WPS Becomes Distributor for Alpinestars Motocross

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boise, ID – October 31, 2016 – WPS (Western Power Sports, Inc.) is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Alpinestars for distribution of motocross and off-road riding products in the United States.

Effective from November 2016, WPS will begin to distribute Alpinestars’ offroad and adventure boots, neck supports, knee braces, knee,shin and elbow guards, chest protectors and roost guards, protective undergarments, moto socks and a limited line of MX casualwear from its six regional warehouses strategically located throughout the United States.

To kick off the new agreement, on Friday, October 28th the WPS management team and sales rep force, along with staff from Alpinestars, took part in a ride day at the WPS test track located on-site at WPS headquarters in Boise, Idaho. The ride day enabled WPS sales reps and staff to use Alpinestars products in a real-world track-day scenario before attending product training the next day in downtown Boise. Alpinestars athletes Andrew Short, Justin Barcia, and Eli Tomac were on hand to support the event and talk shop with the WPS team.

 

Alpinestars has been the leading innovator of performance protection in motocross racing products since 1963 and early on Alpinestars pioneering boots caught the attention of motocross legend Roger Decoster who became one of Alpinestars' first international athletes and a brand ambassador ever since.

From the outset, Alpinestars vision has been to continually research and develop innovative products that deliver new and higher levels performance and for over 50 years this approach has built a rich heritage in motocross racing, motorcycle road racing and further into all disciplines of motorsports from the Dakar to Formula 1.

Alpinestars has evolved into a globally recognized brand through its focus on continuous introduction of cutting-edge product technology, which has helped countless world champions past and present to achieve their goals and devoted customers the world over to enjoy their riding every day.

Craig Shoemaker, WPS President and CEO:

“We couldn’t be more proud to put together this new partnership with Alpinestars. With their long and storied history of producing premium products, as well as their passion and support of all things motorsports, we are honored to be the newest Alpinestars distributor. This brand fits perfectly into our long-term goal to offer our dealers the best product, service, and delivery in the powersports industry.”

Gabriele Mazzarolo, Alpinestars President and CEO:

“Alpinestars has always been, at its core, a product innovation company. From the very beginning, with the first protective motocross boot to the current Tech 10, knee braces and advanced body protection for off-road riding, including the first fully independent airbag for motorcycle road riding and the most lightweight fireproof material for Formula 1, as just a few examples, we have always concentrated on developing the most advanced products for our Athletes to win Championships and our audience to enjoy their activities in motorsports.

Distribution is essential to bring the benefits of all this innovation to our customers and we are happy to announce the start of the cooperation with WPS; enlarging our distribution across the US market.”

Alpinestars products will begin shipping to WPS dealers through WPS’ six regional warehouses beginning in November. For information about WPS and its growing list of brands and product offerings, visit them online at, wps-inc.com.

About WPS

Founded in 1960, Boise, Idaho, based WPS (Western Power Sports) distributes over 130,000 items, including offroad and street motorcycle, ATV and UTV, snowmobile, watercraft, and bicycle parts. Currently one of the fastest growing nationwide delivery systems of powersports industry products, WPS distributes products through its six regional warehouses located in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; Ashley, Indiana; and Midlothian, Texas to thousands of dealers nationwide. WPS’ ultimate goal is to bring powersports dealers the best service, product, and delivery in the industry.

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Alpinestars

Established in 1963, Alpinestars is the world-leading manufacturer of high-performance motorcycling and motorsports apparel, clothing and safety gear. Alpinestars’ goal has always been to give racers the competitive edge by continuously innovating and developing new technologies and materials to improve performance. In the fast and competitive arena of motorsport, even the smallest improvement can translate into significant gain. The same approach to continued technical development is applied to road apparel safety, function and comfort.

The leading athletes in every conceivable motorsport discipline provide direct feedback to aid the development of Alpinestars’ technical products, from Formula 1 to NASCAR, U.S. Supercross and Motocross to MotoGP. With this input and expertise, combined with highly specialist research and development departments and laboratory testing facilities in the US and Europe, Alpinestars ensure that they are constantly pushing the limits of technology with each new product they launch, benefiting customers on both two and four wheels.

Wherever there’s a devotion to racing and performance, Alpinestars is there.

Kailub Russell Wins Ironman GNCC Season Finale

Reigning champion Kailub Russell ends the 2016 GNCC Racing series with 40th career win at the Ironman round.

It was a bittersweet day as the 2016 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, came to a close for the season in Crawfordsville, Indiana. 

Ironman Raceway hosted over 2,400 riders during the course of the two-day Ironman GNCC event, but at the conclusion of today's 1 p.m. pro bike race it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell who stood atop of the podium and earned his 40th career overall win.

As the green flag dropped for the XC1 Pros, it would be MCS Racing Suzuki's Ricky Russell who jumped out ahead of the rest of the field grabbing the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award. While R Russell lead the way into the Indiana woods, it did not take long for Kailub Russell to secure the lead position.

Even though K Russell was in a familiar position, he had to fight off the pressure he felt from Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride Team's Thad Duvall where only a mere second separated the pair as they checked through timing and scoring for the first time. The duo continued charging hard and before long they had gapped Westfield Powersports KTM Presented by Moose Racing's Jordan Ashburn held the third place position.

As the season was coming to a close it was evident that Duvall wanted to end on a high note and by the third lap he had secured the lead position. Kailub Russell continued to hang with him and was able to make the pass back for the lead when Duvall pitted and he did not. Duvall raced out of his pit and managed to keep Kailub Russell in his sights.

Kailub Russell and Duvall showed no signs of slowing down as the race reached its halfway point. Duvall would eventually find himself in the lead once more until Kailub Russell made quick work in the open field section and took the position once more.

It wouldn't be until the two-lap card came out that Duvall faced some issues. "There was a hill climb that had two different lines around it. Kailub went up one side, so I went to the other. I thought it was clear, but when I got to the top there were about five lappers who were stuck," said Duvall. 

"I tried everything I could do to get around them, but I fell when I went up on the bank and thanks to another race I was able to get going a lot quicker than I thought I was going to be able to."

As the race wore on, another battle began brewing between the Baylor Brothers and R Russell. SRT/KTM/Kenda Tires-backed Steward Baylor Jr.'s strong showing ended on the white flag lap when he was forced to pull off the track due to a mechanical issue. His brother, Grant Baylor continued to power through on his N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha-backed machine when R Russell also faced a setback.

"I had a lot of trouble in the beginning with my setup and thought about calling it a day," said R Russell. "But I just couldn't do that because it was the last race and I refused to go out that way. I was determined to give it my all, and then I came back up and was fighting for a podium position. 

“I was running third on the last lap, and I got pointed the wrong line in a mud hole. I ended up going down pretty bad, and Grant [Baylor] was able get around me, which he was definitely hard charging, but I still wanted and feel like I deserved the podium."

While Duvall was able to recover quickly, K Russell was well on his way to adding valuable time to his lead and by the time the checkered flag waved K Russell had a thirty-eight second lead on Duvall who finished in the runner-up position. G Baylor's consistency paid off as he crossed the line in third, marking his third podium finish of the year.

"The fans just make this race an awesome experience," said K Russell. "I had a great day riding with Thad. I haven't ridden for a week and a half so it made it a tough day, but it's unbelievable that I was able to capture my 40th career overall win today."

RPM/KTM's Mike Witkowski found himself in a favourable position after the green flag waved on the XC2 Pro Lites start to earn the $100 Hot Cams Holeshot Award. Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Layne Michael powered through the field and quickly took the lead. 

Michael continued leading until the checkered flag. Vance Francis worked his way from outside of the top-10 to land his first ever podium finish. N-Fan/AmPro Yamaha's Joshua Toth filled the podium in third.

"I just tried to get to the front and ride like I know I can," said Michael. "I had a small crash on the first lap but regrouped and kept going. As the race went on I started feeling sick, but I maintained on the last lap and came out with the win. The year didn't start out that great, but it feels great to come back after summer break and get these results."

With a 16th overall finish, Nathan Ferderer was awarded the $125 American Kargo Top Amateur Award. Cody Barnes and Braxton McGee held the second and third place positions on the afternoon amateur overall podium.

FLY Racing Yamaha's Becca Sheets capped off her championship season with another WXC and 10 a.m. overall win. The two remaining spots on the 10 a.m. overall podium also consisted of WXC competitors. Kacy Martinez placed second, and Mackenzie Tricker found herself in third, just one day after she took the WMX win in New Jersey.

It did not take long for the battles to begin on the famed Ironman racecourse. Michael Beeler Jr. and Peyton Whipkey traded placed multiple times in the 8 a.m. youth race until a mechanical issue took Beeler out of contention. 

Whipkey capitalised on Beeler's misfortune and claimed his first ever youth overall win. Super Mini Jr. class winner, Shawn Myers and Tanner Collins rounded out the overall podium in second and third.

AMSOIL Ironman GNCC, Round 13 of 13

XC1 Pro Event Results

1 Kailub Russell (KTM)

2 Thad Duvall (HSQ)

3 Grant Baylor (YAM)

4 Ricky Russell (SUZ)

5 Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

6 Jordan Ashburn (KTM)

7 Benjamin Kelley (YAM)

8 Cory Buttrick (KTM)

9 Andrew Delong (HSQ)

10 Steward Baylor Jr. (KTM)

Welcome World Vet MX Racers and Supporters!

 

 A warm welcome to the many vet racers, families, and supporters that have made the 21st annual White Brothers World Vet MX Championship’s possible. We never dreamed that an event started in 1985 would attract almost 1000 entries from 20 countries. I’m very proud of this event and the commitment you have made to the growth of vet motocross in America.  It has been a fantastic year for American motocross! Special recognition must go to Ricky Carmichael, who once again showed the world that he is the “Best Ever.” Ryan Hughes will be back to defend his 2004 Vet World Championship in what may be his last motocross appearance. As most of you know, Ryno has decided to move on with his racing career and will now be Team Suzuki Off-road’s newest team member. Hughes will definitely have his hands full with a host of challengers that includes 10-time Vet World Champion Doug Dubach. Last years Edison Dye MX Lifetime Achievement Award winner and 40 Pro Class Champion, Jeff Ward will also be back to defend his title and compete on Sunday against Hughes and Dubach. Please stop by the White Brothers display and check out the many new and innovative products including the new Alloy and Carbon Pro Exhausts. Both the Yamaha and Honda Factory Race Teams ran the White Brothers Carbon Pro exhausts throughout the 2005 season. Pretty cool! Also, check out the 2006 Alloy Gear on display and in stock at White Brothers. Please remember White Brothers and all of the fine sponsors that have stepped up to make the 21st Annual World Vet MX possible when you make your motorcycling purchases.  

In another part of this program is an advertisement for my new passion, “The Early Years  of MX Museum.” Please visit the display promoting my museum located behind the  grandstands and plan to visit my museum in 2006. I promise you, “If you like motocross and classic motorcycles, you’ll love my museum.”  This year’s recipient of the M. Edison Dye MX Lifetime Achievement Award is Stu Peter’s, the founder of CMC. Stu will be joined in the presentation by Vic Wilson (the founder of Saddleback Park), Larry Grismer (founder of Carlsbad Raceway), Marty Tripes (former Factory Superstar), and Mike Tripes, the only 3-time CMC champion in 125, 250, and 500 classes. The presentation will take place at 12:30PM on Sunday in front of the main grandstands. Do me a personal favor and take a seat in the grandstands for this presentation. We have worked hard to assure an interesting and informative presentation that will last about 20 minutes.  As many of you know, Jody Weisel (Editor of MX Action Magazine) has designed the racetrack for every Glen Helen National since 1995. This year, Jody has stepped in to  design the course for our event. I’m sure you will find the track technical, demanding,  yet Vet-friendly. The local’s advantage will be nil, as Friday’s practice will be the vet riders first time on this new track that runs in the reverse direction from past years.

Best of luck, ride safe, and LET’S GO RACING! 

Tom White

Founder, White Brothers

Corduroy Enduro....River Crossing

River crossings - you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Canada’s Corduroy Enduro has plenty of the mudguard-deep water stuff and there’s a very high chance you’ll get more than just your feet wet!

Donner Hare Scramble 2016 "Carnage!"

Here it is! The brutal, mind and physical strength testing, CARNAGE filled, 2016 Donner Hare Scramble! Promoted by, Brian Garrahan and Garrahan Off Road Training. If you missed this year we will see you next year! Big things in the works for 2017! (ALSO if you didn't see yourself in this edit, don't worry because we are going to be producing a 20 minute long video with a lil bit of everyone which will be available for purchase on iTunes or dvd through Cuyler Ruskin!)
Film / Edit by: Cuyler Ruskin (cuyler87@hotmail.com)
Drone Footage Provided by: John Murrieta (M&M Concrete Pumping)

Watch 5 Epic Moments From Red Bull Straight Rhythm

POMONA, Calif. — The approach to Red Bull Straight Rhythm is always loaded with question marks. It sits right in the middle of the AMA offseason, when riders are changing things up and prepping for next year. It also happens to be a race completely unlike anything else in professional motocross.

In 2016, the questions only continued to circle the event, with the inclusion of the Alta Motors electric bike and, of course, the news that Ronnie Mac was coming in. But after an incredible night in Pomona, we were left with more than one moment that will live in motocross history. Check out the five greatest moments of Red Bull Straight Rhythm 2016 in the video above, and keep an eye out for more goodies from the most exciting RBSR in history.

2016 MSR J Day Offroad Series RD. 11: Spectro Red Fern GP

Anyone think two strokes are dead. Watch this!

Ryan Dungey 2016 Championship: Chasing the Dream - Xtra

Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is the premier off-road motorcycle racing circuit in the world, produced inside the world's most elite stadiums. Monster Energy® Supercross tracks are man-made inside the stadium. Some of the sport's marquee names include Ryan Dungey, Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, Trey Canard, Jason Anderson, Chad Reed, David Millsaps and former supercross greats Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael. Regarded as the king of action sports, supercross has been described as one of the most physically demanding sports.

Catch Up - Taylor Robert ISDE Champion

Team USA Wins ISDE

Catching up with Taylor Robert, the man who won the ISDE…

Congratulations Taylor, how does it feel to be ISDE individual and team champion?

Taylor Robert: “It’s wild. It’s huge really. To get both done in the same year is crazy. It’s been such an intense week, I’m happy for myself but also for the team. There’s a lot going on right now!”

How were the stress levels coming into day six?

“Ah man, I was so stressed out, both for the team’s result and myself. It’s so easy for something to go wrong. I was just trying to keep focused and hold everything together.”

What’s it like to be on the winning team?

“Everyone is on cloud nine right now. We’re on a wave of happiness, relief, tiredness and celebration. We’ve had an amazing week. The team rode great all week. Granted we all made mistakes, got banged up bikes and bodies - everyone goes through that in the Six Days. But we never stopped putting out best effort in to get the job done and now finally we’ve won the thing!”

Aside from winning, what's been the highlight of your week in Spain?

“I won day three but I feel like day four was the most pivotal in winning the event outright. I crashed on the first test of the morning and lost a bunch of time. And then I spent the rest of the day trying to recover from that but also managed to gain time on Daniel Sanders too. I went from a two second lead to 26 second lead, which was a big confidence boost for me for sure.”

Did that recovery give you a feeling that you could go on and win the thing?

“Definitely. Once I got through that it changed my mind set and I felt that the end was in sight and I could make it. It was a bit of a game changer for me.”

Now your sixth ISDE, how has Spain compared to the rest?

“It’s probably been the most varied by far. Days one and two were so dry and dusty but then when the rain came conditions were so muddy and slippery. Then things dried out again and were really tacky. There was a big variety for sure. The transfers were fairly simple, easier than world championship stuff, but the enduro tests were really technical.”

Do you feel your year in Europe racing EnduroGP helped at the ISDE?

“Yeah I definitely feel it’s paid off here. I just felt so more in tune with things. But I was a bit bummed on my EnduroGP campaign. I had some highs but some lows too. But it was all added experience for an event like this. The enduro test on days three and four was one of the toughest I’ve ever raced but I knew how to ride it fast and not fall over and that came from EnduroGP.”

History of World Vet Championship

In this episode of Glen Helen's "Feel The Speed" We talk all about the Dubya World Vet Nationals Happening on Nov 5-6, 2016. Guests Tom White and Doug Dubach Talk Edsion Dye Award and the History of the World Vets.