Which Supercross Stars are the Best at Key Skills?

Who's the best passer? The best in the whoops? Find out in this gallery of the riders in action.

By Words: Aaron Hansel Photos: Garth Milan on 25 January 2016

You have to be a talented and well-rounded rider if you want to race pro supercross, but there are some areas where certain riders excel and stand above the rest. Here are some great shots of the masters at work.

Passing: 250 SX

Cooper Webb is an incredible rider, but his starts aren’t always the best, frequently forcing him to come through the field. Fortunately for him he’s extremely aggressive and wastes no time making passes. Whether he’s got six inches or six feet, or if he’s in the air or on the ground, he moves to the front in a hurry.

 

Ken Roczen slips past Jacob Weimer © Garth Milan for RedBull.com

Passing: 450SX

Like Webb, Ken Roczen is one of the most amazing talents racing today. Unfortunately he hasn’t been getting great starts so far this year and has had to fight through the pack. But if there’s one positive, it’s that he gets to show off how proficient he is at cleanly picking guys off, a skill that has kept his season alive so far.

Qualifying

Christophe Pourcel is a mystery. He can be fast enough to win on one day and finish outside the top 15 the next. There’s just no predicting which Pourcel will show up on race day. One thing you can always rely on though is his ridiculous speed in qualifying — he’ll go from rolling jumps to setting the fastest lap out of nowhere!

Fitness

Jason Anderson, who trains under the legendary Aldon Baker, never fades. In fact, sometimes it seems like he gets even faster as the race progresses, like he did at the opener when he smoked the field to take his first 450SX win. It doesn’t matter how long a race is, Anderson will be just as fast on the final lap — if not faster — as he is on the first.

Eyes on the prize: Ryan Dungey is always on point © Garth Milan for RedBull.com

Focus

There’s a reason Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey is frequently referred to as The Terminator — the dude is a machine! Unlike many of his fellow racers, Dungey almost never crashes and big mistakes are extremely rare. In San Diego he used his laser focus to execute 20 flawless laps and win, despite heavy pressure from veteran Chad Reed.

Holeshot boss Jessy Nelson © Garth Milan for RedBull.com

Starts

The start is half the race, and that’s especially true in supercross where there’s just not much room to make quick passes. Even if you’re the fastest guy, you can’t afford to let someone run away with a lead while you’re stuck in the pack. Fortunately for Jessy Nelson, he’s an incredible starter, and runs away from the pack more often than getting stuck in it.

James Stewart: Wrote the book of Scrubs © Garth Milan for RedBull.com

Scrubs

These days the scrub is a standard tool in a racer’s bag of supercross tricks, but nobody stays low and gets back on the ground faster than Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart. Of course, this should come as no surprise, seeing as how Stewart himself invented the move. Need proof? Check out Stewart’s signature style, complete with slow-mo.

Whoops

Not all whoops are the same, but it’s common for them to be spaced roughly six-to-eight feet apart, peak to peak, and they’re always substantially higher than your knee. Drop a front wheel in them and you’re going over the bars! Good thing that title contender Eli Tomac is one of the best in the biz when it comes to blasting through these treacherous obstacles.

Pirelli Announces New Tire Promotion for Monster Energy Supercross Race Fans

Rome, GA.– Pirelli is proud to announce the launch of a special promotion for Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, fans nationwide. Within 30 days of attending select Monster Energy Supercross events, fans purchasing a set (a front and a rear) of Pirelli Scorpion motorcycle tires in any combination and providing proof of attendance, and proof of purchase, may be eligible to receive a Pirelli-branded Leatherman™ Wingman® by mail.

“We wanted to put together a special promotion to reward Pirelli’s supercross fans and believed the Leatherman Wingman was the perfect fit,” said Chet Plewacki, Pirelli Marketing Director, Moto. “Having used the Wingman myself, it’s incredibly versatile and something Pirelli fans will be excited about.”

This is the perfect time to ride and race on the same high-performance Pirelli Scorpion motocross tires found on the Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamahas of Justin Barcia, Weston Peick and Phil Nicoletti, BTO/Sports/WPS KTMs of Davi Millsaps, Andrew Short and Justin Brayton, and countless other teams and riders competing at the highest level.

Eligible Supercross Events
January 16 – San Diego
January 23 – Anaheim, Calif.
February 20 – Arlington, Texas
February 27 – Atlanta
April 2 – Santa Clara, Calif.
April 30 – East Rutherford, N.J.

To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires and to find a dealer near you, please click here.

Offer valid between January 16 and May 31, 2016, only for legal residents of the 50 United States and individual consumers of the District of Columbia. For official terms and conditions please visit www.pirelli.com/usmotopromo.

Pirelli Introduces All-New SCORPION MX32 PRO Motocross Tire

Provides Increased Range of Versatility for All Skill Level of Riders

SAN DIRGO, CA – January 17, 2016  –  Pirelli introduced today its latest motocross tire offering with the unveiling of the all-new SCORPION™ MX32™ PRO rear motocross tire. The debut took place inside Petco Park, the site of the second round of the 2016 Monster Energy Supercross series. Race-winning BTO Sports/WPS/KTM racer Andrew Short, who played an instrumental role in the development of the MX32 PRO, was on-hand to provide a glimpse into the on-track testing and development that went into the new tire that boasts an incredible range of versatility for riders of all skill levels.

In addition to Short, Pirelli-supported race teams, test riders and engineers spent countless hours developing the new MX32 PRO before unveiling the design that provides maximum performance and durability. Whether it’s recreation or competition, wet or dry, the MX32 PRO is sure to outshine the competition.

“The entire Pirelli team has put an extensive amount of time into the development of the new MX32 PRO rear tire,” said Pirelli motocross tire technical specialist, Doug Schopinsky. “The end result is a highly versatile tire that performs extremely well in a variety of conditions and across a wide range of skillsets.”

Boasting larger block sizes, or “knobs”, the MX32 PRO increases the tread contact area and improves durability on both MidSoft and MidHard soil types. Large void area between the tread pitches assures good self-cleaning. Modified side knobs feature “dimples” to optimize lean angle grip and stability for maximum traction and control in turns. Casing depressions, including the iconic Scorpion mark, increase plant and ride comfort, while the tread spacing and crown radius profile broaden the range usage.

The MX32 Pro rear tire will be available in 110/90-19 (MSRP $139.89) and 120/80-19 (MSRP $145.07) sizes and hits authorized Pirelli tire dealers on April 1, 2016.

To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit click here.

ABOUT PIRELLI

Founded in 1872, Pirelli is among the largest global tire makers, and focuses its business on the high end, premium product segment where it is a world leader. Present in over 160 countries, Pirelli has 22 manufacturing sites and employs approximately 38,000 people around the world. Successfully competing in motorsports since 1907, Pirelli is currently the exclusive supplier of the Formula 1 championship, the Superbike world championship, and many other championships around the world.

Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) services NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) member countries through its Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) facility and research and development center at its Rome, Georgia headquarters, its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Silao, Mexico and its New York City, Montreal and Mexico City sales and marketing offices. The company manufactures, distributes and markets original equipment and replacement tires for export and domestic car/motorcycle applications (US, CA, MX) and Agro/Heavy Truck platforms (MX).

 

Paramedic honored for saving life at motocross track

Paramedic Honored

Paramedic Brittany Wilcox hugs Samie Patterson, 12, as Chris Patterson smiles during a presentation honoring Wilcox on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the Bi-County Ambulance Service office in Yuba City. Wilcox helped stabilize Matt Patterson, 49, who collapsed during an Oct. 3 motocross race at the MMX Racing track in Linda.

 By Chris Kaufman/ckaufman@appealdemocrat.com Appealdemocrat.com

"I was there and just doing my job," said Brittany Wilcox, honored for her work in saving the life of a man injured in a motorcycle race.

She added she's shy and doesn't seek attention.

"This is what we do for a living," she said.

Wilcox, a paramedic with Bi-County Ambulance Service, received an award Wednesday for helping stabilize Matt Patterson, who collapsed during a vintage motocross race at the MMX Racing track in Linda.

The Sierra-Sacramento Valley Emergency Medical Services Agency, which certifies paramedics, honored Wilcox during the Yuba/Sutter Emergency Medical Care Committee meeting at the Bi-County Ambulance Service offices in Yuba City.

Wilcox was by herself when she arrived at the patient's side during the Oct. 3 race — her partner was treating another patient for a shoulder injury on the other side of the track.

Being in the middle of a race, the scene was chaotic, and Patterson, 49, of Granite Bay, was unconscious.

Wilcox asked the race be stopped because she didn't have another crew person to treat additional patients, if another incident were to occur.

"Paramedic Brittany Wilcox showed exemplary skill and remained calm in a very chaotic environment," said Shawndel Meder, Rideout Regional Medical Center base hospital program manager.

Patterson's wife, Chris Patterson, and her daughter, Samie, 12, were in town for the award ceremony. Matt Patterson and their son TJ, 14, were unable to attend.

"The fact that the hospital was so close was very fortunate because many of these races happen in remote areas," said Chris Patterson, who added the entire family rides motocross, and she raced earlier that day.

"Rideout staff were very helpful and determined that he needed to go to UC Davis for more extensive treatment," Patterson said. "Brittany came out and talked with us afterwards at the hospital, which was great."

Patterson said her husband was admitted on Oct. 3 after the accident and transported to UC Davis later that day and walked out after being discharged on Oct. 6.

After meeting with doctors at UC Davis, she said, a blood clot was likely the cause of the collapse.

"We're an active family, and we're very grateful," Patterson said.

She said her husband plans to continue racing. "We don't live our lives as a solo act; we're part of a community."

Patterson said she reached out to Wilcox on Facebook, and the two have become close. They had their nails done together and have gone for coffee too.

"In your life, you come across some people who have an extra element of compassion," Patterson said of Wilcox. "She has that and had the presence of mind to handle the situation and later to came to visit with me, hug me and talk to my kids right after the accident at the hospital."

Alex Bumpus, executive vice president of Bi-County Ambulance Service, said he's very proud of Wilcox's efforts.

"All her training and experience has paid off — it's a big deal," Bumpus said. "When someone comes back from something like that, it's amazing."

Bikes At Dakar 2016

Enjoy all the two-wheel thrills from the Dakar

Watch the best of the action from the bikes

The 2016 Dakar Rally gave us a first-time winner in the form of Australian rider Toby Price, who built on his impressive 2015 debut – when he finished third – to take a magnificent victory in Argentina.

The Red Bull KTM Factory rider won five stages on his way to a commanding victory, heading up a podium that included Stefan Svitko and Pablo Quintanilla.

As a racer you always hope and dream that this is what’s going to happen, for my second attempt at Dakar I never thought this was going to be possible.

– Toby Price

HRC Dakar 2106 Recap

Since Team HRC returned to the world’s toughest off-road competition in 2013, outright victory has remained elusive. The team’s endeavour to accomplish this mission in 2017 begins right away

Chad Reed Pushing The Age Barrier!

#22 Looked pretty good last night on his return to Yamaha. Has he got a championship in him...probaly not but he is fun to watch.

Reprint From MXVice

Vice Viewpoint: Chad Reed

 

Many people in the industry can empathise with Reed – our own James Burfield is one of those…

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Reading the recent announcement from Chad Reed, regarding the closure of TwoTwo Motorsports, not many will understand the personal sacrifices that he and his family had to make.

From 2013 until the end of 2014 I, James Burfield, had my own team, as some of you may know, which gave me a real valid insight into what goes on on the other side of the fence. I’m a great believer in sticking to your strengths, something that I have always championed since day one with everything I have been involved in. My mechanical skill reaches cleaning an air filter and my riding style would fit into the junior group, so asking me for line choice or whether we should be running a part would be absolutely pointless. I do know about marketing, digital, awareness, branding, social media for people, brands and companies of all shapes and sizes and I’m good at talking.

So when I teamed up with a team of engine tuners with a prolific car tuning business behind them, as well as resources and contacts, it was decided I should stick to what I was good at and concentrate on sponsorship and promoting the team. Let’s just say that story ended with three riders quitting at the end of round two of the British Championship. It’s also worth noting that, in life, there are two sides to every story and I’m sure I was to blame for everything if you hear the other side – that’s just how it goes.

I was left with a choice after three months of having a team. Both quit and watch three riders struggle through the rest of the year after selling them the dream, or support this with my own money personally and from our family business. I chose to support the guys and burnt through fifty thousand pounds in one year from April to October.

I’m sure you are all sat there thinking about what you could be spending your fifty thousand pounds on right now? That’s a few holidays, a nice car and some great nights out. I’m sure there are a few team owners reading this with some agreeing and others saying that’s peanuts compared to what I put in. For me I’m a man of my word and the only thing you have in life is that, so to not fulfill that would take away everything I stand for.

I’m thankful for my family who stepped in and said we’ll support you, because without them and Talon Engineering it would have been pretty difficult to run a race team on my salary!

What I didn’t envisage was the financial burden on my family and the emotional drain. I had a one year old child and for the next six months I spent every hour working on trying to keep current sponsors happy by working hard digitally on social and raising awareness, and also trying to find new ones that would benefit from our programme. It was tough and looking back I have no idea how I was able to get through it, I guess you don’t know how strong you are until you are put in these situations.

Having to balance a team, marriage, three businesses, three kids and a team of riders who all had their needs was tough. It was way too much for me and if it wasn’t for Rob Boseley stepping up and helping out for those two years, I don’t know how I would have got through it. So that was fifty thousand pounds on those two years and, with a few new issues in 2014, let’s just say I had tiny insight into what Chad Reed had to get through.

Now multiply the investment to five million a year with a team of employees, three kids, a wife and a worldwide brand. You’re also the rider who is tasked with getting the results and running in the most watched series in the world, with everything you do being in the public spotlight. Plus over a million fans want a piece of you and a further two million bench racers are all giving an insight into why you are losing it. Quite frankly, I have no idea how he was able to run for five years.

I would like to say I loved having a team and enjoyed it, but it was one of the hardest and unrewarding things I have done to date (a series is a close second). You will never win the game and the emotional rollercoaster is not for the faint hearted.

So Chad Reed, I salute you, as someone who had one percent of the sh*t you have had I understand how you are feeling right now, the dent your pride would have taken by having to let go to something you believed in and wanted to make a difference with.

It will take time for Chad to transition, but making sure the family comes first and you continue to have the lifestyle you have worked your ass off for comes way above having your own team. It’s good to have a strong woman next to you to guide you through these things, something I can relate to.

Words: James Burfield | Image: James Lissimore

Honda in Bolivia... Stage 7

Team HRC keeps options wide-open in Bolivia as a lightning Paulo Gonçalves claims 7th stage honours. Epic stage finish for Joan Barreda, who breaks handlebars in a fall and yet fights on to retain leadership

Stage 6 Dakar 2016

Dakar Stage 5

All five Team HRC bikes made it through the marathon stage which started out in the Argentine city San Salvador de Jujuy and finished in Uyuni, Bolivia. Paulo Gonçalves remains at the head of the overall standings with Barreda fourth.