Barcia's 2020 Plans

The last place I expected to track down Justin Barcia was in a Southern California grocery store, but that’s where we found the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory charger mid-morning on Monday. Happy go lucky as ever and, as you’re about to find out, quite keen to make the four-hour trek over to a town that’s been hard on every one of us—namely Las Vegas, Nevada—Barcia was in great spirits and not only expecting to do well at the 2019 Monster Energy Cup, but to win the whole thing (including the briefcase full of a million dollars). Tuned-up, healed up, and straight up, the veteran racer who has his own way of doing things is ready to tap his 2020 racing season into first gear.

Racer X: Justin, what’s happening?
Justin Barcia: I was just in the grocery store.

That’s a good place to be.
Yes, sir. [Laughs]

 

"Things are falling into place for us to be in the hunt for the championship. I’m over just winning one race or two races; I want to be in that long fight. I definitely want to do big things this year." Rich Shepherd 

Okay, what have you been up to? What’s going on now in your off-season?
What off-season?! [Laughs] There hasn’t been an off-season. Me and my wife took a week off and then we loaded up our camper with our dogs and we headed out to California and we’ve been in California since. Yamaha has the new bike and there was a lot of work to be done and we’ve made really good progress already. We’ve just been grinding away and working really hard to be the best that we can be this year.

How’s married life treating you?
Good. Yeah, life is good, man. Can’t complain. The wife helps me a lot.

The Monster Cup is a handful of days away. What’s your game plan? How are you looking at this one-off race?
For me, Monster Cup is a chance to win a million dollars. I had a tough outdoor season, but any great athlete is able to put those things in the past and move forward and I believe I am one of those athletes that can do that. I’ve just been working hard and I believe that I have a really good shot at coming in there and doing really well. Last year things didn’t go as planned there, but I think this year I’m in a much better position. I’m healthy. The new bike feels a lot better. We’re going there to kick some butt, that’s for sure.

yeah, I was going to say that 2019 was the best of times, the worst of times for you. You won the opening round at Angel Stadium, but then fell into a shattered window of injuries and bad luck. That stuff set you back, huh?
Yeah, for sure. It was tough coming out and winning that first one and then having all of those injuries and not being comfortable and things like that, so yeah unfortunately the injuries dragged through the whole year and I wasn’t able to overcome those obstacles. It was nice finishing the season out being somewhat healthier and now I’m full-healthy and I feel like my fitness is really good and getting better every day. I feel strong. It’s cool to see that progress. Yeah, this year has been a tough one and I want to finish it out really strong.

Looking back on the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, what do you make of it all? Good? Bad?
It was difficult. Like we talked about, I was injured coming in and didn’t have any time to test and just wasn’t able to get the bike right all season. It was something where we knew we had some issues and we were never able to overcome that with my injuries and testing and things like that. Unfortunately it was difficult, but we did get better towards the end of the season and I started getting healthier and the bike did start getting better. Yeah, it was not good. That’s the past and we’ve moved forward a lot since then. I’m excited to go to the Monster Cup to show people where we are at. We’ve turned some corners for sure.

I know it’s a bit early, but are you feeling good about 2020?
Yeah, I feel a lot better than I did last year. The team has really stepped up a lot in this off-season. We’ve made a lot of changes with the bike and a little bit of personnel changes. I’ve been around a longtime and seen a lot of things and I can really see that this team wants to be where they were back in the day and winning championships and races. It is really good to see that motivation again that I feel I haven’t seen in a while. Also, the boys did a good job this year on a few redesigns on the bike. It’s feeling really positive already and I’m just really excited that everyone is excited about the new season as well.

 

"Deep down right now I haven’t felt like this in recent seasons; I feel like I can do what I want on my motorcycle and I feel good about that." Rich Shepherd

Did the team make wholesale changes to the bike?
No, not really. Honestly, the bike is not that much different, but they did make a little bit of an engine change which calmed the chassis down. I haven’t ridden a YZ250F, but I believe they made the 450 more like the 250. The 450 has been a tough machine to ride in supercross. With me riding the bike, I now feel like they’ve addressed those issues and we’re just keep running it through the testing sessions.

It caught me off guard a bit when I looked into it, but you’re a veteran now. You’re now a decade into your racing career.
Yeah, that’s pretty cool. It’s kind of weird to say I’m a veteran, but I feel like this year, for me, that a lot of my new goals are achievable, you know? I’ve been around a long time and I have a lot of experience. Yeah, it’s pretty crazy to say I’ve been around for a while now. It feels good. I still feel young at heart and I feel like I still have that spunk you need to go out there and win races and be in the fight. It’s pretty cool. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to this year.

Yeah, you’ve won championships and big races so you know you’re fully capable of winning anything. Maybe you just need a little bit of good luck blowing in your direction…
Yeah, a little luck and a lot of hard work. I have a really good team behind me. I feel like this year that a lot of those things are falling into place. There is no reason why we should not be competitive. Deep down right now I haven’t felt like this in recent seasons; I feel like I can do what I want on my motorcycle and I feel good about that. Things are falling into place for us to be in the hunt for the championship. I’m over just winning one race or two races; I want to be in that long fight. I definitely want to do big things this year.

"I still feel young at heart and I feel like I still have that spunk you need to go out there and win races and be in the fight." Jeff Kardas

I’ve known you for a long time now and you’ve always struck me as a guy who just plain loves to race his motocross bike. Thoughts?
Yeah, I mean, honestly, for me, this is a sport that I love. I grew up as a kid just that just loved to race dirt bikes. If you lose that passion, it can be difficult. And I’m not going to lie; I have lost that passion before. But you never lose that love of racing your motorcycle. It’s one thing to go and ride, but it’s another thing to get on the track and race. That feeling? I’ve never been able to find that feeling in anything else I’ve done in life. Yeah, I love this sport and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given.

One last question: Can you win this deal over in Sam Boyd Stadium in Vegas come Saturday night? Yeah, I believe we can win, for sure. Racing is never easy and there is a lot of variables that pop up: Riders, track and all those kinds of things. For me right now and at this moment I believe that I can win some races.

Reed To Ride MEC Again!

The Perfect Pit Stop

Graham Jarvis' right-hand man in the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Racing team, Damo Butler, explains the golden rules behind their super-slick pitstops in the WESS championship and the world's hardest enduros.

Wilson and Husky

 

Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is pleased to announce that Dean Wilson has signed a one-year contract extension with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team. Wilson is set to compete in the 2020 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships aboard the FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION.

Wilson, who rode for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team in 2017 and 2018, began the 2019 AMA Supercross season as a Husqvarna Motorcycles-supported rider and joined the team’s factory efforts at Round 6 after defending champion Jason Anderson went out with injury. From there, Wilson put forth a steady string of to-10 finishes in the premier 450SX class including four top-5 finishes, one of which was a third-place at Houston SX. Although his season ended early with an injury, Wilson ultimately finished the year sixth overall in 450SX points. He re-joined the Pro Motocross Championship just after the halfway point where he continued to secure solid top-10 finishes to close out the season.

Dean Wilson, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team: “I’m very honored to be in the position I am now with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team and I am just very thankful and appreciative of this opportunity. I am going to do my best and have fun – looking forward to a good 2020 season!”

Bobby Hewitt, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’re excited about the addition of Dean Wilson to our 450 roster. Dean has been a part of our program for many years and is a great asset to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team. We look forward to seeing him compete in the upcoming 2020 season.”

Wilson is set to lineup for the 2019 MEC event, taking place this Saturday, October 19 in Las Vegas. From there, he will head abroad to Auckland, New Zealand to compete in the S-X Open and then the AUS-X Open in Melbourne, Australia.

Challenging start to Australian Supercross Championship for CRF Honda Racing

 

It proved to be a tough day at the office for Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing riders Kyle Webster and Rhys Budd as the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship roared into life on Saturday night (October 12) in Brisbane.

Boasting a five round championship with events around Australia and in New Zealand, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre kick-off to the Supercross championship saw Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing riders Kyle Webster and Rhys Budd line up in the hotly contested SX2 class aboard their potent Honda CRF250R race bikes decked out in a fresh new red and white graphic scheme designed by team sponsor SK Designs. But fortunes did not favour the Honda young guns, with Budd suffering a freak mechanical issue that prevented him lining up for Qualifying, which then ruled him out of the evening’s racing.

Meanwhile Webster battled to come to grips with the tight track confines of the indoor Brisbane layout and finished tenth on the night. This came just two weeks after a hectic international schedule saw Webster represent Australia in the Motocross of Nations world teams championship at Assen in The Netherlands on September 28/29.

Lining up alongside Dean Ferris and Reagan Duffy at the MXON, Webster impressed in his European debut, carding a mighty third place finish in his MX2 Qualifying race, before the Aussie team ultimately finished 15th overall in the final standings after rain on race day made conditions extremely challenging at the sandy Assen circuit.

“The whole MXON experience was amazing,” enthused Webster, “but it did mean my build up for the Supercross championship was limited and I only had a few days of SX training before we lined up in Brisbane. “I really struggled with how small and tight track the track was at Brisbane,” Webster explained, “so now we’ll just move on and I’m excited to put in a solid week of riding and cannot wait for the next round at Adelaide.”

For Budd, who was lining up in the SX2 class after racing MXD in the MX Nationals this year, the Brisbane event tested his mettle when a sudden technical issue kept him on the sidelines for Qualifying.

“It was a tough pill to swallow,” Budd admitted, “but we had a freak bike problem that was no fault of anyone, that meant I wasn’t able to get out for Qualifying. We tried to get into the next group, but unfortunately we weren’t allowed into it. “At least we’re healthy and will be working hard for the next round in Adelaide. Thanks to the team for doing everything they could, especially Mick Lillis and Mitch Budd. I am where I am because of those guys, and my family, and the team, and we will achieve all we are capable of thanks to all their support.”

The Australian Supercross Championship continues with round two at Gilman (SA) next Saturday night October 19, then moves to Wollongong (NSW) on November 9 and Auckland (New Zealand) on November 16, before reaching its crescendo with the AUS-X Open event being staged at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne (Vic) on November 30.

2019 WORCS title for Taylor Robert

 

A second place finish at the penultimate round of the WORCS series is enough for Taylor Robert to clinch the 2019 title. 

Taylor Robert put in a come from behind ride to finish second at the 10th and penultimate round of the 2019 WORCS championship gaining enough points to take the title home. 

The day started perfectly for Robert who got the holeshot and the early lead but a few turns into the race’s opening lap another rider slam into him causing the KTM rider a “dead arm”. Racing half the final event of the year at Taft, CA. with a numb arm, Robert put on a charge to get himself back into podium contention by the fourth lap.

Continuously posting fast lap times, Robert managed to make it up to second place with two laps to go but despite trying he wasn’t able to close the gap on race winner Zach Bell. 

“It feels good to get this monkey off my back, especially after the last couple years of having some pretty bad luck,” said Robert. 

“All-in-all, it’s been a great season with a lot of wins and I’m just really excited to be able to be focused on ISDE now and to get the championship out of the way before we head over to Portugal.”

 

This is Taylor Robert’s first WORCS championship on a KTM, and second US title on an orange bike, after having an injury plagued career over the last five years. 

“This is a big day for Taylor and KTM as this is their first WORCS Championship together since Taylor joined our team in 2014,” admitted Antti Kallonen, the KTM team manager.  

“No doubt Taylor has been fast, but a string of injuries has held him back all these years and finally we were able to put a consistent and injury-free season together and the results are impressive. Congratulations to Taylor and the entire team for successful season.”

Dante Oliveira rounded the podium once more making it his seventh podium finish this season, which cements his second place in the overall championship standings with one round to go.

WORCS round 11 Pro (MC) results:

1. Zach Bell (KAW)
2. Taylor Robert (KTM)
3. Dante Oliveira (KTM)
4. Gary Sutherlin (KTM)
5. Ricky Dietrich (HON)
6. Blayne Thompson (KAW)
7. Ryan Surrat (KAW)
8. Travis Damon (HON)
9. Andrew Short (HQV)

10.  Mitch Anderson (KTM)

2020 YZ250...The Old Dog Still Sings!

The 2020 Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke is unchanged yet again for another new model season. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. It truly shows how good this bike was in 2006 when it received it's last major update with Kayaba SSS suspension. As the Austrian manufacturers as well as TM continue to develop their 2 stroke line the Yamaha will face stiffer competition in the 250 class as time goes on if there isn't an update. We applaud Yamaha for being the only Japanese manufacturer continuing their 2 stroke line up and only hope that they might set some R&D budget aside to update it a little more. Check out what Josh Mosiman had to say about the 2020 model after a full day of riding at Glen Helen Raceway.

Andrew Short wins the 2019 Rally du Maroc

 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew Short wins the 2019 Rally du Maroc securing second place finish at the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in the process. 

After taking the lead on the previous stage, Andrew Short went on to claim the overall win at the 2019 Rally du Maroc, his first ever world championship victory. It was double-bubble for the American who finishes the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship as runner-up. 

“I can’t believe it – it doesn’t seem real right now.” Said Short at the rally finish. “My main goal coming to Morocco was to finish second in the championship, but to take the win feels unreal,” admitted Andrew. 

“I was second at the Silk Way, which was huge for me but there were a few of the top riders missing. Now all the guys are here at this event getting ready for Dakar and to take the win with such stiff competition is amazing. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the team and the opportunity they have given me over the last couple of years.”

Going in to the final day, Short had a 28 second advantage on his teammate Pablo Quintanilla so he knew he would have no room to relax at the final 168 kilometres timed special. Even a crash early on in the stage didn’t slow down the American who crossed the finish in fifth, which was enough to confirm himself amongst the sport’s best riders.  

Pablo Quintanilla finished second creating another historic moment in securing the first ever one-two rally result for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team. The Chilean has spent the majority of the 2019 season recovering from the injury sustained at the 2019 Dakar Rally but clocked his second podium finish in one month here in Morocco. 

“The race was really good for me. I hurt my leg right at the beginning, which slowed my pace a little but after getting used to the new style of road book I finished second, which I am really pleased about as it’s only my second race of the year.” Said Quintanilla. 

“It shows the work we have been doing with the team and also preparation with the bike is really paying off. I’m also really happy for Andrew for getting his first win and finishing second in the championship. We have two months to go till Dakar and I think we are really strong as a team and I’m looking forward to it – it’s a really important race for all of us.”

Monster Energy Honda Rally Team rider Joan Barreda, went a gear up on the last day to finish third. The Spaniard was fourth in the overall entering the last stage, three minutes shy from third, but a great performance on the fifth stage delivered the last podium spot. 

“Fighting for the podium was something possible, so today I went out to try for it and things went well,” said Barreda.  

“It has been a difficult race, with many different types of terrain, some complicated navigation. It has not been bad as preparation for the Dakar, which is the big objective that we have and which we have been preparing for all season. The team has worked hard this season and now there is only the final stretch of preparation before the 2020 Dakar.”

2019 Rally du Maroc provisional overall classification:

1. Andrew Short (Husqvarna) 18:03:54
2. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) +1,21
3. Joan Barreda (Honda) +2,44
4. Toby Price (KTM) +2,51
5. Ricky Brabec (Honda) +4,07
6. Luciano Benavides (KTM) +7,17
7. Matthias Walkner (KTM) +7,38
8. Ross Evan Branch (KTM) +14,20
9. Kevin Benavides (Honda) +20,30

10.  Franco Caimi (Yamaha) +21,16

Brayton Goes Down Under!

 

With the commencement of the Australian Supercross Championship this weekend, both Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson will be sporting #1 plates on their respective machines, and will no doubt be ready for a fight in their title defending campaigns.

For Brayton, the target is well and truly on his back, with the American having won the last three SX1 Championships in succession. For season 2019, the 34-year-old expects the competition to be stronger than ever, however, is confident in his preparation along with the added support from Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and has his eyes fixed on championship number four.

Determined to knock Brayton off his perch is a whole host of fast Australian’s, with the newly signed CDR Yamaha Monster Energy pilot Daniel Reardon eager to add to his championship tally. Reardon has amassed a total of four Australian Supercross Championships, with one SX2 and three SX1 Championships – his latest coming in 2015. Brayton’s Penrite Honda stablemate – Brett Metcalfe, will also look to go one better this year, having finished a close second to the American last year.

In the SX2 division, 26-year-old Jay Wilson heads into the series with a year of development under his belt on his GYTR Yamaha machine, and under the guidance of Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, will look to go back to back domestically before his World Championship assault in 2020.

“Last year we entered the season with a whole new machine which we were trying to get to know, and it was a bit of a bonus to win the title. After a whole year of continuity, our preparation is miles ahead of what it was last year,” commented Wilson.

“This year the field is really deep with SX2 talent – plenty of internationals – which I think is great for our series. It means that, if we win the title and race well against these guys, we’re on the map internationally too – which I think is a really great thing,” finished Wilson.

Strategies for winning championships can vary from rider to rider, and season to season, with Brayton last year winning the opening three rounds and then logging consistent results for the final two rounds. For Wilson, winning the opening two rounds gave him a point’s buffer over the competition, before posting consistent results to bring home the title. For 2019, Wilson explains that there’s no certain game plan, other than doing the best he can, week in, week out.

“We just do what we do. My team and I have a good grasp of championships and I have complete trust in their advice, however it’s too early to be coming up with a real specific game plan just yet – we just do what we do,” finished Wilson.

With the 2019 field being deeper than ever, with new contenders, previous points leaders and determined veterans all lining up behind the gates, both Brayton and Wilson will have their hands full for this year’s championship, with the first gate drop in Brisbane’s entertainment centre this weekend.

Tickets for round one are available from just $45 at www.ticketek.com.au - book your chance to see some of Australia’s best take on the American’s today!

Torsten Hallman - His Fourth Title

 

Between 1959 and 1966 Husqvarna had conquered four MX championships in the 250cc class. Torsten Hallman had three world titles and Rolf Tibblin one European victory when plans for the 1967 season began. On top of that, the Swedish brand had recently been introduced to the USA, where people fancied both style and quality from the Viking country. So, everything looked promising and Husqvarna decided to double their racing budget, with clever money, for the coming season… The Husqvarna factory had improved their bikes continuously during the 60s. After serious research and development, the 250cc racer had a new, rigid frame for 1966. Simultaneously, the power plant was mounted lower than before, which improved road-holding for both mx and offroad. The front forks were also brand new, now developed and produced in-house as opposed to earlier days. The primary transmission was geared to offload strain on the gearbox. It was an improved machine for the five factory riders who would ride for the team in 1967. In addition to Hallman and Olle Pettersson, Ake Jonsson, Hakan Andersson and Staffan Eneqvist also received support. All in all, the factory produced 1,200+ 250cc units for the world markets, save a hundred bikes sold in Sweden. Subsequently, 188,000 Swedish Kronor was budgeted for Husqvarna's total motocross operation, more or less double the figure of the previous season.

Battling for positions began in Sabadell, Spain at the end of April. The Russian world champion in 1965, CZ-mounted Victor Arbekov started out by winning on this beautiful circuit. Olle Pettersson came home second while Torsten Hallman broke down, missing valuable world championship points. The Swiss Grand Prix at Payerne is special because of the track layout. The steep hills are demanding and are combined with fast straightaways on a hard surface. These conditions suited Hallman well, but it was also a favourite of his antagonist Joel Robert from Belgium. The pair finished one-two, advantage Sweden. Olle P came eighth. There had been two false starts and the third was also questionable. Olle waited, but the heat was never red-flagged so he left the starting area last, way behind and furious, of course!

Green grass was the order of the day in Vannes, France. This track in Brittany was the scene of yet another clash between Hallman and Robert. The Belgian was faster here, so the overall standings were almost level after three rounds. A week later Robert was unbeatable on his home turf in Hechtel and Hallman crossed the line in second. Three weeks later Torsten had his revenge in Bielstein, Germany while Robert broke down on his Czech CZ. Olle Pettersson was second, which meant that Husqvarna scored a double victory here. Sand and Holland are often compatible. In Norg, Joel showed top form and won while Hallman had to retire. Then the trip went south towards Italy where Cuneo lies close to Torino. Here, 1967 is remembered for another double Husky trophy victory. Torsten won while Olle P hit second, well ahead of monsieur Robert.

In Halstead, north of London, the order was once again reversed when Joel R took an early command of the race. Olle P was third while Hallman retired. If Belgium was good for Robert, Motala in Sweden was favoured by the Swedish riders. The podium was fully occupied by Husqvarna men: 1. Hallman, 2. Pettersson, 3. Hakan Andersson. A giant triumph on home turf. A week later, everybody took the ferry to the east, as it was time for the Finnish GP in sandy Hyvinkää. Olle Pettersson had always been strong on this dusty circuit and in 1967, it was no exception. "Since Hallman had the chance of winning the championship, I waited for him in the first run", said Olle P, "but Hallman did not want to hear of such a thing and therefore had to be content with the second spot as I won this Grand Prix overall".

The trips to Russia in the Soviet Union have been mentioned in other Husqvarna blogs. This time the riders went to Belgorod in the southwestern part of the vast country in the East. A record crowd of 100,000 spectators came to watch Torsten Hallman secure his fourth world championship title. Since Robert broke down, nobody could threaten the brilliant Swede, who now won Husqvarna's seventh motocross title overall. The 12th and last round of the season in mid-August was held in Szczecin, Poland. Olle P had a theoretical chance of finishing second in the final standings, but Robert made no mistake. Pettersson had to be content with the last overall podium position in the final world championship ranking.

All in all, Husqvarna scored five double wins in 1967 with Hallman and Pettersson. Hakan Andersson was sixth while a Finnish rookie rider by the name of Heikki Mikkola took his very first world championship point, finishing 25th in the chart. 10 years later he would also be a Husqvarna world champion.