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The fourth and final round of the Italian Motocross Championship is in the books. This final round took place in the town of San Severino and it was thought that Aprilia rider Josh Coppins would be the man to beat. It did not turn out that way, though, as Coppins had technical issues which kept him from finishing high enough to take the Championship. That honor went to Davide Guarneri for 2010. Take the link to learn more...
http://tinyurl.com/yak9drr
Husaberg has two rider competing in the Spanish Enduro Championship, Oriol Mena in E3 and Xavi Galindo in E2. When the flag fell in the E3 category, Mena was second in the race and fourth overall for the weekend. Galindo had similar luck, but he could not get to the podium slot in time and finished in fourth. Overall, Husaberg was happy with the results when the severely wet weather in taken into account.
http://tinyurl.com/yhmhdod
Italian Motocross Championship Results & Spanish Enduro Championship Husaberg-Style
AMA Taking Applications for Utah WSBK & AMA California Hillclimb
That's right, the AMA is taking applications for qualified racers to take a wild-card position at the Miller Motorsports Park round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship. The event will take place over 29 - 31 May 2010 in Utah. The deadline is 23 April 2010, so get yours in soon! The AMA will choose two riders each for World Superbike and World Supersport, with Infront Motorsports choosing two more for Superbike and 10 more for Supersport. For the details, please see the press release after the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yhwyhep
The AMA California Championship Hillclimb starts this weekend at the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area - that's this Saturday and Sunday at the off-road park, which is near the town of Tracy. The details are about all you will find after the link, but you get all you need there too.
http://tinyurl.com/yjvmpoh
South African Kalahari 400 & Speed Dating
The Kalahari 400 is one event in the South African Off-Road Motorcycle and Quad series. Currently, the season is going well, but the championship is still wide open. This next event, held 19 - 20 March 2010 in the Vryburg area, will be one which the current leaders may have some trouble with. It's simply that this race is very tough and anyone who has the endurance has a chance at the win. For all the news, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yd3wohp
Road Racer X's 'Speed Dating' column comes to us again this week, so let's have a look. First up are birthdays: Chad Reed, Robert Pandya, Simone Sanna, Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, Peter Clifford, Johan Stigefelt, Tomoyoshi Koyama, John Kocinski, and Hitoyasu Izutsu. Also of importance, Moto Guzzi was formed this week in 1921 and Mike Hailwood won the\his second 500cc USGP riding MV Agusta at Daytona.
http://tinyurl.com/yb3po9a
The San Felipe 250 Race Has Started!
Down in the well-known haunt of Baja California, at least for off-road racers, the San Felipe 250 will have started by now. The race itself was started this morning and Honda and Kawasaki are competing for the win in the open pro motorcycle class. Honda has dominated the Baja off-road racing world for many years now - can upstart Kawasaki - who does have a few veteran Baja racers - take a win from this very experienced team? Well, only the race action will tell us one way or another...so, pay attention and watch it if you are able!
http://tinyurl.com/yenj7xj
More Morning Moto News - Oceania MX & Marouane Bembli
The Australian contingent at the Oceania Motocross Championships managed to turn in a very impressive race performance which saw them win the title at the event. New Zealand was their main competition, but the Kiwis did not have all of the racers finish on the podium and thus gave the event to their Aussie neighbors. Oz won by a mere 18 points, but the results looked rather better for them than NZ.
http://tinyurl.com/ygja2xj
Marouane Bembli has created a concept motorcycle which was inspired by the insipid "Transformers" movie, but the bike looks much more Batbike than something Megan Fox would ride. In fact, it even has the long and low look of the Bat-machine from the new Batman films. Take a look for yourself, though there is precious little information on the bike anywhere as of yet.
http://tinyurl.com/yzp2mt2
Sunday Afternoon Moto News - AMA Supercross & GNCC Results
At Daytona Bike Week, attendees have the chance to experience just about any form of motorcycling they wish to. Of course, the racing is one of the more important items on anyone's list, and the AMA Supercross race is always a good choice for entertaining racing with some of the world's best off-road racers. In this round, class rookie Ryan Villopoto. He led the race from start to finish on his Monster Kawasaki, dominating the proceedings. In the Supercross Lites East, Christophe Pourcel conquered the 250cc class.
http://tinyurl.com/ykcozj5
Well, you might get to read the article...it depends on whether you can load the page or not. However, at least we know that the winner of the recent AMA GNCC round is Josh Strang.
http://tinyurl.com/yhcwnlp
Thursday Afternoon Moto News - Steve Rapp Interview & Day in the Dirt
Yep, we get ourselves an interview with one of the fastest riders in the Daytona 200 practice, Steve Rapp. Just a few weeks ago he was at home with no ride. The Latus Ducati team signed him up and put him on their 848 machine and he took the reins and ran with it. So, what has he been up to? How does he see the 2010 AMA Pro Racing season? Well, take the link and read about it!
http://tinyurl.com/yaylhgh
For the 13th time, the Day in the Dirt race - they say 'the Burning Man of off-road racing' - was held back around Thanksgiving of last year. Too bad this is the first report from this year's even that I have seen. The author takes part with thanks to Troy Lee Designs, sponsor of the event, and gets to ride with some legends of the sport. The best part of the entire race, though, is that FUN is of utmost importance - everyone should have a great time while competing! Take the link and enjoy the story...
http://tinyurl.com/y9admlh
MORE Afternoon Moto News - AMA Supercross Results & Ducati Multistrada 1200
The AMA Supercross Championship held a round in Atlanta this past weekend, but I have yet to post any results from the event. So, now I am addressing that oversight and have placed a link to the results below. Suzuki's Ryan Dungey is again in the points lead for the title. He won the race, and his closest competition in the points, Ryan Villopoto crashed hard while trying to catch him. Dungey is in first overall with Josh Hill and Villopoto in second and third.
http://tinyurl.com/yjjnznm
Well, we will have to buy the weekly in order to get our hands on the full test, but we do have a nice preview available on the MCN (UK) website on the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200. They seem to believe that this bike will change its category and motorcycling in general forever. I am not so sure about that, but it may certainly challenge the big players in the adventure motorcycle class - KTM and BMW. At least you can take a look at the preview video and an another article or two on the new machine.
http://tinyurl.com/ye8kx3f
Another riding impression: http://tinyurl.com/ya6s9u9
Another video: http://tinyurl.com/y8z4to9
MORE Afternoon Moto News - Jessica Patterson & MotoCzysz in the Movies
Jessica Patterson has now signed with DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing/Yamaha for the 2010 WMA season. Patterson is currently ranked number 2 in the world of women's motocross, so the team has accomplished a real coup to get her on-board their machines. She will be riding on a Yamaha and will most certainly be a factor in every AMA Motocross event this year.
http://tinyurl.com/yask7te
In the upcoming release (maybe remake?) "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", you will see both a Ducati Desmosedici and the MotoCzysz C1 competing against each other. I am not sure, but even Michael Czysz might make an appearance in the film as he rides the C1 in the film for the movie. For a little more detail and a linked video preview of the film, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/ydukvht
More Afternoon Moto News - Electric Motorcycles & Asian Motocross Championship Series
First up, we have a report on what experts believe will be the sales volume of electric motorcycles. The word is that they expect some 466,000,000 to be on the road by the year 2016. It is a very interesting read and it is a good read for someone interested in forecasting the future of our industry. Of course, there are still the doubters - in fact, someone recently called the "green movement" and electric motorcycles a fad! What an idiot!
http://tinyurl.com/yj64yqc
In the Philippines, at the Sta. Monica International Racetrack in Puerto Princesa City (Palawan), the 2010 FIM Asian Motocross Championship Series will start on 21 February 2010. This is the seventh straight start at this location and it will bring out the best motocross riders from all over eastern Asia. The rules are a little different there, but it is very much worth following!
http://tinyurl.com/yazltbb
Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - Kawasaki for the Cure & 250 MX Shootout
The Kawasaki Moto Marathon for the Cure was run in conjunction with the Anaheim III round of the AMA Supercross event, which was also themed with Breast Cancer Awareness, last weekend. It was a 24-hour event where riders were trained on off-road skills of all kinds for as long as they needed or wanted instruction. Participants were offered the classes for free as long as they made a donation to the San Diego Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. 75 riders attended and more than US$2500 was raised from just their donations! It is a long story, so please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yjnx58d
MotorcycleUSA has just wrapped up a test of all the popular 250cc motocross bikes - minus the Suzuki RM-Z250, which was unavailable for the test. They did test the 2010 Honda CRF250R, Kawasaki KX250F, KTM 250 SX-F and Yamaha YZ250F and came home with some results. To find out who won what and which machine is the best for MX riding and racing, please read the article after the link. (It looks like Big Red has done it again...)
http://tinyurl.com/yzlovnf
Sunday Afternoon Moto News - Anaheim III Supercross
The third and final AMA Supercross race in Anaheim, California, went off yesterday and may have changed a few things. First of all Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto took the victory in a convincing way by leading the entire race. Second place was Yamaha man Josh Hill. In the Western Lites class, Honda-mounted Trey Canard proved himself worthy by taking the victory and moving into second place overall. In the premier class, Suzuki's Ryan Dungey has now welcomed another rider into a tie for first place - and that would be Josh Hill. For a cool video wrap-up and more information, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/y92awd2
Evening Moto News - Husqvarna Announces US$11 Million Contingency Program
A significant amount of money - especially considering how little money is out of the hands of Wall Street now - US$11 Million for racing contingency from Husqvarna will be available in 2010. It does seem that BMW is really banking on this marque, and who can complain about that? They make excellent machines. It is huge, so for all of the details, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/ydbw8uq
More Evening Moto News - Boca Concours & Gas Gas EC250
MORE Morning Moto News - Dennis Manning & Husqvarna TXC250
Apparently, the author of the linked piece managed to grab an interview with Dennis Manning at the Easyriders Show in California. For over 30 years, Manning has worked at achieving record speeds on the Bonneville Salt Flats - he has won and he has lost. But, him and his rider, Chris Carr, now hold the absolute top speed record in a streamlined motorcycle. For all of your fun and knowledge, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yk9dtds
The Husqvarna TXC250 is billed as a “hybrid motocross/enduro model" - equally at home on a MX track or in the desert expanses or cross-country areas around you. It is light and powerful, well-balanced and full of new tech. It is an incredibly impressive mount and is worth considering if you are looking for a Lites-type bike which you can also ride off the MX track.
http://tinyurl.com/yl7dcj8
Even More Afternoon News - Doug Henry, Dylan Heaton & Fiat Yamaha
First of all, we hear that Doug Henry has taken a Bronze Medal at the X Games - as if he has not already done enough. He stood on the podium of the inaugural Adaptive SnoCross event at the 14th Winter X Games in Aspen riding a Yamaha FX Nytro snowmobile! He was the only paraplegic competing in the event and he still out did more able-bodied riders. The man is a legend!
http://tinyurl.com/yhyvkcv
In Australia, the Dirt Bike Promotions (DBP) Stadium Motocross Series attracted over 300 riders to compete in the events held at Bathhurst Showgrounds. In the end, young Dylan Heaton was victorious and took the overall win. He was up against older riders, but still held his own. It is a good read...
http://tinyurl.com/yg6je6j
And, over at Yamaha Motor Co., the promotions department has put together a teaser video based on the upcoming (Thursday, 4 February) Fiat Yamaha unveiling. They will be displaying the new livery which will grace the MotoGP machines of Rossi and Lorenzo at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia. They will then attend to the official MotoGP test at that location this coming weekend.
http://tinyurl.com/ygug5yc
More Afternoon Moto News - AMA Arenacross, AHRMA at Daytona & Sturgis
The AMA Arenacross series will be returning to Kansas City for its fourth round this coming weekend. It is shaping up to be a competitive season in the Championship; well, except for Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers who is dominating the racing so far this year. For more details, you know what to do...
http://tinyurl.com/yafnqoe
The AHRMA has just released their schedule of events for the 2010 Daytona Bike Week event in Florida. The event will be held 26 February to 6 March. The list of events is rather interesting as it spreads the AHRMA events over the entire week; that means that, if you want to see them all, you have to be there all week. So, make your plans to attend now; though, it may be too late to get local accommodations...
http://tinyurl.com/yd83pkb
They are already aware of their status as you can tell by the name (which is just not right, somehow) - maybe the owner has a huge ego? The Legendary Buffalo Chip is getting ready for the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota. It is the 70th anniversary (just like the H-D 100th, it is not completely true), so there will be a huge line-up. For all of that information, take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/ycj3ytg
Evening Moto News - Suzuki Announces Contingency Program
The Suzuki contingency program is valued at US$2.2 Million and will go to riders of Suzuki's 2008 and newer RM85, RM-Z250, and RM-Z450 motorcycles purchased new at a dealership. The details of this program are available after the link. It looks like Suzuki is still doing OK even in this very sad economy - that is VERY good news! Go Suzuki!
http://tinyurl.com/ycfhw3h
More Afternoon Moto News - MSR Releases New Line-up & Victory Vegas Limited Edition
At the recent AMA Supercross event in Anaheim, California, MSR used the race to show off a line of motorcycle apparel which they will sell in 2011. Riders Kevin Windham and Nick Wey were sporting the gear at the event, but only some of the items which will be available. The MSR company is well-known for producing excellent off-road riding gear and it seems like they will only be upping their reputation when this new equipment starts being sold to the public.
http://tinyurl.com/yc7jzw8
Victory has released details on the 2010 Vegas Limited Edition which was debuted at the New York Cycle World International Motorcycle Show. It is the quickest bike that Victory has ever made with the 106/6 engine fitted with Stage 2 cams; that brings it to 97 hp and 113 ft-lb of torque. Only 100 of the US$15,999 motorcycle will be made in Fire Ball Red, Competition Yellow, Pearl White or Turbo Silver.
http://tinyurl.com/ylbqedb
Afternoon Moto News - Yamaha YZ450F & Honda CRF250R
We have all heard the various reports on the new for 2010 Yamaha YZ450F. Well, we finally have a test on the machine - outside of just watching James Stewart - and it is presented here by Cycle World. Of course, the changes made to the engine and chassis do make a difference, and the bike is much stronger on the start. So, how does it handle? Well, take the link and learn for yourself.
http://tinyurl.com/yf569q3
And, the 2010 Honda CRF250R is the first 250c.c. motocrosser to have fuel injection. The bike itself is almost 100% new - from the ground up, minus the tires, wheels and some buts and bolts. The fuel injection has not even added to the weight - it weighs the same as the 2009 model. How does all of this work together? Again, it is best that you read it from the source.
http://tinyurl.com/ybtam7h