January 2020
Racer X Illustrated
January 2020
keep scrolling
CONTENTS
LAYING IT ALL DOWN
Henry Miller rails on a borrowed KTM 250 SX at Sleepy Hollow MX’s Two-Stroke Shootout
in Pennsylvania.
PHOTO BY: Tony Camaioni
Features
On the surface, Red Bull Straight Rhythm 2019 was fun and games and awesome nineties moto-cosplay. But on the track, this was a race first and foremost.
When the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship ended, privateer Marshal Weltin went into leaf-peeper mode to compete in a string of one-off East Coast races.
We shipped off our youngest, greenest staff member, Mitch, to cover the Monster Energy Cup. Would he survive an old-school weekend in Vegas?
Is your little one hoping for something fast under the tree this year? There are lots of options on the dealership floor these days. Here’s what’s best for your family.
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 ©2020 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
ONLINE ASSOCIATE EDITOR: MITCH KENDRA
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: SAM NICOLINI
SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS: PAUL BUCKLEY, ERIC JOHNSON, FRAN KUHN
VOICE OF REASON: RITA COOMBS

ADVERTISING AND PRODUCTION
BUSINESS MANAGER: KASSY COSNER
ACCOUNTS MANAGER: JERRI MACKEY
SYSTEMS MANAGER: DAN REINHART
WEB DEVELOPER: COLE THORSEN
Advertising Coordinator: DUSTIN WILLIAMSON
DIGITAL SALES ASSOCIATE: TRENT LOPEZ
SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR: JANINE POSEY
OTHER STAFF: JESSICA COOMBS, DEREK GARCIA, SHANIA HELMICK,
KELLY KIRBY, MELANIE MARRA, HEATHER MOEBUS, DANA PAPANICOLAS
DESIGN AND MARKETING
ART DIRECTOR: DAVID LANGRAN

CONTRIBUTORS: RAY ARCHER, BROWNDOGWILSON, JASON CRANE, ADAM DUCKWORTH, MIKE EMERY, MIKE FISHER, ALEX GOBERT, JEFF KARDAS, ROB KOY, STEPHAN LEGRAND, JAMES LISSIMORE, LYLE LOVETT, NICK McCABE, DICK MILLER, CHRISTIAN MUNOZ, SPENCER OWENS, RICH SHEPHERD, RYAN SIPES, BRETT SMITH, COLLIN SPECKNER, CHASE STALLO, BRYAN STEALEY, BILL URSIC, OLIVIER DE VAULX, THOM VEETY, BLAKE WHARTON, ADAM WHEELER

For advertising rates, contact sales@racerxonline.com. Subscriptions: $25 for 12 issues. Add $10 for Canadian addresses and $25 for international addresses. To change your address, please email racerx@pcspublink.com or call 877-684-0080. If your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within six months.
TRAVIS TRIBUTE

One of the best tributes at Red Bull Straight Rhythm was AJ Catanzaro’s homage to Travis Pastrana—more specifically, Pastrana’s first true AMA Supercross, the 2000 Indianapolis SX. With the help of SGB Racing, Catanzaro was a dead ringer for a 16-year-old Travis, who introduced himself to the professional world that night 20 years ago by crashing on the parade lap while trying to perform an Indian Air freestyle trick. Catanzaro had his own wild ride, launching off the side of a rhythm section after a ragged flying W. He somehow saved it but, like Travis that night in 2000, didn’t actually win—but he sure stole the show!

Photos by: Jim Talkington
and Spencer Owens
Travis Pastrana Image
With the help of SGB Racing, Catanzaro was a dead ringer for a 16-year-old Travis. Image

TRAVIS TRIBUTE

One of the best tributes at Red Bull Straight Rhythm was AJ Catanzaro’s homage to Travis Pastrana—more specifically, Pastrana’s first true AMA Supercross, the 2000 Indianapolis SX. With the help of SGB Racing, Catanzaro was a dead ringer for a 16-year-old Travis, who introduced himself to the professional world that night 20 years ago by crashing on the parade lap while trying to perform an Indian Air freestyle trick. Catanzaro had his own wild ride, launching off the side of a rhythm section after a ragged flying W. He somehow saved it but, like Travis that night in 2000, didn’t actually win—but he sure stole the show!
Photos by: Jim Talkington
and Spencer Owens
LATE RALLY
Longtime SX/MX factory rider Andrew Short retired from professional racing in 2016, then began a second act in endurance rally racing. For the past few years, Shorty has been steadily improving, to the point that he signed a new factory contract, this time with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s rally division. In October, he rewarded them with his first win, at the Rally of Morocco in the North African desert. The win allowed Short to clinch runner-up honors in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and makes him a longshot possibility to become the first American to win the biggest rally of all, the Dakar Rally, set for January in Saudi Arabia.
PHOTOS FROM: Husqvarna Images
Gate Pics Late Rally Image
Longtime SX/MX factory rider Andrew Short retired from professional racing in 2016, then began a second act in endurance rally racing.  Image
LATE RALLY
Longtime SX/MX factory rider Andrew Short retired from professional racing in 2016, then began a second act in endurance rally racing. For the past few years, Shorty has been steadily improving, to the point that he signed a new factory contract, this time with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s rally division. In October, he rewarded them with his first win, at the Rally of Morocco in the North African desert. The win allowed Short to clinch runner-up honors in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and makes him a longshot possibility to become the first American to win the biggest rally of all, the Dakar Rally, set for January in Saudi Arabia.
PHOTOS FROM:Husqvarna Images
Late Rally Image
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
W

hen I heard that the Red Bull Straight Rhythm event at Pomona Fairgrounds was going to become a strictly two-stroke affair, my first thought was that they were taking a very big risk with the success of the event. Sure, everyone loves two-strokes, but not everyone has one. But as the event drew closer, it morphed into something very different and special—a mass tribute to the nineties and early 2000s. And rather than prevent a lot of top guys and their teams from participating, it inspired them to join the retro vibe of it all.

RacerX January 2020 Racer in air
Red Bull Straight Rhythm is as much a competition as a costumed tribute to those halcyon days when the sport was as much about play as work.
Jason Weigandt once made a really good point to me: even in polarizing times, everyone loves retro. We were discussing the various gimmicks that riders and gear companies often come up with for the fans, like wearing the local NFL team’s jersey for opening ceremonies to endear themselves to the fanbase, race promoters trying to organize a “pink race” for breast-cancer awareness, or even military salutes. It sometimes works, like when Monster Energy AMA Supercross goes to San Diego, where there’s a large military presence, but those successes are few and far between.
Pit Pass
Pit Pass
Bryan and Eric Oliphant at Vet Homecoming.
Bryan and Eric Oliphant at Vet Homecoming.
That’s not Eric Geboers, but the vibe was there at High Point.
That’s not Eric Geboers (3), but the vibe was there at High Point.
Mitchell Falk hanging on the TLD KTM tailgate.
Mitchell Falk hanging on the TLD KTM tailgate.
Lamont Hunter, Ray Niebel, and a Johnny O’ in ’87 ’Zook.
Lamont Hunter, Ray Niebel, and a Johnny O’ in ’87 ’Zook.
That’s Ralph and Ricky doing some couch racing.
That’s Ralph and Ricky doing some couch racing.
Barry Hawk says he’s gonna “wheelie off the line!”
Barry Hawk says he’s gonna “wheelie off the line!”
This must be the Lykens family’s well-traveled moped.
This must be the Lykens family’s well-traveled moped.
Wild Wes records as Ryan Sipes and Justin Allen bench race.
Wild Wes records as Ryan Sipes and Justin Allen bench race.
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The Feed
The Feed
The Feed

Email Icon Commendations on two articles written by your authors in the November ’19 issue. First, the article written by Ping that describes how to scrub [Motocross 101] broke it down into small, understandable pieces for the reader. Although the technique is a bit above my skill level, out of curiosity, I have read a number of articles in the past regarding scrubbing. They all seemed to go back to “it’s a feeling” thing. Ping’s article took the concept and made me think, for a moment, that I can possibly scrub! I would bet that quite a few young riders will follow the instruction and safely improve their skills.

Second, the article by Steve Matthes on Michael Byrne [“Bonus Time”] was great. I had the opportunity to meet Byrner at RedBud in 2018. I bought three VIP tickets to go behind the scenes with the team for the race. Michael had a group of around ten VIPs that day by himself because Forrest Butler was sick and JT did not attend that race. Despite this, before the racing, Byrner took the time to show us the rig and pit area. He was nice, patient, funny, and very professional. He had a lot to do that day. Kudos to Michael for his accomplishments. He seems like a hard worker and a class act. Interesting is the unfortunate situation with he and the #22. Although I do admire him for his tenacity, effort, and ability, it seems to me that Reed has a history of burning bridges.

Tyler Bowers on supercross whoops
“I was just talking—the trophy we got says ‘500cc Class Red Bull Straight Rhythm.’ It looks like a misprint. It doesn’t look right. The win is cool or whatever, but even if it was a second-place, just to see that I competed in the 500cc class at Red Bull [Straight] Rhythm is amazing. To be able to go out there and hit the jumps I was hitting, with Travis doing flips next to me, was a dream come true. If I would have lost, I would have been just as pumped. It’s amazing to just see this happen.”
Tyler Bowers on racing his ’91 KX500 (aka The Unit) against TP199 on supercross whoops in a one-on-one showdown/Racer X Online
Tyler Bowers on supercross whoops
“I was just talking—the trophy we got says ‘500cc Class Red Bull Straight Rhythm.’ It looks like a misprint. It doesn’t look right. The win is cool or whatever, but even if it was a second-place, just to see that I competed in the 500cc class at Red Bull [Straight] Rhythm is amazing. To be able to go out there and hit the jumps I was hitting, with Travis doing flips next to me, was a dream come true. If I would have lost, I would have been just as pumped. It’s amazing to just see this happen.”
Tyler Bowers on racing his ’91 KX500 (aka The Unit) against TP199 on supercross whoops in a one-on-one showdown/Racer X Online
OVERHEARD. OVERREAD. OVERSAID.
“Maybe work on my donut diet so I can eat more than three and not feel sick.”
GEICO Honda’s Jett Lawrence, when asked (by Evan Ferry) what he could do better next time at the Monster Energy Cup/Monster Energy Cup press conference
“I can’t believe it – it doesn’t seem real right now. My main goal coming to Morocco was to finish second in the championship, but to take the win feels unreal.”
Andrew Short on winning the Rally du Maroc in Morocco, allowing him to clinch runner-up honors in the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship/Husqvarna press release
“Probably one of the raddest things yet in Bryson’s motocross career!!! He made it into Racer X Magazine!! His own page in a magazine sold in Walmart along with many other spots.”
Sean Howell, after he saw his son Bryson featured on the Inside Motocross page of the November ’19 issue/Facebook
“I pretty much spent all of my retirement [savings] trying to learn how to go left.”
Pastrana on his ill-fated foray into NASCAR/The Deegans podcast
“The bars handled my moon landing off the wall jump nicely!
AJ Catanzaro commenting on ProTaper’s clip of his flying W and accidental full send off of a roller at Red Bull Straight Rhythm/Instagram
“My berries are being iced with frozen berries as we speak.”
AJ Catanzaro in response to “Watch: AJ Catanzaro Goes All-In on Pastrana Tribute at RBSR”/Facebook
“Tyler really had to sack up on The Unit. No pun intended.”
Travis Pastrana on Bowers/Red Bull TV
Joachim Sauer on minicycle
“The complete beginner can ride on a track almost straight away with this bike as it’s so easy to ride, yet a national level rider can have comparable lap times to that of the combustion bike, which is something special. The adjustability of the bike means that a rider can use it for years as they get faster – they can also be more independent in the operation of the bike, and apart from oiling the chain there is really minimal maintenance required.”
Joachim Sauer, KTM’s senior product manager offroad, introducing the new KTM SX-E 5 minicycle/KTM press release
“Maybe work on my donut diet so I can eat more than three and not feel sick.”
GEICO Honda’s Jett Lawrence, when asked (by Evan Ferry) what he could do better next time at the Monster Energy Cup/Monster Energy Cup press conference
“I can’t believe it – it doesn’t seem real right now. My main goal coming to Morocco was to finish second in the championship, but to take the win feels unreal.”
Andrew Short on winning the Rally du Maroc in Morocco, allowing him to clinch runner-up honors in the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship/Husqvarna press release
“Probably one of the raddest things yet in Bryson’s motocross career!!! He made it into Racer X Magazine!! His own page in a magazine sold in Walmart along with many other spots.”
Sean Howell, after he saw his son Bryson featured on the Inside Motocross page of the November ’19 issue/Facebook
“I pretty much spent all of my retirement [savings] trying to learn how to go left.”
Pastrana on his ill-fated foray into NASCAR/The Deegans podcast
“The bars handled my moon landing off the wall jump nicely!
AJ Catanzaro commenting on ProTaper’s clip of his flying W and accidental full send off of a roller at Red Bull Straight Rhythm/Instagram
“My berries are being iced with frozen berries as we speak.”
AJ Catanzaro in response to “Watch: AJ Catanzaro Goes All-In on Pastrana Tribute at RBSR”/Facebook
“Tyler really had to sack up on The Unit. No pun intended.”
Travis Pastrana on Bowers/Red Bull TV
Joachim Sauer on minicycle
“The complete beginner can ride on a track almost straight away with this bike as it’s so easy to ride, yet a national level rider can have comparable lap times to that of the combustion bike, which is something special. The adjustability of the bike means that a rider can use it for years as they get faster – they can also be more independent in the operation of the bike, and apart from oiling the chain there is really minimal maintenance required.”
Joachim Sauer, KTM’s senior product manager offroad, introducing the new KTM SX-E 5 minicycle/KTM press release
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Instagram   @DAVIDPINGREE101
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Instagram   @DAVIDPINGREE101
Y

ou ever sit back and shake your head at what weird times we live in? Social media, smartphones, internet, and a culture that is overly sensitive about everything has really made for an odd time in modern, civilized society. I suppose if you live in Somalia and your daily stresses include sourcing clean drinking water, avoiding malaria, and not being murdered, then this column might not resonate with you; total first-world issues over here. If I could send out a PSA on one issue, it would be this: live in the moment.

RacerX Rider on Orange Bike
If I could send out a PSA on one issue, it would be this: live in the moment.
Take a minute and think about how often you stress about something that happened in the past. Maybe it’s beef you have with somebody, a skeleton in your closet that you worry might be uncovered, money, occupation, your health, or something else. Maybe you had a chimichanga at a questionable Mexican establishment and you’re worried about a violent code-brown that could ensue. We—myself included—have a tendency to stress about things we can’t control. And stress isn’t your friend. Not only is stress linked to myriad health issues, it also dumps cortisol into our systems, a hormone responsible for poor cognitive function the moment it hits, as well as significant weight gain over time. Sinking intelligence and skyrocketing body-fat percentage? Sounds like America to me.
Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

I

didn’t attend the Monster Energy Cup. Instead, I handed the keys to the city (or at least the media passes) to noob Racer X Online associate editor Mitch Kendra and our West Coast advertising master, Trent Lopez. You can read their The Odd Couple-meets-The Hangover story on page 92.

In contrast, I try to spend the off-season doing off-season things, but the racing is never far away. So while practice was taking place in Las Vegas, I was attending a baby shower for my friend Jonny Oler and his wife, Heather, who are expecting their first child. Oler spent 12 years as the suspension man for Joe Gibbs Racing MX but recently stepped down to spend more time with his family. Monster Cup was supposed to mark his first race on the wagon, but just as quickly as Jonny was out, he was pulled back in via Chad Reed’s late entry to the race. Oler worked with Reed at JGR last year, so when Reed needed suspension help fast, Oler pitched in with his new company, Art of War. Jonny helped Chad with some testing, built some settings, and shipped it off to Sam Boyd Stadium.

RacerHead
RacerHead
FIVE GUYS, ONE QUESTION | BY AARON HANSEL
QUESTION: What was the best racing moment of 2019?
Ryan Hughes and team
RYAN HUGHES
“To me it was the U.S. team taking the MXoN so seriously that they went a month before to prepare. That, to me, showed pride for the country, pride for the history of the race, and respect to the motocross world and its fans.”
Jeremy Malott on his bike
JEREMY MALOTT
“Ryan Sipes winning multiple disciplines of motorcycle racing in one year. It’s commonplace to have the same winners year over year, which can lead to a lack of storylines. With Ryan winning a variety of disciplines, it allows unique story lines to emerge. Who is the best overall racer in the world? Who else could, and would, compete in different forms of racing?”
Lucas Mirtl holding trophy
LUCAS MIRTL
“Cooper Webb’s SX championship. To come back from two miserable years at Yamaha—essentially to what could be his last roll of the dice as a 450 factory rider with KTM—and dominate the championship is impressive and the most standout thing that happened in 2019.”
Aldon Baker on bike
ALDON BAKER
“I would have to say the most standout moment of 2019 was the pass Cooper [Webb] did on the last turn in supercross [Arlington] to beat Kenny [Roczen]. I’m not trying to be pro-my-athletes, but that was really exciting, and I think it led to one of the closest finishes in supercross.”
Gareth Swanepoel among other riders during race
GARETH SWANEPOEL
“I’m slightly biased, but the moment that stands out for me personally was standing in the first turn at the Washougal National and seeing a wave of blue Star Yamahas all up front off the start. Jeremy Coker called it and said, ‘All our guys are up front. Holy shit, let’s go, boys! Shake and bake!’”
Ryan Hughes and team
RYAN HUGHES
“To me it was the U.S. team taking the MXoN so seriously that they went a month before to prepare. That, to me, showed pride for the country, pride for the history of the race, and respect to the motocross world and its fans.”
Jeremy Malott on his bike
JEREMY MALOTT
“Ryan Sipes winning multiple disciplines of motorcycle racing in one year. It’s commonplace to have the same winners year over year, which can lead to a lack of storylines. With Ryan winning a variety of disciplines, it allows unique story lines to emerge. Who is the best overall racer in the world? Who else could, and would, compete in different forms of racing?”
Lucas Mirtl holding trophy
LUCAS MIRTL
“Cooper Webb’s SX championship. To come back from two miserable years at Yamaha—essentially to what could be his last roll of the dice as a 450 factory rider with KTM—and dominate the championship is impressive and the most standout thing that happened in 2019.”
Aldon Baker on bike
ALDON BAKER
“I would have to say the most standout moment of 2019 was the pass Cooper [Webb] did on the last turn in supercross [Arlington] to beat Kenny [Roczen]. I’m not trying to be pro-my-athletes, but that was really exciting, and I think it led to one of the closest finishes in supercross.”
Gareth Swanepoel among other riders during race
GARETH SWANEPOEL
“I’m slightly biased, but the moment that stands out for me personally was standing in the first turn at the Washougal National and seeing a wave of blue Star Yamahas all up front off the start. Jeremy Coker called it and said, ‘All our guys are up front. Holy shit, let’s go, boys! Shake and bake!’”
PAGE 54
racer number 163 riding on track
SILLY SEASON
Who’s going where for 2020?
PAGE 56
dirty words crossword puzzle
DIRTY WORDS
Moto crossword
PAGE 60
The goods featured backpack
The Goods
Dual sport: best of both worlds
PAGE 61
2019 BETA 125 RR-S
FUN BIKES
Beta’s fun-sized off-roader
RacerHead
RacerHead
WHO MOVED, WHO STAYED
O

ur sport’s annual game of musical chairs hit snags for a few teams—namely JGRMX/Yoshimura Suzuki and Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM—but drama behind the scenes is nothing new during contract season. Here are ten key elements to the new season.

1. WHITHER JGR
Hits keep coming for Joe Gibbs Racing MX/Yoshimura Suzuki. The squad has been without a title sponsor for a year, and now Suzuki wants to scale back its monetary support. JGR might still go racing, but with a smaller staff, budget, and rider lineup—unless a sponsor finally surfaces.
1. WHITHER JGR
Hits keep coming for Joe Gibbs Racing MX/Yoshimura Suzuki. The squad has been without a title sponsor for a year, and now Suzuki wants to scale back its monetary support. JGR might still go racing, but with a smaller staff, budget, and rider lineup—unless a sponsor finally surfaces.
RacerHead
RacerHead

Dirty Words Crossword Puzzle | BY AARON HANSEL

Crossword Puzzle Placeholder Image
ACROSS
2. Red Bull’s off-season rhythm is _____
4. Most consecutive premier-class SX wins in a season
6. Current world WMX champ
8. OEM whose supercharged street bike can top 249 mph
10. First SX/MX athlete to wear Spy goggles
DOWN
1. Manitoba titles won by Steve Matthes
3. Rockstar Energy sponsors this brand’s factory team
5. The Rhinestone Cowboy
7. Travis and the Nitro _____
9. Only Mexican rider to win a 125 SX race
11. Hot Sauce
13. Cylinder controlled by the master cylinder

ACROSS
2. Red Bull’s off-season rhythm is _____
4. Most consecutive premier-class SX wins in a season
6. Current world WMX champ
8. OEM whose supercharged street bike can top 249 mph
10. First SX/MX athlete to wear Spy goggles
12. Will make his 450 debut in 2020
14. Surfed waves in Tahiti on a dirt bike
15. Former Pro Taper manufacturer, known for baseball bats
18. Winner of the 2003 125 Daytona Supercross
19. OEM founded by a man whose first invention was a loom
20. This OEM also makes a car called an X-Bow
21. Damping that regulates suspension’s return rate
22. Former name of the 250 class

RacerHead
RacerHead

BUZZ

KTM The Austrians moved to the forefront of the electric bike movement by introducing the 2020 KTM SX-E 5 electric minicycle. The quiet little ripper is not only competitive with regular 50s but 65s as well, due to its adjustability in seat height and performance mode. There’s already a class coming together specifically for the bike at the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch, as the SX-E 5 is soon to be joined by an electric offering by Cobra.
RETRO
RETRO What’s old is new again as companies like Fox, THOR, Fly, O’Neal, and others roll out retro-inspired gear for the teams and riders in their 2020 lines. Long live the nineties!
RacerHead
RacerHead
The
Goods
DUAL-SPORT EDITION
Arai XD-4 Helmet Image
Arai
XD-4
MSRP: $739.95
www.araiamericas.com
A motocross-style helmet will work in a pinch, but when riding at higher speeds, you’re going to notice a lot of visor pushback. A helmet designed for both off-road and on-road riding is a great investment.Arai XD-4 In comes the Arai XD-4, with a highly vented visor and fully adjustable face shield, which is exactly what you want in this situation. Featuring microfitting peel-away temple pads, brow vents in the face shield, multiple removable adjustment layers, shell exhaust ports, chin vent, and super-comfortable cheek pads, the XD-4 is incredibly customizable and a great dual-sport or adventure riding option.
A motocross-style helmet will work in a pinch, but when riding at higher speeds, you’re going to notice a lot of visor pushback. A helmet designed for both off-road and on-road riding is a great investment. In comes the Arai XD-4, with a highly vented visor and fully adjustable face shield, which is exactly what you want in this situation. Featuring microfitting peel-away temple pads, brow vents in the face shield, multiple removable adjustment layers, shell exhaust ports, chin vent, and super-comfortable cheek pads, the XD-4 is incredibly customizable and a great dual-sport or adventure riding option.
Fly Racing Terra Trek Jacket / Pants Image
Fly Racing
Terra Trek Jacket / Pants
MSRP: $219.95 (each)
www.flyracing.com
During a dual-sport ride, you’re bound to cover incredible distances, and with that comes varying terrain and weather differences you might not be expecting.Fly Racing Terra Trek Jacket / Pants The Terra Trek pants and jacket from Fly Racing feature a fully removable inner thermal liner to make sure you’re at optimal temperatures for the duration of your ride. Combine that with a multitude of armor placements (elbow, shoulder, knee, hip), storage pockets, an outer shell with taped seams, and fitting for a comfortable riding position, and the Terra Trek line is designed to go exactly where you want to go: anywhere.
During a dual-sport ride, you’re bound to cover incredible distances, and with that comes varying terrain and weather differences you might not be expecting. The Terra Trek pants and jacket from Fly Racing feature a fully removable inner thermal liner to make sure you’re at optimal temperatures for the duration of your ride. Combine that with a multitude of armor placements (elbow, shoulder, knee, hip), storage pockets, an outer shell with taped seams, and fitting for a comfortable riding position, and the Terra Trek line is designed to go exactly where you want to go: anywhere.
RacerHead
RacerHead

FUN BIKES: 2019 BETA 125 RR-S | BY SCOTT WALLENBERG | PHOTOS BY SIMON CUDBY

W

hen I first saw pictures of the Beta 125 RR-S Dual Sport, I immediately thought it looked like it would be a blast to own. It’s a combo bike that’s not too big and heavy to move around but will perform well off the pavement. This bike delivers!

It’s equipped with a four-stroke, four-valve liquid-cooled engine that puts out 15 HP and is surprisingly torquey for casual or fun off-road trail riding. The 125 RR-S has more than 10” of suspension travel front and rear, and we found it to be exceptional in our tests through sand-wash bumps. This bike is designed for the masses looking for a light and inexpensive bike to have some great trail riding fun on, then legally hit the road for lunch in town. I spoke to Beta’s Tim Pilg at the AIMExpo and he said, “Our 125 RR-S has been a huge hit for all types of riders, from all demographics; we sold one to a 16-year-old kid in California, and even a 74-year-old guy in Pennsylvania, and they both are loving the bike for different reasons.”

Motocross 101
RHYTHM SECTIONS
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
Motocross 101
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
RHYTHM SECTIONS
R

hythm sections can be difficult because they require great depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and timing. We found this little jump section at Milestone MX and thought it was a good demonstration of this technique.

The section consists of six rollers, none of which have a good lip on them. That’s good, because it’s forgiving if you come up short, but it also means you won’t get much pop off any of the lips. The quickest way through is to single-double-triple, but it’s technical. Here’s how we tackle it:

This section is right out of a corner, so you don’t have the speed to attempt a triple-triple. The simplest way through is to double-double-double, but even that requires going to the outside in the turn (leaving the inside open), and it isn’t the quickest way through. Because these are round, I’m able to absorb the first jump and push the bike down into the face of the second jump. This might seem like something you don’t want to do, but when there isn’t much lip, you have to rely on the suspension to help you get over the jumps cleanly.
Just like jumping on a trampoline, I go from a knees-bent position to legs extended to help spring the bike up and forward. I’m also pulling up on the bars to get as much distance out of the jump as I can.
The last component here is to squeeze the bike with your feet and knees and lift. Your legs are the strongest part of your body, and if you’re trying to muscle a bike around with your upper body, you’re going to lose every time.
This section is right out of a corner, so you don’t have the speed to attempt a triple-triple. The simplest way through is to double-double-double, but even that requires going to the outside in the turn (leaving the inside open), and it isn’t the quickest way through. Because these are round, I’m able to absorb the first jump and push the bike down into the face of the second jump. This might seem like something you don’t want to do, but when there isn’t much lip, you have to rely on the suspension to help you get over the jumps cleanly.
You can see me fall into the bike as I come over the first jump and then extend to push the bike down into the face of the second jump.
EXPOSURE
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SPENCER OWENS
EXPOSURE
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SPENCER OWENS
The Feed
Gavin Towers
DOB: May 25, 2004
Hometown: Venetia, PA
Bike: Kawasaki KX100
Classes: Supermini 1, Schoolboy 2
Sponsors: Team Green, Pro Circuit, Ride Dunlop, Seven MX, Scott Motorsports, Alpinestars, Monster Army,
Mobius Braces, Bell Powersports
Gavin Towers Headshot

Racer X: You’re now with Team Green—tell us a little bit about how that all came about.
Gavin Towers: I made the change from an 85 to Superminis this year, and Kawasaki saw me ride at some of the nationals and started talking with my dad. Ryan [Holliday] from Kawasaki called my dad one day and told him that they had decided to sign me, so we got the terms and the contract, and here I am.

Team Green has been around for years, and obviously, a lot of legends have worked their way through the program. What was it like for you personally to get that offer?
It was an awesome feeling. Once everything fell into place, I decided to be homeschooled so I could take my training to the next level. None of my friends are factory riders, so to be the first one in my group is pretty cool.

Racer X: You’re now with Team Green—tell us a little bit about how that all came about.
Gavin Towers: I made the change from an 85 to Superminis this year, and Kawasaki saw me ride at some of the nationals and started talking with my dad. Ryan [Holliday] from Kawasaki called my dad one day and told him that they had decided to sign me, so we got the terms and the contract, and here I am.

Team Green has been around for years, and obviously, a lot of legends have worked their way through the program. What was it like for you personally to get that offer?
It was an awesome feeling. Once everything fell into place, I decided to be homeschooled so I could take my training to the next level. None of my friends are factory riders, so to be the first one in my group is pretty cool.

Gavin Towers Headshot
Underneath the costumes and retro bikes, the riders at Red Bull Straight Rhythm couldn’t help but take everything seriously. Because they’re racers!
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: Spencer Owens
Opening Spread: Octopi Media/Red Bull Photo Files
THE WORLD HAS SEEN so much of Travis Pastrana over the last 20-some years, but his real essence could only be seen here—where most of the world couldn’t see him. The riders were trying to dissect a particularly difficult rhythm lane on Friday night during practice at the sixth edition of Red Bull Straight Rhythm. The event is designed as the anti-serious anti-race, eschewing the basic principles of corner speed and fitness and replacing them with only the fun stuff. Instagram as opposed to Facebook.

Straight Savages
Underneath the costumes and retro bikes, the riders at Red Bull Straight Rhythm couldn’t help but take everything seriously. Because they’re racers!
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: Spencer Owens
Opening Spread: Octopi Media/Red Bull Photo Files
THE WORLD HAS SEEN so much of Travis Pastrana over the last 20-some years, but his real essence could only be seen here—where most of the world couldn’t see him. The riders were trying to dissect a particularly difficult rhythm lane on Friday night during practice at the sixth edition of Red Bull Straight Rhythm. The event is designed as the anti-serious anti-race, eschewing the basic principles of corner speed and fitness and replacing them with only the fun stuff. Instagram as opposed to Facebook.
We follow privateer Marshal Weltin on his one-man tour of the one-off races that comprise the fall American motocross season
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
Summer is over. The days may be getting shorter, the evenings a little chillier, the time off from work and school stretched to the limits, but moto is still calling. It’s all part of a new trend in American motocross, and it’s picking up speed. All over the country, season-ending destination and theme races are popping up, almost like homecoming events to cap the season. These races throw back to a simpler, easier time in motocross, when the sport was about simply racing on the weekend, not just putting in endless laps at training facilities and endless hours in the gym. Though the general recipe is similar—healthy doses of premix and vintage, pit bikes and pizza, live music and local moto celebrities, with maybe a best-whip contest to top it all off—each has a unique flavor of its own. Whether it’s a big-name bounty race, pit-bike rave-up, freestyle demo, or even a full-blown costume party, these one-off events are meant to be easygoing get-togethers with the emphasis as much on fun as on racing. Welcome to a small but sweet slice of the American motocross pie.
Motocross
We follow privateer Marshal Weltin on his one-man tour of the one-off races that comprise the fall American motocross season
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
Summer is over. The days may be getting shorter, the evenings a little chillier, the time off from work and school stretched to the limits, but moto is still calling. It’s all part of a new trend in American motocross, and it’s picking up speed. All over the country, season-ending destination and theme races are popping up, almost like homecoming events to cap the season. These races throw back to a simpler, easier time in motocross, when the sport was about simply racing on the weekend, not just putting in endless laps at training facilities and endless hours in the gym. Though the general recipe is similar—healthy doses of premix and vintage, pit bikes and pizza, live music and local moto celebrities, with maybe a best-whip contest to top it all off—each has a unique flavor of its own. Whether it’s a big-name bounty race, pit-bike rave-up, freestyle demo, or even a full-blown costume party, these one-off events are meant to be easygoing get-togethers with the emphasis as much on fun as on racing. Welcome to a small but sweet slice of the American motocross pie.
We sent our youngest, greenest staff member to Las Vegas to cover the Monster Energy Cup. And they also have parties there, we hear?
WORDS: MITCH KENDRA
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS & RICH SHEPHERD
Like AC on his KX450, I was making my Sin City debut during the 2019 Monster Energy Cup. We were both neon rookies—Adam quite literally in his bright throwback gear—but we all know how his weekend went. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how it all played out.
Neon Rookies
We sent our youngest, greenest staff member to Las Vegas to cover the Monster Energy Cup. And they also have parties there, we hear?
WORDS: MITCH KENDRA
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS & RICH SHEPHERD
Like AC on his KX450, I was making my Sin City debut during the 2019 Monster Energy Cup. We were both neon rookies—Adam quite literally in his bright throwback gear—but we all know how his weekend went. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how it all played out.
yellow, orange, blue circles
A buyer’s guide for your little one’s first dirt bike
By Aaron Hansel
If you’ve been considering purchasing a motorcycle for your little one, there’s no better time than Christmas. What kid hasn’t dreamed of waking up Christmas morning and finding a motorcycle under the tree, and what parent hasn’t wanted to put one there? The only problem is, what to buy? There are so many choices, especially with the growing electric market, that shopping for a kid’s bike can be overwhelming. Well, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a fire-breathing beast or a silent electric bike to ride around the cul-de-sac, you’ll find it here.
young child sitting on bike
yellow, orange, blue circles
A buyer’s guide for your little one’s first dirt bike
By Aaron Hansel
If you’ve been considering purchasing a motorcycle for your little one, there’s no better time than Christmas. What kid hasn’t dreamed of waking up Christmas morning and finding a motorcycle under the tree, and what parent hasn’t wanted to put one there? The only problem is, what to buy? There are so many choices, especially with the growing electric market, that shopping for a kid’s bike can be overwhelming. Well, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a fire-breathing beast or a silent electric bike to ride around the cul-de-sac, you’ll find it here.
Garage Build 2001 KAWASAKIKX500
Garage Build 2001 KAWASAKIKX500
Garage Build
2001 KAWASAKIKX500
BIKE BUILD BY KX GURUS FOR SUNNY GARCIA // www.kxguru.com
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
Resurrecting an old Kawasaki KX500 two-stroke for surfing legend Sunny Garcia. We hope Sunny’s got plenty of days on this KX500 ahead of him.
KX GURU RACING/JT ENGINE WORKS
Primary Engine Builder, Engine Tear Down and Inspection, Engine Planning and Design, Logistics and Management, Final Engine Assembly, Break-In and Tuning, Shock Setup
kxguru.com
TMR
Cylinder Porting, Head Mod, Decomp Mod, Crank Rebuild and Balance
tommorganracing1.com
MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES
Strip, Repair Damage, and Re-Plate to Stock Size
mt-llc.com
GALFER USA
Oversized Rotor/Adaptor Bracket for KX450, Rotor Rear KX450, Brake Lines KX450, Brake Pads KX450
galferusa.com
SUPERSPROX
Front and Rear Sprocket, MX Chain
supersproxusa.com
PIVOT WORKS
Steering Stem Bearing Kit, Linkage Rebuild Kit, Swingarm Rebuild Kit
pivotworks.com
DUNLOP
MX33 Front (80/100-21), MX33 Rear (120/90-19)
dunlopmotorcycle.com
RAPTOR TITANIUM
Titanium Footpegs from KX450
raptortitanium.com
FASST COMPANY
Flexx Bars with Bar Pad with Sunny’s Hawaiian Tattoo Pattern, Anti-Vibration Inserts
fasstco.com
TM DESIGNWORKS
Rear Chain Guide KX450, Slider KX450, Rear Disc and Master Guard KX450
www.tmdesignworks.com
MOTOTASSINARI
V-Force 2 Reed Cage
mototassinari.com
OHLINS
Rear Shock
ohlins.com
POWDER COAT INDUSTRIES
Welded-On Frame Gussets, Custom Footpeg Mounts, Powder Coated Frame/Swingarm
powdercoatindustries.com
PRISMATIC POWDERS
Powder Coat Kiwi Green Paint
nicindustries.com
SPECBOLT FASTENERS
Non-Engine Stainless Steel Fasteners, Custom Kit (Mix of KX500 and KX450F Components)
specbolt.com
Resurrecting an old Kawasaki KX500 two-stroke for surfing legend Sunny Garcia. We hope Sunny’s got plenty of days on this KX500 ahead of him.
KX GURU RACING/JT ENGINE WORKS
Primary Engine Builder, Engine Tear Down and Inspection, Engine Planning and Design, Logistics and Management, Final Engine Assembly, Break-In and Tuning, Shock Setup
kxguru.com
TMR
Cylinder Porting, Head Mod, Decomp Mod, Crank Rebuild and Balance
tommorganracing1.com
MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES
Strip, Repair Damage, and Re-Plate to Stock Size
mt-llc.com
GUTS RACING
Seat (Medium Hardness) and Standard-Height Foam with Custom High-Grip Cover
gutsracing.com
HAMMERHEAD
Shifter, KX450 Rear Brake Lever with Modified Lever Mount, Brake Return Spring, Holeshot Device, Master Cylinder Reservoir Cap
hdmoto.com
BORMI RACING
Custom Aluminum Fuel Tank, Custom KX450/KX500 Hybrid Swingarm
bormiparts.com
NEIL’S POWER PIPES
Custom Handbuilt Stainless Steel Cone Pipe, Custom Handbuilt Silencer
npowerperformance.com
COMETIC GASKET
Engine Gaskets
cometic.com
GALFER USA
Oversized Rotor/Adaptor Bracket for KX450, Rotor Rear KX450, Brake Lines KX450, Brake Pads KX450
galferusa.com
SUPERSPROX
Front and Rear Sprocket, MX Chain
supersproxusa.com
PIVOT WORKS
Steering Stem Bearing Kit, Linkage Rebuild Kit, Swingarm Rebuild Kit
pivotworks.com
DUNLOP
MX33 Front (80/100-21), MX33 Rear (120/90-19)
dunlopmotorcycle.com
ALL BALLS
Carb Rebuild Kit, Chain Rollers
allballsracing.com
REKLUSE
Auto Clutch Kit
rekluse.com
UNI FILTER
Two-Stage Air Filter
unifilter.com
UFO PLASTIC
Full Plastic Kit, Hand Shields
ufoplasticusa.com
WORKS CONNECTION
Hour Meter and Mount, Stand
worksconnection.com
DECAL WORKS
Semi-Custom Graphics Kit, Preprinted Number Plate Backgrounds
decalmx.com
PINGEL
Billet High Flow Fuel Valve Assy
pingelonline.com
One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
BERCY SUPERCROSS
November 12-14 1999 / PARIS, France
One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
BERCY SUPERCROSS
November 12-14 1999 / PARIS, France
T

wenty years ago, it didn’t seem like a big deal, but in hindsight, it was. The 1999 Paris-Bercy Supercross at the Palais Omnisport is most remembered for being the first time that French hero David Vuillemin won King of Bercy honors as the best overall finisher in the three nights of racing. Le Cobra edged out AMA Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath for the honors, much to the delight of the partisan crowd. But it’s what happened a little further back that would become much more significant in the history of Europe’s biggest stadium race, as well as the sport in general.

1999 Paris-Bercy Supercross at the Palais Omnisport
When Carmichael went home to Florida, he and his family and longtime advisor Johnny O’Mara decided he needed to hire a trainer.
Ricky Carmichael, then a three-time AMA 125cc National Champion, was paid $50,000 by the event promoters in start money to attend Bercy for the first time. Then a Kawasaki factory rider, he had already moved up the 250 class in AMA Supercross, but he was not yet considered one of the elite riders like McGrath, who was paid twice as much as anyone to race Bercy. As a matter of fact, Carmichael had yet to even reach a podium in the 250 class.
May 20, 1995
Cleveland Supercross
BY DAVEY COOMBS
Photo BY Steve Middlesworth
If that Fox Racing gear that Ken Roczen wore on his way to the win at the recent Red Bull Straight Rhythm looks familiar, it’s because it was on Team Honda’s Jeremy McGrath throughout much of the 1995 season. That was arguably one of McGrath’s best seasons, as he and master mechanic Skip Norfolk clinched their third straight AMA Supercross Championship at the Cleveland round in May (shown here), then reset the all-time main-event wins record of 29 at the next round in San Jose. He would also win the ’95 AMA 250 Pro Motocross Championship—his one and only outdoor title. Of course, McGrath would be even more dominant in supercross the next year and would eventually end up with an astonishing 72 main-event wins and seven championships in eight years, but it was his ’95 look and vibe that Roczen and friends at Fox Racing wanted reprise in tribute to the all-time King of Supercross.
Jeremy McGrath AMA Supercross Championship at the Cleveland round
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.
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Montrose
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Suspension Direct
Lake Elsinore
714-464-2050

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805-497-3765

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888-457-9403

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Centennial
303-744-2011

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Denver
303-755-4387

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East Hampton
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www.cccmx.com

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860-647-1022

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904-269-3740

On2Wheels
San Jose, Costa Rica
506-2253-1868

RC Hill Honda of DeLand
DeLand
386-873-6772

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Wildwood
spydermx.com

WMR Competition
Stuart
772-426-3000

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Cycle Gear
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770-272-9873

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Boise
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847-310-4800

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630-782-2010

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Charleston
217-348-5500

Indiana
Cycle Sport Yamaha & KTM
Hobart
866-6YAMAHA

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Scottsburg, IN
812-350-0563

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Seymour
812-873-1178

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W. Harrison
812-637-2255

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

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913-307-0420

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620-665-8962

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Cycle Gear
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225-293-5860

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Bangor
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301-846-4318

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Plymouth
508-747-6181

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Waterford
248-332-2400

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Speed Technologies
Howell
248-974-9687

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

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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
Temecula Motorsports // Murrieta, CA // temeculamotorsports.com // 951-698-4123
For nearly a decade, our Southern California motorcycle dealership has been providing comprehensive services to enthusiasts, veterans, and rookies alike. We love working with our customers on everything from the best motorcycle sales that the Inland Empire has to offer to finding replacement Yamaha parts for San Diego riders. By combining excellent customer service with unbeatable prices, we are proud to offer only the best to our local customers throughout the Inland Empire, Riverside, Temecula, Los Angeles, and San Diego. When you step into our showroom, you will see that racing is in our blood. Whether you ride the dirt, desert, street, or water, our knowledgeable staff knows what it takes to keep you competitive. We are an authorized dealer of Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Suzuki, Victory Motorcycles, Polaris, Bombardier, Kawasaki, and Honda in the San Diego and surrounding areas.
Temecula Motorsports
Tom Journet

Tom
Journet
You could argue that riders today don’t have as much fun off the bike as they used to—and you’d probably be right. But Tom Journet, Matt Rice, and Jason Anderson, who make up Team Fried, are working to change that with their hilarious YouTube vlog. If you haven’t checked out Team Fried, drop what you’re doing and take a look—then come back and see how Rice and Journet compare in this month’s 2 Tribes.
Matt Rice

Matt
Rice
Tom Journet

Tom
Journet
Matt Rice

Matt
Rice
You could argue that riders today don’t have as much fun off the bike as they used to—and you’d probably be right. But Tom Journet, Matt Rice, and Jason Anderson, who make up Team Fried, are working to change that with their hilarious YouTube vlog. If you haven’t checked out Team Fried, drop what you’re doing and take a look—then come back and see how Rice and Journet compare in this month’s 2 Tribes.

Who would play you in a movie?
TJ: Jonah Hill.
MR: That’s impossible. Denzel Washington is my favorite actor. I just wanna watch more Denzel movies!

Last person who made you nervous?
TJ: Jason.
MR: Literally every pro skater. I fan boy.

Which one of you could destroy a golf cart faster?
TJ: Definitely Matt.
MR: Probably me. I go crazy in golf carts and pit bikes and wreck a lot.

Best part of working together?
TJ: We’re always motivating each other to create content.
MR: I guess consistency, but then again, we get pretty random and make last-minute plans.

Worst part of working together?
TJ: We’re always together.
MR: Making last-minute plans.

Angriest you’ve ever gotten with each other?
TJ: Jason and Matt like to hide my things around the house, and one time we got into a pretty heated fight over it.
MR: I get pretty heated when Tom thinks he’s the best at VR shifter karts. I’ll put in serious time to beat his fast laps.

Which one of you is the most “fried” at any given time?
TJ: For sure me.
MR: We’re all fried in our own special ways.

If Team Fried had a mascot, who, or what, would it be?
TJ: I liked the Friedzilla Godzilla art Matt created. He’d probably wear the costume too.
MR: I feel we’re the mascots. I’m buying a T-shirt cannon for everyday use.

Whose ass would you like to kick?
TJ: Jason’s.
MR: Ron. . . .

Best Fried video?
TJ: I really enjoyed making Washougal.
MR: It’s like asking which of your own kids you love the most. I won’t do it.

Getting fired at my first job to go film at the Vurb Classic with Wes and the boys.” —TJ

TEN MINUTES WITH
BY AARON HANSEL
TEN MINUTES WITH
BY AARON HANSEL
Courtney
Duncan
After exploding onto the scene by winning her first GP in 2016, New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan quickly became a sure bet to bring home a WMX Championship. Unfortunately, a long string of injuries kept Duncan from bringing home that elusive championship, but after making the switch to Bike It DRT Kawasaki, she was finally able to wrap up the title. We spoke with her to get her thoughts on finally becoming a champion.
Courtney Duncan
AD INDEX
Tribute

Photo by Mitch Kendra

Craig DeLong’s Coastal Racing Husqvarna
A Little Help From His Friends

When Craig DeLong’s Coastal Racing Husqvarna finally gave up the ghost at the brutally dusty Mason-Dixon GNCC in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, he found himself stranded not far from the pit area. He wasn’t alone—the elements had already claimed the Kawasaki of early frontrunner Jordan Ashburn, the KTM of Ben Kelley, and the Tely Energy KTM of Steward Baylor—and very nearly knocked out series points leader Kailub Russell’s FMF KTM. Baylor was already done when he saw DeLong’s predicament. Despite not being his teammate, Baylor jumped into action to help get his friendly rival back to the pits and back in the race. Same goes for Gas Gas team advisor Steve Hatch, who can be seen here pushing from the back of DeLong’s Husqvarna as Baylor assists alongside. The combined efforts of Baylor and Hatch helped DeLong salvage ninth overall and second in XC2 250 Pro from what was about to become a lost afternoon.

Red Bull KTM's Cooper Webb; Photo by Simon Cudby
Racer X Cover Poster image
Racer X Illustrated
Thanks for reading our January 2020 issue!