USA Wins!

FIM ISDE 2023 Argentina | DAY 6 Official Highlights

Sadly We Lost An Original

 

Dave Duarte  1941 – 2023

Hi-Point West

Back in the day Hi-Point West was grand central station for west coast motorcycle racers. They came for sponsorship, product deals or just some friendly advice from general manager Dave Duarte. Dave always had a smile, a pat on the back or an introduction he would make for a rider. Before Alpine Stars they were called HI-Point boots and everybody wore them. Dave had trouble keeping them in stock.  Red Dot tires, Hi-Point clothing  was the gear of choice for many riders.  Dave knew everyone, Hannah, Schultz, Kenny Roberts, Ricky Graham, Brad Lackey, Magoo, Danny Turner, Marty Smith, McKenna, Coupe, Dick Burlson, Carl Cranke and all the Penton clan. Not bad for a kid that grew up on a fruit farm in Loomis, CA. He loved to go to all the industry trade shows and share stories with everyone. Motocross, Supercross, ISDE, Dirt Track, Dave loved them all. He was a fixture at the ISDT for many years. He rode as a support rider for Team USA.

So the farm boy discovers motorcycle racing and is hooked…it’s an old story shared by many. This is the sixties and off-road riding is exploding. Dave is enjoying his new found passion and winning races but life gets in the way. Marriage, five kids, divorce and a stint in the merchant marines adds perspective. Dave was one of the founding members of the Dirt Digger North M/C in Northern CA. He went to work in the motorcycle industry selling accessories and somewhere along the line he met John Penton. Penton West or Hi-Point as it evolved into became Dave’s new home as general manager at the Rancho Cordova, CA location. His energy, winning smile, ideas and passion for the sport made a great impact on the early days of off-road riding and contributed to the sport’s rapid growth.

He will be missed. RIP Dave

Memories

Bruce Young

“With a heavy heart I would like to say "Goodbye" to my dear friend, our friendship started over 55 years ago when I joined the Dirt Digger North Motorcycle Club in 1969. 

Dave was an original charter member and I was amazed at his racing abilities.  A few years later Dave was the manager of Hi Point West in Sacramento, California he hired me to assist in running the business while he was away on his many international trips and many runs to the home office of Penton Motorcycles/ Hi-Point.  It was great times traveling with him to many dealers shows, supercross's as well as many other fun racing events. I had a wonderful time over the 9 years I worked at Hi Point, traveling to these events, he knew everybody, and everyone knew him.  We met with many famous riders who wore Hi Point boots and used our other products.  Bob Hannah, Kenny Roberts, Marty Smith, and Broc Glover where just a few we worked with for many years.  Along with lots of local riders as well and the ISDT team riders as well, Carl Cranke, Jack Penton, Tom Penton just to name a few.  I would be remiss if I did not mention that Dave liked to party and party, we did.  What fun and great times with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Now he is with his Lord, and I hope resting easy.  The last 12 years where very challenging to him. 

What I am going to miss the most is his voice over the phone, about 25 years ago I moved from California to Idaho, and we talked over the phone, sometimes two or, three times a month.  He will be very much missed!!!!”

John Volk

“We lost a great human yesterday. Dave was a great influence on my life as a kid giving me an opportunity to work at High Point Racing in the late 70’s. One of many who helped me be the person I am today. You will be missed. God speed my friend!!!!”

Eric McKenna

“The recent passing of Dave Duarte brought back a few memories.  One that I have that will always stand out, is how while Dave was at Hi-Point Racing he took care of his riders.  I was one of those riders in the mid 1980's when I went to France to race for another company, French of course and would be required to wear the French company's gear.  Dave okayed that while I was there since I was riding for Hi-Point West.  

When I got there and used the new equipment, I found I could tolerate almost everything even though it was inferior equipment to the Hi-Point Products I had been using for several years.  However, The French boots made by that company were so inferior I felt I would be better off riding in my tennis shoes!  It was as if my feet would wrap around the foot peg like a chicken with those boots.  I was panicked and called back to see if I could get a pair of Hi-Point boots sent to me while in another country.  Dave did not hesitate and made sure I got a new pair of boots within a week!  He knew I would be susceptible to injury if he did not make that happen.  I Never forgot, Thank You Dave!”

Larry Hartnett

“Dave helped a lot of racers, top professional and amateurs as well…what I remember most are the great Christmas parties we had at Hi-Point…pitching quarters, telling stories…good times.”

Dave Coupe

"Dave was such a great person. He was the first to teach me about Sponsorships and building relationships in the industry. Dave and Hi-Point were the first people to help me with my racing career. He was always fun to talk to whenever I would run into him at events and of course, there was always stories to share! He taught me a lot about being appreciative of your sponsors and not just looking for free products and handouts. I will miss you Dave."

Danny LaPorte: A Motocross Legend Who Conquered the World

 

Childhood and Early Career:

Born December 3, 1956 in Los Angeles, California, Danny LaPorte spent his childhood immersed in the culture of motocross, a world he would soon dominate. Growing up during the explosive 1970s, LaPorte began riding motorcycles at the turn of the decade, when the sport of motocross was experiencing unprecedented growth. His passion for speed and adventure led him to begin his professional career at just 16 years old, an early sign of the exceptional talent that would characterize his motocross journey.

The Rise with Suzuki:

In 1976, the young talent was noticed by the official Suzuki racing team, who offered him an opportunity that would change his life. Since then, LaPorte has become a prominent figure in the Suzuki team, culminating in 1979 when he captured the prestigious AMA 500cc national championship. His supreme skill and unwavering determination have made him a force to be reckoned with in motocross competition.

International Triumph with Yamaha:

In 1981, LaPorte represented the United States in the Motocross des Nations, contributing to the team's historic triumph. This success marked a landmark moment, proving to the world that American athletes could compete and win internationally in motocross. Driven by a thirst for new challenges, in 1982 LaPorte decided to compete in the world championship, joining the official Yamaha racing team. In a masterstroke, he defeated favorite Georges Jobé, taking home the FIM 250cc world title and leaving an indelible mark on motocross history.

Success in the Desert and International Rally:

After his world championship triumph, LaPorte took his talents to desert racing, winning the legendary Baja 1000 three times as a member of the Kawasaki racing team. In the 1990s, he took on even more demanding challenges, participating in international rally events. In 1992, he achieved a remarkable second place overall in the Paris-Dakar Rally, demonstrating his versatility and indomitable spirit.

Withdrawal and the Connection with History:

Today, Danny resides in Southern California, retaining his competitive spirit. Still occasionally on the tracks, he continues to inspire new generations of motocross enthusiasts. In 2000, his lasting impact was recognized when he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. In 2003, he received another honor, this time as a member of the victorious 1981 Motocross des Nations team, establishing him as an American motocross legend.

Danny, with his extraordinary career and his unwavering determination, remains an icon in the motocross universe, a man who defied boundaries and led his country to victory around the world. His legacy is etched in motocross history and continues to inspire those who aspire to follow in his bold footsteps.

Donato

What Would Heikki Think?

The new Husky lineup is impressive especially their two stroke models. Heikki was a fierce competitor and I think he would be right at home on the new Huskys.

2023 Dubya World Vet Championships

The 2023 Dubya World Vet Championships at Glen Helen is officially in the books. With over 1200 racers coming from 24 different countries racing on a massive Glen Helen National track, this year’s event was truly a memorable adventure for all involved. In this video, MXA’s Trevor Nelson shows the sights and sounds of World Vet weekend with action from the Over-30, Over-40 and Over-50 Pro motos, as well as the Pasha 125 Open motos.

FIM ISDE 2023 Argentina

The ninety-seventh FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE) reached mid-distance with United States maintaining their lead in the FIM World Trophy competition. Sweden further extended their advantage in the FIM Junior World Trophy, while the United States continue to be the nation to beat in the FIM Women’s World Trophy in San Juan, Argentina.

Sexton first day training on his new factory redbull Ktm

Monster Energy Triumph Racing

SUPERCROSS LEGACY - CHAD REED

SX Global addresses rider conduct in World Supercross

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Section: Competition Post: Troy Guenther

'Racing and the integrity, must be paramount, as is rider safety.'

World Supercross Championship (WSX) rights-holder SX Global has released a statement addressing rider conduct within the series following the controversy on display in Abu Dhabi.

The statement outlines penalties that were handed out across the night, the first being to Vince Friese for dangerous riding in WSX race one, the MCR Honda racer notably making a move on Dean Wilson (Fire Power Froth Honda) which brought the latter down.

Penalty two was the disqualification of Mitchell Oldenburg (MCR Honda) for entering the mechanic’s area backwards in WSX final three, while the third penalty was handed to Friese once more, the number three leaving the track and was deemed to gain an advantage.

“As we grow this new FIM World Supercross Championship, racing and the integrity, must be paramount, as is rider safety,” SX Global CEO explained.

“As the promoters of the championship, we want to see hard racing that provides an incredible spectacle for fans and spectators; however, we rely on the FIM and their officials, to implement and enforce the rules to ensure both integrity and safety are always maintained.”

Despite the penalties, Friese was still able to finish the second round of the season third overall, while Oldeburg was 11th on the night after his disqualification from the final premier class race of the program.