BLAST FROM THE PAST
Rodney Smith, Team Chesterfield Suzuki 1988 250 World Championship
“The year was 1988 it was the 250 WorldChampionships and I was leading Yamaha’s John van den Berk ! I can’t remember exactly what country this was but the people you see cheering me on were Rinaldi supporters (and I was a factory Chesterfield Suzuki Rinaldi rider) and they went to every GP rooting me on! It was crazy back than because they wore our team t-shirts & traveled the world just to be a part of our effort. It was definitely wild! And it was a great year for me since I finished with a third place for GP season.” Rodney Smith.
THIS IS ONE BAD-ASS ADVENTURE BIKE VIDEO!
7 IS FREE!
James Stewart is now free to race following his mandatory vacation from the world of motocross. Will we see him at Utah this weekend? Ah…no. USGP at Glen Helen…ah no. Red Bull Rhythm…but of course and the Monster Energy cup is a definite.
FMF’S TITANIUM POWERCORE 2.1
My buddy Jason McCume, the muscle behind Inside Line Connect and representing FMF’s digital media presence was pumped to send me FMF’s wicked new 2-stroke muffler for Husqvarna, the Powercore Titanium 2.1. It’s a whopping 1.5 pounds lighter than stock, features an internal spark arrestor, is longer and larger than stock molding the power to be more useable and the sound level more acceptable. It’s available only through Husky dealers right now, and FMF will have their version to the public at the end of the month.
www.fmfracing.com
LITTLE BARS MAKE BIG NEWS AT AMATEUR MX CHAMPIONSHIPS
ProTaper’s Micro Bars Launched At Loretta Lynn’s
Irvine, CA August 11, 2015 – Riders from ages 4 to 50+ battled it out in the blazing heat and near 100% humidity at the 34th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Championships in Hurricane Mills, TN. The extreme conditions at Loretta Lynn’s proved to be the perfect crucible to forge the next chapter in ProTaper history. In all, 38 champions were crowned, but some of the biggest news from the Amateur Nationals came from the smallest kids as ProTaper picked a pair of pee wee prospects to premiere their new Micro Bars.
Cobra-mounted Casey Cochran certainly had matters well in hand with his new Micro Bars! The youngster from just up the road in Arlington, TN, went 2-2-1 to totally dominate the 51cc (7-8) Limited Class. In the 51cc (4-6) Limited Class Sam Garroutte, Jr. made the trip from Watsonville, CA, worthwhile. Also on a Cobra, Sam diced with William Canaguier III all three motos. When the dust settled, Sam’s 2-1-2 finishes were good enough for 2nd overall.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Casey and Sam,” says ProTaper Brand Manager Paul Perebijnos. “They put in great rides and proved the concept that smaller grips can result in better control and importantly in the case of Loretta’s this year, less fatigue. Instead of kids riding 50cc bikes with bars and grips designed for full-sized adults, ProTaper’s new Micro handlebar solves that problem.”
The unique abrupt taper design gives the Micro bar a smaller diameter in the grip areas, while retaining a standard 7/8” diameter throughout the critical clamping and control areas. It also means standard triple clamps, kill switches and all other stock hardware can be retained. By utilizing a two-piece design, the Micro Throttle Tube can be fitted to any 2-stroke model off-road bike of 85cc and smaller by using one of the seven optional throttle cams packaged with every set of bars. The grips are a scaled-down version of ProTaper’s popular 1/3 Waffle Grip.
“Compared to the standard 22mm grip for grown-ups, we now have grips that are only 17mm in diameter,” explains Perebijnos. “Small hands can better grasp them… Micro Bars are a game-changer, just like when ProTaper first introduced the 1 1/8” taper wall handlebar back in 1991!”
In addition to hand-selecting Casey and Sam to premiere the Micro bars, Perebijnos provided pit support for all ProTaper riders in the 38 different classes! Despite having his hands full, he managed to sneak out on the track for a couple races in the Vet 30+ Class. Paul was consistent all week, scoring 2-2-1 moto finishes and the Class Championship. “I couldn’t let the little guys down,” says Perebijnos, who was Dean Wilson’s mechanic before becoming ProTaper’s Brand Manager.
Micro Bar Details:
· Made from proprietary 2000-series T6 aluminum alloy
· Crossbar made from cold-forged aluminum
· Crossbar clamps CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum and adhered with aerospace quality polymer
· High tech, stress relieved, shot peened and anodized finish for unmatched durability
· Weighs only 1.55 lbs. (700 Grams) with bar pad
· Throttle tube barrel made using T6 aluminum alloy
· Anodized and knurled barrel to resist corrosion and ensure maximum grip traction
· Seven optional injection molded, high-impact plastic cams
THE HUNK
Here at Dirt Bike, a month doesn’t go by without someone asking us about Rick Sieman, aka Super Hunky. He was the founding father of Dirt Bike magazine and the inspiration for a whole generation of dirt bike riders. Today he’s still involved with motorcycles and runs a website that is an excellent source for vintage parts and information. Check it out, even if you aren’t a member of the Hunky Generation. Click on the image or right here.
KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO ROUND 4: KAILUB RETALIATES!
After having his perfect season in the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series spoiled by Daniel Milner at the 3rd round of the series, FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell admitted that he was coming into round four at Rockcrusher Farm on the NC/GA border with one thing on his mind, winning.
Russell was the first to hit the 2.5-mile cross test on Saturday morning and laid down a 5:46.5 test time, with his main rival Milner coming just 2.5-seconds slower seemingly setting the stage for a two-man duel similar to round three just two weeks earlier.
RideMPS.com Honda’s Layne Michael, preparing for his first ISDE in September as a Team USA Junior Team member, ended day one in 4th behind Russell, Milner, and Bobbitt. Factory Beta’s Cory Buttrick was 5th with Raines Riding University/Offroadviking.com/Yamaha’s Ricky Russell in 6th.
Day two had Kailub Russell continuing his dominance, winning every special test on the day, Bobbitt and Michael’s test times were very close throughout the day with Michael besting the FMF/KTM rider on two-out-of-three attempts at the cross test.
Kailub Russell would take the day win with a total time of 40:08.9 with Bobbitt coming in 2nd for the day at 40:45.9 and Michael just 10-seconds behind him. Ricky Russell would continue to improve in only his 2nd-attempt at sprint enduro racing, leap-frogging Cory Buttrick in the overall standings to take 4th overall for the day and the weekend. Buttrick stayed consistent on his Beta 430RR and ended the weekend in 5th-place overall.
“I’ve lost the last two races I’ve done [Full Gas Sprint Enduro Round 3 and National Enduro Round 6] so I was pretty eager to get back to the center of the box,” said overall winner Kailub Russell. “Losing the last Sprint Enduro was pretty frustrating, I thought I had him there at the end and couldn’t pull through and ended up losing by 2.6 seconds. I knew I would have to ride even better today [than day one] to beat him and it’s unfortunate that he got sick and couldn’t make it. But overall I’m happy with how I rode taking all 12 test wins with no falls and making minimal mistakes,” added Russell.
N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Grant Baylor would end the weekend in 6th-place overall with Evan Smith taking Top Amateur honors and 7th-place overall, 40-seconds ahead of his Lites A class competitor Triston Landrum in 8th. Yamaha teammates Ryan Belue and Brad Bakken would round out the top-10.
The Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series will go on a Fall break as many of its riders will be competing in the ISDE in Slovakia and the remaining GNCC and National Enduro rounds. Sprint Enduro racing will resume on November 14-15 at the Big Buck in Union, SC.
For complete event results and more information on the series visit sprintenduro.com
Kailub Russell – 1:20:24.297
Russell Bobbitt – 1:21:48.614
Layne Michael – 1:22:22.444
Ricky Russell – 1:23:28.688
Cory Buttrick – 1:23:34.702
Grant Baylor – 1:25:16.873
Evan Smith – 1:25:36.397
Triston Landrum – 1:26:17.406
Ryan Belue – 1:26:40.502
Brad Bakken – 1:26:42.513
COOL PICS
THE GREATEST SUPERCROSS RACE EVER?
BROTHER MIKE
Just ran across a coupla pics that I thought were cool of the younger, uglier Webb rat.
BARRY HIGGINS & THE GHOST CZ GET THEIR DUE!
The Legends And Heroes Tour Honors Man & Machine
The house that Barry built? Barry Higgins not only changed the face of motocross racing in America, he literally carved the legendary Unadilla track out of the upstate New York landscape. Appropriately, the Legends And Heroes Tour honored this MX pioneer at the Unadilla track during Saturday’s Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National. In addition to the man himself, the very machine he made his claim to fame on, the Ghost Motorcycles CZ, was on hand at the Legends And Heroes Tour.
According to the official AMA Hall Of Fame lore, Barry Higgins get credit for being the very first American factory-sponsored motocross rider. Originally from New York, Higgins cut his teeth on the early east coast tracks, challenging the European masters of the sport. The year was 1969 and American motocross was in its infancy, struggling to climb out of obscurity. The big break came in October as the Inter-Am motocross race came to Pepperell, Massachusetts: ABC Wide World of Sports showed up to film the event and exposed would-be American fans to the European stars who dominated the sport.
Although Sweden’s Arne Kring won the race on his works Husqvarna, CZ’s sole American rider Barry Higgins became an underdog hero to a national audience. As the top American rider, Higgins finished fifth on his 1969 CZ360, beating several European stars… and changing the perception of motocross in America in the process. “Motocross racers were far from sports heroes then,” recollects Higgins. “We were thought of as hooligans on motorcycles. Getting on TV was a big step to help change that!”
“With the help of Ghost Motorcycle out of Hudson, New York, and the CZ factory, Barry paved the way for what was to be a ‘factory racer’ in America,” says Alex Moroz, of the Legends And Heroes Tour. “It was also Barry and Ward Robinson who helped scope out the original Unadilla farm land and carved the first track for the Euros versus Americans to race on. There really is no one who deserves to be honored at Unadilla more than Barry Higgins.”
For more information on the Legends & Heroes Tour, contact Alex Moroz at: alex@legendsandheroestour.org or visit www.LegendsAndHeroesTour.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LegendsAndHeroesTour
ANSR 2016 GEAR
Answer Racing collection has just released their 2016 gear line. Going with the Good, Better, Best strategy they have three levels of apparel this year: Syncron, Elite and Alpha. Augmenting the three full product lines is our new Altron universal jersey and gloves.” ANSR’s Syncron gear offers top-shelf features at a good price.
Elite is a cut above the Syncron range. The Elite line was designed to be the perfect blend of top line fit and function at a mid-level price. Genuine leather inner knee panels, moisture wicking materials and an upgraded ratcheting buckle/adjustable waistband elevate the Elite line without breaking the bank.
At the top is ANSR’s Alpha range.The Alpha line features a combination of premium fabrics, lightweight construction and multiple ventilation panels when compromise is not an option.
There are three levels of helmets to match the apparel lines, including the new Evolve 3 MIPS model. Short for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, MIPS was developed by brain surgeons and scientists to reduce the rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head. “Safety is key with all of our helmets and the Evolve 3 MIPS passes two of the toughest safety standards in the world. According to Ansr’s Randy Valade, “Simply put, the MIPS system utilized in our Evolve helmet is the most advanced safety technology available”.
Get a jump on the pack with a sneak preview of the entire range here: http://www.flipsnack.com/ansrmx/2016-ansr-motocross-apparel-catalog.html
MOOSE RACING OIL CHANGING STAND
Have you ever tried to change oil in your motorcycle and had difficulty draining out the oil because the bike stand gets in the way of the oil pan. Now Moose offers a simple solution it’s 2 in one.
MSRP: $59.95
Quickly lifts bike by stepping on arm from either side
Allows easy access to oil drain plug
Unique design gives more working room
Folds for compact storage
Includes large oil tub
www.mooseracing.com
RIDE ENGINEERING’S KTM HANDLEBAR MOUNT
Ride Engineering, the industry leader in high quality racing accessories, introduces Replacement Bar Mounts for the Factory Edition, and all 2016, KTM models. This OEM replacement Bar Mount has a one-piece top with 8 pinch bolts to better resist bending making it superior to the stock bar mount. Precision machined from aircraft quality aluminum, it features 3mm of adjustability forward or back. The Replacement Bar Mount is in Stock Now and available at dealerships nationwide, or online at www.ride-engineering.com for $94.95. For more products, applications, colors, and pricing give us a call at (800) 805-1516.
PRO CIRCUIT KTM 250 SX-F EXHAUST
Kawasaki has just released their newest version of the championship winning KX250F and Pro Circuit has performance exhaust systems in stock and ready to go! Whether you go with the T-6 stainless steel/aluminum system or the Ti-6 titanium version, Pro Circuit has the performance exhaust you need to smoke the competition.
The Ti-6 Pro Titanium Exhaust System is designed to provide improved performance plus meet the sound requirements for AMA/FIM Pro level competition. Chosen by factory teams and privateers alike for AMA/FIM Supercross and National Motocross racing.
The Ti-6 Titanium Exhaust System is designed for both closed-course and off-road racers. It’s the ideal system for AMA Amateur events or any rider or racer looking for winning performance, legendary durability and a professional look. The Pro Circuit Ti-6 System is equipped with a removable USFS approved spark arrestor, making it easy to alternate between off-road and closed- course racing.
Prices: T-6 Stainless Slip-on 464.95, TI-6 Titanium 999.95
www.procircuit.com
JUSTIN BARCIA, JEREMY MARTIN AND COOPER WEBB TO REPRESENT U.S. AT 2015 FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS IN FRANCE
Huh, no Dungey?
Three of America’s top motocross riders, all Yamaha mounted will represent the United States at the Fédération Internationale de Motocylisme Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France. Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX’s Justin Barcia will race in the MX1 class, Yamalube/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin will race in the MX2 class and Martin’s teammate Cooper Webb will race in the Open class. Roger DeCoster will once again manage the team as it strives to secure the world championship. KTM superstar Ryan Dungey bowed out early basically saying he’s been there and done that, Villopoto is retired, Tomac is wounded and Stewart is targeting everything towards the Monster Energy Cup and the Supercross-16.
Barcia’s first time representing the United States at the competition was in 2012. He is the 2010 and 2011 AMA Supercross 250SX East Champion, the 2012 Monster Energy Cup Champion, and has won several international races such as the Genoa Supercross in Italy and two King of Bercy titles in Paris, France. He currently races the 450SX class in AMA Supercross and the AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
Martin had a tough rookie experience at the FIM Motocross of Nations last year, breaking his foot in the qualifying race. He’s ready to put that bad luck behind him and claim a win for the team. Martin is the 2014 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250 class champion and currently leads the points again this season. In addition, he races the 250SX class in AMA Supercross. Webb will be a rookie at this year’s event. He is the defending AMA Supercross 250SX West champion and the 2012 Monster Energy Cup Amateur All-Star Champion. In his amateur days, he won three AMA Motocross National Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch.
Competition in the FIM Motocross of Nations includes riders in the MX1 class, which features 450cc bikes; the MX2 class, which includes 250cc motorcycles; and the Open class. The United States last won the FIM Motocross of Nations in 2011 when the event was held in Saint D’Angely, France. The United States is the all-time leader in FIM Motocross of Nations overall team victories with 22.
WOLF: BACK IN THE DAY
FUN IN THE SUN AT SUFERCROSS