HUSQVARNA FORCED TO CHANGE LINEUP FOR SMX RIDERS CUP
Thomas Covington (above) and Christophe Charlier will be on the grid at the upcoming SMX Rider’s Cup, replacing Jason Anderson and Max Nagl.
Husqvarna press release: Following the events at last weekend’s Motocross of Nations in Maggiora, Italy, in which both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson and Max Nagl were sidelined from racing, Husqvarna Motorcycles today confirms a significant change to their earlier announced rider line-up for the upcoming SMX Rider’s Cup being held in inside Germany’s famous VELTINS-Arena, on October 8.
As a result of the racing incidents both Jason Anderson and Max Nagl were involved in, neither rider will now compete in the SMX Rider’s Cup. In their place Christophe Charlier and Thomas Covington will compete alongside Husqvarna’s team captain Zach Osborne. Osborne and Charlier will compete aboard FC 450 machinery with Covington racing on a FC 250.
Now back in the States having been released from his brief hospital stay in Italy, Jason Anderson underwent minor surgery to stabilize the fracture to the bone in his right foot, sustained when he crashed at the start of his qualifying moto. In order to ensure no further problems Jason will require a period of rest that will rule him out of both the SMX Rider’s Cup and the Monster Cup in Las Vegas.
Thankfully, Jason suffered only a mild concussion as a result of another rider landing on him shortly after his MXoN moto victory. The time away from racing needed to recover from his foot surgery will also allow the American to fully recuperate, enabling him to focus on making a full and complete preparation ahead of his participation in the 2017 US Supercross series.
Unable to represent Germany at this year’s MXoN following his qualifying race crash, Nagl is well on the road to recovery but unable to race at this time. Luckily escaping serious injury, the German racer will spend the coming weeks resting and undergoing physiotherapy before returning to pre-season training and testing.
Robert Jonas – Vice President Husqvarna Motorsport: “Despite the unfortunate injuries to two of our main riders, we can say that we’re still very happy about our rider lineup for the SMX Riders and Manufacturers Cup. We fully trust and support the event and are looking forward to a great night of racing. We believe it can be the first step towards further growth of our sport. We look forward to the competition and meanwhile we wish a very quick and full recovery to both Max and Jason.”
AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAMER CHUCK “FEETS” MINERT PASSES
AMA press release: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Chuck “Feets” Minert, one of the best off-road racers in America during the 1950s, passed away Sept. 24. He was 85. Mr. Minert excelled in all types of motorcycle racing, from speedway to trials, from desert racing to scrambles, and later, in motocross. Mr. Minert rode a factory-backed BSA for much of his racing career and was loyal to the British brand long after the bikes were past their competitive prime.
“It’s a sad day for motorcycling,” said fellow Hall of Famer Tom White. “We have lost a great friend, a tough competitor and a true champion.” Mr. Minert rode all of the famous races of his era, such as the Big Bear and Greenhorn Enduros, the Cactus Derby and the Elsinore, Hopetown and Catalina Grand Prix. It was at Catalina in 1956 where he earned the biggest win of his career.
Mr. Minert met BSA motocross legend and future Hall of Famer Jeff Smith when he came to race in America. And, in 1969, Smith invited Minert to England to race in British and European motocross events. The European tour proved to be a highlight of Mr. Minert’s career. In the early 1970s, Mr. Minert, then over 40, remained a leading American rider in West Coast Trans-AMA races. He was one of the few riders to score national points in both Trans-AMA Motocross and AMA Grand National races. While he eventually quit racing nationals, Mr. Minert never totally retired from racing. He continued competing into his 80s. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Mr. Minert is survived by his wife, Gloria, daughters, Linda and Glen, grandson John, and son-in-law Wayne.
MATTERLEY BASIN TO HOST THE 2017 FIM MOTOCROSS DES NATIONS
Youthstream press release: Youthstream is pleased to announce the 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will be held in Great Britain at the spectacular venue of Matterley Basin in Winchester. Concerning the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations to be held in USA, Youthstream is exploring possibilities for this event to be held in 2019 and discussions are under way to bring this unique event to a venue that is desired by the fans and the Motocross community.
NEW RIDE ENGINEERING 270MM SOLID ROTORS & PRECISION MACHINED HANGER BRACKETS
Ride Engineering press release: Ride Engineering, the industry leader in aftermarket handling and braking performance is proud to release a new 270mm Brake Rotor Kit. With better braking power, riders are able to carry more speed and out brake the pack corner after corner. This new 270mm Solid Wave Rotor, made by Galfer exclusively for Ride Engineering, offers great stopping power at a lower cost and lighter weight than similiar floating discs. Using a special blend of stainless steel and iron alloy materials imported from Japan, this secret recipe is preferred by many factory racing teams. A precision machined hanger bracket, 2024 aluminum, ensures a precise fit without drag on the front wheel and is sold separately or included as a kit. This solid wave rotor weighs in at a minimal 1lb 1oz. Pair it with our Billet Front Brake Caliper for unbeatable stopping power!
These Rotors ($175), Hangers ($65), or combo kits ($235) are available for most popular KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Husqvarna models. For any questions, please call (800) 805-1516 or email us at info@ride-engineering.com. See you at the track.
PRO CIRCUIT RACING TEAM CELEBRATES 250 WINS
Pro Circuit press release: Winning a professional Supercross or Motocross event is an incredible accomplishment, and many racers have captured the illustrious “W” under the Pro Circuit team colors. The first win came on January 12, 1991, with Brian Swink, a young Michigan racer at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Soon, Pro Circuit would see more success with riders Jeremy McGrath, Ryan Hughes, Mickael Pichon, Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Villopoto and many more. After competing as a professional race team for 25 years, racking up wins and championships, Pro Circuit was able to add another notch on the belt on August 27th, 2016, when Austin Forkner earned the team’s 250th event win.
The win came on the last round of the 2016 season at Ironman Raceway in Indiana where Austin Forkner’s 1-3 moto finishes secured him the 250 MX overall win for the day. Joey Savatgy, another current team rider was able to contribute to the growing number of wins by earning three 250 SX wins and three 250 MX overalls for the 2016 season.
Pro Circuit’s success can be accredited to more than riders alone. Pro Circuit founder and team owner Mitch Payton assembled highly skilled engine and suspension technicians throughout the years that have assisted with the team’s achievements. The team has been privileged to work with many of the best brands and companies in the industry to help keep our bikes running and looking great. The very same superior equipment that has snagged 250 checkered flags is the same equipment we offer to our customers, including; exhaust, engine and suspension services, engine parts and bike accessories. We race what we sell, and if 250 event wins is any indication of the quality and performance of our products we offer, it’s safe to say we know what we’re doing.
Pro Circuit would like to sincerely thank all current and past racers, staff, sponsors and friends for their commitment and support in helping us reach this amazing feat! Undoubtedly, when the next victory emerges, it will be a victory for all involved.
AMA PRO RACING ANNOUNCES REBRAND OF AMERICAN FLAT TRACK SERIES
AFT press release: AMA Pro Racing has proudly announced the official rebranding of the all-new American Flat Track (AFT) series – formerly known as AMA Pro Flat Track. The rebranding of the series coincides with the dawn of a new era for America’s favorite motorcycle sport, which includes a restructured class system as well as a re-envisioning of the event format. While holding true to the legacy of a sport rich in history, the modifications are designed to provide a more understandable and exciting format for the modern fans and make the series more accessible to new fans.
“We are extremely excited about the rebranding of the series,” said Michael Lock, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “The rejuvenation of the sport will bring a new level of excitement to racers and fans. Everyone will be able to easily understand what’s happening on the track and will be able to enjoy all of the action from the moment they arrive to when they head home. It’s a very exciting time for the sport of professional Flat Track racing.”The restructured class system consists of the AFT Twins class, the premier class where the best Flat Track riders in the world battle for top honors on fire-breathing Twins, and the AFT Singles class, which will host dirt track racing’s stars of tomorrow. The reclassification of the new series is categorized in an easily comprehensible format:
(1) The AFT Twins class will consist of twin-cylinder motorcycles (650 – 999cc), which contain the latest in motorsport technology and will be piloted by the fastest athletes on the dirt.
(2) In the AFT Singles class, the up-and-coming riders will command the tracks on 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles as they compete for their chance to make it to the prestigious AFT Twins ranks.
(3) There are also changes to event format which promise an action-packed program of racing. The traditional format will move to a tournament style format, where the fastest 48 riders from timed qualifying advance to the heats. From there, the race program will consist of four six-lap Heats with nine of the 12 riders transferring to one of the two Semis. What was traditionally a last chance effort to make the Main, the new Semi format is a knockout round where 18 riders duke it out for the nine spots that transfer them to the 18-rider Main. The Main events themselves see little changes, with the premiere AFT Twins class keeping its traditional 25-lap Main and the support AFT Singles class sees a slight increase from 12 to 15 laps.
(4) Adding to the excitement in 2017, the American Flat Track series will also be the battleground for one of the oldest rivalries in motorcycle racing – Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. The American Flat Track series in its entirety will continue its growth by introducing new global manufacturers to the sport and will see elevated support from current and new partners. For more information about American Flat Track and to keep up-to-date with the latest news in professional Flat Track racing, please visit www.amaproracing.com/flat-track.
DISCOVER THE NEW CROSSFIRE 3 SRS BOOTS
Sidi press release: Crossfore 3 SRS is the evolution of the motocross boot which has won more awards than any other footwear in the off-road sector. To produce this remarkable item, the Sidi team made full use of all of its experience, professionalism and passion, combining research from the people who work in our laboratories with the feedback coming from our champions.
In a race, when you are testing the limits, the difference lies in the details. Boots are an essential element, since they are the main connection between the body and the bike, between man and machine. The boot must be sensitive, in order to best assist the movements of the feet; yet they must also be robust, to protect the foot from impacts and falls, all while remaining light and comfortable to wear. Performance starts here…Tony Cairoli knows this well, in fact; Sidi boots have always been there with him is his most important adventures, and in his feat of achieving 8 World titles. Next season Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS will continue to accompany him and all the other Sidi champions.
SIDE CROSSFIRE 3SRS VIDEO
PRO CIRCUIT 2017 YAMAHA YZ250F EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Pro Circuit press release: At Pro Circuit, the excitement level rises each year as we see new models being released and when Yamaha rolled out the new 2017 YZ250F, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on one. For 2017, the YZ250F T-6 and Ti-6 systems are all new with superior performance gains across the entire RPM range. 2017 YZ250F racers will benefit from our endless hours of testing because the new systems also fit earlier models as well with the same winning performance.
TI-6 PRO—$1064.95
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.
TI-6 TITANIUM—$1064.05
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.
T-6 STAINLESS—$809.95
The T-6 Stainless Steel Exhaust System is designed for both closed-course and off-road competition. Constructed from high strength stainless steel and aluminum, the T-6 offers the same improved performance as our Ti-6 System. The T-6 System is a great way for riders or racers looking for winning performance, legendary durability and a professional look but at a lower price. In addition, the T-6 System is equipped with a removable USFS approved spark arrestor making it easy to alternate between off-road and closed-course racing.
T6 STAINLESS SLIP-ON—$464.95
The T-6 Stainless Steel Slip-On Silencer is for riders looking for an inexpensive, easy-to-install, durable performance silencer that can bolt right onto their stock head pipe. The T-6 Slip-On is constructed of stainless steel and high quality aluminum for increased durability. The T-6 Slip-On is a great option for any rider looking for an increase in performance on a small budget. A removable USFS approved spark arrestor is included to make it easier to alternate between off-road and closed-course racing.
Please visit www.procircuit.com for more information on this and other Pro Circuit products.
WP MOTORSPORTS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE ALL NEW AER 48 CONE VALVE FORK
WP press release: The AER 48 Cone Valve Fork combines two of WP’s greatest technologies: The Cone Valve damping system and the AER spring system. This fork with split technology has been developed in close collaboration with current World Championship riders of aboard many different motorcycle brands. The Cone Valve damping leg is an evolution of the traditional cone valve fork with damping optimized for use in combination with an AER spring leg. The AER spring leg was developed with the highest possible performance, nearly unlimited possible setups and easiest possible handling in mind.
The WP Motorsports Cone Valve technology permits almost limitless damping performance due to a unique valving system. The setup of a conventional damping system has always been a compromise between sufficient comfort and bottoming resistance, whereas the Cone Valve technology now permits a combination of both factors, resulting in outstanding damping behavior in all riding situations.
The AER spring allows the rider to setup the fork for his individual requirements and for individual tracks without changing any internals. Two chambers that can be setup individually, allowing the rider to improve the comfort throughout the entire stroke in combination with great initial response. The bikes riding balance can be changed independently of the bottoming resistance. Also, the AER technology saves up to 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) compared to other competition forks.
The WP AER 48 Cone Valve Fork comes with a thoroughly developed setup for the different KTM SX Models. Furthermore, an optional tuning kit allows the authorized WP distributor to fine tune the damping of the fork to the rider’s needs. Spring response and setup can easily be setup at the track with help of the pump included with the fork. WP AER 48 Cone Valve Forks replace the original forks. They are designed to fit in the original triple clamp and to be used with the original axle. The fork can also be reused for other bikes of the same type.
WP AER 48 Cone Valve Forks are tested and designed to offer the highest performance in combination with the WP TRAX shock absorbers. Considering the great range of setups that this fork allows, it can often times be used across a range of disciplines such as MX, Cross Country and Enduro.
JUBAL BROWN NAMED WESTERN REGION SALES MGR FOR TORROT/GASGAS MOTOS
GasGas press release: Torrot/GasGas Motos North America today announced that motorcycle industry sales professional Jubal Brown has joined the company as Western Region Sales Mgr. for the Torrot and GasGas brands. Jubal’s territory will include the western half of the U.S. and British Columbia and he will be responsible for all GasGas and Torrot product sales and dealer development. He will be based out of Ketchum, ID and report to Scot Harden, CMO of Torrot/GasGas Motos North America.
“Already well-known in the motorcycle industry, Jubal has worked with numerous companies, including Acerbis, Seat Concepts, and Steve Hatch Racing in sales and marketing capacities. We are very fortunate to have someone with Jubal’s background and experience to help lead our sales and dealer development efforts in the very critical western region of the U.S.”, said Scot Harden, CMO of GasGas Motos North America. “Jubal is also a seasoned off-road and trials competitor, ISDE medalist, and long-time rider and enthusiast of GasGas motorcycles which gives him tremendous credibility with dealers and customers. We look forward to working with Jubal for years to come as we build on our plan to become a major player in the off-road and EV market,” concluded Harden.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join the GasGas/Torrot team. I’ve been working for years towards this and feel its not only perfect timing but also the right mix of product, culture and people to be associated with”, commented Brown. “I look forward to working with the staff at GasGas/Torrot, its dealers and customers to reach our collective goals of building the GasGas and Torrot brands in North America.”
The addition of Jubal Brown to the Torrot/GasGas Motos NA Sales Dept. is further evidence of our commitment to the North American market,” said Mark Berg, COO of GasGas Motos North America. “This represents the first phase of the build out of our sales and marketing team and we are primed now for growth.”
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