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McGrath To Kawasaki...What's This?

McGrath Becomes Kawasaki Brand Ambassador

Reprint from RacerX

Here's news we didn't see coming: Supercross king Jeremy McGrath, who has been working with Honda in a testing and R&D role for nearly ten years now, has a new role with Kawasaki. We hear he'll be a brand ambassador, and you'll see him involved not only in promoting the KX motocross line, but Ninja streetbikes, Mules, ATVs, pretty much the full Kawasaki line.

Unlike his previous role with Honda, this is not a testing role. We've heard quite a bit about Honda redesigning their racing R&D department with considerably more influence from Japan.

McGrath will also be around to work with Kawasaki riders, both amateurs and pros, if they want it.

McGrath rode Hondas to four supercross titles, and he doesn't have much association with Kawasaki. However, he was actually raised as a Team Green amatuer rider and broke into supercross on Kawasakis. His first-ever supercross win came on a KX125 in Las Vegas in 1990.

[Update 5:00 p.m]

Here is the full release from Kawasaki.

Irvine, Calif.– After nearly 25 years, “Showtime” is coming back to Kawasaki.  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced today that Jeremy McGrath has entered into a role as brand ambassador. The seven-time Monster Energy Supercross champion returns to Kawasaki Team Green™ and will promote Kawasaki’s complete product line, including the KX™, Mule™, Ninja®, Jetski® and Teryx® brands.
 
“As the top grass roots racing program in the industry, I am excited to reunite with the team and do everything I can to promote Kawasaki and help all of the Team Green riders,” said McGrath. “During my racing career and even since retirement, I always kept my eye on Team Green for the next stars of our sport. At this stage in my life, giving back to the sport I love is a top priority, and for that I feel Kawasaki is the best fit.”

McGrath earned his first supercross win aboard a Kawasaki KX™125 in 1990 while racing for the prestigious Kawasaki Team Green program. Along with his promotional duties, McGrath will also serve as a mentor to the Kawasaki Team Green and professional factory supported riders, passing along advice from his many years at the top of the sport. 

“Kawasaki is excited to have Jeremy back,” said Kawasaki Director of Marketing Chris Brull. “For him to come back to his roots and begin another relationship with Kawasaki truly is a complement to our products and brand. It is very fitting that Jeremy will join Ryan Villopoto, a four-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion in specific promotions of KX bikes.”

After more than 30 successful years, the idea that launched the program remains the same. Team Green supports riders at all levels and ensure everyone who rides a Kawasaki is part of the Kawasaki family of owners, riders, dealers and technicians spread across the country. With McGrath’s addition to the Kawasaki family, it only strengthens the brand’s reputation for building champions.
 

Matrix Concepts & Arnold Taylor

Matrix Concepts Loses & Honors Founding Partner Arnold Taylor

Learn more about the full line of Matrix Concepts products now at matrixracingproducts.com

In June of 2014, Matrix Concepts lost a key founding, member of its team and a great friend, Arnold Taylor.

Arnold grew up in the Santa Clarita riding motorcycles with childhood friend and Matrix Co-Founder, Eddie Cole. He was one of the first that Eddie, Chad, & Cameron called with the Matrix Concepts Idea. “We knew Arnold was the one that could design innovative products we needed to enter the market.” – Eddie Cole

Arnold was the creator of the product line that launched and propelled our brand into a leadership position. He was a brilliant designer/engineer that understood ever little detail about plastic composite materials, design, and production and is the reason 20 of the top race teams and best riders in the world choose our product. It is safe to say, without Arnold Taylor, there would have never been a Matrix Concepts.

Arnold left behind a loving wife, wonderful kids, both of his parents, and his brother who is also a Matrix partner. As a tribute to honor Arnold, we will introduce a new (AT) design logo and place it on all of our 2015 products.
 It is a tribute to honor a dear friend and designer who left us too soon.

Matrix Concepts has a very bright future because of him. Thank you Arnold (AT) for all you have done, you will forever be missed.

How Cold Is Too Cold To Race?

The temptures were somewhere south of freezing but that did not stop motocrossers from all over showing up to race in Rapid City, SD. Those of us fortunate enough to lived in CA can't really comprehend riding in these conditions even if the track is indoors.

 

  HOLLAND: Motocross racers head inside to play 

Rapid City Journal      November 16, 2014 8:00 pm

Playing outside in the summer is the best, but when the weather turns cold and snowy it’s time to pick up your toys and go inside.

When the winter blast rolled through the region earlier this month, I’d wager motocross racers were only too happy to have the luxury of being able to play year-round, thanks to the 4GMX Indoor Series.

The Nov. 8 series opener at the James Kjerstad Indoor Events Center at the Central States Fairgrounds drew 306 total entries, according to results posted on the 4gmx.com website.

Riders came from all around the region, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado as well as South Dakota to start the five race series just a few days before the above-average weather suddenly went well-below average.

Only four of the 23 classes, based on engine size and rider experience, had fewer than double-digit entries. Eleven of the classes showed 15 or more riders entered, showing the strength of motocross in the region.

I’d say the racing was pretty competitive in the pro classes, with three different riders winning main events. None of the Open A, 250A and 450A winners were able to sweep both their heat race and feature.

Cody Gray of Dacona, Colo., took the 250A win, with Ryan Peters of Mandan, N.D., prevailing in 450A. Greg Hermansen of Rapid City rode a Honda claimed the Open A class finale. Gray and Peters were both aboard Yamahas.

Gracie Van Horn of Sundance, Wyo., swept heat and feature on a Kawasaki in the Women’s Open class and Bo Kasper of Shoshoni, Wyo., rode a KTM in the Vet Open division.

Next event in the series is Dec. 13 at the Kjerstad Center. Heat races start in the morning, with main events starting at 6:30 p.m.

The series continues through the winter with monthly events on Jan. 10, Feb. 14 and March 14.

By then, maybe it’ll be nice enough to go outside and play in the dirt again.

Beach Racing English Style!

I found this race report today from England and it got me to thinking about all the different types of terrain we have to race on in the US. I was a little envious at first when I thought about beach racing but after looking at a few pictures I thought this looks a lot like Sand Hollow UT just without the ocean. I know of a few beaches on the west coast where we could have some great races but I think we all know that is not going to happen. Anyway, this race in England looks to be a lot of fun.

Skegness Standard;

Record breaking year for beach race

The Amateur Motorcycle Association Motocross Beach race took place at the weekend... and broke all records in its five year history.

Rider entries topped 300 for the first time and a record estimated crowd of more than 25,000 spectators flocked to the town.

The racing took place over Saturday and Sunday with clubman, youth, sidecars and quads battling for honours on Saturday and the main adult three-hour endurance race taking place on the Sunday.

General manager of the AMCA Suzanne Potts said: “I am absolutely delighted at the success of the fifth Skegness beach race, it exceeded all our expectations and was well supported both from riders and spectators. The support given from East Lindsey District Council was invaluable – both financial and in general assistance and ensured the event took place this year.

“The warm welcome we receive every year from the Skegness townsfolk ensures riders and visitors alike have a great time.

“This year we also benefited from a high number of local marshal volunteers and we were also assisted by the Riders Division of the local Royal British Legion who assisted with the programme sales - 50p was donated to the British Legion for each programme sold.”

East Lindsey District Council’s portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism Coun Adam Grist said: “This year’s AMCA Beach Race was a record-breaking one both in terms of the number of competitors and spectators, showing the success of this annual event. We are very pleased to be able to host this event and look forward to seeing it grow even more in years to come.

“This is the latest in a string of high-profile sporting events to be held in the district showing that we have much to offer both residents and visitors all year round.

Saturday results

Sidecars: 1. Alan Davies & James Ferguson (3rd time winner), 2. Brian Beresford and passenger, 3. Daniel Lawry and passenger

Quads: 1. Bailey Edwards, 2. Antony Barrett, 3. Oliver Sansom

Clubman: 1. Dan Thornhill, 2. Daniel Wright, 3. Michael Graham

Youth: 1. Jake Edey, 2. Oliver Benton, 3. Callum Green

Vet (40 plus): 1. John Littler, 2. Stephen Smith, 3. Mike Dowson

Vets (50 plus): 1. Carl Smye, 2. Chris Duckworth, 3. Richard Partridge

Sunday results

Main Adult race: 1. Dan Thornhill (did the double as also won on Saturday), 2. Frazer Norrie, 3. James Lassu

Vets (40 plus): 1. Alex Owen, 2. John Littler, 3. Shaun Sabin

RIP Kenny Zahrt

Sadly motocross lost one of our legends today. We just receiveed word that Kenny Zahrt passed today. If you raced in the 70's you probably know the Zahrt name. He made his name on Bultacos and was famous for an incredible ability to get the start. I did not know Kenny but did have the privilege to see him race. Here is a reprint from Dirt Bike Magazine where they knew him well.

"The motocross world lost a true legend with the passing of Kenny Zahrt. KZ made his name racing Bultaco’s, though he won heavy on Ossa, Maico, Montesa, Can-Am’s and Honda’s. An Indian Dunes magician, Zahrt The Dart was one of the first true ‘leapers’ shocking everyone with antics that bordered on madness. These transitioned into a longtime post as a Dirt Bike Magazine test rider where KZ thrilled the staff and the readers of the mag with his incredible jumping skills

Kenny was 59 when he suffered a major stroke and was found at his shop, Haulin’ Zahrt Motosports in Canyon Country, California.

Godspeed Kenny, we will miss you.

The staff of Dirt Bike"

Australian SX Series

FLY Riders Deliver Down Under in Aussie SX Series

November 13, 2014 – Boise, ID – The 2015 Australian Supercross season has come to close and FLY Racing team riders delivered outstanding results in both the SX1 and SX2 classes. Penrite Honda Racing team rider Gavin Faith returned to defend his SX2 title and did just that, capitalizing on a second place finish at the final round to clinch the SX2 title for the second straight time.

Gavin Faith clinched his second SX2 Aussie Supercross title. Photo courtesy of Marc Jones Photography.

In the SX1 class, NPS Monster Kawasaki rider Adam Monea put together and incredible season to finish out the year second in the SX1 title chase. "The result is a real credit to Adam. He showed a lot of skill and experience for somebody who hasn't raced SX for four years. We're very pleased to finish this series on the podium ….,” said NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team manager, Troy Carroll.

Congratulations and well wishes go out to Jay Marmont for an outstanding racing career. The eight-time Australian champion, and Penrite Honda Racing team rider, has confirmed his retirement from racing after finishing ninth place in the SX1 series. “That definitely wasn’t the way I wanted to bow out,” Marmont said. “It was an up and down night but that is just the way it goes. It is confirmed that I am retiring but I will not be leaving the sport all together.”

To browse FLY Racing’s full line-up of professional motocross equipment and casual wear, visit www.flyracing.com.

--------------------------------------------

Fly teams up with Husky

FLY Racing Signs Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna Team

November 13, 2014 – Boise, ID – FLY Racing is proud to announce it has signed the Rockstar Racing/Husqvarna team to a multiyear deal to promote its professional motocross racewear. Team riders Martin Davalos, Zach Osborne, and Zach Bell will compete in the Supercross and outdoor Pro Motocross series wearing FLY Racing’s Evolution, Kinetic and Lite Hydrogen racewear lines.

FLY Racing CEO Craig Shoemaker had this to say about the new relationship: “We are happy to be a part of such a professional program with such good people and riders. We’re excited to see what this team and these riders can do this year, and we look forward to them winning some races in 2015 for the FLY Racing brand.”

Photo: Courtesy of Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna. (L – R: Zach Bell, Martin Davalos, Zach Osborne)

Watch for Team Rockstar Husqvarna riders when they line up on the gate at round one of the 2015 Supercross series, which begins on January 3rd, at Anaheim Stadium in California.

To browse FLY Racing’s full line-up of professional motocross equipment and casual wear, visit www.flyracing.com. 

About FLY Racing

Established in 1998, FLY Racing is one of the fastest growing off road motorcycle riding apparel and hard part brands in the powersports industry. FLY Racing develops quality products for the competitive North American market and is distributed worldwide in 40+ countries. In the United States, FLY Racing products are distributed exclusively by Western Power Sports (WPS).

Free AMA MX Tickets!

Veterans Eligible for Free AMA MX Tickets

Courtesy of MX Sports Pro Racing

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

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The entire motocross community would like to thank the individuals who have served, as well as those who are currently serving, to protect our freedom in America.

In honor of Veteran's Day, MX Sports Pro Racing and the National Promoter's Group (NPG) are proud to announce the continuation of an initiative with the Veteran Tickets Foundation, where active and retired military veterans will once again have the opportunity to attend any round of the 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, at no cost.

For 2015, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross has donated 50 General Admission tickets for each of the 12 rounds of the Nationals to the Vet Tix foundation. Tickets will be available to all military veterans two weeks prior to each event through VetTix.org.

"The donation of free tickets has dramatically widened the range of ways that veterans can relax, enjoy themselves, share smiles with their families and loved ones, and for some, be re-integrated into civilian life," said CEO and Founder of Vet Tix Michael Focareto.

Major sports franchises from Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, National Football League, and National Hockey League have also partnered with Vet Tix, as have World Wrestling Entertainment and Professional Bull Riders. Lucas Oil Pro Motocross was one of the first prominent motorsports properties in the country to offer this one-of-a-kind service to all veterans of the armed services and is proud to enter its fourth year of partnership with the nonprofit organization.

Vet Tix, based in Phoenix, is a national nonprofit organization that provides free tickets to veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families. The concept of Vet Tix was developed in 2008 by U.S. Navy veteran Michael Focareto. Since then, the organization has given away more almost 1.2 million tickets to veterans nationwide.

All active and retired military veterans can create an account on VetTix.org to receive emails and reminders about when Lucas Oil Pro Motocross tickets become available. More information about Vet Tix can be found at VetTix.org.

The 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off Saturday, May 16, with the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Sacramento, California. The world's best riders will compete over the course of 12 rounds of action on the most renowned motocross tracks in the country. Tickets will go on sale series-wide beginning on Monday, November 24. Stay tuned for special promotions and discounts throughout the holiday season.

For additional information, please visit our new URL ProMotocross.com and LIKE the Pro Motocross Facebook page and follow @ProMotocross on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.

Review 'Any Sunday' sequel rides in as energetic eye candy

LA Times

Nov. 6, 2014

Bruce Brown's 1971 Oscar-nominated documentary "On Any Sunday" celebrated motorcycle racers and enthusiasts (like Brown himself) in the immersive manner of his noteworthy surf movie, "The Endless Summer"

 

Now his son Dana (of "Step Into Liquid" fame), clearly intent on updating Dad's work, has directed and narrated "On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter," a high-energy sequel spotlighting two-wheel passion around the world, including motocross champs (James Stewart), daredevils (Robbie Maddison) and the international stars of the global MotoGP circuit (Marc Marquez).

The movie zips from place to race — the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Pikes Peak hill climb, a crazy off-road competition in Austria — with the attention span of someone over-juiced on Red Bull, whose logo is emblazoned everywhere because the company's media arm produced the movie. As lifestyle flicks go, it's energetic eye candy, with the Ultra HD slo-mo, slick aerial views and thumb-size cams putting a 21st century stamp on the original film's POV innovations.

But over-editing too often disrupts the flow of the more beautiful shots, and some engaging personalities, like deaf racer Ashley Fiolek, get short shrift in an effort to sell motorcycles as a community builder and even a tool for bringing healthcare to remote regions of Africa.

"Next Chapter" may not exhibit the scrappy charm that characterized the first film's glimpse into a marginalized but colorful world, but for devotees, Dana Brown has assembled a love letter to a now-global culture.

"On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter."

Rated PG for perilous action, crashes, brief language.