Haaker & Webb taking it to a new level in endurocross

2017 Endurocross Round 1: Las Vegas (Cody Webb VS Colton Haaker)

Honda Wins Vegas-Reno

Honda's Barreda and Brabec clinch Vegas-Reno victory

Photo credit: Kato

Honda Racing's Joan Barreda and Ricky Brabec have taken the top honours with a one-two victory in the 21st edition of one of the United States’ most prestigious races - the Vegas to Reno.

After triumphing in the 2017 Baja Aragon in July, Joan Barreda once again turned on the winning style, this time at the V2R held this weekend in the Nevada desert. Alongside fellow Honda Team member Ricky Brabec (USA), the Honda CRF450 RALLYs dominated throughout the longest off-road race in the United States.

Barreda and Brabec were outstanding in the 539-miles race (864 kilometres). Setting a blistering pace from the very start in Las Vegas, the duo were soon in the lead and it was pedal-to-the-metal all the way to the finish-line in Reno, where the pair arrived with a lengthy advantage over rivals. All this despite a spill for Ricky Brabec just after the race’s halfway point. The team had been supported throughout by Johnny Campbell with assistance from JCR-Honda.

Both riders came through the tough test with flying colours, as they once again add their names to the honours list. Joan Barreda was victorious last year while Brabec won the 2014 edition. The Spanish rider finished with a total time of 8:56′.

Photo credit: Kato

"We are very pleased with this win at the Vegas to Reno," told Barreda. "It's my second race of the season where we clinched the victory; so that’s mission accomplished. I wish to thank Johnny Campbell and the whole team for all the support, not just here in the race, but for all the facilities we have had all year round, in the testing and for the quality navigation-filled stages.

"I'm already focusing on the next race, the Ruta 40, a very different race with a lot of navigation. So far we have prioritized sprint races, to build speed, and now we are starting with the navigation, which might be a bit trickier in the beginning, but that’s what we’ve planned and we hope that everything works out well."

Photo credit: Kato

Results

1. Brabec, Barreda - Honda, 08:56’22.892
2. Argubright, Shirey - Husqvarna, 09:12’13.810
3. Cooper, Pearson - Honda, 09:43’11.649
4. Spaise, Damon - Yamaha, 09:51’35.332
5. Stevens, Schlapia - Husqvarna, 09:56’22.633
6. Brittner, Tichenor - KTM, 10:00’05.521

AMA Motocross Horizon Award

Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award Goes To Justin Cooper

© 2017, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA):

Justin Cooper receiving the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award. Photo courtesy of American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

35 AMA National Championships awarded at AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

Nicky Hayden Horizon Award and Racers of the Year announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Thirty-five AMA National Championships were awarded, and four racers were recognized for their impressive performances, when racing concluded at the 2017 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship that took place July 31 - Aug. 5 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

Thirty riders took home the 35 AMA National No. 1 plates, with five of those riders securing two AMA National Championships apiece.

"It is with great pride and confidence that I say the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship was a huge success," AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow said. "We would like to congratulate the 30 newly crowned AMA National Champions, as well as all of the talented racers who showcased their skills in the country's most prestigious amateur motocross event."

Justin Cooper of Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., was honored with the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award after claiming the AMA National Championship for both classes he competed in -- Open Pro Sport and 250 A -- aboard his Rock River bLU cRU Yamaha.

The Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award recognizes the rider best prepared for the professional ranks, based on their attitude, enthusiasm and past performances as an amateur. The award recently was renamed in honor of 2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, who passed away in May and was the inaugural winner of the AMA Horizon Award in 1997.

Based on his two AMA National Championships in the Junior (25+) and Senior (40+) classes, Mike Brown, Bluff City, Tenn., was named AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year. Brown swept both classes on his Rockstar Husqvarna, taking first in all six motos he competed in.

Fox Racing's Ty Masterpool of Paradise, Texas, was the recipient of the AMA Youth Racer of the Year, winning AMA National Championships in the Supermini 1 (12-15) and Supermini 2 (13-16) classes aboard his TM.

AMA Amateur Racer of the Year was Garrett Marchbanks of Coalville, Utah, who won two AMA National Championships aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green machine. Marchbanks took all three moto wins in the Schoolboy 2 (12-17) class and finished with a second and two firsts for the overall in the 250 B class.

"The success of this event would not be possible without the support and partnership we share with MX Sports," AMA Racing Director Kevin Crowther said. "Each year, the MX Sports team does an exceptional job of organizing the event and making it an outstanding experience for AMA members."

Crowther also thanked all of the AMA staff and volunteers who played a critical part in the overall success of the event.

Open Pro Sport - Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.

125 C - Jeffrey Chambers, Punta Gorda, Fla.

250 A - Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.

250 B - Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah

250 B Limited - Derek Drake, Sand Luis Obispo, Calif.

250 C - Stockton Stinebaugh, Caddo Mills, Texas

250 C Limited - Stockton Stinebaugh, Caddo Mills, Texas

250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited - Rene Rodriguez, Layton, Utah

450 B - Brock Papi, Groveland, Fla.

450 B Limited - Ezra Hastings, Aurora, Ind.

450 C - Wesley Allen, Fairfax, S.C.

College (18-24) - Tanner Basso, Alpine, Calif.

Junior (25+) - Mike Brown, Bluff City, Tenn.

Vet (30+) - Taylor Painter, Cleburne, Texas

Senior (40+) - Mike Brown, Bluff City, Tenn.

Senior (45+) - Jay Wagner, Warsaw, Ind.

Masters (50+) - John Grewe, Rockford, Mich.

51cc (4-6) Special LTD - Roxyn Rinehart, Anniston, Ala.

Breakthrough 33 – The Braxton McGee Story ● Episode 4

His rookie year in XC2 GNCC racing may not have gotten off to the start he would have liked, but that doesn’t mean Braxton McGee is ready to give up in the slightest. After recovering from an injury incurred at the opening round, Braxton is back on the bike, training—and even more

Italy Announces 2017 Motocross of Nations Team

 

Italy announced their squad for the Motocross of Nations today at the MXGP of Belgium.

Representing the Italians in MXGP will be current MXGP points leader Antonio Cairoli. Alessandro Lupino will contest the Open Class with Michele Cervellin competing in MX2.

Italy finished fifth overall in the event in 2016 with a team of Cairoli, Cervellin and Samuele Bernardini.

Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy - Washougal

Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy  

Come out and learn from the

Legend Donnie “Holeshot” Hansen

 

WHEN: SATURDAY AUGUST 5-6^th

WHERE: FAMOUS WASHOUGAL MX PARK

SCHOOLS ARE LIMITED SO DON’T WAIT SIGN UP NOW!!!

https://donniehansen.com/events/event/two-day-schools-washougal-mx-park/

CALL NOW (719) 495-2624

The Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy is a motocross riding school that teaches techniques and skills to all levels and ages whether they are racers or just want to improve their riding skills. 

For every rider who signs up they will receive a free Matrix Umbrella

 

RCH Folds The Tent

Suzuki and RCH Conclude Partnership

 by: Chase Stallo  

 

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) and RCH Racing announced today that they’ve reached a mutual decision to conclude their partnership effective at the end of the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

After winning the 2016 450MX Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship with Ken Roczen as a privately funded outfit, RCH, co-owned by Ricky Carmichael and Carey Hart, were announced as the sole factory effort for Suzuki in 2017 with Yoshimura Suzuki closing its doors. It was later announced that JGR would switch from Yamaha to Suzuki for 2017 with some factory support.

Ricky Carmichael will continue his role at Suzuki as a brand ambassador as RCH pulls off the road.

“As defending AMA Pro Motocross Champions, it’s tough to get to the point where plans evolve and tough business decisions must be made,” said Carmichael. “My partner Carey Hart and I are very proud of our guys and grateful we were able to achieve the success we did as a team. I am also personally looking forward to continuing my long relationship with Suzuki in another capacity as we wind down RCH.” 

“It’s been a privilege to work with such a driven group of individuals and Suzuki is very appreciative of the hard work and efforts the team has put forth culminating in the 2016 AMA Pro Motocross Championship,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki’s vice president, MC/ATV sales and marketing. “The team and Suzuki achieved their respective goals of winning a championship and it’s gratifying to conclude this partnership successfully.”

In a press release, Suzuki said it would announce further plans for the 2018 season in the coming weeks.

2017 Oregon Old Timers Race...Washougal

 44 are the number years the Oregon Old Timers have been putting on motocross events. I’m not sure this represents the number of years they’ve held International Old Timer events or not but that’s a lot of years. Also not sure how many of those have been held at the famous Washougal MX track, a lot I would think. There were rumors floating around over the weekend that this may be the last year at this iconic venue. But maybe those rumors just float around every year.

Taking pictures of this park is futile unless you’re a pro, you can’t do this place justice. It has to be experience in person to really get the feel.

This was my second trip to this event. I swore I wouldn’t ever go back and that’s not because I was there last year when Sunday’s races were rained out and Saturday’s races were almost as bad. I went in 2015 and by all accounts the weather and track conditions hadn’t been that good in six to eight years. Besides that I won all my motos. I figured no since tempting fate.

I changed my mind when the need for surgery and a date for it came up that will put me on the shelf for a little while. I had planned on going the to the BC and Alberta races this year. (Never been) So instead I decided to go to Washougal and tempt fate.

The weather was just about perfect. (I’m sure someone could find something to snivel about) The track was the same as it was in 2015 except the whoop section by the finish was a whole lot tougher. Something I didn’t notice last time but became aware of this time was as beautiful as this place is the spectator viewing isn’t that great. At best you can see only parts of the track, a lot of that has to do with the layout and the trees. I understand to get in there to see a National takes hours and hours just to stake out a small viewing area.

The track conditions were good for the most part; I did get to experience some of the famous over watering parts of the track they are known for, which can make for some sketchy moments. Saturday’s track dried out so they over compensated for that on Sunday by cutting the track deep along with a lot of water. Practice was not fun but surprisingly by the time my race started (2^nd) it was good. They went from ten, to twelve then thirteen motos when they added the support classes Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Some of those were double gate drops as well, a lot of riders, which is normal for this event.

And I was I was lucky enough to repeat by winning all my motos. But not all was good one of our Sierra Old Timer members Art McDade (mx43.com) face planted on one the drop away down hills. Art says he knew he was going to eat it when his bike went sideways off the face of it. I was behind him and didn’t see any of it until I jumped off the downhill and there was Art and his bike lying part way down the hill in the middle of the track. Fortunately for me his momentum had taken him far enough down the hill that I didn’t land on him and had the time to move over. The other fortunate thing was we were way ahead of the next group of riders and the yellow flagger had time to get to the top of the hill. That happened on the last lap not far from the finish so I went back up the hill to check on him. When I got there they were checking him out and asking him lots of questions. Thank goodness for good helmets the fall destroyed his helmet but didn’t knock any of his teeth out. He’s very sore and has a very stiff neck but will in time be okay.

Something like that takes the wind out of your sails but one of the benefits of being old is having short term memory loss. So by Sunday morning it was but a distant memory for me.

The club puts on a sort of bare bones event no real fanfare or hoopla. The races are bang, bang, they have to be in order to get that many races in. Practice started at 7AM the racing finished up around 7PM on Saturday.  Dinner is included for pre entries and they started serving at 5PM for those of us who were finished for the day. (The food was good) They don’t hold a raffle but I’m not sure anyone missed it. If you were lucky enough to have a camping place with grass and trees you just sat around and enjoyed it. 

And as always once again you get the chance to catch up with friends most you haven’t seen since the last race.

Hopefully they will have more races at Washougal in the future. If you haven’t been it’s one of those places you should go to at least once. I definitely won’t be going back again, I’ve been twice and the weather was about as perfect as it can get.

Doug 21J

Logs, Rocks and Motorbikes | Red Bull Romaniacs 2017 Prologue Highlights

Motocross legend Josh Coppins in for the British championship

Josh Coppins

The two-time British champion, who was leading the 2007 world MX1 championship by 107 points until he was injured, will travel across from his base in Belgium where he’s spending the summer months looking after WMX title-contender Courtney Duncan. “I’m coming over to the UK the weekend before,” he said, “and I’ve got the time off before flying to the South of France on holiday so I was looking for somewhere to have a ride and I saw that event was on. I’ve never ridden there so I thought I’d enter. “I still do a few races – this will be my third one this year. I’m a test rider for Yamaha so it’s important that I stay somewhat in shape so it’s a good opportunity to see where I’m at and how my riding’s going. There’s no better way to do that than race.” The 40-year-old, a two-time world vice-champion, still feels he can be competitive five years after retiring from full-time racing. “I think if I could be close to a podium I’d be happy. My focus is on Courtney and her championship but I still get to ride occasionally. Obviously I’ve got a lot of experience, it’s just whether I’ll have the fitness and speed and to see if I still do is part of the reason I’m racing. “I’m doing the World Vet Champs at Glen Helen in November so if I do this race I’ll see where I’m at in my preparations for that. “I’ve got a Yamaha here that I do some training on so I’ll put it in the van and come over. I won’t have a mechanic or anything, it will just be purely race, see how I go and enjoy myself.” Maxxis series manager Stuart Drummond is looking forward to watching Coppins race. “Obviously we’re very excited at the prospect of seeing a rider of Josh Coppins’ calibre in action in the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship,” he said. “He made a lot of fans during his time racing in the UK who will be keen to watch him race again. “He’s been retired for a few years from top-flight racing but I know he still rides and is famous for being a fierce competitor so it will be interesting to see how he gets on. He’s certainly not travelling all that way just to make up the numbers.

 By: Sean LawlessPictures: Anthony Sutton