7. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 59

8. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 54

9. Jeff Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Honda, 51

10. P.J. Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 51

CBS Sports will broadcast tonight’s AMA Supercross race on Sunday, February 15 at Noon EST and SPEED will broadcast the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race on Sunday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. EST.

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

About Feld Motor Sports

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

Stay tuned for the race report!!

[galllery=5646]

Riders went out just as the sun was passing behind Qualcomm Stadium.  It made for some interesting lighting and a few close calls.  Check out the gallery and be sure to check back in a few hours for the race report.

Here’s a ton of photos from today at the annual Indy Tradeshow. Enjoy!

We snapped off just a few shots from the pits.  Here is what’s been happening so far.  Be sure to check back later for out Race Report and Photo Galleries.

Canidae/Motosport/Kawasaki rider PJ Larsen has been having an excellent rookie Supercross so far.  Currently ranked eighth in the West Coast Regional Lites Championship, PJ is ready to make a run towards the podium.

PJ, do you mind giving us a run-down of your season so far?

The season started off a little rough at A1 and didn’t qualify, but then after that it has been steady top tens.  I’ve had a sixth which has been my best finish and it was in the first main I qualified for.  Then after that I got a tenth, a ninth, and an eighth, so some steady improvement.  Now we are here at San Diego, so hopefully we can remain in the top ten and get a little bit better just like we have every week.

You seem to be adjusting to Supercross pretty well, with this being your rookie season.

This is my first year in Supercross but I did ride it a good bit when I was an amateur, so it was good to get the feel of it.  I actually enjoy Supercross and I would say that I am perhaps a better at it than I am outdoors.

You do have a pretty smooth style and are also a bit taller and lanky.  Where was your prior Supercross experience?  There really is not too much amateur Supercross racing.

I would attribute it to just being down at MTF (Millsaps Training Facility) and riding some Supercross with Davi Millsaps.  Whenever there was a Supercross track around I would always try to ride it.

So what it the outlook for the remainder of the season?  Are you really trying to push up to the top five-level or are you just learning at your own pace?

Everyone always has their own goals.  To be honest, I just want to try to crack into the top five.  I think it’s a realistic goal.  I had it last week and I blew it on the third lap; I was already in fifth.  I know that it is within reach, I just have to get a good start and we have three rounds to make it happen.

Switching gears a little, we saw you out at the Big Air Kid’s Fair at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital.  What brought you out there?

Yeah, that was for a good cause and I had a lot of fun with everybody who was there.  I would actually like to see a lot more people get into that.  It was a really fun time and it is all for the kids.

The riders just finished up the first practice of the day inside Qualcomm Stadium in sunny San Diego. James Stewart and Ryan Dungey were the fastest in their respective classes. Chad Reed and Josh Grant were just off Stewart’s pace, while Weimer was right on Dungey’s tail.

Also noted, both Chad Reed and Ryan Villopoto are sporting San Diego Charger painted Thor helmets to commemorate the last SoCal Supercross, and both Michael Byrne and Broc Hepler have returned to action as well.

Now, check out some photos from the first practice.

The weather is nice so far in San Diego today. Earlier in the week, talk of another rain-soaked Supercross spread through the industry, but as of now, it seems we may have a more typical San Diego SX. RIght now in Qualcomm Stadium, it is about 58 degrees and the sun is shining. There are patches of clouds, but the weather service claims it should be only partly cloudy thorughout the day with a high of 59.

The dirt is actually pretty dry right now inside Qualcomm. The tarps were removed early this morning and the crew were even watering parts at 10am.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day!

Swap caught up with Geico Powersports Honda’s Brett Metcalfe at MX Heaven in southern California this week while he was training for the second round of the East Coast Lites Supercross series…

FACE LIFT UNLIMITED GRAPHICS
APPLICATION: All current motocross bikes (shown here on 2009 Suzuki RM-Z450)
PRICE: $99.99 (kit includes seat cover)
RATING: 9
WHAT IT IS: Face Lift Unlimited is a relatively new player in the world of aftermarket motorcycle graphics. Still, FLU is the largest graphics company in the United Kingdom, where it provides the graphics to the powerful CAS Honda race team. Stateside, FLU sponsors the Muscle Milk/MDK and Jagermeister/MDK KTM factory teams, as well as the Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki squad.
HITS: Unlike the larger players in silk-screened graphics in the United States (as opposed to fully custom digital graphics), Face Lift Unlimited turns to Asia to have its graphics mass-produced. Perhaps it is this—and the different adhesives and printing processes used overseas—that gives FLU graphics a distinctively different feel. Though the vinyl is of the same 8mil thickness as the offerings from the major players in bike graphics, they have a more pliable feel. Furthermore, the adhesive adheres fast and strong, making the whole installation-process a cinch. In fact, we were able to install this graphic kit on our 2009 Suzuki RM-Z450 test bike in under 40 minutes…without a heat gun! That’s right, even the numberplate background for the pesky right sidepanel—which is curved to accommodate the muffler—went on easily without requiring heat to soften it. Furthermore, having also removed a worn out set from another test bike, we can attest to the fact that the graphics come off just as cleanly as they went on, leaving no sticky adhesive residue behind.

MISSES: Though we love the looks of this graphic kit on our Suzuki, taste is—as always—a completely individual thing. FLU’s designs are definitely on the wilder, busy side, and more conservative riders may not find the designs to their liking.
THE VERDICT: Face Lift Unlimited may not be a big name in the United States graphics market, but it should be. FLU’s products are some of the best we’ve worked with when it comes to bike graphics.
Call 661/256-2315 or visit www.fludesigns.com

We caught up with Boost Mobile/ampm/Troy Racing’s Nick Wey this week to see how the season is treating him thus far…

This past Wednesday night, Jay Schweitzer premiered his fifth installment of the popular On The Pipe video franchise at the Southern California Oakley headquarters. In light of all that has happened with Jeremy Lusk’s passing, all of the proceeds from the event went to help out the Lusk family. TransWorld Motocross was on hand to check out the video with some friends.

Dunlop invited the media out to Perris Raceway in southern California this week to show us their latest tire, the Geomax MX51, which is replacing the widely popular D756 MX tire. The track featured some deep, dark, chocolate cake-style soil due to the onslaught of rain California has been experiencing, so it was no surprise the tire performed quite well. But, we must say, after some additional riding elsewhere, the MX51 is truly a great-performing tire, and the front hooks up especially well.

We brought Mike Sleeter, KTM’s R&D test rider, to help us evaluate Dunlop’s new gripper, and after pounding out a ton of laps, he was pleased with the performance, but check out what Dunlop has to say about their new Geomax tire:

“The Geomax MX51, successor to the immensely popular D756 series, excels beyond the D756’s legendary performance, and is destined to create a new legend of its own. The MX51 is designed to excel in intermediate terrain while also delivering excellent performance in both soft terrain as well as hard-pack conditions, plus added durability. The Geomax MX31 supplants the D773 and sets new performance benchmarks in soft terrain, especially in sandy and muddy conditions. Both tires are aimed squarely at riders who compete on the racetrack, as well as serious enthusiasts who want the ultimate performance from their tires.”

“The intermediate-terrain MX51 utilizes, our all-new and innovative Geomax Reinforced Pattern, a pattern that improves performance in every parameter—straight-line traction, cornering grip, handling, braking, bump absorption and durability—compared to the D756 series. A side-by-side comparison reveals a more open center-tread area for improved straight-line acceleration and more tread volume (greater land/sea ratio) in the shoulders for excellent cornering grip.

“Every tread block on the front tire features recessed biting edges, providing more traction and greater grip over a wide range of terrain conditions, especially in corners and ruts. The same recesses can be found on the shoulder blocks of the rear tire. The shoulder block knobs of both front and rear tires are placed in a unique pattern for better traction and grip in medium/medium-hard riding conditions. Each block base has a larger radius for increased strength and added durability, and performance is further enhanced by a “tie-bar” design that connects and reinforces the tread blocks to produce greater toughness and chunking resistance. Finally, the shallow recessed areas in the  spaces between the tread blocks give the MX51 improved compliance for enhanced bump absorption and damping characteristics.”

The Geomax MX51 tire comes in a wide range of sizes and, as mentioned above, replaces the current D756 series.

Stay tuned for some video of Mike Sleeter putting the Geomax MX51 to the test.

Spokane, Wash. (February 11, 2009) - The MotoConcepts race team (MCRMX) posted their best lites finish of the season as #801 Jeff Alessi and his CRF250 was the first Honda to cross the finish line taking 5th place.  In the 450 class Daniel McCoy completed his second main of the year finishing 16th overall.

“Track conditions weren’t the best,” stated team manager Steve Lamson.  “Both Jeff and Daniel had great heat races on a pretty slippery track.  They took a lot of confidence into the main and rode really consistent.

Teammates Cole Siebler and Ben Coisy did not fare as well throughout the rain shortened practice and heat races. Siebler took a spill during practice, injuring his knee and could not compete in his qualifying heat race.  Siebler #79 will not race this weekend in San Diego and will have his knee looked at back home in Boise Idaho.
Also injured Saturday was Frenchman Ben Coisy as he crashed during his heat race hurting his elbow enough to keep him out of the LCQ.  Coisy and his #979 Honda will be looking to get back on track this weekend.

Alessi’s 5th place finish moved him up in the AMA Supercross points standing to 9th overall in the 250 class.  Coisy is currently 15th in the 450 Supercross class followed by Siebler at 18th and McCoy at 23rd.

The team is currently preparing for the 7th round of the AMA Supercross series this weekend at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium.

MCRMX would like to thank team sponsors: MotoConcepts, MDK, FMF, FLY Racing, Pirelli, DeCal Works, Smooth Industries, Alpinestars, Utopia, Vortex, TCR, Sunline, Dragon Racing Fuel, Excel RK, Goldfren, Boyesen, Guts, Motion Pro, MotoHose, Motorex, Leisure Concepts, Northwest Steel Fab., Extreme Motosport MX park.
All interested team sponsor enquires please contact Alison Turner alison@atlantic-promotions.com   805-214-1106.

About  MotoConcepts: MotoConcepts is a Pacific Northwest Manufacturer of innovative and unique Motorsports accessories designed for the professional and recreational rider.  MotoConcepts is proud to partner with top motocross companies like MDK, FMF, Fly Racing,  Smooth Industries, and DeCal Works to help support the MCRMX team.  For more information visit www.motoconcepts.com

We ran into Andrew Short, Nick Wey, Tommy Searle, Ryan Hughes, and Jimmy Albertson yesterday at Perris Raceway during Dunlop’s introduction of their latest and greatest tire. Check out some photos from the day.

Team Geico Powersports Honda’s Brett Metcalfe has one of the coolest bikes on the track. Metty’s mechanic, Brian Kranz stopped by the TransWorld Motocross photo studio today to let us get a closer look at the #24 machine…

Yesterday, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital hosted a FMX demo in their parking lot, for what has become an annual tradition.  Freestyle and Supercross riders alike joined in the fun.  After the demo all of the attending stars visited every room in the hospital to give all manner of swag to all of the children.  The kids and the riders all seem to enjoy this event which began about seven years ago and we were there to capture some of the activities.

BLUFFDALE, Utah (February 12, 2009) - It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Jeremy Lusk. Jeremy was a consummate athlete, professional, and moreover, friend and loved one.  “We were inspired by his commitment, drive and passion for the sport as well as the way he conducted himself on and off the course”, said Chad Zulian, OGIO’s MX team manager.

“Jeremy was a great guy, he would go out of his way to make his fans happy.  He inspired thousands of young riders and was a joy to watch on the bike”, said Andy Bell, the company’s vp of promotions.  “We were proud to call him a member of the OGIO family; he was a tremendous asset to our team, and a great friend.”

OGIO would like to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Lauren, parents Chuck & Gina Lusk, and all of his extended family members. He truly will be missed.

Thor represents San Diego, it’s home town, with a Charger theme at Supercross this weekend.
Look for Chad Reed and Ryan Villopoto as they roll into Qualcom stadium wearing special designs
inspired by The San Diego Chargers..

We down for our town!

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The sport of off-highway recreation is seriously threatened by recent legislation that imposes strict lead content guidelines on children’s everyday toys. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) has effectively banned the sale of youth off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is calling for action now to help reverse the potentially devestating effect this could have on the sport of OHV recreation.

“The unavailability of youth OHVs will devastate family OHV recreation and cripple amateur competition, creating a domino effect across all aspects of motorized recreation,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “All motorcyclists, whether they recreate off-road or not, need to come to the defense of our youngest riders and help ensure the future availability of youth OHVs.”

A quick and effective way to help is to write or call your representative and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and let them know petitions exist to exclude certain vehicles from the final rule governing the law. You can send your representative a letter by using the Take Action button in the Issues and Legislation section of www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com. To contact the CPSC directly, use the contact form here.

According to section 101(a) of the enacted legislation, all youth products containing lead must have less than 600 parts per million (ppm) by weight. The CPSC has interpreted the law to apply to various components of youth OHVs including the engine, brakes, suspension, battery and other mechanical parts. Even though the lead levels in these parts are small, they are still above the minimum threshold.

In order to assure continued availability and access to youth OHVs, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and Specialty Vehicle Industry Association (SVIA) submitted petitions to the CPSC asking that certain vehicles be excluded from the final rule governing the law.

“It is critical that Congress and the CPSC know that these petitions exist and that by acting on them they will maintain a vital form of recreation for American families, preserve youth racing and protect the thousands of jobs associated with this industry,” Moreland added. “We are asking all motorcyclists to write or call their representatives and the CPSC today and ask them to approve the petition to exclude youth OHVs from the CPSIA lead content requirements.”

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different roads on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Dear Industry Leaders, Racers, Fans and Enthusiasts,

Yesterday, a law went into effect prohibiting the sale of minicycles to children under the age of 13 as a result of the lead content in the machines (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, Title I, Section 101). This law, which arguably applies to both motorcycles and ATVs, treats any children’s product that contains more lead than the limit established by law as a banned hazardous substance.

We have already begun to experience the devastating consequences of this new legislation upon our sport, as OEMs have already pulled these machines from their showroom floors. Youth racing is the foundation of our sport. That is when most of you fell in love with motorcycles in the first place, only to grow up to bring your own kids back to the racetracks. Only now, they can’t ride.

On behalf of MX Sports (Loretta Lynn’s), Racer Productions (GNCC), and ATVPG (ATV Amateur Nationals), we are extremely concerned with the short- and long-range effects of this new legislation, as the first rounds in all of our various series are less than two weeks away, and all include classes for youth racers under the age of 13. But it’s not just our events - WORCS, NMA, Mini Os, SETRA, etc., are all adversely impacted.

It is our opinion that the new law is inapplicable to off-highway motorsports, as neither motorcycles nor ATVs have the potential for ingestion, and lead from motorcycles is not likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream or present a health hazard. Let’s face it - when was the last time someone swallowed a motorcycle? Any other interpretation would be silly. Be that as it may, the law will continue to adversely affect our industry unless and until an exemption is granted.

Presently, there is a petition for an immediate temporary exemption pending before the Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) filed by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) on behalf of the OEMs, distributors, and industry associations. This petition, if granted, would enable our industry to move forward this racing season while the applicability of the law to the off-highway industry is determined.

What can you do?

A form letter for submission to the CPSC in support of the petition for exemption is attached as prepared by the MIC. The letter will also be available this weekend at the Indy tradeshow. Simply print out one copy for each person in your family and submit it ASAP. In the meantime, AMA is preparing a letter for submission by its membership to the CPSC. Be on the lookout for that one as well.

Also, an electronic form letter has been prepared by State Representative Tom Self of Missouri. Please go his website at www.tomself.com. Just fill in your name and address and hit “Submit” to register your support. Please submit this letter on behalf of every member of your family - regardless of age.

What else can you do?

Contact your congressmen and senators; let them know that this legislation will have the unintended consequences of crippling an entire industry. Surely, it could not have been the spirit or intent of the new law to apply to motorcycles or bicycles (which apparently have lead in the brake cables).

Time is of the essence. The very future of our sport and of our industry depends on this. We must support the pending petition before the commencement of the national racing season.

Please give this matter your immediate attention, and forward this letter to EVERY PERSON available ASAP.

Thank you,

c.

Carrie Coombs Russell

DOWNLOAD CPSC FORM LETTER HERE

Unpredictable conditions and track designed by Jeremy McGrath himself made for some great photo opportunities.  Here are a few more shots from the weekend’s action to get you through the mid-week slump.

Here are a few Wallpapers from Anaheim 3 SX.

There are so many rumors and questions going around, I think it is time that everyone know the truth. By now the entire action sports community, especially the motocross world, has been hit with the news,
that X Games Gold Medalist , Jeremy Lusk, 24, has passed away from traumatic brain injuries incurred while competing in the sport of freestyle motocross that he loved so much.  Perhaps the hardest hit, were Jeremy’s families. I say that in the plural sense. Not only is Jeremy survived by his parents and wife, he is survived by another family, that being the Metal Mulisha.

This passed Saturday night, most of our close friends began calling each other, asking if the other had heard about Jeremy’s crash, and if he was OK.  Within an hour, I had spoken to some other riders and their wives who were here in San Jose , Costa Rica, where I write this now.  Jeremy knocked himself unconscious, and had to be rushed to Calderon Hospital.  He underwent emergency brain surgery to relieve massive inter-cranial pressure that had built up from the crash.  They were able to remedy the situation for the time being, but apparently, the damage had been done.

Within hours of Jeremy’s emergency surgery, his wife ,Lauren, was by his side.  Lauren flew down with her father late Saturday night.  Some of us knew that we had to get down here, because Jeremy and Lauren
needed us; they were in trouble.  Cameron Steele, Brian Deegan, Ryan Hagy, and myself were on the way Sunday morning.  We had no idea what we were getting into, we just knew that our brother was hurt, and it was important for us to be there with him.

Upon landing we went straight to Calderon Hospital. The scene was hard to swallow. It’s tough to see someone you love in that condition. Lauren was waiting for us, ever so strong, next to the love of her life. The wheels in our heads starting turning immediately; we had to make sure Jeremy got the best care possible, or get him back to the U.S. where he could get the best care possible.  With the help of countless friends and industry members at home, and especially La Jolla Group CEO Toby Bost, we explored every possibility, including flying in a neurosurgeon to Costa Rica, and transporting Jeremy via a flying intensive
care unit.  Jeremy was in a coma, and wasn’t improving at all. We knew we had to act fast.

Jeremy’s parents, were on a plane Monday as we continued frantically to find a solution to the situation Jeremy was in.  We met with the head doctor of the Intensive Care Unit, the neurosurgeon , and the director of the entire hospital several times trying to understand the situation and what the best course of action would be.

By Monday afternoon, Jeremy was beginning to deteriorate. His left lung wasn’t working very well, and his blood pressure was falling. These complications were starving his brain of the valuable blood and oxygen
it needed to recover from the massive hit he took. The doctors told us there was little hope and that they would be surprised if Jeremy made it through the night.  We stayed by Jeremy’s side all evening and afternoon, praying over him, and waiting for any sign of hope.

Jeremy’s parents, along with Lauren’s mother and sister, arrived at the hospital at approximately 11pm. Within seconds of his parents walking into the ICU, alarms were going off on Jeremy’s monitors. His blood pressure was dropping fast , and his body temperature was at 105 degrees and rising.  It was the beginning of the end.  All of us stood by for the next hour, praying, hugging, crying, and watching as Jeremy Lusk slowly slipped away to Heaven. Being the hard ass that Jeremy is, even in a coma, he had something to prove.  And that was that he could hold on, just long enough, for his parents to see him one last time.

This was one of the hardest things I have ever been through in my life. But I hope each of us takes something away from this.  For myself, I realized that although Jeremy was very young, he went out on top.  He steadily rose through the ranks of the FMX world for the last several years, and achieved some amazing goals in his life that most people could never dream of. He also went out on top in his personal life; he enjoyed an amazing life as a born again Christian with his beautiful wife Lauren.

I also realized that I am part of something that is so special and different. That is the Metal Mulisha.  The effort that was put forth by everyone here blew me away. All of us dropped our lives in a heartbeat and gave everything we had over the last 72 hours.  I am so proud of the action and work that my friends and colleagues put in.  I am truly honored to be considered part of this brotherhood and to be backed up by
friends like this.

I’m honored to have known Jeremy. When I first met him, I knew there was something special about him.  I knew he would fit into the Mulisha way before Deegan actually got to know him. Jeremy proved me right. There was something special, he was a champion on and off the bike.

Eric Apple

While out at the Honda Supercross track the other day, we caught Geico Powersports/Honda’s rookie racer Blake Wharton spinning some laps, trying to keep his speed up between the East Coast Lites rounds.

2008 TRANSWORLD MOTOCROSS FMX RIDER OF THE YEAR
JEREMY LUSK
Words by Chris Kinman
Photos by Garth Milan and Chris Kinman

Beyond Murrieta Hot Springs, just west of the small French Valley Airport, resides one of the most quietly dominant athletes in freestyle motocross today. No, he doesn’t live on a massive piece of acreage riddled with steel ramps and dirt mounds. Instead, he and his wife, Lauren, have made a home for themselves in a quiet suburb ruled more by kids walking to school than two-strokes and tractors. Do you know who he is? Most likely, but do you realize how good he really is? Maybe not.
In a sport that is frequently confused with a circus where the spotlight easily gravitates toward one-trick ponies and flamboyant personalities, it isn’t surprising that a soft-spoken, hardworking guy can go relatively unnoticed, even with countless pounds of contest hardware hanging from his neck.
Jeremy Lusk has accrued more trophies, medals, plaques, and statuettes in one year than most any other FMXer will see in an entire career. At nearly every contest he competes in, he snatches up a trophy, a medal, a check; something that shows his true dominance and comfort in freestyle competition. Just a year ago, most of the mainstream X-Games viewers had no idea who Jeremy Lusk was, and most of the endemic industry knew him as Twitch’s friend who could throw a gigantic whip.
But a lot can happen in a year and, in 2008, Lusk took over as the contest powerhouse of the Metal Mulisha, the star-studded freestyle crew known as much for their reputation and demeanor as their talent. With Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, Ronnie Faisst, and his General, Brian Deegan to guide him, Lusk has come into his own as a true star in freestyle motocross. He no longer lives in the shadow of his fellow teammates. He has carved his niche in history, and he plans on continuing his legacy beyond 2008. Meet Jeremy Lusk, the TransWorld Motocross FMX Rider of the Year.

This year has been an amazing year for me. I went into this year with a goal for myself—I wanted to get top three at every event. Last year my goal was to get top five, and I did, so I just wanted to continue to set and achieve a new goal. The first contest this year was the Mexico City X-Fighters and I ended up getting third, so it started some momentum for me. After that, I went to the Moto-X Championship and got the bronze, so from there it was kind of a snowball effect. It made me realize that Nate [Adams] and others could be beaten; it was just a matter of who was healthy and most prepared. I was kind of the healthiest guy and didn’t really crash; I stepped up my game a little and tried to learn new tricks and tried to flip everything out on the courses. I realized that Nate and Twitch could flip every single thing out there, and they were the guys winning.
Many FMX riders are quite outgoing and celebratory at contests, but you have always been exuded a more reserved confidence. Have you always been more of a subdued guy, or is it the result of nerves?

I have always been the quiet guy. When I am around my friends, I am a bit more talkative and outgoing, but I have been pretty quiet since I was a little kid. But I have also always been confident; when I want something, I just always go after it 100 percent. I am a confident guy, I guess, but after winning a couple contests, it helped my confidence that much more. The more I ride, the better I feel. I practice five times a week most of the time. As far as practicing and training, most of us treat it like any Supercross rider would.  We don’t party or drink; we just stay on our game, in the gym, training, keeping the body healthy.

Does all that training and practice keep the nerves at bay?

Everyone gets butterflies. For instance, last year at my first X-Games, I almost wanted to throw up; I was so excited and nervous at the same time. But once I am sitting there waiting to drop in, something just clicks and I go into this aggressive mindset; like good, positive anger, especially when I see someone do a super good run. It pumps me up.

Since they don’t teach motocross and freestyle in high school, you had to have gotten your start on a dirt bike somewhere else. How did Jeremy Lusk the San Diegan become Jeremy Lusk the freestyle motocross champion?

My dad had a big influence on me riding dirt bikes. I was always into two wheels. When I was two or three years old, I had a BMX bike, but I was too little to ride it, so I would push it around and push it off little jumps I would build. My dad raced when he was young, so we just have a history of two wheels. I used to ride around with my dad on his CR500, and I loved it. He got me a PW50 for Christmas when I was about four, and I have been hooked ever since, whether it was BMX, jumping, or riding my dirt bike.  There was a period of time where I got really into BMX jumping and trails. But when I turned 14, I got a wild hair up my ass and I started going to the local track with my dirt bike. This was right around the time the first Crusty video came out, and it pumped me up. A lot of the spots where Crusty was filmed were spots I used to ride. I got a 125 and started jumping and doing tricks, and that’s when I got really into it. The only real practice I had was at the track, though. There was a Supercross-style track in El Cajon where everyone would go. I would do laps, then at the end of the day when it was less crowded, my friends and I would just cut the course and hit the big double in the middle.  When I got out of high school, I found myself sort of stuck. I had bought a ramp, I had it set up and was learning tricks, but I lived in San Diego and didn’t know anyone. I had no way to get my foot in the door. I didn’t want to give up, but I was asking myself, what the hell am I even doing?
Finally, I met Mark Burnett, he runs the Boost Mobile Freestyle Tour, and so I ended up going out on tour with him. It was there, riding the demos, that I met other riders that competed in contests. I started hanging out with some of those guys and coming up to Temecula to practice. I met Mike Metzger and I started riding for his team, and I competed in my first Dew Tour. I did pretty well, finishing fourth overall for the whole series. That’s when I realized that I could actually do this.

How did you end up becoming a part of the Metal Mulisha?

I always thought the Mulisha was cool, every kid did. But I also knew that they kind of had their team set; I never really thought they would add anyone else. Besides, I was doing my own thing with Metzger. But, Metz had a bad year with a lot of crashes, and with it, the team sort of fell apart. The sponsors weren’t really proactive about keeping the team going, so I took it upon myself to just do it on my own. I started hanging out with Twitch and Faisst a lot because they were always riding the Dew Tours, too. Twitch and I are actually from the same town, and we went to the same high school, so we ended up being good friends. He started inviting me to come ride with the Mulisha at Deegan’s house. We all just hit it off really well, and Deegan and I became good friends, too. After a while, it just seemed like a natural fit. I didn’t really have any sponsors anymore, so when he asked me, I was like, hell yeah! But it has always been a friendship thing; regardless of me being on the team or not, I would still ride with those guys.

How has being settled influenced your rise in freestyle?

I think I have always been pretty mature for my age. Growing up, my dad always had a big influence on me. He never outright told me not to do something, but I always knew I would let him down if I did, because we were so close. Instilled in me was the responsibility that I needed to work for money, and I’ve always had a job because of it. I knew early on what it was like to earn money and appreciate it. So really, being settled like this is awesome. If I wasn’t married, I would probably be a mess. I know I wouldn’t have a house, and who knows if I would be Rider of the Year. I have always taken riding seriously, but I also know that if I wasn’t grounded, didn’t have a house, someone to come home to, and bills to pay, I would probably be like every other asshole out there. In our sport, I’ve seen so many guys with talent just piss everything away because they win one contest and think they are the shit. Then they go out, party it up, and get stuck in that whole mode. I can understand how that happens. After I won X Games, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. You feel like, whew, now I can chill. But that’s not the case. You can either be that one guy who wins a medal and is forgot about in a year, or you can be the guy who becomes an icon in the sport.

You, and the majority of the athletes in freestyle, train and practice long hours to be well-rounded riders. How do you view the one-trick ponies of the sport?

People like that just kind of make me laugh, but you can’t really get mad at them. If they have balls, then they have balls. But, as far as longevity in the sport and talent, it’s not really there. I give it to them for trying, but it can make our sport look more like a circus.  The guys that do train and take it seriously, we are professionals, and this is our job. I guess I don’t really care too much about the one-trick wonders, I mean; I have won a medal in Best Trick, so I understand it. But I like to do tricks that are possible in a normal freestyle run. Take [Kyle] Loza’s trick; that’s possible to do. But the reality of guys riding a normal freestyle course with a bike that has a special setup for a front flip or whatever is a bit questionable. But, everything is possible; we’ve proved that time and time again.

You train and practice with a lot of your normal competition. Is it possible to have a trick that no one knows about until competition, or is that a thing of the past? Is it not so much a question of what you have, but how well you do it now? Do you just say, sure, you know what I can do, but I am doing it better?

In our group, you can’t really hide anything. We all just have our own style of tricks. I have some tricks that are bigger and different, and if someone else is going a to try a trick, then more power to them. Everyone knew I was going to do the double-grab flip, everyone had seen me practice it, but at the same time, it wasn’t something they wanted to try themselves. Everyone has his own niche. Adam Jones does a lot of over the bar tricks; that’s his style, that’s what he is really good at. For me, I am not really good at bar tricks, so I pick other tricks that I think I can do bigger than others and that look explosive. Everyone has his own style and it kind of balances out.
Yeah, traveling isn’t the greatest way to live your life. But, at the same time, I am getting paid to go to Spain, Ireland, all over the world. I just try not to let it bother me. I know I have to go; I can’t call in sick. It gets old, especially around the holidays when I want relax with the family. But at the same time, it’s my job, and overall, I love it. With the state of the economy, I feel blessed to even have work. I also know that this isn’t a job that I can do until I’m 50, so I just have work at it as hard as I can while I can. The more I work, the better off I’ll be down the road. Usually, my wife travels with me everywhere, so that helps a lot.

With the all of the travel, have you found a favorite city or country to visit/compete in?

I love competing in Europe. Ireland is one of my favorite spots there. I just like going to Europe in general because of the different vibe. The European riders are always trying to catch up to what the Americans are doing and some of them are getting pretty damn close. When I compete over there, I ride harder than I do here. Over here, riders do relatively routine tricks, but over there, even at demos, the Euros ride like it’s the X-Games. They do all their big tricks, and just go for it. I think it’s cool, because it pumps me up and makes me want to do my tricks bigger and better, too.

So, would you say that the Europeans are leading the charge of perpetuating the sport, if not progressing it?

I think they have a lot of energy because they are trying to catch up. Europe has always followed the lead of the Americans, whether it is motocross, Supercross, or freestyle. They want to just got for it, and I know how they feel. It’s great; it keeps it alive and fresh.

Whip or flip?

Doing whips off of huge dirt hits are so fun. Flips are fun, too, but not like doing a fat whip. A lot of guys in our sport now can do flips, but a lot of them can’t whip worth crap. It says a lot about the whip and how much bike control is involved, if someone can do a flip, but can’t whip it all that well. Growing up, I loved watching McGrath get all whipped out. I thought he always has sick style, so a whip was the first trick I ever wanted to do. I practiced for hours and hours.

What was the highlight of 2008?

Winning the gold at X Games was awesome, but actually, I would have to say winning the silver in Best Trick was the biggest highlight. It was crazy going into the biggest contest, on the biggest stage in our sport, to do a trick knowing that there was only about an 80 percent chance I’m going to land it. I was super stressed out. I couldn’t even think about the Freestyle event. I was thinking; if I don’t land this double-grab flip, I won’t even be riding the Freestyle event. Then that transformed into, what if I crash and I can’t ride the rest of the year? But, I felt that I had it pretty much dialed enough to try it. And I knew I was going to do it regardless; I wasn’t going to back out. So when I landed it, it was almost like I won the gold medal. I didn’t care what score I got, I was just so pumped that I landed it and I did it bigger than I had even in the foam pit. That feeling was my biggest personal accomplishment. I was so pumped that I wanted to rip someone’s head off [laughs].

It is with the greatest sadness that we report…our beloved Jeremy Lusk passed away at approximately 11:03 PM PST this evening due to complications from the crash sustained Saturday evening in Costa Rica.   Still in the Calderon Hospital Intensive Care Unit, he was surrounded by his loving Mother and Father, Chuck and Gina Lusk, his wonderful wife Lauren, his Mother and Father-in-Law Lynne and Larry and many of his closest Mulisha family members including Brian Deegan, Ryan Hagy, Cameron Steele
and Erik Apple.

We will provide further updates regarding arrangements as we get them.

Here are the facts, to date, as we know them as of moments ago:

-Jeremy remains in a medically induced coma.

-He has been stabilized, but remains in very critical condition in the Calderon Intensive Care Unit in San Jose, Costa Rica.

-Doctors have been forced to lower Jeremy’s core body temperature to continue to treat the swelling on his brain.

-He continues to have brain function.

-Plans have already been made for Jeremy to be transferred, via private air ambulance, to one of the leading brain trauma centers in the US, pending a scheduled early morning conference with attending physicians, surgeons and family.

-Jeremy’s parents, Chuck and Gina Lusk left Los Angeles this morning and have just arrived in Costa Rica.

Please remember an emergency fund to help defer the costs of Jeremy Lusk’s medical care has already been established and is set up to take donations immediately.

Through the quick-moving efforts of the Athlete Recovery Fund, those interested in making a donation may do so by visiting www.athleterecoveryfund.com and clicking on the “make a donation” button.   All donations made through this website are earmarked directly for Jeremy’s care.

Please pray for Jeremy Lusk.

Paul Carpenter’s Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki mechanic Glenn Hobson stopped by the TransWorld Motocross photo studio last week to give us a closer look at his pride and joy.

The AMA’s Rob Dingman discusses the challenge of excessive sound

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — For the past 21 months, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) President and CEO Rob Dingman has been leading the world’s largest motorcyclists’ rights organization through a reorganization to rededicate the AMA to its core mission: protecting and promoting the future of motorcycling and the motorcycle lifestyle.

In this interview — the second of a three-part series by AmericanMotorcyclist.com — Dingman discusses the most contentious issue in motorcycling today: excessive sound.

AM: Many street riders have a long-held belief that a loud exhaust system alerts car and truck drivers to their presence. Yet cities and towns across America are enacting very strict sound ordinances that target motorcycles unfairly. What is the AMA doing about this?

RD: The single greatest threat to motorcycling in America — both on- and off-highway, including ATVs — is excessive exhaust sound. Nearly everyone we talk to in the motorcycling and OHV (off-highway vehicle) community echoes this concern. For many riders, their machines are an extension of their personalities, and this includes the distinctive sound of their engine’s exhaust. I completely understand that. But as motorcyclists, we have to realize that we live in a world already filled with unwanted distractions, and chief among them is sound that is so excessive that it becomes a nuisance to the general public. Excessive exhaust sound plants targets squarely on the backs of all riders, even those who ride with reasonably quiet exhaust systems.

It is important to remember that this problem is not limited to motorcycles and OHVs. Loud cars and trucks, booming car stereos, poorly maintained generators, whining leaf blowers — they are all part of the problem. However, just because there are other sources of unwanted noise does not mean that the motorcycling community can excuse itself. We have to be part of the solution.

So to answer the question, the AMA and our sister organization, the ATVA (All-Terrain Vehicle Association), must simultaneously do two things. First, we have to get our own house in order, and by that I mean all riders must take an active role in the self-regulation of sound. Second, we have to stand up against government actions that unfairly single out motorcycles and OHVs for discriminatory or punitive enforcement.

AM: What role can the AMA and ATVA take in the self-regulation of excessive sound?

RD: The first thing we have to do — through publicity, peer pressure and support of appropriate sound ordinances — is tell our friends and acquaintances who ride loud bikes and OHVs to tone it down. We need to lead by example and convey the idea that it is totally unacceptable to ride an obnoxiously loud machine. Next, we have to stop installing unmuffled exhaust systems on our bikes. Thundering cruisers with straight pipes, howling sport bikes with competition exhausts, and barking dirt bikes and OHVs with unpacked silencers have no place on our public streets and trails. While I realize this statement may cost the AMA and ATVA some members, if we continue to ignore the serious and negative impact that excessively loud bikes and OHVs are having in our communities, we are going to see more draconian measures to restrict sound, more targeting of riders, and fewer places where we are allowed to ride. Just one irresponsible rider can negatively impact the rights of countless others.

AM: Have you seen any progress to date?

RD: The AMA and its partners started a public dialog about excessive sound in the early 2000s, and the OHV community has embraced the concept of quieter motorcycles and ATVs in a big way. We have seen leadership emerge among the sport’s heroes and influencers. For example, at the invitational Colorado 500, which attracts the industry’s movers and shakers, the organizers have brought down the sound of their off-road bikes from well over 100 dB(A) to 96 dB(A) using the SAE J1287 stationary sound measurement standard. It’s become a matter of pride for entrants to have the quietest bike. And when these riders go home, they set the example for others to follow.

California is another example. AMA districts and clubs have been at the forefront of the issue, and were key participants to changes made in the state law. Today they are actively enforcing 96 dB(A) at their events.

The manufacturers’ professional racing teams are also involved, and this year both AMA Supercross and Motocross machines must meet the FIM-developed 94 dB(A) standard. And starting in 2011, AMA Racing will be enforcing similar standards in amateur racing.

There’s more good news: Many more aftermarket exhaust manufacturers build high-quality exhaust systems that readily meet these standards with no degradation in performance.

The AMA supports these grass-roots efforts by providing sound-testing equipment to our districts and clubs through a grant program. The kits help test the sound level of OHVs to help riders understand how loud — or quiet — their bikes are, and also ensure that competition machines are in compliance with AMA standards.

AM: What challenges remain?

RD: While we have made headway in the OHV community, there are still OHV and motocross riders who run excessively loud exhausts, so we have more work to do here.

Beyond that, our most pervasive challenge today is in the streetbike community, where loud bikes are all-too-common. The same measures that are working with OHV riders — peer pressure and self-regulation — are what is needed to bring about tangible change. Fortunately, most riders, and a number of clubs, have seen the writing on the wall and are already talking to their members about quieting down their bikes. The key is to regulate ourselves before the government does it for us. We certainly won’t like their solution.

AM: If the AMA is in favor of reducing excessive sound, why does the AMA oppose ordinances and legislation intended to do just that?

RD: Great question. The AMA opposes measures that target only motorcycles, and measures that are unfair. If an ordinance or a bill considers all noise sources — not just motorcycles — and is reasonable in its solution, then we can support it. And we have done so.

Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant against poorly crafted legislation that singles out motorcycles and OHVs from other vehicles and offending sound sources. This is currently the case in New York City, where a proposed sound ordinance would mandate an EPA-stamped motorcycle exhaust system, effectively requiring an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) system for streetbikes up to 20 years old. So we are working to oppose badly thought-out initiatives, while at the same time educating legislators about fair and reasonable strategies to curb excessive sound.

AM: What can we expect next?

RD: The AMA and ATVA are taking a leadership position in this effort by saying that obnoxiously loud bikes and OHVs are not acceptable, and that we will work with riders to demonstrate the benefits of quieter exhausts. We want to positively influence our peers and quiet excessively loud motorcycles and OHVs to ensure greater access to public lands and city streets, plus the continued availability of accessory exhaust systems. Also, we are looking forward to seeing an SAE-developed, easy-to-implement streetbike sound standard and testing method that will help municipalities enforce reasonable measures to reduce excessive sound. With these tools we can demonstrate that the motorcycling and OHV communities are acting responsibly when it comes to sound.

I can’t stress enough that curbing excessive sound is the most important issue that we can address today. We have to do this if we want to expand opportunities for riders, reduce threats to riding and usher in a new generation of riders who are not limited by bike bans, land closures and unjust regulation. If we do this, we can get back to what riding motorcycles is all about — having fun.

Next installment: Rob Dingman discusses the AMA’s comprehensive approach to rider safety, helmet laws and rider education.

Riding for the newly formed Ti-Lube/Honda team, Supercross newcomer, Ben Evans, is becoming a familiar face within the top ten.  We found Ben huddled up and hiding from the rain with his two older brothers and trainer in the family RV before the main event at Anaheim 3.

Ben, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 19 years old and from Boise, ID.  I’m in my rookie season racing Supercross on the west coast and loving it. I have a unique situation in that I finished high school, whereas most riders today are home-schooled.  So during my senior year of high school I was riding the A-class at the amateur nationals and then did the last three pro nationals during the summer.  So this is my first full season and its been really good so far.  My coach, Joe DeGano, and I have really been able to train and focus on my riding technique.

I recall seeing your video update after the Steel City national when you were on Ryan Clark’s team.  I believe that was just after you graduated from Loretta Lynn’s and had just turned pro.

That’s right.  I did the last couple of nationals right out of Loretta’s Lynn’s and it was pretty cool.  I had a tough time at first.  My bike caught on fire at Millville in the first moto, then I pulled a muscle in the second moto, so it was kind of a frustrating weekend.  But I came back swinging at Steel City and I got a 20th in the first moto and I had to throw my goggles as well.  In the second moto I crashed twice and ended up getting 21st (laughs).  It was a crazy experience coming in, but I’m adjusting well to Supercross and have really been able to show more of my speed.

So do you feel you are more of a natural Supercross rider than an outdoors rider?

I don’t know.  I have a smooth riding technique and I have been able to adjust pretty well.  I’m six feet tall so that does help.  Some of those rhythm sections were intimidating at first, but I think my height has definitely helped at some of the tracks and in the whoops.

Did you have any Supercross experience prior to this?  Was there a local private track for you to ride on, or are you completely new to Supercross?

Yeah, pretty much.  I rode just a couple of times last year.  But fortunately I have been riding with Cole Siebler who has a track near Boise and I have been able to go out there and ride with him.  He’s a veteran who has been around for a while.  Damon Bradshaw even came out a few times when he was preparing for the US Open.  So I got to ride with some good guys while I was learning.  It had been a while since Damon had ridden, so we were kind of learning together.

He’s not a bad guy to learn from.

No doubt, and Cole has been doing decent this year so it’s exciting to be able to ride with those guys.  Cole also got me a ride over in Europe.  I went to Germany and Switzerland riding for the Honda Meyer team.  They have a shop and gave us brand new bikes and gear to use.  It was not really a series, but just a three-race deal with two races in Germany and the other in Switzerland.  They actually have another one later in the year but it’s during our Supercross season so I couldn’t do that one.  That gave me a ton of experience coming into this season.  I got a second in Switzerland and two wins in Germany so that gave me a lot of confidence.

So now you are on the Ti-Lube/Honda team.  What is your standing at the moment?

Right now I’m ranked tenth in points.  I had a rough race last weekend, but this one is a mudder and a lot can happen.  I’m looking forward to it; I have a chance to make up some points.

Note:  Ben ran in fifth place for about the first half of the Anaheim 3 main event before falling and dropping down 16th place at the finish.  He now sits 12th in points.

Do you consider yourself to be a good mud rider?

Yeah, in the past I’ve done pretty well in the mud actually.  And I think my height helps me and being smart is key for doing well in the mud.  A couple of years ago in the Canadian Nationals, I won the first round in the mud.

That was the controversial round when they cancelled the second motos because of the mud?

That’s right, it was so bad and a lot of riders were like, “I don’t want to ride,” and things like that.  But I didn’t care either way.  I had won the first moto so I figured I would either come out with the points lead or get another shot to ride in the mud.  So I am bringing that same attitude here.

Do you have any intentions of riding the Supercross class on the east coast?  You are a taller rider so I would imagine you are fairly comfortable on a 450.

Although I’m tall, I’m pretty slender so I don’t weight very much and I like being on the 250f right now.

You were not one of the highly touted amateur kids and seemed to come into the pro ranks relatively unnoticed.

You could say that.  PJ Larsen and Darryn Durham over shadowed me a bit.  But I won a championship at Loretta’s in 2007 and got second behind Larsen last year, so I had some good finishes but the press seemed to stick to those guys.

So it’s our fault!

(laughs) Being in Idaho too, I’m out of the scene; out of California.  I’m living here now though and it seems like with my results it easier to talk with the press.  I just want to thank my team.  The Ti-Lube guys just threw this team together in the last few months and I got a ride last minute.  Some of my long time sponsors like Fly Racing stepped in and sponsored the team and Carl’s Cycles Sales gave us bikes.  Allen Brown is doing our motor work, and the Race Tech suspension is the best stuff I have ever used.  I also want to thank Pirelli, DRD, and my mechanic, Kiwi.

So Cal Fundraiser to help Jeremy Get Home

From FMX star Jim McNeil:

Jeremy Lusk fundraiser/OTP 5 video premier
Oakley and Monster Energy are throwing a video premier for On The Pipe 5 this wednesday the 11th. it is FREE! it is also going to be a fundraiser for Jeremy to help for the cost to get him back home. I know everyone is hurting from the economy and we are not asking much…if enough people show up and everyone puts in $5…it could add up and go along way. Niki D, Twitch, and I are going for sure and im sure every big name mx rider that is in town will be there to show support for our friend in need. so PLEASE…tell everyone you know…and just make it out to see another sick video for an extremely good cause.

It will be held this wednesday the 11th at the Oakley headquarters in L.A. from 7pm untill midnight.
oakley headquarters
1 icon st. foothill ranch, ca. 92610

A giant question mark hung over Anaheim stadium until late in the afternoon.  With a track that had been covered for nearly three days, no one was sure what was underneath all of that plastic.  One thing that was certain though was the fact that leading up to the race, rain had been off and on in Southern California, and that meant there would probably be some mud.  Wandering through the pits, mechanics had been taking every precaution in the case of a mudder, with some old tried and true methods, and some new ones.  Check out the gallery to see some of the more interesting techniques for mud preparation that were used, plus some general sites around the pits that were pretty mellow due to the questionable weather.

The San Manuel/L&M/Yamaha rider just captured another win at Anaheim 3.  With the track conditions being some of the roughest we have seen all year, Stewart managed to hold off a charging Chad Reed, skate around lappers, and avoid succumbing to the rain and muddy-ish conditions.  We spoke with James just after his podium celebration.

James, this was your fifth win in a row.   Can you break down the race for us?

It was good.  I got a really good start and everything was going smoothly.  Then I caught up to lappers and I got jacked up with those guys.  Eventually I got around them, but then it started raining and then got caught up with the lappers again.  But the race went great, I can’t ask for anything better, it was my fifth win in a row.  I just have to give it up for my team.  Those guys have been busting their tails the last few weeks and the bike worked the best it has all year in the whoops, and that’s all I can ask for.

From the side of the track, they seemed like some of the most treacherous whoops we have see this year.

Yeah, they were really tough, especially at the end with all of the water towards the end.  But like I said, the guys on my team are making my feel really comfortable, and I think it’s showing right now.  I think we have a great package, and I believe that we’re only going to get better.  I feel good going into the next few weeks.  Chad has obviously ridden really well in San Diego (in the past), but all I can do is ride my best; so far I have been doing that and its worked out great.

It seems as though the momentum has swung in your direction.  Is the idea to keep flowing with that or are you still trying to make improvements throughout the week to find that extra edge?

Honestly, I think momentum is good but I really don’t believe in that.  I think every week is a different week, and if I had momentum on my side, I would just be running away with everything, but it’s still a lot of hard work.  Every week I go back and I train as if I was still 18 points down in the series; in my mind I am and we just need to keep chipping away.

So the way you see it, you are coming into each race thinking, “I need to do whatever I can to get the win”; you do not let yourself become over-confident?

Yeah, every week is different.  Chad Reed is still the number one guy out there; he has the number one plate, he has the points lead.  I can’t say anything about that.  Its not my series, its his series, and all I can do is try my best to get up there.  So far I’m doing the best that I can.  Every week things change, so we’ll see in the next couple of rounds.

Are you looking forward to the series moving back east with mostly domed stadiums and different soil?

For sure, I look forward to that.  I like the west coast, but I prefer the east coast more.  I think everybody does because you don’t ever have to worry about rain plus I’m at home, and I get to practice at my house. But I think the track was awesome tonight and for the next three weeks the tracks look pretty good.

Does the whole team go down to Florida for testing or do you just stick regular practice routine?

I have my own practice setup.  The team will come down for Daytona, but I’m happy with everything we have going and there’s no reason to change.

JEREMY LUSK FUND RAISING INFORMATION

An emergency fund to help defer the costs of Jeremy Lusk’s medical care has already been established and is set up to take donations immediately.

Through the quick-moving efforts of the Athlete Recovery Fund, those interested in making a donation may do so by visiting www.athleterecoveryfund.com and clicking on the “make a donation” button.  All donations made through this website, starting TODAY, are earmarked directly for Jeremy Lusk’s care!

Financial arrangements are being put into place to pay for the Medi-Vac international air transportation that Jeremy will need once he is stable and
can be transferred to a leading United States-based Head Trauma Center.

It is likely that these funds will be needed within the next few days; therefore immediate donations are certainly appreciated.

The Athlete Recovery Fund was established in 2007 and its function is to provide professional athletes in BMX, FMX and Skate Boarding with financial support after severe injury and granting funds for rehabilitation, equipment, long-term disability and educational scholarships.

Last night at the Anaheim III round of the Monster Energy Supercross Series, Team Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto crashed hard in his heat race. “I just caught a square edge in the whoops and went over and into the big jump,” said RV2. “I saw it on TV today, and it was pretty spectacular!”

Villopoto attempted to qualify in the LCQ, but after tipping over in the same section of the track, he pulled off and retired for the evening. “I hit my head pretty hard in the heat race crash,” he said. “I was pretty dingy, and the peripheral vision in my right eye was all blurry. I got checked out by the doctors at the track, and I had to at least get out there to see if I could qualify. When I tipped over, I knew I wasn’t gonna make it anyway, so I pulled it in toi play it safe.”

“My vision is all cleared up now and I’m feeling fine,” added RV. “I am good to go for San Diego next weekend.”

In spite of his bad weekend at Anaheim, Villopoto still sits in sixth in the championship point standings.

nice trails in the mountains of westen washington. walker valley orv park for bikes, quads, and 4×4\’s.


Read more

This just in from the publicist at Metal Mulisha…

In speaking directly to Costa Rican Journalist, Jose Luis Rodriguez, journalist for the largest newspaper in Costa Rica, La Nacion (www.nacion.com) who covered Jeremy’s terrible crash and subsequent hospitalization, here are the facts, to date, as we know them:

-Jeremy Lusk was transported to Calderon Hospital in San Jose, where he now remains in a medically induced coma, in stable, but very critical condition where doctors are closely monitoring the swelling on his brain.

-Post-crash, suspected brain trauma required immediate surgery to treat a subdural hematoma on the brain.

-Surgery lasted 4 hours and 30 minutes.

-X-rays were done to the neck and spinal column and no breaks are being reported by hospital.

-When asked about injuries to other parts of his body, hospital is not reporting other injuries at this time.

-Jeremy was attended to by the head of neurological surgery, Dr. Jorge Ramirez.

-Doctors report that they will know more Jeremy’s future prognosis within the next crucial 36 to 48 hours.

Contact has been made with the Critical Care Trauma Unit at Calderon hospital, where the unit charge tech, confirmed all of the information above.

His wife Lauren, and her Dad, arrived in Costa Rica early this morning-Brian Deegan and others left Southern California early this morning bound for the Costa Rican hospital.

Communication with Costa Rica, via the Embassy, the media and the hospital will continue all throughout the day therefore, updates will certainly be released as we get them.  Please note we are getting all of our information in Spanish and then translating it out for release. Please pray for Jeremy.

Here are photos from the Anaheim 3 race.  The day began and ended with rain, but in between there was plenty of racing action.   The night ended with familiar faces on the top of the podium in both classes.

TWMX FMX Rider of the Year Jeremy Lusk was seriously injured in a crash in Costa Rica last night in the X Knights Contest. A call to Lusk’s agent, Steve Aldaco, led us to this web site, which is the best for reliable updates. “BattlezFMX has a contract with Lusk, so there is a relationship there and they are in contact with the Lusk family,” said Aldaco. “Please keep Jeremy in your thoughts and prayers.”

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATES

CLICK HERE FOR THE CRASH VIDEO

Cards, letters and well wishes may be sent to Lusk at:

Jeremy Lusk

c/o Steve Aldaco

27247 Madison Ave. Suite 120

Temecula, CA 92590

photos by Lutes

The weather mercifully pushed the rain away from Anaheim when evening finally arrived. For two days, the rain drowned the track in Angel Stadium. And though the track had been covered since it was completed on Thursday, the rain still infiltrated the dirt in sections to make the track quite interesting. Dry and dusty in some parts, and soupy in others, the Jeremy McGrath-designed track offered up a ton of technical rhythm sections and gnarly cupped-out whoops.
Since the tarps were left on the track until close to four o’clock, the riders only got once chance to dial in some lines. They were allowed only an abbreviated single qualifying practice, and it was clear afterward that the riders could have used a lot more track time to find lines.

LITES QUALIFYING
Chris Blose jumped out front in the first moto of the night. He kept his Seaspan/TLD/Honda out front for a few laps, but he spun out in the mud just before the triple, allowing Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey to get by. Gecio Powersports Honda’s Dan Reardon, meanwhile, settled into third, and stayed there throughout the moto.

Heat One Top Five

1.    Ryan Dungey
2.    Chris Blose
3.    Dan Reardon
4.    350
5.    Kyle Cunningham

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer grabbed the second muddy holeshot of the night with Justin Brayton in tow. Cole Seely got caught up with another rider in the first turn and was forced to run the duration of the moto at back of the pack. Ryan Morais held onto third, with Trey Canard behind him in fourth. The top five were spread evenly through about a quarter of the track by the time three laps were in the books. Morais snuck by Brayton at the end of the long rhythm section before one of the muddiest turns in on the track.

Heat Two Top Five
1.    Jake Weimer
2.    Ryan Morais
3.    Justin Brayton
4.    Trey Canard
5.    Ryan Sipes

LCQ Note: Jake Moss won the LCQ in his first race back from injury. Eric Mccrummen scored the second and final qualifying spot.

Page 1: Lites Qualifying  Page 2: SX Qualifying�Page 3: Lites Main�Page 4: SX Main

Stewart Grabs Streaks to Fifth Straight Victory at Monster Energy® Supercross 2009 Anaheim Finale

Jake Weimer Takes Lites Class Points Lead with Third Victory

ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 7, 2009) – The penultimate round in California produced a lot of excitement as 43,812 diehard fans braved the rain and cold temperatures inside Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California to witness San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Dade City, Fla., take his fifth consecutive win of the 2009 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., brought home his fifth straight second place finish to retain the points lead. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, garnered his third win in the AMA Arenacross Lites class and grabbed the class points lead.

Stewart led the field through the first corner with Red Bull Honda’s Davi Millsaps, of Carlsbad, Calif., and JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha’s Josh Grant, of Riverside, Calif., in tow. The 2007 series champion never looked back and led all 20 laps of the main event. Reed found himself mad pack and moved into the top five by lap 2.

Reed would continue his charge, breaking into the top three on lap 5 and second on lap 7. He maintained a blistering pace to close in on Stewart, but settled for the runner-up spot. Millsaps held of the late charges of teammate Ivan Tedesco, of Tallahassee, Fla., to take third.

“Man it was crazy out there,” explained Stewart. “I was just riding out there and realized it was raining. We got one more race out here in California and so far it’s been good. The thanks really goes out to my team. Larry Brooks, San Manuel, and all the crew they’ve been awesome this year.”

“It was sketchy,” said Reed. “I just tried to put in some consistent laps. The guys put the bike together for the mud and we just tried as hard as we could. Starts are part of the race. I just need to work on them. I really want to thank my team Rockstar/Makita Suzuki. I’m definitely feeling a lot better now than I have been.”

Weimer opened the AMA Supercross Lites main event with a mid-pack start but worked his way to the front behind leader Justin Brayton, of Murrieta, Calif., before the conclusion of lap one. The two riders engaged in a heated battle until lap eight when Weimer made the winning pass and brought teammate Ryan Morais, of Murrieta, Calif., along with him. Morais would stay close, keeping Weimer honest to bring home a runner-up finish. Brayton maintained his hold on third.

“Yeh this is a huge win for sure,” said Weimer. “Once I got by Justin (Brayton) I just kept my head down and tried to ride consistent for the rest of the main. It feels great to take the points lead and the momentum into San Diego next weekend.”

AMA Supercross Class Results, Anaheim 3

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
4. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
5. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
7. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
8. Josh Hill, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
9. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha
10. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings

1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 130
2. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 127
3. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 111
4. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 102
5. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahasse, Fla., Honda, 91
6. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 88
7. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 82
8. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 75
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 68
10. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 67

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Anaheim 3

1. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
2. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
3. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
4. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
5. Jeff Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Honda
6. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ky., KTM
7. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda
8. P.J. Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki
9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda
10. Eric McCrummen, Oakley, Calif., Honda

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 113

2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 110

3. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 102

4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 88

5. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ky., KTM, 69

6. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 68

7. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 56

8. P.J. Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 51

9. Jeff Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Honda, 39

10. Eric McCrummen, Oakley, Calif., Honda, 38

The AMA Supercross class will air on SPEED, Sunday, February 8 at 2:30p.m. EST and the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race will also air on SPEED on Sunday, February 8 at 3:30 p.m. EST.

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

About Feld Motor Sports

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

To the surprise of many, including himself, Troy Lee Designs/Seaspan/Honda’s Chris Blose has been quite a presence this season in the West Coast Regional Supercross Lites Series. We caught up with number 63 today in Anaheim to get his thoughts on his season thus far.

Tell us a little about your new digs with Troy Lee/Seaspan/Honda.

The team is awesome. Everyone here works well together, and they work hard. We practice during the week together, and we just work well as a team.

You’ve had some solid results this season, and though you crashed in San Francisco, you showed you had the speed to run up front. How do you think you are fairing?

I kind of surprised myself at Anaheim 1.  Overall, I am pretty happy with my riding. Last week in San Francisco I didn’t do too well. But I had really good lap times; I was fourth fastest. Unfortunately, I didn’t end it well, due to the crash. But I am really happy and I look forward to more racing.

You were clearly running well at San Francisco, but you crashed.  That had to be frustrating.

It was definitely frustrating. Practice wasn’t all that great, then when it came to the heat race, I got a bad start, and I banged bars with [Dan] Reardon. I went down and really hurt my thumb. I just got back on the bike and started riding, looking at lines. I won the LCQ, but in the main [Ryan] Morais and I came together and I was taken out. I couldn’t get my bike started, so I just tried to salvage some points. I ended up fifteenth.

To what do you attribute your success this year?

I can’t thank my team enough. They’ve given me all the equipment I need to do well. I think I’ve always had the skill, but I just didn’t have the opportunity to show it. I’ve been training hard with Charles Dow. He’s been working really hard with me.

What are your goals for the rest of the West Coast Lites Series?

For the remaining rounds, I definitely want to get on the podium. I know I can do it, and I know I have the speed. I just need to get a good start. I know I can run with the guys up front. I just need to put my head down and do it.

courtesy of Lutes and Kinman

We’ve all been waiting for the clouds to graciously depart from the skies above Angel Stadium these last few days… especially today. Unfortunately, it rained all through night and well into this morning. It seemed as though a ray of hope would change the course of the day at around noon, however, when the overhead clouds retreated and the sun shined down onto the pits.

For about three hours, Supercross fans and crews alike enjoyed a break in weather. At 3pm, though, the clouds had returned and it seemd that they would be threatening more rain throughout the rest of the afternoon and well into the evening.

The tarps remained on the track all day and would not begin pulling them until close to four. Dirt Wurx claims that tarp removal takes close to an hour, so the abbreviated qualifying sessions would be set to begin at 5pm.

Most of the riders retreated to their motor homes for the afternoon to stay dry and warm. We, however, roamed the pits to see how race prep was going for the teams.

Troy Lee Designs / Seaspan / PPG / Honda rider Jake Moss will join the Supercross fray this weekend in Anaheim.

The colorful Australian rider broke his back in a practice crash in November and was not expected to be back on a motorcycle anytime soon. Despite the severe nature of the injury, Jake was determined to get back on the race track as soon as possible. Through a stringent rehabilitation program, and genuine grit, Jake has gotten himself healthy and ready to go for this weekend’s race, round five in the west coast supercross series.

“I was really looking forward to joining the Troy Lee Designs team this year,” said Moss. He added, “Literally the day after I signed the contract I went out and crashed. I was bummed, for sure. I’ve just really put my head down to get healthy and make sure I get some solid finishes before the season ends. I was hoping to be back for the San Francisco round last weekend but the team asked me to wait one more weekend to prepare a bit more. I’m really excited for this weekend.”

Jake likes riding in the mud and with clouds looming overhead in the southern California skies that could play into his favor. Either way, Jake Moss is planning on jumping right into the battle at the front of the supercross lites class.

Look for the number 42 Honda this weekend at Angels Stadium.

The Troy Lee Designs/Honda race team would like to thank all of the amazing companies that have supported our racing efforts over the years. We would also like to welcome our new sponsors that will be an integral part of the crew in years to come. Among those are Seaspan, Avia, Skull Candy, Rossignol, Kasey Kahne Racing and Icon Aircraft. These companies have come onboard for 2009 and we are excited about working with them.

We would also like to acknowledge Mid-Cities Honda for their continued support of Sean Borkenhagen.

In case you didn’t already know, it’s been raining in Southern California for the better part of the past two days. Luckily, however, Dirt Wurx was able to finish the track on Thursday afternoon and get it covered just before the storm hit. Currently, it’s pouring in Anaheim, the track is still covered, and there’s a good chance that practice will be postponed or canceled. Previously when rain has hit other Supercross races, the track has remained covered until just before the night show, and only a short practice session was held for each class. We’ll continue to keep you up to date on all the news that happens today, as well as what we learn from the AMA once the riders’ meeting takes place at 11:15.

(Above photo): The track has been covered since being completed on Thursday.

(Above Photo): The rain is coming down sporatically this morning, and the forecast is calling for rain all day.

(Above Photo): The start straight is a soggy mess.

Our good friend Claudio Cabrini sent us this spy photo that he snapped of a prototype KTM being tested at a track in Italy. Look closely, and you will see *gasp!* shock linkage under the swingarm!

According to reliable sources, the linkage that was scheduled to find its way into production in 2010 has been put on hold. Initially, the all-new linkage design was set to debut on the 350SX-F that is set to be introduced in 2010. The new rear suspension system, however, will not see production until 2011 at the earliest.

Stay tuned to www.transworldmx.com, as we will post more and photos and information becomes available.

Thank you Claudio!

POWERFLOW EXTENDED INTAKE RADIATOR SHROUDS – YAMAHA

APPLICATION: Yamaha YZ450F
COLOR: Blue
PRICE: $99.95
RATING: 9.5

available at www.cycra.com
WHAT IT IS:  A few years ago, Cycra introduced their Powerflow Intake Radiator Shrouds to increase airflow for modern four-stroke bikes.  When they were first introduced, they worked well enough that many factory and satellite teams began using them regularly on their race bikes.  The new Powerflow Extended shrouds use the same base as the original Powerflow units, but have an extra piece of curved plastic riveted to the top.  Currently available for 2006-2009 Yamaha YZ450Fs and YZ250Fs, the shrouds are designed to relieve the issue of riders’ boots and knee braces snagging on the top of the stock shrouds in corners; in other words, Yamasnag.

HITS:  At first glance, one might not expect a little bit of extra plastic to be very effective in decreasing such an annoyance as boot and knee brace snag.  However the added plastic does work, not due entirely to its height, nor simply the amount used, but to the curvature and placement.  On top, the Powerflow Extended shrouds essentially rise and then curve inwards, while they also add an extra inch and a half or so to the front corner.  The increased surface area for the shrouds dramatically changes the feel of the bike (in the this case a 2009 YZ450F) in corners, allowing the rider to confidently stick his/her leg out knowing that it will not catch on the plastic unexpectedly.  Although the extensions are riveted in place, they are surprisingly sturdy, using a thicker plastic than the rest of the shroud.

MISSES:  While the rivets do work well and are smooth enough that they do not catch on clothing material, it would be nice to have the unit as one solid piece.  One reason for this is for the simple reason that the rivets increase the difficulty of applying graphics.  We found we had to cut around the rivets for the graphic kit to be applied properly.  Bear in mind that these are not stock shrouds and they do have some extra curves, so graphics will more than likely not fit perfectly (a heat gun or blow dryer always make the job easier though).  Also, nearly 100 dollars is a bit pricey for two radiator shrouds.

VERDICT:  Before using the new Cycra Powerflow Extended Intake Radiator Shrouds, turns were intimidating at times.  Not knowing if you are going to get your foot back after sticking it out will make anyone feel uneasy.  Now Yamasnag is a thing of the past with Cycra’s new product with the added bonus of increased airflow.  Why Yamaha was never able to solve this, essentially, cosmetic issue is beyond us.

So you’re over the Supercross wallpapers, huh? Well, how about some Dianna on your desktop? And yes, these are 1900wide, so they will fit more screens.

Made possible by…

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Officials with AMA Racing and the FIM (Federation International de Motocyclisme) have penalized Supercross class riders Joshua Hansen and Steve Boniface for their involvement in an altercation at the San Francisco round of the 2009 AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship.

Both riders were found to have violated Appendix A, section A2.3j, of the AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Rulebook, which states that the following offense is subject to disciplinary action:

“An attack on a Racing official and/or engaging in a fight. This includes any person who attacks or is involved in a fight anywhere on the premises prior to, during, or after an AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship meet. There will be no maximum fine or suspension period for this offense.”

Both Hansen and Boniface have been fined $10,000 for actions detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing, with a probation until May 4, 2009.

If the rider remains in compliance, the fine will be canceled.

Should either rider violate the “AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship Regulations” within the probationary period, then their fine will be due and the rider will not be allowed to participate in any future AMA/FIM events until the fine is paid.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Jason Lawrence penalized for actions at San Francisco round of the 2009 AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Racing officials determined today that actions taken by AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series rider Jason Lawrence at the San Francisco round of the series violated the terms of his existing probationary status, which began on June 12, 2008. Lawrence has therefore been suspended for the next two rounds of the 2009 AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series.

Specifically, Lawrence was found to have violated Appendix A, section A2.3j, of the AMA Supercross, and FIM World Championship, Rulebook, which states that the following offense is subject to disciplinary action:

“An attack on a Racing official and/or engaging in a fight. This includes any person who attacks or is involved in a fight anywhere on the premises prior to, during, or after an AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship meet. There will be no maximum fine or suspension period for this offense.”

It was determined that Lawrence was involved in an incident off the track involving certain Supercross class riders. As a result of that violation, Lawrence has been suspended for the next two rounds of the 2009 AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series, including the Feb. 7 round in Anaheim, Calif., and the Feb. 14 round in San Diego, Calif.

AMA officials notified Lawrence of the penalty on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Lawrence appealed and presented evidence in his favor at a meeting with AMA Racing officials on Friday, Feb. 6. Following careful consideration of that evidence, Lawrence’s appeal was denied.
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Me 416 on the Honda jumping next to my friend kris on the biggest jump there and I over shot it and broke my ankle lol

Newbury Park, CA.  The 2009 AMA Monster Energy Supercross season headed up to San Francisco on January 31st with everyone expecting inclement weather.  Boy, were we wrong.  The weather and AT&T Park provided perfect conditions for racing the world’s most awesome sport — Supercross   And in many ways, the night turned out to be the MDK/Warthog Nation’s most successful yet.

Once again, the captain of the Warthog Nation, Mastercraft’s Heath Voss, put in an outstanding race.  After a crash in the Heat, Heath had to qualify through the death defying LCQ.  He got it done with a strong second to Davi Millsaps.  In the main, after a mediocre start, Heath put his head down and charged up into 11th position, making him, for the second week in a row, the first non-factory rider across the line.  Due to his great performance, he blitzed past Paul Carpenter in the race for Privateer of the Year honors, even after missing one race in the series to date.

Eight MDK/Warthog Racing Academy riders easily qualified for the night show.  Seventeen year-old wunderkind Tyler Bowers qualified well within the top 20 in the Supercross class.  Following a bit back of Bowers were Manu Rivas, Antonio Balbi, Eric Sorby, and Tiger Lacy, on his MDK Speedster.  In Lites qualifying, Rhett Urseth led the way, followed by Ross Johnson, and Mike Horban.

The Heat races were not kind to the members of the Warthog Racing Academy – Sorby missed his transfer spot by one while the rest of the guys had problems of their own.

The shining star of the week was Tyler Bowers, who rode an excellent Heat race to qualify easily for the main — his first time ever on a big bike!!
.
In Supercross class LCQ, MDK/Warthog Racing Academy riders placed four riders in the top seven spots.  Unfortunately, they weren’t the money spots and they’ll have to regroup and get ready for next week.

In the Lites Heat action, Ross Johnson missed it by one spot with the rest of the guys further back.

The Warthog Nation came on strong in the main events. Heath nailed an excellent result while MotoConcepts Racing (MCRMX), a primary member of the 2009 Warthog Nation, had an excellent night.  Ben Coisy, Cole Siebler, Daniel McCoy, and Jeff Alessi all made the main events, posting 12th, 13th, 15th, and 20th respectively on their MDK Speed Equipment Honda race bikes.

Also joining the Warthog Nation for 2009 is the always popular Fire and Police MX team featuring Carlos Gonzalez and Justin Keeney.  Carlos and Justin run KTMs built by MDK Speed Equipment and Justin had a breakthrough weekend, placing 12th in the main.

Needless to say, the Warthog Nation movement is growing rapidly.  Philosophically, the Warthog Nation is really just the embodiment of a fundamental Warthog Racing principle — Warthog Racing has always been about the “big tent” philosophy.  We welcome partnerships with all like-minded teams and organizations that want to work together to make the sport of Supercross and Motocross a grand sport for the Privateer racers.

This season would not be possible without our committed and actively engaged sponsor/partner group.  For 2009, we have teamed up with the following entities: MDK Motorsports, MDK Speed, DeCal Works, Smooth Industries, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), P-LoK, MotoConcepts, Transworld Motocross, Vanquish MX, DT1 Air Filters, MXResultz.com, Devol Engineering, Liquid Performance, LongShot Racing, CP Pistons, VP Fuel, Dunlop, The Plumber Inc., MB2 Raceway, Edgile Consulting, MX Sports, Vortex, MotionPro, Dana K Business Parks, The Whitaker Wellness Institute, Atlantic Promotions, NXTAgency, Relentless Media, MotoTees, RacerX Illustrated, Dirt Rider Magazine, Motocross Action Magazine, MartialMoto, Honolulu Hills Raceway, L&M Racing, and Fire and Police MX.

With this fine group, anything is possible.  And special thanks to Feld Motor Sports.  Because of their full support, dozens of privateers get the opportunity to live their dreams.

Take care and we’ll see you at the races!!

***********
About Warthog Racing:

MotoConcepts is a Pacific Northwest Manufacturer of innovative and unique Motorsports accessories designed for the professional and recreational rider.  MotoConcepts is proud to partner with top motocross companies like MDK Speed, Warthog Racing, Smooth Industries, and DeCal Works to help support the MCRMX team.  For more information visit www.MotoConcepts.com

With the new March issue featuring James Stewart on the cover likely already on its way to your mailbox, we decided to give you a sneak peek of this month’s poster girl, Diana. Enjoy!

West coast parts and apparel web site Motorcycle-Superstore.com


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Torrance, CA: The 2009 Supercross race season commenced at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA on Saturday January 3, and the Honda Red Riders rolled up ready to continue Honda’s racing legacy. With five weekends of action-packed Supercross racing already in the history books, the Honda Red Riders have racked up four podium finishes aboard Honda’s all new 2009 CRF450Rs and 2009 CRF250Rs.

At the opening round of the 2009 AMA Supercross Championship, Andrew Short kick-started Honda Red Bull Racing’s 2009 Supercross campaign on his CRF450R, grabbing the second spot on the Anaheim one podium. The following week in Phoenix, it was teammate Ivan Tedesco who led the Honda charge, finishing just shy of the podium in fourth.

Returning to Angel Stadium on Saturday, January 17 for round three of the series, it was GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham who again put Honda on the podium, finishing in third on his CRF450R. Also gracing the stage at Anaheim two was Honda Red Bull Racing’s newest team member Ashley Fiolek. The 2008 WMA Champion was welcomed to the stage and introduced to the enthusiastic Angel Stadium crowd as the first female athlete ever to earn a factory ride with American Honda.

The Houston Supercross marked the first round of the Supercross East Lites Championship and GEICO Powersports Honda’s Brett Metcalfe piloted his CRF250R onto the podium, finishing second in his debut race for the Honda team. Alongside Metcalfe, champion Honda amateur racer Blake Wharton made his pro debut for GEICO Powersports Honda, finishing an impressive fifth.

The San Francisco Supercross marked the halfway point in the eight-round Supercross West Lites Championship and 2008 East Coast Champion Trey Canard made his first podium of the 2009 season, finishing third at round four of the Supercross West Lites Championship.

Honda racers currently occupy four top-ten places in both Supercross and Supercross West Lites Championships, and three top-ten positions in the Supercross East Lites Championship. The Honda Red Riders return to Angel Stadium in Anaheim this Saturday February 7, to tackle round six of the Supercross Championship and round five of the Supercross West Lites Championship aboard Honda’s CRF machines.

Point Standings–Top Honda riders:

Supercross Point Standings
5th - Andrew Short             87
6th - Ivan Tedesco              73
7th - Kevin Windham          68
10th - Davi Millsaps            55

Supercross West Lites Championship Point Standings
5th - Chris Blose                  56
7th - Dan Reardon               42
8th - P. J. Larsen                  38
10th - Ben Evans                 31
11th – Trey Canard               27

Supercross East Lites Championship Point Standings
2nd - Brett Metcalfe             22
5th - Blake Wharton             16
9th - Daniel Blair                  12

National track, U2 am. track, and GNCC track. I love the U2 am. moto track. It has a ski slope type down hill jump that is psychotic!


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2221 Irish Valley Rd.
Paxinos, PA 17860
www.irishvalleymx.com

Jon Mitcheff is now one of the winningest mechanics to ever spin a wrench in the Supercross pits. As Ryan VIllopoto’s longtime mechanic, Mitcheff has more championships than most will ever see. Now that his young rider has graduated from Mitch Payton’s school of champions, Mitcheff has made the move up, as well, to the Monster Energy Factory Kawasaki team. With a new bike, new challenges, and a new semi to pit out of, Mitcheff and Villopoto are setting news goals together in 2009.

Everybody’s had attention on Ryan’s transition. How’s your transition been from the 250 to the 450?

It’s been good. It was slow at first because it was a whole new bike. It’s not too much different from a 250F. Overall it’s been a smooth transition. Factory Kawasaki does do things differently than Pro Circuit. Over here it is pretty laid back. Over at PC, it’s pretty high-intensity; Mitch sets a pretty high standard over there. There is a high standard here too, just more laid back. Everybody has a job here and they do it, ya know. Where over there, you had a lot of jobs; over here you have one job and you stick to it. Other than that, it’s going pretty smoothly since race season started.

You’ve been championship mechanic for a lot of years now, and this year Ryan and you are growing again. Has it been a shock to go from top dogs back to rising competitors?

That’s what makes the fun of this sport. We set a lot of goals and achieved them over at Pro Circuit, so here we’re starting at the bottom again and it makes you work harder and want it more. Ryan will eventually get it, it’s just not going to come over night. So he’s still learning, I’m still learning, and that’s what makes this sport fun. That’s what makes me want to go to the races every weekend.

That’s a good point. You’re not guaranteed that win anymore, that podium spot; that has made it more exciting because you don’t know what to expect every race.

No I get just as nervous. You know, I want see him up there, and I know he works hard through the week, and we work hard at the shop through the week. When he didn’t get on the box for a few races, he was bummed, I was bummed, everybody was bummed! I know he can get up there, and he knows he can get up there. It’s just learning, and once he gets it figured out, he’s gonna get up there.

Has working on the 450 sent you any curveballs? Or has transition been pretty seamless?

It’s pretty similar, just the motors a lot bigger, a lot more parts in the motor compared to a 250F. You could do one of those in your sleep, but 450 has more parts and it takes a little longer to learn it, because I really didn’t do a lot of 450 motors at Pro Circuit. But other than that, it’s been pretty smooth.

Have your responsibilities with the bike been a little different since coming under the Monster Kawasaki tent?

No, not really. Well, I don’t have to build race engines anymore. At Pro Circuit everyone is required to build his own race engine. Now, Ryan has his own engine guy [Rick Ashley]. But when he gets a little bit behind, I’ll help him tear a motor apart and clean it and lay it out. But Rick is my engine guy, and I’m basically in charge of the chassis and practice bikes–that’s it. Rick does the motors & that’s it. I don’t have to worry about building an engine the very first day I get back to the shop. Where at Pro Circuit we built engines first, and then built our race bikes after that.

Predictions for the rest of the season… Hopes? Goals?

The hope is to be on the box. I can’t give any predictions; I’m kind of superstitious, so I don’t predict anything. I hope to see him on the box every week and keep improving. He’s improved every race so far and I hope he just keeps improving after that.

What happened at the Showdown in San Francisco? I wish we were talking about a great battle on the track, but unfortunately it has to deal with an alleged altercation in the pits long after the last checkered flag was waved that involved Steve Boniface and the unlikely tag team effort of Jason Lawrence and Josh Hansen. This type of bravado goes on all the time and would have probably been quickly dismissed as the normal pecker-measuring that racers do, but it involved Jason Lawrence who sat out the evening’s festivities due to an illness of some kind. That of course has folks saying if he were too ill to race, then he probably should have been more cognizant of spreading his germs to others. It’s freaking flu season!

We have invited the participants and reliable eye witnesses on the show this evening, but at the time of this press release only TLD’s Steve Boniface and David Pingree have confirmed. We welcome on at any time any other person that would like to express their side of the story as well, but felt it was a relevant issue that needed addressing this week.

Wednesday Night 8-11pm EST
www.dmxsradio.com

AMA Supercross Class Stats in Anaheim
First race held at Angel Stadium  was December 4,  1976 and  Marty Smith won on a Honda
This race marks the 51st time the  gate will drop for an AMA Supercross class race in  Anaheim
Since 2001  Anaheim has hosted 3 rounds of AMA  Supercross and holds the record for most AMA Supercross races held
Chad Reed will be going for his  7th win in Anaheim
In 2002, Ricky Carmichael finished  21st at round 1 and fought back to win the Supercross championship. That had  never been done before.
In 1997, Jeff Emig finished 6th,  in 1999 Jeremy McGrath finished 7th in round 1. Both riders would come back to  win that championship.

AMA Supercross Class Wins by Brand in Anaheim
Honda (19)
Yamaha(17)
Kawasaki(7)
Suzuki (6)

After Anaheim 1, James Stewart finished 19th and was 23 points back and has now climbed back to 2nd place in the points, 6 behind Chad Reed
Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

First-Time Winners in Anaheim
1979, Kent Howerton (1979)
1982, Donnie Hansen (1982)
1983, David Bailey (1983)
1984, Johnny O’Mara (1984)
1990, Damon Bradshaw (1990)
1993, Jeremy McGrath (1983)
2003, Chad Reed (2003)
2009, Josh Grant (2009)

AMA Supercross Class Notables from San Francisco
James Stewart earned his 29th AMA  Supercross career win. He is now 4th on the all-time AMA Supercross win  list.
Chad Reed is 3rd on the all-time  AMA Supercross win list with 35 wins. Chad Reed earned the 91st podium finish  of his career .
Yamaha has 5 consecutive wins to  open the season for the second time in the history of AMA  Supercross
In 2000 Yamaha opened the season  with 8 consecutive wins.
Josh Grant remains in the top 5  for the 5th straight week
Chad Reed has won at least one AMA  Supercross race for 6 consecutive seasons. Three of those seasons he did it  before the seventh race of the season
Can Yamaha sweep  Anaheim?

AMA Supercross Lites Class Stats
First race at Angel Stadium was on  February 2,  1985 and  Mike Healy won on a Suzuki
This will be the 42nd  time the gate will drop for an AMA Supercross Lites race in  Anaheim

AMA Supercross Lites Wins by Brand in Anaheim
Kawasaki (18)
Suzuki (8)
Honda (6)
Yamaha (6)
KTM (3)

AMA Supercross Lites Notables from San Francisco
Jake Weimer earned his 2nd  win of the season
After 4 Western Regional AMA  Supercross Lites class races, only 2 riders have won the main  event
There are 2 races to go in the  Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class before a seven-week  break

AMA Supercross Laps Led
James Stewart               67
Josh Grant                   14
Kevin Windham              11
Chad Reed                    5
Ryan Villopoto               3

AMA Supercross Lites Class Laps Led
Jake Weimer                 34
Ryan Dungey                 21
Christophe Pourcel         15
Ryan Morais                  4
Daniel Reardon              2

Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Class)
James Stewart (Anaheim 1)
Josh Grant (Phoenix)
Mike Alessi (Anaheim 2)
Mike Alessi (Houston)
James Stewart (San Francisco)

Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Lites Class)
Daniel Reardon (Anaheim 1)
Jake Weimer (Phoenix)
Ryan Morais (Anaheim 2)
Christophe Pourcel (Houston)
Jake Weimer (San Francisco)

MMI Top Tech Award
Mark Valcore (Anaheim 1)
Rich Simmons (Phoenix)
Mike Gosselaar (Anaheim 2)
Glenn Hobson (Houston)
Jon Mitcheff (San Francisco)

US Smokeless Tobacco Company Pro Privateer Challenge
1. Heath Voss               14
2. Ben Coisy                 13
3. Paul Carpenter         11

Asterisk Medic Card
Cole Seely (Anaheim 1)
Derek Costella (Phoenix)
Alex Martin (Anaheim 2)
Fred Karrle (Houston)
Michael Hall (San Francisco)

Racer X Gas Card
Jacob Marsack (Anaheim 1)
Sean Hamblin (Phoenix)
Josh Summey (Anaheim 2)
Ben Lamay (Houston)
Nicholas A. Wey (San Francisco)

AMA Supercross Class Results, San Francisco
James  Stewart, Haines  City,  Fla.,  Yamaha
Chad  Reed, Tampa,  Fla.,  Suzuki
Ryan  Villopoto, Poulsbo,  Wash.,  Kawasaki
Josh  Grant, Riverside,  Calif.,  Yamaha
Andrew  Short, Smithville,  Texas,  Honda
Kevin  Windham, Centerville,  Miss.,  Honda
Josh  Hill, Yoncalla,  Ore.,  Yamaha
Davi  Millsaps, Tallahassee,  Fla.,  Honda
Mike  Alessi, Apple  Valley,  Calif.,  Suzuki
Ivan  Tedesco, Tallahassee,  Fla.,  Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
Chad  Reed, Tampa,  Fla.,  Suzuki, 108
James  Stewart, Haines  City,  Fla.,  Yamaha, 102
Josh  Grant, Riverside,  Calif.,  Yamaha, 95
Ryan  Villopoto, Poulsbo,  Wash.,  Kawasaki,  88
Andrew  Short, Smithville,  Texas,  Honda, 87
Ivan  Tedesco, Tallahassee,  Fla.,  Honda, 73
Kevin  Windham, Centerville,  Miss.,  Honda, 68
Mike  Alessi, Apple  Valley,  Calif.,  Suzuki, 58
Tim  Ferry, Largo,  Fla.,  Kawasaki,  56
Davi  Millsaps, Tallahassee,  Fla.,  Honda, 55

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, San Francisco
Jake  Weimer, Rupert,  Idaho,  Kawasaki
Ryan  Dungey, Belle Plaine,  Minn.,  Suzuki
Trey  Canard, Shawnee,  Okla.,  Honda
Justin  Brayton, Murrieta,  Calif.,  KTM
Ryan  Morais, Murrieta,  Calif.,  Kawasaki
Ryan  Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM
Dan  Reardon, Menifee,  Calif.,  Honda
Kyle  Cunningham, Fort  Worth,  Texas,  Kawasaki
PJ  Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki
Eric  McCrummen, Oakley, Calif., Honda

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
Ryan  Dungey, Belle Plaine,  Minn.,  Suzuki, 92
Jake  Weimer, Rupert,  Idaho,  Kawasaki,  88
Ryan  Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 80
Justin  Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 68
Chris  Blose, Phoenix,  Ariz.,  Honda, 56
Ryan  Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM, 54
Dan  Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 42
PJ  Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 38
Jason  Lawrence, Carlsbad,  Calif.,  Yamaha, 34
Ben  Evans, Boise, Idaho, Honda, 31

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1.       Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 25
2.       Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 22
3.       Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 20
4.       Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 18
5.       Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 16
6.       Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 15
7.       Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 14
8.       Darryn Durham, Wildomar, Calif., Yamaha, 13
9.       Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda, 12
10.   Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 11

AMA Supercross Class Rider Finishes
James Stewart
Anaheim 1:                                19
Phoenix:                                   1
Anaheim 2:                                1
Houston:                                   1
San Francisco                           1

Chad Reed
Anaheim 1:                                3
Phoenix:                                   2
Anaheim 2:                                2
Houston:                                   2
San Francisco                           2

Ryan D. Villopoto
Anaheim 1:                                5
Phoenix:                                   7
Anaheim 2:                                4
Houston:                                   3
San Francisco                           3

Joshua M. Grant
Anaheim 1:                                1
Phoenix:                                   3
Anaheim 2:                                5
Houston:                                   5
San Francisco                           4

Andrew Short
Anaheim 1:                                2
Phoenix:                                   5
Anaheim 2:                                6
Houston:                                   4
San Francisco                           5

Kevin W. Windham
Anaheim 1:                                15
Phoenix:                                   6
Anaheim 2:                                3
Houston:                                   9
San Francisco                           6

Joshua R. Hill
Anaheim 1:                                16
Phoenix:                                   8
Anaheim 2:                                12
Houston:                                   11
San Francisco                           7

David D. Millsaps
Anaheim 1:                                12
Phoenix:                                   10
Anaheim 2:                                10
Houston:                                   10
San Francisco                           8

Mike A. Alessi
Anaheim 1:                                11
Phoenix:                                   11
Anaheim 2:                                9
Houston:                                   7
San Francisco                           9

Ivan Tedesco
Anaheim 1:                                6
Phoenix:                                   4
Anaheim 2:                                7
Houston:                                   6
San Francisco                           10

Heath D. Voss
Anaheim 1:                                7
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
Houston:                                   12
San Francisco                           11

Ben Coisy
Anaheim 1:                                8
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                17
Houston:                                   16
San Francisco                           12

Cole T. Siebler
Anaheim 1:                                13
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
Houston:                                   14
San Francisco                           13

Kyle P. Chisholm
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
Houston:                                   17
San Francisco                           14

Daniel McCoy
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
Houston:                                   N/A
San Francisco                           15

Tyler T. Bowers
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
Houston:                                   N/A
San Francisco                           16

Joshua Hansen
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   17
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
Houston:                                   20
San Francisco                           17

Troy K. Adams
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   19
Anaheim 2:                                15
Houston:                                   N/A
San Francisco                           18

Paul P. Carpenter
Anaheim 1:                                10
Phoenix:                                   13
Anaheim 2:                                11
Houston:                                   13
San Francisco                           19

Steve Boniface
Anaheim 1:                                17
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                16
Houston:                                   N/A
San Francisco                           20

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Rider Finishes
Jake T. Weimer
Anaheim 1:                                1
Phoenix:                                   4
Anaheim 2:                                3
San Francisco:                          1

Ryan M. Dungey
Anaheim 1:                                3
Phoenix:                                   1
Anaheim 2:                                1
San Francisco                           2

Trey G. Canard
Anaheim 1:                                14
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          3

Justin D. Brayton
Anaheim 1:                                7
Phoenix:                                   2
Anaheim 2:                                7
San Francisco                           4

Ryan Morais
Anaheim 1:                                2
Phoenix:                                   3
Anaheim 2:                                2
San Francisco                           5

Ryan Sipes
Anaheim 1:                                6
Phoenix:                                   7
Anaheim 2:                                11
San Francisco                           6

Dan Reardon
Anaheim 1:                                19
Phoenix:                                   10
Anaheim 2:                                6
San Francisco                           7

Kyle B. Cunningham
Anaheim 1:                                20
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                8
San Francisco:                          8

P.J. Larsen
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   6
Anaheim 2:                                10
San Francisco:                          9

Eric J. McCrummen
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                      13
Anaheim 2:                                13
San Francisco:                          10

Cole Seely
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   11
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          11

Justin F. Keeney
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          12

Sean D. Borkenhagen
Anaheim 1:                                12
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          13

Adam B. Chatfield
Anaheim 1:                                13
Phoenix:                                   12
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          14

Chris Blose
Anaheim 1:                                4
Phoenix:                                   5
Anaheim 2:                                5
San Francisco:                          15

Topher C. Ingalls
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   17
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          16

Michael J. Sleeter
Anaheim 1:                                17
Phoenix:                                   15
Anaheim 2:                                16
San Francisco:                          17

Brady A. Sheren
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                N/A
San Francisco:                          18

Sean T. Collier
Anaheim 1:                                N/A
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                20
San Francisco:                          19

Jeff Alessi
Anaheim 1:                                8
Phoenix:                                   N/A
Anaheim 2:                                12
San Francisco                           20

Dallas, TX., February 3, 2008 - Team San Manuel Yamaha’s Kyle Chisholm shares his thoughts on being teammate and riding partner to the fastest man on earth. We also find out a little more on how he was relatively unknown in the U.S. before becoming Bubba’s teammate at Yamaha and how that whole ride sort of “supernaturally” happened.

http://www.58mxlive.com

About the show:
58MXLive - Texas Moto Show, is an online moto show brought to you by FIVE8 MOTOCROSS, with show hosts Shand Garcia, author of “Berm-The Texas Motocross Chronicles” and Holeshot Magazine fame, as well as Five8 Motocross’s own “W” twins, Aaron “Woody” Woodfield and Kevin Weable. 58MXLive covers action in the national and south-central Texas motocross scene as well as faith in the MX community shared by nationally known riders. We have a money back guarantee.

Freeride Media Productions takes an inside look at Jamie Mac as he learns the rotation of a backflip!

We caught up with Ivan Tedesco at the Honda SX test track after San Francisco SX where he was putting in some training laps.

WHO: TEAM SAN MANUEL YAMAHA’s 2007 AMA Supercross Champion
James Stewart and rookie-standout Kyle Chisholm

WHAT: Special guests to about 100 kids that are part of the Boys & Girls Club
Program. Team San Manuel moderates a brief program and James
and Kyle…
o Speak about their work on and off the race track.
o Are part of an interactive session that invites kids to ask questions and share thoughts.
o Provide kids in attendance with an official TEAM SAN MANUEL poster!
o Offer kids in attendance the opportunity to take photos with riders.

WHEN: WEDS, FEBRUARY 4TH  o 4:00 PM o MEDIA CHECK-IN @ 3:30

WHERE: The Boys & Girls Club of Lake Elsinore
3711 Nichols Road - Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

Team San Manuel is a unique partnership between the San Manuel
Band of Mission Indians and L&M Racing, LLC, with the sole purpose
of reaching out to Native and non-Native communities and sharing
with them the value of perseverance and dedication.  Building a
winning team comprised of top-notch talent and community service,
Team San Manuel honors the Serrano belief of caring for our
Community.

Carlsbad, CA, 2/3/09 – Murge Marketing Group is pleased to announce they have signed a deal to be the exclusive agency for the EKS Brand grassroots sponsorship program and will handle all social networking initiatives. Murge Marketing Group (MMG) will be focusing on evolving the Eks Brands amateur rider support program as well as developing turnkey social networking objectives. “I am extremely excited to have teamed up with Rich Taylor and Eks Brand to help grow brand awareness and drive a successful amateur support program.” Says Justin Fierro, President of MMG. “I’m looking forward to utilizing MMG’s expertise to build our grassroots program and online initiatives. The deep motocross background of the entire MMG staff along with their marketing ideas and professionalism has me feeling very confident with the future sales of all EKS BRAND products.” Says Rich Taylor, Owner of Eks Brand.

Murge Marketing Group works with brands to generate comprehensive online marketing strategies as well as building a highly effective social networking initiative to drive sales from a brands core audience. We offer professional and affordable services to grow both brand awareness and sales.

To contact Murge Marketing Group:

Phone: 760.908.2266
Email: info@murgemarketing.com
www.murgemarketing.com

About Eks Brand

EKS Brand was created by two of the most knowledgeable goggle guy’s around. With well over thirty years of eyewear experience Rich Taylor and his dad, Hook Taylor, have been testing, selling, and developing innovative high performance protective eyewear since the early 70’s.

Tyla Rattray @ Perris

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Our buddy Dan Guetter was on hand at San Francisco Supercross and he passed on some photos for the site. Check ‘em out.

AURORA, Ill. (February 2, 2009) – With five races in the record books for the 2009 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season, Team San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Haines City Fla., has taken control of the race-wins column but sits nine points behind current points leader Chad Reed as the championship returns to Anaheim’s Angel Stadium this Saturday night. In the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class points race, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., leads the way with a four-point advantage over Monster Energy/Pro-Circuit Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho.

Media Day will be held Thursday, February 5, from Noon-2:00 p.m. inside the Diamond Club at Angel Stadium. The Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team will be on hand for interviews and photo opportunities. Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey and Mike Alessi will be the featured riders.

Long considered the de facto home of Monster Energy® Supercross, Angel Stadium has hosted more AMA Supercross races than any other venue.  After two out of this year’s three scheduled races, Anaheim’s huge crowds have already seen some of the best racing of the season. As the third and final race at the venue, Reed, who rides for the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team needs to stage a defense against Stewart’s dominant four-race win streak. Winless in 2009, Reed, capitalized on Stewart’s misfortune at Anaheim 1 where he suffered two crashes (one involving Reed) and failed to finish the race. Reed left Angel Stadium that night with an 18-point lead over Stewart.

While the task ahead of him looked monumental, Stewart, who is the 2007 AMA Supercross class champion, slowly narrowed the lead to nine. Since Angel Stadium began hosting three races in a single season (2001), Stewart and Reed are the only riders to sweep all three races. With the opening-race win going to JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha’s Josh Grant, of Riverside, Calif., and the Anaheim 2 win going to Stewart, Reed can join the list of Anaheim winners in 2009 and cushion his points with a win this weekend.

Last weekend at San Francisco’s AT&T park Stewart was clearly the dominant rider, having set the fastest lap time in practice, winning his heat race and going on to win the main event by a solid margin over Reed. Stewart grabbed the holeshot to start the AMA Supercross class main event with Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, of Apple Valley, Calif., and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., following in second and third respectively. Chad Reed started in fourth and moved into second place on lap three. Villopoto rounded out the podium in third place.
“We are working really hard this year,” said Stewart. “I felt good tonight and the track was tough. It was an awesome night for me.”

Reed, who is the defending AMA Supercross class champion, enjoyed the race at San Francisco, but will re-focus this weekend in Anaheim.

“The weather was awesome at San Francisco, and it was better than it’s been since 2003,’ said Reed. “It was nice to show up here and see the sun, but it was a tough day; we had a crash in the first lap of practice, and we had to fight back from that. The track was really slick, so we had to compensate for that and try and get a good start. The main event was good as far as getting out on the start on my Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450. I was third on the first turn and fourth on the next one, but I fought back in and … worked my way into second. It was a good, clean 20 laps. I still have the points lead,” said Reed. “Right now that is important and we go back to Anaheim next weekend, so we will work to get better.”

In the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class, Weimer picked up the holeshot, leading Suzuki’s Cole Seely, of Newbury Park, Calif., through turn one. Dungey started in fourth and by the end of lap one he moved into second place. GEICO Powersports’ Trey Canard, of Shawnee, Okla., moved into third place on lap three.

After failing to pass Weimer on the first 11 laps of the main event, Dungey made the pass and lost his front end, causing him to crash. The crash allowed Canard to move into second place. Dungey remounted, passed Canard for second where he finished. Canard earned a season-best third place.

“I earned the first podium of my career here in San Francisco, so this is a special place for me,” said Weimer. “I rode a smart and calm race tonight. Ryan (Dungey) was riding great, but it’s good for me to pick up the win.”

“I was a little impatient,” said Dungey about making the pass. “I made the move and it didn’t work out. We will see what happens next weekend in Anaheim.”

During last year’s Anaheim 3 race, Reed won his fourth Monster Energy® Supercross race of the season while Jason Lawrence, who went on to win the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship, scored his second consecutive win of the season.

The AMA Supercross class will air on SPEED, Sunday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. EST and the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race will also air on SPEED on Sunday, February 8 at 3:30 p.m. EST.

Tickets are available at www.SupercrossOnline.com <http://www.supercrossonline.com/> , by phone at 714-740-2000 or 213-480-3232, the Angel Stadium box office, Ticketmaster, Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, and participating Yamaha dealerships. Club Level and Diamond Club seats are $75; Trackside Seats are $45; Extreme seats are $35; Upper Deck seats are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. All seats are $2 more on the day of the race. Practice and qualifying begin at 12:30 and racing begins at 7:00 p.m.  Just recycle any empty Monster Energy can at the Pit Entrance for your free admission to the Pit Party with a valid Saturday ticket from 12:30PM – 6:00PM.  Pit Passes will also be available for purchase for $10 on the event day at the Angel Stadium box office.

The first AMA Supercross race was held in Anaheim on December 4, 1976, and Marty Smith won on a Honda. Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath share the all-time AMA Supercross class win record at Angel Stadium with eight wins each. In the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class, three riders have swept all three races at Angel Stadium: Villopoto, Ivan Tedesco and Ernesto Fonseca. Stewart, Kevin Windham and McGrath are the only riders in history to win in the AMA Supercross Lites class and AMA Supercross class at Anaheim.

AMA Supercross Class Results, San Francisco
James Stewart,  Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Chad Reed,  Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
Ryan Villopoto,  Poulsbo, Wash.,  Kawasaki
Josh Grant,  Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
Andrew Short,  Smithville, Texas, Honda
Kevin Windham,  Centerville, Miss., Honda
Josh Hill,  Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha
Davi Millsaps,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
Mike Alessi,  Apple  Valley,  Calif., Suzuki
Ivan Tedesco,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
Chad Reed,  Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 86
James Stewart,  Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 77
Josh Grant,  Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 77
Andrew Short,  Smithville, Texas, Honda, 71
Ryan Villopoto,  Poulsbo, Wash.,  Kawasaki, 68
Ivan  Tedesco, Tallahasse, Fla., Honda, 62
Tim Ferry,  Largo,  Fla.,  Kawasaki, 56
Kevin Windham,  Centerville, Miss., Honda, 53
Mike Alessi,  Apple  Valley,  Calif., Suzuki, 46
Davi Millsaps,  Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 42

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, San Francisco
Jake Weimer,  Rupert, Idaho,  Kawasaki
Ryan Dungey, Belle  Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
Trey Canard,  Shawnee, Okla., Honda
Justin Brayton,  Murrieta, Calif., KTM
Ryan Morais,  Murrieta, Calif.,  Kawasaki
Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken.,  KTM
Dan Reardon,  Menifee, Calif., Honda
Kyle Cunningham,  Fort Worth, Texas,  Kawasaki
PJ  Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki
Eric  McCrummen, Oakley, Calif., Honda

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
Ryan Dungey, Belle  Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 92
Jake Weimer,  Rupert, Idaho,  Kawasaki, 88
Ryan  Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 80
Justin  Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 68
Chris Blose,  Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 56
Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM,  54
Dan  Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 42
PJ  Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 38
Jason Lawrence,  Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 34
Ben  Evans, Boise, Idaho, Honda, 31

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1.       Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 25
2.       Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 22
3.       Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 20
4.       Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 18
5.       Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 16
6.       Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 15
7.       Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 14
8.       Darryn Durham, Wildomar, Calif., Yamaha, 13
9.       Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda, 12
10.   Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 11

Past Winners in Anaheim

AMA Supercross Class
January 3: 2009:                                    James Stewart
January 17:2009:                                   James Stewart
January 5, 2008:                                    Chad Reed
January 19, 2008:                                  Chad Reed
February 2, 2008:                                   Chad Reed
January 6, 2007:                                    James Stewart
January 20, 2007:                                  James Stewart
February 3, 2007:                                   James Stewart
January  07, 2006:                                             James Stewart
January 21, 2006:                                  Ricky Carmichael
February  04, 2006:                                Ricky Carmichael
January 8, 2005                                     Kevin Windham
January 22, 2005                                   Ricky Carmichael
February 5, 2005                                    Ricky Carmichael
January 3, 2004                                     Chad Reed
January 17, 2004                                   Chad Reed
January 31, 2004                                   Kevin Windham
January  04, 2003:                                 Chad Reed
January 18, 2003:                                  Ricky Carmichael
February  01, 2003:                                Ricky Carmichael
January 05, 2002:                                  David Vuillemin
January 19, 2002:                                  Mike LaRocco
February 02, 2002:                                 Ricky Carmichael
January 06, 2001:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 20, 2001:                                  Jeremy McGrath
February 03, 2001:                                 Ricky Carmichael
January 8, 2000:                                    Jeremy McGrath
January 15, 2000:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 09, 1999:                                  Ezra Lusk
February 06, 1999:                                 Ezra Lusk
January 27, 1996:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 28, 1995:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 29, 1994:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 23, 1993:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 25, 1992:                                  Damon Bradshaw
January 26, 1991:                                  Jeff Stanton
January 27, 1990:                                  Damon Bradshaw
January 28, 1989:                                  Rick Johnson
January 31, 1987:                                  Jeff Ward
January 18, 1986:                                  David Bailey
February 02, 1985:                                 Broc Glover
January 28, 1984:                                  Johnny O’Mara
January 29, 1983:                                  David Bailey
January 30, 1982:                                  Donnie Hansen
January 31, 1981:                                  Kent Howerton
November 17, 1979:                               Kent Howerton
November 11, 1978:                               Gaylon Mosier
November 12, 1977:                                           Bob Hannah
December 04, 1976:                               Marty Smith

AMA Supercross Lites Class
January 3, 2009:                                    Jake Weimer
January 17: 2009:                                  Ryan Dungey
January 5, 2008:                                    Ryan Dungey
January 19, 2008:                                  Ryan Dungey
February 2, 2008:                                   Jason Lawrence
January 6, 2007:                                    Ryan Villopoto
January 20, 2007:                                  Ryan Villopoto
February 3, 2007:                                   Ryan Villopoto
January  07, 2006:                                 Andrew Short
January 21, 2006:                                  Grant Langston
February 04, 2006:                                 Grant Langston
January 8, 2005                                     Nathan Ramsey
January 22, 2005                                   Ivan Tedesco
February 5, 2005                                    Ivan Tedesco
January 3, 2004                                     Ivan Tedesco
January 17, 2004                                   Ivan Tedesco
January 31, 2004                                   Ivan Tedesco
January 04, 2003:                                  Travis Preston
January 18, 2003:                                  James Stewart Jr.
February 01, 2003:                                 James Stewart Jr.
January 05, 2002:                                  Travis Preston
January 19, 2002:                                  David Pingree
February 02, 2002:                                 Brock Sellards
January 06, 2001:                                  Ernesto Fonseca
January 20, 2001:                                  Ernesto Fonseca
February 03, 2001:                                 Ernesto Fonseca
January 8, 2000:                                    David Pingree
January 15, 2000:                                  Tallon Vohland
January 09, 1999:                                  Casey Johnson
February 06, 1999:                                 Nathan Ramsey
January 27, 1996:                                  Kevin Windham
January 28, 1995:                                  Damon Huffman
January 29, 1994:                                  Damon Huffman
January 09, 1993:                                  Damon Huffman
January 25, 1992:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 26, 1991:                                  Jeremy McGrath
January 27, 1990:                                  Michael Craig
January 28, 1989:                                  Jeff Matiasevich
January 31, 1987:                                  Jeff Matiasevich
January 18, 1986:                                  Tyson Vohland
February 02, 1985:                                 Mike Healy

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com <http://www.supercrossonline.com/> . For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com <mailto:dennyhartwig@livenation.com>  or 630-566-6305.

About Feld Motor Sports
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com

It’s Monday, and there’s an entire week before we get another fix of Supercross. Next Saturday we go back to Anaheim for the third and final round in Orange County, CA, but before we start speculating about what’s in store in six days, let’s recap San Francisco.

For the first time in who knows how long, the weather in S.F. cooperated, and the fans definitely welcomed it. Just shy of 40,000 fans piled into AT&T Park by the bay to witness some Supercross. All day long, the pits were absolutely overflowing with people. Once autograph signing started, it was nearly impossible to navigate through the pits.

The started off like any other, although as practice wound down, we noticed Jason Lawrence never made it out. It wasn’t until quite late in the day that the official word from his camp made itself public. Crown Management released an announcement that said Lawrence was “nailed with a bout of food poisoning, hospitalized, and [would] miss the miss the S.F. Lites round.”

Other reports, including an unconfirmed rumor posted by MXA, said there was an altercation amongst J-Law, Josh Hansen, and Steve Boniface just after the race. We are sure the message boards are spewing out all you can handle with this, but we will see if we can learn a little more as the day goes along.

Walking around the pits, we always try to keep our eye out for cool stuff, especially when it comes to the actual bikes. Race after race, however, it gets increasingly difficult to spot new things. This week, though, we did manage to spot a pretty trick feature on the KTMs. As shown below on Ryan Sipes’ MDK/KTM 250SX-F, the has been an addition to the rear shock. It has an added reverse top-out spring. just above the main spring.

The top-out spring is designed to absorb some of the impact from top-out. It can be adjusted, and the individual springs are removable. Initial word is that it is great in the whoops and for seat-bouncing. Swap talked to Martin Davalos and he said it was quite noticeable and a huge improvement. No word on how long this will be solely a factory race feature.

As for actual racing, a big surprise came from Tim Ferry when he failed to make the main event. We don’t remember the last time we saw a main without Red Dog (other than when he was injured), of course). In the LCQ, suffered from first-turn pile-up woes and it was over before it had started. Ferry’s teammate, however, enjoyed better results. Ryan Villopoto scored his second podium in a row, and it is apparent that he is becoming not only more comfortable on his 450, but can go faster late in the race. The transition from a 15-lap moto on a 250 to a 20-lap moto on a 450 can be daunting, but RV2 seems to be taking the graduation well. Villopoto is currently sitting fourth overall in points, just seven behind third-place Josh Grant.

MORE ON PAGE TWO (including more photos)

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Weimer Wins Second Lites Class Race of ’09 Season

SAN FRANCISCO (January 31, 2009) – James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., won his fourth consecutive Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, race at AT&T Park before 39,414 fans. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, won his second Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race, snapping the two-race win streak of Ryan Dungey, who rides for the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s team.

After setting the fastest lap time in today’s practice, Stewart, who rides for the San Manuel Yamaha team, grabbed the holeshot to start the AMA Supercross class main event with Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, of Apple Valley, Calif., and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., following in second and third respectively. Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., started in fourth and moved into second place on lap three.

Reed, who went on to finish in second place, spent the rest of the race chasing Stewart but had little luck in making up ground. Villopoto finished third.

“We are working really hard this year,” said Stewart. “I felt good tonight and the track was tough. It was an awesome night for me.”

“I still have the points lead,” said Reed. “Right now that is important and we go back to Anaheim next weekend, so we will work to get better.”

Weimer opened the AMA Supercross Lites class main event with the holeshot leading Suzuki’s Cole Seely, of Newbury Park, Calif., through turn one. Dungey started in fourth and by the end of lap one he moved into second place. GEICO Powersports’ Trey Canard, of Shawnee, Okla., moved into third place on lap three.

After failing to pass Weimer on the first 11 laps of the main event, Dungey made the pass and lost his front end, causing him to crash. The crash allowed Canard to move into second place. Dungey remounted, passed Canard for second where he finished. Canard earned a season-best third place.

“I earned the first podium of my career here in San Francisco, so this is a special place for me,” said Weimer. “I rode a smart and calm race tonight. Ryan (Dungey) was riding great, but it’s good for me to pick up the win.”

“I was a little impatient,” said Dungey about making the pass. “I made the move and it didn’t work out. We will see what happens next weekend in Anaheim.”

The AMA Supercross class will air on CBS Sports tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. EST and the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race will on air on SPEED on Noon EST.

AMA Supercross Class Results, San Francisco

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
6. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
7. Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha
8. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki
10. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings

1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 108
2. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 102
3. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 95
4. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 88
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 87
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 73
7. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 68
8. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 58
9. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 56
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 55

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, San Francisco

1. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
5. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
6. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM
7. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda
8. Kyle Cunningham, Fort Worth, Texas, Kawasaki
9. PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki
10. Eric McCrummen, Oakley, Calif., Honda

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 92
2. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 88
3. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 80
4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 68
5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 56
6. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM, 54
7. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 42
8. PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 38
9. Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 34
10. Ben Evans, Boise, Idaho, Honda, 31

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 25

2. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 22

3. Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 20

4. Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 18

5. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 16

6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 15

7. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 14

8. Darryn Durham, Wildomar, Calif., Yamaha, 13

9. Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda, 12

10. Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 11

The AMA Supercross class will air on CBS Sports tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. EST and the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race will on air on SPEED on Noon EST.

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

About Feld Motor Sports

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

LITES QUALIFYING

words by BayoDome

photos by Kinman

Lites Heat 1
Ryan Morais on the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki grabbed the holeshot but was quickly taken over by Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM’s Justin Brayton. A good battle ensued through the first few laps with the two leaders until a bobble by Morais gave Brayton some breathing room. In third and fourth place, Cole Seeley and Geico Powersports/Honda’s Trey Canard stayed within a bike length of each other for the first four laps and even closer at times in the closing laps. Further back the field was somewhat evenly spread with Moto Concepts’ Jeff Alessi in fifth, and Seaspan/Troy Lee Designs/Honda’s Sean Borkenhagen in sixth until Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM’s Ryan Sipes made a move on the last lap to claim sixth.
1. Justin Brayton
2. Ryan Morais
3. Cole Seeley

Lites Heat 2
Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey had the clear holeshot but his lead was quickly stolen by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer in the first bowl turn and the two battled in the opening laps neck and neck for first. Temporary Division Seven/Star Racing/Yamaha rider Sean Collier held down a solid third by mid race as Canidae/Motosport/Kawasaki’s Kyle Cunningham cut his way up to fourth passed Michael Sleeter. On the last lap, Weimer and Dungey continued a great battle for first with Dungey trying many different lines in order to find his way around Weimer but to no avail. Weimer took a narrow but hard-earned win over his series rival.
1. Jake Weimer
2. Ryan Dungey
3. Sean Collier

Lites LCQ
After a first turn pile up, Chris Blose grabbed the holeshot and quickly established himself in the lead, followed by Adam Chatfield. On the last lap, Michael Hall was fighting frantically for second place, but was not able to make the move on Chatfield.
1. Chris Blose
2. Adam Chatfield

PAGE 1: LITES QUALIFYING PAGE 2: SX QUALIFYING PAGE 3: LITES MAIN PAGE 4: SX MAIN