May 2019
Racer X Illustrated
Honda HRC's Ken Roczen
May 2019
CONTENTS
BACK TO BACK
Austin Forkner started 2019 with consecutive perfect 250SX East races, leading every lap at both Minneapolis and Arlington.
PHOTO BY: JEFF KARDAS
Features
The first half of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship featured numerous lessons in science, physics, communications, organized labor, and pure entertainment.
Cooper Webb is soaring again with help from his new support crew at Red Bull KTM.
AMA Hall-of-Famer and all-time fan favorite Jeff Emig is getting ready for the next stage of his career.
After five years racing the Grand Prix circuit, Thomas Covington returned to America. Now he’s playing catch-up to learn the ropes of supercross as a veteran rookie.
COVER PHOTO // SIMON CUDBY
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
MANAGING DIRECTOR: CHASE STALLO

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

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
OTHER STAFF: JESSICA COOMBS, DEREK GARCIA, SHANIA HELMICK,
KELLY KIRBY, HEATHER MOEBUS, DANA PAPANICOLAS
DESIGN AND MARKETING
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR: MIKE FISHER
MAGAZINE ART DIRECTOR: DAVID LANGRAN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: MICHELLE MCGETTIGAN
MARKETING MANAGER/BRAND MANAGER: JUSTIN HALE

CONTRIBUTORS: RAY ARCHER, BROWNDOGWILSON, JASON CRANE, ADAM DUCKWORTH, 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, 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.

Contributors

Mitch Kendra
DAVEY COOMBS
Former racer Davey Coombs started what’s now Racer X Illustrated as a 24-page newspaper servicing AMA District 5 in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It was called The Racing Paper, and it was first printed at the Kinko’s in Morgantown, West Virginia. That was in 1990. Over the years, the name changed, the publication grew, the newspaper became a magazine, the whole media landscape changed, and now it’s what you’re seeing and reading in print and online. Admits DC now, “All I really wanted was a free pit pass.”
Jason Crane
DAVID LANGRAN
Born in Ireland and raised in England, Langers moved to the U.S. in 1999 to follow his dream of working in the motocross industry. After a year working at O’Neal designing motocross gear, he made the move to Racer X in June of 2000 and has been our art director ever since. Langers felt it was time for a new look for Racer X and came up with the new masthead logo to bring the magazine up to date. He spends his spare time playing guitar and working on songs and riding mountain bikes, dirt bikes, and his trusty Triumph Thruxton.
.028
In what was surely the defining moment of the first half of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb flashed by Honda HRC factory rider Ken Roczen for a photo finish in Arlington, Texas. Webb had overcome a mediocre start to track Roczen down and pass him at the bitter end, crossing the finish line just .028 seconds ahead for arguably the closest win in AMA Supercross history.
Photos: RICH SHEPHERD AND JEFF KARDAS
In the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb flashed by Honda HRC factory rider Ken Roczen for a photo finish in Arlington, Texas.
.028
In what was surely the defining moment of the first half of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb flashed by Honda HRC factory rider Ken Roczen for a photo finish in Arlington, Texas. Webb had overcome a mediocre start to track Roczen down and pass him at the bitter end, crossing the finish line just .028 seconds ahead for arguably the closest win in AMA Supercross history.
Photos: RICH SHEPHERD AND JEFF KARDAS
MOUNT HENRY
Pro motocross legend Doug Henry hovers above the Rocky Mountains on his way to an X Games gold medal in Para Snow BikeCross. Henry used a specially adapted model of the same motorcycle—a Yamaha YZ450F—that he rode to his last of three AMA Pro Motocross Championships back in 1998 to win in the snow of Aspen, proving once again that you can’t keep a good man down.
Photos: COLLIN SPECKNER
INSET: COURTESY MONSTER ENERGY
Pro motocross legend Doug Henry shows off his X Games gold medal in Para Snow BikeCross.
Pro motocross legend Doug Henry hovers above the Rocky Mountains on his way to an X Games gold medal in Para Snow BikeCross.
MOUNT HENRY
Pro motocross legend Doug Henry hovers above the Rocky Mountains on his way to an X Games gold medal in Para Snow BikeCross. Henry used a specially adapted model of the same motorcycle—a Yamaha YZ450F—that he rode to his last of three AMA Pro Motocross Championships back in 1998 to win in the snow of Aspen, proving once again that you can’t keep a good man down.
Photos: COLLIN SPECKNER
INSET: COURTESY MONSTER ENERGY
Pro motocross legend Doug Henry shows off his X Games gold medal in Para Snow BikeCross.
OH, PRADO!
Check out the massive, Mike Alessi-sized holeshot that Jorge Prado pulled to start his 2019 preseason at the Internazionali D’Italia Motocross in Montova, Italy. The Spanish flyer was using the race to prepare for his upcoming MX2 World Championship title defense, and he easily won the MX2 class. Prado also raced in the Super-Final with the top riders on 450cc bikes and beat all of them on his KTM 250 SX-F works bike—all but his De Carli KTM teammate Antonio Cairoli.
Photo: MASSIMO ZANZANI
Check out the massive, Mike Alessi-sized holeshot that Jorge Prado pulled to start his 2019 preseason at the Internazionali D’Italia Motocross in Montova, Italy.
OH, PRADO!
Check out the massive, Mike Alessi-sized holeshot that Jorge Prado pulled to start his 2019 preseason at the Internazionali D’Italia Motocross in Montova, Italy. The Spanish flyer was using the race to prepare for his upcoming MX2 World Championship title defense, and he easily won the MX2 class. Prado also raced in the Super-Final with the top riders on 450cc bikes and beat all of them on his KTM 250 SX-F works bike—all but his De Carli KTM teammate Antonio Cairoli.
Photo: MASSIMO ZANZANI
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
I

f you did a double take when you saw the cover of this issue of Racer X Illustrated, it’s understandable. After more than 20 years with our original magazine cover design, we felt the time was right to give our magazine art director, David Langran, a chance to update our look. The new cover features a Simon Cudby shot of Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen, shown at sunset at the Honda SX practice track below Corona, California. Looking at the new cover side-by-side with our very first, which was designed by Marc Blanchard and featured a Jeremy McGrath shot by Chris Hultner from that year’s Bercy Supercross, there’s quite a contrast—as well as some similarities, even with 237 issues of Racer X Illustrated in between them.

For instance, both were shot at night, both riders were wearing Fox Racing gear with white boots, and both were doing look-away whips. But Jeremy was an American doing a race in Europe, while Roczen is a European now racing in America. McGrath is riding a two-stroke, Roczen a four-stroke. Roczen is wearing a signature Red Bull helmet; energy drinks barely existed in 1998, so McGrath’s big sponsor was 1-800-COLLECT.

Pit Pass
Pit Pass
Marty is closing in on 100  career starts.
Marty is closing in on 100 career starts.
CTR Motorsports is new to the SX rodeo.
CTR Motorsports is new to the SX rodeo.
Ricky’s 2003 championship smoker.
Ricky’s 2003 championship smoker.
Colton, Hannah, and London Haaker.
Colton, Hannah, and London Haaker.
Carrie Bolling slinging subs in Texas.
Carrie Bolling slinging subs in Texas.
Jordan Troxell and Alex Martin on the blocks.
Jordan Troxell and Alex Martin on the blocks.
Chad and Pace Reed on a father-son lap.
Chad and Pace Reed on a father-son lap.
Climbing Mount St. Jeremy.
Climbing Mount St. Jeremy.
The Feed
The Feed
The Feed

Email Icon I came across your article when I was attempting to locate info on another nationwide magazine, Motorcycle World. Any good resources to find any of these “gems” today? I have a single issue with eight pages removed. I think my dad grabbed it to read while waiting for my mom to deliver me at the hospital. Any info on these magazines [Dirt Cycle and Motorcycle World] would be appreciated.

Superbowl of Motocross and The Berkshire Trails

Eric Miller // Racer X Online
Hi, Eric: I have a few issues of each of those magazines, as well as some other lost titles, like Modern Cycle, Popular Cycling, Cycle Illustrated, Moto Cross, and more. I got mine from an old friend who was downsizing, as well as some ones left over from the Dick Miller Archives. DC

Been reading the magazine for years, and it’s always one of my favorites. After reading the March ’19 issue, I have to say this has to be one of the best I’ve read—the personal stories, Reed, Brayton, Sipes, and Marc Marquez! Very insightful and it shows more what these guys are about. Also, the short story about Sipes and TP and what they did in Puerto Rico, and 2 Tribes—Swanepoel wins for the best response ever! How many tattoos do you have? “None, you don’t see bumper stickers on a Ferrari.” Print is not dead. Keep up the good work.

Marvin Musquin
“Top four within two points, that’s pretty crazy. Makes it good for the fans and everyone else.”
Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin after a close race in Minneapolis left a logjam at the top of the standings with himself, Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and race winner Cooper Webb/Racer X Online
“Top four within two points, that’s pretty crazy. Makes it good for the fans and everyone else.”
Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin after a close race in Minneapolis left a logjam at the top of the standings with himself, Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and race winner Cooper Webb/Racer X Online
OVERHEARD. OVERREAD. OVERSAID.
“I had to pick my battles a little bit. The way these turns are, and the intensity that we brought, I didn’t want to do a silly, aggressive move and bump up on the inside. I just wanted to do it in a smart way, but I waited too long, for sure.”
Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen on the close racing with winner Cooper Webb and Joey Savatgy and Blake Baggett after a runner-up ride at Minneapolis/Racer X Online
“RC got ninth at Southwick ’98… So between the three of us we’ve got three 9th places, 150 wins and 15 major titles. Not bad!”
Davey Coombs in a three-way text with longtime friends Ryan Duff and Ricky Carmichael, after Duff said his best finish in SX was a ninth in the ’99 Tampa 125 SX, matching DC’s ninth at Daytona ’85—and the one-time RC finished ninth in his career
“It was veteran-on-veteran violence in Minneapolis as Alex Martin took out Martin Davalos a few laps into the Main Event while Martin was in second place.”
Vital MX’s Grant Dawson on the incident between Alex Martin and Martin Davalos in the Minneapolis 250SX East Region opener
“Hey Thanks for the props Bones, but now I have Terry Fowler texting me a screen shot of this showing that he is ahead of me on this list… you know, the list that is in alphabetical order by last name LOL… You can’t make this stuff up…”
Ex-pro Billy Frank, in the comments section of a Racer X Online article compiling the riders Jim “Bones” Bacon worked with in his career. Responded former pro Terry Fowler, “Alphabetical or not. Bones told me that I was always a lot faster than you were. I’m just saying.”
“I had to pick my battles a little bit. The way these turns are, and the intensity that we brought, I didn’t want to do a silly, aggressive move and bump up on the inside. I just wanted to do it in a smart way, but I waited too long, for sure.”
Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen on the close racing with winner Cooper Webb and Joey Savatgy and Blake Baggett after a runner-up ride at Minneapolis/Racer X Online
“RC got ninth at Southwick ’98… So between the three of us we’ve got three 9th places, 150 wins and 15 major titles. Not bad!”
Davey Coombs in a three-way text with longtime friends Ryan Duff and Ricky Carmichael, after Duff said his best finish in SX was a ninth in the ’99 Tampa 125 SX, matching DC’s ninth at Daytona ’85—and the one-time RC finished ninth in his career
“It was veteran-on-veteran violence in Minneapolis as Alex Martin took out Martin Davalos a few laps into the Main Event while Martin was in second place.”
Vital MX’s Grant Dawson on the incident between Alex Martin and Martin Davalos in the Minneapolis 250SX East Region opener
“Hey Thanks for the props Bones, but now I have Terry Fowler texting me a screen shot of this showing that he is ahead of me on this list… you know, the list that is in alphabetical order by last name LOL… You can’t make this stuff up…”
Ex-pro Billy Frank, in the comments section of a Racer X Online article compiling the riders Jim “Bones” Bacon worked with in his career. Responded former pro Terry Fowler, “Alphabetical or not. Bones told me that I was always a lot faster than you were. I’m just saying.”
Snocross

“NOTHING 700 TONS OF

HYDRATED LIME

COULDN’T FIX.”

@racerxonline Instagram follower Carl Leguia commenting on a shot we posted of the Loretta Lynn Ranch racetrack, which was flooded by a storm four days after the San Diego SX

“I’ll tell you who seen God was one of the track crew guys, because I almost just T-boned him. T-bone steak and eggs. I cross-rutted, landed on a Tuff Block, face-planted in practice. Sorry, guy.”

Alex Ray describing a typical SX night for him/Oakland Post-Race Pulpcast
Snocross
“Is this freestyle move on purpose or is there about to be a big problem? We seriously can’t even tell anymore.”
Jason Weigandt’s caption on an @racerxonline Instagram post of this Collin Speckner shot

“NOTHING 700 TONS OF

HYDRATED LIME
COULDN’T FIX.”

@racerxonline Instagram follower Carl Leguia commenting on a shot we posted of the Loretta Lynn Ranch racetrack, which was flooded by a storm four days after the San Diego SX

“I’ll tell you who seen God was one of the track crew guys, because I almost just T-boned him. T-bone steak and eggs. I cross-rutted, landed on a Tuff Block, face-planted in practice. Sorry, guy.”
Alex Ray describing a typical SX night for him/Oakland Post-Race Pulpcast
“Is this freestyle move on purpose or is there about to be a big problem? We seriously can’t even tell anymore.”
Jason Weigandt’s caption on an @racerxonline Instagram post of this Collin Speckner shot
Wiemenheimer:
“Chuck Norris looks up to Wardy”
smellywetdog:
“Morpheus is still searching for Wardy.”
brewrabb:
“Wardy would Terminate Arnold!”
Reader comments on the Where Are They Now: Jeff Ward article on Racer X Online
“Popping a wheelie to entertain kids and getting off drugs, that doesn’t make you a villain, that makes you a hero, and you should not be in jail for that.”
CNN host Van Jones on the rapper Meek Mill, who was sentenced to two to four years in jail for violating his probation after getting caught riding wheelies down a street on a dirt bike. The two are teaming up to raise awareness for criminal justice and probation reform/CNN
“I walked out, saw Blake [Baggett] with a Tuff Block in his bike, and I want to throw my phone at him.”
Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Wil Hahn on the “joys” of getting into PulpMX Fantasy/Racer X Podcast
Wiemenheimer:
“Chuck Norris looks up to Wardy”
smellywetdog:
“Morpheus is still searching for Wardy.”
brewrabb:
“Wardy would Terminate Arnold!”
Reader comments on the Where Are They Now: Jeff Ward article on Racer X Online
“Popping a wheelie to entertain kids and getting off drugs, that doesn’t make you a villain, that makes you a hero, and you should not be in jail for that.”
CNN host Van Jones on the rapper Meek Mill, who was sentenced to two to four years in jail for violating his probation after getting caught riding wheelies down a street on a dirt bike. The two are teaming up to raise awareness for criminal justice and probation reform/CNN
“I walked out, saw Blake [Baggett] with a Tuff Block in his bike, and I want to throw my phone at him.”
Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Wil Hahn on the “joys” of getting into PulpMX Fantasy/Racer X Podcast
Wil Hahn
Wil Hahn
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Twitter   @DAVIDPINGREE
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Twitter   @DAVIDPINGREE
I

f you haven’t had a chance to watch or listen to The Whiskey Throttle Show yet, I hope you’ll check it out. I wanted to introduce a long-form interview show that was filmed and edited, and also shot in front of a live studio audience occasionally, to give fans the opportunity to get to know the best current riders, as well as the legends of motocross. To date we’ve had Roger DeCoster, Rick Johnson, Adam Cianciarulo, Eli Tomac, Jeff Emig, Jim “Bones” Bacon, Cole Seely, Ryan Hughes, and Ben Townley on the show, and they have all been incredibly candid and open—even Eli, who doesn’t normally say much! Our guest list for the next six months is going to be incredible. Off-road legend Malcolm Smith is one of the guests I’m really looking forward to. We’re lucky being in Southern California, where many of the current and former motocross racers and industry personnel live; it’s pretty easy to get them in to the Troy Lee Designs Saloon for the show. But there are some riders we’ll never get to talk to, and I wish I could hop in a DeLorean, fire up my flux capacitor, and go back in time to bring them back.

Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

I

’ve stayed at the Anaheim DoubleTree for 15 years, but I had never even glanced inside Trofi. Hotel restaurants, for some reason, have a sort of automatic positioning as second-rate organizations.

This year, I finally visited Trofi, and I found it was actually quite good. Certainly underrated based on previous misconceptions. That was fitting, because I was eating dinner there with the Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda squad. This team is scratching and clawing its way to respectability, but it’s under the same cloak as the restaurant: those only familiar with the usual Anaheim order might not even realize the good work being done.

The MotoConcepts team has not always had a great reputation. For a while, I thought that was how team owner Mike Genova wanted it. Genova always went his own way, and it was usually against the grain. He asked us to call his bikes MCR (MotoConcepts Racing) 450s, to avoid giving credit to the manufacturers that didn’t support him. He kept Vince Friese on the roster at a time when Friese was known more for on-track incidents than results. Then he made the Alessi family—magnets for drama—the lead members of his team: Mike and (at times) Jeff as riders, and their controversial dad, Tony, as team manager. Drama, of course, followed (remember Washougal #lasergate?), but Genova would double down on his people, struggling more as the ropes got tighter.

RacerHead
RacerHead
FIVE GUYS, ONE QUESTION | BY AARON HANSEL
QUESTION: What’s your post-racing dream job?
Five Guys, One Question, Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson
“Hopefully I make enough money to where I don’t have to do much! I’d need something to do with my time, but I don’t think I’d do an actual job. I’d rather just figure out ways to keep making money, keep riding, and hopefully not have too many responsibilities.”
Five Guys, One Question, Ryan Breece
Ryan Breece
“I want to be a physical therapist and specialize in the ankle area. An orthopedic foot doctor. I’ve already had anatomy and physiology courses and already have three years of college under my belt. I’ve had a lot of ankle problems—I’ve broken it three times.”
Five Guys, One Question, Blake Wharton
Blake Wharton
“That’s a great question, and tough, too, because in reality I’d like to do a lot of different things. I’d say something to do with writing, be it film, music, magazine work, or something. I like storytelling and creating, and I’m a big science-fiction guy.”
Five Guys, One Question, Jordon Smith
Jordon Smith
“I’d like to be a professional golfer. I play a lot, and my dad is a superintendent at a golf course in South Carolina. I used to go to work with him and play golf while he worked. I take it really seriously and try to get as good as I can, especially during the off-season.”
Five Guys, One Question, Aj Catanzaro
AJ Catanzaro
“After I retire from racing, I would love to be in the booth or to be a trackside analyst like Daniel Blair. Either that or be a professional cyclist. That would be pretty cool, too, although it of course it depends on what age I am when I finish racing.”
Five Guys, One Question, Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson
“Hopefully I make enough money to where I don’t have to do much! I’d need something to do with my time, but I don’t think I’d do an actual job. I’d rather just figure out ways to keep making money, keep riding, and hopefully not have too many responsibilities.”
Five Guys, One Question, Ryan Breece
Ryan Breece
“I want to be a physical therapist and specialize in the ankle area. An orthopedic foot doctor. I’ve already had anatomy and physiology courses and already have three years of college under my belt. I’ve had a lot of ankle problems—I’ve broken it three times.”
Five Guys, One Question, Blake Wharton
Blake Wharton
“That’s a great question, and tough, too, because in reality I’d like to do a lot of different things. I’d say something to do with writing, be it film, music, magazine work, or something. I like storytelling and creating, and I’m a big science-fiction guy.”
Five Guys, One Question, Jordon Smith
Jordon Smith
“I’d like to be a professional golfer. I play a lot, and my dad is a superintendent at a golf course in South Carolina. I used to go to work with him and play golf while he worked. I take it really seriously and try to get as good as I can, especially during the off-season.”
Five Guys, One Question, Aj Catanzaro
AJ Catanzaro
“After I retire from racing, I would love to be in the booth or to be a trackside analyst like Daniel Blair. Either that or be a professional cyclist. That would be pretty cool, too, although it of course it depends on what age I am when I finish racing.”
PAGE 54
Red Plate Madness
Red Plate Madness
Dive deep into the history of the points leader’s red plate
PAGE 56
Moto Gamers Review
MOTO GAMERS REVIEW
Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 2
PAGE 58
Crossword
CROSSWORD
It’s back to test your moto knowledge!
PAGE 60
Improving Your Racing
IMPROVING YOUR RACING
Six training and recovery products to help the process
RacerHead
RacerHead
SEEING RED | PHOTOS BY SIMON CUDBY, RICH SHEPHERD, AND JEFF KARDAS
T

hrough six rounds of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, the red plate changed hands five times among four different riders in 450SX. The red plate to signify the current points leader was introduced in 2012—and only nine riders have held it! Thanks to @sxresearchdept, here’s a visual history of the red plate.

Ryan Dungey
Ryan Villopoto
RacerHead
RacerHead

5 Things We Like About
Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 2 | BY CHASE STALLO

I

n February, Milestone released Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 2, which focuses on the 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Here are five things we liked about the second iteration of the game.

1. GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is certainly different than the first edition, and the changes have really added to the user experience. One major difference we noticed is the use of the clutch. YOU DON’T NEED IT! Which, for people who actually ride, is difficult to get accustomed to. The jump physics have also improved. There is definitely less of a feeling of floating through the air, and the bike feels heavier. Cornering is much different as well—you need to hit your marks perfectly, use throttle control, and slow down to go fast. A much more realistic experience. The whip/scrub technique certainly could still use some work, but the gameplay is much better overall this time.

2. Customization
Milestone says there are over 3,000 customizable options in the second game. You have more options in regard to your rider—from height and weight to name and number size and more. The additions are great and really allow you to personalize your look. There are also tons of options to customize your gear, helmet, goggles, boots, neck brace, and bike parts.

RacerHead
RacerHead

Dirty Words Crossword Puzzle | BY AARON HANSEL

Dirty Words Crossword Puzzle
Go to page 66 for answers
DOWN
2. The Home of Horsepower
3. Southern state popular with moto riders
4. Jason Anderson broke his ____ at SLC ’18
5. Opens exhaust and fuel intake valves
6. Rule that banned full works bikes in America
7. Originally manufactured muskets
ACROSS
1. How to stay low over jumps
9. First to land a double backflip at X Games
11. Windham’s first premier-class SX win
13. Brand for RC’s first perfect season
16. “Six Time”
18. Won his debut SX in 2014
RacerHead
RacerHead
The
Goods
TRAINING & RECOVERY EDITION
Specialized Turbo Levo
Lapking Dual GPS Unit & App
Sena SF4 And Tufftalk Lite
LAPKING
DUAL GPS UNIT & APP

GPS: $164.99 | App: $2.99/mo
lapkingracing.com

SENA
SF4 AND TUFFTALK LITE

SF4: $219 | Tufftalk Lite: $249
sena.com

E-bikes are here to stay. Embrace the fact that it’s getting more people outside and let go of Strava KOM world domination, okay? The Specialized Turbo Levo is one of the more popular models out there—everyone knows Specialized makes incredible bicycles, and their pedal-assist model continues that tradition.

As with all bike models, there’s a high-end all-carbon S-Works Levo that’s over $12,000 but the base aluminum-framed model is just shy of $5,000. Yeah, sure, it’s lots of money, but there’s lots of tech involved with an e-bike. There are three models of “help” with a Levo: the assist is 15 percent on the low end and an incredible 90 percent on the high end. You want to have some serious fun? Put a Levo in the top assist mode and you’ll have a huge smile on your face.

These are great bikes to get started if you’re out of shape, have a physical condition that prevents getting too high-stress, or have a parent/spouse you want to hang with you on rides. Steve Matthes

As moto becomes saturated with “Generation i,” it’s no surprise to see an app combining competition and social media. With LapKing on the market, you and your riding buddies can easily figure out who’s taking home the trophy for fastest lap time—and be able to brag about it online.

Operating the feature-loaded app (available for iOS in the iTunes App Store) is seamless, and you’ll find all the tutorials to get running and ready to lay down heaters. LapKing offers the ability to track your lap times through patented course-mapping software by recording your position with either your iPhone or their new GPS unit.

Every user can request to record a new track path, so the location database grows as more users sign up for the $2.99 monthly service. The price of admission to “The Home of Social Racing” is a bargain when you smash your friends’ times and jockey over who’s buying dinner later. Jeff Crutcher

As a dad trying to teach my son to first ride a motorcycle and then navigate a motocross track, communication lines can break down quickly. When you want to say something or point out a new line, you wait until he comes around for another lap, stop the bike, talk about it, and restart and try again. Frustrating! I talked to the people at Sena, a leading helmet-to-helmet communication company, and they came up with this combo: the SF4 Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System for his helmet and the Tufftalk Lite noise-canceling headset with long range Bluetooth capability. We were able to talk to each other as he went around the entire track. Being able to talk through obstacles, look out for any danger situations when flaggers aren’t there on practice days, and to just give a pat on the back in real time is very rewarding. We let famed MX coach Joe Degano (pictured) give it a try, and he was impressed as well. Highly recommended. Scott Wallenberg
Specialized Turbo Levo
SPECIALIZED
TURBO LEVO

MSRP: From $4,950
specialized.com

E-bikes are here to stay. Embrace the fact that it’s getting more people outside and let go of Strava KOM world domination, okay? The Specialized Turbo Levo is one of the more popular models out there—everyone knows Specialized makes incredible bicycles, and their pedal-assist model continues that tradition.

As with all bike models, there’s a high-end all-carbon S-Works Levo that’s over $12,000 but the base aluminum-framed model is just shy of $5,000. Yeah, sure, it’s lots of money, but there’s lots of tech involved with an e-bike. There are three models of “help” with a Levo: the assist is 15 percent on the low end and an incredible 90 percent on the high end. You want to have some serious fun? Put a Levo in the top assist mode and you’ll have a huge smile on your face.

These are great bikes to get started if you’re out of shape, have a physical condition that prevents getting too high-stress, or have a parent/spouse you want to hang with you on rides. Steve Matthes

Lapking Dual GPS Unit & App
LAPKING
DUAL GPS UNIT & APP

GPS: $164.99 | App: $2.99/mo
lapkingracing.com

As moto becomes saturated with “Generation i,” it’s no surprise to see an app combining competition and social media. With LapKing on the market, you and your riding buddies can easily figure out who’s taking home the trophy for fastest lap time—and be able to brag about it online.

Operating the feature-loaded app (available for iOS in the iTunes App Store) is seamless, and you’ll find all the tutorials to get running and ready to lay down heaters. LapKing offers the ability to track your lap times through patented course-mapping software by recording your position with either your iPhone or their new GPS unit.

Every user can request to record a new track path, so the location database grows as more users sign up for the $2.99 monthly service. The price of admission to “The Home of Social Racing” is a bargain when you smash your friends’ times and jockey over who’s buying dinner later. Jeff Crutcher

Sena SF4 And Tufftalk Lite
SENA
SF4 AND TUFFTALK LITE

SF4: $219 | Tufftalk Lite: $249
sena.com

As a dad trying to teach my son to first ride a motorcycle and then navigate a motocross track, communication lines can break down quickly. When you want to say something or point out a new line, you wait until he comes around for another lap, stop the bike, talk about it, and restart and try again. Frustrating! I talked to the people at Sena, a leading helmet-to-helmet communication company, and they came up with this combo: the SF4 Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System for his helmet and the Tufftalk Lite noise-canceling headset with long range Bluetooth capability. We were able to talk to each other as he went around the entire track. Being able to talk through obstacles, look out for any danger situations when flaggers aren’t there on practice days, and to just give a pat on the back in real time is very rewarding. We let famed MX coach Joe Degano (pictured) give it a try, and he was impressed as well. Highly recommended. Scott Wallenberg
RacerHead
RacerHead

BUZZ

eMTB Electric mountain bike (eMTB) racing has a new home with the Grand National Cross Country series in 2019 with an eight-race series that will run in conjunction with the General, Steele Creek, the John Penton, Tomahawk, Snowshoe, Loretta Lynn’s (eMTB only), Mason-Dixon, and Ironman GNCC races.
TWMX In January, TransWorld Motocross editor Donn Maeda announced the magazine was going “on pause” after the company was bought by American Media, Inc., which also owns the National Enquirer. It doesn’t look like they’re coming back, but Donn and crew have started swapmotolive.com to pick up where they left off.
RacerHead
RacerHead

Fun Bikes: KTM 1090 Adventure R | WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SIMON CUDBY

T

here’s no doubt that the KTM 1090 Adventure R is a chunky bike, but it’s specifically designed for off-road action and eating up highway miles at a rapid pace. If you have the wanderlust and you see a big adventure in your future, keep reading.

Introduced in 2017, the KTM 1050cc twin has plenty of grunt, with 125 hp and a wet weight of just over 500 lbs. Off-road handling on fast fire roads is surprisingly good due to the front and rear WP suspension, and this bike can handle a lot of abuse. The suspension was custom-developed in the California desert by KTM’s R&D team based in Murrieta, California.

Personally, I try to avoid too much sand and single track, but that’s because I’m just an average guy in terms of skill level. Riders like KTM’s Quinn Cody, Mike Lafferty, and Chris Birch can really do amazing things on these machines, though. (Just do a Google search for “Chris Birch KTM.”)

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

ump for show, corner for dough . . . right? Well, that’s what we thought when we chose this sequence for our first Motocross 101 segment. This new feature will show various motocross and off-road sections and narrate the most technically correct way to negotiate them.

For this installment, we shot a technical right-hander that dropped down in elevation and had a decreasing radius. It was tricky because once you commit to sitting down and putting your leg out, you don’t have use of your rear brake.

Generally speaking, always try to enter a turn from the outside of the previous straight. That opens the turn up and allows you to carry more momentum in and through the corner. You can see I’m on the brakes, looking where I want to go and engaging the clutch slightly to keep from stalling. Don’t pull the clutch all the way in—the engine brake is your most consistent means of slowing, and it keeps your front end planted.

You’ll notice in this image that my foot is plowing through the dirt on the inside. This is another reason to stay standing until you reach the actual apex of the turn. When standing, you have better control of the bike through bumps and ruts, and you also have use of the rear brake.

EXPOSURE
By Jason Todd
The Feed
EXPOSURE
By Jason Todd
CASEY COCHRAN
DOB: June 24, 2006
Hometown: Clermont, FL
Bikes: Suzuki RM85
Classes: 85 10-12 & Senior Mini 1
Sponsors: Ecstar JGR Factory Suzuki, Fox, Dunlop Elite, 100%, FMF, Asterisk, Nihilo, Moto Sandbox, Red Dog Academy, Factory Connection, Lynks Racing, RaceLace Wheels, Hinson, Pro-X, Wiseco, Mika Metals, VP Racing Fuels, Matrix Concepts, Motion Pro, Acerbis, Ogio, Cometic, ASV, Addiction Industries, Armored Graphics, GoPro
At 13, Casey Cochran is steadily establishing himself as one of amateur racing’s elite athletes. If you look at the results sheet of any major U.S. amateur motocross race, you’re sure to find his name near the top of his class. A product of Matt Walker’s Moto X Compound, Cochran credits Walker’s training and guidance as a key ingredient to his success thus far. He’s since moved to Clermont, Florida, to train with Tim Ferry and the guys at the Moto Sandbox as he looks to improve his skills on supercross-style tracks, as well as elevate his performance on faster motocross tracks.
Casey Cochran
Racer X: Tell us about your 2019 season so far. How have racing and training gone for you?
Casey Cochran: This year has started off great. I traveled out to SoCal for the kickoff of SX. Suzuki had us out to A1 for the 2019 team kick-off. The next two weekends we traveled to Glendale and back to Anaheim 2 to race the SX Futures events.

Do you prefer indoor-style racing over outdoor? Or what do you like about both?
That is a hard choice. I like them both. In past years, I would have definitely said MX, but now that I’m on the RM85, I’m really starting to enjoy SX. I had an opportunity over the winter to train on real SX tracks, and it has been huge for my SX confidence. The Futures races have been a blast. I love racing in the big stadiums, plus JGR has been providing us great support at these events. They have made us really feel like superstars.

The first half of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship featured numerous lessons in science, physics, communications, organized labor, and pure entertainment
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: RICH SHEPHERD
& JEFF KARDAS
IF YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship as closely as we have, you probably feel like you’re auditing some kind of university course for general studies in science, law, chemistry, physics, mass communications, and even organized labor. You’re also probably enjoying more good racing and drama than we’re used to seeing on the dirt-covered floors of our nation’s biggest stick and ball stadiums. The first half of this 2019 season has been full of both learning moments and pure entertainment.
The first half of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship featured numerous lessons in science, physics, communications, organized labor, and pure entertainment
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: RICH SHEPHERD
& JEFF KARDAS
IF YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship as closely as we have, you probably feel like you’re auditing some kind of university course for general studies in science, law, chemistry, physics, mass communications, and even organized labor. You’re also probably enjoying more good racing and drama than we’re used to seeing on the dirt-covered floors of our nation’s biggest stick and ball stadiums. The first half of this 2019 season has been full of both learning moments and pure entertainment.
A new supporting cast has bounced Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb back up to his old heights
WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
PHOTOS: RICH SHEPHERD
& JEFF KARDAS
TWELVE MINUTES before opening ceremonies, Cooper Webb is still gearing up. The quick-change artist—“I don’t use knee braces”—straps on a chest protector and, with perfect timing, adds, “I’m still not puffing my chest out. I’m still not the man.”

The old Cooper Webb wouldn’t have been so humble, his shocking 2019 career turnaround providing ample trash-talk material against doubters and rivals. He’s a changed man, though.

“I got a talk from everybody when I first got here,” he says.

They’ve told him a lot.

A new supporting cast has bounced Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb back up to his old heights
WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
PHOTOS: RICH SHEPHERD
& JEFF KARDAS
TWELVE MINUTES before opening ceremonies, Cooper Webb is still gearing up. The quick-change artist—“I don’t use knee braces”—straps on a chest protector and, with perfect timing, adds, “I’m still not puffing my chest out. I’m still not the man.”

The old Cooper Webb wouldn’t have been so humble, his shocking 2019 career turnaround providing ample trash-talk material against doubters and rivals. He’s a changed man, though.

“I got a talk from everybody when I first got here,” he says.

They’ve told him a lot.

The Upside Down
Multi-time champion and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig begins writing his next chapter
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
The Upside Down
Multi-time champion and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig begins writing his next chapter
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
After five years on the global MXGP circuit, Thomas Covington is finally back in America and ready for a new challenge in Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Coming Home
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: RICH SHEPHERD, JEFF KARDAS & SIMON CUDBY
AS THE MINNESOTA winter swirls outside and temperatures are at a single digit at best, a group of seasoned veterans sit together in a narrow corridor beneath the grandstands of U.S. Bank Stadium. Forced to pit inside due to the elements and space constraints, they’re all waiting for practice to begin at the sixth round of 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross—also the opening round of the 250SX East Region. Each of these seasoned racers has arrived in Minneapolis via diverse career paths. The most senior among them, Chad Reed, grew up in Australia, had a two-year layover in Belgium, then came to America in 2002. Dean Wilson’s family emigrated from Scotland to Canada and then down into the U.S. before he turned pro in 2010. Alex Martin, who grew up in Minnesota, came through the privateer ranks, racing for a sundry of teams since 2008, though his stints with privateer squads like the notoriously lean Eleven-10 Mods were worlds away from where he is today with the JGRMX/Yoshimura Suzuki team.
After five years on the global MXGP circuit, Thomas Covington is finally back in America and ready for a new challenge in Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Coming Home
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTOS: RICH SHEPHERD, JEFF KARDAS & SIMON CUDBY
AS THE MINNESOTA winter swirls outside and temperatures are at a single digit at best, a group of seasoned veterans sit together in a narrow corridor beneath the grandstands of U.S. Bank Stadium. Forced to pit inside due to the elements and space constraints, they’re all waiting for practice to begin at the sixth round of 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross—also the opening round of the 250SX East Region. Each of these seasoned racers has arrived in Minneapolis via diverse career paths. The most senior among them, Chad Reed, grew up in Australia, had a two-year layover in Belgium, then came to America in 2002. Dean Wilson’s family emigrated from Scotland to Canada and then down into the U.S. before he turned pro in 2010. Alex Martin, who grew up in Minnesota, came through the privateer ranks, racing for a sundry of teams since 2008, though his stints with privateer squads like the notoriously lean Eleven-10 Mods were worlds away from where he is today with the JGRMX/Yoshimura Suzuki team.
RacerTV is proud to bring over 65 hours of #GNCCLIVE action during the 2019 season. All 26 pro motorcycle and ATV races will be available LIVE, ARCHIVED and for FREE.

Whether you’ll be watching on your phone while at the track or across the world on any compatible device, you’ll have the fastest racers at your fingertips!

be sure to watch all 13 GNCC highlight episodes on NBCSN this season starting in May.

Garage Build 2019 HusqvarnaTC 250
Garage Build 2019 HusqvarnaTC 250
Garage Build
2019 HusqvarnaTC 250
BIKE BUILD BY TWISTED DEVELOPMENT & DAVID PINGREE // www.td-racing.com
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
For this project, my goal was to change this TC 250 from a supercross-type setup (the bike was raced at Red Bull Straight Rhythm) to something I could race at two-stroke motocross events in 2019.
TWISTED DEVELOPMENT
Cylinder Porting, Head Mod, Carb Setup and Jetting
td-racing.com
PRO CIRCUIT
Pipe and Silencer, Suspension Re-valve and Setup, Linkage and Knuckle
procircuit.com
VERTEX PISTONS
Pro Replica Piston Kit
(Ring, Pin, Clips)
vertexpistons.com
SUPERSPROX
Front and Rear Sprocket, Chain
supersproxusa.com
WORKS CONNECTION
Bike Stand, Steering Stem Nut, Clutch and Brake Caps, Titanium Pro-Pegs, Axle Blocks
worksconnection.com
PRO FILTER
Air Filter
maximausa.com
DUNLOP
MX 3S Front (80/100-21)
MX 3S Rear (110/90-19)
dunlopmotorcycletires.com
MOTOSEAT
Custom Cool Seat Cover
motoseat.com
MOTO-MASTER BRAKE SYSTEMS
Front and Rear Rotor
moto-masterusa.com
NIHILO CONCEPTS
Frame Grip Tape
nihiloconcepts.com
RENTHAL
603 Fat Bars, Grips
renthal.com
DUBYA USA
Full Wheelset
dubyausa.com
UFO PLASTIC
Full Plastic Kit
ufoplasticusa.com
VP RACING FUEL
VP C12
vpracingfuels.com
MAXIMA RACING OILS
Two-Stroke Oil, Gear Oil
maximausa.com
LIGHT SPEED CARBON
Fork Guards, Fork Lug Cover
lightspeedcarbon.com
SKDA
Custom Graphic kit
skda.com.au
For this project, my goal was to change this TC 250 from a supercross-type setup (the bike was raced at Red Bull Straight Rhythm) to something I could race at two-stroke motocross events in 2019.
For this project, my goal was to change this TC 250 from a supercross-type setup (the bike was raced at Red Bull Straight Rhythm) to something I could race at two-stroke motocross events in 2019.
WRENCH RABBIT
Full Rebuild with Hot Rods Complete Bottom End Kit (crankshaft, main bearing/seal kit, transmission bearings, engine gasket kit). Vertex Pistons Pro Replica Piston Kit (ring, pin, clips).
wrenchrabbit.com
CRANK WORKS
Crank Balancing
crankworks.com
FMF
Gnarly Pipe, Custom
Shorty Silencer
fmfracing.com
SUPERSPROX
Front and Rear Sprocket,
MX Chain
supersproxusa.com
MOTO TASSINARI
V-Force Reed Cage
mototassinari.com
PIVOT WORKS
Steering Stem Bearing Kit, Linkage Rebuild Kit, Swingarm Rebuild Kit, Wheel Bearings
pivotworks.com
ALL BALLS
Carb Rebuild Kit, Throttle Cable, Clutch Cable, Front and Rear Caliper, Master Cylinder Brake Rebuild Kit, Brake Pins
allballsracing.com
FASTER USA
Stock Hubs Treated and Rebuilt with New Spokes and Silver Excel Rims
fasterusa.com
HINSON
Full Clutch
hinsonracing.com
TUSK OFF-ROAD
Front and Rear Rotors, Front and Rear Brake Lines, Shift Lever, Front Brake Lever
tuskoffroad.com
UNI FILTER
Two-Stage Air Filter
unifilter.com
UFO
Full Plastic Kit
ufoplasticusa.com
FACTORY CONNECTION
Suspension Rebuild and Service (tracking down broken and hard-to-find parts)
factoryconnection.com
Factory Tech Tip
WORDS: Scott Adkins and Matt Goodbred
PHOTOS: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
Prepping for a Mud Race
Factory Tech Tip
Prepping for a Mud Race
WORDS: Scott Adkins and Matt Goodbred
PHOTOS: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
W

e’ve all been there before: the dreaded mud race. If you’re not Aaron Plessinger or Justin Barcia, you’re probably not feeling stoked about it. Here are a few tips to make sure your bike is ready for the challenge.

The first thing we did was pack foam anywhere we thought mud, dirt, and rocks might lodge. The foam creates a barrier so debris can’t get caught. We put a piece down in the skid plate, we ran a piece behind our brake pedal, and another around the water-pump case. (Rocks can actually get stuck and wedged between the brake pedal and the case, holding the brake down.) We also put foam behind the shifter, freeing it of debris and allowing for smooth shifting. And here’s a pro tip: you can secure your foam with zip-ties and cut the ends really sharp in order to stab through the foam with ease.

After that, we put a little piece of foam (with glue) in each end of the axle so mud and water can’t lay in them.

One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
Pala National: 2010 & 2011
One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
Pala National: 2010 & 2011
O

kay, more like Two Races, One Page. When Fox Raceway at Pala returns to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship on May 25, Memorial Day weekend, it will mark the third time that the Southern California venue has been on the schedule. Back in 2010 and ’11, what was then called Pala Raceway hosted the final round of the series in September over Labor Day weekend. It’s pretty hot in that area late in the summer, but hopefully the move to the front of the schedule will bring cooler weather for both riders and race fans.

One rider who hopes he stays hot at Pala is Dean Wilson. While Ricky Carmichael holds the record for race and moto wins at pretty much every track on the schedule, it’s Wilson who ranks as the best ever at Pala. (Okay, RC actually retired in 2007, so he never raced at Pala, nor Ironman, or the new Florida round at WW Ranch—but he’s the GOAT at the other nine tracks on the current schedule.) Riding for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki back then, Dean swept all four 250 Class motos at the two Pala Nationals, giving him the edge over Ryan Dungey, who won both 450 nationals at Pala but dropped a moto to Ryan Villopoto in 2011.

JANUARY 28, 1984
1984 Anaheim Supercross
By Davey Coombs
PHOTO From the Dick Miller Archives
One of the strangest streaks in Monster Energy AMA Supercross history occurred between 1982 and 1984. Over three consecutive years, the season opener was held at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium, and each time, a Team Honda factory rider won his first AMA Supercross main event—Donnie Hansen (’82), David Bailey (’83), Johnny O’Mara (’84 and pictured here)—and each then went on to win his one and only AMA Supercross title that very same year. The streak was finally broken in 1985 when the series opener moved to San Diego’s Jack Murphy Stadium. Coincidentally, the winner there was the same man you see here: Team Honda’s O’Mara. To see the results of every series opener in AMA Supercross history, visit vault.racerxonline.com.
 Johnny O’Mara
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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909-989-7602

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Faultline Powersports, Inc.
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661-254-2929

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530-749-9190

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Motoworld of El Cajon
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951-738-8050

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Roseville
916-784-6632

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Montrose
818-248-6747

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714-464-2050

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Thousand Oaks
805-497-3765

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888-457-9403

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Apex Sports
Colorado Springs
719-475-2437

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Centennial
303-744-2011

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303-755-4387

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C Cycle Suspension
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860-267-1710

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www.cccmx.com

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386-257-0242

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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

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Cycle Gear
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770-272-9873

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678-225-0131

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847-310-4800

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630-782-2010

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217-348-5500

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Hobart
866-6YAMAHA

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812-873-1178

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W. Harrison
812-637-2255

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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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502-426-9746

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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 Cum- berland
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

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

Velocity Cycles
Mechanicsburg
717-766-2523

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

Revolution MX Park
Union, SC
803-201-7250

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

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 Win- chester
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

R.G. Motorsports
Bridgeport
304-624-5420

Tri County Honda Yamaha
Petersburg
304-257-4420

Xtreme Sports
Morgantown
304-669-4019

Wisconsin
MxMegastore
Manitowoc
877-968-6686
Dealer Spotlight
Honda of Houston // Houston, TX // 281-506-1300 // hondaofhouston.com
Located in Houston, Texas, we tend to take a “Texas” approach to everything we do—meaning everything is bigger and better! From the minute you walk into our showroom, it’s evident that “too big” and “too bold” are phrases that aren’t found in any dictionary we’re aware of. We have four major displays per year, ranging from a 75 ft. supercross section—complete with sick jumps and CRF250Rs hanging “whipped” from the ceiling piloted by mannequins dressed in full-factory motocross gear—to 160mph street scenes including a variety of Honda road machines racing down a tree-lined highway. A lot of hard work goes into building these works of moto-art, but we think it’s worth it when we’re able to bring the essence of the sport right into our showroom.
Honda of Houston
Courtney Savage

Courtney
SAVAGE
Racing is a team effort. Whether it’s at the track or at home, no racer can succeed without the right people in their corner. Yet, many of these behind-the-scenes people go without recognition. Let’s help fix that by dropping the gate on this month’s 2 Tribes, which features a pair of spouses: Courtney Savage (Ken Roczen’s wife) and Ashley Hampshire (RJ Hampshire’s wife).
Ashley Hampshire

Ashley
HAMPSHIRE
Courtney Savage

Courtney
SAVAGE
Ashley Hampshire

Ashley
HAMPSHIRE
Racing is a team effort. Whether it’s at the track or at home, no racer can succeed without the right people in their corner. Yet, many of these behind-the-scenes people go without recognition. Let’s help fix that by dropping the gate on this month’s 2 Tribes, which features a pair of spouses: Courtney Savage (Ken Roczen’s wife) and Ashley Hampshire (RJ Hampshire’s wife).
Last person who made you nervous?
CS: Probably my dad when he walked me down the aisle.
AH: My husband.

Which one of you could destroy a golf cart faster?
CS: Probably me. I’m the cautious type, but put me behind the wheel and my inner Jimmie Johnson pokes through and it’s game on.
AH: With my driving skills, probably me.

Most ridiculous person in the pits?
CS: People probably look at me like I’m the ridiculous one. “Here comes that lady and her dog again.”
AH: I’ll bite my tongue on this one.

Best part of being a racer’s wife?
CS: Just having a part in something so special. I like to think we can use Ken’s story and platform to help spread inspiration to others.

I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces who come out to cheer on Ken, and to listen to the stories of when they’ve looked to Ken when they’ve needed strength.
AH: Getting to support your man doing what he loves! Watching him succeed is even more rewarding.

Most annoying part of being a racer’s wife?
CS: The injuries. And seeing people tug and pull at him like he’s an object. It gets kind of ridiculous at times.
AH: Injuries.

Favorite motocross movie of all time?
CS: The Great Outdoors—all of them. Can someone please do those again?
AH: Motocrossed.

Last person who made you nervous?
CS: Probably my dad when he walked me down the aisle.
AH: My husband.

Which one of you could destroy a golf cart faster?
CS: Probably me. I’m the cautious type, but put me behind the wheel and my inner Jimmie Johnson pokes through and it’s game on.
AH: With my driving skills, probably me.

Most ridiculous person in the pits?
CS: People probably look at me like I’m the ridiculous one. “Here comes that lady and her dog again.”
AH: I’ll bite my tongue on this one.

Best part of being a racer’s wife?
CS: Just having a part in something so special. I like to think we can use Ken’s story and platform to help spread inspiration to others. I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces who come out to cheer on Ken, and to listen to the stories of when they’ve looked to Ken when they’ve needed strength.
AH: Getting to support your man doing what he loves! Watching him succeed is even more rewarding.

Most annoying part of being a racer’s wife?
CS: The injuries. And seeing people tug and pull at him like he’s an object. It gets kind of ridiculous at times.
AH: Injuries.

Favorite motocross movie of all time?
CS: The Great Outdoors—all of them. Can someone please do those again?
AH: Motocrossed.

Most useless item in your house?
CS: My mountain bike. The poor thing just sits on the wall, and the boys always give me such crap about it.
AH: Our TV.

Favorite food?
CS: Homemade burgers.
AH: Anything Greek, or sushi.

One place you would like to travel to?
CS: South Africa.
AH: Bora Bora.

I actually got a scholarship in woodworking.”—CS
TEN MINUTES WITH
BY JASON WEIGANDT
TEN MINUTES WITH
BY JASON WEIGANDT
Will
Posey
You’ve probably seen Will Posey’s editing work watching Red Bull’s awesome Moto Spy series, and he’s an accomplished video shooter as well. He still has a love of racing, though, and even a crash last year that left him paralyzed couldn’t stop him for long. He entered the X Games Snow BikeCross event in Aspen and grabbed a silver medal behind the legendary Doug Henry. Then he went back to work on the videos!
Will Posey
Racer X: So first, explain your accident.
Will Posey: The day I raced X Games was one year and one day after my accident. I had just gotten my bike from Chad Sanner at Eleven-10 Mods. We were doing some testing and I wanted to do some motos. I went straight over the bars in the whoops. I don’t remember anything because I was knocked out, but they said I landed on my head and folded like a taco. I broke my upper back, T3. I had feeling and movement, but it was laggy, like my legs were asleep. At first they were transferring me from a smaller hospital to a bigger one so I could get surgery to stabilize, but then they told me with a back brace I’d be good. So I went home, and after a while I noticed when I was laying in bed it was kind of hard to move my toes. I tried to get off the bed and collapsed—my legs wouldn’t work. So I was back to the hospital, and sure enough I was straight to the surgery room, and there it went.
AD INDEX
Tribute
Dustin Winter
Photo by Davey Coombs
Privateer Winter
The polar vortex that blew into Minnesota on the same weekend as the Minneapolis Supercross dropped outdoor temperatures well below zero. That made for some close quarters in the corridors of U.S. Bank Stadium, where riders both factory and privateer and their race crews camped out for the afternoon and evening. EBR Performance-backed Yamaha rider Dustin Winter of Clearwater, Kansas, and his family made the best of the situation, setting up a snack table right next to the race bike. Dustin made the night show but came up short in the LCQ in his bid to qualify for the Minneapolis main event.
Racer X Illustrated
Thanks for reading our May 2019 issue!