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
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
I’m wondering if there are some thoughts within the industry, including media coverage, on how soon any electric-based series might be in the works in off-road events or something similar to the Baja 1000, Mint 400, or the Dakar Rally? Given the rapid growth of the FIA’s E-Series and other factors including VW’s record-flirting with their electric powered platform at Nürburgring that is happening in a timely manner with current installations of multi-car VW recharging stations at Wal-Mart locations, it stands to reason that one of the most prolific brands in off-road racing history would have a stake. It’s just a matter of time, I would argue. Thoughts?
Jim Sanchez // Racer X Online
Jim: There is an eMTB Series that runs along with GNCC Racing, but right now there aren’t enough electric motorcycles out there for a class in GNCC, nor is there an electric dirt bike that lasts more than 45 or so minutes. When they build them, I’m sure they will race them! DC
Racer X Online published an article with reference to the only stadium race ever held in the Trans-AMA Series, the 1973 round at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. I actually have a promotional poster from that race on a piece of paneling that I grew up with on my wall at home! Honestly, I never realized the rarity of this item. It is pretty frail and brittle, but it is all there. Please let me know if you’re interested in adding it to your collection.
Andy DeLauder // Hagerstown, MD
Wow! Thank you, Andy! My mom and dad actually went to that race, and my mom somehow got a press pass and got to go down on the stadium floor to shoot photos. The race was held on a Friday night and was won by Dutch Maico rider Gerrit Wolsink. The next day, everyone drove to Copetown in Ontario, Canada, and raced. We will hang this gem in our lobby—thanks again! DC