This past week, Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen returned to Vail, Colorado’s Steadman Clinic for the 11th and final surgery on his left arm, which was injured in a crash at Anaheim 2 on January 21. Over the course of several hours, Dr. Randall Viola inserted cadaver cartilage into Roczen’s elbow, a procedure that is expected to ultimately give the arm full range of motion. During the operation, Viola also spent time cleaning out scar tissue from the affected area. It’s estimated that Roczen’s arm should be able to bear weight within six to eight weeks.
With the long surgery process finally behind him, Roczen will soon be traveling to his native Germany on vacation, and he will continue to do physical therapy during that trip.
‘I’m really happy to have this last surgery out of the way,” Roczen said. “They got the cadaver piece earlier than expected, which is awesome because that was the last piece of the puzzle. Now I can really focus on recovery without having to worry about any other surgery. Other than that, things are going well. I’m excited to be going to Germany for the first time in a few years to vacation with family and take my fiancé for her first time. I’ll still be doing physical therapy while there and then will be hitting it hard when we’re back.”
Russell charges to victory at GNCC Racing Camp Coker
Photo Credit: Ken Hill
Kailub Russell wins CST Tires Camp Coker Bullet GNCC as Josh Toth claims fifth XC2 250 Pro victory of the season.
The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, continued today, April 23, with the second annual CST Tires Camp Coker Bullet GNCC.
At the conclusion of the seven-lap race it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell who took home the win in Society Hill, South Carolina.
Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Josh Strang jumped out to the early lead grabbing his third $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award of the year. N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha's Ricky Russell accompanied Strang as they headed out of the first turn.
Strang's teammate, Thad Duvall, also got off to a favourable start and made his way to the lead position by the two-mile mark. Duvall continued charging where he began to pull a gap on Strang and R Russell.
R Russell made the pass for second on the Camp Coker motocross track, and by this time K Russell wasn't far behind the podium contenders. Strang would also lose another position in the sand rollers to K Russell who was moving through the pack quick. By the conclusion of the second lap K Russell sat in second while Duvall maintained control of the lead.
Duvall and K Russell maintained a consistent 20 second gap between themselves on the second lap, while R Russell found himself in a heated battle with Beta USA's Jordan Ashburn. Before long, SRT/KTM's Steward Baylor also found himself in the mix with R Russell and Ashburn.
R Russell succumbd to the pressure of Ashburn in the final second of the moto track. With a semi-clear path, Ashburn began to separate himself from Baylor who now rode in fourth.
K Russell began to gain on Duvall around the mid-way point of the race after the dup both stopped for a regular pit stop. With much of the focus on Duvall and K Russell, Baylor managed to slide his way into a podium position and begin to make up for lost time.
Once the two-lap board was out, Duvall and K Russell were rubbing plastic as they approached the pro pits. K Russell made the pass for the lead, but pulled in his pit for a splash of gas, while Duvall neglected to stop where he took back over the lead.
With only four miles remaining in the race, K Russell stole the lead away from Duvall. After leading the past six laps, Duvall didn't stop the fight until disaster struck and he ran out of gas on the motocross track. A KTM crew member was quick to help Duvall and he was back on-track before Baylor could catch up.
Duvall rode the next mile until approaching his team members who gave him another quick fill up to get him through the rest of the course. After following Duvall the whole race, K Russell crossed the finish line in a champion fashion, taking his fourth-straight overall win. Duvall and Baylor rounded out the overall podium.
As a result of a rule violation, the overall results from today are provisional and pending approval of additional evidence. R Russell had his best finish of the season where he finished just off the podium in fourth. After getting the holeshot, Strang rounded out the top-five overall.
"It was a good day, I just wasn't flowing at the beginning, those guys gapped me in the first lap and a half and once I got to second I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me, but I just put my head down and kept charging," said K Russell. "I went to work all day, chipped away at it and never gave up. Thad was riding well so it's going to be an interesting rest of the season for sure. These guys are keeping me on my toes and making me strive a little harder so it's time to raise the bar again and it's time to get better.”
XC2 — Toth remains unbeaten
The XC2 250 Pro division saw some of the closest racing action all day. In the end it would be the N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha rider Josh Toth taking his fifth win of the season.
Solid Performance KTM's Jesse Groemm made his way back to the podium in second, and Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Craig Delong worked his way from outside the top ten to round out the overall podium in third.
XC3 — Thomas breaks Edmondson’s win streak
The FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class podium had a shake-up with Jason Thomas taking the top spot on the box. Thomas excelled under pressure from Coastal Racing/Husqvarna and current points leader Jack Edmondson who had to settle for second. SRT/KTM's Mark Heresco Jr. followed in third.
Cody Barnes finished 23rd overall along with his 250 A class win, a result that was good enough to earn him the top amateur honours.
The WXC class made a clean sweep for the overall podium in the 10 a.m. race. Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/Husqvarna's Tayla Jones remains undefeated with five wins. Fly Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/KTM's Becca Sheets and Trail Jesters/KTM's Mackenzie Tricker rounded out the overall podium.
The first race of the day was the 8 a.m. youth division where Zack Davidson took his fifth-straight overall win after chasing down Peyton Whipkey who finished second. Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class winner Michael Beeler Jr. followed with third overall.
The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series resumes May 6 and 7 with the inaugural X-Factor GNCC in Peru, Indiana.
The great thing about International Old Timers motocross is the people it attracks. This group of grandfathers came from all over the west, Colorado, California, Washington and Wyoming. They came to have fun, see old friends and race the 2017 Nevada IOTMX National in Fernley, NV.. What better way for senior citizens to spend their weekends.
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.
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
When Red Bull KTM rider Antonio Cairoli crossed the finish line for his 79th 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.
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..
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.
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
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 6:03PM 
