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STEWART’S DECISION: A WORD ABOUT POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME
James Stewart has decided to take time off.
James Stewart has decided to take the time to let his brain heal from his Anaheim 1 concussion. After his failure to finish in Oakland last Saturday, James said, “I keep rushing to race for my fans and because I love to race. Clearly I’m not ready to race and after Saturday I felt like an idiot for trying to, when I know I shouldn’t. I can tell you that I’d rather never race again if I have to pull off like last Saturday. To me a person that pulls off is a quitter and as much as I hate quitters, I felt like one afterwards—until I thought about everything. I shouldn’t have been there in the first place. I was there because I’m not a quitter and I keep trying to be Superman for no reason. So at this point, I’m gonna listen to my body and come back when I’m ready to race. It could be this weekend or a month from now but I’m gonna do what’s best for me and not what’s best for the rest.”
You can appreciate in the multi-million dollar world of Pro racing that both Suzuki and the Stewart camp underestimated the extent of James’ brain injuries following his Anaheim 1 crash. It is all too obvious now that James tried to come back too soon and even the process of riding at the Suzuki test track to see if he was capable of racing has most likely set him back even further. For example, Suzuki said that James tested three days to get ready for Oakland—that is three days that could have gone towards healing instead of a rush to race—for a Championship that he has already lost. The constant pounding, even at a relaxed pace at the test track, can cause further injury to an already rattled brain. And it was evident that James was not himself at Oakland. He still had the speed, but his brain couldn’t process the input fast enough. The sport is better with a healthy James Stewart in it. We don’t want the rush to race to end up in further injuries that could end his career prematurely. We are relieved that James has decided to take real time off the bike—his long-term health is at stake. Concussions are nothing to mess around with.
DEAN WILSON ON HIS LATEST INJURY
THEY DON’T JUST MAKE BIKES: REITER KTM X-BOW
This is KTM’s X-Bow sports car with a Reiter Engineering carbon monocoque chassis and body, 2.0 turbocharged engine (with 360 horsepower) and six-speed sequential gearbox (with paddle shifters) set up up SRO GT4 spec.
2016 SUPERCROSS WINNERS AT A GLANCE
Ken Roczen (94) hasn’t had his moment in the sun yet, but he got a good start in Oakland and showed that he has the speed.
Date Venue 450 250
Jan. 9…….Anaheim……………….Jason Anderson….Cooper Webb
Jan. 16……San Diego……………..Ryan Dungey………Cooper Webb
Jan. 23……Anaheim………………Ryan Dungey………Cooper Webb
Jan. 30……Oakland……………….Ryan Dungey………Joey Savatgy
Feb. 6…….Phoenix……………….
Feb. 13……San Diego……………
Feb. 20……Dallas…………………
Feb. 27……Atlanta………………..
March 5……Daytona……………..
March 12…Toronto………………..
March 19…Detroit…………………
April 2……..Santa Clara…………
April 9……..Indianapolis…………
April 16……St. Louis……………..
April 23……Boston………………..
April 30……New York…………….
May 7……..Las Vegas……………
450 Points leader…Ryan Dungey (Hus)
250 West points leader…Joey Savatgy (Kaw)
UPCOMING RACES: WHO, WHAT, WHY & WHERE
2016 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 6……………………..Phoenix, AZ
Feb. 13……………………San Diego, CA
Feb. 20………………..….Dallas, TX
2016 KTM JUNIOR SUPERCROSS CHALLENGE
Feb. 6……………………….Phoenix, AZ
Feb. 20……………………..Dallas, TX
2016 REM MOTOCROSS
Feb. 6…………………….Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 13……………………Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 20…………………..Glen Helen, CA
Feb. 27…………….……..Glen Helen, CA
2016 AMSOIL ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 4-7……………………..Colorado Springs, CO
Feb. 13-14…………………..Omaha, NB
Feb. 20-21………………….Tampa, FL
2016 ITALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 7…………………………..Lamezia Terme
Feb. 15………………………….Ottobiano
2016 SPANISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 7……………………………Albaida, Valencia
Feb. 21…………………………..San Lucard, Cadiz
THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAY BOYS: TONY D’S B-DAY
Feb. 5…Julien Bill 1983
Feb. 5…Bryan Johnson
Feb. 5…Jimmy Lamastus 1979
Feb. 5…Emily Orr
Feb. 6…Tony DiStefano 1957
Feb. 6…Travis Preston 1978
Feb. 8…Daryl Hurley 1976
Feb. 8…Rich Taylor 1968
Feb. 8…Dusty Klatt 1985
Feb. 9…Jaime Lilly
Feb. 10…Russell Bobbitt
Feb. 10…Dave Feeney
Feb. 10…Evan Laughridge
Feb. 10…Jeremy Chaussee 1977
Feb. 10…Rodney Smith
Feb. 11…Geoff Fox
Feb. 11…Livia Lancelot 1988
Feb. 11…Sebastien Pourcel 1985
Feb. 11…Kristin White Anderson
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DAN ALAMANGOS’ PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The MXA wrecking crew tries to race each of its test bikes as much as possible. This way we learn a year’s worth of info quickly. Look at the number of practice stickers stuck on our 2016-1/2 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition from last weekend. That’s how many classes it was in.
IS YAMAHA’S MOTOBOT A THREAT TO VALENTINO ROSSI?
PHOENIX SUPERCROSS TRACK MAP & SEATING CHART
2016 SUPERCROSS TV SCHEDULE
MEMORIES OF THE WAY WE WERE—AND STILL ARE
This is a photo of Lars Larsson racing 46 years ago. Lars Larsson was the first European motocross racer to move to America to demonstrate those newfangled Husqvarna two-strokes. He would later go on to be one of the founders of Thor with his buddy Torsten Hallman.
MEMORIES OF THE WAY WE STILL ARE
This is a photo of Lars Larsson racing last weekend at Glen Helen. The AMA Hall of Famer is now 74 years old, but still has the burning passion to race every week.
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THE CURRENT TOP TEN: AFTER A1, SD1, A2 & OAKLAND
Joey Savatagy will run the red number plate in Phoenix this coming Saturday.
2015 AMA 250 WEST POINT STANDINGS
(After 4 of 9 races)
1. Joey Savatgy…78
2. Cooper Webb…76
3. Zach Osborne…73
4. Colt Nichols…65
5. Christian Craig…62
6. Jordon Smith…62
7. James Decotis…59
8. Kyle Peters…51
9. Mitchell Oldenburg…48
10. Kyle Cunningham…41
The points gap between second and sixth in the 450 class is only 7 points. The difference between first (Ryan Dungey) and sixth (Eli Tomac) is 29 points. Eli (3) has fallen one full race out of the lead.
2015 AMA 450 POINT STANDING
(After 4 of 17 races)
1. Ryan Dungey… 97
2. Jason Anderson…75
3. Chad Reed…75
4. Ken Roczen…73
5. Cole Seely…70
6. Eli Tomac…68
7. Marvin Musquin…51
8. Justin Brayton…47
9. Jake Weimer…46
10. Davi Millsaps…45
51FIFTY YAMAHA’S ZACH BELL BREAKS COLLARBONE IN OAKLAND
Zach Bell. Photo: 51Fifty Racing
Zach Bell went down in the second turn of the 250 West Last Chance Qualifier at Oakland after colliding with another rider. Zach got up, only to crash again in the whoops. Zach suffered a broken collarbone and will have it plated. Zach Bell said, “I’m just bummed as my speed was there was from qualifying throughout the night. In the LCQ, after getting knocked down right off the start, I knew making the 250 Main was doubtful, but I wanted to pass as many guys as possible. There was no way I was going to quit or not put in 100%. Then I made a mistake and that was it. I’ll be back asap.”.
CLOUT IS OUT—CINDERFELLA STORY ENDS BADLY
Luke Clout got in one race before getting hurt. Photo: MAD Racing
Australian Luke Clout got a last-minute fill-in ride to replace Daniel Baker on the MAD Racing/Dirt Candy Suzuki team for the 250 West. Clout’s first race for the team was Anaheim 2, where he finished 14th and turned some heads with his riding. In fact, MAD Racing offered Luke a two-year deal to stay in the USA Unfortunately, Clout crashed in Oakland practice and broke his femur (although he did qualify 7th fastest before the crash). His Supercross season is over. Luke also broke his femur in 2013 while racing in Australia.
MORE BAD NEWS FOR SUZUKI: IT COMES IN THREES
Matt Biscelgia, another member of the MAD Racing/Dirt Candy Suzuki team, broke his collarbone this weekend in training.
MAXIME DESPREY’S AMERICAN ADVENTURE ENDS IN BROKEN LEG
Maxime was beginning to get the knack for Supercross, but it bit him.
Bud Racing Kawasaki rider Maxime Desprey crashed in practice at Anaheim 2 and broke his femur. The Frenchman’s season is over. He now must try to heal in time to save what will be left of the 2016 French National and GP season. Bud also sponsors American Darian Sanayei, but he suffered a back injury before the season started and hasn’t raced yet in 2016.
ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN MAKES HISTORY AT LE TOUQUET
Adrien Van Beveren is the King of Le Touquet. Photo: Yamaha
Adrien Van Beveren won the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais 2016 for the third time in a row. The Yamaha Racing Yamalube Drag’On Tek rider took a new turn in his career in 2016 and focused on the rally-raid; it turned out to be a solid bet as the Frenchman finished sixth overall and was the highest finishing French rider in only his first Dakar Rally. Back from Argentina since two weeks, Adrien Van Beveren’s results were highly anticipated on the Le Touquet sands and he did not fail in achieving his goal: he managed his effort and pushed a fast tempo at the right moment in order to win the race. It is the first time in the race’s history that a Dakar rider won the Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais.
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MXA FIRST RIDE: 2016 YAMAHA YZ125
MEMORIES OF THE WAY WE WERE
Are you old enough to remember twin shocks? How about Arnaco shocks? Do you know was 2ND stood for? The answer is at the bottom of the page.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXA AND MAKE MONEY
You probably haven’t seen the March 2016 issue of MXA yet, but if you subscribed it would be in the trusty hands of a uniformed agent of the U.S. Government on its way to your mailbox right now. Or, you can wait for the bike tests, product reviews, Ricky Carmichael interview and tech features to appear on the internet…in a couple months. Your choice.
Do you subscribe to MXA? You should. We know that you think that print magazines are dead and that the internet will fill the void, but most of the stuff in the current issue of MXA won’t appear on the web for several months, if at all. Luckily, you can get all of MXA on your iPhone, iPad, Kindle or Android by going to the Apple Store, Amazon or Google Play. Better yet get the Digital desktop version at https://hi-torque.com/product/motocross-action-digital-edition/ for $9.99 a year. The MXA test riders prefer the print version and not just because it is delivered by a uniformed employee of the U.S. Government, but because for only $15.99 you get 12 issues and a free $25 Gift Card from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. That means that there is a profit to be made in this deal for you. For the Print magazine go to: http://hi-torque.com/product/subscribe-to-motocross-action-magazine/
REM GLEN HELEN THIS WEEKEND — FEBRUARY 6
For more info go to www.remsatmx.com
POST-SAN DIEGO II SUPERCROSS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE — FEBRUARY 14
For more info go www.quickndirtymtb.com
CARLSBAD MX REUNION IN VISTA — SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14
For more info go to www.boozebrothersbrewery.com
OVER-THE-HILL-GANG WINTER SERIES AT GLEN HELEN — FEB. 14
For more info go to www.othgmx.org
$10,00 MTA WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP — MARCH 26
For more info go to www.glenhelen.com
“BABES IN THE DIRT” AT HUNGRY VALLEY — APRIL 22-24
For more info go to www.babesrideout.com
CZ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIVAL — APRIL 24
For more info go to www.avdra.com
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2016’S BIGGEST RACES: THE ONES YOU MISSED ARE IN BLUE
2016 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 9…………………….Anaheim, CA
Jan. 16………………….San Diego, CA
Jan. 23………………….Anaheim, CA
Jan. 30………………….Oakland, CA
Feb. 6……………………Glendale, AZ
Feb. 13………………….San Diego, CA
Feb. 20………………….Arlington, TX
Feb. 27………………….Atlanta, GA
March 5………………….Daytona, FL
March 12………………..Toronto, CAN
March 19………………..Detroit, MI
April 2………………..….Santa Clara, CA
April 9………………..….Indianapolis, IN
April 16………………….St. Louis, MO
April 23………………….Foxboro, MA
April 30………………….East Rutherford, NJ
May 7…………………….Las Vegas, NV
2016 AMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
May 21……………………Hangtown, CA
May 28.…………………..Glen Helen, CA
June 4..…………………..Thunder Valley, CO
June 18..…………………Mt Morris, PA
June 25.………………….Muddy Creek, TN
July 2.…………………….Red Bud, MI
July 9..……………………Southwick, MA
July 16.…………………..Millville, MN
July 23.…………………..Washougal, WA
Aug. 13..………………….Unadilla, NY
Aug. 20..………………….Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 27.…………………..Crawfordsville, IN
2016 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 27……………………..Losail, Qatar (Saturday)
Mar. 06……………………..Suphan Buri, Thailand
Mar. 13……………………..Sepang, Malaysia (canceled)
Mar. 28……………………..Valkenswaard, Holland (Monday)
April 10……………………..Neuquen, Argentina
April 17……………………..Leon, Mexico
May 1……………………….Kegums, Latvia
May 8……………………….Teutschenthal, Germany
May 15……………………..Pietramurata, Italy
May 29……………………..Talavera de la Reina, Spain
June 5………………………St Jean d’Angely, France
June 19…………………….Matterly Basin, Great Britain
June 26…………………….Mantova, Italy
July 24………………………Loket, Czech Republic
July 31………………………Lommel, Belgium
Aug. 7……………………….Frauenfeld, Switzerland
Aug. 28……………………..Assen, Holland
Sept. 3………………………Charlotte, USA (Saturday)
Sept.11……………………..Glen Helen, USA
2016 AMSOIL ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 9-10………………….Cincinnati,OH
Jan. 15-17………………..Baltimore, MD
Jan. 22-24………………..Allentown, PA
Jan. 30-31………………..Greensboro, NC
Feb. 4-7…………………..Colorado Springs, CO
Feb. 13-14………………..Omaha, NB
Feb. 20-21………………..Tampa, FL
Feb. 27-28………………..Birmingham, AL
Mar. 12-13………………..Lafayette, LA
April 2-3…………………..Ontario, CA
April 9-10…………………Salinas, CA
April 16-17………………..Tacoma, WA.
April 22-24………………..Nampa, ID
May 6-8…………………..Las Vegas, NV
2016 GEICO ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Aug. 27……………………..Atlanta, GA
Sept. 3………………………Sioux Falls, SD
Sept. 10…………………….Salt Lake City, UT
Sept. 24…………………….Phoenix, AZ
Oct. 1………………………..Denver, CO
Oct. 22………………………Everett, WA
Nov. 5………………………..Boise, ID
Nov. 19………………………Ontario, CA
2016 KTM JUNIOR SUPERCROSS CHALLENGE
Jan. 16……………………..San Diego, CA
Jan. 23……………………..Anaheim II, CA
Feb. 6……………………….Phoenix, AZ
Feb. 20……………………..Dallas, TX
Feb. 27……………………. Atlanta, GA
Mar. 12…………………….Toronto, CAN
Mar. 19…………………….Detroit, MI
April 9………………………Indianapolis, IN
April 16…………………….St. Louis, MO
May 7……………………….Las Vegas, NV
2016 AMA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP
April 9…………………….Bakersfield, CA
June 18………………….Loudon, NH
July 2……………………..Sturgis, SD
Aug. 6…………………….Quebec, Can
Sept. 3…………………..Denver, CO
Oct. 22…………………..Tucson, AZ
2016 CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
June 5…………………..Kamloops, BC
June 12………………….Nanaimo, BC
June 19………………….Calgary, Alb
June 26………………….Regina, Sask
July 10…………………..Courtland, ON
July 17…………………..Ulverton, NS
July 24……………….….Pleasant Valley, NS
July 31…………………..Moncton, NB
Aug. 7……………………Deschambault, QC
Aug. 14………………….Barrie, ON
2016 ITALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 31…………………….Alghero
Feb. 7………………………Lamezia Terme
Feb. 15…………………….Ottobiano
MTA WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Mar. 26……………………..Glen Helen, CA
2016 CZ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
April 24…………………..Marysville,CA
2016 AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS
July 8-10…………………..Lexington, OH
2016 AMA NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Aug. 1-6……………………..Loretta Lynn, TN
2016 AMA JUNIOR MOTO X INDOOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
May 11-14…………………..Guthrie, OK
2016 MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Sept. 25………………………Maggiora, Italy
2016 REM OCTOBERCROSS
Oct. 29……………………….Glen Helen, CA
2016 DUBYA WORLD VET CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 5-6…………………….Glen Helen, CA
Photos: John Basher, Daryl Ecklund, Massimo Zanzani, MXGP, Dan Alamangos, Jody Weisel, Bud Racing and MXA
Answer: Danny “Magoo” Chandler
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: RENTHAL “WORKS FIT” HANDLEBAR COMPARISON TOOL
Renthal has a new comparison tool that allows you to see the difference between all of their bars and all of the stock OEM bars. If you want to switch bars, but don’t know which Renthal bar to go to—you can find out with the click of a mouse. To try it out go to www.renthal.com/worksfit.
The stock 2016 Kawasaki KX250F bar is in black and the Renthal 602 is in red.
MXA wanted to run a slightly flatter bar on our 2016 Kawasaki KX250F. We liked the sweep and general dimension of the stock KX250F handlebar, but didn’t want the ends of kick up so much out by the grips. Voila! We brought up the specs drawing of the stock KX250 bars and overlaid Renthal bars until we found that the Renthal 602 would give us what we wanted.
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ARC FORGED MEMLON ALUMINUM LEVERS
ARC levers have been used by Ryan Villopoto, Eli Tomac, Jake Weimer, Wil Hahn, Blake Baggett and Adam Cianciarulo. ARC has risen to fame for its composite, unbreakable, folding Memlon levers, but for riders who don’t want nylon-style levers (which includes Blake Baggett), they have redesigned their forged aluminum levers to mimic the Memlon shape.
This a close-up of the simple reach adjuster.
Factory teams will not run a product unless they have 100% faith in it and ARC levers are on more factory bikes than any other lever. One of the coolest parts is the reach adjuster which is simple and effective. A thumb screw, with a crosshatch head, locks into a ridge on the lever to adjust the position of the lever. Very inventive. The aluminum levers feel just like the composite levers. For MXA’s tastes the composite levers have the advantage of being unbreakable. $64.95 (forged aluminum), $69.95 (Memlon composite) — www.arclevers.com or (714) 543-0362.
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: THOR FORCE XP KNEE GUARD
The new Thor Force XP knee guard features Airprene vented construction that prevents excessive heat build up and a dual hinge design that provides natural movement. The EN 1621-1:2012 certified Force XP delivers more coverage than traditional knee guards and is offered in small/medium, large/extra- large and double-extra-large/triple-extra-large sizes. To ensure a perfect fit, it also has extended thigh coverage, inverted post latching system, adjustable hook-and-loop closures and strong knee cup. The retail price is $99.95 at your local dealer.
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WORKS CONNECTION OIL FILTER COVERS
Tired of your bike’s ‘Plain Jane’ oil filter cover? Pick out a Works Connection billet oil filter cover from one of the five color options and enhance the heart of your ride. Direct replacement for your OEM oil filter cover, but in upgraded CNC-machined, 6061-T6, billet aluminum and rich anodized finish. $49.95 to $59.95. Find them at retail outlets or www.worksconnection.com
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: EMIG47 “ANAHEIM SX” T-SHIRT
You couldn’t be at either Anaheim Supercross, but you can still get the feeling from Jeffro’s T-shirt. Available in black or white, $26.00 (with free shipping for orders over $75.00—so, order three). www.emig47.com
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRO CIRCUIT DIGITAL AIR FORK PUMP
Press release: Pro Circuit’s new high-performance Air Fork Pump with a digital gauge is a must-have for any rider using pneumatic spring forks (PSF or TAC). The Air Fork Pump is a quick fit and the easy-to-read digital gauge provides accurate pressure readings which are crucial for the proper fork setup. By increasing or releasing the air pressure inside the fork chambers, the “spring rate” can be adjusted for rider weight, ability and track conditions.
Used exclusively by our Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki racing team, the new Pro Circuit Air Fork Pump is a great addition to your tool box. Replacement digital gauges are also available in case of wear or damage. Retail price: $209.95. For more info go to www.procircuit.com
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: POWERLIFT ELECTRIC BIKE STAND
When in the down position, your bike can roll over it without having to lift it up.
With just a press of the foot-operated button, the Power Lift lifts your bike up off the ground.
We’re not sure the world has been waiting for an electric bike stand, but every rider with a bad back, rotator cuff issues or rising intelligence knows that lifting 240-pound chunks of metal is not on the “want-to-do” list for anyone but a masochist. The Systems Power Lift stand is a battery-powered stand that lifts your bike off the ground without any of the groaning and moaning you normally make. It will lift your bike 100 times before it needs recharging. The retail price is $359.95 at www.powerliftsystem.com.
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: RIDE ENGINEERING HUSQVARNA TRIPLE CLAMPS
Press release: Ride Engineering has new 2016 Husqvarna/KTM clamps available in silver, black, orange and blue. These clamps have been designed with these goals in mind including: 1. Damping: to insulate the handlebars from vibration with Polyurethane Cones (included). 2. Flex: the whole area where the bottom clamp wraps around the forks has been designed to allow the forks to flex like stock. 3. Improve the handling by offering different offsets to suit the rider’s needs. 4. A steering damper mount can be added to install a Showa damper (sold separately). 5. Our design incorporates a strong but light weight one piece bar mount that keeps the handlebars from twisting in a crash; with removable stainless steel posts. More information on these products can be viewed on our newly updated website, which is now totally compatible for mobile devices.
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DR.D YZ-F RADIATOR LOWERING KIT
Dubach Racing Development’s (DR.D) Yamaha YZ250/450F radiator lowering kit moves the radiators 24mm downwards, helping lower the bike’s center of gravity, which increases turning performance and makes the bike more maneuverable. The kit comes with all the necessary hardware, and can be installed in 30 minutes. This makes a noticeable improvement to Yamaha’s handling. DR.D Radiator lowering kits are available for YZ-F, KX-F and CRF models at www.dubachracing.com or (951) 808-1114.
Photos: Travis Fant, John Basher, Daryl Ecklund, Massimo Zanzani, MXGP, Dan Alamangos, Jody Weisel, Bud Racing and MXA
Answer: Tuned (2ND).