Attempt To Top Maddison!

Motocross Athlete to attempt longest motorcycle jump at Talladega

Apr 21, 2017

Monster Energy is at it again. As the Corona, California-based company has done throughout the entire 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, they will take things to another level when professional motocross athlete Alex Harvill sets out to fly far beyond the Guinness World Record® (GWR) for longest jump at Talladega Superspeedway - NASCAR's biggest and most outrageous track. The attempt on the infamous track infield is scheduled to take place on May 7 just moments before the command to start engines at the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race airing live on FOX at 2:00 p.m. EST. Tickets can be purchased to see the world record jump attempt and for the GEICO 500 at 1-877-GO2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Professional Motocross Athlete Alex Harvill poses near the iconic Start/Finish line at Talladega Superspeedway. He will make a Guinness World Record® attempt for the longest jump on the track's infamous infield just moments prior to the GEICO 500 race Talladega Superspeedway

A GWR representative will be on site to verify the breaking of the 351-foot record set by the legendary Robbie Maddison on March 29, 2008. Following in the footsteps of his hometown hero, Evel Knievel, 24-year old Harvill from Ephrata, WA takes on the biggest challenge of his career, a more than 426-foot jump as he reaches a top speed of 105 mph. He'll ride along an 88' long, 14' high takeoff flying over a 400' gap to touch ground again on a 30' high, 30' wide and 100' long landing.

"Monster Energy wants to bring compelling content to NASCAR races this year and Alex Harvill going for a Guinness World Record should certainly be exciting for the fans at the track and those watching on FOX," says Monster Energy Vice President of Sports Marketing, Mitch Covington. "I feel great about going to Talladega to do this jump," says Harvill. "Talladega is the biggest and fastest, and it's only fitting that I'm jumping the furthest at that track."

A near death experience in childhood that left his pelvis shattered and bike mangled developed Harvill's inspirational philosophy to face fear and live life to the fullest. "If you're not ready to die, you're not ready to live. I like to think I live my life that way." Harvill and has already attained a Guinness World Record achievement for longest dirt to dirt distance jump.

The all-star production team includes the creator and producer of the record attempt, Paul Taublieb of TAUBLIEB Films (www.taubliebfilms.com). A pioneering producer in staging world records including Mike Metzger's backflip over Caesars Palace, the Emmy-award winning producer/director is an original consultant on the founding of the X Games and for more than 15 years has produced all motocross activities at the games. TAUBLIEB FILMS productions include the Netflix Original Documentary "Unchained: The Untold Story of Freestyle Motocross," the feature film "The Vow" starring Channing Tatum and the Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 documentary "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau," Also on board is Harvill's manager Marc Levine who is a production coordinator for the stunt.

After Harvill's thrilling jump, the GEICO 500 will get the green flag and will feature heart-pounding three and four-wide racing on NASCAR's Most Competitive Track. It's not just incredible racing that Talladega Superspeedway offers, but the overall weekend experience the track provides to fans. In addition to the Harvill attempt on Sunday, the track will offer opportunities for fans that include the infamous "Big One on the Blvd" takes place Friday night in the infield, featuring NASCAR's biggest stars and one-of-a-kind fan competitions; and the following night, The Charlie Daniels Band will headline the Saturday Night Infield Concert, which is free to anyone who has purchased a GEICO 500 ticket.

2017 ISDE Qualifers

Cody Webb qualified for ISDE in France

     

Photo Credit: Robert Lynn/Future7Media

KTM’s Cody Webb has secured himself a place on the AMA’s list of qualified club team riders for the 2017 ISDE in France next August.

The EnduroCross champ and Erzberg runner-up claimed his place through the series of qualification rounds the AMA runs both on the east and west coast of the USA.

With only one qualifying event left, the AMA have announced 12 riders who have claimed their spots on the American Motorcyclist Association's 2017 International Six Days Enduro Club Team.

Ty Tremaine, Jacob Rowland, Brendan Riordan, Mike Pillar, Alex Witkowski, and 40+ rider Brian Storrie have qualified through the ISDE East Qualifier Series. 

Cody Webb, Justin Morgan, Anthonee Gibbs, Devan Bolin, Nick Stover and 40+ rider Rick Emerson have qualifed from the ISDE West Qualifier Series.

“Each of these riders has trained incredibly hard to earn this highly prestigious opportunity," said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Erek Kudla. 

“I'm excited to see what the rest of these talented riders do at the last round of qualifying and, ultimately, who will get the honour of competing at one of the most incredible off-road racing events in the world.”

The ISDE Committee will select an additional club team, along with the World Trophy, Junior Trophy and Women's Trophy team riders to represent the United States at the 2017 FIM International Six Days Enduro in Brive, France.

With the AMA ISDE Qualifier Championship Series in its final stages, riders not yet qualified for a 2017 ISDE Club Team still have an opportunity to advance at the remaining, three-day, ISDE Qualifier beginning May 12 in Greenville, Tennessee. 

The event will be a standalone event in the AMA Full Gas Sprint Enduro Championship Series and feature two days of enduro testing before the final day of moto testing

For more information on the final ISDE qualifier visit www.sprintenduro.com/2017-three-day-enduro-ama-isde-qualifier.

Tony Talks!

Antonio Cairoli interview

When Red Bull KTM rider Antonio Cairoli crossed the finish line for his 79^th GP victory last weekend in Trentino, Italy, he proved once again what a great legend he is. Going into Arco he was looking forward to racing in front of his home fans, and he knew a good result was possible.

“I looked forward to going to Italy, where I knew I would meet my fans. Even if Arco is not one of my favourite tracks, I have good memories from the past and I would do my best to be again on the podium in front of the Italian crowd, that was my goal.”

Of course, that goal was reached and the eight times world champion wrote another chapter in his brilliant career.

“I feel great, my condition is very good and I felt really comfortable on the bike, despite the fact that this track doesn’t have my favourite type of soil. The second moto today was pretty fun, I was second off the start but then crashed at the second corner and I was hit by loads of riders, I was pretty pissed off with myself because I did the mistake. After quickly remounting I told myself that I desperately needed a podium finish, so gritted my teeth and pinned it. I rode the best I have in a long time, making passes all the way from twentieth up to seventh. Once there I could see the group ahead and was pretty sure that I could close them down fairly quickly.

“I soon realised that I had a chance to pass Bobryshev for second and the overall, so I just put my head down and went for it! I’m happy because my physical condition was good from the first till the last lap and I was able to push all the way. I just kept pushing and pushing trying to make passes and it worked, I’m really happy! I had some sketchy moments but if you want to win you have to take some risks. It’s a very special race, one of my best GPs ever! I look forward for the next race in Valkenswaard, because the time to push has come and I’m more than ready to do it.”

Two weeks earlier in Mexico, it wasn’t as big a success as Italy, but he still managed to make the podium and continue his battle with defending champion and red plate owner Tim Gajser.

“It’s been a very tough race in Mexico, even if I’ve been prepared for this. For some reason for me it’s very difficult to go fast on this track and I knew that if I could save the damage today and bring back home some solid points, I would be pleased. Tim is very fast on this track and finish second is what we were looking for, so I’m happy about how it went, I’m just a little bit upset with the first moto, because I got the speed to finish second and I could go faster but here is very difficult to pass and if you’re too aggressive, you risk to crash.

“Anyway, the fourth place of the first moto was good for the standings and I’m happy with the way the second one went, because I was able to recover fast, from middle group to the second place during the first lap, trying to put some pressure on Tim. We still need to work on several points, like the starts, because also today they weren’t perfect and on my fitness, especially when the rhythm of the race is so high but overall it was a positive race.”

Like in Italy, Cairoli made a big mistake, which might have cost him any chance of getting the GP win. In many peoples opinions, he was the fastest guy on the track, and still managed to pick up a bunch of GP points.

“Unfortunately, the weekend was quite difficult for us, especially so because of the bad starts. On a track like this, where the speed of the riders is very similar, it is hard to make up any lost  time. With bad starts you have to take some risks to pass other riders, and that’s exactly what happened today. I had two difficult starts leaving me fighting my way from the back of the pack twice, then I made two mistakes and I crashed twice. In the first moto, I crashed on the first lap and from dead last I came back to ninth, doing pretty much anything and everything that I could, because everyone’s speed was pretty similar and overtaking was not easy.

“In race two I crashed during the third lap, when I was eleventh, dropping back to twenty something and from there I’ve managed to finish fifth after getting up some good speed, picking some decent lines and putting in the fastest lap! It’s a real shame because everything could have gone so much better, I felt good on this track and my physical condition is really decent so I should have collected more in the way of points.

“I am really disappointed because this could have been a 1-1, as in Qatar, because my speed was good and I was able to push from the first to the last lap. This is a long championship and we have many races to go, with plenty of time to take over the championship lead. I want to thank all the fans who welcomed me to the gate and cheered for me so loudly, making me feel at home.”

And now onto Valkenswaard. A circuit that Cairoli has won on, and one he likes. Can he match Gajser and Herlings in the sand of the euro circuit, or will he walk away with victory. Make sure you are there to watch, it could be another special Grand Prix.

Ray Archer image

Early Sierra Trail Ride....Means Snow!

Northern CA is starting to change, the rain is subsiding and the sun is coming out. Temps are rising and thoughts are turning to trail ridng. There is a short period every year when trail riding in the Sierras is spectacular. Usually by now the trails are wet, perfect traction and the summer crowds have not arrived. However, sometimes the mountains can fool you. Take a look at what Larry, Frank and Bobby found on their recent mountain ride..

Herlings Loves Valkenswaard...Will It Help?

Herlings and Valkenswaard

On the back of that brilliant Grand Prix of Trentino last weekend, with that magical performance from Antoni Cairoli, all eyes will be on Valkenswaard, Holland this week, to see if Jeffrey Herlings can come out of his slumber, and put together another stunning performance at his beloved euro circuit.

For seven years in a row the Flying Dutchman has been unstoppable at this facility, but due to a hand injury, and as he has himself admitted, possibly coming into the class over confident has cost him.

Running around mid-pack for most of this season the Red Bull KTM Factory rider did turn it around a little in Trentino last weekend. Finally getting a good start, and finishing a strong fourth place in the second moto of the MXGP class.

Herlings had of course won the second round of the Dutch Masters of Motocross championship a couple of weeks ago, leading home Gautier Paulin and Max Anstie in the process. His victory in the second moto was typical Herlings, getting a good start and just riding away from the competition.

You can be sure this week Herlings and his crew will be working hard on starts, because a good start in Valkenswaard, with his experience around the track, will be critical in him winning his eighth GP at Valkenswaard.

I tipped him to get a podium in Italy last weekend and despite the track not being a circuit he feels comfortable on, that second moto fourth place gives me enough confidence that he can win in Valkenswaard, and turn his season around.

Two weeks later its onto Kegums in Latvia, and another circuit that he will do well.

Herlings has admitted that he didn’t expect the MXGP class to be as tough as it was, and despite his solid performances in previous 450 races, this year it just hasn’t gone to plan.

“I underestimated the MXGP class,” Herlings said. “I underestimated the guys I am racing. That’s why we pay the price (now), but I know I can turn things around. I haven’t lost the talent, there is a reason I have won three world title, and 61 GPs, it just takes time. It will come back to me.”

The good news is, Cairoli and Tim Gajser also love sand, as does 2015 Romain Febvre, who took victory last year after a great battle with Cairoli.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least Cairoli, Gajser and Herlings battling hard for this GP win.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

Ray Archer image

Two Strokes Race Nationals

Two-Stroke Racing Added to 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

By Dan Lamb
April 18, 2017

125 Dream Race at the 2016 Peterson CAT Washougal National
Photo Courtesy 125dreamrace.com

Inaugural FMF 125 Dream Race Invitational Triple Crown Adds Two-Stroke Racing to 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
The format for each of the three races in the Triple Crown will feature one practice and one moto, which will take place before the first 450 and 250 Class motos.

MX Sports Pro Racing and FMF Racing have announced and exciting addition to the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship with the inaugural FMF 125 Dream Race Invitational Triple Crown. This trio of two-stroke races will take place at the season-opening Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 20, the True Value Thunder Valley National on June 3, and the Peterson CAT Washougal National on July 29.

The legacy of the sound and smell of a two-stroke engine has remained an integral part of the lore of the world’s most prestigious motocross championship and its 45-year history. Now, for the first time since the move to four-stroke motorcycles, fans old and new will have the chance to watch a full gate of 125cc machines compete at the Nationals.

“FMF was founded on two-stroke machines back in 1973, and we are very pleased to be a part of the new two-stroke movement that is taking place,” said FMF Racing Marketing Director Donny Emler, Jr. “Working with MX Sports Pro Racing on the idea to have a ‘Triple Crown’ event and have the promoters at each of these legendary tracks jump at the opportunity is pretty special. I can’t wait to hear these races take place!”

Inaugural FMF 125 Dream Race Invitational Triple Crown Adds
Two-Stroke Racing to 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Three-Race Series Will Include Hangtown, Thunder Valley, and Washougal

The format for each of the three races in the Triple Crown will feature one practice and one moto, which will take place before the first 450 and 250 Class motos. The competitors that will make up each 125 Dream Race field will consist of past champions, former pros, factory-level amateur competitors, and potentially even industry icons and celebrities.

“The opportunity to pay homage to the roots of American motocross was simply too good to pass up,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “The draw of a two-stroke has remained prevalent despite the progression of the sport, and thanks to the longstanding partnership we have with a passionate supporter like FMF we have the ability to give our fans and the motocross industry what it wants with a truly special showcase at multiple rounds of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.”

FMF Racing’s sponsorship of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and the sport of motocross, spans decades. The iconic exhaust manufacturer also serves as the title sponsor of the FMF Glen Helen National on Memorial Day weekend (May 27).

“After our inaugural 125 Dream Race Invitational at Washougal last year, it’s exciting to have MX Sports Pro Racing recognize the vision of what the 125 Dream Race stands for, and what it brings to the industry and community of current motocross racers and fans, and those still to come.” says Joey Lancaster, the founder of the original 125 Dream Race, now entering its sixth year apart of the National’s amateur weekend racing program at Washougal MX Park.

Last year’s 125 Dream Race Podium from Washougal (L-R):
David Pingree, Carson Brown, Ivan Tedesco.
Photo Courtesy 125dreamrace.com

Cairoli On The Gas!

Do yourself a favor and put this on full screen.

WHY WE RIDE!

Life's philosophy from a bunch of seasoned Aussies.

2018 JAPAN SPY PHOTOS | COMPLETE COVERAGE

2018 JAPAN SPY PHOTOS | COMPLETE COVERAGE

The 2017 MFJ All Japan National Motocross Championship Series kicks off this weekend at Kyushu MX Park in Kumamoto, Japan, and you know what that means: time to take a peek at what could very well be the production machines of next year and beyond. This year’s 2018 Japan Spy Photos are brought to you by BTOSports.com

Eleven-time All Japan National Champion Akira Narita pilots a very special factory Honda CRF450R. Last year, he competed aboard a prototype CRF450R that was a very accurate preview of the current 2017 machine. This year, we expected his race bike to be based on a current production model with some special parts, as the traditional lifespan of a new generation machine is three years or so. The number-one machine, however, is a dyed-in-the-wool works bike that is custom-built for Narita and his preferences. Are some of the features of his machine precursors of what we will see on dealership floors in 2018? Maybe.

Early photos of the machine that we posted on Instagram got our followers fired up about the obvious lack of a kickstarter, as well as new cases that eliminate all of the associated internal gears, but no one spotted the completely different chassis. Look closely at the lower parts of the main frame where the swingarm pivot mounts, and you’ll notice that the cast pieces are shaped differently than those found on a production machine. Not as easily detectable by the eye is the different swingarm which is a bit longer than stock. According to Narita, the standard ’17 CRF450R chassis is a bit rigid for his tastes, so the works frame and swingarm are built for a softer ride with more flex. Rounding out the chassis is a carbon fiber airbox and subframe combo, as well as carbon fiber side panels. The piece is a work of art, and in addition to cutting weight, it provides a different feel than an aluminum part. When it comes to aluminum versus carbon frames on bicycles, the composite always yields a more forgiving ride, so we’d imagine the same goes for the works part on the number-one machine.

We were surprised to see factory KYB PSF air forks on the front of Narita’s race bike, as he has been a mechanical spring holdout since the invention of air-sprung suspension. We didn’t get any indication that the same change would be made to the production 2018 machine; so don’t panic all you air haters. We did get the impression, though, that Narita would have held on to his trusty mechanical spring if he had been given the choice.

The rest of Narita’s race bike is equally as exotic. From the works engine and transmission to the Yoshimura exhaust that’s built specifically to produce the hard-hitting power that the champion prefers, every bit of the Toshi Chiba-built machine is drool-worthy. Stay tuned to the July issue of TransWorld Motocross for complete details about what we learned in Japan about the 2018 machines!

Check out the Honda at this link;

  http://motocross.transworld.net/news/2018-japan-spy-photos-honda/#iStpY6lyqI5vEcA3.99

BTO Presents 2018 YZ450FM Spy Photos

2018 JAPAN SPY PHOTOS | COMPLETE COVERAGE

The 2017 MFJ All Japan National Motocross Championship Series kicks off this weekend at Kyushu MX Park in Kumamoto, Japan, and you know what that means: time to take a peek at what could very well be the production machines of next year and beyond. This year’s 2018 Japan Spy Photos are brought to you by BTOSports.com

This year at Kyushu, Team Yamaha Japan’s Yu Hirata piloted a very special YZ450FM, which was said to be a very accurate preview of what’s to come in 2018. Hirata’s machine featured and all-new chassis and bodywork. The frame spars are much beefier than they are on the current YZ450F, with much taller cast portions on each side. Obviously, frame geometry has been altered in every aspect, and we can assume that better cornering traits were the goal.

Yamaha maintained its rearward-mounted cylinder, but to the naked eye, the engine looks to be mounted more upright than previous generations. An electric starter was mounted on Hirata’s machine, and the new cases have eliminated the kickstarter mount altogether, which indicate that electric start will be standard and not an option as it was for the Honda CRF450R in 2017. No hydraulic clutch.

Other touches on Hirata’s machine include a new swingarm that appeared to be welded together instead of a single extruded spar. Take a close look at the photo of the swingarm and you can see a fat bead hidden beneath the sticker. Kayaba spring forks graced the front of Hirata’s machine, and the word we got is that a KYB AOSS fork will come on the 2018 machine, not PSF. Stay tuned to the July issue of TransWorld Motocross for even more details about the 2018 models, but for now, enjoy this photo gallery that also includes shots of Yusuke Watanabe’s factory YZ250F, which appears to be a modified production machine.

Check this link for a video for a view

http://motocross.transworld.net/videos/2018-japan-spy-video-yamaha-yz450fm/#IHvCOK6hqo5BvtQm.97