Who’s the Future of Pro Motocross?

Within the motocross industry, we are all familiar with the sacrifice families make for their children in order for them to race the biggest amateur motocross races in the country. Out of the thousands of families that chase this dream, only a select few ever garner the attention of a factory amateur team, let alone find themselves under the factory tent. This has always made us wonder: who are the gate keepers? How do they select the next talent? How do they manage the young children and their parents? The answer(s)? Enter the 2021 JS7 Spring National Championship in Wortham, TX and Ryan Holliday, Team Green Kawasaki manager. ALL IN - Part One: Team Green Kawasaki sits down with Team Green manager, Ryan Holliday, to explore these very questions, while watching his current crop of athletes do battle at Freestone County Raceway. Holliday’s open and point-blank insight into the process of finding the talent, how to keep them from imploding, to the glaring flaws within long-term factory amateur contracts, and the fact that most will never make their dreams a reality, sheds a light on the ALL IN mentality that both families and the factory amateur programs must have when, essentially, using their crystal ball to predict a future with a minimal rate of success.

The Bullet...Jeffrey Herlings

Behind the Bullet with Jeffrey Herlings is a personal series that brings you first row behind the scenes with Jeffrey Herlings and the world around him, with all highs and lows of the MXGP season.

Practice fall from RedBud still causing trouble through mid-season.

Thumb injury uncovered by Hampshire after podium

Share

Post: Alex Gobert

An existing thumb injury has been identified as a cause of RJ Hampshire’s curious front-end washes, speaking out on the strength-sapping issue after Washougal.

Hampshire has been hindered by a series of mistakes in recent rounds, but managed to avoid trouble on his way to second overall in 250MX on the weekend.

“I had a strength problem with my right hand there for a bit, from RedBud,” Hampshire commented. “I felt good today and had better strength, so as this break comes, we’ll be able to recover quite a bit and be better at Unadilla.

“Honestly, I’m getting so much heat about crashing and stuff, but realistically I had a crash in practice at RedBud and I hurt my thumb. I didn’t want to say anything after RedBud because I went out and won, so if I were to say ‘yeah, I hurt my thumb in practice’, it’s kinda, ‘yeah, this guy’s pretty much talking BS’.

“I’ve just been struggling with strength, honestly, and that’s a lot to do with those front-end crashes… the front-wheel washing out. If you look at all of my crashes the last three weekends, that’s literally all they’ve been.

“There is a reason behind it, today was a lot better on the slipperiest track and we didn’t wash the front once. Late in these motos my strength gets weaker and weaker, so I’m just kind of managing that and we did that today.”

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider has been working on taming his speed as he regains fitness, going 2-3 at round seven despite stalling in the second moto.

“I felt like I had the speed to battle for the win, but once I stalled it there in that second moto it really deflated me,” he added on Saturday afternoon. “That’s something I’m working on, just trying to settle down a bit.”

Great Style Is Timeless!

Adam Cianciarulo Out for Season

I’ve been dealing with an ulnar nerve issue for the past couple of years.

Randomly, I started having problems with it at the end of 2019. In 2020 it was mostly manageable and I really thought it was just arm pump. However, it continued to get worse this past off-season to the point where I couldn’t do more than a few laps at a time. After a lot of tests and scans, I had nerve decompression procedure right before SX ‘21. I’ve experienced minor relief from that, but not enough to be myself out there. I lose what feels like most of the strength in my right hand gradually as I’m riding. I’ve tried to be smart and do my best—but at this point the only logical decision is to get it fixed. It’s a relatively simple procedure, but it will put me out for the rest of this season. This has been difficult, mentally and physically. It’s driven me mad a few times if I’m honest. I’ve learned a lot about focusing on the things you can control and not getting lost worrying about the things you can’t. Ultimately, I’m always grateful for my challenges and the things they teach me. Surgery is this morning and I’m happy to get it sorted so I can continue going after my goals and get back to having fun on my dirtbike. I’ll be back and better. Thank you for your continued support. Talk to you soon.

Rider Comments from Spring Creek

Features 21 Jul 2021

Quotebook: 2021 Pro Motocross Rd6 Spring Creek

Section: Events Post: MotoOnline

Assorted racer comments following the sixth round of the season.

450MX

 

Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas) – First:
It was good to get back on the podium. I felt good all day and my confidence was up. I’ve been working on my starts and everything, and it all came together today getting two holeshots and being able to get out front quick and ride my own race. The first moto was wild, lots of pressure, and second moto I made a push behind Kenny and tried to get him but he rode a good race. I’m stoked for the whole team, it’s great to get this win and we’re definitely going to be looking for a lot more.

Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing) – Third:
It was not the best day for me at Millville. I didn’t have a good feeling in practice. Then in the first moto, I got a good start and was fighting for the win but couldn’t find a way to pass (Justin) Barcia and finished second. In moto two, I got a bad start and then crashed after the downhill on the first lap and had another crash on lap two. I had to dig deep to come back to fifth and managed to finish third overall. It was a good day for the points, but I’m not really happy with myself. We’re going to get back to training next week to be ready for Washougal.

Christian Craig (Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing) – Fifth:
I had a pretty good day at Millville and was able to ride more like myself and be towards the front. I had some good battles in both motos to come away with fifth overall. I’m excited to keep this momentum going for Washougal!

Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) – Eighth:
Millville was looking to be our weekend. We had the fastest qualifier in the second one, so pole position going into the start, and I was able to pick my gate. I had a pretty good jump right out of the gate, but we just got clobbered in the first turn. I had somebody ride straight into the side of me and really had to catch my breath and make sure that my ribs were okay. My bike was actually pretty destroyed too, so we couldn’t finish the first moto. It was a tough one and I’m really banged up and bruised up, but we were going back out for the second moto. With the 40th gate pick, I actually got a halfway decent gate on the inside; it wasn’t ideal, but I was making it work. I got off to a pretty decent start, snuck around the inside a couple of times and was in third, then second, and made quick work of [Justin] Barcia on the first lap and pretty much led the whole way through. I was pumped after a really hard get-off and being super sore. To come back and take that second moto was the one thing that we could do after a big crash, so I’m really pumped on how we at least ended it. It definitely hurt the championship, but at the same time we have to be glad that we’re healthy and ready to go again in Washougal.

Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) – Second:
First, I want to thank the Monster Energy Kawasaki team for all their hard work. We’ve tried a few different setups this year, but today was the most comfortable I’ve felt on the bike, as you can tell by my second moto performance. We didn’t change much from last week, other than slightly dropping the forks, but that seemed to make all the difference and I felt like a completely different rider during moto two. We’re in a good spot and will look to carry this momentum forward to be upfront in both motos moving forward.

Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) – Fourth:
Round six at Millville was a step in the right direction, for sure. I qualified well and felt a lot better on the bike this weekend – more comfortable. In the first moto, I went down with Kenny in the first corner, which was unfortunate after we qualified first and third. After that, I put my head down and made it back to seventh. I wasted a lot of energy coming from the back of the pack. In the second moto, I was able to find a good flow with the track and made my way back up to third and stayed there for fourth overall. Hopefully, we’re trending in the right direction now and can keep this going into Washougal.

Dean Wilson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) – 10th:
Today was one of my better days. I do wish I was a little healthier to give it a little bit more but 10th was the best I had today. My starts were good but I just need to try and get better and get my health better as well but we’ll take it and just try to keep getting better.

Brandon Hartranft (Twisted Tea HEP Suzuki) – 13th:
It was a solid day. In moto one we had an issue and missed the gate drop. The race started and we took off about 20 seconds later. I came from literally last to 14th, so I was very happy with that ride. In moto two I had a great start, I think I was sixth; it was great battling up front with those guys. About 10 minutes in I had a problem, let some guys by, and dropped back to about 13th. I ended up passing for 12th with two laps to go. I feel like I’m riding really well so we’ll just take the positives and keep moving forward.

Max Anstie (Twisted Tea HEP Suzuki) – 11th:
Here at Millville we did well. I think we made some progress. I’m happy with my performance today. In the second moto I was riding well, and I actually tipped over, then I came back to 11th, which was okay. We’ve been searching, we’ve made a few steps, and we’re definitely on the right track and closer – closer to being in that race [at the front]. We’re looking forward to Washougal next week and we’re going to give it to ’em there.

Kawasaki Announces Changes to MXGP Program

Press Release

Kawasaki Motors Europe and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have announced that 2021 will be their final season in the World Motocross Championship working with MX ESCA running under the banner of Kawasaki Racing Team Europe.

The relationship, which has run for thirteen seasons, will formally conclude at the end of the current contract period which includes the 2021 World Motocross MXGP Championship.

Speaking about the decision, Steve Guttridge, Race Planning Manager for Kawasaki Motors Europe (KME), offered his thanks for work the team had done in over a decade of competing as the official Kawasaki factory entry in MXGP.

“I would like to put on record our thanks to Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, the owner and driving force behind the MX ESCA team. His hard work and commitment over such an extended period have been considerable and both KME and KHI appreciate his highly professional approach and obvious passion for MXGP. KME and KHI would additionally also like to offer our gratitude and thanks to all team staff both past and present plus all those riders that have offered so much commitment and contributed so much to this project.

“For 2021 there is still a job to do, and Kawasaki maintains its commitment to KRT according to our mutually agreed and legally binding contract. Our clear focus remains winning and working alongside the team to achieve the best results possible across the 2021 season.”

20,000+ at Millville

Fans return in full force for pro motocross races in Millville

Jul. 19—MILLVILLE — Marco Colter and his younger brother Joey hopped in Marco's car in New Jersey on Thursday morning.

Aside from refueling their car's gas tank, grabbing some food or taking a restroom break, they didn't stop until they rolled into Rochester nearly 19 hours later, early Friday afternoon.

Admittedly, their internal clocks were a little confused as they sat in the shade on the back side of Spring Creek MX Park on Saturday morning, waiting for the AMA Motocross Pro National races to begin.

It was a long haul for the brothers, but one they said was worth it.

"I'm not really sure what day it is right now," Marco, 32, said with a smile. "We're running on fumes, but super excited to be here. We were going to make this trip last year, but with the (COVID-19) pandemic and the (pro motocross) schedule getting changed, we had to wait.

"I'm glad we waited. I love this place already."

Joey Colter, 29, said he, his brother and a group of their friends became fans of Millville natives and pro motocross stars Jeremy and Alex Martin four years ago when Jeremy won the pro race at Unadilla Motocross Park in New Berlin, N.Y.

"Since then, we've wanted to see the Martin boys race on their home track," Joey said. "It looks great on TV, but it's even better to be here."

The Colter brothers plan to follow the series all the way across the country to its next stop, this coming Saturday at Washougal, Wash., which is nearly 1,500 miles west of Rochester. This time, though, the brothers will have all week to make the drive.

The number of spectators allowed into the Spring Creek pro nationals in 2020 were limited to about half of the normal crowd size. Saturday, fans were back in full force, with estimates of 20,000 or more jamming the hillsides to catch glimpses of their favorite riders.

Twelve-year-old Preston Emerson awaited the start of the pro races Saturday morning at the campground adjacent to the track, where some impromptu bicycle races were taking place on a small oval track designed for young kids to race around.

Emerson said he had been up since "before 6 in the morning" to get ready to watch a full day of racing.

"I didn't get to come last year," he said. "I had to be here this year!"

The fans weren't the only ones who recognized how much of a difference a full crowd makes at Spring Creek. A number of pro riders made note of the size of the crowd — and the volume of noise created by screams, cowbells and air horns.

"The fans were just awesome out there," said 450 class overall winner Justin Barcia, who at one point couldn't hear a question being asked of him on the podium because of the crowd noise. "It's a lot to take in. I felt great on the bike all day and it's just such an awesome feeling to be back on the top step of the podium again. It's been a while, but I never gave up and left it all on the track today."

The loudest cheers, as always, were reserved for the Martin brothers, whose parents John and Greta own the Spring Creek facility. Alex and Jeremy grew up at the track, in a house less than a football field away.

The hometown fans were not disappointed, as Jeremy — battling through broken fingers, a dislocated shoulder and an injured wrist — won both 250 class motos to win the overall for the day.

"Man, it's awesome," Jeremy Martin told the crowd after the day's final race. "I could hear you guys cheering me on all the way around the track. I was tired in that second moto, but you guys kept me going out there.

"It's always special to get a win in front of the hometown crowd. I was definitely hurting, but the fans kept me going."

First scans on Jeffrey Herlings shoulder fracture promising

MXGP Netherlands

Jeffrey Herlings was unable to complete the MXGP of the Netherlands on Sunday after being landed on in the opening race at Oss. Early scans of his left shoulder fracture are promising and he should know more later today.

Herlings was disappointed that the FIM Motocross Championship was unable to return to Valkenswaard this year, which is understandable considering his incredible record on home turf, tallying 14 Grand Prix wins in both classes since his debut at Valkenswaard in 2010.

He was nonetheless, looking forward to racing in front of the passionate home support at a different type of sand track than you normally see in the Netherlands. The Oss Motocross Circuit, located less than 30 miles from the German border, isn’t the typical Dutch sand track that Herlings thrives on. Sand – deep in places – but hardpack underneath, it caught out some riders and teams who had no experience of the circuit.

Herlings weekend at round four of the MXGP championship started perfectly. He topped the timing charts for the third time this season to take first gate pick.

The opening moto would turn out to be a thriller, but for Herlings, a combination of bad luck and an Italian hauling ass may have cost the 26-year-old Dutchman yet another chance at a fifth world title. At least, that appeared to be his understandable fear in the moments after the crash in Oss.

As the leading pack exited the second corner of the opening lap the holeshot device on the Red Bull KTM machine failed to let go. It meant he slightly under-jumped, meanwhile, Ivo Monticelli was hauling it and appeared to carry considerably more momentum. Monticelli landed on Herlings’s back but somehow The Bullet remained upright.

Herlings bore the pain and steadily found a pace that pulled him up from fourth, through a frantic battle for the lead and into first to seize his second victory in succession.

A scan between the motos revealed that Herlings had suffered a small fracture in his left shoulder blade and he had to sit out the next race. It could mean he misses one or more races that come in quick-fire succession in the next three weeks.

Speaking after the race, an annoyed Herlings said: “I don’t know why things like this happen – just use your brain. I jumped normal and somebody hit me on my shoulder. I can’t even move my arm up right now. He added: “It’s very devastating.”

Dirk Grubel said between motos that a scan on his shoulder showed a small fracture. “Need to heal up,” he said. “Hopefully he can come back next weekend [at Loket].”

In a Red Bull KTM press release, Herlings added: “What can I say about today? I had high hopes and wanted one-one. I had a great start in the first moto but the start device did not disengage immediately up the hill and I did not jump as far as I usually do out of the waves. The rest is history.

“I had a lot of pain but thought I’d keep going to try and get fourth or fifth. I saw I was still able to catch the guys so I started passing them even though I could barely hold on for the last three laps. I have a small crack in my shoulder blade and I still don’t know how bad it is. We had a scan and it doesn’t seem too bad. I don’t have any pain now but racing a dirt bike is a different story. We’ll have another check tomorrow [Monday].”

Monticelli was sorry Herlings got hurt in the incident but suggested it’s just part of the sport. “First lap you always try to push into the lead,” he said between motos. “I arrived at the uphill, we have many ruts already in the first lap. I don’t know, I think Jeffrey had a little mistake because he doesn’t jump so long. When I see that he doesn’t jump, I was already in the air – I was scared, I said ‘oh my god what’s going to happen?’, and then the crash. I’m okay, [but] sorry for him because he’s injured in the shoulder. This is motocross. This is our sport – I’m just sorry but I can’t say anything else.”

With another title hanging by a thread, Herlings will have mixed emotions as he undergoes more tests today. Hopefully, we’ll have more for you later.

Motocross and Supercross champion Chad Reed designs track in Statesville

STATESVILLE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) – A new park is open in Statesville, but you won’t find any trees or grass there, just mounds of dirt. Moto 40 MX Park opened on April 1 in Statesville and has been seeing a steady flow of two-wheeled riders from all over the country.

The familiar designer and co-owner of the park is Supercross and Motocross champion Chad Reed. Reed was asked to help design the course, before being offered a role as co-owner. Preparing and building the course took months, but has already proven to be a hit for amateur riders.

“I mean I have been taken by the sport. I mean my mountain bike is just sitting in my garage and I have been mountain biking for 20 years,” said Casey McKinney.

McKinney turned 46-years-old within the past month and started riding within the past year. He found Moto 40 MX Park through word of mouth and makes the drive from Charlotte nearly every week.

“I love the workout, I love the engines. I love the sound,” said McKinney.

There are also plenty of high-flying jumps and there is no one better at navigating them than Chad Reed.

“I have been riding motorcycles since I was 3 and a half years old,” said Reed.

The more than 30 years of experience riding make Chad the perfect person to design the motocross park.

Safety is always the top priority, so there are three tracks ranging from beginner level to advanced.

“We are not a racetrack, we a strictly a practice track,” said Reed.

Although you won’t see any races, the park is drawing a crowd from all over the country. The pandemic helped put motocross and Statesville, North Carolina on the map.

“Most of the people that are wanting to play those stick and ball sports are now wanting to go outdoors put a helmet on and just be free,” said Reed.

Freedom is something Chad is learning a lot about. He retired from professional riding during the pandemic, but he’s keeping busy not only designing the park but co-owning it with guys that all share a common interest.

“I am excited. I am learning a lot about things outside my norm and yeah I love working with the guys,” said Reed.

You’ll find Chad at Moto 40 nearly every week spending a lot of his time watching his 3 kids ride, who are all under the age of 12.

The park has been so successful they recently expanded from opening only on weekends to also Wednesday afternoons.