October 2019
Racer X Illustrated
October 2019
keep scrolling
CONTENTS
Twinning
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM-WPS teammates Blake Baggett and Justin Bogle vie for the RedBud holeshot.
PHOTO BY: Steve Giberson
Features
A brutally hot summer took its toll during a three-race stretch spanning the 2019 Florida, Southwick, and RedBud Nationals.
Behind the scenes of Bennett’s War, and how it hopes to change the way motocross is presented on the silver screen.
UNADILLA: EST. 1969
Part 2: The National Years
We explore the fabled New York track’s decades on the AMA Motocross circuit.
What better place to visit in the summer than the south of France—especially during the arts-and-motorcycles party known as Wheels & Waves.
COVER PHOTO // RICH SHEPHERD
RACER X ILLUSTRATED (ISSN No. 1099-6729) is published monthly by Filter Publications, LLC at 122 Vista Del Rio Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26508. Periodicals postage paid at Morgantown, WV, 26508 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racer X Illustrated, PO Box 469051, Escondido, CA, 92046-9051. Copyright ©2019 Filter Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Newsstand distribution by Curtis Circulation. Racer X is not responsible for unsolicited materials.

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

Editorial

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

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, JANINE POSEY
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.

Contributors

Dustin Williamson
Dustin Williamson

Hailing from Jefferson, Maryland, Dustin Williamson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from West Virginia University and a minor in Business Management. He’s taken on many new roles over the last few years at Racer X HQ in Morgantown, West Virginia, too. He heads up our dealership program and event space, coordinates advertising with advertisers, and runs the Racer X Brand store, just to name a few of his positions. Swing by the Racer X booth and say hi!

Jason Watkins
Jason Watkins

St. Louis, Missouri’s Jason Watkins was hooked on moto in the mid-nineties when his older brother asked him to try riding his 125. He’s been on a bike ever since. This year he’s worked on the TXS Productions team during supercross, doubling as both mechanic and social media man, and this summer he’s been traveling to races with our social media coordinator, Jason Todd, as well as contributing with photography here and there. Thanks, Jason!

ROOKIE MISTAKE

When Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM’s Derek Drake grabbed the holeshot at the Florida National at WW Ranch Motocross Park, it marked the first time that the first-year pro from California led a national moto. For two and a half laps, Drake set a blistering pace, only to literally fall off the back of his bike when he got too much traction as he wheelied through some rollers. It was a rookie mistake for sure, but also a glimpse of this kid’s potential.

Photo BY: DAN ACOSTA
INSET: JEFF KARDAS
Derek Drake's rookie mistake and riding potential
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.
ROOKIE MISTAKE

When Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM’s Derek Drake grabbed the holeshot at the Florida National at WW Ranch Motocross Park, it marked the first time that the first-year pro from California led a national moto. For two and a half laps, Drake set a blistering pace, only to literally fall off the back of his bike when he got too much traction as he wheelied through some rollers. It was a rookie mistake for sure, but also a glimpse of this kid’s potential.

Photo BY: DAN ACOSTA
INSET: JEFF KARDAS
Derek Drake's rookie mistake and riding potential
BUDDS (VIRTUAL) CREEK

Rainbow Studios answered the prayers of a lot of motocross-loving gamers when they announced a six-pack offering of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross tracks as downloadable content for MX vs. ATV All Out. The last six tracks of the series—RedBud, Spring Creek, Washougal, Unadilla, Budds Creek (here), and Ironman—are available for just $14.99, with Loretta Lynn’s as a bonus. The plan is to offer a second package with the first six tracks—Hangtown, Fox Raceway, Thunder Valley, High Point, WW Ranch, and Southwick—early next year. All the tracks are available in the Race and Free Ride modes.

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.
BUDDS (VIRTUAL) CREEK

Rainbow Studios answered the prayers of a lot of motocross-loving gamers when they announced a six-pack offering of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross tracks as downloadable content for MX vs. ATV All Out. The last six tracks of the series—RedBud, Spring Creek, Washougal, Unadilla, Budds Creek (here), and Ironman—are available for just $14.99, with Loretta Lynn’s as a bonus. The plan is to offer a second package with the first six tracks—Hangtown, Fox Raceway, Thunder Valley, High Point, WW Ranch, and Southwick—early next year. All the tracks are available in the Race and Free Ride modes.

BREAKTHROUGH

On a soggy day at Millville, Minnesota, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb had a breakthrough ride, going 1-1 for his first win in 450 Pro Motocross—and his first outdoor 450 Class podium ever. The 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion held off Eli Tomac in the first moto and then ran down Ken Roczen late in the second to give him a perfect score on the day, much to the delight of his father, Bob, and team manager, Roger De Coster.

Photo BY: JEFF KARDAS
INSET: Rich Shepherd
Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb had a breakthrough ride
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.
BREAKTHROUGH

On a soggy day at Millville, Minnesota, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb had a breakthrough ride, going 1-1 for his first win in 450 Pro Motocross—and his first outdoor 450 Class podium ever. The 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion held off Eli Tomac in the first moto and then ran down Ken Roczen late in the second to give him a perfect score on the day, much to the delight of his father, Bob, and team manager, Roger De Coster.

Photo BY: JEFF KARDAS
INSET: Rich Shepherd
Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb had a breakthrough ride
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
Davey Coombs
Reason For Being
By Davey Coombs
T

he single most influential piece of motocross media ever produced was On Any Sunday, Bruce Brown’s real-time ode to the American motorcycling explosion of the late sixties and early seventies. It followed the riding exploits of, among others, Hollywood movie star Steve McQueen and friends, and introduced and inspired the next generation of motorcyclists. It was even nominated for an Academy Award in 1972 in the category of Best Film Documentary.

RacerX October 2019 Edition
That conundrum has created a challenge for TV directors going back to the days when only one race per year aired on TV—the 500cc U.S. Grand Prix at Carlsbad—and it having to resonate with viewers who would just as soon be watching figure skating or cliff-diving from Acapulco.
The sequel On Any Sunday II, on the other hand, was a disappointment. It followed a decade later with a different director who tried to follow the same script and, in some cases, even the same scenes. It’s since been thrown on that large stack of cringeworthy VHS and DVD motocross movies that not even Blockbuster wanted on their shelves.
Pit Pass
Pit Pass
This man is screaming the sound of screamin’ 125s!
This man is screaming the sound of screamin’ 125s!
Jason Anderson’s custom handguard extenders.
Jason Anderson’s custom handguard extenders.
AC rinses off some of the Millville Whoops.
AC rinses off some of the Millville Whoops.
David O’Connor from KTM—or Bultaco?
David O’Connor from KTM—or Bultaco?
Add the MXoN and Dylan has three straight at RedBud.
Add the MXoN and Dylan has three straight at RedBud.
Custom MM25 gas bottles, just in case.
Custom MM25 gas bottles, just in case.
GEICO Honda “Bad Boy” Revival Club.
GEICO Honda “Bad Boy” Revival Club.
Accidental infield twinning at RedBud.
Accidental infield twinning at RedBud.
The Feed
The Feed
The Feed

Email Icon I’m wondering why pro motocross racers don’t wear hydration packs like a CamelBak to stay better hydrated throughout tough moto conditions like we saw in Florida. It’s such a bummer to watch Chase Sexton do so well in the first moto and then have him completely miss the second moto because of dehydration or something similar. I do mountain biking in the Texas summer and would be passing kidney stones by the end of my ride without a hydration pack. They say it is very difficult to play catch-up in regard to hydration, so why let yourself get behind?
Brian Sterenberg // Racer X Online
Good point, Brian. I think it’s similar to the reason why a lot of top riders don’t wear chest protectors: comfort. I raced GNCC for years and never started without a CamelBak, nor did I really even notice it. Then again, I wasn’t going as fast as they do in an outdoor national. DC

Email Icon Has there been an article written on the advantages and disadvantages of the FIM’s involvement with AMA Supercross and Motocross? It just seems as though there’s a lot of disgruntled people out there in America toward the FIM. I think I was out of the sport when the partnership evolved.
Rob Naughton // Racer X Online
Rob: To make a long story short, when the AMA decided to give SX to a new promoter called Jam Sports in 2001, the existing promoter reached out to the FIM for a “world championship” sanction. Then the AMA backed down, but the ink was already dry on a 20-year deal with the FIM. Supercross has had two sanctioning bodies—AMA and FIM—ever since. The FIM has nothing to do with Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. DC

Hunter Lawrence
“My apologies to all my team, sponsors and supporters, i was at the wrong race yesterday, i should of been at Mammoth Mountain racing amateurs, what a joke of a day, will sort my sh#t out for next weekend, one to forget.”
GEICO Honda’s Hunter Lawrence following the Southwick National/Instagram
Hunter Lawrence
“My apologies to all my team, sponsors and supporters, i was at the wrong race yesterday, i should of been at Mammoth Mountain racing amateurs, what a joke of a day, will sort my sh#t out for next weekend, one to forget.”
GEICO Honda’s Hunter Lawrence following the Southwick National/Instagram
OVERHEARD. OVERREAD. OVERSAID.
“Musquin’s like the Rolling Stones: every time you count them out, BAM, there’s another North American tour.”
Steve Matthes’ thoughts on the 29-year-old’s win at Southwick/Racer X Online
“There’s a lot of meat in that grinder.”
Racer X Films video man Mason Rader describes a sandwich at Southwick . . . we think
“@hunterlawrence bro, if you’re gonna live in My country at least spell the states right!”
GEICO Honda’s RJ Hampshire responds to his Australian teammate’s comment “Arent we in massachussetts ? @rjhampshire”/Instagram
“I get that there’s some mixed responses and opinions out there about my departure from AMA / Yamaha, not really surprising given how many attempts I made this year to make it work! But for whatever reason it just wasn’t meant to be… Sometimes you gotta make the best of the cards you have left and instead of focusing on all of the could and should haves, It was time to let go of the hope it could be any different, accept it for what it is and now I can clearly see that I am exactly where I was obviously supposed to end up.”
Dean Ferris on going back to Australia to race for KTM/Instagram
“I’ve already said that I won’t race the Nations this year because I know this track. I told you guys [Cianciarulo and Cooper], you’re not going to understand what’s happening there. You’re going to get passed by guys you’ve never heard of before. It’s just the track in the Netherlands, they are crazy. It’s the biggest sand you can find and I’ve had a long season, I’m looking forward to the next season.”
Dylan Ferrandis, a member of the winning Team France at the ’18 MXoN at RedBud, on deciding not to participate this year (if chosen), after winning the 250 Class at the RedBud National. The MXoN, to be held on the Assen MotoGP course infield in the Netherlands, promises to be deep sand/RedBud Press Conference
“Maybe we can race the MotoGP track there and just leave the sand out of it? It’s just a thought.”
Adam Cianciarulo’s response to Dylan’s comments/RedBud Press Conference
“Ultimately, I want to stay busy and enjoy the rest of my life, which means playing with a bunch of golden retrievers and riding my bicycles and go fishing and things like that.”
GEICO Honda team manager Dan Betley, who officially retired before the Spring Creek National, has set his goals for his post-m
Message from Tyler Bowers to Steve Matthes
“Thanks! Sorry we sucked!”
Message from Tyler Bowers to Steve Matthes following the 2019 Southwick National, where Bowers rode his PulpMX-sponsored Kawasaki KX450 to 19-DNF finishes for 24th overall. In all fairness, The Bear was racing in the sandbox with only one good lat muscle/Instagram
“Musquin’s like the Rolling Stones: every time you count them out, BAM, there’s another North American tour.”
Steve Matthes’ thoughts on the 29-year-old’s win at Southwick/Racer X Online
“There’s a lot of meat in that grinder.”
Racer X Films video man Mason Rader describes a sandwich at Southwick . . . we think
“@hunterlawrence bro, if you’re gonna live in My country at least spell the states right!”
GEICO Honda’s RJ Hampshire responds to his Australian teammate’s comment “Arent we in massachussetts ? @rjhampshire”/Instagram
“I get that there’s some mixed responses and opinions out there about my departure from AMA / Yamaha, not really surprising given how many attempts I made this year to make it work! But for whatever reason it just wasn’t meant to be… Sometimes you gotta make the best of the cards you have left and instead of focusing on all of the could and should haves, It was time to let go of the hope it could be any different, accept it for what it is and now I can clearly see that I am exactly where I was obviously supposed to end up.”
Dean Ferris on going back to Australia to race for KTM/Instagram
“I’ve already said that I won’t race the Nations this year because I know this track. I told you guys [Cianciarulo and Cooper], you’re not going to understand what’s happening there. You’re going to get passed by guys you’ve never heard of before. It’s just the track in the Netherlands, they are crazy. It’s the biggest sand you can find and I’ve had a long season, I’m looking forward to the next season.”
Dylan Ferrandis, a member of the winning Team France at the ’18 MXoN at RedBud, on deciding not to participate this year (if chosen), after winning the 250 Class at the RedBud National. The MXoN, to be held on the Assen MotoGP course infield in the Netherlands, promises to be deep sand/RedBud Press Conference
“Maybe we can race the MotoGP track there and just leave the sand out of it? It’s just a thought.”
Adam Cianciarulo’s response to Dylan’s comments/RedBud Press Conference
“Ultimately, I want to stay busy and enjoy the rest of my life, which means playing with a bunch of golden retrievers and riding my bicycles and go fishing and things like that.”
GEICO Honda team manager Dan Betley, who officially retired before the Spring Creek National, has set his goals for his post-m
Message from Tyler Bowers to Steve Matthes
“Thanks! Sorry we sucked!”
Message from Tyler Bowers to Steve Matthes following the 2019 Southwick National, where Bowers rode his PulpMX-sponsored Kawasaki KX450 to 19-DNF finishes for 24th overall. In all fairness, The Bear was racing in the sandbox with only one good lat muscle/Instagram
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Instagram   @DAVIDPINGREE101
David Pingree
Electronic Ping
By David Pingree   Racer X Instagram   @DAVIDPINGREE101
M

y job here at Racer X has certainly evolved over the years. After hanging up my boots at the end of 2003, I started as a full-time employee in charge of editorial, event coverage, and ad sales, among other things. I was invited to the Indy Trade Show one year, but after being overserved at the Have a Nice Day Cafe with Jesse Rooke and his crew and then covering my hotel bathroom with vomit, they didn’t invite me back. Shocking, I know. Then, as I got pulled into the Supermoto scene more, I opted for a retainer position that required me to produce certain web and print content each month. As video demand grew, we started leaning into bike intros and testing, and that has become a big part of my role here now.

Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

Jason Weigandt
Voice Box

By JASON WEIGANDT   Racer X Twitter  @JASONWEIGANDT

I

’m bordering on 20 years behind the industry curtain, which puts me on the verge of becoming that jaded, know-it-all old guy who thinks he knows better than everyone else in the room.

I don’t do that. I still believe this sport is awesome, and the more I learn about other sports and the troubles they face, the more I want to stick to our strengths. No sport is perfect, but motocross and supercross in America have enjoyed a pretty steady run for nearly 50 years, and there are many motorsports that would kill for that kind of stability and consistency.

RacerX Supercross rider coming around a corner
This is bonkers, but open-facead helmets add personality and make the sport look as hard as it actually is. Dirt bike racing is a cardiovascular test, but since you can’t see the athletes sucking wind, you can’t see it.
So I don’t like to rock the boat with radical ideas and suggestions. However, since I’m paid to think about this sport 24/7, I’ll occasionally come up with some absolutely wild ideas, none of which should or could be tried but are fun to think about. So that’s it. Think about it.
RacerHead
RacerHead
FIVE GUYS, ONE QUESTION | BY AARON HANSEL
QUESTION: Did you feel an obligation to show respect to the existing 450 riders when you first joined the 450 Class?
Tyler Bowers
Tyler Bowers
“Yes, absolutely. Many of the racers in the class at that time [2009], I’d watched since I raced minibikes. Not only were they my elders, they were also my heroes. Any time I felt, for a second, I didn’t need to respect them, they would quickly teach me a lesson.”
Aaron Plessinger
Aaron Plessinger
“I didn’t really feel obligated to show them respect. I just showed respect to the ones that showed it to me. I’m just trying to make friends out there so I don’t have to watch my back in every corner [laughs].”
Zach Osborne
Zach Osborne
“I personally don’t feel obligated to treat anyone in the 450 Class any differently than anyone else. I really try to treat every person with respect, whether they ride a 450, a 250, or nothing at all.”
Joey Savatgy
Joey Savatgy
“I didn’t necessarily feel any obligation to show respect to the existing 450 riders per se, but it’s in my nature to be respectful and learn from others, especially since I knew I still had a lot to learn in my rookie year.”
Kyle Cunningham
Kyle Cunningham
“I wouldn’t say obligated, but I did feel that way going into my first 450 race because I got to race with guys I had grown up watching. The more respect you show, the more other guys respect you on the track. That doesn’t mean you don’t race each other hard still!”
Tyler Bowers
Tyler Bowers
“Yes, absolutely. Many of the racers in the class at that time [2009], I’d watched since I raced minibikes. Not only were they my elders, they were also my heroes. Any time I felt, for a second, I didn’t need to respect them, they would quickly teach me a lesson.”
Aaron Plessinger
Aaron Plessinger
“I didn’t really feel obligated to show them respect. I just showed respect to the ones that showed it to me. I’m just trying to make friends out there so I don’t have to watch my back in every corner [laughs].”
Zach Osborne
Zach Osborne
“I personally don’t feel obligated to treat anyone in the 450 Class any differently than anyone else. I really try to treat every person with respect, whether they ride a 450, a 250, or nothing at all.”
Joey Savatgy
Joey Savatgy
“I didn’t necessarily feel any obligation to show respect to the existing 450 riders per se, but it’s in my nature to be respectful and learn from others, especially since I knew I still had a lot to learn in my rookie year.”
Kyle Cunningham
Kyle Cunningham
“I wouldn’t say obligated, but I did feel that way going into my first 450 race because I got to race with guys I had grown up watching. The more respect you show, the more other guys respect you on the track. That doesn’t mean you don’t race each other hard still!”
PAGE 54
FREDDIE VS. FREDDIE
FREDDIE VS. FREDDIE
Privateer vs. factory
PAGE 58
DIRTY WORDS
DIRTY WORDS
Test your moto knowledge
PAGE 60
Gamer’s Paradise
Gamer’s Paradise
MXGP 2019 – The Official Motocross Videogame
PAGE 62
UP MIDDLE DOWN
UP MIDDLE DOWN
What’s buzzing around motocross
RacerHead
RacerHead
Freddie VS. Freddie | From Privateer Island to Factory Big Rig | By Aaron Hansel
E

veryone knows there’s a big gap between being a privateer and a factory-backed racer, but the specific differences aren’t always talked about. To learn more, we talked to Freddie Noren, who started the season as a privateer before getting the call to fill in at JGR/Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing.

The Bike
“The power is amazing on the Suzuki, and so are the options I have to try different things and make changes. The same goes with handling and suspension. The options are endless. If I have an issue with something, I don’t have to figure out how to fix it—someone else can do it. As a privateer, I would scratch my head sometimes.”

The MECHANIC
“Although Ben [Schiermeyer] is a very good-looking guy, he’s not as good-looking as my wife. He does know a thing or two more about the bike, though [laughs]. As a privateer, it was mainly my wife and me working on the bike. Now I don’t have to worry about anything. I don’t think my wrenching skills are bad, but Ben’s are next-level.”

RacerHead
RacerHead
Austria Videocation | STORY AND PHOTOS BY TRENT LOPEZ
Austria Videocation | STORY AND PHOTOS BY TRENT LOPEZ
Austria Videocation | STORY AND PHOTOS BY TRENT LOPEZ
T

he team at Milestone Games invited us to attend a test of the new MXGP 2019 – The Official Motocross Videogame and enjoy a ride session in Austria, and although I might be better at one than the other, I actively participate in both. Being a notoriously picky eater in a foreign country, when I saw wiener schnitzel on the menu at the press junket, my fear of starvation turned into bliss. Turns out, authentic wiener schnitzel in Austria is not a giant beef hot dog smothered in ketchup, mustard, relish, and other condiments; to my surprise, it’s a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet served with a side of parsley potatoes. Needless to say, it was delicious, and I ordered that dish four more times throughout the trip. Early the next morning, the entire crew that had been invited hopped on a private bus and headed five minutes down the road to the KTM headquarters in Mattighofen, where we checked out the KTM E-Cross center, where a fleet of electric motorcycles awaited us to ride on their private motocross track.

KTM has been doing this electric-bike thing since the early part of the decade. In my experience, there was really no difference from a gas-powered machine. Even the sound of acceleration was still satisfying. If the e-bike scene ever catches on in the States more than it already has, catch me at the nearest charging center!
RacerHead
RacerHead

Dirty Words Crossword Puzzle | BY AARON HANSEL

Dirty Words Crossword
Go to page 62 for answers
ACROSS
2. MXGP rider who swept both 2017 Ironman motos
5. JGRMX assistant manager
9. Michigan SX venue that was imploded in 2017
11. Italian tire manufacturer
12. Slovenian exhaust manufacturer
15. Won his first national this year in Florida
DOWN
1. Engines are measured in cubic ______
3. Lucas Oil Pro Motocross television network
4. Your rear wheel bolts to it
6. Hometown of Alex and Jeremy Martin
7. Anaheim 1 2013 winner
8. Red Bull KTM team manager
RacerHead
RacerHead
REVIEW: MXGP 2019 – The Official Motocross VideogamE | BY TRENT LOPEZ
I

sent Jeffrey Herlings flying off a cliff—in the new MXGP 2019 – The Official Motocross Videogame. MXGP is a game close to race fans and gamers alike, featuring all the top riders from the popular GP series: from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings to Monster Energy/Wilvo Yamaha’s Gautier Paulin and many more. MXGP 2019 includes a host of new features and some old ones you remember, such as the rewind feature, which I relied heavily upon after my many unsuccessful attempts to become a “Quad God.”

In Playground mode, you can roam around what seems to be a never-ending map packed with a multitude of tracks and other interesting riding sections. What really stands out is the ever-changing weather, which also affects the dirt you ride on. If you get caught in a torrential downpour, the dirt will become mud; not only can you be left with a totally different in-game riding experience, but you’ll be riding with mud on your goggles, which requires you to hit the “tear-off” button to clear your vision if you’re riding in first-person mode.

RacerHead
RacerHead

BUZZ

MX VS. ATV ALL OUT Rainbow Studios and MX Sports have teamed up to bring RedBud, Spring Creek, Washougal, Budds Creek, Unadilla, Ironman, and Loretta Lynn’s to the video game world in a downloadable content package ($14.99) released in late July for MX vs. ATV All Out. Time to put in laps on your favorite national track!
SALT LAKE The Utah state capital is back on the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross schedule, which is cool, but it’s now the final round. Good luck with the after-party, Monster!
Motocross 101
Flat Turns
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
Motocross 101
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
Sequence 6 Number
T

his month’s tip covers a couple topics that will help you navigate flat turns, as well as line selection. We’ve talked about road racing theory in motocross: opening turns up to carry more momentum. However, because of the nature of our racing surfaces, bumps and ruts ultimately determine which line is the best on any given section of the track. In this case, the outside line was bumpy, and it led to a berm that was blown out and rough. The inside line, however, was smooth and flat on the entry and all the way around the turn. In a corner like this, you have to consider how much more ground you need to cover to go to the outside versus the inside, how rough is it, and which line is faster. This particular corner was about the same speed going inside or out, but I could save so much energy by staying out of the bumps and rolling through the inside that it was the easy choice.

Sequence 6 Number
Flat Turns
T

his month’s tip covers a couple topics that will help you navigate flat turns, as well as line selection. We’ve talked about road racing theory in motocross: opening turns up to carry more momentum. However, because of the nature of our racing surfaces, bumps and ruts ultimately determine which line is the best on any given section of the track. In this case, the outside line was bumpy, and it led to a berm that was blown out and rough. The inside line, however, was smooth and flat on the entry and all the way around the turn. In a corner like this, you have to consider how much more ground you need to cover to go to the outside versus the inside, how rough is it, and which line is faster. This particular corner was about the same speed going inside or out, but I could save so much energy by staying out of the bumps and rolling through the inside that it was the easy choice.

This turn is a long sweeper, so you can’t really use the front brake on entry. In this case, use the gearbox to help with your braking; I dropped quickly from 4th to 2nd gear to let the engine brake slow me down in a smooth, controlled manner. This will also transfer weight to the front wheel and let it “bite” as you start to turn in.

Because there are no bumps in this line, I can sit early and begin setting up for my direction change. As I start to turn the bike in and lean toward the inside, my body stays upright. You want the crack of your butt on the edge of the seat, your outside knee pressed against the radiator shroud, your left foot out and forward, and a neutral body position.

This turn is a long sweeper, so you can’t really use the front brake on entry. In this case, use the gearbox to help with your braking; I dropped quickly from 4th to 2nd gear to let the engine brake slow me down in a smooth, controlled manner. This will also transfer weight to the front wheel and let it “bite” as you start to turn in.

Because there are no bumps in this line, I can sit early and begin setting up for my direction change. As I start to turn the bike in and lean toward the inside, my body stays upright. You want the crack of your butt on the edge of the seat, your outside knee pressed against the radiator shroud, your left foot out and forward, and a neutral body position.

You can’t see it here, but I’m completely off the brakes. I did some trail braking early, but you can see by the dirt coming off the rear wheel that the transmission is still providing some slowing through the engine. You want to time it so that by the time you hit the apex you’re at the right speed to begin accelerating again. If you come in too fast, you’ll drift to the outside; if you’re going too slow, you’ll be blipping the throttle as you enter and begin to round the turn.

As I reach the apex, I start applying throttle smoothly and I’m looking ahead to where I want to go and steering the front end toward the exit.

At this point in the turn I’ve made most of my direction change. A mistake many riders make is getting on the throttle too hard at this point or using the clutch to bring the rpm up; stay off the clutch, and apply as much throttle as the racing surface will allow. If the dirt is tacky, you can be aggressive; if it’s slick, you’ll need to modulate it more.

Remember to keep your elbows up, foot forward, outside knee pressed against the bike, and look ahead while keeping your upper body quiet.

EXPOSURE
By Jason Todd
The Feed
EXPOSURE
By Jason Todd
Stilez ROBERTSON
DOB: March 4, 2002
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Bike: Kawasaki KX250
Classes: Schoolboy 2, 250B
Sponsors: Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki, Alpinestars, Scott, Dunlop, Maxima, Pro Circuit, Renthal, Arc Levers, Hinson, Throttle Syndicate, Custom Upfits, Acerbis

Bakersfield, California’s Stilez Robertson is arguably one of the most popular and well-known young stars of amateur motocross. From his days of racing a Cobra 50, Robertson has been on the winning side of things, and he knows what’s expected of him. His last couple of years on minibikes didn’t go as planned, however, as the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green rider struggled to perform to his high standard at Loretta Lynn’s and then suffered a torn ACL and MCL early into his acclimation days on a bigger bike. Now healthy, hooked up with a new trainer—Ivan Tedesco—and on 250Fs full-time, Stilez is confident, eager to progress, and having fun.

Three brutal races pushed everyone’s training programs to the brink
WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS & RICH SHEPHERD
“TOUGH DAY—THIS track is brutal as always,” Eli Tomac said after this year’s Southwick National. “I was pretty worn out trying to catch those guys [in the] second moto.”

Wait, wait, wait. Eli Tomac was worn out? Yes, a rugged two-week Lucas Oil Pro Motocross stretch through Florida’s heat and humidity and then Southwick’s brutal roughness even took a toll on the usually indefatigable Tomac, with RedBud serving up more wear and tear the next weekend.

Tomac was far from alone. While his (normally) fatigue-free late-race charges are akin to a cyborg, even a robot would have struggled in these races. With today’s training programs hyper-tuned to push the riders during the week while trying to leave enough in the tank for the weekend, science was put on notice for three summer weekends.

Three brutal races pushed everyone’s training programs to the brink
WORDS: JASON WEIGANDT
PHOTOS: JEFF KARDAS & RICH SHEPHERD
“TOUGH DAY—THIS track is brutal as always,” Eli Tomac said after this year’s Southwick National. “I was pretty worn out trying to catch those guys [in the] second moto.”

Wait, wait, wait. Eli Tomac was worn out? Yes, a rugged two-week Lucas Oil Pro Motocross stretch through Florida’s heat and humidity and then Southwick’s brutal roughness even took a toll on the usually indefatigable Tomac, with RedBud serving up more wear and tear the next weekend.

Tomac was far from alone. While his (normally) fatigue-free late-race charges are akin to a cyborg, even a robot would have struggled in these races. With today’s training programs hyper-tuned to push the riders during the week while trying to leave enough in the tank for the weekend, science was put on notice for three summer weekends.

Bennett War
Behind the scenes for the making of Bennett’s War, Forrest Films’ ode to motocross, the military, and all things Americana
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
THE OFFICIAL SUMMARY of Bennett’s War goes like this: “After surviving an IED explosion in combat overseas, a young soldier with the Army Motorcycle Unit is medically discharged with a broken back and leg. Against all odds he trains to make an impossible comeback as a motocross racer in order to support his family.” Directed by Alex Ranarivelo (American Wrestler, Dirt), the film stars Michael Roark (Magic Mike, Beauty and the Beast) as Marshall Bennett. Among the supporting cast are dozens of motocross racers and thousands of fans who attended a few recent rounds of the Pro Motocross series.
Bennett War
Behind the scenes for the making of Bennett’s War, Forrest Films’ ode to motocross, the military, and all things Americana
WORDS: DAVEY COOMBS
THE OFFICIAL SUMMARY of Bennett’s War goes like this: “After surviving an IED explosion in combat overseas, a young soldier with the Army Motorcycle Unit is medically discharged with a broken back and leg. Against all odds he trains to make an impossible comeback as a motocross racer in order to support his family.” Directed by Alex Ranarivelo (American Wrestler, Dirt), the film stars Michael Roark (Magic Mike, Beauty and the Beast) as Marshall Bennett. Among the supporting cast are dozens of motocross racers and thousands of fans who attended a few recent rounds of the Pro Motocross series.
Hollywood Moto
Celebrating 50 years of world-class motocross at Unadilla
The National Years
FIFTY YEARS AGO, Unadilla was built as a European-style natural-terrain motocross track—which made sense. Supercross had yet to be invented, and because the era’s biggest events were international competitions like Inter-Am, Trans-AMA, or U.S. Grand Prix races, those were the kinds of races Ward Robinson wanted for his upstate New York track. It wasn’t until the mid-eighties that the balance of power in global motocross shifted to supercross-influenced AMA races, and that meant fans were more interested in seeing all the top U.S. riders than just a select handful going up against Europe’s best. With all that in mind going into the 1989 season, Robinson asked to again host both a 250cc U.S. Grand Prix as well as a standalone AMA Pro Motocross race.
Celebrating 50 years of world-class motocross at Unadilla
The National Years
FIFTY YEARS AGO, Unadilla was built as a European-style natural-terrain motocross track—which made sense. Supercross had yet to be invented, and because the era’s biggest events were international competitions like Inter-Am, Trans-AMA, or U.S. Grand Prix races, those were the kinds of races Ward Robinson wanted for his upstate New York track. It wasn’t until the mid-eighties that the balance of power in global motocross shifted to supercross-influenced AMA races, and that meant fans were more interested in seeing all the top U.S. riders than just a select handful going up against Europe’s best. With all that in mind going into the 1989 season, Robinson asked to again host both a 250cc U.S. Grand Prix as well as a standalone AMA Pro Motocross race.
We visit the south of France to check out Wheels & Waves, a stylish annual festival celebrating motorcycles, art, surf, skate, and music
WORDS: DAVID LANGRAN
PHOTOS: KATI DALEK/kayadaek photography
The ever-stylish Dimitri Coste.
We visit the south of France to check out Wheels & Waves, a stylish annual festival celebrating motorcycles, art, surf, skate, and music
WORDS: DAVID LANGRAN
PHOTOS: KATI DALEK/kayadaek photography
French Dressing
Garage Build 2019 HONDACRF450R
Garage Build 2019 HONDACRF450R
Garage Build
2019 HONDACRF450R
BIKE BUILD BY BOYKO RACING // www.boykoracing.com
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY

The 2019 CRF450R is a race machine right out of the crate, no doubt about it. The Honda handles well, has a solid motor, and wraps all that up in a sweet-looking package with excellent finishing touches. But our West Coast staffer Trent Lopez wasn’t about to settle for stock. He’s built more like a linebacker than a racer, so he needed some special attention for the bike. He turned to Teddy Boyko for assistance.

BOYKO RACING
Head Work, Mapping,
Bike Build
boykoracing.com
PRO CIRCUIT
Ti-6 Exhaust System, Suspension Valving/Springs
www.procircuit.com
WORKS CONNECTION
Engine Caps, Brake Clamps, Chain Adjuster Blocks, Fuel Vent Cap, Pro Launch Stand
worksconnection.com
RENTHAL
Chain, 48T Rear Sprocket, 13T Front Sprocket
renthal.com
ODI
V2 Emig Pro Grips, CFT Podium Handlebars, Bar Mounts
odigrips.com
HAMMERHEAD
Shift and Brake Lever
hdmoto.com
ETS RACING FUELS
100 Octane Race Fuel
ets-racing.com
FASTER USA
Custom Hubs
fasterusa.com
RIDE ENGINEERING
Triple Clamps, Pull Rods, Polyurethane Cone Kit, Brake Line Guide, Billet Throttle Starter Switch, Clutch Cable Holder, Valve Cap and Rim Lock Spacer Kit
rideengineering.com
FLO MOTORSPORTS
Footpegs and Clutch/Brake Lever
flomotorsports.com
UFO
Plastic Kit
ufoplasticusa.com
MOTOCUTZ
Custom Graphics
motocutzmx.com
TM DESIGNWORKS
Factory Edition Slide-N-Guide Kit
tmdesignworks.com
REKLUSE
Torque Drive Manual Clutch
rekluse.com
GALFER
Oversize Tsunami Front and Rear Wave Rotors, Front and Rear Steel Braided Brake Lines
galferusa.com
BRIDGESTONE
X30 Front (80/100-21) and Rear (120/80-19) Tires
bridgestone.com
TWIN AIR
Air Filter
twinair.com
ROCK OIL
Synthetic Oil
rockoilsocal.com
JE PISTONS
14.0:1 High Compression Piston
jepistons.com
FCP RACING
Engine Mounts
fcpracing.com

The 2019 CRF450R is a race machine right out of the crate, no doubt about it. The Honda handles well, has a solid motor, and wraps all that up in a sweet-looking package with excellent finishing touches. But our West Coast staffer Trent Lopez wasn’t about to settle for stock. He’s built more like a linebacker than a racer, so he needed some special attention for the bike. He turned to Teddy Boyko for assistance.

BOYKO RACING
Head Work, Mapping,
Bike Build
boykoracing.com
PRO CIRCUIT
Ti-6 Exhaust System, Suspension Valving/Springs
www.procircuit.com
WORKS CONNECTION
Engine Caps, Brake Clamps, Chain Adjuster Blocks, Fuel Vent Cap, Pro Launch Stand
worksconnection.com
RENTHAL
Chain, 48T Rear Sprocket, 13T Front Sprocket
renthal.com
ODI
V2 Emig Pro Grips, CFT Podium Handlebars, Bar Mounts
odigrips.com
HAMMERHEAD
Shift and Brake Lever
hdmoto.com
ETS RACING FUELS
100 Octane Race Fuel
ets-racing.com
FASTER USA
Custom Hubs
fasterusa.com
RIDE ENGINEERING
Triple Clamps, Pull Rods, Polyurethane Cone Kit, Brake Line Guide, Billet Throttle Starter Switch, Clutch Cable Holder, Valve Cap and Rim Lock Spacer Kit
rideengineering.com
FLO MOTORSPORTS
Footpegs and Clutch/Brake Lever
flomotorsports.com
UFO
Plastic Kit
ufoplasticusa.com
MOTOCUTZ
Custom Graphics
motocutzmx.com
TM DESIGNWORKS
Factory Edition Slide-N-Guide Kit
tmdesignworks.com
REKLUSE
Torque Drive Manual Clutch
rekluse.com
GALFER
Oversize Tsunami Front and Rear Wave Rotors, Front and Rear Steel Braided Brake Lines
galferusa.com
BRIDGESTONE
X30 Front (80/100-21) and Rear (120/80-19) Tires
bridgestone.com
TWIN AIR
Air Filter
twinair.com
ROCK OIL
Synthetic Oil
rockoilsocal.com
JE PISTONS
14.0:1 High Compression Piston
jepistons.com
FCP RACING
Engine Mounts
fcpracing.com
Factory Tech Tip
WORDS: Scott Adkins
PHOTOS: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
GRIP WIRING
Factory Tech Tip
GRIP WIRING
WORDS: Scott Adkins
PHOTOS: ANDREW FREDRICKSON
W

iring your grips on is an added precaution so they don’t come undone during a moto. Here’s an in-depth look at how a factory mechanic does it.

First, I like to use .025 width grip wire. I think .032 is a little too big and .020 is a little too small. I measure out about 10” of wire, and I use a little piece on top of the canister to determine our length. I always start to the outside of the grip first, just in case there’s any air trapped under the grip. As you start to wire, it will force that air back out. If you start on the inside first, all the air is trapped.

After that, cut the very end off leaving 2-3mm sticking out. That’s just beyond the ridge, if you’re running something with a waffle. If you’re running something without a waffle, just estimate the 2-3mm. After I cut, I like to bend the outside wire toward the inside of the grip. Then same as the center one. I like to bend those two toward the inside of the grip.

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
Cycle Gear
Huntsville
256-883-1691

Cycle Gear
Trussville
205-655-5055

Max Motorsports
Pelham
205-605-1904

Arizona
Cycle Gear
Mesa
480-969-5555

Cycle Gear
Phoenix
602-971-1630

Cycle Gear
Tucson
520-882-8111

Cycle Gear
Surprise
623-474-3335

Manic Moto
Sun Tan Valley
480-783-3243

Moto Center
Mesa
480-642-6686

North Valley Honda/Kawasaki
Phoenix
602-996-9280

Arkansas
Cycle Gear
Little Rock
501-663-2250

Wheeler Powersports
Fort Smith
800-638-5822

Yamaha of Harrison
Harrison
870-741-3131

California
AEO Powersports
Murrieta, CA
951-600-2200

Beast Moto Designs
Rancho Cucamonga
909-989-7602

Boyko Racing
Costa Mesa
949-642-3275

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

Capitol Yamaha
Sacramento
916-485-9200

Chaparral Motorsports
San Bernardino
909-889-2761

Cycle Gear
Hayward
510-888-9100

Cycle Gear
Pacheco
925-680-8018

Cycle Gear
San Francisco
415-487-2710

Cycle Gear
Redwood City
650-365-1100

Cycle Gear
Sacramento
916-338-1649

Cycle Gear
Newhall
661-255-6522

Cycle Gear
San Jose
408-288-5051

Cycle Gear
Fresno
559-221-7600

Cycle Gear
Fullerton
714-525-4205

Cycle Gear
Lomita
310-530-3500

Cycle Gear
San Marcos
760-233-2299

Cycle Gear
Bakersfield
661-831-2026

Cycle Gear
Oxnard
805-981-8881

Cycle Gear
San Diego
858-565-2500

Cycle Gear
Laguna Hills
949-581-7444

Cycle Gear
Canoga Park
818-676-0003

Cycle Gear
Pleasanton
925-251-1110

Cycle Gear
Murrieta
951-600-0097

Cycle Gear
Santa Rosa
707-522-1320

Cycle Gear
Modesto
209-576-0201

Cycle Gear
Visalia
559-749-0667

Cycle Gear
Redding
530-223-9007

Cycle Gear
Palmdale
661-273-6113

Cycle Gear
Victorville
760-955-2555

Cycle Gear
Fairfield
707-426-5688

Cycle Gear
Pittsburg
925-757-3903

Cycle Gear
San Luis Obispo
805-783-2660

Cycle Gear
Gilroy
408-847-1810

Faultline Powersports, Inc.
Hollister
831-637-8550

Faultline Hollister Hills SVRA
Hollister
831-637-9780

Fremont Honda Kawasaki Suzuki
Fremont
510-661-0100

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

Langston Motorsports
Perris
951-471-8205

Morris Cycle Supply
Marysville
530-749-9190

MotoMart at Carnegie
Tracy
925-455-1318

Motoworld of El Cajon
El Cajon
619-442-0941

Pro Circuit
Corona
951-738-8050

Roseville Honda Motorsports
Roseville
916-784-6632

Scotts Performance
Montrose
818-248-6747

Suspension Direct
Lake Elsinore
714-464-2050

Temecula Motorsports
Murrieta
951-698-4123

Thousand Oaks Powersports
Thousand Oaks
805-497-3765

Tokyomods
San Juan Capistrano
888-457-9403

Colorado
Apex Sports
Colorado Springs
719-475-2437

Performance Cycle Of Colorado
Centennial
303-744-2011

Vickery Motorsports
Denver
303-755-4387

Connecticut
C Cycle Suspension
East Hampton
860-267-1710

Central Cycle Club
Central Village
www.cccmx.com

Cycle Gear
Manchester
860-647-1022

Cycle Gear
Orange
203-891-0716

Manchester Sports Center
Manchester
860-645-3120

Delaware
Cycle Gear
Bear
302-832-7270
Florida
Cycle Gear
Orlando
321-299-9903

Cycle Gear
Jacksonville
904-564-9800

Cycle Gear
Pinellas Park
727-521-6018

Cycle Gear
N. Miami Beach
305-944-1632

Cycle Gear
Tampa
813-932-9300

Cycle Gear
W. Palm Beach
561-697-2660

Cycle Gear
Sanford
407-324-4820

Cycle Gear
Lauderhill
954-746-2172

Cycle Gear
W. Melbourne
321-952-7478

Cycle Gear
Daytona Beach
386-257-0242

Cycle Gear
Orange Park
904-269-3740

On2Wheels
San Jose, Costa Rica
506-2253-1868

RC Hill Honda of DeLand
DeLand
386-873-6772

Spyder MX Action Sports Complex
Wildwood
spydermx.com

WMR Competition
Stuart
772-426-3000

Georgia
Cycle Gear
Smyrna
770-272-9873

Cycle Gear
Lawrenceville
678-225-0131

Cycle Gear
Roswell
770-752-1820

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

Cycle Gear
Meridian
208-887-4942

Illinois
Cycle Gear
Schaumburg
847-310-4800

Lincoln Trail Motosports
Casey
217-932-2041

Motorcycle Center
Villa Park
630-782-2010

Owen Motor Sports
Charleston
217-348-5500

Indiana
Cycle Sport Yamaha & KTM
Hobart
866-6YAMAHA

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

Hoosier Hilltoppers MX
Seymour
812-873-1178

Motoxtremes
W. Harrison
812-637-2255

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

Cycle Gear
Lenexa
913-307-0420

Ely’s Kawasaki
Hutchinson
620-665-8962

Kentucky
Cycle Gear
Louisville
502-426-9746

Lohman Powersports
Owensboro
270-478-4038

Louisiana
Cycle Gear
Lafayette
337-264-0352

Cycle Gear
Baton Rouge
225-293-5860

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

Cycle Gear
Laurel
301-490-3490

Ellicott City Motorsports
Ellicott City
410-203-2119

Fredericktown Yamaha
Frederick
301-663-8333

JT Motorsports
Frederick
301-846-4318

Timbrook Honda of Cumberland
Cumberland
301-783-1900

Massachusetts
Pilgrim Powersports
Plymouth
508-747-6181

Wagner Motorsports
Worcester
508-581-5972

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

Magic Racing
Shelby Township
586-254-9117

MCR Suspension
Metamora
810-678-2617

Mr. X
Waterford
248-332-2400

Powers Motorsports
Fremont
231-924-1924

Recker Motorsports
Mt. Pleasant
989-772-9286

Speed Technologies
Howell
248-974-9687

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

Main Street Cycles
Albert Lea
507-373-2582

Missouri
Cycle Gear
Bridgeton
314-298-7222

LCC Powersports
Liberty
816-781-6880

Dirt Bikes Unlimited
Springfield
417-832-1331

Donnell’s Motorcycles
Independence
816-478-9393

Montana
Poet Motorcycles
Helena
406-457-8230

Fastoys
Kalispell
406-257-8697

Nevada
Cross Rut Motosports
Las Vegas
702-432-1211

Cycle Gear
Las Vegas
702-877-4327

Cycle Gear
Las Vegas
702-435-0635

Reno KTM-Motorcycle Specialties
Sparks
775-358-4388

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

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

Pit Power Sports
Manalapan
732-851-7404

The Cycle Exchange
Andover
973-786-6966

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

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

Motovate Performance
Victor
585-924-8800

Northeast Cycle Service, LLC
Springville
716-794-0705

Parker MX
Greenwich
518-692-7025

PLX Sport
Saint-Eustache
514-239-1221

Valley Motoshop
Pleasant Valley
845-635-5678

North Carolina
Cycle Gear
Matthews
704-846-0440

Cycle Gear
Raleigh
919-329-7858

Cycle Gear
Greensboro
336-297-4250

Cycle Gear
Fayetteville
910-860-8200

Cycle Gear
Gastonia
704-824-1820

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

Champion Powersports
Wauseon
419-335-8600

Competitive Moto Sports
Harrisburg
614-218-9511

Honda Powersports of Troy
Troy
937-332-3440

Wheelsports, Inc.
Reynoldsburg
614-864-0010

Oklahoma
Cycle Gear
Oklahoma City
405-842-0111

Cycle Gear
Tulsa
918-384-0608

Marshall’s Racing
Stillwater
405-377-0192

Shawnee Honda
Shawnee
405-273-1400

Oregon
AC Powersports
La Grande
541-663-1111

Cycle Gear
Portland
503-257-7047

Cycle Gear
Salem
503-589-1515

Cycle Gear
Springfield
541-747-1575

Zoom Motorsports
Roseburg
541-673-7813

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

Cernic’s Cycle World
Johnstown
814-539-4114

Cycle Gear
Allentown
610-791-9880

Cycle Gear
Springfield
610-328-9811

Cycle Gear
Allison Park
724-444-4260

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

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
Atlantic Cycle & Power // White Plains, MD // atlanticcycle.com // 301-392-1770

Atlantic Cycle & Power was established in the fall of 1991. At the time the doors opened, we only had Hondas and Kawasakis. We now carry the full line of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kymco. With over 25,000 square feet of display under one roof, Atlantic Cycle has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner considering your first big toy or a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, our professional staff will be happy to serve you.

Atlantic Cycle & Power
One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
The 1999 Washougal 125 National
One Race, One Page
// By Davey Coombs
The 1999 Washougal 125 National
T

he record books show that the 125cc class winner at the Washougal round of the 1999 AMA/Mazda Trucks National Motocross Championship was FMF Honda’s Brock Sellards (27), yet fans who were there that day likely remember the race as one of Ricky Carmichael’s finest performances. Over the course of two motos, Sellards racked up solid 1-3 finishes to claim the overall, but it was the 2-2 performance of Splitfire/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carmichael that day 20 years ago that has gone down in motocross lore as one of his virtuoso performances.

In both motos, Carmichael, then on his way to a third straight AMA 125 National Motocross title, went down in the first turn, which back then was a sweeping uphill righthander. In each case, he picked up his Chad Watts-tuned #1 KX125 in dead last and started climbing back through the pack. And in both cases, he passed every other rider in the race except for one. In that first moto it was Ohio’s Sellards, as the two blitzed across the famous Washougal whoops practically side by side.

1980
U.S. 250cc Grand Prix
BY DAVEY COOMBS
PHOTO FROM THE DICK MILLER ARCHIVES

German Honda rider Rolf Dieffenbach chases the lead factory Suzukis of U.S. hero Kent Howerton and Belgium’s George Jobe in the 250cc U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross. Dieffenbach, one of the top German riders of his era, was a multi-time Grand Prix winner during his career, which ended in 1984. Earlier this month, Dieffenbach was killed in a street motorcycling accident when his bike suffered a transmission failure, sending him into a guardrail. He was 69 years old.

Dieffenbach did not participate in any AMA races, so you won’t find any of his results in the Racer X Vault, but you can find all of his Grand Prix finishes at the France-based www.memotocross.fr.

U.S. 250CC GRAND PRIX
Donnie Keys

DONNIE
KEYS
Something always connects our 2 Tribes interviewees, but in this month’s edition, you just might get a shorter answer if you ask what Don Baynes and Donnie Keys don’t have in common. They’re both transporter drivers (Baynes for Red Bull KTM, Keys for Honda HRC) are in the same place every weekend almost all year, and they share the same first name. They even prefer to eat at the same restaurant while on the road! Let’s green-flag this month’s 2 Tribes to see what else these haulers have in common.
Don Baynes

Don
Baynes
Donnie Keys

DONNIE
KEYS
Don Baynes

DON
BAYNES
Something always connects our 2 Tribes interviewees, but in this month’s edition, you just might get a shorter answer if you ask what Don Baynes and Donnie Keys don’t have in common. They’re both transporter drivers (Baynes for Red Bull KTM, Keys for Honda HRC) are in the same place every weekend almost all year, and they share the same first name. They even prefer to eat at the same restaurant while on the road! Let’s green-flag this month’s 2 Tribes to see what else these haulers have in common.

Who would play you in a movie?
DK: A troublemaker.
DB: Steve McQueen.

Greatest accomplishment?
DK: My kids and 20 years of marriage.
DB: Raising my two kids by myself.

Which one of you could destroy a golf cart faster?
DK: I could.
DB: Donnie.

Most ridiculous person in the pits?
DK: Tomac’s bus driver, Kyle Stone.
DB: Kyle Stone.

Most useless item in the cab?
DK: The double bunk bed.
DB: The logbook.

Biggest rival?
DK: Kawasaki. Eli rode a Honda before Kawasaki!
DB: Mike Sprake.

Whose ass would you like to kick?
DK: No one’s.
DB: Kim Jong-un’s.

Biggest surprise of the summer
so far?

DK: My friend Joe surprised me with apple pie for my birthday.
DB: Cooper Webb not winning a national yet. [Ed. note: This interview was conducted before Spring Creek.]

Ever gotten in a fight with another driver?
DK: No.
DB: No.

Easiest National track for parking?
DK: WW Ranch in Florida.
DB: Colorado.

Least favorite National track for parking?
DK: Colorado’s asphalt chips.
DB: Fox Raceway.

Weirdest landmark you drive by?
DK: Dumb colored rocks on the way to Vegas.
DB: The Lincoln statue in Wyoming.

I’m a roller skate demon!”—DK

AD INDEX
Tribute
Lorenzo Locurcio putting the finishing touches on a very impressive ride

Photo by Charlie Burgess (@diffysmooth)

Running On Empty
As the first 450 Class moto was winding down at RedBud, privateer Lorenzo Locurcio was putting the finishing touches on a very impressive ride. But as he crested LaRocco’s Leap and entered the last section of the iconic track, his Kawasaki KX450 bogged and then stopped altogether. The Venezuelan was out of gas. He was in sight of the finish line, but outside assistance is a no-no. So Locurcio put his bike in neutral, hopped off the side, and just started pushing. He made it around the corner and to the base of the finish-line tabletop, where he finally caught a break: the timing and scoring loop was near the base of the steep jump, not its peak. Locurcio was counted as the last rider on the lead lap, salvaging 14th place. He did even better in the second moto, finishing 12th place—only this time he had a little bit of gas left in the tank.
Racer X Illustrated
Thanks for reading our October 2019 issue!