Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 10:15AM 
Here's two old racers that showed up to race the Dirt Diggers Lilliputian Hare Scrambles. These guys have been racing each other at district 36 events for more than forty years. Read more about their day at 21J''s blog.
Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 9:33AM Champions Managed - Comments
While the MXGP and MX2 champions were crowned yesterday, there was a lot going into managing the road to the World motocross championships. Marcus Pereira de Freitas the team manager for the HRC team runs a tight ship in the Honda awning and while the fun factor is
“What an amazing accomplishment by Tim,” Pereira de Freitas said. “To win back-to-back titles is extremely difficult to do, and he fully deserves all the accolades he receives. With everything that has happened this year, it has been tough to maintain such a high level of performance, but everyone in Team HRC has done such a great job and I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts that they have put in. For Tim, this is his fourth world title and he is now the most successful Honda rider in history, but he doesn’t let all the fame affect him and he is still an absolute pleasure to work with. Congratulations Tim! Also, I’d like to say a big thanks to all our sponsors who worked with us this year to achieve this goal. It’s been one of the most difficult seasons to plan for and yet everybody has been brilliant, and we couldn’t have done it without all that support. Well done everyone for such a great year!
Across the paddock in the Red Bull KTM Factory team tent it was Dirk Gruebel, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager who praised his young lion. Picked from nowhere the move by KTM to sign Vialle has turned into a nightmare for the opposition.
“Tom showed his potential in his first year with us in 2019,” Gruebel said. “There was real progression but then over the winter he made another big step to be a title contender and world champion. He didn’t look back. He doesn’t get nervous. He had real competition, but Tom finished every race in a good spot, mainly in the top five, mostly in the top three. That’s the key to being world champion and now we are here celebrating. Hats-off to him and the family, unbelievable. We are known for having a fast 250 – also a 450! – but I still think we have the benchmark in MX2 for everybody and Tom is another rider who knows how to make starts with it. It’s a really good motorcycle and we’ve been winning since 2004 with that concept. Tom being the ninth world champion shows its quality.”
And Robert Jonas the KTM Vice President Motorsports Offroad enjoyed as the team brought home yet another World championship in the MX2 class, a class the orange army have pretty much owned now for a number of years.
“It’s been fantastic to see Tom grow with the team over the past two years and ultimately win the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship,” Jonas said. “His maturity and approach to what has been a season of challenges with a lot of uncertainty has really paid off. Despite the natural pressure he had personally to step up again after his results last year, Tom has kept calm to make it happen week by week and our KTM 250 SX-F is proven once again. I wish Tom and his family huge congratulations for this incredible achievement, as we share this special moment together. I would like to congratulate Joel, Dirk and the entire Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team for their fantastic work with Tom to help nurture his talent and unlock his potential. To take a victory is never easy at this level, and we know 2020 has been a big challenge for everyone with a different type of intensity – but we are proud to have come through and to be celebrating this championship win.”
And now onto Sunday and the final round of the 2020 MXGP and MX2 championship where both riders will get an extra day to celebrate their titles before going into hibernation in winter. Riders win championships, but the team behind both these champions are considered the best for a reason.
Ray Archer image
Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 9:28AM
All-Time - The Lists
Everyone knows I love our history and seeing that I have been going to motocross since 1971, well, I guess a lot of my childhood memories were at the motocross track. Again, this week we have seen champions crowned and GPs won, so the All-Time lists also changed.
Tim Gajser moves up a few places in the GP winners list and title list, which is the biggest news from the week. The Slovenian is now equal eight in the World champions list with Jeffrey Herlings, Torsten Hallman, Harry Everts and Heikki Mikkola, while he is equal with Georges Jobe, Andre Malherbe and Paul Friedrichs in 13th place in all-time GP winners on 28 GP wins.
Good to see Tom Vialle join the World motocross champions list and as a single time World champion and with his 8 GP wins has him 11th in the current list of riders for GP success. Just one behind Max Nagl for that 10th spot.
Vialle also joins an impressive list of current riders who have won the MX2 World championship, those being Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Jorge Prado, Jordi Tixier, Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, and Pauls Jonass.
Ben Watson of course became the 29th current rider to make the GP winners list, so welcome to this amazing group of athletes. Of course, Max Anstie isn’t racing GP this year, or Tommy Searle, but they are still current riders and might return, you just never know.
At least four from the current riders list will retire this year, those being Thomas Covington, Gautier Paulin, Tanel Leok, and Clement Desalle, and Jeremy Van Horebeek might join that list as he lost his ride for 2021 recently.
All-Time World Champions - Top 20
1. Stefan Everts 10
2. Antonio Cairoli 9
3. Joel Robert 6
4. Roger De Coster 5
5. Eric Geboers 5
6. Georges Jobe 5
7. Joel Smets 5
8. Tim Gajser 4
9. Jeffrey Herlings 4
10. Torsten Hallman 4
11. Harry Everts 4
12. Heikki Mikkola 4
13. Dave Thorpe 3
14. Andre Malherbe 3
15. Paul Friedrichs 3
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 7:49PM Gajser Wins GP - Perfect Day
HRC rider Tim Gajser finished off a great Wednesday when he finished with a 2-1 score and the GP victory, his 28th in his career and the perfect gift for his fourth World title victory earlier in the day. On a day when he became the most successful Honda rider in Grand Prix history the Slovenian looked more than just a good World champ, but a great one.
“I mean I am super satisfied, but it was weird with the break between the second race, and then we continued racing. One more time (championship) and a huge thank you to everyone and all the fans. I am just so happy at the moment and we are going to celebrate today.”
Gajser took the lead of the restart of the second MXGP moto (the first try out was red flagged as Van Horebeek got stuck in Gajsers back wheel) from Van Doninck, Seewer, Febvre, Cairoli, Desalle, Monticelli, Bogers, Tixier, and Walsh 10th. After three laps it was Gajser with a 2.7 second lead, while Seewer was fighting off Febvre, then came Desalle, Cairoli, Bogers, Van Doninck, Paulin, Monticelli, and Walsh 10th.
Febvre moved up on Gajser and after five laps was just 1.4 seconds behind the new World MXGP champion, and old mates Desalle and Cairoli battled for fourth position. The top ten was Gajser, Febvre, Seewer, Desalle, Cairoli, Bogers, Paulin, Van Donick, Monticelli and Walsh.
Not wanting to sound disrespectful, as the riders are clearly legends in this tough sport, but similar to MX2 this second MXGP moto wasn’t introducing much action as the riders seemingly have closed up shop a little for 2020, which is understandable considering the tough year they have had. Gajser wins the race and the GP, picking up the perfect day.
MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 - Classification
1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:44.449; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:02.940; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:29.409; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:38.367; 5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:51.007; 6. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:56.175; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:59.864; 8. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, GASGAS), +1:02.902; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +1:07.102; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +1:14.378; 11.
Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 8:28PM Smartop Bullfrog Spas MotoConcepts Racing has announced a four-rider team for the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross season, including two new signings. The biggest point of interest here is that Joey Savatgy has not signed, as most presumed he would.
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Smartop Bullfrog Spas MotoConcepts Racing (MCR) is pleased to announce its 2021 rider line-up as they welcome new and returning faces to the team.
MCR is excited to announce the addition of Shane McElrath to its 450 program. McElrath brings veteran experience and an impressive resume as he transitions from the 250 class to the 450 class for the 2021 season. The runner-up in the 2020 250SX West championship title and third place overall finisher in the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series, McElrath is proven to be a consistent top-contender, capable of getting the job done. “I look forward to working with Shane as I think MCR’s top-level management and bike development team are going to allow him to succeed in what can often be a challenging period as a rider transitions from one class to another,” said MCR Team Owner, Mike Genova.
Monster Energy Media
Also joining the team for the 2021 season is Missouri native and veteran 450 rider Benny Bloss. “Benny’s display of speed and whoop strength in the final rounds of the 2020 season allowed us to see the raw talent he possesses. We feel the MCR program will allow him improved starts, which will help put him up front, and the speed he possesses will keep him up front,” said Tony Alessi, MCR’s Team Manager.
Returning to the team following a top-ten overall finish in the 2020 Supercross season is Oregon native Justin Hill. The former 250 West Supercross Champion will return to the track aboard a 2020 CRF450R. “Justin displayed the commitment and hard work we expected to see last year, which showed in his speed, allowing him to secure eight top-ten finishes. We are sure we’ll see an even higher-level from Justin in 2021,” said Genova.
Finishing out the 2021 rider line-up is returning MCR rider, Vince Friese. Because of Vince’s experience and knowledge, he will be an integral part of developing the 2021 Honda CRF450R to the level of MCR’s 2020 Honda CRF450R bikes.
In addition to the Monster Energy Supercross Series, MCR is committed to participating in some or all of the 2021 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series should rider health and world conditions allow. “Our mission in 2021 is to utilise the testing and development abilities of Vince Friese to turn the new model CRF 450 into a race-winning package for future seasons,” said Alessi.
The 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series begins at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on January 16 and travels the country concluding at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Utah at a date yet to be announced.
Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Monster Energy Media
Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 8:26PM 
Lewis PhillipsOctober 31, 20200Dean Wilson will make a change to his programme ahead of the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross season, as he has made the decision to start training at the Baker’s Factory. Wilson will not be on the full programme, like Zach Osborne and Cooper Webb, but off to the side with Seth Rarick and Mike Brown, who typically work with the 250F riders from KTM and Husqvarna. Wilson explained his decision via the news below.
“What’s up guys. So a bit of news. I start back riding on Monday. I also will start my training with @BakersFactory! I have never had the opportunity to work with Aldon. I know I don’t have a lot of years left in racing and I feel I would regret not taking this opportunity after it’s all said and done. Although I won’t be on the “full” program I will be in good hands with @Seth_Rarick & @BrownieMX with @Aldon104 overlooking my program. Looking forward to the new season.”
Wilson has already secured a one-year deal with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing for the 2021 season. Wilson missed the final portion of 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross to have surgery on the torn meniscus in his knee, but has now fully recovered.
Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Husqvarna Motorcycles
Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 8:22PM Desire isn't there for former Supercross champion to compete again.
Retired Australian icon Chad Reed has conceded that it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that he will make any one-off guest appearances in Monster Energy Supercross during 2021, stating that he doesn’t have any desire to race at this point.
Reed, 38, formally completed his final full-time season with a top 10 result at Salt Lake City 7 in June, but didn’t rule out the chances of him returning for one-off races next year while in Utah.
However, that stance continues to fade as the Reed family embarks on a series of BMX events with their three young children learning their craft with immediately encouraging results. That’s where Reed’s focus lies less than three months out from Houston’s opening round on 16 January and during recent months he’s not even considered a return.
The 2021 Monster Energy Supercross series will be held with just 20 to 25 percent spectator capacities unless COVID-19 restrictions ease dramatically, with limited locations and strict protocols still to be in effect in order for the championship to be held across 17 rounds. That isn’t an attractive
“I think I’m done,” Reed told MotoOnline.com.au. “Very little in me wants to race next year. I haven’t honestly given it any thought, just been wide-open being a BMX dad. I just don’t have any desire to race with all the restrictions the world has going on right now – it sucks the fun out of it for me.”
It’s been a remarkable career for Reed at the professional level for over two decades, the two-time 450SX champion defying the odds to remain competitive into his late 30s and continually reinvent himself among multiple generations of riders at the very top level of the sport.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 8:06PM Breaking Down The Motocross Braking Technique
Braking is one of the trickiest, but most essential techniques to master before you hit a Motocross track. Riding a dirt bike without understanding the method of braking can initiate a series of unintended landings that can make your chances of sustaining injuries very high.
Though a little technical, learning to apply brakes with the right technique is easy. In this article, we will decode the right braking technique. Take a look.
The Ideal Braking Technique Decoded
Balancing front and rear brakes are key to stopping the bike without getting thrown off. But, most of the riders don’t know the right technique.
Here is how you should ideally apply brakes:
Essential Braking Tips
Now that you are aware of the right braking technique, take a look at some handy braking tips:
If you are racing, make sure you don’t brake too early. Braking early will only eat up your time. The ideal timing is to get into the corner and go deep before you start braking.
Front brakes are more robust than rear brakes. When you stop your bike, 70% of the task is done by the front brakes. While using them, make sure you press them firmly.
Generally, you should apply both the brakes simultaneously, but if you want to stop suddenly, using only the front brakes will allow you to do so. Although, beware that the sudden jolt of stopping can cause you to get thrown off the bike.
Rear brakes are used for directional control. Make sure you run the rear brake pedal as low as possible. Do this by keeping your foot on the pedal to avoid moving it much while applying the rear brake. This technique comes to your rescue when you want to brake quickly. Running low provides you better control and longer reaction time.
Use this technique while riding on tight trails. However, do not use this braking technique for downhill sections.
Engine braking involves moving from a higher gear to a lower one to slow down the bike gradually without using front or rear brakes. Engine braking allows a progressive slowdown of the machine.
Even if you are an expert rider, falls and crashes are a common occurrence in Motocross. Even with a skilled hand at braking techniques, crashes happen. So, your safety while riding never stops being a priority.
To ensure your safety, wear suitable Motocross gear: DOT-approved helmet, gloves, jersey, pants, goggles, knee guard, and elbow guards to minimize the impact of falls and prevent sustaining injuries. Several online stores, like the MXstore, have a vast selection of Motocross gears that you can choose from.
The bottom line
Having a firm understanding of the braking technique is an important part of your riding capabilities, and so you should pay a lot of attention to it. Moreover, the lack of practice or control in this respect leads to falls and subsequent injuries. Therefore, make these techniques your second nature and practice them thoroughly before you hit the tracks.
