Finally Hunter Takes First SX Win!

!. Lawrence

2. Tomac

3. Werb

What A Tease...An Oceanfront California MX Track

The north coast is beautiful and the old GP mill has been closed for years. Yes, there could be a great MX facility built but chances of that happening are slim to none. There is lots of land going unused and the city has never come up with a workable plan to develop it. I doubt this goes anywhere but we can dream!

Fort Bragg City Council prioritizes motocross and a pump track

This gate off Highway 20 leads to the most likely area where recreation will be developed by the Fort Bragg on the property off Summers Lane. (Photo by Michelle Blackwell

The Fort Bragg City Council Meeting on February 9th was a long and drawn-out affair, with Mayor Godeke at one point stopping the meeting for a vote to continue past 10 pm. And while many weighty subjects were covered, including a public hearing on fee increases across all departments, including the CV Starr Center, and a recycled water study report, the packed Town Hall was there because of a completely different type of recreation.

The agenda included a review of a recreation survey regarding the 400-plus acres the city purchased from the recreation district off Summers Lane. The council’s task was to determine what types of recreation would get into the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for review. Anything not in the EIR at the outset could trigger the need for further EIR supplements in the future, which would likely be an expensive and insurmountable barrier.

Local motocross and pump track enthusiasts were there in mass to promote the continued use of the site for their recreational needs. At least sixteen members of the public spoke in favor of motocross, and another handful also supported the pump track. A pump track is for non-motorized dirt bikes and includes a physically demanding and partially elevated loop track.

According to several speakers, the property was used by motocross enthusiasts for decades without a legal permit. It was at one-point private property before coming into the City’s hands. The City plans to build three water storage reservoirs on the site. The site includes sensitive pygmy forest and cypress trees, but it also sports miles of trails and backs up to the Humane Society and private property.

While most of the site is not slated for development, an approximately 4-acre portion near Highway 20 has been heavily disturbed and is the likeliest location for recreational amenities. The motocross enthusiasts are asking for 20 acres for their sport. They point out that the existing trails were created by them and also emphasize the need for activities for youth in the area. One young supporter, Deacon, age 7, talked about how much fun he has riding his motorized bike. While others pointed out that the closest legal track is in Marysville, CA, and that there are no legal places to ride along the northern California Coast. Several supporters mentioned the financial boon to the city, presumably from usage fees and tourism dollars. The council was unanimous in its support for motocross and a pump track. The council also asked that the EIR review the addition of flush toilets, an event space, a picnic area, and a small pond for miniature boats. Walking trails, interpretive signage, parking, and installing electricity will also be considered. Councilmember Peters did have some reservations about options that would introduce water to the area, suggesting that too much water would negatively impact the pygmy forest. While this was a small win for the motocross and pump track supporters, it remains to be seen if the EIR will support recreation activities.

The city also heard from its consultant about developing a recycled water program. Four types of recycled water treatment were considered. The least expensive recycled water has traditionally been used for irrigation, because it requires less treatment than drinking water. However, it didn’t pass the cost-benefit test in Fort Bragg because there is insufficient need for irrigated spaces within the city, and the few that exist are spread far apart. The cost of plumbing to those spaces would outweigh the benefit. Albin-Smith asked if they had included the mill site in their calculations. The consultant said they only considered existing facilities.

The other three options were variations on treating wastewater and introducing it back into the public water supply. The most cost-effective option includes treating the water at the wastewater plant with a series of high-tech processes to render it safe, and then storing and mixing it with other water sources before sending it to the water treatment plant for final treatment and distribution. The estimated cost for the project was approximately $56 million, and it could potentially provide water for about 2400 homes. Recycled water is often touted as a good source of supplemental water during drought, but in this scenario, it appeared to be intended for year-round usage. The option would require new training and certifications for staff. The studied project includes pumping the water back up hill to mix it with the water in the existing and future Summers Lane Reservoirs. No action was taken on the report. The study was paid for with grant funds from the State of California.

During a hearing on increasing city fees, various department heads discussed the types of fees they charge for services and recommended increases, primarily based on the cost of service. While most of it was non-controversial, the recommended changes to fees at the CV Starr center drew multiple public comments and created an extended discussion amongst the council. Some of the changes proposed were to simplify the fee schedule. CV Starr eliminated the family rate and planned to have just three categories: Youth, Adult, and Senior/Disabled Adult. The CV Starr Center wanted to increase the Senior/Disabled Adult rate by 44%, while the youth rate went up 11%. In the end, the council decided the Youth/Senior and Disabled Adult rate increases should be the same.

The second annual Blues Festival was formally announced and includes the addition of a large tent performance space on the Noyo Headlands, as well as shows at Town Hall, Tall Guy, the Skunk Train’s Glen Blair space, and Bainbridge Park. Coastal residents are encouraged to sign up early if they want tickets.

During public comment, a resident asked the city to look into installing water catchment systems on public buildings for water supply collection and to install EV chargers at the CV Starr Center.

Mayor Godeke announced that all parties have asked the courts for a 90-day stay to provide time for a settlement discussion about the mill site. The city is also putting out a survey this month on the mill site. City planner, Sarah McCormick, announced that the underground work for the Broadband project in the downtown is nearly complete, with a single crossing on Alder left to do. She also said that the city is in discussions with the contractors regarding the 3-million-dollar budget overage and that they understand it’s serious and are working on a solution. Chief Swift announced that the City of Santa Rosa has sent staff to Fort Bragg to train local officers on policing gangs. He also commended two Fort Bragg officers for their efforts in saving a resident.

Under consent, the city authorized a contract with Nichol’s Consulting Engineers for approximately $82,000 for the stormwater asset management plan. Accepted the certification of completion for two projects at the wastewater treatment plant. The city also plans a hearing in the near future to vacate various right-of-way. A map of the proposed property is available on the city website under the council agenda for the February 9th meeting.

Another Opinion...Jake Weimer

The Truth About Riding for Kawasaki in the 2010s | Jake Weimer Responds to Dan Fahie's Comments

Is Jorge Prado being proven right?

A lot of people owe Jorge Prado an apology.

The silky smooth Spaniard took slings and arrows from all directions after let’s say, subdued, performances last year on Kawasaki outdoors that still netted the four time world champ sixth overall in his AMA Motocross debut before splitting from the team after never gelling with the bike.

Prado never blamed himself, he always knew his ability on a bike he trusted and the results he could obtain. But he could never find that trust on the Kawasaki to show his real speed and the elite level riding that he had shown in MXGP.

Simultaneously, Chase Sexton wasn’t happy at KTM and wanted on the Kawasaki to show his true potential.

Now, after a bike swap for 2026 that cost Prado millions in salary to get back on a bike he trusts, the transformation has been remarkable. Six rounds in and Jorge Prado on the KTM is faster that Chase Sexton on the Kawasaki.

Prado hit the ground running with a stunning third at Anaheim 1, three heat race wins and the last two Supercross rounds saw him take the fastest time in two massively different conditions, ironically that one lap speed was Chase Sexton’s strength…until recently!

Sexton was fastest at A1 but since then, even despite that win at A2, Sexton has been constantly chasing set-up using Pro Circuit parts by week two and is now testing in Florida. Sexton has only one podium in six races and the always rapid American hasn’t even had the one lap speed to compete for top spot recently. If anything, things are getting worse.

Jake Weimer had an interesting chat on PulpMX about his time at Kawasaki even accusing the current Kawasaki team manager, Dan Fahie, of lying when Dan said the following a recent press conference: “When RV was here for example, I mean we were very flexible. We did what we needed to do to get him comfortable and I think we’re doing that today. So I don’t think it’s any different.”

Weimer responded: “(I) wrestled whether I should say something or not and I wrestled with it for about a month and finally I’m like, I’m saying something. There’s a few reasons and I guess ultimately he (Dan) lied. He could have said a lot of different things but what he chose to say is a lie and I don’t think that’s cool. It very very much affected my career, you know?

“I wasn’t able to try a lot of stuff, there wasn’t a lot of stuff available. They kind of had a package and I’m not giving you a scenario. I’m telling you what I was told…’this is how our motorcycle works. You need to learn how to ride it.’ That would prove to be not possible for me. I was able to find a little bit of success through a lot of really, really hard work on my end. I want to be very clear that my gripe is not with Kawasaki, my gripe is with Dan and I thought Dan was a friend of mine. I’ve spoke very highly of Dan for years.”

Full interview below:

With that bombshell from an angry Weimer and the reality Eli Tomac of ultimately leaving because they refused to make changes he wanted, it seems Prado was right all along and his results have proven it.

This article continues below

Ryan Hughes gave his opinion yesterday on the Whiskey Throttle Show: “Someone told me KTM has figured out the second injector on the 450 just like the 250. So for Eli that works really well because now when it revs it keeps revving. And Prado…all he wants is a bike a fast as you can possibly make it, because he rides so smooth and effortlessly that if you have that power you can be more patient.

“Maybe Kawasaki hasn’t been as creative or as technical in the last few years. If you ride the bike it feels great, they handle really good, but just maybe the factory hasn’t been as technical on their development or they are only using factory Kawasaki stuff and not looking outside the box to get different stuff like Star (when they took over factory Yamaha)… they weren’t just locked into the factory stuff.“

Chase Sexton does appear to be given more freedom but he can’t find a comfort level for his riding style yet and recent history shows most riders who don’t steer with the rear have not found sustained success on the Kawasaki. RV and Tomac were really aggressive riders who twisted the throttle hard and won.

Romain Febvre just won the MXGP world title so the bike can get the job done… Maybe the character of the bike also seems to suit a certain style of rider more than others?

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Interesting Race Story

At 82, John Surtees Reveals the 5 People He Admires Most

Red Bull KTM 2026: Future planning with two directions?

interesting contrast: While the Coenen brothers are being given long-term prospects, one thing seems clear for Simon Längenfelder – his future remains in the Grand Prix paddock.

Is this a coincidence? Or a strategic decision?

Length fields: Stability instead of a change of perspective

Simon Längenfelder will enter his sixth season on KTM equipment in 2026. Since his MX2 debut in 2021, he has been part of the KTM system, winning his first Grand Prix in Great Britain in 2022, finishing third overall several times – and finally crowning himself world champion in Australia in 2025.

At 21, he is at the sporting peak of his MX2 career. The next logical step in the medium term would be to move up to the MXGP class – but not a move to the USA.

What's striking is that the statements surrounding his contract extension make no mention of international options or "global programs." Instead, they speak of development, continuity, and long-term cooperation "within the Austrian machinery sector." Pit Beirer clearly emphasizes continuity. Joel Smets speaks of the next chapter—not the next continent.

Längenfelder seems like the kind of rider KTM wants to establish in the European World Championship system. A future MXGP title contender, developed over years, not shipped across oceans.

The Coenen brothers: More than just a contract extension?

The communication surrounding Lucas and Sacha Coenen reads quite differently. The 19-year-old Belgians are far from being mere talents. In 2025, as a rookie in the MXGP class, Lucas won six races – becoming the youngest Premier Class winner in history. He also achieved 14 podium finishes and was runner-up in the World Championship. Sacha secured two MX2 victories and ten podium finishes.

Both parties sign a multi-year contract. And here's what's noticeable: the choice of words is more open, broader, more global.

"We know our goals."
"Ready for new challenges."
"Then we will see what goals we set for ourselves."

It sounds less like location commitment – ​​more like career planning.

Lucas Coenen's path seems almost predetermined. A young, exceptional MXGP talent with international market value, an aggressive riding style, and media presence – qualities that would fit perfectly into the American Supercross system.

Strategic model: Develop Europe, conquer the USA?

KTM has repeatedly proven in recent years that the European World Championship and the US market are two different development programs.

Not every World Cup champion automatically goes to America. And not every US project is built for the long term.

The Coenen brothers seem to want to keep all their options open. Multi-year contracts provide planning security – at the same time, they allow them to determine the ideal time for a potential move.

Lucas, in particular, would be a logical candidate for a future Supercross transfer. Age, explosiveness, mentality – the profile fits. Sacha could still mature within the MX2 system or follow suit in the future.

Length fields as a European constant?

Simon Längenfelder, on the other hand, represents a different model. He's not a short-term project, but a systematically developed KTM rider. His development has been controlled. No hectic class change, no leap into the unknown. Even in 2026, the initial focus is on defending his title – not on expansion.

This could mean that KTM is planning with him as a future pillar of their MXGP team in Europe. A rider who will secure KTM's long-term presence in the premier class, while other talents rotate internationally.

Coincidence or clear role distribution?

There has been no official statement yet regarding the Coenen brothers' potential plans for the USA. However, in motorsport, decisions are rarely made by chance. Längenfeld: structured, stable, and firmly rooted in Europe. The Coenen brothers: young, dynamic, committed to the long term – but with an open mind. 2026 could therefore be interesting not only from a sporting perspective, but also strategically.

Perhaps we are currently witnessing the moment when KTM defines two career paths: one remains in the Grand Prix system – the other prepares for the next big stage.

And if that happens, the move to the USA will not be surprising – but rather long planned.

Max Anstie Has Emergency Surgery

Max Anstie: Emergency surgery – dramatic days after Seattle

It's the stories behind the results that sometimes cast sport in a completely different light. While fans in Seattle were still discussing Max Anstie's strong podium finish, a serious medical drama was already unfolding behind the scenes. As his wife revealed on Instagram, the Briton was suffering from severe abdominal pain on Saturday evening – immediately after the race.

Initially, it seemed like typical race-related stress. However, the symptoms worsened throughout Sunday and escalated dramatically during the night leading into Monday. His condition deteriorated so severely that he had to be taken to the hospital in the early hours of Monday morning.

The diagnosis: acute appendicitis. Anstie underwent emergency surgery that same day – immediate removal of the appendix was necessary. A procedure that brooks no delay.

Podium in pain

In retrospect, the weekend's result takes on a completely new meaning. The fact that Anstie stood on the podium despite already experiencing symptoms underlines his mental strength and professionalism once again.

His wife called him a "champ" in her statement – ​​not only because of his sporting success, but above all because of his perseverance in the face of physical pain. On Tuesday afternoon, he was allowed to leave the hospital. His family was able to pick him up – a moment of relief after several intense days.

What are the next steps?

Although an appendectomy is considered a routine procedure, the body still needs time to recover. Patience is especially important in the demanding environment of the Supercross circuit. Whether and when Anstie will be able to return to racing remains uncertain. The five-week break in the 250SX Western Regional series will certainly benefit him in this regard.

One thing is certain, however: the Seattle podium takes on a completely different significance in retrospect. Sometimes it's not just the seconds on the clock that impress – but the will to even be at the starting line.

Tags: AMA Supercross,Max Anstie

The 17-Bike Heist – How Kailub Russell Helped Crack a North Carolina Theft Ring!

In November, Kailub Russell became the victim of a massive theft when 17 dirt  bikes belonging to him and his children were stolen from his Yadkin County, North Carolina home.

After reporting the crime on November 7, Russell quickly began receiving tips from others who had experienced similar thefts — many pointing toward Raleigh. Within 36 hours, he had gathered names, addresses, and even photos of suspects riding one of his son’s stripped bikes. Frustrated by what he felt was slow progress from local investigators, Russell took matters into his own hands.

Working with a private investigator, he traveled to Raleigh and conducted four days of surveillance. They captured video evidence of individuals handling at least two of his stolen motorcycles inside a residence. Although initial calls for immediate action were declined due to a larger ongoing investigation, the Raleigh Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit later executed search warrants at multiple locations Russell had identified.

Authorities recovered two of his bikes during the raids. Another was later found abandoned in woods off Poole Road. The breakthrough continued into January when Russell’s wife spotted their son’s stolen Cobra CX50 Jr listed on Facebook Marketplace under “Big Al’s Trap Catering” in Raleigh. Coordinating with the Auto Theft Unit, police arranged a meet-up and arrested the seller on the spot.

The case ultimately expanded beyond Russell’s loss, leading to broader action against individuals tied to multiple dirt  bike thefts across North Carolina.

Russell’s experience highlights how persistence, independent effort, and collaboration with responsive law enforcement ultimately led to arrests and recoveries — after what began as a deeply frustrating investigation.

Kailub Russell – “I took this video nine days after my home was robbed — November 16th. Let me back up. On November 7th, my wife woke me up in a panic. Seventeen of my dirt bikes — mine and my children’s — were gone. Vanished from our home. We immediately called 911, and the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly. A lengthy and detailed investigation was supposedly set in motion. Within hours of posting about the theft, I was flooded with messages from people who had experienced similar dirt bike thefts. Every road led to Raleigh. Within 36 hours, I had names, addresses, and photos of individuals on my son’s dirt bike — stripped of its graphics. I met with a detective and the Sheriff from Yadkin County, along with an agent from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Instead of feeling like I was helping move the case forward, I felt like I was the one being interrogated. I left that room frustrated and in disbelief. So frustrated, in fact, that I told the lead detective to be quiet — that I would go get the evidence myself. And that’s exactly what I did. With the help of several resources — and yes, fueled by my obsessive personality — I headed to Raleigh. On the way, I spoke with the SBI agent assigned to the case and made them aware of my plan: to gather evidence and prove where my property was. I was told that attempting to go to the address would be “problematic” and that I’d be in more trouble than the people who stole my bikes. That didn’t sit right with me. Eventually, I connected with the Raleigh Police Department Auto Theft Unit — and they became the turning point. The only group that actually made a dent in this case. I brought them everything I had. I hired a private investigator to work alongside me in Raleigh — and I’m glad I did. We spent four straight days conducting surveillance. During that time, we captured the video you’re watching now. We were sitting on a home that we knew had at least two of my motorcycles inside. Once I had undeniable evidence — video proof of them handling my property — I assumed law enforcement would move in and help recover it. I called immediately. Sent the footage. Then I waited. Forty-five minutes later, I got a call back: “We’re not sending anyone. It’s part of a bigger investigation. We have the opportunity to hit multiple locations at once and maybe recover 50  bikes instead of just two.” I went home defeated. So did my PI. I had solved my own case and handed them proof. I was so frustrated I wanted to drive my rental car straight through the garage door just to force a response. Five days later, the Auto Theft Unit executed search warrants at several of the addresses I had already identified. They recovered two of my bikes. Weeks later, another one turned up — dumped in the woods off Poole Road in Raleigh. A woman walking her dogs found it torn apart and hidden in the trees. Her son reached out to me on Instagram. I contacted the Auto Theft Unit, and they retrieved it for impound. About a week later, a detective from Yadkin County called me as if he had just broken major news — that they had “found” one of my bikes. Fast forward to January. My wife and I were searching for a new Cobra CX50 Jr for our daughter. She happened to check Facebook Marketplace — and there it was. My son Colyn’s  bike listed for sale under “Big Al’s Trap Catering.” Location? Raleigh. With help from several people, I coordinated a meet while I was in Florida. The Raleigh Auto Theft Unit set it up. When the seller showed up, they arrested him on the spot. A week later, they had enough evidence to go after the individuals responsible — not just for my theft, but for a long list of others across North Carolina. Here’s the moral of the story: Don’t let one loud, angry neighbor convince you that everything was handled properly from day one. The truth is, the breakthrough came from persistence, outside help, and a department willing to act. Some did their job. Some didn’t. But I wasn’t going to sit back and let 17 bikes — and my kids’ memories — disappear without a fight"

Five Questions: Jeffrey Herlings

Motoonline.com  Regulars Post: Kane Taylor

Five-time world champion outlines HRC transition.

One of the most intriguing moves of the MXGP silly season was long-time Red Bull KTM leader Jeffrey Herlings defecting to the Honda HRC Petronas program, signalling a major shift as the five-time world champion enters the latter stages of his career. In this Five Questions feature, the 31-year-old Herlings outlines this newfound transition and what we can expect in 2026.

Image: Supplied.

Jeffrey, obviously, you’ve only been with the team since January 1. How difficult has it been to have this short timeline and is the aim to be ready for Argentina or is it sort of more to be aiming to win a little later?

I mean, the team might have time, but I don’t, because I don’t have 10 years more of racing in me, so I need to deliver, and I need to deliver quickly. Obviously, as you said, because I was just starting on January 1 and we’re only in February, [I] had a very short notice to get my clothing set up, to get my helmet, boots set up, to get my bike set up, to get everything set up. I just had like five, six weeks until now, and so we’re still learning, discovering, but I think we’re already on a good base, also on the bike. I think there’s a lot of potential, a lot of possibilities on the new bike. It’s kind of a prototype, it’s a new bike, it just came out, so for sure like I said there’s a lot of potential, but I need to deliver, I need to deliver quick, I’m aware of that, so yeah I don’t have time to keep waiting through the season – I need a few races to get myself warmed up. I could see last weekend, once again, I didn’t have the intensity, but hopefully by [Argentina] I’ll be good to go, and then hopefully we can start fighting for victories quickly.

Having seen you on the Honda in videos, it looks like you’ve taken a liking to the bike. Is there any moment you wish maybe changed teams sooner to experience new machinery at a different point in your career?

It’s always hard to say. My time at KTM was good as well, you know, I’ve accomplished a lot with them, so no negatives to them. For sure, we had ups, we had our downs, but I look back at a good memory with them. But it’s always been my dream to race for Honda HRC. I remember back in the days we were already negotiating, I was really close to signing with Honda in 2016 already, and then for me, there was only one option if I were to leave KTM – it would be for Honda. It’s been my childhood dream, and now that I’m on the bike, I’m really surprised how good it is. I do get on a new prototype bike, so you know [it] would have been easier if I had stood on the other bike, the previous one, because they had so much experience and years of development in it already. So now it’s in its infancy, the new bike which I’m riding, so it also gives me a lot of hope that there’s so much potential left in the bike. But yeah, you know, coming to the team now, I know it’s the latest stage in my career, but I have no regrets about not coming earlier because, as I said, I had a great time at the other team as well. But it’s a blessing, and yeah, a thing I should I never wanted to miss is to go to Honda HRC, so I’m very happy I made this decision.

The last couple of seasons were marred by serious injuries before the season started. How did you approach this year to hopefully avoid that situation again?

Obviously, the first race hasn’t started in the MXGP series, but I mean motocross is a risky sport, there’s a lot of risk involved, so injuries are part of the sport. Last year, I missed the start of the season – it was the first two races, and then I got back racing with just a couple of days on the bike, and I really had to build myself back into it because the first races were a big struggle as I was six months out with an ACL injury. But for now, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fit. I do feel the lack of racing, as I saw in Mantova, just the intensity wasn’t there, but that’s why I do these races to warm up and get ready for the first GP. As I said, I don’t have many chances left, so every chance I have, I need to take it with both hands, and yeah, just really feeling good and fit right now.

 

This year, it feels like the veterans versus the rookies in the class. Does this make it exciting for you?

I mean, it feels to me like it’s just the same guys over and over again, so I don’t see any big changes yet. There are a couple of guys coming up, but I think it will be the same guys who’ve been fighting for the championship this year, as it has been the last couple of years. Just the party will be a bit bigger because there are two or three more new riders getting involved. But yeah, definitely looking forward to it, I feel like I can still do it, if not, I wouldn’t have even started, you know? Like, if I look at the last few races last year when I was healthy, I won most of them and got like five podiums straight and won three out of the last five races, I think, so definitely super excited. This is a completely new adventure, a big new motivation, you know, after 17 years working with one team, then going into a new team for the last two or three years of your career makes things quite exciting and just brings a hell of a lot of new motivation. So yeah, definitely nice to race with the rookies, but at the end of the day, this championship is so long with 60 motos, so it’s about consistency. You saw in the past, you saw last year with [Romain] Febvre just being there every single weekend, being consistent. I think that’s the thing that will bring you a championship.

In America, Jorge Prado went from KTM to Kawasaki. Was that worrying for you, seeing someone of his talents struggling to cope with the change of bike, or did it provide a sort of motivation that you wanted to show that it is possible?

The change from KTM to Kawasaki is a different thing from the change from a KTM to a Honda. I think a Honda is a more proven bike, you saw even in the US with Jett [Lawrence], you saw in Europe with Tim [Gajser], so I think it’s different. Obviously, it gave me some time to think about it, because I never tested before I signed up with Honda HRC. So, I never tested the bike, and it was kind of a gamble, you know, so I never knew maybe it was not going to fit, maybe it was going to fit much better than my KTM. I didn’t know, but right now, as I’m on the Honda, I have no regrets. As I said, it’s a brand-new bike, and how good it is already, I think there’s much more potential in the bike, and yeah, definitely looking forward to this year’s racing.