December 2019
Racer X Illustrated
December 2019
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CONTENTS
BATTERED AND BRUISED
Team USA’s Justin Cooper soldiers on, bent lever, missing lever, broken hand and all.
PHOTO BY: JEFF KARDAS
Features
On paper, September’s 73rd annual FIM Motocross of Nations was a disappointment for Team USA. But reasons for optimism were surprisingly plentiful in the soaking Dutch sands.
With competitors KTM and Cobra teaming up to promote their new gas-free models, the future of minicycles looks to be electric.
Jason Thomas traveled to Shanghai as the FIM Motocross World Championship made its debut in China.
Brothers Logan and Jordan Martin rehabbed a ’96 XR400 for this year’s Kenda Northeast 24-Hour Challenge. An old bike, 24 consecutive hours of racing, rain in the forecast. What could go wrong?
COVER PHOTO // SPENCER OWENS
RACER X ILLUSTRATED (ISSN No. 1099-6729) is published monthly by Filter Publications, LLC at 122 Vista Del Rio Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26508. Periodicals postage paid at Morgantown, WV, 26508 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racer X Illustrated, PO Box 469051, Escondido, CA, 92046-9051. Copyright ©2019 Filter Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Newsstand distribution by Curtis Circulation. Racer X is not responsible for unsolicited materials.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/FOUNDER: DAVEY COOMBS
PUBLISHER: SCOTT WALLENBERG
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: JASON WEIGANDT

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
SENIOR EDITOR: JEFF KOCAN
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER: SIMON CUDBY
EDITORS-AT-LARGE: DAVID PINGREE, AARON HANSEL, STEVE MATTHES, JASON THOMAS
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: JASON TODD
ONLINE ASSOCIATE EDITOR: MITCH KENDRA
SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS: PAUL BUCKLEY, ERIC JOHNSON, FRAN KUHN
VOICE OF REASON: RITA COOMBS

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Contributors

Spencer Owens
Spencer Owens

When riders don new numbers, it’s always a rush for members of the media to get that first glimpse of the future, and California’s Spencer Owens got just that with Adam Cianciarulo sporting his new single-digit #9. Spencer spent the morning at the Kawasaki test track and knocked it out of the park with our cover and poster for this month’s Racer X.

Logan & Jordan Martin
Logan & Jordan Martin

Brothers Logan and Jordan Martin are lifelong dirt bike enthusiasts from Fairmont, West Virginia, who, for some crazy reason, wanted to try a 24-hour race this year. The two picked up an old Honda XR400 and gave it their all at the Kenda Northeast 24 Hour Challenge by Arcadia Bark Busters, with help from their entire family working the pits. Read how it all happened in “All Night Long” starting on page 100.

LAST DAY OF SUMMER

After several years of wet weather, sunshine finally greeted riders and race fans when they gathered at the refurbished Ironman Raceway for the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross finale. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac, the series champion for three years, closed out his season with a win, while Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Dylan Ferrandis won both 250 motos.

Photo BY: Rodney Webb
2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross finale
LAST DAY OF SUMMER

After several years of wet weather, sunshine finally greeted riders and race fans when they gathered at the refurbished Ironman Raceway for the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross finale. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac, the series champion for three years, closed out his season with a win, while Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Dylan Ferrandis won both 250 motos.

Photo BY: Rodney Webb
DUSTY DUVALL

On the same day the 2019 Motocross of Nations was besieged by rainstorms in Holland, Rockstar Energy/Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thad Duvall survived billowing layers of dust that lined the Mason-Dixon GNCC to win the event for the second straight year. All of the racers were confronted with talcum-powder-like dust following an autumn dry spell in southwestern Pennsylvania. Duvall made up some ground in the point standings on series frontrunner Kailub Russell after the defending GNCC #1 struggled to keep his bike running at the end of the nearly three-hour race.

Photos BY: Ken Hill
Thad Duvall wins the Mason-Dixon GNCC for the second straight year
Mason-Dixon GNCC
DUSTY DUVALL

On the same day the 2019 Motocross of Nations was besieged by rainstorms in Holland, Rockstar Energy/Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thad Duvall survived billowing layers of dust that lined the Mason-Dixon GNCC to win the event for the second straight year. All of the racers were confronted with talcum-powder-like dust following an autumn dry spell in southwestern Pennsylvania. Duvall made up some ground in the point standings on series frontrunner Kailub Russell after the defending GNCC #1 struggled to keep his bike running at the end of the nearly three-hour race.

Photos BY: Ken Hill
Thad Duvall wins the Mason-Dixon GNCC for the second straight year
CARNEGIE

Team Honda’s Tommy Croft launches toward the mechanics’ signaling area on his way to a first-moto win in the 250 support class at the 1975 Trans-AMA race at Northern California’s Carnegie Cycle Park. Later in the day, Roger De Coster snapped his RN370 Suzuki factory bike in half off this same jump, knocking the series points leader out of the Trans-AMA Series. Fortunately, there was only one round left, and The Man had already wrapped up the series title by that point.

Photo from the the Dick Miller Archives
1975 Trans-AMA race at Northern California’s Carnegie Cycle Park
CARNEGIE

Team Honda’s Tommy Croft launches toward the mechanics’ signaling area on his way to a first-moto win in the 250 support class at the 1975 Trans-AMA race at Northern California’s Carnegie Cycle Park. Later in the day, Roger De Coster snapped his RN370 Suzuki factory bike in half off this same jump, knocking the series points leader out of the Trans-AMA Series. Fortunately, there was only one round left, and The Man had already wrapped up the series title by that point.

Photo from the the Dick Miller Archives
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
W

hen our friends Logan and Jordan Martin decided to team up and race the Kenda Northeast 24 Hour Challenge by Arcadia Bark Busters, they decided to do it aboard an old Honda XR400, Scott Summers-style. It was an odd choice for a grueling race, as those mid-nineties XR thumpers were as heavy as they were hard to start. The Martins, as you will read in their feature “All Night Long” that begins on page 100, found themselves with a whole new appreciation for what Summers managed to accomplish in his AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame career.

RacerX December 2019 Racer holding bike
“It’s really not that heavy for me.”
Even today, any time I think of Summers, the image in my mind’s eye is Scott dead-lifting one of his XR600 race bikes and cradling it for photos as if it were a runaway calf he’d just roped. The first time I saw him do it was down at the Croome Off-Road Riding Park in Florida during preseason training. This was in the pre-Doug Henry days, before the modern four-stroke era, when Summers was usually the only rider in an entire GNCC field racing aboard a thumper. I remember asking Scott why he chose to race a bike that heavy. He replied by pulling the 280-pounds-plus bike off its stand, picking it up (as seen in the photo below), and saying, “It’s really not that heavy for me.”
Pit Pass
Pit Pass
Try to guess which one is the American.
Try to guess which one is the American.
His-and-her Honda Ruckuses.
His-and-her Honda Ruckuses.
MXoN paddock jewelry.
MXoN paddock jewelry.
Matthes talks Pulp with Wil Hahn.
Matthes talks Pulp with Wil Hahn.
WW Ranch’s Junior and Jacob with Budds Creek’s Ezra Beasley.
WW Ranch’s Junior and Jacob with Budds Creek’s Ezra Beasley.
Braving the elements trackside.
Braving the elements trackside.
The Spaniards were committed.
The Spaniards were committed.
Cooper and Herlings talk injuries while El Hombre just smiles.
Cooper and Herlings talk injuries while El Hombre just smiles.
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The Feed
The Feed
The Feed

Email Icon One of the big issues in our industry is attracting new riders or trying to have a versatile lineup of products that suits everybody’s needs. Recently we’ve been seeing “cheap as possible” dirt bikes for the weekend warrior who doesn’t race and just wants to go out and have fun without breaking the bank. I commend Kawasaki on their release of the KLX300R, and I look forward for reviews on how the machine performs.

But what about these off-brand bikes? Sure, the majority of us would consider them junk or throwaway bikes, but the questions remains: are they any good? For example, the SSR SR450 or the Kayo K6. Forget about comparing them to any of the Japanese or European OEMs, because that’ll be a never-ending debate. From the standpoint of the average Joe who’s not a racer, would these bikes be sufficient enough to have fun? I’d be curious to see some of these off-brand models tested and reviewed.
Dan Sutera // La Habra, CA
Dan, thanks for the note. I’ve personally been tooling around on an Alta lately, and while it isn’t on the level of a 450F, it’s a lot of fun, and I can ride it pretty much anywhere. (Well, anywhere close.) We will mention your idea to Ping and see if we can get him to try some off-brands for Racer X Online—thank for the suggestion! DC

Noise December 2019
“ROCZEN, GIB ME DEINE BRILLE! BITTE”
A fan’s sign at the Ironman National, meant for Mattstedt, Germany’s Ken Roczen. The phrase translates to “Roczen, give me your goggles! Please!”—and the girl lucked out: Roczen handed her his goggles following his second-place finish at the final round
Fan holding sign
Noise December 2019
“ROCZEN, GIB ME DEINE BRILLE! BITTE”
A fan’s sign at the Ironman National, meant for Mattstedt, Germany’s Ken Roczen. The phrase translates to “Roczen, give me your goggles! Please!”—and the girl lucked out: Roczen handed her his goggles following his second-place finish at the final round
Fan holding sign
Noise December 2019
“ROCZEN, GIB ME DEINE BRILLE! BITTE”
A fan’s sign at the Ironman National, meant for Mattstedt, Germany’s Ken Roczen. The phrase translates to “Roczen, give me your goggles! Please!”—and the girl lucked out: Roczen handed her his goggles following his second-place finish at the final round
Fan holding sign
OVERHEARD. OVERREAD. OVERSAID.
“Considering the stability of the peso in the world money market and the discovery of oil on the coast of Campeche, someday all motorcycles will be built in Mexico.”
Introduction of a 1975 test of the Mexico-made Cooper 250 MX motorcycle, when the future seemed bright for North American-made motorcycles. This was just before the price of oil dropped, the Mexican economy tanked, and Cooper Motorcycles disappeared/Cycle News
“It’s always been tough. It’s the toughest sport on the planet. The rest play a game.”
Seven-time AMA SX/MX Champion Jeff Ward on motocross being the toughest sport of all/Instagram
“My team manager brainwashed his 3 1/2 year old daughter into thinking my name is ‘Grumpy Phil’”
Phil Nicoletti via Twitter
“I’m at the hospital, baby Davalos is going to arrive soon so I’ll have to get back to you later. Baby Davalos will decide what my fee is so you better hope he comes out in a good mood”
Martin Davalos’ text to Steve Matthes while trying to lock down the Red Bull Straight Rhythm deal
“No longer a social media guy. Announces it in social media.”
Vital MX’s Steve “Guy B” Giberson commenting on Jason “Wheels” Todd’s announcement that he was “Officially no longer a social media guy”/Facebook
“I am really saddened by this situation, especially for Tom, but for my part, I consider that the drivers must first wear the colors of France MXDN. Trademarks are necessary, but they can not impose their diktat at the expense of national colors.”
Jacques Bolle, president of the French Motorcycle Federation, on kicking Red Bull rider Tom Vialle off the team due to conflicts between the federation and Vialle’s team over the design of the French jerseys and hats for the 2019 Motocross of Nations/Moto Verte
“I used to think it was a dick move the way James [Stewart] just walked away from the sport, but now I get it.”
Chad Reed on his 2020 prospects/Racer X Podcast
“This agreement puts the AMA on more solid financial footing as the series sanctioning body and ensures the AMA Supercross Championship will continue to be promoted by Feld Motor Sports well into the future.”
AMA President Rob Dingman on finalizing the long-awaited contract extension with the SX promoter/American Motorcyclist
“Considering the stability of the peso in the world money market and the discovery of oil on the coast of Campeche, someday all motorcycles will be built in Mexico.”
Introduction of a 1975 test of the Mexico-made Cooper 250 MX motorcycle, when the future seemed bright for North American-made motorcycles. This was just before the price of oil dropped, the Mexican economy tanked, and Cooper Motorcycles disappeared/Cycle News
“It’s always been tough. It’s the toughest sport on the planet. The rest play a game.”
Seven-time AMA SX/MX Champion Jeff Ward on motocross being the toughest sport of all/Instagram
“My team manager brainwashed his 3 1/2 year old daughter into thinking my name is ‘Grumpy Phil’”
Phil Nicoletti via Twitter
“I’m at the hospital, baby Davalos is going to arrive soon so I’ll have to get back to you later. Baby Davalos will decide what my fee is so you better hope he comes out in a good mood”
Martin Davalos’ text to Steve Matthes while trying to lock down the Red Bull Straight Rhythm deal
“No longer a social media guy. Announces it in social media.”
Vital MX’s Steve “Guy B” Giberson commenting on Jason “Wheels” Todd’s announcement that he was “Officially no longer a social media guy”/Facebook
“I am really saddened by this situation, especially for Tom, but for my part, I consider that the drivers must first wear the colors of France MXDN. Trademarks are necessary, but they can not impose their diktat at the expense of national colors.”
Jacques Bolle, president of the French Motorcycle Federation, on kicking Red Bull rider Tom Vialle off the team due to conflicts between the federation and Vialle’s team over the design of the French jerseys and hats for the 2019 Motocross of Nations/Moto Verte
“I used to think it was a dick move the way James [Stewart] just walked away from the sport, but now I get it.”
Chad Reed on his 2020 prospects/Racer X Podcast
“This agreement puts the AMA on more solid financial footing as the series sanctioning body and ensures the AMA Supercross Championship will continue to be promoted by Feld Motor Sports well into the future.”
AMA President Rob Dingman on finalizing the long-awaited contract extension with the SX promoter/American Motorcyclist
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Instagram   @DAVIDPINGREE101
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Instagram   @DAVIDPINGREE101
T

here are two things motocross fans don’t like: change . . . and the way things are. That’s a phrase I use about firemen when we sit around the coffee table and complain about things, but it applies perfectly to motocross fans too. We are a fickle group when it comes to how we want the stars of the sport to act, aren’t we? If they’re too reserved and quiet, we call them boring and robotic. If they’re too outspoken and boisterous, we label them loudmouths and arrogant. These guys can’t win! So what are we looking for from these guys? We all have different opinions about how these riders should act, but here’s my two cents.

RacerX Rick Johnson
Go watch anything Rick Johnson used to do; that guy was on another level when it came to bringing personality to the sport.
I think I speak for everybody when I say we’d like to see some genuine personality out of the riders during interviews and fan interaction. When you get asked a question, look the person you’re talking to in the eyes and ANSWER THE QUESTION! Seriously! If I have to watch one more interview where a rider is staring off into the distance speaking to nobody and rambling on about how great his Dunlop tires hooked up off the gate—hey, it’s a metal-grate start pad, and a road slick would hook up on that—and then rolling into a run-on sentence of sponsors, I’m going to walk briskly into my kitchen and smash some plates. For real, just take a deep breath, forget about all the fans in the stadium, and answer the nice lady’s question. Now, if you can add in a little joke or quip or even a mildly amusing anecdote about something that happened during the race, major bonus points! Girls will be throwing their bras at you from the cheap seats! The bar is so unimaginably low right now that even I couldn’t limbo under it.
Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

R

easons versus excuses. That becomes a pitched battle as soon as the FIM Monster Energy Motocross of Nations concludes. Monday-morning quarterbacking is normal for any sport, with fans spouting theories as to why their team lost. The losing coach and players have to give reasons after the game, and that’s understandable. It all looks different under the prism of nationalism, though.

V22#12 RX Voice Box

If Team USA doesn’t win the Motocross of Nations, blaming anything for the loss—luck, conditions, scheduling—is just a jab at the winners and their fans. Lately, in the face of a mounting losing streak, the Team USA riders have taken the high road. Last year at RedBud, Team USA’s Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, and Aaron Plessinger trudged out of their team trucks for our Best Post-Race Show Ever. Tomac spoke first and quickly went to the magic words: “We got beat.” Barcia, behind him, let out a sigh of relief. “We just got beat” became the mantra. Behind the scenes, all the riders were befuddled by RedBud’s different track prep and feel. Maybe five weeks off of racing hurt too. We wrote an entire magazine feature on the loss last year. And the year before that. Whatever—if you’re the rider, don’t make excuses.

Except the rest of us can’t help ourselves. We want reasons! The American fans and moto industry are still bewildered and confused over this losing streak, spoiled after winning 22 times in 31 years.

RacerHead
RacerHead
FIVE GUYS, ONE QUESTION | BY AARON HANSEL
QUESTION: What’s the best one-off/off-season race of all time?
Andrew Short
ANDREW SHORT
“Bercy. Three nights in an environment full of passion and excitement, getting gate drops in before the season, and racing in the old stadium through the tunnels was cool. Experiencing a city full of history in the afternoons before racing is great too. Anything from Eric Peronnard was always a good time.”
Ryan Villopoto
RYAN VILLOPOTO
“Red Bull Straight Rhythm is a very cool event because of the pressure factor—there is none! Sure, I want to win or do my very best, but all in all, the event is just low-key. There is not another event like it.”
Jeremy Mcgrath
JEREMY MCGRATH
“Of course the Jeremy McGrath Invitational. It had the biggest purse and by far the best track with the integration of the wide metal ramps. Unfortunately, I got hurt at my own race, but the concept was—and still is, in my opinion—one of the best.”
Jeff Emig
JEFF EMIG
“For me, the best off-season racing of all time was, hands down, four nights of racing in five days at Bercy in 1990. The atmosphere was absolutely legendary, and no other race comes close.”
Justin Brayton
JUSTIN BRAYTON
“The U.S. Open, mainly because everything was so convenient with the hotel being connected to the arena. The MGM Grand was a cool place to stay! Also, the track was very different from what we race in supercross, which made it cool. Everything about that event was great.”
Andrew Short
ANDREW SHORT
“Bercy. Three nights in an environment full of passion and excitement, getting gate drops in before the season, and racing in the old stadium through the tunnels was cool. Experiencing a city full of history in the afternoons before racing is great too. Anything from Eric Peronnard was always a good time.”
Ryan Villopoto
RYAN VILLOPOTO
“Red Bull Straight Rhythm is a very cool event because of the pressure factor—there is none! Sure, I want to win or do my very best, but all in all, the event is just low-key. There is not another event like it.”
Jeremy Mcgrath
JEREMY MCGRATH
“Of course the Jeremy McGrath Invitational. It had the biggest purse and by far the best track with the integration of the wide metal ramps. Unfortunately, I got hurt at my own race, but the concept was—and still is, in my opinion—one of the best.”
Jeff Emig
JEFF EMIG
“For me, the best off-season racing of all time was, hands down, four nights of racing in five days at Bercy in 1990. The atmosphere was absolutely legendary, and no other race comes close.”
Justin Brayton
JUSTIN BRAYTON
“The U.S. Open, mainly because everything was so convenient with the hotel being connected to the arena. The MGM Grand was a cool place to stay! Also, the track was very different from what we race in supercross, which made it cool. Everything about that event was great.”
PAGE 58
CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD
Test your moto knowledge
PAGE 60
Conquering Countries
Conquering Countries
Who’s captured the most flags?
PAGE 64
The Goods
The Goods
Protect your ride
PAGE 66
2020 Rider Numbers
2020 Rider Numbers
New number, who dis?
RacerHead
RacerHead

Martin Davalos: By The Numbers

E

cuador’s Martin Davalos has had quite the run in professional racing, dating back to his professional debut, at the St. Louis Supercross on February 18, 2006. The veteran 250 contender and brand-new father has earned a national number each year and has finally pointed out of the 250SX class. Now a free agent, he’s looking for a 450 ride in 2020, so let’s take a look at his career number by number. Davalos was #577 from his first race in 2006 through the 2010 season, where he earned national #23. He’s run his earned number ever since.

2006: 577 (rookie)
2013: 40
2006: 577 (rookie)
2007: 45 (ran 577)
RacerHead
RacerHead

The Dogger Gets His Due | BY DAVEY COOMBS

W

hen the AMA announced its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2019, sighs of relief could be heard all around the motocross world. For the first time since 2014, an SX/MX racer was voted in by the AMA Life Members and living Hall of Famers who make up the electorate. Ron “Dogger” Lechien, one of the biggest and most controversial stars of eighties supercross and motocross, finally got enough votes to make it in.

Joining Lechien in the Class of ’19 is the late Kurt Caselli, the off-road legend who passed away in 2013 while racing in the Baja 1000, as well as motorcycle rights advocate Mark Buckner, trials pioneer Wiltz Wagner, and museum founder Dale Walksler.

Lechien, whose cause was championed by many of the sport’s top journalists, including our own contributors Steve Matthes and Brett Smith, will become the first motocrosser since Mike LaRocco to enter the Motorcycle Hall of Fame based strictly on his race results. Bob Moore, the 1994 FIM 125cc World Champion, was inducted in 2017, in part for cofounding the Road 2 Recovery charitable foundation. With his 26 SX/MX wins in one of the sport’s most competitive decades, as well as three winning appearances with Team USA at the Motocross des Nations and a 125 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Lechien should have been an easy choice, but due to the lack of representation of SX/MX enthusiasts in voting, as well as some of his own off-track antics late in his career, he missed the cut several times. Now he will join fellow eighties superstars David Bailey, Broc Glover, Rick Johnson, Johnny O’Mara, and Jeff Ward in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

RacerHead
RacerHead

Dirty Words Crossword Puzzle | BY AARON HANSEL

Dirty Words Crossword
see page 66 for answers
ACROSS
2. An Italian plastics manufacturer
5. Hurt his shoulder at the 2010 finale, handing the MX title to Trey Canard
7. Factory Yamaha rider who started as a fill-in
8. Another Italian plastics manufacturer
9. Pro-turned-stuntman Jim Holley’s nickname
DOWN
1. Disconnects your engine from your transmission
3. 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross finale state
4. Rubbing is _______
5. A nickname for a KTM
6. Pro Motocross races have two
9. This clutch type is not actuated via cable
RacerHead
RacerHead
FASTEST MEN ON THE
PLANET?
J

effrey Herlings has often been proclaimed as FMOTP (fastest man on the planet), and with good reason: he’s the only rider in the world with both an AMA 450 Class National win (Ironman ’17) and MGXP win (many times). Although he only won two races in 2019 due to injuries, they were big ones—literally. By taking the last two rounds in Turkey and China, we thought Herlings may have captured the flag of more countries (and more space) than any riders in the sport’s history. But digging deeper, we found out he’s actually tied with two other legends—Stefan Everts and Antonio Cairoli—at wins in 24 countries each. Check out their impressive nation lists to the right, and the first race where they captured the flag.

RacerHead
RacerHead

BUZZ

NETHERLANDS The Dutch are having a moment right now. They’ve dominated the Motocross of Nations the past couple of years, coming within a lapped rider of sweeping all six motos. Jeffrey Herlings and Glenn Coldenhoff are both back on form, and even the country’s king is a motocross fan. Now, after 73 years, they’ve finally won the big race they started.
Duncan Motocross
DUNCAN Long considered the fastest woman in motocross, New Zealand’s oft-injured Courtney Duncan finally held it together for an entire season to claim the FIM Motocross World Championship at the final round in Turkey. Afterward, the Bike-It DRT Kawasaki rider admitted, “I needed to take my time and learn from these mistakes and failures, and when we felt like quitting, we kept going, and here we are, World Champion.”
RacerHead
RacerHead
The
Goods
Protect Your Ride
Motion Pro
Pedal Anchor Kit
MSRP: $7.50
motionpro.com
Breaking expensive parts and prematurely ending a day of fun is the worst, especially when the situation could have been avoided with simple preventative measures. Enter the Brake Pedal Anchor Kit from Motion Pro. The kit includes three cables, three special crimp fittings, and 12” of 1/8” clear PVC to protect the cable, all combining to prevent snagging your brake pedal on objects or debris. Best of all, it’s made in the USA.
Moose Racing
Mud Radiator Covers
MSRP: $37.95
mooseracing.com
It may seem counterintuitive, but overheating frequently occurs in muddy conditions. That’s because mud gets caked on radiators, preventing air flow and not allowing the engine to cool properly. Fortunately, Moose Racing is now producing these radiator covers for just such conditions. They’re made of silicone to prevent mud from sticking and restricting air flow, and they easily strap to your radiator via elastic straps. Get some and stay cool!
TM Designworks
Full Coverage Skid Plate
MSRP: $124.92 – $154.95
tmdesignworks.com
Protecting your motorcycle is great, but strapping on extra weight isn’t. The answer? Full-coverage skid plates from TM Designworks. Made from composite impact-absorbing plastic with a friction-reducing additive, the plate weighs roughly 1.5 lbs. and protects frame rails and ignition, clutch, and water pump side cases. They also allow for proper frame flex and reflect less engine noise back up to the rider. Mounting hardware included.
RacerHead
RacerHead

2020 Pro Numbers for AMA Supercross and Motocross

Number
Rider Name
1 450SX
Cooper Webb
1 450 Class
Eli Tomac
1 250 Class
Adam Cianciarulo
1W
Dylan Ferrandis
1E
Chase Sexton
2*
Cooper Webb
3*
Eli Tomac
4*
Blake Baggett
6*
Jeremy Martin
7*
Aaron Plessinger
9**
Adam Cianciarulo
10*
Justin Brayton
Motocross 101

MULTI-LINED RIGHT-HANDER

WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
Motocross 101
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY

MULTI-LINED RIGHT-HANDER

T

his month’s sequence is something you’ll find often on racetracks, and it’s a technique that isn’t used often enough. Right-hand corners are more difficult because you lose the ability to use the rear brake the moment you commit to sitting and putting your foot out. If the turn is flat or has a big berm, this isn’t much of an issue. However, if the turn has a long rut, or one that bends and straightens, it can be extremely technical.

This turn is a 90-degree right-hander with a rut that has a hook at the beginning, a straighter section, and then a second hook to complete the turn. If you attempt to negotiate the corner with your foot out, timing is critical, and a dab of the foot can leave you dragging your Tech 10 behind you like a boat anchor for most of the turn.

I advocate for standing up more. You’ll hear me preach this often because some of the world’s best riders keep their feet on the pegs as much as possible. Doing so lets you maintain more control of the bike, minimizes the chances of injuring your knees and ankles, and saves energy. It’s a no-brainer, right?

EXPOSURE
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SPENCER OWENS
The Feed
EXPOSURE
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SPENCER OWENS
Alessio Sasso
DOB: October 20, 2001
Hometown: Poway, CA
Bike: Kawasaki KX250F
Classes: 250 A, 450 A, EMX250
Sponsors: Mom and Dad, Answer Racing, Gaerne, Scott, Asterisk, Kawasaki Team Green, Temecula Motorsports, Viscid Design, Ohlins, DT1 Filters, Dunlop, Sunstar, ODI, Bell, RXR Protect, Braking

Alessio Sasso in RacerX's Exposure

Racer X: You’re heading to Europe to do some training and to watch the MXoN in the Netherlands. Tell us aboch is why I think tracks like Lommel will help me progress and prepare to become a professional racer.ut that.
Alessio Sasso: Yeah, so my dad and I are going to the Netherlands to watch the Motocross of Nations and ride a little bit over there. I’ve never been to the Netherlands or a Motocross of Nations, so I’m stoked!

Do you think training on a rough track like Lommel in Belgium will help you here in the states?
Absolutely. I think that being able to consistently train on rough, deep tracks like Lommel will help with my progress and overall ability on a dirt bike. The tracks over here in California are great because they’re open most days of the week, but they aren’t the best for training because they don’t get as rough as it does during race time. And it especially doesn’t get rough like Loretta Lynn’s, which is why I think tracks like Lommel will help me progress and prepare to become a professional racer.

Racer X: You’re heading to Europe to do some training and to watch the MXoN in the Netherlands. Tell us about that.
Alessio Sasso: Yeah, so my dad and I are going to the Netherlands to watch the Motocross of Nations and ride a little bit over there. I’ve never been to the Netherlands or a Motocross of Nations, so I’m stoked!

Do you think training on a rough track like Lommel in Belgium will help you here in the states?
Absolutely. I think that being able to consistently train on rough, deep tracks like Lommel will help with my progress and overall ability on a dirt bike. The tracks over here in California are great because they’re open most days of the week, but they aren’t the best for training because they don’t get as rough as it does during race time. And it especially doesn’t get rough like Loretta Lynn’s, which is why I think tracks like Lommel will help me progress and prepare to become a professional racer.

Alessio Sasso in RacerX's Exposure
The 73rd Motocross of Nations in the Netherlands was once again an untimely test of men and machines—not to mention a lesson in new media
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS
THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP MIKE TYSON was once asked about the question of strategy in his fights. Iron Mike just shrugged and said, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.” For Team USA at the 73rd Annual FIM Motocross of Nations, that punch in the face came early, and it was a devastating blow. After months of controversy and debate about who even wanted to be on the starting gate at the Assen TT circuit in the sandy North Atlantic region of the Netherlands, and then weeks abroad preparing—and even a hot minute of looking like real contenders for a first win in seven years—the jarring punch came in the second corner of the first moto for MX2/Open riders. That’s when teammates Jason Anderson and Justin Cooper somehow found each other in a pack of 40 riders, splashing around in a deluge of cold, steady rain and heavy sand and crashing together in a heap, tearing the clutch perch off Cooper’s bike, smashing his left hand, and leaving both riders in the back of the pack. Less than 15 seconds after the long-awaited race had finally started, even those back home watching the TV feed (which looked like it was being shot through the periscope of a surfacing submarine) knew Team USA was already knocked out.
The 73rd Motocross of Nations in the Netherlands was once again an untimely test of men and machines—not to mention a lesson in new media
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS
THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP MIKE TYSON was once asked about the question of strategy in his fights. Iron Mike just shrugged and said, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.” For Team USA at the 73rd Annual FIM Motocross of Nations, that punch in the face came early, and it was a devastating blow. After months of controversy and debate about who even wanted to be on the starting gate at the Assen TT circuit in the sandy North Atlantic region of the Netherlands, and then weeks abroad preparing—and even a hot minute of looking like real contenders for a first win in seven years—the jarring punch came in the second corner of the first moto for MX2/Open riders. That’s when teammates Jason Anderson and Justin Cooper somehow found each other in a pack of 40 riders, splashing around in a deluge of cold, steady rain and heavy sand and crashing together in a heap, tearing the clutch perch off Cooper’s bike, smashing his left hand, and leaving both riders in the back of the pack. Less than 15 seconds after the long-awaited race had finally started, even those back home watching the TV feed (which looked like it was being shot through the periscope of a surfacing submarine) knew Team USA was already knocked out.
The 73rd Motocross of Nations in the Netherlands was once again an untimely test of men and machines—not to mention a lesson in new media
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS
THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP MIKE TYSON was once asked about the question of strategy in his fights. Iron Mike just shrugged and said, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.” For Team USA at the 73rd Annual FIM Motocross of Nations, that punch in the face came early, and it was a devastating blow. After months of controversy and debate about who even wanted to be on the starting gate at the Assen TT circuit in the sandy North Atlantic region of the Netherlands, and then weeks abroad preparing—and even a hot minute of looking like real contenders for a first win in seven years—the jarring punch came in the second corner of the first moto for MX2/Open riders. That’s when teammates Jason Anderson and Justin Cooper somehow found each other in a pack of 40 riders, splashing around in a deluge of cold, steady rain and heavy sand and crashing together in a heap, tearing the clutch perch off Cooper’s bike, smashing his left hand, and leaving both riders in the back of the pack. Less than 15 seconds after the long-awaited race had finally started, even those back home watching the TV feed (which looked like it was being shot through the periscope of a surfacing submarine) knew Team USA was already knocked out.
The 73rd Motocross of Nations in the Netherlands was once again an untimely test of men and machines—not to mention a lesson in new media
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS
THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP MIKE TYSON was once asked about the question of strategy in his fights. Iron Mike just shrugged and said, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.” For Team USA at the 73rd Annual FIM Motocross of Nations, that punch in the face came early, and it was a devastating blow. After months of controversy and debate about who even wanted to be on the starting gate at the Assen TT circuit in the sandy North Atlantic region of the Netherlands, and then weeks abroad preparing—and even a hot minute of looking like real contenders for a first win in seven years—the jarring punch came in the second corner of the first moto for MX2/Open riders. That’s when teammates Jason Anderson and Justin Cooper somehow found each other in a pack of 40 riders, splashing around in a deluge of cold, steady rain and heavy sand and crashing together in a heap, tearing the clutch perch off Cooper’s bike, smashing his left hand, and leaving both riders in the back of the pack. Less than 15 seconds after the long-awaited race had finally started, even those back home watching the TV feed (which looked like it was being shot through the periscope of a surfacing submarine) knew Team USA was already knocked out.
Electric bikes hold a world of advantages for the future of the sport—but how will racing work?
WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
KNEEL AT THE ALTAR OF ALTA, which sacrificed itself to alter the path of motocross from the very top. The Alta RedShift line was a made-in-the-USA electric dirt bike designed to go head-to-head with gas-powered bikes. The bikes were there, but before rules could be adopted to allow them to battle gas-powered machines, Alta ran out of money. BRP/Can-Am bought some of Alta’s technology on the scrap heap, but the brand is dead.

The electric-versus-gasoline argument is still going, though. You just have to go and listen at the kids’ table.

Electric bikes hold a world of advantages for the future of the sport—but how will racing work?
WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
KNEEL AT THE ALTAR OF ALTA, which sacrificed itself to alter the path of motocross from the very top. The Alta RedShift line was a made-in-the-USA electric dirt bike designed to go head-to-head with gas-powered bikes. The bikes were there, but before rules could be adopted to allow them to battle gas-powered machines, Alta ran out of money. BRP/Can-Am bought some of Alta’s technology on the scrap heap, but the brand is dead.

The electric-versus-gasoline argument is still going, though. You just have to go and listen at the kids’ table.

When the MXGP of China went off in Shanghai in September, it opened a whole new world to professional motocross
WORDS: JASON THOMAS
PHOTOS: RAY ARCHER
FRENCH WAR HERO CHARLES DE GAULLE once brilliantly opined “China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.” While I can’t disagree with General de Gaulle, I think there might be more to the vast Asian country that currently headlines more news stories than not. For the motocross world, many might not immediately understand China’s relevance. There aren’t any world-class riders emanating from China, and they aren’t big players on the OEM side of motorcycle manufacturing (at least not yet). The cultural and language barriers are omnipresent, much more so than in Japan, which is just across the East China Sea. There are serious challenges to growing motocross visibility in China, many of which are decided by bureaucracy. Still, with an estimated 1.3 billion citizens and a middle class that tops the entire population of Europe, it’s obvious why companies worldwide are salivating at the idea of making motocross a household concept in this part of the world.
When the MXGP of China went off in Shanghai in September, it opened a whole new world to professional motocross
WORDS: JASON THOMAS
PHOTOS: RAY ARCHER
FRENCH WAR HERO CHARLES DE GAULLE once brilliantly opined “China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.” While I can’t disagree with General de Gaulle, I think there might be more to the vast Asian country that currently headlines more news stories than not. For the motocross world, many might not immediately understand China’s relevance. There aren’t any world-class riders emanating from China, and they aren’t big players on the OEM side of motorcycle manufacturing (at least not yet). The cultural and language barriers are omnipresent, much more so than in Japan, which is just across the East China Sea. There are serious challenges to growing motocross visibility in China, many of which are decided by bureaucracy. Still, with an estimated 1.3 billion citizens and a middle class that tops the entire population of Europe, it’s obvious why companies worldwide are salivating at the idea of making motocross a household concept in this part of the world.
When the MXGP of China went off in Shanghai in September, it opened a whole new world to professional motocross
WORDS: JASON THOMAS
PHOTOS: RAY ARCHER
FRENCH WAR HERO CHARLES DE GAULLE once brilliantly opined “China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.” While I can’t disagree with General de Gaulle, I think there might be more to the vast Asian country that currently headlines more news stories than not. For the motocross world, many might not immediately understand China’s relevance. There aren’t any world-class riders emanating from China, and they aren’t big players on the OEM side of motorcycle manufacturing (at least not yet). The cultural and language barriers are omnipresent, much more so than in Japan, which is just across the East China Sea. There are serious challenges to growing motocross visibility in China, many of which are decided by bureaucracy. Still, with an estimated 1.3 billion citizens and a middle class that tops the entire population of Europe, it’s obvious why companies worldwide are salivating at the idea of making motocross a household concept in this part of the world.
Monster Energy Kawasaki's Adam
Kawasaki's Ron Lechien 1987 Southwick National
All Night Long
Surviving 24 hours on an ancient Honda XR400 in the upstate New York woods
WORDS: LOGAN & JORDAN MARTIN
PHOTOS: Tiffany Merritt, Michaela & Gina Martin
As kids growing up, the older brother was the mastermind behind a lot of “good” ideas, whether it was a homemade zip line over a pond or a new backyard jump. The younger sibling always played along with the idea, regardless of any possibly disastrous outcomes. This latest idea was no different.

“We should race a 24-hour race,” Logan suggested. Just the idea should have raised alarms. Then he added, “Oh, and let’s go find an old Scott Summers-style Honda XR, fix it up, and ride that the whole 24 hours, full retro-style. I mean, how hard can it be?”

How could little brother Jordan say no?

Long
All Night Long
Surviving 24 hours on an ancient Honda XR400 in the upstate New York woods
WORDS: LOGAN & JORDAN MARTIN
PHOTOS: Tiffany Merritt, Michaela & Gina Martin
As kids growing up, the older brother was the mastermind behind a lot of “good” ideas, whether it was a homemade zip line over a pond or a new backyard jump. The younger sibling always played along with the idea, regardless of any possibly disastrous outcomes. This latest idea was no different.

“We should race a 24-hour race,” Logan suggested. Just the idea should have raised alarms. Then he added, “Oh, and let’s go find an old Scott Summers-style Honda XR, fix it up, and ride that the whole 24 hours, full retro-style. I mean, how hard can it be?”

How could little brother Jordan say no?

Garage Build 1986 HONDACR250R
Garage Build 1986 HONDACR250R
Garage Build
1986 HONDACR250R
BIKE BUILD BY DAVID PINGREE AND BOLT MOTORCYCLE HARDWARE // www.racerxonline.com
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
Retro bike builds are difficult and expensive, and this one was no exception.
VERTEX PISTONS
Replica Piston Kit (Rings, Pin, Clips)
vertexpistons.com
HOT RODS
Rod Rebuild Kit, Main Bearings
hotrodsproducts.com
PRO-TEC RACING
Crank Rebuild
pro-tec.us
PRO CIRCUIT
Exhaust Pipe and Silencer, Full Suspension Rebuild and Setup, Fork Protectors, Hard Anodize of Fork Legs
procircuit.com
MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES
Strip, Repair Damage, and Re-Plate to Stock Size, Painting of Head and Cylinder
www.mt-llc.com
MOTOTASSINARI
V-Force Reed Cage
mototassinari.com
DC PLASTICS
Full Plastic Kit in OEM Color, Front Disc and Fork Guards
dcvmx.com
BOLT MOTORCYCLE HARDWARE
Bolts and Hardware, Restored OEM Fuel Tank, the Original 1986 Honda CR250
boltmotorcyclehardware.com
ALL BALLS
Carb Rebuild Kit, Throttle Cable, Clutch Cable, Fork Rebuild Kit, Shock Rebuild Kit, Linkage Rebuild Kit, Swingarm Rebuild Kit, Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Kits, Steering Stem Bearing Kit
allballsracing.com
SAN DIEGO POWDER COATING
Sandblasting, Powder with Super-Durable Clear, Race Prep Masking of Subframe and Engine Covers
sandiegopowdercoating.com
METALTEK RACING
Welding and Machining
metaltekracing.com
FUEL STAR
Fuel Valve Assembly
fuel-star.com
KLOTZ SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS
R-50 Two-Stroke Premix
klotzlube.com
COMETIC GASKET
Engine Gaskets
cometic.com
SUPERSPROX
Rear Sprocket, Front Sprocket, Gold MX Race Chain G520-MXT-L-120
supersproxusa.com
UNI FILTER
Two-Stage Air Filter
unifilter.com
FASTER USA
Stock Hubs Treated, New Spokes and Excel Rims
fasterusa.com
RENTHAL
971 Bars and Grips
renthal.com
DUNLOP
MX33 Front (80/100-21)
MX33 Rear (110/90-19)
dunlopmotorcycletires.com
WORKS CONNECTION
Elite Clutch Perch Assembly, Master Cylinder Guard, Holeshot Device
worksconnection.com
DECAL WORKS
Custom Graphics and Backgrounds
decalmx.com
MOTOSEAT
Retro Seat Cover
motoseat.com
IMS
Footpegs
imsproducts.com
VP RACING FUELS
C12 Mixed with Pump Fuel
vpracingfuels.com
Retro bike builds are difficult and expensive, and this one was no exception.
VERTEX PISTONS
Replica Piston Kit (Rings, Pin, Clips)
vertexpistons.com
HOT RODS
Rod Rebuild Kit, Main Bearings
hotrodsproducts.com
PRO-TEC RACING
Crank Rebuild
pro-tec.us
PRO CIRCUIT
Exhaust Pipe and Silencer, Full Suspension Rebuild and Setup, Fork Protectors, Hard Anodize of Fork Legs
procircuit.com
MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES
Strip, Repair Damage, and Re-Plate to Stock Size, Painting of Head and Cylinder
www.mt-llc.com
MOTOTASSINARI
V-Force Reed Cage
mototassinari.com
DC PLASTICS
Full Plastic Kit in OEM Color, Front Disc and Fork Guards
dcvmx.com
BOLT MOTORCYCLE HARDWARE
Bolts and Hardware, Restored OEM Fuel Tank, the Original 1986 Honda CR250
boltmotorcyclehardware.com
ALL BALLS
Carb Rebuild Kit, Throttle Cable, Clutch Cable, Fork Rebuild Kit, Shock Rebuild Kit, Linkage Rebuild Kit, Swingarm Rebuild Kit, Front and Rear Wheel Bearing Kits, Steering Stem Bearing Kit
allballsracing.com
SAN DIEGO POWDER COATING
Sandblasting, Powder with Super-Durable Clear, Race Prep Masking of Subframe and Engine Covers
sandiegopowdercoating.com
METALTEK RACING
Welding and Machining
metaltekracing.com
FUEL STAR
Fuel Valve Assembly
fuel-star.com
KLOTZ SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS
R-50 Two-Stroke Premix
klotzlube.com
COMETIC GASKET
Engine Gaskets
cometic.com
SUPERSPROX
Rear Sprocket, Front Sprocket, Gold MX Race Chain G520-MXT-L-120
supersproxusa.com
UNI FILTER
Two-Stage Air Filter
unifilter.com
FASTER USA
Stock Hubs Treated, New Spokes and Excel Rims
fasterusa.com
RENTHAL
971 Bars and Grips
renthal.com
DUNLOP
MX33 Front (80/100-21)
MX33 Rear (110/90-19)
dunlopmotorcycletires.com
WORKS CONNECTION
Elite Clutch Perch Assembly, Master Cylinder Guard, Holeshot Device
worksconnection.com
DECAL WORKS
Custom Graphics and Backgrounds
decalmx.com
MOTOSEAT
Retro Seat Cover
motoseat.com
IMS
Footpegs
imsproducts.com
VP RACING FUELS
C12 Mixed with Pump Fuel
vpracingfuels.com
Factory Tech Tip
WORDS: Scott Adkins
PHOTOS: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
GRAPHIC INSTALLATION
Factory Tech Tip
GRAPHIC INSTALLATION
WORDS: Scott Adkins
PHOTOS: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
T

his month we’re putting on a fresh set of graphics—and it’s not just as easy as putting a sticker on a wall. You’ll need an 8mm or 10mm T-handle to remove your seat, a heat gun, contact cleaner, towels, and an X-Acto knife.

First, remove the old graphics kit by heating them up—that will bring a lot of the glue with it. If you just try to pull them off cold, most of the glue will stick to the bike, making cleanup a lot harder. Use a heat gun. (I don’t recommend using a torch—open flames aren’t a good idea around gas.) Once the old graphics are off, clean the plastic and get off all the old glue with some contact cleaner.

Once your graphics are in place and everything is looking good, if there’s any excess hanging off the edge of the plastic, use an X-Acto knife or a razor knife and cut that edge, about 2-3mm off—just enough to get you back up onto your plastic so you don’t have that extra graphic sticking over the edge. Again, when you move up to your shroud, do the same thing. Align the larger pieces first and then you can do your smaller pieces.

One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
Motocross des Nations
September 10, 2000 / St. Jean D’Angely, France
One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
Motocross des Nations
September 10, 2000 / St. Jean D’Angely, France
T

eam USA had fallen on tough times. After absolutely dominating the 1996 FIM Motocross des Nations in Jerez, Spain, they’d failed to even reach the podium in Belgium (’97), Great Britain (’98), and Brazil (’99). Leading up to the 2000 event in St. Jean D’Angely, France, a highly motivated home team was ready and waiting to take them down again. France had never won the “Olympics of Motocross,” but they were fielding two multi-time FIM World Champions in Sebastien Tortelli and Frederic Bolley, as well as AMA 125 West Region Supercross Champion Stephane Roncada.

2000 MXdN in St. Jean D’Angely, France
Leading up to the 2000 MXdN in St. Jean D’Angely, France, a highly motivated home team was ready and waiting to take Team USA down again.
Team USA, meanwhile, had been bandaged together by team manager Roger De Coster. AMA 250 Pro Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael would lead the team on a Kawasaki KX250 despite disastrous appearances at the MXdN the previous two years. The veteran Ryan Hughes would compete in the Open class. He would race the same PAMO Honda CR250 he was supposed to have been riding on the 250 Grand Prix circuit in Europe, but a broken wrist had cost him much of his season. Team USA’s 125 rider would be the sensational Travis Pastrana, the high-flying free spirit who had long tortured his Suzuki boss De Coster with constant FMX-influenced theatrics. Despite the fact that Pastrana was the new AMA 125 National Champion, having narrowly defeated Yamaha of Troy’s Roncada, he was considered the weakest link.
March 8, 1975
Daytona Supercross
BY DAVEY COOMBS
Photo From The Dick Miller Archives
Team Husqvarna’s Kent Howerton flashes across the checkered flag in the opening 250 moto of the ’75 Daytona Supercross. This was the first of three 20-minute motos that the event format called for back then, and it was the first time a Husqvarna had ever won a “supercross” race—though at the time this race was considered part of the Yamaha Super Series of Stadium Motocross. Unfortunately for Howerton and Husqvarna, he would go down at the start of the second moto and finish 11th. He won the last moto, too, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the steady 6-1-2 tally of Can-Am rider Jimmy Ellis, who claimed the Daytona win. By the end of summer, Ellis would add the series championship as well. To see all of the results of that ’75 Super Series of Stadium Motocross, visit vault.racerxonline.com.
Team Husqvarna’s Kent Howerton flashes across the checkered flag in the opening 250 moto of the ’75 Daytona Supercross.
Racer X Dealer Network
Learn more about the world’s best magazine sales program, and the free print and online advertising that comes with it, at www.filterpubs.com/dealers. It’s a no-brainer!
*Italicized Dealerships carry 25 copies of Racer X each month.
Racer X Dealer Network
Learn more about the world’s best magazine sales program, and the free print and online advertising that comes with it, at www.filterpubs.com/dealers. It’s a no-brainer!
*Italicized Dealerships carry 25 copies of Racer X each month.
Alabama
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520-882-8111

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623-474-3335

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Sun Tan Valley
480-783-3243

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Mesa
480-642-6686

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602-996-9280

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Cycle Gear
Little Rock
501-663-2250

Wheeler Powersports
Fort Smith
800-638-5822

Yamaha of Harrison
Harrison
870-741-3131

California
AEO Powersports
Murrieta, CA
951-600-2200

Beast Moto Designs
Rancho Cucamonga
909-989-7602

Boyko Racing
Costa Mesa
949-642-3275

C and D Cycle Center
San Diego
858-277-3298

Capitol Yamaha
Sacramento
916-485-9200

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San Bernardino
909-889-2761

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Hayward
510-888-9100

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925-680-8018

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415-487-2710

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650-365-1100

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916-338-1649

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661-255-6522

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408-288-5051

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559-221-7600

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714-525-4205

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310-530-3500

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760-233-2299

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661-831-2026

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805-981-8881

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858-565-2500

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760-955-2555

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707-426-5688

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925-757-3903

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805-783-2660

Cycle Gear
Gilroy
408-847-1810

Faultline Powersports, Inc.
Hollister
831-637-8550

Faultline Hollister Hills SVRA
Hollister
831-637-9780

Fremont Honda Kawasaki Suzuki
Fremont
510-661-0100

Ken and Joe’s Honda Kawasaki
Santa Clarita
661-254-2929

Langston Motorsports
Perris
951-471-8205

Morris Cycle Supply
Marysville
530-749-9190

MotoMart at Carnegie
Tracy
925-455-1318

Motoworld of El Cajon
El Cajon
619-442-0941

Pro Circuit
Corona
951-738-8050

Roseville Honda Motorsports
Roseville
916-784-6632

Scotts Performance
Montrose
818-248-6747

Suspension Direct
Lake Elsinore
714-464-2050

Temecula Motorsports
Murrieta
951-698-4123

Thousand Oaks Powersports
Thousand Oaks
805-497-3765

Tokyomods
San Juan Capistrano
888-457-9403

Colorado
Performance Cycle Of Colorado
Centennial
303-744-2011

Vickery Motorsports
Denver
303-755-4387

Connecticut
C Cycle Suspension
East Hampton
860-267-1710

Central Cycle Club
Central Village
www.cccmx.com

Cycle Gear
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860-647-1022

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203-891-0716

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860-645-3120

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321-299-9903

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904-564-9800

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727-521-6018

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561-697-2660

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Cycle Gear
Lauderhill
954-746-2172

Cycle Gear
W. Melbourne
321-952-7478

Cycle Gear
Daytona Beach
386-257-0242

Cycle Gear
Orange Park
904-269-3740

On2Wheels
San Jose, Costa Rica
506-2253-1868

RC Hill Honda of DeLand
DeLand
386-873-6772

Spyder MX Action Sports Complex
Wildwood
spydermx.com

WMR Competition
Stuart
772-426-3000

Georgia
Cycle Gear
Smyrna
770-272-9873

Cycle Gear
Lawrenceville
678-225-0131

Cycle Gear
Roswell
770-752-1820

Idaho
Carl’s Cycle Sales
Boise
208-853-5550

Cycle Gear
Meridian
208-887-4942

Illinois
Cycle Gear
Schaumburg
847-310-4800

Lincoln Trail Motosports
Casey
217-932-2041

Motorcycle Center
Villa Park
630-782-2010

Owen Motor Sports
Charleston
217-348-5500

Indiana
Cycle Sport Yamaha & KTM
Hobart
866-6YAMAHA

High Fly MX 2.0
Scottsburg, IN
812-350-0563

Hoosier Hilltoppers MX
Seymour
812-873-1178

Motoxtremes
W. Harrison
812-637-2255

Iowa
Struthers Brothers
Des Moines
515-282-3634
Kansas
B’s Moto Lab
Bel Aire
316-516-9760

Cycle Gear
Lenexa
913-307-0420

Ely’s Kawasaki
Hutchinson
620-665-8962

Kentucky
Cycle Gear
Louisville
502-426-9746

Lohman Powersports
Owensboro
270-478-4038

Louisiana
Cycle Gear
Lafayette
337-264-0352

Cycle Gear
Baton Rouge
225-293-5860

Maine
Bangor Motorsports
Bangor
207-924-4444
Maryland
Atlantic Cycle & Power
White Plains
301-392-1770

Cycle Gear
Laurel
301-490-3490

Ellicott City Motorsports
Ellicott City
410-203-2119

Fredericktown Yamaha
Frederick
301-663-8333

JT Motorsports
Frederick
301-846-4318

Timbrook Honda of Cumberland
Cumberland
301-783-1900

Massachusetts
Pilgrim Powersports
Plymouth
508-747-6181

Wagner Motorsports
Worcester
508-581-5972

Michigan
Central Motor Sports
Mt. Pleasant
989-773-6025

Magic Racing
Shelby Township
586-254-9117

MCR Suspension
Metamora
810-678-2617

Mr. X
Waterford
248-332-2400

Powers Motorsports
Fremont
231-924-1924

Recker Motorsports
Mt. Pleasant
989-772-9286

Speed Technologies
Howell
248-974-9687

Minnesota
Bob’s Cycle Supply
St. Paul
888-306-2627

Main Street Cycles
Albert Lea
507-373-2582

Missouri
Cycle Gear
Bridgeton
314-298-7222

LCC Powersports
Liberty
816-781-6880

Dirt Bikes Unlimited
Springfield
417-832-1331

Donnell’s Motorcycles
Independence
816-478-9393

Montana
Poet Motorcycles
Helena
406-457-8230

Fastoys
Kalispell
406-257-8697

Nevada
Cross Rut Motosports
Las Vegas
702-432-1211

Cycle Gear
Las Vegas
702-877-4327

Cycle Gear
Las Vegas
702-435-0635

Reno KTM-Motorcycle Specialties
Sparks
775-358-4388

New Hampshire
Motorbikes Plus
Portsmouth
603-334-6686
New Jersey
Cycle Gear
Edison
732-248-7737

Mt. Holly Kawasaki- Suzuki-KTM
Vincentown
609-859-0333

Pit Power Sports
Manalapan
732-851-7404

The Cycle Exchange
Andover
973-786-6966

New Mexico
Cycle Gear
Albuquerque
505-830-4500
New York
3 Seas Recreation
Mayville
716-753-2628

7-S Cycle Supply
Le Roy
585-768-2330

Motovate Performance
Victor
585-924-8800

Northeast Cycle Service, LLC
Springville
716-794-0705

Parker MX
Greenwich
518-692-7025

PLX Sport
Saint-Eustache
514-239-1221

Valley Motoshop
Pleasant Valley
845-635-5678

North Carolina
Cycle Gear
Matthews
704-846-0440

Cycle Gear
Raleigh
919-329-7858

Cycle Gear
Greensboro
336-297-4250

Cycle Gear
Fayetteville
910-860-8200

Cycle Gear
Gastonia
704-824-1820

Ohio
A&Y Performance
St. Clairsville
740-338-1050

Champion Powersports
Wauseon
419-335-8600

Competitive Moto Sports
Harrisburg
614-218-9511

Honda Powersports of Troy
Troy
937-332-3440

Wheelsports, Inc.
Reynoldsburg
614-864-0010

Oklahoma
Cycle Gear
Oklahoma City
405-842-0111

Cycle Gear
Tulsa
918-384-0608

Marshall’s Racing
Stillwater
405-377-0192

Shawnee Honda
Shawnee
405-273-1400

Oregon
AC Powersports
La Grande
541-663-1111

Cycle Gear
Portland
503-257-7047

Cycle Gear
Salem
503-589-1515

Cycle Gear
Springfield
541-747-1575

Zoom Motorsports
Roseburg
541-673-7813

Pennsylvania
Barnhart’s Honda Polaris
Prosperity
724-627-5819

Cernic’s Cycle World
Johnstown
814-539-4114

Cycle Gear
Allentown
610-791-9880

Cycle Gear
Springfield
610-328-9811

Cycle Gear
Allison Park
724-444-4260

First Bike Motorsports Inc.
Butler
724-287-3052

Fun Center Powersports
Bansalem
215-245-0800

I-79 Artic Cat Sales & Powersports Service
Mt. Morris
800-633-2556

Solid Performance KTM
Downingtown
484-593-0095

South Carolina
Blazer MX
Greenville
864-242-4456

Cycle Gear
Greenville
864-322-6626

Cycle Gear
Columbia
803-750-9294

Cycle Gear
N. Charleston
843-974-6460

Tennessee

Cycle Gear
Madison
615-612-6234

Cycle Gear
Knoxville
865-560-5657

Cycle Gear
Memphis
901-371-9692

Jim’s Motorcycle Sales
Johnson City
423-926-5561

Oemcycle.com
Loudon
888-736-2519

Texas
Brownlee Racing
Plainview
806-786-9870

Cycle Gear
Plano
214-473-8044

Cycle Gear
Austin
512-302-0700

Cycle Gear
Fort Worth
817-696-9700

Cycle Gear
Almeda
713-941-3364

Cycle Gear
Greenspoint
281-448-3700

Cycle Gear
San Antonio
210-558-8700

Cycle Gear
Bedford
817-545-7939

Cycle Gear
Sharpstown
713-271-5201

EBR Performance
League City
281-554-7333

Honda of Houston
Houston
281-506-1300

Johnson County Motorsports
Burleson
817-289-0888

TJ Cycle Sales and Service
Austin
512-453-6255

TM Racing Texas
Marion
210-882-0330

TM Racing Texas
Plainview
806-786-9870

Utah
Cycle Gear
Draper
801-553-2150
Virginia
Cycle Gear
Norfolk
757-480-5680

Ron Ayers Motorworks
Rocky Mount
540-489-7667

Timbrook Honda of Winchester
Winchester
540-678-4727

Washington
Cycle Gear
Tacoma
253-475-5444

Cycle Gear
Auburn
253-876-9999

Cycle Gear
Lynnwood
425-640-3003

Cycle Gear
Vancouver
360-253-8484

Cycle Gear
Spokane
509-535-4330

JMC Motorsports LLC
Pasco
509-727-1955

Experience Powersports
Moses Lake
509-765-1925

West Virginia
Elkins Motorsports
Elkins
304-636-7732

Leeson’s Import Motors
Bridgeport
304-842-5469

Morgantown Powersports
Morgantown
304-296-9055

Outlaw Motorsports
Morgantown
304-284-0480

Performance Edge Racing, Beta TM Motorcycles of Henderson
Henderson
304-675-5111

R.G. Motorsports
Bridgeport
304-624-5420

Smittys Suzuki Center, Inc.
Buckhannon
304-472-4824

Xtreme Sports
Morgantown
304-669-4019

Wisconsin
MxMegastore
Manitowoc
877-968-6686
Dealer Spotlight
JMC Motorsports // Pasco, WA // jmc-motorsports.com // 509-727-1955

Family-owned and operated in Pasco, Washington, JMC Motorsports provides you with the latest and best in powersports products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable. From the most recent in ATV technology to the hottest new snowmobiles, we can help you find the recreational vehicle that’s made for you. Combine this wide array of selections with our friendly and knowledgeable staff, and we’re convinced JMC Motorsports will become your only stop for all of your powersports needs.

JMC Motorsports
Hunter Lawrence

Hunter
Lawrence
Brothers always have plenty in common, but Hunter and Jett Lawrence take it to a new level. Both are ridiculously fast on dirt bikes, both are racing in a foreign nation (they’re Australian), and they even both ride for the same team, GEICO Honda. Oh, and they’re both hilarious. Let’s find out what else they have in common in this month’s 2 Tribes.
Jett Lawrence

Jett
Lawrence
Hunter Lawrence

Hunter
Lawrence
Jett Lawrence

Jett
Lawrence
Brothers always have plenty in common, but Hunter and Jett Lawrence take it to a new level. Both are ridiculously fast on dirt bikes, both are racing in a foreign nation (they’re Australian), and they even both ride for the same team, GEICO Honda. Oh, and they’re both hilarious. Let’s find out what else they have in common in this month’s 2 Tribes.

Who would play you in a movie?
HL: Probably Thor.
JL: Zac Efron.

Last person who made you nervous?
HL: Young Asian girls texting while driving on the 91 Freeway.
JL: No one makes me nervous.

Favorite person in the pits?
HL: Have to give it up to the privateers. I respect their hustle and grind to show up at the races every weekend. Without them, we wouldn’t have a full gate!
JL: Jo Shimoda.

Thing you’re looking forward to most about 2020?
HL: Definitely the racing and doing a supercross season. Living in my new house is also going to be wicked.
JL: Kicking Hunter’s ass.

Most common part you break?
HL: After my collarbone performances this past year, I’d say collarbone.
JL: Girls’ hearts.

Worst part of being brothers?
HL: Normal brother dramas and crap.
JL: Seeing his face when I wake up in the morning.

Angriest you’ve ever gotten with each other on the track?
HL: When Jett would blow all the ruts out and just destroy lines. It makes me want to punch him in the face.
JL: We’re pretty chill when we’re on the track, but it’ll change.

Funniest memory of working with Ken Roczen’s dad, Heiko Klepka?
HL: We were making a smoothie and the blender broke, spilling all over the table. We drank it through straws off the table.
JL: His colorful English.

Least favorite competitor?
HL: The knucklehead who tries their absolute hardest to not let you past, then when you pass them, they’re spent and drop four more positions. You’re better off sacrificing one than losing five!
JL: Hunter.

There’s so much opportunity to make something of your life here and to make good money.” —HL

TEN MINUTES WITH
BY AARON HANSEL
TEN MINUTES WITH
BY AARON HANSEL
ADAM
Cianciarulo
Upon turning pro in 2013 as the can’t-miss kid, Adam Cianciarulo struggled with injuries and mistakes in his quest to live up to expectations. This past year, he finally delivered by solidly controlling the entire Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season to earn the 250 Class Championship. We spoke with him about his season, his transition to the 450, and what it’s like living that champ life.
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Tribute

Photo by Davey Coombs

Mark Chamberlai drinking from the third-place trophy
Podium Pint

When French team captain Gautier Paulin’s motorcycle stopped running on the last lap of the last moto of the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, it catapulted Great Britain to a third-place finish—for the third consecutive year. The Brits’ recent run of success comes after a 21-year absence from the podium in what’s considered the Olympics of motocross. This year’s team consisted of the veteran Shaun Simpson, young Adam Sterry, and Nathan Watson, who is actually an enduro and beach racer. The unlikely trio was managed by Mark Chamberlain, seen here drinking from the third-place trophy, officially known as the Coupe des Nations. Well done, lads!

Racer X Illustrated
Thanks for reading our December 2019 issue!