Hangtown Massacre
The opening round of the National Motocross series proved to be…nasty. While all of the teams have been hammering local So Cal tracks laps in an attempt to get their suspension dialed in for the brutality of outdoor motocross, few hit the proverbial nail with their more than adequate hammers. In fact, second moto scrambling proved to be a huge gamble for teams who were trying to figure out which way to go with the dampers. Several nailed it (weak there sorry) and those who made the proper selection ended up looking quite superior. A big thanks to Brian Scheffer, a friend and kick butt photographer for sharing a fistful of his Hangtown pics. Enjoy.
STYLE CHECK: same corner, different dude
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We spent the day with Mike Brown as he was getting ready for the National at Glen Helen this weekend. No, he’s not making an MX comeback, at least not permanently. He’ll be racing the FMF 2-Stroke MX, which will be held between National motos. Mike is also going to be back in Southern California three weeks later for the Prairie Dogs Last Dog Standing on June 13. We asked Mike a few questions about his past and his future while we had his undivided attention.
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KAILUB RUSSELL WINS HIS FIRST NATIONAL ENDURO!
It took a few races, but Kailub Russell finally got his first win in the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series after three-straight runner-up finishes. The FMF/KTM rider’s Victory came at the Lead Belt National Enduro, round five of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series, held in St. Joe State Park south of Park Hills, Missouri.
Although the North Carolina rider is new to the series this year and has been adjusting to the new format, he was fast and sharp on the slippery Missouri single-track.
Russell set himself up nicely by winning the opening test of the day by 19 seconds over N-Fab/Am Pro Yamaha’s Grant Baylor, and then added wins in the second, fourth and fifth tests for good measure. Meanwhile, Baylor kept Russell honest by winning tests three and six.
In the end, Russell, who was riding the new 2015.5 250 SXF Factory Edition, took the overall win by one minute and thirty-seven seconds over Baylor, with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew DeLong finishing third, another minute and five seconds back.
“I got off to a good start and won the first test, but I’ve done that at all of the nationals so far and still came up short,” said Russell. “But today was good and the new bike is awesome. I love this bike and it goes a long ways when you’re having fun on the bike.”
Baylor was pleased with his runner-up finish, which kept him solidly in fourth overall in the series standings ahead of DeLong. Fourth was Steward Baylor on the MotoTech KTM. The 2012 National Enduro champ had an off day, admitting he thought he was just pushing too hard, although he still remains in second overall in the standings, 23 points behind Russell. Fifth went to four-time champ Russell Bobbitt, the FMF/KTM rider suffering from mishaps in the last two sections, which cost him time. Sixth was another rookie to the series, pro motocrosser Ryan Sipes, who was sitting in fourth on his AirGroup Racing Husqvarna mid-way into the race, but a poor time in test four dropped the Kentucky rider to sixth in the end.
Top Rekluse AA-Expert rider and ninth overall went to Evan Smith on a KTM, while N-Fab/Am Pro Yamaha’s Brad Bakken rounded out the top 10. Behind Smith in the Rekluse AA-Expert was Kyle McDonal, in 12th overall, while third went to fellow KTM rider Drew Higgins.
The Kenda AMA National Enduro Series resumes on June 14th in Upton, Wyoming. For more information on the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series check out www.nationalenduro.com.
Results
1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
2. Grant Baylor (Yam)
3. Andrew DeLong (Hus)
4. Steward Baylor (KTM)
5. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
6. Ryan Sipes (Hus)
7. Trevor Bollinger (KTM)
8. Craig DeLong (Hus)
9. Evan Smith (KTM)
10. Brad Bakken (Yam)
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While we were thinking about amazingly talented riders, we wondered what Taddy Blazusiak is up to now that he’s not racing in the U.S. It turns out that he’s busier than ever, and getting ready for the Red Bull Erzberg Rodeo. That was the place he first made a name for himself back in 2007. We were there, and had no idea who the nutty Polish rider was who had the nerve to be in front of the likes of Juha Salminen.
Taddy’s prep for Erzberg 2007 apparently consists of jumping off ferry boats and riding in construction areas. Check out this Red Bull video.
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While we’re taking in moto theater, you might want to check out the clean version of the Hangtown highlights video. we’re still somewhat astounded at Eli Tomac’s performance. We probably shouldn’t be. That was the site of Tomac’s first professional win. Glen Helen might be a different story. Blake Baggett is one of the local riders who knows that track inside out.
We got a chance to ride the Glen Helen National track last Saturday. It was about 80% finished and the dirt was awesome thanks to a little rain the night before.
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The Kenda West National Hare Scrambles Series is turning into a real dog fight, with four-winners in five rounds. Purvines Racing’s Nick Burson became the only rider to collect two wins so far this season at the Sawmill Hare Scrambles in Cliente, Nevada. He still trails SRT’s Cory Graffunder by a few points in the championship with Travis Coy close behind. Here are the top 10 from round 5.
1 Nicholas Burson
2 Cory Graffunder KTM
3 Travis Coy KTM
4 Axel Pearson BET
5 Justin Wallis KTM
6 Steven Godman KTM
7 Ryan Smith YAM
8 Alex Dorsey KTM
9 Joey Fiasconaro KTM
10 Taylor Stevens KTM
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
A big thanks to Mark Kiel for the pics!
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ANOTHER VOHLAN
Tallon Vohland, a long time and very successful motocross racer both here and overseas is the man at Acerbis Plastica, the makers of some of the best replacement and aftermarket plastic parts for dirt bikes. We ran into him at LACR Raceway prior to a Mammoth Qualifier and he was with his son Max who was absolutely shredding on his KTM. The smaller Vohland version ripped every big jump on the track and Tallon told us “he likes air”.
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BEFORE THERE WAS A J-MART…
A BEVY OF WICKED NEW PRODUCTS
Pro Circuit’s KX65 reconfigures the rear leverage ratio and makes a huge improvement in the machines handling. The KX65 Linkage System is designed to correct the initial loose feeling as well as to keep the rear end from dropping into the stroke too quickly. With the linkage system installed, traction is improved as well as bump absorption allowing the rider to be much more aggressive on rough and rutted tracks. Improved starts can be achieved because of the increased traction.
Price: $324.95
www.procircuit.com
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KENDA EQUILIBRIUM
We just got our mitts on one of the new Kenda Equilibrium off-road tires. It’s inspired by trials technology mated to off-road construction. Pliable knobs and traction in slick conditions is the goal of the Kenda tire.
Trials meets Enduro in perfect harmony! The best qualities of a trials tire and motocross tire all in one product. Super sticky race compound for unbeatable grip in both wet and dry conditions
Trials inspired center tread design for the best possible traction
Motocross-style shoulder knobs for aggressive cornering
Braking scoops in center area provide the stopping power that a trials tire can’t.
www.motorcycle.kendatire.com
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POWER QUIET PIPES KTM 450 SXF/XCF AND HUSKY FC450 SPARK ARRESTOR END CAPS
Power Quiet Pipes now offers their new bolt-on end cap for the KTM 450SXF/XCF and closed course Husqvarna 450FCs that is a Spark Arrestor legal device. The unit is very sano, is CNC-machined from billet aluminum and with a carefully designed exhaust flow actually helps to soften the roar plus give a legal spark arrestor. They’re available from www.bestdualsportbikes.com and go for $159.95.
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PROTAPER INTRODUCES WIRELESS HOUR METER
Remember the old, “you can pay me now… or you can pay me later” ad campaign? As great as the current crop of street bikes, MX machines, PWC and snowmobiles may be, their highly tuned engines do require some service work. Monitoring maintenance intervals can be something of a guessing game, but also something you will pay dearly for if you neglect to service your ride!
“Eliminate guesswork on when it is time for service with ProTaper’s wireless hour meter,” suggests ProTaper Brand Manager Paul Perebijnos. “The simple and user-friendly design employs wireless, peel and stick installation.” Although ProTaper made their reputation in moto, the hour meter works for virtually any powersports enthusiast. “Off-road, on-road, 2-stroke or 4-stroke, watercraft or sled, ATV or UTV, the wireless hour meter works on literally everything.”
The fully sealed housing and IP68-rated plastic case was designed to withstand the elements, and is equipped with solid-state circuitry. Double-sided tape and zip-tie grooves make sure you don’t lose track of time by having your hour meter fall off on the track.
MSRP $49.99
www.protaper.com
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2015.5 KTM FACTORY EDITION PERFORMANCE LINK
Ride Engineering introduces a new KTM Performance Link for the 2015.5 Factory Edition. This product was designed to reduce the ‘high rear end sensation’ some test riders complained about when riding the all-new 250 and 450SXF Factory Edition. The new 1.3mm longer arm will lower the back end approximately 7mm and help keep the bike balanced off jump faces and over rough terrain. By extending the link arm, the new KTM’s are able to track better in the whoops and still feel planted through choppy braking bumps. You’ll notice better handling characteristics in off-camber and bermless corners too.
Ride Engineering also has a Performance Link available for the ’11-’14 250, 350, and 450 SXF models as well as the ’12 – ’14 125, 150, 250, and 300 SX/XC models. The link is offered at www.Ride-Engineering.com for $219.95 and comes assembled complete with bearings and seals. For more products, applications, colors, and pricing give us a call at (800) 805-1516.
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MOOSE RACING TRACK BOX – REPLACEMENT HARDWARE KITS
Two styles of replacement bolt kits specifically for KTM or Japanese dirt bikes.
KTM hardware is Dacromet-plated, 8.8 grade, and has dimpled heads like stock.
The Japanese kit contains nickel-plated bolts selected to replace commonly lost hardware.
These bolt kits are less expensive than OEM and priceless when you really need it!
Keep a box in your toolbox, riding pack or gear bag for those critical moments
Made in the USA
Part Number
Description
MSRP
2401-0199
HARDWARE, REPL KIT-KTM
$19.95
2401-0200
HARDWARE, REPL KIT-JAP
$15.95
www.mooseracing.com
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New USWE F6 PRO Hydro pack:
F6 PRO Hydro pack
A super sleek 15 liter daypack specially developed for extreme Enduro and Freeriding, the USWE F6 PRO Hydro allows riders to tackle the steepest downhill and roughest terrain with confidence knowing the NDMT harness will keep your load secure without cramping your style. This world-class pack also features elastic, adjustable Velcro straps for a custom fit to each rider for ultimate comfort.The Premium 3.0 liter Shape-Shift bladder keeps water from sloshing around while its extra wide opening allows you to easily add ice, liquid and turn inside-out for cleaning. The F6 PRO Hydro system comes complete with a big flow 45 degree bite valve and a drink tube clip for convenient hydration during any ride.
PRODUCT FEATURES – USWE F6 PRO HYDRO:
NDMT (PAT.PEND) 4-point suspension harness
Multi-size adjustable straps for individual fit
Mesh ventilated ergonomic shoulder straps
Airstrips back panel
3.0 L (100 oz) Shape-Shift Bladder
Big flow 45 degree bite valve
Internal organizer pocket
Padded media pocket
Full face helmet carry
Trail helmet carry
Hydration tube clip
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS – USWE F6 PRO HYDRO:
Volume: 15 L
Hydration capacity: 3.0 L (100 oz)
Weight: 929 g (*including bladder)
Dimensions: 52 x 38 x 8 cm
Sizing: M – XL (one size), multi-size adjustment
Colors: Black (#201250), Neon Yellow (#201251)
MSRP: $154.99
www.speedmob.com.
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MATRIX R-SERIES M30 FACTORY TOOL BOX
We need one of these! The M30 Factory Tool Box is a high-end unit featuring four drawers, heavy-duty handles and hinges, a rubber matte top tray liner, ball bearing slides and ergonomically designed drawers and handles. It sells for $399.95 and has two different graphic styles available.
www.matrixracingproducts.com
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SLAVENS RACING: KEEP IT COOL
High Performance & Thermostat Bypass Coolant Hose Kits for KTM 50-1290 by SamcoSport
More than a colored hose! These high performance coolant hose kits are second to none! SamcoSport has been the world leader in performance silicone hose for over 10 years, supplying Formula One, World Rally Championship, World Super Bike teams, and Team Factory KTM. Manufactured in the UK with a limited lifetime guarantee. SamcoSport hoses are made from the finest European silicone specifically designed for automotive and motorcycle use.
Can enhance engine cooling
Reduces operating temperature
Eliminates vulnerable plastic fittings (Y kits only)
Used and endorsed by Team KTM Factory
100% visually tested with a scope & 100% pressure tested
Guaranteed to 356 degrees, extremely durable
UV stable color, EU automotive high grade silicone
RBF660 Pro Racing Brake Fluid by Motul
For all types of hydraulic brake and clutch actuators requiring non-silicone synthetic fluid. Specially designed to resist the extreme temperatures generated by carbon and ceramic racing brakes with minimum brake cooling.
100% Synthetic Racing Fluid – DOT 4
Very high boiling point: 617°F / 325°C
Widely exceeds DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 standards
Ultra efficient in the rain: Very high wet boiling point 400°F / 204°C
Note: Mixes with DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 ( not DOT 5 )
www.slavensracing.com
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PHOTO VAULT
Dirt Bike’s Tom Webb, circa ’83 or ’84 thinking about the large amount of salad on his noggin’.