Inside MotoX and Off Road

2011 Holiday Buyers' Guide!

2011-12-07T09:01:00.001-05:00

Great gift ideas for the MX enthusiasts on your Christmas and Holiday list. Click on the image below to see the entire flip book on your computer.

Click to launch the full edition in a new window

Come visit us at the Toronto Motorcycle Show this weekend (December 9 - 11) and keep an eye out for the newest issue of Inside MotoX & Off Road magazine.

KTM Canada adds National #2 Dusty Klatt to powerful MX1 Team

2011-12-01T17:27:00.001-05:00

From KTM Canada

Just weeks after the announcement that National #1 Colton Facciotti would join the orange squad, KTM Canada is excited to report the signing of National #2 Dusty Klatt. With this 1-2 duo headlining the KTM MX1 squad, the team looks forward to battling for moto wins and ultimately working hard to earn KTM Canada their first Canadian MX1 Championship.

Dusty is a proven champion in Canada. “I feel he has what it takes to win again in 2012. I am sure at round #1 Dusty will be ready to put that 450 SX-F on the podium,” said KTM Racing Manager Andy White.

As a two-time Canadian National MX1 Champion and a former two-time MX2 West title holder, Klatt knows what it takes to win. With a new bike and a new set of challenges ahead, the Campbell River, BC native is more motivated than ever to reach the top step of the podium this season.

“I’m excited about riding and learning a new bike and I’m looking forward to all the challenges ahead of me,” said Klatt. “It’s going to be fun. It’s like getting a fresh start. I am looking forward to testing and getting the bike dialed in and ready for the season.”

Klatt’s signing reinforces KTM Canada’s continued commitment to racing, and ultimately, to winning. With a MX1 championship team now assembled, the entire KTM squad is ready to put in the hard work needed to compete at the highest level this summer.

OTSFF Sports Signs Richard Grey For 2012 MX Season

2011-11-21T10:41:00.001-05:00

From OTSFF

OTSFF Sports Marketing Group is pleased to announce the signing of Richard Grey to their 2012 CMRC Nationals motocross team.

The seven-time Canadian National Amateur Champion will join the team as Bobby Kiniry’s new teammate. Grey will campaign the MX2 class while Kiniry returns for his third season in the MX1 class, OTSFF’s Andre Laurin said.

“We’re excited to have Richard join our team because we believe he is at the forefront of a new generation of up-and-coming Canadian pro riders,” Laurin said. “We’ve kept an eye on him for the past couple of years and have been impressed by his results as well as his professionalism on and off the track.”

Despite campaigning only the eastern leg of the MX2 Nationals in 2011, Grey garnered an 18th place ranking, with his best result being recorded at the final round of the season in Walton. On the strength of 9-3 motos, Grey hammered down third overall in the nearly impossible racing conditions on the rain and mud soaked Walton Raceway track.

The 18-year-old Keswick, ON native, who turned pro this year, has also won a truckload of Ontario Provincial Championships as well as placing top-five, including two moto wins, at Loretta Lynn’s in the U.S.

“I’m super pumped to be joining the OTSFF program and super excited to get the 2012 season going,” Grey said. “This being my first major team, it’s a huge step for me to be taking and I know I’m in for a huge learning experience. I also know that I’m going to have to put all my effort forth to confirm the confidence Andre has shown in me.”

GEICO Endurocross Series ends on a high note in Las Vegas

2011-11-21T07:49:00.001-05:00

From Team Geico Honda

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 20) -- The 2011 GEICO Endurocross Series ended with a sell-out crowd cheering on the world's best riders Saturday night at the Orleans Arena.

For the second year in a row, both of Team GEICO's top riders -- Geoff Aaron and Kyle Redmond finished the seven-race circuit in the top 10. Aaron, a 10-time National Trials Champion, was fourth overall, while Kyle Redmond earned the No. 7 position.

"For our first year on Hondas I think things went pretty well," said Aaron, who hails from Bailey, Colo. "It was a big adjustment and we're working from the platform of a really great motocross bike that we then have to adjust to meet the demands of Endurocross, and we certainly came a long way. Things will only get better from here."

The year was dominated by Poland's Taddy Blazusiak, who won every race en route to his third straight title. Blazusiak's commanding performance left all the other riders searching for answers as to how to catch the talented pro.

"He's definitely one of the best, if not the best, enduro riders in history," Redmond said. "He also has the best bike out here, so we can see what we need to do to catch him. I look forward to working with the Honda engineers on making these bikes more specific for what we need. They've been a great partner to the team and I know how much they want to win, which is really exciting for the future of our sport and the GEICO Honda race team."

In an effort to put the top stars of the sport in front of the crowd as much as possible, race organizers built two main events into Saturday's card. Redmond and Aaron showed better in the second main, taking fifth and sixth, respectively. Several pile-ups limited both men in the first main, where they finished ninth and 10th overall.

"I actually broke the case in the first race and I was leaking oil the entire time," Aaron said. "I thought about stopping altogether but I knew every point I could earn would be important in the end. I just had to nurse the bike around.

"Aside from Taddy, everyone kind of rode the same pace in both mains. Once the start would shake-out, you just kind of rode where you were. It was a very fun course, but tight and hard to pass. It really took someone else making a mistake for you to have an opportunity. There were some guys being overly aggressive at the starts and pushing the action, and ultimately that set the order."

Redmond, who was limited by injuries suffered in an accident early in the year, was satisfied with his riding, although he admits to wanting more.

"It seems like I was playing catch-up all year," Redmond said. "I think at one point I was 18th or 19th in the points, so to finish seventh is something I'm pretty proud of. It was a struggle but a lot of fun."

The 2012 schedule features eight events, starting with a May 4th date back at the Orleans Arena.

Graham Jarvis has taken victory at the Wildwood Rock Extreme Enduro

2011-11-21T07:35:00.001-05:00

From Husaberg

The 36-year-old was in a class of his own during the three-hour main event, riding a Husaberg TE 300 two-stroke to victory against Australia's leading off-road riders.

In a unique event that features a variety of obstacles including rocks, bricks, logs, balancing beams, tyres and dismantled ute trays, Jarvis made light work of the course to take home the $10,000 in prize money for the victory.

"I didn't know what to expect," Jarvis said. "The rain made it more difficult and it is a hard event, but it's a great event. I really hope to come back next year and have another crack at it."

Jarvis won the main event by a full lap in a spectacular display of riding, adding the victory to the Red Bull Sea to Sky Extreme Enduro that he won in Turkey last month.

The Englishman also took victory in almost all other world-class Extreme Enduro events such as Red Bull Romaniacs, Hell's Gate and The Tough One this seasons and will be on his way to South Africa shortly to make his debut at the last big event of the year, the Roof of Africa.

Jarvis had support from Top Gear Husaberg in Seaford, as well as Sunbury Bike Hub, during his stay in Australia.

KADE WALKER UPDATE

2011-11-17T14:11:00.001-05:00

From Team Canada MX

Kade was released from Niguarda Hospital in Milan, Italy this morning and is with his Mother and Trainer in Novara.

He would like to thank the Hospital staff, Team KTM, His Manager, the event Promoter Pro Off Road Racing as well as the Canadian Consulates representative who visited him in the Hospital. “All involved took amazing care of me and I’m most grateful”.

The Urgency and professionalism of the Off Road Racing staff and their Associated Emergency was outstanding, “I was not breathing…they probably saved my life.”

The accident occurred when a foot peg broke off in the middle of the whoops section.

Kade helicoptered off the bike and luckily hit a tuff block first before bouncing into the ground face first. He is in great shape considering the seriousness of the accident and has no concussion or broken bones. Kade actually exercised mildly on a stationary bike a couple hours after being released.

Kade, was leading the SXR class at the UEM Supercross Championship Series prior to his crash. He won’t be racing in the final round in Genoa this weekend but will be attending Media Day. He will take a few weeks off at this point, returning home next week.

Ontario Arenacross Championship & Practice Facility Re-Opens in Wallaceburg for 2011 /2012 Season

2011-11-15T12:22:00.000-05:00

From Ontario Arenacross Championship

November 15, 2011 – We are pleased to announce the re-opening of the Wallaceburg Indoor Track for the 2011 / 2012 Winter Season. Practices will begin Wednesday, December 14, 2011 and a full practice schedule of dates and times will be released shortly.

We are currently conducting polls to see what days and times would be best for participants to practice and race. Please visit our website at www.ontarioarenacross.com or www.SupercrossCanada.com under Track Info to cast your opinion on which days and times work best for you.

January 2012 will commence The Ontario Arenacross Championship Series. The schedule for this will be released in the coming weeks. When visiting our website be sure to enter your email address as we will add you to our mail list to ensure you receive our full schedule.

Over the course of the winter we will be offering: Practicing, Training Schools, Group or Party Rentals and Racing. We have posted up several pictures of the Track, as the current layout features six lanes going north and south, with two lanes going east and west. If your company is interested in supporting the Ontario Arenacross Championship Series as well as our Practices, Training Schools and Rentals please contact mark@mpisportmanagement.com

Be sure to visit us on Facebook by clicking: Here

For additional information on the Ontario Arenacross Championship please visit: www.ontarioarenacross.com or www.supercrosscanada.com. For all questions or inquiries, please contact admin@supercrosscanada.com.

SUZUKI’S HUNTER VALLEY SX DOUBLE

2011-11-15T11:15:00.001-05:00

From Team Suzuki

Team Raceline Pirelli Suzuki rising stars Lawson Bopping and Errol Willis took double victories in the Maitland round of the Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship at the weekend.

At 21, Pro Open rookie Bopping took a popular victory in just his fourth premier class appearance, racing the Suzuki Fuel-Injected RM-Z450 to 2-2-2 results for the overall win in the Australian Hunter Valley during the Triple Header main event.

The result boosted Bopping up to fourth in the standings with one round remaining, 15 points off the series lead despite a non-finish in the mud at Melbourne's season opener last month.

"I'm so pumped for the team to win both of our classes between Errol and me," said Bopping, who also won his heat race in Maitland. "My starts were pretty good all night and I stayed in second. I was riding a bit tight in that last one, but I knew what I had to do to get the overall and it feels great.

"Supercross is more up my alley, compared to motocross, and every round is getting better and better. I'm disappointed that I couldn't finish round one, but I look forward to next weekend - I just wish the series went for longer!"

Motocross champion Willis won his third main event of the year in the Under 19s category, continuing his perfect season to date and extending his series lead to 25 points with that same amount up for grabs next weekend.

"It's been a perfect season so far and I really want to keep that going next weekend," Willis said. "I'm really happy for Lawson and the team to win in the Open class as well, so we are all excited to finish the year on a strong note in Queensland."

Team manager Chris Woods was proud of his riders and a rewarding result for the team. With one race remaining this season, it's been a breakthrough year for the Raceline Pirelli Suzuki squad.

"Wow, what a night! To walk away with two overalls for the night was not just an awesome result for the boys, but fantastic for the whole team, as we've really been pushing hard for good results in the Super X," Woods commented. "It's great to be able to reward Suzuki, all of our sponsors and all the people that help us.

"Errol had a bit of a rough start to the day, but dug deep to get it done and took the win in both the heat and the final, which now puts him one point shy of wrapping up the championship.

"Lawson showed an extreme amount of patience tonight and didn't rush anything. He put down consistently fast lap times to take out his first, and the team's first Open overall. This is our first year competing in the premier class and we've learnt a lot. Hopefully the team can get back on the podium at the final round in Ipswich."

Chris Tisdale, General Manager of Team Raceline Pirelli Suzuki echoed similar sentiments. "It was a fantastic result this weekend for both Errol and Lawson. Errol recovered from a heavy crash in qualifying to again prove he is the number one rider in the U19s class. I was surprised that he got up from that crash. When he went down I honestly thought the championship was gone. Not only did he get up and come back for the heat, but he dominated. The kid is extremely tough and determined. Very impressive performance by Errol.

"Lawson's first Pro Open win was a very rewarding experience for the team. There are milestones in our lives that are always remembered and Saturday night was a milestone for Lawson. It comes as no surprise to us that he was on the top step of the podium. He is extremely fast and only needed strong starts in all three finals to achieve his maiden Pro Open win. His confidence will give him what he needs to repeat the result at the final round in Ipswich, so watch for him up there.

"Congratulations to Chris Woods and the rest of the team for all their hard work."

2011 Monster Energy Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship

Round Four - Maitland, NSW:

Pro Open Results:

1. Lawson Bopping (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki)

2. Jay Marmont

3. Chris Blose

4. Todd Waters

5. Dan Reardon

6. Tye Simmonds

7. Cody Mackie

8. Daniel McCoy (Motul Pirelli Suzuki)

9. Billy Mackenzie

10. Ryan Marmont

Pro Open Standings:

1. Jay Marmont 80

2. Tye Simmonds 75

3. Daniel McCoy (Motul Pirelli Suzuki) 72

4. Lawson Bopping (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki) 65

5. Billy Mackenzie 61

6. Todd Waters 56

7. Dan Reardon 55

8. Ryan Marmont 52

9. Chris Blose 47

10. Michael Phillips 39

Under 19s Results:

1. Errol Willis (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki)

2. Sam Martin (Suzuki)

3. Thomas Larsen-Moss

4. Sam Duncanson

5. Geran Stapleton

6. Brayden Constable

7. Jarrad Davis

8. Tristen Cachia

9. Luke Reardon

10. Jack McNeice

Under 19s Standings:

1. Errol Willis (Raceline Pirelli Suzuki) 75

2. Geran Stapleton 50

3. Corey Lucas (Suzuki) 48

4. Sam Duncanson 43

5. Thomas Larsen-Moss 38

6. Tristen Cachia 38

7. Mitch Norris 37

8. Brayden Constable 32

9. Jarrad Davis 30

10. Jake Williams (Suzuki) 29

Deegan joins Pastrana in all-action Team USA

2011-11-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

From Metal Mulisha

Action sports legends Brian Deegan and Travis Pastrana will join forces for a thrilling Team USA at December's Race Of Champions.

Deegan is a motocross and off-road great who has stunned crowds on two wheels and four, taking Rally Cross gold at the 2011 X-Games.

The American joins a dazzling field that includes three F1 world champions for ROC 2011 in Düsseldorf on December 3-4

Team USA will have a unique line-up of two action sports legends for the 2011 Race Of Champions after Brian Deegan signed up to race alongside Travis Pastrana, who was confirmed last month.

Known as 'The General', Deegan made history and pioneered what is now known as freestyle motocross by "ghost riding" his bike across the finish line at the LA Coliseum in 1997 – astonishing the crowd, stunning the AMA officials, and setting in motion a new breed of competition. He has since become the only rider to compete at every X-Games, amassing a total of 13 medals.

Deegan and Pastrana have long had overlapping and competing careers as rivals on two wheels in motocross, supercross and freestyle motocross. Recently both have ventured beyond the motorcycle world into four-wheel competition, with considerable success such as Pastrana's four Rally America titles and Deegan's Rally Cross gold at this year's X-Games.

That roll of honour comes with a price, of course. Just as Pastrana is recovering from a serious ankle injury after his latest crash at this year's X-Games, Deegan's road to the top has not been without challenge. His career is marked by multiple near-death experiences, several broken bones, a lost kidney, and a severe spleen injury. In the end, it has been Brian's fearlessness and rebel attitude that has established him as one of the top talents and competitors in the sport.

Often pitted as opposite extremes – Deegan the edgy rebel, Pastrana the easy-going, boy-next-door – over time, they have become friends. It may come as a surprise for action sports fans to see the duo together on the world stage, but now they are pooling their huge talents as team-mates at the 2011 Race Of Champions.

Deegan said: "I've heard a lot about the Race Of Champions from Travis down the years so I'm really looking forward to joining him next month. It adds a bit of extra edge to be racing for Team USA in the ROC Nations Cup so we'll bring a bit of our cowboy attitude and see how we get on. We know we're up against a mighty field of motor sport specialists but we'll give everything to come away with a good result."

The Race Of Champions is an annual end-of-season competition that brings together the world's greatest drivers from all motor sport's disciplines – including Formula 1, world rally, touring cars, Le Mans and the X-Games – and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery on a specially constructed parallel track. Drivers pair up for the ROC Nations Cup, this year scheduled for Saturday 3 December, before the individual Race Of Champions takes place on Sunday 4 December.

ROC race organiser Fredrik Johnsson said: "We could hardly have picked a more exciting line-up for Team USA. We've already seen the energy Travis brings to the Race Of Champions so it's special to have two action sports greats together. Brian will no doubt prove to be just as big a hit with the crowds. And as for backstage and the parties afterwards, we might not know what's hit us…"

Drivers confirmed so far for ROC 2011 include Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button – who have ten Formula 1 world championships between them. Even more big names will be added in the run-up to the event at Düsseldorf in December. For information about tickets (starting from €19) please visit the website www.raceofchampions.com.

Drivers confirmed for the 2011 Race Of Champions:

Sebastian VETTEL, 2010 and 2011 Formula 1 World Champion

Michael SCHUMACHER, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion

Jenson BUTTON, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion

Andy PRIAULX, three-time World Touring Car Champion

Tom KRISTENSEN, eight-time Le Mans 24-Hour race winner

Mattias EKSTRӦM, DTM star and triple ROC Champion of Champions

Sébastien OGIER, winner of five WRC rallies in 2011

Romain GROSJEAN, 2011 GP2 Series Champion

Martin TOMCZYK, 2011 DTM Champion

Vitaly PETROV, Formula 1 driver for Lotus Renault GP

Timo SCHEIDER, 2008 and 2009 DTM Champion

Timo GLOCK, Formula 1 driver for Marussia Virgin Racing

Travis PASTRANA, four-time Rally America winner and X-Games legend

Brian DEEGAN, 13 X-games medals including Rally Cross gold in 2011

Zip-Ty Husqvarna Wraps Up WORCS Season

2011-11-09T09:58:00.001-05:00

From Husqvarna

November 8, 2011 - Corona, CA - While Husqvarna racers were busy highlighting the Loretta Lynn's GNCCs, a few others were also earning wins in the West. The World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) finale took place at Speed World MX in Surprise, Arizona and return-Husqvarna racer Sherri Cruse topped the Women's Pro class aboard a Zip-Ty Racing TC250.

In only her second race back since becoming a mother three months ago, Cruse is already back up to speed, and enjoyed being back in the saddle with her baby girl Emerie on the sidelines cheering her on. Cruse battled with reigning WORCS champion Kacy Martinez on the opening lap, but steadily pulled away throughout the rest of the race to take a convincing win.

The rest of the Zip-Ty Husqvarna team was also in action at the Arizona WORCS finale. Cory Graffunder closed out his season with a top-five finish in the Pro 2 class. Graffunder returned from injury earlier this summer in time to remain in the championship hunt, and finish second in points for the 2011 season in the Pro 2 division.

Nick Burson finished fourth in the Open Expert division of the Prospectors Grand Prix in Gorman, CA. Nick Burson also wrapped up his season over the weekend, with his final Big 6 Grand Prix race taking place in Gorman, California. Burson finished his 2011 season with a fourth-place finish in the Open Expert class aboard his TXC511 at the Prospectors GP.

One more win went to another Husqvarna rider - Revelle Harrison. HMNA's own National Sales Manager was out at the wet and muddy 27th Annual MTA World Vet Championship, where he topped the 30+ Expert class with a 1-2 moto score!

"It was a really great weekend all around," commented Husqvarna National Marketing Manager Corey Eastman. "Congrats to all our racers on wrapping up such strong seasons. It's great to have Sherri Cruse on a Husky, and we're also proud to see our employees doing well at the races, too!"

Husqvarna Celebrates Victory at Loretta Lynn's GNCC

2011-11-08T11:29:00.001-05:00

From Husqvarna

November 8, 2011 - Corona, CA - It was a battle of Fred Andrews Racing Husqvarnas in the XC2 class of Sunday's Loretta Lynn GNCC, and FAR racers Andrew Delong and Jason Thomas ended their GNCC season with a spectacular duel, going 1-2 on the day!

Delong wowed everyone with two podium finishes at Loretta's - a third on Friday and a win on Sunday. In only his third-ever race on the FAR Husqvarna TXC250, Delong captured his career-first XC2 victory, though it came down to sheer luck on the final lap. Thomas and Delong were neck and neck for the lead when they came up on a lapped rider. They each went to one side, and the lapper moved over into Jason's line, allowing Delong to gain the point.

"My day went so good!" Delong exclaimed. "I just waited for them to get tired and then took off as fast as I could. It was so rough out there, but my TXC250 worked so good today. I'm so happy!"

Despite having to settle for runner-up on Sunday, Thomas' performance on the weekend was admirable - a broken hand held in place by pins didn't stop him from competing in the double-header GNCC finale. Thomas toughed it out, as he has all season, and pushed his TXC250 to a fourth-place finish on Friday after getting stuck on the first lap, and a strong second place on Sunday.

Though it was a great day for the team, Thomas was a little disappointed. "My hand was so sore this morning. I came here to win and I did my best. I got caught up with a lapper and it cost me. But I'm proud to be on the podium, especially with my teammate."

Two other Husqvarna's ended the season on top of the podium at the Loretta Lynn Ranch GNCC. Toy Tech Husqvarna rider Andrew Powers took the overall in Sunday's morning race aboard a WR125. The overall win marked a first for Powers, and secured the 200 C 16+ championship for both the GNCC series and the AMA Racing East Hare Scrambles Series. Sunday was also a winning day for Junior Women class rider Veronica Martin, who piloted her TXC250 to her season-first win.

"We want to congratulate all Husqvarna racers on a great GNCC season," commented Husqvarna National Marketing Manager Corey Eastman. "We're proud of our FAR Husky team for parking two TXCs on the podium. And it was a wonderful surprise to see season-best finishes from our support riders, Powers and Martin, as well."

Brian Deegan Unveils the Metal Mulisha Monster Truck

2011-11-02T15:57:00.001-04:00

From Metal Mulisha

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 – Las Vegas – Brian "The General" Deegan, continues to break barriers in the action sports world. Metal Mulisha founder, thirteen-time X-Games medalist and action sports icon, has just added Monster Jam® monster truck driver to his title.

Earlier today at the annual SEMA show, Brian unveiled the new Metal Mulisha monster truck he will be driving during the 2012 Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam season. In true Deegan fashion, the unveiling took place in the FORD arena outside the SEMA show, after he drove donuts in his X Games Gold Medal winning Rockstar Energy Metal Mulisha Ford Fiesta around the unveiled truck!

Before getting behind the wheel of the Metal Mulisha branded black & grey camouflage monster truck for the first time, Brian spoke to the crowd stating, "I am excited to debut the Metal Mulisha monster truck in January at Monster Jam. Monster Jam events have incredible energy, and you'll see the Metal Mulisha monster truck at stadiums and arenas across the country. I've always been intrigued by monster trucks, now I get a chance to destroy everything behind the wheel!"

''Brian Deegan has created a strong action sports brand with mass appeal. We are excited to be working with Brian to bring the Metal Mulisha to the world of Monster Jam," said Charlie Mancuso, President, Feld Motor Sports®. "Brian has a goal to make the Metal Mulisha monster truck a dominant force at Monster Jam events, and it will be exciting to see him compete against legends in the sport like Grave Digger®, Maximum Destruction®, Grinder ℠, and Mohawk Warrior ℠ among others."

The Brian Deegan Metal Mulisha monster truck features black and grey camouflage and Metal Mulisha branding throughout. It is 10,000 lbs, 20' in length, 12ft tall and sits on 66'' tall tires. The Metal Mulisha monster truck will be supported with a full line of merchandise that will be sold at Monster Jam events and at retail, including the popular Metal Mulisha Hot Wheels Monster Jam die-cast toys.

Following the Metal Mulisha monster truck unveiling Brian gave ride-alongs to press and a few lucky fans in his X Games 17 Gold Medal winning Rockstar Metal Mulisha Ford Fiesta on the FORD track at SEMA.

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is the largest touring monster truck property in the world, entertaining over 4,000,000 fans at 350 performances in 10 countries. Monster Jam events can be seen on SPEED and CBS Sports. Stay tuned to check out Brian driving the Metal Mulisha monster truck for the first time during the 2012 Monster Jam season. Brian's driving schedule will be announced soon at MonsterJam.com and MetalMulisha.com.

Canadian MX Reigning Champ Colton Facciotti signs with KTM for the next 2 years!

2011-10-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

From KTM Canada

After weeks of speculation as to where the two-time MX1 Champ would end up, the questions can stop! It is with tremendous excitement that KTM Canada announces the addition of Colton Facciotti to the 2012 & 2013 team roster.

KTM Canada is looking to put their riders on top of the podium next season and Colton Facciotti has proven time and again that he has what it takes to do it with consistency. “More than ever, KTM’s focus is on the motocross market” mentions Florian Burguet, KTM Canada General Manager. “Our 2012 SX product line up and our business attitude are now perfectly aligned for successful results. At a time when other motorcycle companies may question their involvement in racing, KTM means to do the opposite and reinforces its commitment to winning” adds Burguet.

Colton will make a unique addition to the team, aboard his 2012 KTM 450 SX-F. He has a wealth of experience in Canada as well as in the United States. KTM Racing Manager Andy White comments: “Just like in the US with De Coster, Dungey, Roczen and Musquin, our new Canadian team will respect a non-compromise racing approach. We will be extremely victory-driven and Colton is definitely the first step in building a complete championship team.”

After testing his new 450 ride, Colton is equally as excited as the rest of the team stating “I am ready for my new challenges and can’t wait for the first moto gate to drop this summer. I will definitely be working hard to bring home a first MX1 championship for the KTM team.”

The team training will be supervised by 5-time Canadian National Champion Jean-Sebastien Roy (JSR) who will now operate as Athlete Manager.

The rest of the KTM team will be completed and communicated shortly. Don’t miss anything and stay connected to KTM Canada’s Facebook page!

MARITIME MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME 2011 INDUCTEES INCLUDE NATIONAL LEGENDS

2011-10-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

MONCTON, NB (October 27, 2011) – The Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame will enshrine the class of 2011 on November 5 at a formal ceremony to be held at Moncton's Crystal Palace. Honoured inductees include a diverse group from several different motorsports genres. The class of 2011 hail from the three Maritime provinces and include Robert (Bobby) Allen, NS (Competitor, Stock Car Racing), Heidi Cooke, NS (Competitor, Motocross), Earl Doucette (Builder, Motocross), Fred & George Estabrooks, NB (Competitors, Drag Racing); Paul Forgrave, NB (Antiques), Albert Gallant, PEI (Competitor, Snowmobile), Edward “Junior” Hanley, NS (Competitor/Builder, Stock Car Racing), John Johnson, NB (Road Racer, Motorcycle), Earl Ross, PEI (Competitor, Stock Car Racing), and the PEI Street Rod Association (Club).

While each inductee is a legend in their own right, the accomplishments of Hanley and Ross have also been acknowledged with their respective inductions in the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHoF), both member of the CMHoF Class of 2000. Both Canadian motorsports legends are expected in Moncton November 5 to accept their inductions to the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Brief bios for each of the 2011 Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees follow...

ROBERT (BOBBY) ALLEN, Nova Scotia | Stock Car Racing - Competitor
Bobby Allen started racing in 1966 at Fraser's Mountain and he finished the season as the Top Driver and Most Popular Driver. He raced at Havre Boucher Speedway, Drag City, Brookside Speedway, Riverside and Atlantic Speedways. He also raced in Maine at Oxford Plains, Unity and Wiscasset Raceway. He was one of the top drivers in the 1960's and '70s.

HEIDI COOKE, Nova Scotia | Motocross – Competitor
One female rider that made it in Motocross, Heidi rides for KTM Canada and Freedom Cycle wearing the # 1. She won the Women pro Nationals overall in 2009 at Kamloops, BC.

EARL DOUCETTE, New Brunswick | Motocross – Builder/Competitor
Earl is a Motocross Enthusiast. He started racing in 1975. He was one of the founders of the River Glade Motocross track in 1977. 1982 became an official tech inspector; in '83 he became an Atlantic Region Race Official. He has never missed a Motocross race at River Glade.

FRED & GEORGE ESTABROOKS, New Brunswick | Drag Racing – Competitors
Fred's track experience came in 1965 driving a 1955 Chevy at Scoudouc, NB. Fred and George soon became regular fixtures on the local race circuit. Their 55 Pontiac set the B/MP and C/MP records at Maitland Raceway amnd won the points series championship at Scoudouc Dragway.

PAUL FORGRAVE, New Brunswick | Antique – Builder/ Collector
Paul has been interested in cars his entire life. He is members of the New Brunswick Antique Auto Club, Moncton Speed & Custom Club and the Canadian Service Station Memorabilia Association. He was a Founding member of the Performance Ford Club of Canada, and a Lifetime Member of the Maritime Motorsports Hall Of Fame.

ALBERT GALLANT, Prince Edward Island | Snowmobile/Stockcar – Competitor
Albert was very much involved in the Snowmobile racing circuit. In 1985 he won the Maritime Snowmobile Drag Racing Championship with the fastest machine in the Maritimes. Albert started Stockcar racing in 1967 at Freetown. He still helps his grandson with his Drag car.

JUNIOR HANLEY, Nova Scotia (Ontario) | Stock Car - Competitor/Builder
Edward Hanley Jr. aka Junior Hanley does not need a lot of introduction. He started racing in 1961 as a drag racer. By 1970 he was the Maritime Champion of stock car racing. In 1975 he left his native home in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia and moved to Ontario where he raced and won championships in southern Ontario and the United States. He has won Copper World titles in Arizona and the World Series of Asphalt Racing series at New Smyrna Beach, Fla., during Daytona Speedweeks. He has won CASCAR championships ACT Tour championships and competed on the ASA and Busch Grand National circuits. A master car builder, he has build short-track cars for, among others, Bill Elliot, Alan Kulwicki, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty, Dick Trickle and Darrell Waltrip. Hanley personally test-drove every car he built - in race conditions - before delivering it to his customer. Hanley continued to race until a few years ago and still works on race cars in his shop located near Hamilton, Ontario. Junior Hanley was inducted to the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2000.

JOHN JOHNSON, New Brunswick | Motorcycle – Recreation/Racing/Builder
An icon of the Maritime motorcycling fraternity, John Johnson started promoting motorcycle racing in the early 1960's. Through his dedication over the years to the sport made him an example and an inspiration to others. He ranks very high as a personage not to be quickly forgotten.

EARL ROSS, Prince Edward Island (Ontario) | Stock Car - Competitor
Earl Ross is the first and so far, only, Canadian to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race (then Grand National), and is the only Canadian NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie-of-the-Year. Ross first made his mark in 1970 when he won nine of 10 international stock car races held in Ontario. In 1973, Ross won the Export A Series, qualified for his first Daytona 500 (finishing third - his first superspeedway start), and ran the ARCA Daytona 200 - a race he thought he could have won. In 1974 he competed in 21 Winston Cup races, won the Old Dominion 500 at Martinsville Speedway, and was named Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year. In '75 and '76 he qualified for his second and third Daytona 500's. In 1982, he won the inaugural McKerlie Millen 200 at Delaware Speedway Park. In 1994, he finished second in the CASCAR Performance Fibreglass Series and in 1995 qualified in the top 12 at most CASCAR events and finished 13 in points. In 1996 he finished 13th in the CASCAR Eastern Series points and in 1997 he finished 15th in CASCAR Super Series Points. Earl Ross was inducted in the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2000.

PEI STREET ROD ASSOCIATION, Prince Edward Island | Club
It is an incorporated, non-profit organization. Their annual Show'n'Shine began in 1978; in 1982 it become the fourth largest east of Montreal. In 1985 they hosted the Mini-Nationals East and had more than 485 cars from across Canada and United States. In 1991 they hosted the Canadian Street Rod National Show, the first time this event was held east of Ontario. They assist many Prince Edward Island charities and organizations.

The sixth annual Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is being held November 5 in the Champlain Ballroom, at the Ramada Plaza Crystal Palace Hotel, 499 Paul Street, Dieppe, NB. The evening program will start at 5:00 p.m. with a reception, dinner at 6:00, followed at 7:30 by the induction ceremony that includes audio and video presentations. The program will also include a silent auction and a special live auction of an inductee autographed checkered flag. A limited number of tickets remain on a first-come, first-served basis for $80.00 each and can be purchased by calling 506.756.2110. The dress for the occasion is formal. On Sunday morning, November 6, a brunch will be held at the Hall Of Fame in Petitcodiac, starting at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $10.00 per person and available to those attending the induction ceremony; please order your brunch ticket at the same time as the induction ticket.

To learn more about the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame please visit their museum in Petitcodiac or www.maritimemotorsporthalloffame.com.

The 5th Atlantic Motorcycle and ATV Show @ Moncton Coliseum February 10 -12, 2012

2011-10-27T09:13:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release

This is the Real Deal!!Featuring the Complete 2012 Lineup from the Industry’s Leading Manufacturers!

Moncton, New Brunswick – Atlantic Canada is eagerly awaiting the return of the Atlantic Motorcycle and ATV Show that will roar into Moncton, February 10-12, 2012. This event will encompass the entire Moncton Coliseum complex and will showcase the latest products for motorcycle, ATV and off-road enthusiasts available on the market today! The nations leading manufacturers will be well represented and visitors will not be left disappointed.

The Atlantic Motorcycle & ATV Show is one of 7 successful, national manufacturer support motorcycle shows from coast to coast. Owned by the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) this event offers a unique marketing opportunity, as it is the only show of its kind and caliber in Atlantic Canada. Since 2008, the event has delivered over 50,000 qualified buyers who have enjoyed the biggest and best names in motosports.

Show Manager Scott Sprague is revved up about the 2012 edition of this event. “Being a part of this huge chain of manufacturer supported shows is phenomenal. For a visitor to be able to see a booth that is the same display at the MMIC-COHV Shows in Toronto, Vancouver or elsewhere right in Moncton, the hub of the Maritimes, is fantastic and convenient for all of Atlantic Canada and beyond,” said Sprague.

“We are in the process of developing some exciting new features for the 2012 edition and we will be announcing details on our website shortly,” explained Sprague.

The Atlantic Motorcycle and ATV Show is where Atlantic Canada RIDES and BUYS! Visitors will be shopping the show and trying that new ATV or Motorcycle on for size and discussing the purchase with their local dealer and can get all of those tough questions answered right from manufacturer representatives. Visitors can take home awesome deals on parts & accessories, clothing and apparel and so much more. The event is also the leading venue to meet the organizers of local rallies, motorcycle and ATV clubs, destinations, anything and everything to do with the lifestyle that comes with this pastime!

Come check out one of the most exciting and all inclusive events in Atlantic Canada! The Atlantic Motorcycle and ATV Show! Where Atlantic Canada Rides! February 10-12, 2012 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada!

For complete details visit www.motorcycleshows.ca

Media Inquiries:

Denise Miller, Publicist

Master Promotions Ltd.

dmiller@mpltd.ca

1-888-454-7469

About the Associations who own the event

MMIC

The Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council, originally founded in 1971, is a national, non-profit, trade association, which represents the responsible interests of the major motorcycle and scooter distributors, as well as the manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets of motorcycle and scooter related products and services, and individual owners and riders of motorcycles and scooters in Canada. The member companies of the MMIC account for over 95 percent of all the new motorcycles and scooters sold in Canada.

The MMIC is funded entirely by its members, affiliate members and by the programs and services it offers.

COHV

The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), formerly the Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV), originally founded in 1984, is a national, nonprofit, trade association representing the responsible interests of the major ATV and off-highway motorcycle manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets of OHV related products and services. The member companies of the COHV account for over 90 percent of all the new OHVs sold in Canada.

Wojo at WEC #7 at Burnt River

2011-10-26T09:34:00.000-04:00

Round #7 of the Weisner Insurance/World Enduro Canada Cross Country series was held this past weekend at the Burnt River Off Road Facility, a track known for deep water, brutal rocks and rugged terrain. Yamaha/Machine Racing’s Brian “Wojo” Wojnarowski was in attendance.

“The course was really good,” the blue rider said. “There were no really deep water holes. They opened up the Endurocross and Motocross tracks for us, which was great.”

“I was a little worried about the weather with all the rain and cold weather as of late but it turned out to be a great day for riding,” said Wojo.

After being third off the start Wojo pushed and worked his way to the front of the pack. He finished first in front of CGRT Husaberg’s Jessie Grummett and KTM rider Kevin Cockayne.

Wojo would like to thank all of his sponsors: Yamaha, Machine Racing, LGS, Podium Grafix, Bondi Engines, Works Connection, Yamalube, Rekluse, AXO Gear, PerformX, Orthoflex, LRP and AME Grips for their support.

CGRT Race Report

2011-10-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

World Enduro Canada’s Burnt River XC, presented by Orange Motorsports turned out to be Jessie Grummett’s best event of the year. The 17 year old rode well on the 7 km course which included an endurocross section, pushing hard for his first podium finish. “ I had a lot of fun, the track was really fast, wide, sloppy trails…lots of rocks..had a really clean ride and very little mistakes…” states Jessie.

Jessie was bested by Yamaha’s Brian Wojnarowski, and finished ahead of KTM’s Kevin Cockayne for his first podium, 2nd place finish. Jessie’s participation in WEC’s Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships has elevated his skills and consequently his results. Corner Grass Racing Team proud of Jessie’s advancement this season and his podium this past weekend.

Once again, Shane Cuthbertson challenged himself at a US Endurocross event, this time in .ampa Idaho. Riding Veteran class, Shane rode well thought the days practices and qualifiers, finding himself in the main event with his TE300. Shane gated well, and rode to the lead, crossing the finish line well ahead of his competition. This makes 2 victories for Shane in Endurocross competition!!! Well done!!

Corner Grass Racing Team would like to thank the following sponsors for their support; Husaberg Canada, Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Thor, Alpinestar, Smith Optics, FMF, PG Graphics, Dunlop, Enduro Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing, Kermaxx, Rekluse, UFA, and Xtreme Hot Oil.

Barcia looking to defend Bercy crown; teammate Tomac fired-up for France

2011-10-26T09:06:00.000-04:00

From Geico Honda
PARIS (Oct. 25) -- GEICO Honda teammates Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac are prepared to attack this weekend's 29th annual Supercross of Bercy at Omnisport Paris and bring home all the hardware up for grabs.
The event, a series of three complete races on consecutive nights -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- awards both individual nightly trophies and an overall "King of Bercy" crown that goes to the best racer of the entire weekend. Last year, Barcia won two of the three main events to earn the King of Bercy title in his first appearance at the historic race. Tomac will be competing in Paris for the first time.
Unfortunately, due to passport complications, stablemate Kevin Windham, who offered to jump into the fray after Christophe Pourcel was injured in Las Vegas two weeks ago, could not get his documents in order in time and will not be able to participate.
"Being King of Bercy was one of the coolest things I've accomplished in my career," said Barcia, who rode the momentum of his Bercy success to the 2011 Supercross Lites East title in the U.S. "When you go back and look at the guys that have won it before, you see some of the biggest names the sport has ever known. To be alongside them in the record books is very cool.
"Now the trick will be to win it again. I know I’ll have everyone's attention so it will be a battle from the drop of the gate. I think I'm ready. I've had a lot more time on the 450 and I feel very comfortable with it. I'm ready to get back in that crazy stadium and pump those fans up again."
Like Barcia, Tomac will be running a Honda 450CRF in Bercy. This will mark just the second time Tomac has competed on a 450cc machine although he's been practicing quite a bit on the more powerful bike at Honda's test track in California.
"I'm ready to get after it," said Tomac, the first pro to win his debut race in MX competition. "I'm not going to totally judge where I stand with this bike, no matter if I win or lose, because the Bercy track is different that what we're used to in America, but it'll be good to get more time on the bike. You always learn stuff whenever you're in a true race situation.
"That Monster Cup race was a good warm-up for this event. That was a different kind of course also. I'm anxious to get there and see the layout and familiarize myself with everything. My dad (mountain bike legend John Tomac) told me the fans in Europe are extra crazy because he's been over there a couple of times, so it should be pretty cool to see."
Action begins Friday evening at Omnisport Paris.

CMX @ MotoPark

2011-10-21T20:18:00.000-04:00

SUZUKI PODIUMS AT MONSTER CUP SX

2011-10-17T09:54:00.001-04:00

From Team Suzuki

Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki celebrated a podium finish at the inaugural running of the Monster Energy Cup Supercross at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday as Brett Metcalfe raced his Yoshimura-equipped Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 to third overall.

This new stand-alone Supercross race capped off the 2011 season and incorporated both Motocross and Supercross styles in the lengthy track as well as the racing format. The hybrid track was the longest Supercross track ever built, and the format included Supercross heat races and main events, but the scoring was all Motocross: three 10-lap Open Class main events combined to provide riders with one overall best score.

"This was a really exciting race," said Metcalfe. "The whole Rockstar Makita Suzuki team worked great. It was really awesome to see the bike become better and better over the course of one day and seeing the team making all these changes in one race was incredible. We had a few practice sessions, and I was feeling pretty comfortable. The track was different than what I'm used to, so it was a little challenging at first. But by race time that night, I was ready to go."

The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider started the night on a positive note by putting in an impressive ride in the first heat race. He got a great start on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450, led all the laps before making a small mistake at the end of the heat and finishing second. In the three main events, Metcalf continued to ride aggressively and focused races, finishing fourth in the first main, third in the second main and third in the final main. All of these results combined to hand Metcalf an impressive third-place finish overall.

"All through the heat race, I led every lap until the last lap," said Metcalfe. "Then I spun out and lost a position. But I felt good going into the main events. I knew to do well and get up on the podium it would be key to get good starts. I was able to get three pretty good starts and really come out of the first corner in a good position each time. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 was unreal out there; it worked awesome for me and I'm happy with third overall. Now we have the off-season to prepare for Supercross next year. We learned a lot this weekend that we can put to use in testing and come out ready next year."

Metcalfe and the Yoshimura Suzuki team will return for the start of the 2012 AMA Supercross season on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Monster Energy Cup Open Class Overall Results:

1. Ryan Villopoto

2. Ryan Dungey

3. Brett Metcalfe (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)

4. Martin Davalos

5. Eli Tomac

6. Kyle Chisolm

7. Nick Wey

8. Jimmy Albertson

9. Jake Weimer

10. Mike Alessi

RYAN DUNGEY DELIVERS PODIUM IN DEBUT KTM RIDE

2011-10-16T20:46:00.001-04:00

From KTM

Red Bull KTM's new US signing Ryan Dungey may have been a last minute entry for the Monster Energy Cup in the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas but achieving second overall in his first ever competition in Orange garb thrilled his manager Roger DeCoster and all of KTM's vast following.

After barely two weeks on his new KTM 450 SX-F, Dungey geared up for this inaugural Monster Energy Cup primarily to test how he stacked up against the competition. His success is a huge boost for the KTM US factory team as they start a major push into the competition

Dungey: "I'm happy with my overall result today. Of course, you always want to win, but to come out here after only two weeks on the bike and get on the podium is very exciting. We have made great progress with the bike this weekend and we know how we need to move forward with our testing from here. I'm very happy with the team so far and am looking forward to the 2012 season."

The Monster Energy Cup offered three main event races of 10 laps, with each moto counted toward the overall score. When the gate dropped for moto one, Dungey had a bad jump and got pushed to the back as they rounded the first corner. He stormed through the pack to be back in the top ten in the second corner and went on to finish third. Teammate Marvin Musquin, riding the KTM 350 SX and making his debut US ride in SX after he was locked out with injury at the beginning of 2011, finished eighth.

Dungey got away well in moto two, was second behind Ryan Villopoto and carried that position through to the checkered flag. He then blasted his KTM 450 to another great start in the final race, was third at the start behind Villopoto and Mike Alessi. Meanwhile Musquin suffered a crash in the first corner with Justin Brayton that put him out of contention. Dungey settled down to close in on Alessi and finally fought his way past over a double but by then Villopoto had got away and he had to settle for second. Villopoto took the big cash purse but Dungey's 3-2-2 moto scores earned him 2nd overall in his debut race on the KTM.

Red Bull/KTM Factory Team Manager, Roger DeCoster: "I was not so excited about coming to this race at first since we have only had two weeks on the bike, but I am glad I was convinced to come. This race gave us a good indication about what we have done well and where we need to improve. We have our work cut out for us during the next few months but I think our goal is feasible. Come Anaheim, I believe we will be in the hunt."

Next Event: Anaheim, CA – January 7, 2012 – AMA Supercross Round 1

Overall Results –

1, Ryan Villopoto

2, Ryan Dungey – KTM

3, Brett Metcalfe

4, Martin Davalos

5, Eli Tomac

Tomac leads GEICO Honda charge at Monster Energy Cup in Vegas

2011-10-16T20:43:00.001-04:00

From Geico Honda

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 15) -- In his first professional race on a Honda 450cc motorcycle, GEICO Honda pro Eli Tomac impressed everyone with an overall fifth-place finish Saturday night at the Monster Energy Cup Million Dollar Race at Sam Boyd Stadium.

After qualifying for the trio of 10-lap main event races in the first heat of the night, Tomac racked up finishes of fifth, fourth and 10th place. His point total was equal to that of fourth-place finisher Martin Davalos, who took the better spot due to a better finish in the last race.

"I had a lot of fun and gained a ton of experience," Tomac said. "It couldn't have gone much better.

"Qualifying for the mains in the first heat worked out well because it allowed me to rest up and watch the other guys race the course. It was fast but hard to pass people. There were only a few spots you could get around guys.

"First race went okay. I was back in eighth or ninth, riding a little tight, but I managed to get up to fifth, so that gave me a lot of confidence. Second race was my best…just totally loose and fun riding. I was ready to pick it up even more in the third but I got hit from behind in the first turn at the start and I went down. I was playing catch-up the rest of the way and finished 10th, which made me fifth overall. A pretty cool deal."

Legend Kevin Windham was the obvious crowd favourite at driver intros but tough starts in the first two qualifiers forced him to earn his spot in the mains via the Last Chance Qualifier. By then he'd already completed 18 laps on the hybrid Supercross/Motocross course and he entered the money races with a less-than-desirable gate position.

Tangles with other riders and a few falls later, Windham had fashioned finishes of 15th, 14th and 12th for an overall ranking of 13th place.

"Pretty much nothing went right the whole day," Windham said. "The course didn't lend itself to close racing and the starts became very important. I had to push it and I got tangled up with other guys. Once the leaders got away it was just impossible to catch up. I made some passes and rode fairly well but it was always from behind."

Newly-signed team member Zach Bell won the first Amateur All-Stars race and came in fourth in the second for an overall fourth-place result. The top four riders all earned the same amount of points but by rule, the finishing order of the second race breaks all ties.

"I went down at the start of the second race and got up as quick as I could and started chasing," Bell said. "I pretty much caught that front group when Jessy Nelson went wide on me down that front stretch and I had so much speed up that I lost control and wrecked out. I still got back up to fourth but ran out of laps. One more lap and I would have won the overall but I'm still happy with the way I rode."

Tomac, Windham and Justin Barcia next ride Oct.28-30 in Paris.

Sandstorm postponed to October 23

2011-10-14T10:10:00.001-04:00

From Gopher Dunes

Red Alert Urgent Update.....Gopher Dunes CMRC Finale Sandstorm MX, Vintage & ATV Racing is postponed!

Everything has been postponed to Sunday, October 23 -- due to an all-day rain on Wednesday, all-night rain on Thursday with more rain in the forecast for today and all weekend along with high winds gusting up to 50 kph.

All events announced in our previous emails should still be happening, with the exception of the Live ME Cup Supercross Party....which you can now watch in the comfort of your own home, but keep your bikes loaded for the following weekend!

The tracks have been over-saturated with standing-water, as well as the parking areas and laneways. Gopher Dunes is closed today and will be open for practice riding this weekend from 11am to 6pm both days on the main track and pee-wee track, but the trails will be closed (providing ground conditions still allow).

For more details or updates visit www.gopherdunes.com. You can email us at info@gopherdunes.com or call: 519-842-2781 or 519-688-2413 Pro Shop: 519-688-4075 Frank C: 519-688-7578 Barb C: 519-688-8461 Derek C: 519-842-1041

Dungey to Make KTM Debut at Monster Energy Cup

2011-10-13T16:30:00.001-04:00

From KTM

MURRIETA, Ca. – KTM Motorsports announced today that 2010 Supercross class champion Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., will make his Red Bull/KTM debut this Saturday night at inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

“After testing the new KTM over the past two weeks, I am feeling confident enough to compete and am really eager to see where I stack up against the competition,” mentioned Dungey. “It’s a last minute decision to race this event but the team is behind me 100% and I am excited to make my debut on the bike.”

On October 1, it was made official that Dungey will compete aboard the KTM 450 SX-F motorcycle as part of a two-year agreement after five years under the Factory Suzuki tent. Dungey, 21, will ride under the guidance of legendary team manager Roger DeCoster, who brought Dungey into the professional ranks in 2007.

“To my surprise, Ryan was eager to race the Monster Cup,” commented Red Bull/KTM Factory Team Manager Roger DeCoster. “We didn’t expect him to race after only two weeks on the bike, but he will use the event to help gauge where he stands speed-wise against the competition. It will also give the team a racing opportunity to test different set-ups with the bike prior to the opening round of the Supercross. Ryan can then take this experience to prepare his training regime this winter.”

Dungey has won every major AMA Supercross/Motocross championship and became the first rider to win the coveted Supercross class and 450cc Motocross class championship as a rookie in 2010. In the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross championship, Dungey earned one win and 12 podium finishes en route to third place overall. He has a career seven Supercross class wins and 17 podium finishes.

“I’m looking forward to riding for the new Red Bull/KTM team and working again with Roger. I am excited to start something new and am ready for the challenge. I like the way that KTM has backed Roger since he made the switch last year and I appreciate KTM’s goal of working hard to develop their race team to earn championships. I am making this switch to win races and work toward getting that championship for KTM.”

The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 Million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.

Tickets for the 2011 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVtickets outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

Gemma-Lee Farrell Appointed as Miss Monster Energy Cup

2011-10-07T19:36:00.000-04:00

AURORA, Ill. (October 7, 2011) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that Gemma-Lee Farrell, of Los Angeles, Calif., has been selected as Miss Monster Energy Cup for the inaugural Monster Energy Cup, which takes place on October 15 at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

"Thanks goes out to everyone all around the world who voted for me," exclaimed Farrell. “It’s awesome that I get to serve as the first-ever Miss Monster Energy Cup. I am so excited for this historic race next weekend. The whole weekend is going to be so much fun. Vegas, here I come!"

Gemma-Lee Farrell outlasted 21 contestants throughout the 10-week search to become the first-ever Miss Monster Energy Cup

Farrell will have the honor of hoisting the 30-second board prior to each race and will greet the Monster Energy Cup’s top riders at the winner’s circle. Farrell will also be participating in various promotional events in Las Vegas the week leading up to race. Fans will have a chance to get autographs and take photos with Farrell throughout the day on Saturday.

The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000, awarding the winner a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 Million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.

Tickets for the 2011 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVtickets outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

End of An Era - Blackfoot Racing Retires

2011-10-07T14:28:00.001-04:00

From Blackfoot

After 12 years in Canadian National Motocross, 11 of which were national championship winning seasons, Calgary-based Blackfoot Racing Inc. is retiring from their National efforts. The winningest team in the history of Canadian motocross will no longer field a multi-rider team in the CMRC National Motocross Championship.

“It is with a heavy heart and lots of soul-searching that I have come to the decision to withdraw from active motocross participation and close our National Racing Division,” said Jason Mitchell, Vice President of the Blackfoot Group of Companies, which owns and operates Blackfoot Racing Inc.

“We will always love motocross and will continue to support racing at the local level, just not at the level we have been at over the last 12 years. We are very proud of what Blackfoot Racing has accomplished and contributed to the sport. Leaving this scene is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make because it affects not just me, but a lot of other people and companies.”

“For the next few months we will be winding down the racing operations including the sale of a complete race facility, 12 years of parts, tools, machining equipment, accessories as well as the team semi.” added Mitchell. “We have had numerous inquires already, however it is our goal to sell the assets as a complete package, which for someone starting a team or looking to upgrade their racing efforts, it would be very beneficial.”

During its tenure in Canadian motocross, Blackfoot Racing not only raised the bar on operating a top-flight professional motocross team, under Mitchell’s guidance they won an impressive 18 national championships and one international title.

Since 2001, the year that Jean Sebastien Roy joined the team’s 250cc lineup (later to become MX1), Blackfoot recorded a staggering 80 overall wins, 50 of which were clean sweeps. The combined total MX1 moto wins reached 154, when Colton Facciotti won the first (and only) moto at the final round of the nationals in Walton this year.

In the volatile 125cc class, Blackfoot won the 125 West Championship with Sean Hamblin in 2000, which was the team’s first foray in the nationals scene. Four more 125 West titles followed. In the 125 East title hunt, Blackfoot claimed the championship in 2003 with Randy Valade. When the 125 East/West series was revamped as the MX2 Championship in 2008, Blackfoot proved their mettle by producing back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 with Tyler Medaglia.

In 2001 and 2002 Blackfoot Racing headed south of the border to campaign the American Supercross Championship during the off-season, regularly scoring top-15 results with Jean Sebastien Roy and grabbing the AMA Privateer Team of the Year Award in 2002.

In addition to winning Canadian motocross championships, Blackfoot clinched the THQ US Open 4-Stroke Championship in 2001 with Blair Morgan and won the Montreal Supercross three times with Jean Sebastien Roy.

The 2007 season was the only one without an MX1 title, but with Colton Facciotti, making his debut with the team, Blackfoot still brought home runner-up in the series. That same year they won their last 125 West Championship with Jimmy Nelson.

Mitchell applied the many years of business skills he acquired in the motorcycle industry – including co-managing Canada’s Premiere motorcycle dealership Blackfoot Motosports and assisting with Blackfoot Direct – to running a National racing team. Although Blackfoot Racing was his baby, Mitchell credits its unparalleled success to the support of his partners, the riders and people who were involved in the operation of the team.

“From day one we had really talented riders and dedicated staff members who made sure our riders had to concern themselves only with pre-season testing and campaigning the nationals. Everybody knew their job descriptions and everybody pulled their weight,” Mitchell said. “We were also surrounded by the top manufacturers and sponsors, which made our job easier knowing the support was there at all times. We cannot thank each and every one of them enough for their commitment to our team over the years.”

Mitchell continued, “It was teamwork in the true sense of the word. We had an agenda. We weren’t just in the business of racing; we were in the business of winning. It was all for one, one for all. Once you were part of our team, you were part of our family. We were all on the same page. We had only one objective and that was to be the number one family in Canadian motocross.”

MX 1 Championships

2001: 1 Jean Sebastien Roy; 2 Blair Morgan

2002: 1 Jean Sebastien Roy; 2 Blair Morgan

2003: 1 Jean Sebastien Roy; 2 Damon Huffman

2004: 1 Jean Sebastien Roy; 2 Damon Huffman

2005: 1 Jean Sebastien Roy; 3 Damon Huffman

2006: 1 Dusty Klatt; 2 Jean Sebastien Roy; 3 Blair Morgan

2008: 1 Colton Facciotti; 4 Blair Morgan

2009: 1 Colton Facciotti; 4 Blair Morgan

2010: 1 Dusty Klatt

2011: 1 Colton Facciotti; 2 Dusty Klatt

125 East & 125 West Championships

2000: 1 West, Sean Hamblin

2003: 1 East, Randy Valade

2004: 1 West, Dusty Klatt

2005: 1West, Dusty Klatt

2006: 1 West, Jimmy Nelson

2007: 1 West, Jimmy Nelson

MX2 National Champtionships

2010: 1 Tyler Medaglia

2011: 1 Tyler Medaglia

International Championships

2001: 1 Blair Morgan, THQ U.S. Open 4-stroke

www.blackfootonline.com

www.blackfootdirect.com

www.blackfootracing.com

Yamalube Supports Sandstorm/2012 YZ250F to be Displayed

2011-10-07T11:08:00.000-04:00

Do you need another reason to sign-up for CMRC Gopher Dunes' Sandstorm on Sunday October 16th!!

Well, if you're a Yamaha rider, you could win a 'Yamalube TLC Kit!'

The top finishing Yamaha rider in the following classes with be awarded (on site) with a bottle of Yamalube, air filter oil and contact cleaner:

Small Track:
ATV Mini Junior
ATV Mini Pro
50cc 4-6
50cc 7-8
50cc Open

Big Track:
ATV Junior
ATV Pro
Supermini
Open Beginner
Open Junior
Open Intermediate
Open Pro
Ladies
Vet Junior
Vet Master

Yamaha's all-new 2012 YZ250F will also be on display.

CMRC Sandstorm 2011 @ Gopher Dunes

2011-10-07T11:02:00.001-04:00

From Gopher Dunes

The Gopher Dunes CMRC Season Finale Motocross Race is fast approaching and with some exciting additions included, it's shaping up to be the most anticipated Gopher Dunes Amateur Race of the Year! Lots of exciting things will be happening at this final race on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Read on and take note of some of these highlights and additions for this upcoming weekend event.....

As always, the main track & pee-wee track will be closed on the 3 days prior to the October 16 CMRC Race but our 'new track' location will be open for practice riding on those 3 days only: October 13, 14 & 15. Here's the chance so many of you have been waiting for -- ride our new track!! Hours for October 13 & 14: 11am to 7pm & on October 15: 11am to 4pm

Trails will also be open on these 3 days and entrance will be from the main gate.

GATE ADMISSION: (effective Saturday at 11am)

$10 per adult

$7 under 12

Free under 5

CAMPING:

$10 per vehicle

SATURDAY PRACTICE RIDING FEE:

$25 per rider

All Sat. practice riders & spectators will get wrist-banded & those departing by 4:30pm on Saturday will be refunded their gate fee. Riders must also register to practice ride at the Pro Shop upon arrival, sign waiver and pay the riding fee.

Gates lock Saturday at midnight & re-open Sunday at 6:30am.

CMRC SIGN-IN:

Saturday from 7pm to 9pm

Sunday from 6:30am to 8:30am

Mandatory Riders Meeting at 8:15am

Practice begins at 8:30am

Racing from 9:30am to 5:00pm

MINORS up to age 17: It is MANDATORY that you have completed the CMRC Minor Waiver & Parental

consent forms in 2011 and you should have a Blue Card stating that it was completed. Please bring it

with you when you register to race, otherwise you will have to complete these forms again.

What you need for registration so you are not sent to the back of the line...

• completed Entry Form & signed on back (by parent, if under 18)

• cash in hand

• if under 18, both signed Waiver Release & Parental Consent Forms or 2011 Blue Card

• if under 18, a parent must accompany you to sign the participant waiver

• racers will receive a wristband prior to exiting the registration trailer

• new racers be prepared to change your bike race # which must be displayed on your jersey/chest protector

• as well as on the front and both sides of your bike and with proper colours.

• Incorrect #'s or missing #'s may cause the rider to be scored improperly or disqualified!

• For rules, please visit: www.cmrcracing.com

OKAY, so what else is new?? You gotta check out our "all new bicycle pump track" designed and built by Travis Browning, our South African top pro downhill mountain bike racer!!

Bring out your bicycle & helmet, cause on Saturday there will be a "SCOTT Sports Bicycle Race". Competition to take place at the Beginner Track at 4:30pm. FREE Entry!

MORE yet for those that bring along their RC (remote control) car to compete in our 'longest jump competition' taking place on Saturday at 5:30pm at the Pee-Wee Track finish line jump. FREE Entry!

AND, while you're here with your RC vehicles, why not try out our newly designed Remote Control track?! (so brand new it's currently still under construction).

POSTER CONTEST: Draw your own Team Gopher Dunes Racing Poster for a chance to win prizes....3 age categories. Poster deadline is October 16 for judging. For more contest details email Barb at info@gopherdunes.com and the rules will be sent directly to you, or pick up your info & poster paper at the Gopher Dunes Pro Shop.

There's so much new stuff happening at the 'SandStorm Finale' -- it's the one event you won't want to miss!!

PLUS following the Saturday evening sign-in from 7pm to 9pm at the Pro Shop, there will be the MXP Magazine ME Cup Supercross Big Screen Live Party starting at 10pm. FREE Admission.

SO really, how much more excitement can you pack into one day?!

THEN for Sunday's CMRC Motocross Racing, there will also be a Vintage Display Show & Shine with the Vintage & Post Vintage bikes racing motos on the Pee-Wee track (full details listed below...)

and visit: http://www.offroadmotorcycles.ca/journal/2011/10/4/vintage-racers-get-ready-for-gopher-dunes-sandstorm-oct-16.html

AND we're inviting back the CMRC quad racers for some year-end competition on the pee-wee track and main track (classes listed below...)

PLUS for a little added excitement on Sunday --- we will also be featuring a "Dash for Cash" race around the main track! $5 per entrant & winner takes all!! Maximum 40 participants.

Red Bull Energy Lounge

The Red Bull crew will be attending the event and setting up their energy lounge for riders and spectators to relax at while watching some racing and sipping some back!

AND the 'Half Time Show' will once again present the "Red Bull Biggest Whip Contest" for selected Pro & Intermediate riders. There's just way too much happening at this 'Sandstorm' weekend finale, that you just don't want to miss out on -- so load up your bikes, your bicycles, your RC cars and pack your trailers and head on down to the Dunes for our final event of 2011. Spread the exciting news and we look forward to seeing you then!

We invite all 2011 CMRC Closed Club & Cross Country card holders & TVR Members to this final race of the year!!

ADDED Feature: YAMAHA Prizes to Top Racers -- Yamaha is awarding a "Yamalube TLC Kit" (includes bottle of Yamalube, air filter oil & contact cleaner) to the TOP YAMAHA RIDER in all the classes below marked with an *.

COMPETITION CLASSES:

Peewee Track

50cc (4 - 6) *

50cc (7 - 8) *

50cc Open *

65cc Novice

65cc Expert

65cc Open

ATV Mini Junior *

ATV Mini Pro *

Vintage (1974 & older)

Heritage (1975 - 84)

PW Entry Fees:

First class - $25

Second class - $20

Vintage class - $15

Main Track

ATV Junior *

ATV ProAm *

85cc (7 - 11)

85cc (12 - 16)

Supermini *

Schoolboy (12 - 16)

Youth (17 - 29)

250 Beginner

Open Beginner *

250 Junior

Open Junior *

250 Intermediate

Open Intermediate *

Open Pro *

Ladies *

Vet Junior *

Vet Master *

35+

40+

Main Entry Fees:

First Class - $30

Second Class - $25

Third Class - $20

NOTE: Payback classes (per moto) will be Youth, Vet Master, 250 Intermediate, Open Intermediate & Open Pro

All other class winners will be awarded Gopher Dunes plaques.

Forma Boots & Delft Family Montreal SX Report

2011-10-07T10:22:00.000-04:00

MD Distributions is very proud to give results from last Saturday Montreal Supercross. A lot of riders were there to represent Forma Boots and Delft Family. This race really ends up the 2011 season in a very good note.

First of all, we have to mentioned the 1st place of ATV many time Canadian Champion, Richard Pelchat. For many years Richard is working hard to get on the top of Montreal podium and it’s now done. Richard runs in first place from the beginning to the end of the race. We can see how good this victory was on the next picture.

In motocross, a lot of riders were there for Forma and Deft Family. In MX2, Tim Tremblay(53) did a really good race and end up in third place. He also raced the MX1 race, he had a really bad start but managed to go thru the pack and finish in 10th. Montreal race was Tim first race in a couple of month because of an injury.
Finising 13th in MX1 class Liam O’Farrell (22).

Finishing in 19th place, vet rider, Alexandre Durocher(55). Alexandre made the final even if he had not much practice this year. It was is 2nd or 3rd race this year

In MX2, a lot of young riders were there. Nicky Beatty(45) finishing 10th. Alexandre Morin (686) 11th, PJ Straton (35) 12th, Bradley Dool (111) 13th.

Andrew Delormier(140) made a really good 3rd position in the Junior Class and Miss Eve Brodeur(41)finished 10th in the 85cc class.

Unfortunately, many others pilots did not qualify for the finals. But for many of them they were at their first supercross experience.

Thanks everyones for this incredible season!

Marco Dubé
MD Distributions

Chesterman Indoor Pit Bike Racing

2011-10-06T17:40:00.000-04:00

For the Tillsonburg Indoor MX Track.

The Tillsonburg Indoor MX track has released their winter pit bike racing schedule, with classes for everyone from beginners to expert racers, youth and adult.

The track re-opens as of November 1st, with races held on Saturday.

Classes:
1. 4-7 50cc PW 50 and similar
2. Large Frame Pit Bike
3. 4-8 50cc KTM and similar
4. Small Frame Pit Bike
5. 7-11 65/110cc Kids
6. Midsize Super Stock Pit Bike
7. Midsize Modified Pit Bike
8. 85/150cc School Boy

Race Dates:
Oct. 29/2011
Nov. 26/2011
Jan. 7/2012
Feb. 4/2012
Mar. 3/2012
Apr. 7/2012

Practice starts at 3 pm. Races are a 3 moto format.

The track is located at 14493 Bayham Dr., Tillsonburg at Hwy. #3.

For more information checkout Chesterman Power Sports at www.chesterman.com or call 1.888.486.0633.

Yamaha Motor Co. Transfers Shares of Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. to Yamaha Motor Corp, USA

2011-10-06T09:07:00.001-04:00

From Yamaha Motor Canada, Limited.

Toronto, ON – October 5, 2011 – The Board of Directors of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) have voted to transfer all shares of Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. (YMCA), to its American subsidiary, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS).

The transfer, to be completed by December 31, 2011, will see YMUS assume additional responsibilities for financial reporting and audit. The move will allow YMC to draw a centralized financial report from a single North American operation, similar to their Yamaha Europe, Yamaha South America and Yamaha Asia subsidiaries.

The investment arrangement will not impact YMCA’s organizational structure. YMCA will maintain all of its current, independent responsibilities to serve the Canadian dealers and customers. The change is part of the on-going business reform process for YMC to simplify reporting for North American business.

YMCA joins nine other subsidiaries, including Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, Skeeter Products Inc., and Tennessee Water Craft Inc., under the YMUS ownership portfolio.

Wojo at the Great Pine

2011-10-05T11:43:00.000-04:00

Rain or shine, sun or snow, enduros go on, and on they went this past Sunday as the Offroad Ontario presented the Great Pine Enduro; a 130 kilometre run through the Ganaraska forest. The weather was as trying as the terrain; cold, windy and rainy. The conditions for riding were far from ideal, but Yamaha/Machine Racing’s Brian “Wojo” Wojnarowski was prepared.

Starting at 10 am, riders were released in groups of four, every minute, and rode the soggy, sandy transfer trails to the tests. There were six tests, each a gnarly mix of wet sand, greasy roots and mud covered rocks. The rains before and during the race caused water holes to develop in some sections, with riders digging the hole s deeper as they tried to get traction in the slick mud.

“The fire roads were a little cold,” said Wojo. “But once you got back into the tighter trail, you’d warm up again.”

After a solid ride, Wojo finished second behind KTM rider Josh Long.

“It was a very wet, cold and miserable day,” said the Yamaha rider. “But, other than that, everything went really well.”

Wojo would like to thank all of his sponsors: Yamaha, Machine Racing, LGS, Podium Grafix, Bondi Engines, Works Connection, Yamalube, Rekluse, AXO Gear, PerformX, Orthoflex, LRP and AME Grips for their support.

Vintage at Gopher Dunes Sandstorm Oct 16th!

2011-10-04T09:15:00.001-04:00

From Ron Harten

JOIN your fellow VMX enthusiasts at the final motocross race event at the infamous GOPHER DUNES offroad sport facility located just south of Courtland (Tillsonburg) www.gopherdunes.com

A vintage display ~ show and shine (roaches welcome too) will take place in the vintage “pits” by the peewee track. Bring your bikes, old gear, memorabilia and set up amongst the display. Great networking for parts, repair tips, race info and business card exchange; together with plenty of bench racing and memory sharing of events far past.

A race on the peewee track ~ for vintage (1974 and older) and post vintage (1975-84) will take place within the schedule of the Junior riders – two motos for each class. Come out and bang bars and see if your bike is worthy of Frank Schuster’s awesome small track. Awards for static display bikes include coolest bike, most original, etc. so bring ‘em out.

Enjoy modern racing from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the big track.

Food booth located at the Wiseco pavilion.

Gates open at 7:00 a.m.

Vintage Bike Display – all day

Sign-up for racing opens at 7:30 a.m. (at Ron’s pit)

Practice and racing to follow (10:00 a.m. to 2-3:00 p.m.)

For details contact Ron Harten at ronharten42@gmail.com or home 519-751-2453 or call Gopher Dunes 519-842-2781 or email info@gopherdunes.com

LEOK JOINS DESALLE AT SUZUKI MX1 IN 2012

2011-10-04T09:05:00.001-04:00

From Team Suzuki

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 will tackle the 2012 FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship with Clement Desalle for a third season in a row and the Belgian will be joined by Estonian Tanel Leok as the pair look to continue the team's lofty presence at the top of the premier class of the sport on the works RM-Z450 machinery.

Desalle is recovering after a recent shoulder operation and should be fully fit ahead of a full winter of preparation and training for what will be his third attempt at the MX1 crown. The 22 year old has finished in the top three of the World Championship standings for the last three seasons and led six of the first seven rounds of the 2011 campaign, winning four races in total.

"Of course I'm happy to be with the team for another year, we work very well together and that has shown in the results since we started in 2010," said Desalle. "I already made my decision some time ago and I have a great feeling with the RM-Z450 so there was not much difficulty in thinking about 2012. We have been close to doing something really good on two occasions now. I want to get fit and get my mind focussed on 2012 as soon as possible."

Tanel Leok has been drafted into the team as a second rider and is no stranger to the bike or the set-up. Leok was granted Joel Smets' factory motorcycle in 2004 when the young Estonian impressed during the inaugural MX1 series with a string of outings on the RM250. He used the RM-Z450 to post his first top-three moto finish in Ireland that year at 19 years of age. Now 26, and having won Grands Prix with two other brands and taken the Italian TM into the 'Winner's Circle' during 2011, the hard-charging father of two has a tremendous opportunity.

"I'm changing team again but for sure I'm really happy because I am joining one of the very best in the paddock," he said. "It was a great feeling to get the offer from Suzuki and it is also special for me because it is with the company and group that I made my breakthrough. I had some good results in 2004 at a young age and I can remember how nice that Suzuki was to race. I have a good chance for next season and it is very motivating. I cannot wait."

"We are pleased that we can finally confirm our two riders for 2012," commented Team Owner Sylvain Geboers. "Agreeing another contract with Clement was our priority because he is one of the very top Grand Prix riders at the moment and is still so young. We had some bad luck in 2011 but his speed and ability is very clear to see. With Tanel coming on board we know we are getting a very fast and determined rider and one that will present a technical challenge for our motorcycles. It will be an exciting winter of preparation and, I hope, an even better season in 2012. I would also like to convey our thanks to Steve Ramon. Steve won our last title in 2007 and was part of our roster here for six years. All of us at Suzuki wish him a full recovery from his injury and we are grateful for his commitment, results and professionalism in his time with us."

It's Official - KTM Signs Ryan Dungey to Red Bull/KTM Factory Racing Team

2011-10-02T19:57:00.000-04:00

From KTM NORTH AMERICA

MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM Motorsports is pleased to announce the addition of Supercross/Motocross racer Ryan Dungey to the Red Bull/KTM Factory Race Team for the 2012 and 2013 AMA Pro Supercross and Motocross Championship Series.

The well-decorated rider’s first official race with the Red Bull/KTM Factory Team will be the opening round of the AMA Pro Supercross Championship Series at Angel Stadium on January 7, 2012 where he will race aboard the KTM 450 SX-F in the premier Supercross class.

KTM expressed its desire to strengthen its motocross efforts in 2010 when it released the new generation SX model line of motorcycles and hired Roger DeCoster, the most well-known and prolific team manager in motocross racing history. In 2011, KTM proved its determination to push ahead in the segment by signing 250cc riders Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin. Now, two years after the launch of the new model line, KTM has continued to release new innovative product development on its 2012 line and has again stepped up its motocross racing effort with the addition of Dungey.

“I am really happy to have Ryan Dungey join our team. He and I have worked together for several years so we know each other well. Our past should help us get the best out of each other and put us in position to be legit championship contenders in the big bike class,” commented Red Bull/KTM Team Manager Roger DeCoster. “Everyone at the factory and here on the U.S. side is very excited to start working with Ryan and see where the future will take us.”

At only 21 years of age, the Minnesota native has already accomplished every goal he has set for himself. In 2009 he won the AMA Supercross Lites Western Regional Title and followed that up with the AMA Pro Motocross Championship 250cc class crown. That same year he competed in the 2009 Motocross des Nations where he was one of three members aboard the winning U.S. Team. In 2010, he became the first rider in history to win both the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championship in his rookie year. He again went on to lead the 2010 Motocross des Nations team to victory on U.S soil in Lakewood, CO. Most recently, in mid-September, he added one more win to his belt as he and the US team captured yet another Motocross des Nations victory in France.

KTM has signed Ryan Dungey to a two-year contract. Ryan expressed his excitement about switching to KTM and working under the guidance of Roger DeCoster, commenting, “I’m looking forward to riding for the new Red Bull/KTM team and working again with Roger. I am excited to start something new and am ready for the challenge. I like the way that KTM has

backed Roger since he made the switch last year and I appreciate KTM’s goal of working hard to develop their race team to earn championships. I am making this switch to win races and work toward getting that championship for KTM.”

KTM Sportmotorcycle AG’s Head of Motorsports, Pit Beirer, added a personal note, stating, “I am extremely proud that we have brought a great rider to the KTM team. Three years ago we started to rebuild our Supercross and Motocross efforts based on a dream to bring KTM to the top of the sport. A small number of people trusted in my idea and stayed with me. Soon after Roger (DeCoster), Ian (Harrison) and the entire U.S. Red Bull/KTM Team came onboard and began helping us get closer to our goal. We now have Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin, two MX2 World Champions, on our team and with Ryan coming to our side the dream team is a reality and we are truly ready to race.”

For more information on Ryan Dungey and the Red Bull/KTM Factory Racing Team please visit www.ktmusa.com.

Erzbergrodeo XVIII

2011-10-01T11:38:00.000-04:00

From Erzbergrodeo.

ERZBERGRODEO XVIII: registration kicks off on October 17th!
Even before the first engine fires up at Erzberg, race promotor Karl Katoch opens the race for the 1.800 entries for next year’s edition of the infamous Erzbergrodeo.

The run for the entry spots starts on Monday, October 17th at exactly 10:00 a.m. CET with the opening of the Erzbergrodeo’s online registration. An online countdown clock at www.erzbergrodeo.at will inform the Erzbergrodeo's impatient community about the exact start of the registration procedure. An astounding 150 kg of starting numbers are available for the limited 1.800 entry spots, and the 2012 registration will be once again handled in "first come, first serve" mode - so Gentlemen, start your engines and get ready to secure your entry spot! In 2011 the online registration had to be put offline after a mere 5 hours – and the entire race was sold out a few days after registration had begun. More than 1.300 hopeful dirt bike riders had to inscribe to the waiting list for the world’s biggest motorcycle offroad event.

Erzbergrodeo XVIII modifies race regulations to meet the current level of international motorcycle offroad sports, race promotor Karl Katoch has decided to update the race regulations of the respective race formats for 2012. The Erzbergrodeo offers three different race formats over the four days of the festival: Rocket Ride, Generali Iron Road Prologue and Red Bull Hare Scramble.

„The step-for-step accommodation of our race formats to the ever growing demands of our participants is a very crucial concern for us. Racing at Erzbergrodeo has to provide a maximum ammount of fun to our riders, without sacrifying any parts of the selective and demanding characteristic of the event.“, Katoch says about his reasons for the change of regulations – which are as follows:

Rocket Ride 2012: higher and further!
Within the past three years, the Rocket Ride uphill race has already become a true highlight for racers and spectators. It’s all about full throttle from start to finish at the mighty uphill sections right below the main rider paddock at Erzberg – only without any major risk for man and machinery. For 2012 the race will be enlarged by adding a fourth massive uphill to the 3-stories long racetrack, which makes for an outstanding, unique dimension in terms of height and length. The Rocket Ride 2012 will be traditionally held on the Erzbergrodeo’s first day of action (Thursday, June 7th) and is limited to a total ammount of 300 participants.

Generali Iron Road Prologue 2012: new track markers!
The Generali Iron Road Prologue, the spectaculous high-speed dirtbike race to the Erzberg’s summit, will be upgraded with new track markers alongside the 14 kilometers long gravel racetrack. These track markers will be controlled by marshalls and are similar to the gates in alpine ski racing: each rider has to make sure to pass all the gates on his way to the finish line. This new regulation shall prevent any ambitions to short-cut the Prologue’s racetrack.

„To be really fast on the up to 30 meters wide racetrack you have to find the perfect line through the many corners. To carry your speed from the straights into the hairpins is absolutely crucial to gain valueable time on your opponents. In most of the cases, shortcutting will even result in a loss of time.“, Karl Katoch explains. With 1800 participants from 37 nations and 5 continents, the Generali Iron Road Prologue is regarded as the world’s biggest and most spectacular motorcycle offroad race.

Red Bull Hare Scramble 2012: easier, faster, longer!
After increasing the ammount of checkpoints from 15 to 20 in 2010, the track layout of the world’s toughest single day Xtreme Enduro will be once again modified in 2012. „We will extend the Hare Scramble 2012 racetrack distinctively – but we’ll also add some easier and faster sections to the race. Over the past few years, the true highlight of the Erzbergrodeo has developed towards a rather extreme trials-style characteristic. The changes in track design will redirect this evolution towards a more Enduro-like characteristic. But don’t worry – the Red Bull Hare Scramble will remain a quite mean thing to handle, and it will still take competitors to their limits!“, Erzbergrodeo-Mastermind Karl Katoch describes the new track design. As of now, the 500 participants of the unique event had to tackle the extremely tough 25 kilometer long racetrack within a maximum time of four hours.

Another change of regulations affects the Red Bull Hare Scramble’s NoHelp zones. Within these particular sections of the track, riders are not allowed to recieve any help from spectators or crew members – they are only eligible to help, pull or push a fellow rider. So far only 6 out of the 20 sections of the entire racetrack have been marked as NoHelp zones . This number will be drastically increased in 2012 as most parts of the racetrack will be turned into NoHelp sections – starting from checkpoint „Wasserleitung“ all the way to the finish line inside the Erzbergrodeo Arena. Additionally, helping another rider will only be eligible if it’s impossible to pass the competitor at the respective section.

The impressive uphill sections right after the start of the Red Bull Hare Scramble will remain untouched by these regulation modifications, so spectators can still pull their favourite riders up the massively steep ascents.

Erzbergrodeo XVIII presents spectacular and action-loaded Trials event!
In addition to the classic side events Freestyle-MX Show, Sturm auf Eisenerz and One-On-One Rider Presentation, the Erzbergrodeo will feature an all new Xtreme Trials event in 2012. „We want to present the highly fascinating Trials sports to a wide range of motorsports enthusiasts. Trials techniques have become an important basic for all Xtreme Enduro top contenders, so it’s more than natural to present this amazing sports in front of the Erzbergrodeo crowd. The new side event will feature national Trials riders as well as international top-riders, offering superior entertainment to our spectators!“, says Katoch.

To accommodate the new side event, the Erzbergrodeo Arena will be rearranged featuring a Xtreme Trials parcours right in front of the big festival marquee. More detailed informations are to follow soon.

Photo-download (free of charge) at http://www.gepa-pictures.com/download/erzbergrodeo/

With kind regards,
Martin Kettner
Erzbergrodeo Press/Media Service

ONLINE REGISTRATION ERZBERGRODEO XVIII, June 7th-10th 2012:
starting from OCTOBER 17th 2011 at www.erzbergrodeo.at

American Honda Announces 2012 Supercross and Motocross Team Riders

2011-09-30T13:22:00.001-04:00

From American Honda

American Honda is proud to welcome Justin Brayton to the team for 2012. Brayton will join second year factory Honda racer Trey Canard on the team and contest both the AMA Supercross Championship and AMA Motocross Championship aboard Honda CRF450R race machines.

“I think 2012 is going to be an exciting year of racing for American Honda,” said Team Manager Erik Kehoe. “Trey has demonstrated time and again he has what it takes to win. He finished on a string of podiums last year, including winning three Supercross’ and was well in the championship hunt. Throughout his professional racing career, Justin has shown great speed in the 450 competition and he’s always a contender to podium or win. We are really excited to see what he can do on a factory Honda-prepared CRF450R.”

Returning to factory Honda for her fourth season with the team is three-time Women’s Motocross Champion Ashley Fiolek. The 21-year-old racer will defend her 2011 Women’s Motocross (WMX) title in the 2012 season aboard her Honda CRF250R.

“We are exceptionally proud of Ashley’s achievements this past season as she battled hard to win the WMX title for her third time,” Kehoe added. “Ashley does a tremendous job representing Honda not only to the Motocross community but to the mainstream media and she’s a fantastic role model to youth. We are extremely happy to continue working with her in 2012.”

Kawasaki Announces special Contingency Payout for Montreal Supercross

2011-09-29T16:29:00.001-04:00

From Canadian

Canadian Kawasaki Motors is pleased to extend a special contingency payout available to all Kawasaki riders competing in the Montreal Supercross.

In celebration of the dominant performances of Team Green riders around the globe, participants in the MX1 and MX2 classes will compete for a special cash payout of up to $10,000!

Contingency payouts will be as follows:

MX1 MX2

1st $10,000 1st $10,000

2nd $ 2,000 2nd $ 2,000

3rd $ 1,000 3rd $ 1,000

Conditions: To be eligible for the posted contingency, competitors must compete on a KX250F or KX450F purchased in Canada.

Good luck to all our Team Green Riders!

Wojo at the 58th Corduroy Enduro

2011-09-29T09:36:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Yamaha/Machine Racing’s Brian “Wojo” Wojnarowski competed in the 58th running of the historic Corduroy Enduro. The Corduroy Enduro is one of the most difficult races in Canada

On Friday night it rained making for a very greasy trail on Saturday. For the 2011 running of the event the organizers added a bunch of new trail, and an endurocross section designed to challenge riders and thrill spectators

“The new enduro tests were fresh and really fun. I also had a blast on the endurocross track,” said Wojo.

The Blue #2 finished second on Saturday behind KTM’s Bobby Prochnau.

On Sunday the weather was beautiful. The riding conditions and traction was perfect. “The motocross test was a fun to ride. I had a great time this weekend,” said the blue rider.

With another second on Sunday, again behind Prochnau, Wojo finished second overall for the event.

“This race is known to be very hard on equipment, my bike never gave me any issues all weekend,” said Wojo.

Wojo would like to thank all of his sponsors: Yamaha, Machine Racing, LGS, Podium Grafix, Bondi Engines, Works Connection, Yamalube, Rekluse, AXO Gear, PerformX, Orthoflex, LRP and AME Grips for their support.

Guy Giroux from MotoPark and Victoriaville

2011-09-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

Wow already the end of the season... The last stretch just flew by!!! Let's recap the last 2 races...

First it was the Motopark CEC. Since Ryan was living with me for the week I had planned a lot of training but the weather kept us inside and prepping bikes almost all week long. On Wednesday night I took both of the kids (Sam and Ryan ) on one cool road bike ride with a bunch of 40yrs old ex cyclist. Sam launched the first attack up the first hill, from there I knew the ride would be painfull. We had a blast! Ryan was hauling uphill, bit I was pulling on the flats. (For a video of the ride go to my Facebook).

That night I took Ryan in the jungle of MTL, but the jungle was really quiet and we came home without seeing much of the wildlife.

Then on Thursday morning we left for Ontario. I had convinced Sam's mom to let him come with us to walk the test and learn english. It worked, after 8 hrs in the truck he learned more than in 3 months of school! We parked the rig at my favorite campground (Wally Mart). Since it was still early we bought Jackass3, and watched it. Next Morning we finished the drive, set up the tents, then walked the tests.

On Saturday we all rode good without too many mistakes. I won E1, Ryan got second in E3, and Sam got 3rd in A. On Sunday it went pretty much the same; I won E1 again, Ryan did have some electric problems, but he made me real proud the way he handled it. He stayed calm, we fixed the problem and he finished the race without a DNF! As for Sam, this time he got second, but he was pissed! Which made me happy, proving me he wants it bad! He rode the wheels of the 150 in the final moto to try to pass Cole (Dobovich).

On Sunday night it was an awesome party to finish a strange season(for me). Monday and Tuesday I was a corporate dude with a meeting in Toronto. Then Wednesday I was testing Sam on a 250f, since he clinched the championship I wanted him to race Pro on my TXC.

Friday I packed and left with Sam again, we got to Victoriaville, and Phil's mom told me to wait for the tractor to pull me up the hill since the field was too muddy. No way I wanted to try it! I pinned the rig up and was the only one that made it up! Without even getting too dirty!

Ten min later I had the biggest surprise: Phil walked in the trailer feeling like a new!! Big smile on his face and he really look to be doing well!!! This was the best moment of the last month!!! Since his crash I've been really sad! I guess our western trip got us pretty close, and seeing him on the road to recovery was really making me happy!

On Sunday I was ready to battle Josh Long. We got a good start, battled a few corners then he took the lead. My plan was to follow him and wait till late in the race to attack, but I was riding like a gimp and we rode away. At refueling I was starting to feel better and it was now time to attack but my bike stalled a few times. Then in the long field it died. Catastrophic failure!!!! I wasn't even pissed! I guess the season took a big toll on me and getting one dnf wasn't a big deal anymore...

Now what is the plan?????? Go watch the SX this week end, maybe a team race with Sam in 2 weeks, then maybe a big plan in November, but I will keep it quiet till it's really a Go...

Over 200 entries confirmed for the Supermotocross Monster Energy

2011-09-28T13:28:00.001-04:00

From Montreal Supercross

MONTREAL, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 - This weekend the biggest motocross event in Quebec will take place in Montreal's Olympic Stadium when the inaugural Off Road Show kicks off on Friday September 30 and the lights go on for the Supermotocross Monster Energy on Saturday, October 1. This year alone, over 200 athletes have expressed interest in participating in the competition.

The full list of registered entries in each discipline can be found on the official Supermotocross Monster Energy website at www.supermotocross.ca. Each discipline brings its own unique stars and fan favourites.

Given the magnitude of the event, it's no surprise that the number of registered participants increases every year. In 2010, a then-record 153 riders were entered. This year's MX1 class features 52 participants. Do not miss Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil native Kaven Benoit try to win against a host of strong opponents, including former champions Jason Thomas and Tyler Medaglia, a former MX2 champion who is stepping up to the main class for the first time. Last year, Benoit won the MX2 class, but will be challenged by young western Canadian Kyle Beaton.

Thirty-eight ATV participants will compete at the Supermotocross Monster Energy, including Quebec native Richard Pelchat taking on Americans Cody Miller and John Natalie, the 2010 event champion.

The inaugural Side-by-Side event will feature many surprises. Twenty-three entries will be in attendance after a summer of preparation with future stars and champions waiting in the wings. Supermotocross Monster Energy regular, fan favourite and former Canadian champion Simon Homans headlines the Side-by-Side entry list.

The Freestyle Motocross event, where the winner is chosen by the crowd, is always a fan favourite. This year the competition will be fierce with the presence of France's Thomas Pages, Quebec natives Ben Milot, Morgan Kaliszuk and Brody Wilson and American X Games gold medalist Adam Jones.

Just this morning, the first shipments of dirt arrived at Montreal's Olympic Stadium! Follow the construction of the track on the Supermotocross Monster Energy Facebook page.

Tickets are available at www.Admission.com or by calling 514-790-1245 or toll free at 1-800-361-4597.

For more information, visit www.Supermotocross.ca.

Kevin Cockayne Race Report - Wingham

2011-09-27T10:14:00.000-04:00

Conditions were perfect for the Ross Rocher Sales Wigham Cross Country, the organizers laid out a great course with a mix of flowing hillside trails and wide open motocross track. Steady rain prior to the event and sunny race day conditions left just the right amount of moisture in loamy Wingham soil.

Cockayne’s Mission Cycle/ Race Tech/ KTM hooked up off the line and rocketed through the first turn breaking the tape, once again claiming the $100 holeshot award from Weisner Insurance. From there Cockayne checked out on the pack putting in 17 solid laps leading right to the checkered flag, taking the overall win on the day.

Kevin would like to thank his team for the outstanding race day support including all the great support from Mission Cycle, KTM Canada, Race Tech, Clockwork Parts & Mods, LRP, Enduro Engineering, Motovan, Forma boots, Whitelaw Performance, PG Graphics and TLD.

Kevin’s next race is October 2nd for the Great Pine Enduro in the sandy Ganaraska Forest.

Results – Ross Rocher Sales Wingham WEC XC Series
1. Kevin Cockayne – (KTM)
2. Jamie West – (Honda)
3. Bryan Marshall –( Honda)

RB Components releases Junior Door Cabinet

2011-09-23T15:39:00.000-04:00

From RB Components

At RB Components, our R&D department is constantly developing new products and improving past designs. With this said we’ve developed the 2nd generation of the Junior Door Cabinet. Although, it was a proven seller we maximized its effectiveness by providing an upper shelf that will accept four quart containers and a lower shelf that can store four aerosol cans. Combined with a fold down table that rotates on nylon washers, and you have a baby workhorse for those small trailer doors.

For use in your trailer, shop or garage, the Junior Door Cabinet can be mounted easily on the wall or door for convenient access to oil quarts or cleaner bottles and aerosol cans. The tray table is designed with an outer lip to hold screws and tools without rolling off the edge.

RB Components accessories come standard with a durable aluminum look powder coating for all RB Components manufactured items. This finish provides a tough, highly decorative, easy to clean and corrosion resistant product at no additional cost.

IMX Eastern Canadian Enduro Championships & IM Top Junior

2011-09-23T09:49:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release - September 22, 2011

At the final round of the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship this past weekend at Motopark in Chatsworth, ON the Inside MotoX & Off Road Magazine Eastern Canadian Enduro Champions were crowned. World Enduro Canada would like to thank IMX for the support of the series and congratulate the new Champions. These amateur riders represent the future of Enduro racing in Canada! Each rider was presented with a large prize package courtesy of IMX.

2011 Inside MotoX and Offroad Magazine Eastern Amateur Champions
A - Mike Laycraft
B - Matt Coonfer
C - Cole Wilton
40 + - Howard Lawrence
50 + - Andrew Christiansen
Women - Chantelle Bykerk

Cole Wilton - photo courtesy of Jeff Morgan at IMX

In addition to the Eastern Champions Inside Motorcycle Magazine presented a $500 cheque to the Top Pro Junior. For the third year in a row the award went to Ryan Graffunder from Kamloops, BC.

Ryan Graffunder accepting Top Pro Jr award from Inside Motorcycles Suzanne Howie. Photo courtesty of Jeff Morgan at IMX

DeCal Works free graphic mounting

2011-09-21T16:54:00.001-04:00

From DeCal Works

CGRT race report from CEC Motopark

2011-09-21T15:00:00.001-04:00

From CGRT

What a season 2011 has been!! CGRT added riders Jessie Grummett and “Giant Killer” Ben Rego to the roster and an increased support program from many great sponsors and the results have been great! The Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships concluded this past weekend at Motopark, near Owen Sound, Ontario.

Jessie finished the season with a 6th place overall in the A class, with 4th and a 5th place finishes in Motopark. Jessie improved steadily through the season and made the transition to the FX 450 from his 125 2 stroke easily, “ the bike was awesome, very happy with it, no problems at all.”

Team Manager Lee Fryberger concluded the series with another set of 2nd place finishes in the Vet Pro class. His FE 570 was a monster in the tight confines of the enduro test, but “ I had fun, even though this white man can’t jump, I loved the moto test, great weekend, great season! I wanted the top step on the Championship, but I missed the first round, Scott Kinakin and his KTM were too fast for me everywhere else.” Despite missing round one, Lee finished the season 2nd place Vet Pro.

Cole Dobovich is coming into his own, the 17 year old won both days at Motopark on his FX 450, riding very well in all the tests. With two 2nd place finishes and two wins, Cole wrapped up the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship Amateur A Class Championship!!! The west rounds didn’t go so well for him, with a 10th at the first round and broken engine case at the 4th round, he lacked points coming east to challenge the 2ational Amateur A Championship, where he finished 3rd place on the season. Great effort Cole!

The man once known as “The Giant Killer”, Ben Rego has made the transition from hunter to the hunted. Ben finished the weekend with 4th place finishes, cementing his 3rd place in the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships E2 class and 4th place overall for the series!! For a man who was unknown in 2009 and today on the Pro podium, CGRT is proud!! “The bike works amazing, it handles really good, and I can’t thank our sponsors enough for their great support through the season, couldn’t have done it without them” stated the quiet man from Kitimatt, BC.

With the nationals complete, CGRT is looking forward to action from Ben and Shane Cuthbertson and his TE300 at the remaining rounds of the US Endurocross Series. Good luck fellas!!! For more on CGRT, www.cornergrass.com.

Corner Grass Racing Team would like to thank the following sponsors for their support; Husaberg Canada, Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Thor, Alpinestars, Smith Optics, FMF, PG Graphics, Dunlop, Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing and Marine, Kermaxx, Rekluse, UFA, and Xtreme Hot Oil.

Yamaha/Machine Racing Race Report

2011-09-21T09:51:00.000-04:00

The final rounds of the Royal Distributing/World Enduro Canada Canadian Enduro Championship series took place at historic MotoPark, near Chatsworth, Ontario this past weekend. The Yamaha/Machine Racing off road team took home more podiums with an expanded line up of Brian “Wojo” Wojnarowski, Adam Millson, Ryan Gauld (aboard his moto YZ450), and Machine’s own mechanic/suspension tech Mark Koens in Amateur B.

Saturday saw Wojo finish third in E2, sixth overall. Crowd favourite Millson was getting the spectators on their feet and cheering continuing the tricks from last week. “When Trevor (Wideman) called me out for a heel clicker over the PA system, I couldn’t disappoint,” the man also known as Blue 22 slyly said. Millson finished third in E1, good enough for a tenth overall.

Gauldy finished fifth in E2, good enough for an eleventh overall, one spot
behind Millson.

Koens finished just off the podium in Amateur B; a slim 4 seconds off 3rd
place. “I’m just going to have to turn it up a bit more,” said Koens. “I really want to get on that podium.”

“I had a blast on the motocross track,” said Adam “Blue 22” Millson. “I’m
looking forward to the final cross test tomorrow. It’s going to be an awesome way to end the year.”

Round 8 kicked off Sunda with a shortened program to accommodate the final mmoto tests. Where Pros ran 5 loops on Saturday, for Sunday they only ran 4.

The riders were divided into 4 heats based on their overall times for the day; they would race four laps of the motocross track in a bar to bar format. The slowest riders went first, with the final moto reserved for the fastest riders of the day. Blue 22 and Gauldy ended up in Moto 3, and as was expected, no one could touch Gauld on the moto track.

“I had to prove I wasn’t a total spode after the beating I took out west,” said the #107 rider. And prove he did; Gauld was on fire in the cross test. Ryan finished tenth overall on the weekend, fifth in E2.

Millson battled hard with CGRT’s Ben Rego for third most of the race, until
Tyler Murray, who had been running second, crashed. Then it was a battle for second place, with Gauldy already checked out. Millson and Rego battled, but try as he might Blue 22 couldn’t get in front of the #77 machine.

Millson finished second in E1, good enough for an eighth overall.

Wojo found himself in the final moto, battling against the fastest riders in the country. He finished fourth behind Josh Long, Bobby Prochnau and Ian Hayden.

Wojo finished third in E2, fifth overall on the weekend.

“It’s great to see all the western guys make it out east,” said Wojo. “The final moto test was fun to race and watch.”

Mark Koens pushed harder and got up on the podium, finishing second in
Amateur B. “I was so close to the podium yesterday,” said Koens. “I pushed a little harder, and I got it today. I am really happy with my finish.”

“I’m really happy with how well my bike worked all year,” said Wojo. After
eight rounds Wojo finished 5th overall.

The boys would like to thank their sponsors, Yamaha, Machine Racing, LGS, Podium Grafix, Bondi Engines, Works Connection, and Yamalube, for their support.

In addition, Wojo would like to thank: AXO Gear, PerformX, Orthoflex, Rekluse, LRP and AME Grips.

Gauldy would like to thank MXPerformance Magazine, Oakley, Monster, Ogio,
My Pakage, Etnies, VP Racing Fuels and Thor Gear.

Jason Schrage Racing CEC Race Report

2011-09-21T09:22:00.000-04:00

Well it's all over, and considering 1 month ago I thought I may not be able to even attempt to defend my 2010 championship I am satisfied with 3rd overall behind Bobby and Geoff and 2nd in E2 behind Bobby.

My arm is feeling very good and I go for my 6 week post fracture X ray and check up this Friday.

Rounds 5 & 6 in Labelle, Quebec:

Day 1 went well; I finished up the day with 3rd overall and 2nd E2. On day 2 my lack of luck this year continued. I had some major mechanical failures. I derailed my chain on a rock in a special test wich cost me approx 20 min in the test. I finally got it back on but it continued to derail throughout the loop. I got back to the pits with minimal time before I had to go, thought I had it fixed but it continued to derail multiple times. I finished up the day 13th overall, which cost me some major points towards the total championship and substantial bike damage.

I ended up breaking the case, wrecking a swing arm, bending a shifter shaft, broke my Rekluse, broke a gear in the transmission, which went into the motor. So with all my bad luck gone Rounds 7 & 8 went well. I had no issues and finished up 2nd overall and 2nd in E2.

Special thanks to John and Mark at Machine Racing for spending a tremendous amount of time on my bike to make sure it was ready and also to Patrick at Rekluse for making sure I had everything I needed to get going again. It wasn't the year I had intended it to be but I am satisfied considering and let's hope next year I can get back on top spot and stay healthy.

Thanks again to all of you for the tremendous support and getting me through probably the toughest years I have had racing due to all the troubles.

- Jason

Last year Jason claimed his Honda didn't know how to fly, well it appears it, and the pilot, learned a few new tricks this year. Way to go, Jason!

CEC Round #8 Update

2011-09-19T12:21:00.000-04:00

Apex Cycle/KTM rider Josh Long was a moto kid until earlier this year. This past weekend he threw down with the fastest Canadian enduro riders and, thanks to a 4 lap final moto, came out a first place finish in E3. "I'm super pumped; I know my cross test times helped me big time this weekend," said the young E3 rider from Ontario.

"We're hoping that Josh's success, and Ryan (Gauld)'s success at this event will get more people in Ontario to give these events a try," said WEC spokesperson Lawrence Hacking.

Overall Pro:
1 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM (E2)
2 - Jason Schrage, HON (E2)
3 - Josh Long, KTM (E3)
4 - Geoff Nelson, KTM (E3)
5 - Guy Giroux, HSQ (E1)

E3 Podium:
1 - Josh Long, KTM
2 - Geoff Nelson, KTM
3 - Greg Filer, KTM

E2 Podium:
1 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM
2 - Jason Schrage, HON
3 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM

E1 Podium:
1 - Guy Giroux, HSQ
2 - Adam Millson, YAM
3 - Tyler Murray, HON

And that's it! The series is done. Check out the upcoming issue of IMX for more indepth coverage of the final four rounds of the 2011 Royal Distributing/World Enduro Canada Canadian Enduro Championship series, presented by Parts Canada. And check back here for National and Eastern Amatuer overall results!

SUZUKI VICTORIOUS AT 65TH ‘NATIONS

2011-09-19T11:03:00.001-04:00

From Team Suzuki

Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey was again part of a victorious Team USA that claimed the prestigious Chamberlain Trophy at the Motocross of Nations for the seventh year in a row today.

The 2011 AMA Supercross and Motocross runner-up and former double Champion helped his country to the top step of the podium in a close finish to the 65th edition, run under showery skies and in front of a noisy, passionate and cosmopolitan 68,000 crowd at St Jean D'Angely in France.

Dungey scored second and third in his two motos to win the MX1 class and assist enormously with the points score for the defending Champions. It represented his third appearance in the Stars and Stripes colours and now involves a perfect 100% record. The rutty hard-pack was even more difficult when intermittent heavy showers made the dirt rough and slippery. Conquering the conditions for a landmark achievement was Dungey's team-mate Brett Metcalfe whose seventh and 10th positions in the MX Open category hoisted Australia onto the podium for the first time ever in the history of the competition.

RM-Z Suzuki machinery was prevalent throughout the field in the three classes. Taking the factory RM-Z450 Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 motorcycle to fifth in MX Open - just ahead of Metcalfe - was Kevin Strijbos. The former double World Championship runner-up began the last moto of the day with a chance to elevate Belgium into yet another podium slot but a bad start meant he could only secure 11th to compliment his fifth place captured earlier on. Belgium was still fifth by the end of the day with several of their top riders, including Clement Desalle and Steve Ramon, injured on the sidelines.

Marcus Schiffer was 11th overall in MX Open and was pleased with a confident run to 13th in his first race although he struggled slightly with his physical condition in the second. Team Germany was without luck - even if Ken Roczen did very well to win MX2 - and filled seventh place.

Yoshi Atsuta, always a popular addition to the international paddock and fondly remembered for his grand prix days in Europe, rode well in tricky conditions to walk away from the French event with eighth in MX1. The Japanese ploughed across the bumps for 13th and 17th positions that were the best results for Japan as they occupied 13th in the final ranking.

Ryan Dungey:

"I think each and every win is amazing and it was cool to pull it off. There was a little bit of rain and the track was tough but I'm really excited to get this one. The first race was tough. I felt good at the beginning and was closing in on the lead but when the rain came down it was really slippery. Chad Reed was riding well and got away. I made a mistake but kept it up. When it starts getting muddy and slippery then the bike gets heavy and it was tough-going."

Brett Metcalfe:

"We came here Friday for the press conference and it almost felt like we were the laughing stock, like 'here comes Team Australia again, a great team but they'll probably take seventh again like every year'. To finally get that out of the way and get on the podium is awesome for Australian motocross."

Kevin Strijbos:

"The first race was pretty good. I had a good start and was riding well. Sometimes I felt I was a little bit faster in places but passing was so hard but overall it was OK. For the second moto I went to the inside but it just didn't happen. I blew it there. I was 15th or 16th and it was difficult to overtake the others. The crowd was going insane and it was fun to race here. I think we cannot be disappointed with fifth; it is pretty much what we expected even if we did have a chance of the podium before the final race - if I made a good start! The bike really suits me and I've enjoyed these last few meetings. I want to thank the team for all their help and I hope I can find something good for next year soon. I know I can make top five in the World with the Suzuki."

Marcus Schiffer:

"My first heat was really good. I had a good start and managed 13th. In the beginning I pushed a little bit too hard because the Americans came through and I wanted to go with them. I had a bit of arm-pump but the result was OK. I'm not happy with the second heat because I stopped the bike going up one hill and was completely last. I couldn't find the rhythm and for the first time this season I had muscle cramps that were so painful; it was difficult to ride! Overall I'm happy because it was tough for our team with the bad luck with Max being injured and Danny crashing out of the last race."

Yoshi Atsuta:

"It was OK today and I really enjoyed it. I had quite good starts in both motos but those guys are very quick! I struggled a little bit because there were so many ruts and it was a high-speed track. My riding is getting better but I need a bit more time. Now we go back to four more races in Japan and my goal is to get the Championship again. I am behind Akira Narita by 19 points and I will push hard to try and pass him."

MX2 Classification:

1. Ken Roczen, KTM, GER; 2. Marvin Musquin, KTM, FRA; 3. Joel Roelants, KTM, BEL; 4. Blake Baggett, Kawasaki, USA; 5. Dean Wilson, Kawasaki, GBR; 6. Donny Bastemeijer, Honda, NED; 7. Shannon Terreblance, Honda, RSA; 8. Stuart Edmonds, TM, IRL; 9. Priit Ratsep, Honda, EST; 10. Aleksandr Tonkov, Yamaha, RUS

MX1 Classification:

1. Ryan Dungey, Suzuki, USA; 2. Tyla Rattray, Kawasaki, RSA; 3. Tommy Searle, Kawasaki, GBR; 4. Chad Reed, Honda, AUS; 5. Tanel Leok, TM, EST; 6. Jonathan Barragan, Kawasaki, SPA; 7. Rui Goncalves, Honda, POR; 8. Yoshi Atsuta, Suzuki, JPN; 9. Marvin Van Daele, Honda, BEL; 10. Antti Pyrhonen, Honda, FIN

MX Open Classification:

1. Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki, USA; 2. Gautier Paulin, Yamaha, FRA; 3. Jeffrey Herlings, KTM, NED; 4. Davide Guarneri, Kawasaki, ITA 5. Kevin Strijbos, Suzuki, BEL 6. Brett Metcalfe, Suzuki, AUS 7. Arnaud Tonus, Yamaha, SUI 8. Gareth Swanepoel, Yamaha, RSA 9. Carlos Campano, Yamaha, SPA 10. Brad Anderson, Honda, GBR

65th Motocross of Nations Classification: 1. USA, 26 points; 2. France 39p; 3. Australia 44p; 4. Great Britain 46p; 5. Belgium 54p; 6. South Africa 56p; 7. Germany 58p; 8. Spain 58p; 9. Netherlands 81p; 10. Estonia 86p; 13. Japan 98p.

GEICO Honda endurocross rider Redmond has season-best finish

2011-09-19T10:49:00.001-04:00

From GEICO Honda

ONTARIO, Calif. (Sep 18) – GEICO Honda endurocross riders Kyle Redmond and Geoff Aaron spent time training together ahead of Saturday night's GEICO AMA Endurocross race at Citizen Business Bank Arena

After a fourth place finish in the main event, Redmond seems to have reaped the rewards of the training session.

"I actually felt good tonight," Redmond said. "I am always so nervous going into the main event but that wasn't the case tonight. After that crash in Seattle I haven't been back to what I was until tonight."

Redmond won his semifinal heat, as it seemed like obstacles popped up at every turn when Aaron was on his bike.

"That heat race tonight was red flagged and we had to stop the race which was hard but then I came out and took the win," Aaron said. "I moved right on to the main event which was cool because it is always an ordeal just to get into the main. I was running in second against (eventual winner) Taddy Blazusiak in the main when my bike stalled in the sand for the third time tonight and put me back."

Aaron finished the night in fifth place.

Ryan Rogers battled the track well in each of his runs as he was still able to bring home some money after winning the Baja Night race with ease.

"It was a rough night, the track was really slick and I struggled a little," Rogers said. "I did well in the semi's, finishing in third, so I was happy with that. The LCQ I hit a rock and bent my chain which kept coming off so I didn't get to finish that race. I had to regroup and go out for the night race which wasn't really the race I wanted to win but I will take it."

Matt Crouch continued his development finishing second in the Open Amateur and adding a new chapter to his burgeoning rivalry with Eric Rhoten

"Open Amateur Main was a good race for me," Crouch said. "Eric has been my toughest competitor this season, it seems like we go back and forth with one another. One weekend I will beat him and the next he beats me, so it's been challenging but it has also been a great battle."

The GEICO AMA Endurocross leaves Southern California for the altitude of Denver's National Western Complex on Oct. 1.

CEC Round #7 Update

2011-09-17T21:17:00.000-04:00

The season is almost over, with Bobby Prochnau back on top.

Historic MotoPark is the host for the final rounds this year, and as Carl Bastedo pointed out, it makes sense. Back in the 1970s the very first event held at the facility was an enduro.

Overall Pro:
1 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM (E2)
2 - Jason Schrage, HON (E2)
3 - Geoff Nelson, KTM (E3)

E3 Podium
1 - Geoff Nelson, KTM
2 - Ryan Graffunder, HSQ
3 - Josh Long, KTM

E2 Podium
1 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM
2 - Jason Schrage, HON
3 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM

E1 Podium
1 - Guy Giroux, HSQ
2 - Tyler Murray, HON
3 - Adam Millson, YAM

One round left. Do or die. Bobby has the Championship wrapped up, but where will the other pieces fall?

Yamaha/Machine Racing Race Report

2011-09-14T16:17:00.000-04:00

The Royal Distributing/World Enduro Canada Canadian Enduro Championship series, presented by Parts Canada, resumed in the beautiful town of Labelle, Quebec. Yamaha/Machine Racing’s off road team traveled to Le Belle Province for Rounds 5 & 6.

For the eastern rounds Brian “Wojo” Wojnarowski is joined by last year’s
teammate, Adam “Blue22” Millson. Millson, who will be representing the Blue Team in E1 against fierce and fast competitors Guy Giroux and Tyler Murray.

On Saturday Wojo had some difficulty in the Enduro test, loosing precious
time and energy. He finished just shy of the overall podium in 4th position, but still finished 3rd in E2.

“With all the deep ruts and mud, some riders experienced some mechanical
problems, but our Yamahas worked great all weekend,” said Wojo.

Millson took on the little bike and put the YZ250f on the podium in E1
with a 2nd place; his efforts were good enough for an 8th place overall.

Sunday saw some new lines open up on a particularly nasty section in the Extreme test. Wojo and Millson made use of the new options, making clean choices in the rutted woods.

Millson busted out some old school turn downs at the Cross test after lap three for the spectators, who loved the show he and Guy Giroux put on. “It’s fun to put on a show for the people good enough to come out and cheer for us,” said Millson. While most of the crowd was cheering “Guy Gi-Roux!” there were a few who were cheering “Bleu
Vignt-Deux!”

Wojo finished 3rd overall on the day, and second in E2, tying for the
fastest Cross test time.

Millson dropped one spot on the podium to 3rd in E1, but remained 8th overall on the day.

On the weekend Wojo finished 3rd with Millson taking home 9th.

The boys would like to thank their sponsors, Yamaha, Machine Racing, LGS, Podium Grafix, Bondi Engines, Works Connection, and Yamalube, for their support.

In addition, Wojo would like to thank: AXO Gear, PerformX, Orthoflex, Rekluse, LRP and AME Grips.

Next stop for Yamaha Off Road: Rounds 7 and 8 in Chatsworth, Ontario.

CGRT Labelle Race Report

2011-09-14T16:12:00.000-04:00

Superb riding weather greeted competitors for round 5 and 6 of the Canadian Enduro Championships in Labelle Quebec. The course was much the same as it has been for the past two season, wet, rooty and slippery Canadian shield….very technical, challenging and hard on the motorcycle.

Typically the first round in the east is the hardest for the western riders, and this was proved once again. At the end of round 5, Ben Rego was not happy with his performance or his 4th place E2. He found himself struggling with the deep, slippery ruts and slick rocks. Round 6 worked out much better for the man who travels from Kitimat British Columbia, with a 3rd place finish and 5th overall for the weekend. His FX 450 worked very well in the Xtreme test and cross test and the enduro test was a long 8 minute special test that tested every riders patience and endurance. He is very much looking forward to a strong finish this weekend in Owen Sound Ontario, at Motopark, to improve on his 4th place overall championship position.

Team Captain, Lee Fryberger, entertained the Vet Pro class, riding an FE 570. “ I love riding Labelle, its true enduro, hard, tough, technical” stated the veteran of the team who challenged Canadian off road legend Allan Lachapelle during round 5, missing the top step by 4 seconds. Despite his best efforts and a stronger ride during round 6, the results remained the same with a 2nd place, tied for second place for the championship.

The amateur A class was hotly contested and Cole Dobovich and Jessie Grummett both faced the tough conditions with the confidence of veterans. While both riders have had some experience in mud, the Labelle slime is something that they have yet experienced. Jessie has been riding better every race out, finished 5th both days of the event. Every round sees Jessie’s confidence improve as he gains experience and confidence. Cole had strong rides both days, riding confidently in both the extreme test and the cross test, finishing 2nd both days. Both young riders are excited to head to Motopark and push for a strong finish to what has been a great season for both riders.

Corner Grass Racing Team will be heading to Motopark, near Owen Sound, Ontario for rounds 7 and 8 of the Canadian Enduro Championships ( www.worldendurocanada.com ). For more information on CGRT, please check out www.cornergrass.com.

Corner Grass Racing Team would like to thank the following sponsors for their support; Husaberg Canada, Royal Distributing, Parts Canada, Thor, Alpinestar, Smith Optics, FMF, PG Graphics, Dunlop, Enduro Engineering, Ross Rocher Sales, A&E Racing and Marine, Kermaxx, Rekluse, UFA, Rebel Energy Services, and Xtreme Hot Oil.

Photo credit: www.offroadmotorcycles.ca and Suzanne Howie

FREE: Official Program of the 2011 Canadian Enduro Championship

2011-09-14T12:53:00.002-04:00

Click to launch the full edition in a new window
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SUZUKI BRACED FOR 65TH 'NATIONS RACE

2011-09-14T11:27:00.001-04:00

From Team Suzuki

Suzuki will have a forceful presence at the season-closing Motocross of Nations this weekend at St Jean D'Angely in France. The traditional annual spectacle brings the three best riders of 35 countries together for a one- day event with the historic Chamberlain Trophy at stake.

Defending the large cup is Team USA that has conquered the tournament each year since 2005 and through editions run in France, USA, Italy and Great Britain. Going for his third consecutive crown will be Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, the 2011 AMA SX and MX runner-up. The 22 year old will steer his RM-Z450 in the MX1 class - the team also boasts Ryan Villopoto and Blake Baggett in MX Open and MX2 respectively - and share responsibilities for the 'Stars and Stripes' after tasting victory in Italy and America for the last two incarnations of the event. Dungey comes to Europe fresh from his triumph at Pala for the final round of 12 in the AMA National series last Saturday where he was only just denied a successful defence of his title by Villopoto.

Dungey's team-mate Brett Metcalfe will turn out for Australia and in the immediate wake of a term where he was able to celebrate his first overall AMA win and also seal fourth position in the 450 class standings.

Also slated to take to the gate on RM-Z450 race machinery at St Jean is Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1's Kevin Strijbos for Belgium. The 25 year old has substituted for the injured Steve Ramon for the final four rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship and earned his first top-three finish since 2009 last week at the Italian Grand Prix; being a whisker away from the overall podium.

"I hope we will have a good weekend and with a bit of luck go for a top-five position," said Strijbos who will represent his country - alongside Joel Roelants and Marvin Van Daele - for the first time since 2006 and after several years of injury frustration. "It was quite a few years ago now that I last rode at the Nations; in fact the last time was on an RM-Z250! It is a special atmosphere and the Belgian fans really get behind you. Even if they follow another rider, once you get that shirt on it is all the same. I will do my best and maybe try for a personal podium finish."

Former World Championship rider Yoshi Atsuta returns to Europe on an RM-Z450 as the leader of Team Japan and to the track where he scored some of his best results, with two sixth positions in the motos of the 2004 and 2005 French Grands Prix. Meanwhile Suzuki Europe MX2 will prepare their factory-backed RM-Z250 for Swiss youngster Jeremy Seewer, who finished fourth in the 2011 European MX2 Championship. Germany's Marcus Schiffer will be on his RM-Z450 with a desire to repeat the excellent third place scored by the crew at Denver this time last year.

Around 14 RM-Z450s or RM-Z250s will be revved in the French paddock this weekend with teams looking to score the least amount of points as possible. A race win for a rider counts as one point, with a descending ranking meaning 35th place delivers 35 points. Three motos will be run on Sunday; MX1 and MX2 bikes together, MX2 and MX Open and then MX1 and MX Open, and from the six results posted on the board, teams can eliminate their worst, so the five scores accumulate and the country with the lowest tally wins.

St Jean D'Angely is expecting a bumper, cosmopolitan crowd with the Motocross of Nations attracting attendances over 30-40,000 each year. The permanent facility usually hosts the Grand Prix of France and its wide and accessible layout complete with capable infrastructure makes it one of the few circuits in Europe capable of hosting the meeting. The track itself is a slippery hard-pack that winds, climbs and drops across one half of a shallow gully. The opposing hill provides the fans with a natural amphitheatre setting.

An early weather forecast predicts a cloudy but dry weekend.

Guy Giroux's Race Report, Labelle

2011-09-13T18:06:00.001-04:00

From Guy Giroux

This weekend we were in Labelle for Rounds 5 and 6 of the national series. I had a lot of things in my plate... I had to set up the test, prep the trailer, get everything ready for Sam's debut on the team, and prep my TXC 250f that had been sitting in my trailer all summer as a spare bike!

I decided to go to E1 for a few reason first as a tribute to Phil not being able to defend his lead, and second because I love small bikes.

By friday night things were almost all done except Sam's 150 still needed some stickers and tires. We had everything under control by 11pm and I was off to sleep.

Saturday everything went smoothly, with no mistakes in any test, I wasn't flying but I was doing good; the cross test was just a blast, I could have rode there all week end... Both of the kids had good days too with zero problems! When the result were posted it confirmed what we were hoping for: Ryan had his best ride out east ever with a second in E3 and 6th overall. Sam proved he was ready for the big boys, winning the A class(would have been second in E1). And I won the E1 with a 5th overall. All three guys on the podium!

Sunday everyone was quiet, I guess the slippery and rocky trail had took a beating on the racers. I was feeling good but tired, and wasn't looking forward to riding another day in those trails, but at least the test were so much fun! Once again the day went smoothly for me, maybe one little mistake up the hill in the extreme test. Sam did get a flat but changed to my spare wheel, and Ryan cut a rad hose but he was able to fix that quickly. The day went pretty fast and it was already the last cross test, I went in there pretty pumped up. I had a cheering section on top of the hill, and I wanted to finish the race hard. I had a blast again in the grass revving the poor 250f to the moon to get my fat ass to fly!

A few minutes later I went to the base of the line and started to ride a line that I saw on thursday while ribonning the test: it was a left jump that seem pretty cool to hit! Adam Millson joined me and we had a blast whipping our bike around until the jump was destroyed!

At the results once again the team did good with Sam once again destroying the A class (this time would have been 3rd in E1, and score a top ten overall for the two days). Ryan once again got second in E3, and 6th overall for the week end. And as for me, I won E1 and got 4th overall for the week end.

We had a great weekend, with no problems with the bikes. This week will be mainly getting stuff ready for MotoPark. I'm also playing the babysitter for Ryan, so expect at least one adventurous night in the jungle of Montreal.

This morning I also got some news from Phil himself; he is doing good and should get out of the hospital tomorrow! And that makes me real happy!

Over and out!!

G-Rocks

AMERICAN SUZUKI ANNOUNCES 2012 PLANS

2011-09-13T16:26:00.001-04:00

From Team Suzuki

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) has announced plans for the upcoming 2012 AMA Supercross and Motocross seasons that include returning Suzuki rider Brett Metcalfe.

The 27-year-old Australian joined Suzuki at the beginning of the 2011 season with solid credentials and has demonstrated strength, determination and the ability to win aboard the Suzuki RM-Z. Although injuries shortened his 2011 Supercross season, Metcalfe has shown his ability during the current motocross season, scoring an overall win as well as two podiums and three top-five finishes. Metcalfe finished the season a solid fourth in points in the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross series.

Metcalfe's team mate, 2010 AMA Pro Motocross Champion Ryan Dungey, will be leaving the team at the conclusion of the 2011 motocross season. American Suzuki will, however, continue to support Dungey for the upcoming Motocross of Nations which will be held on September 17th-18th in France.

"We're extremely happy to have Brett Metcalfe as part of our team for 2012," said team manager Mike Webb. "Metty has shown he has the stuff to win and is a great ambassador for the sport and a quality representative for American Suzuki. Ryan Dungey has had great success in his years with the team as Suzuki's Championship DNA propelled him to score both 250 and 450 titles aboard the RM-Z. We all wish Ryan much luck with his future endeavors."

Suzuki has been a dominant force in both series' for over seven years and has been a leader in technology in order to maintain that stronghold with the continued development of the Suzuki fuel-injected RM-Z450. Since its introduction, the RM-Z450 has amassed the most AMA Motocross Championships as well as the most motocross race wins of any four-stroke 450. The RM-Z was also the first four-stroke AMA Supercross Championship 450 and the first fuel-injected 450 to win AMA Supercross and Motocross titles.

Royal Distributing CEC and Eastern Canadian Enduro Championship finals this weekend at Motopark

2011-09-13T11:40:00.001-04:00

From World Enduro Canada

Historic Motopark is ready to host the final rounds of the 2011 Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship and the Eastern Canadian Enduro Championship. In addition to all our series sponsors WEC wants to thank CORE (title sponsor of this event), the OFTR (providing trail marshals) and KTM Canada (providing awards dinner) for their support of this event which is guaranteed to go down as one of the best Enduro's ever to be held in Ontario.

The course is finished and will be ready for riders to pre-walk special tests by 3pm on Thursday. The Enduro test is a brand new trail on an adjacent property. John Nelson from Machine Racing inspected it this past weekend and gave it his stamp of approval so its guaranteed to be something to challenge and entertain riders of all ability levels.

On Sunday evening we will be presenting the number one plates for the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship in all classes and the IMX Eastern Canadian Enduro Championships to the Amateur classes. The Top Pro and A rider for the year will each receive a Kymco generator, courtesy of Kymco Canada. In addition Inside Motorcycles will present $500 to the Top Pro Jr.

For event details please visit our event page which has been updated with all the pertinent details!

Series Sponsors

Title Sponsor - Royal Distributing

Premier Sponsors - Yamaha, KTM, Honda, Husaberg

Associate Sponsors - Husqvarna, Rekluse, Kymco, Rockstar, Kinedyne, CORE, Wiesner Insurance, Parts Canada

Support Sponsors - West Jet, West Coast Transportation, Label It

Media Partners - Offroadmotorcycles.ca, Inside Motorcycles, Inside MotoX and Off Road, MXP, DMX, Canadian Motorcycle Rider.ca

Royal Distributing/WEC Round 6 Update

2011-09-12T10:23:00.001-04:00

Round #6 of the Royal Distributing/World Enduro Canada Canadian Enduro Championship presented by Parts Canada wrapped up in Labelle yesterday, with the points gap tightening between the top riders.

Geoff Nelson took another overall win away from points leader and fellow KTM rider Bobby Prochnau, and Honda/Machine Racing's Jason Schrage suffered some bike problems, setting him back off the podium.

"I love this province," said Nelson. "I got my first overall weekend this year, which is awesome."

"I had an issue with the chain guide," said Schrage. "I must have put it back on a hundred times on the trail. Looks like I'll have some bike work to do this week

Overall Pro:
1 - Geoff Nelson, KTM (E3)
2 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM (E2)
3 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM (E2)
4 - Guy Giroux, HSQ (E1)
5 - Ben Rego, HBG (E2)

E3 Podium:
1 - Geoff Nelson, KTM
2 - Ryan Graffunder, HSQ
3 - Josh Long, KTM

E2 Podium:
1 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM
2 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM
3 - Ben Rego, HBG

E1 Podium:
1 - Guy Giroux, HSQ
2 - Tyler Murray, HON
3 - Adam Millson, YAM

Next weekend the series goes to MotoPark in Chatsworth, Ontario for the final rounds. Prochnau will be looking to put more points on Nelson, while Schrage will be gunning for redemption. Ontario's Wojo will be looking for the overall which has eluded him the last two years, and the 50 points that will come with it. CGRT's Ben Rego will be looking to keep in front of the Yamaha/Machine Racing rider.

Whatever way you look at it, the final rounds of the Royal Distributing/WEC CEC series presented by Parts Canada is shaping up to be a blow out!

Royal Distributing/WEC Round 5 Update

2011-09-11T10:20:00.002-04:00

Well, the first eastern round of 2011 is in the books, and it looks lke Bobby Prochnau's hopes of a second perfect season are dashed.

Last year, Jason Schrage's hopes for a series sweep were crushed by Guy Giroux taking the overall at the fifth round in Parry Sound, Ontario. This year, factory KTM rider and reigning E3 Champ Geoff Nelson put rubber to the ground, beating Prochnau and shattering the otherwise prefect season.

"Quebec has always been good to me," the #84 rider said."I got my first CEC overall here last year."

Overall Pro Top 5:
1 - Geoff Nelson, KTM (E3)
2 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM (E2)
3 - Jason Schrage, HON (E2)
4 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM (E2)
5 - Guy Giroux, HSQ (E1

E1 Podium:
1 - Guy Giroux, HSQ
2 - Adam Millson, YAM
3 - Tyler Murray, HON

E2 Podium:
1 - Bobby Prochnau, KTM
2 - Jason Schrage, HON
3 - Brian Wojnarowski, YAM

E3 Podium:
1 - Geoff Nelson, KTM
2 - Ryan Graffunder, HSQ
3 - Josh Long, KTM

Round 6 continues today in Labelle, Quebec before moving on to Chatsworth, Ontario for the final rounds, 7 and 8, at MotoPark.

4x4 MudFest on September 18

2011-09-09T11:44:00.001-04:00

From Gopher Dunes

Event Update announced on September 9, 2011....

The bulk of our riders are now back to school or have returned to work....so things are pretty quiet around the Dunes during the week. This is an ideal time to come out if you prefer to have the track almost to yourself or if you wish to take a bike or ATV training session with little distraction around you. We still remain open on weekday evenings until 1/2 hour before dark. Then the momentum picks up on the weekends, as this cooler less humid weather is much more desirable for riders decked out in all their protective gear. We are open today for leisure riding and again on Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

All the details have been emailed out earlier about our upcoming Fall Poker Run happening this Sunday, September 11 and you will also find it posted on: www.gopherdunes.com. This very popular non-competitive event is open for all dirt bike and ATV enthusiasts who can ride the track and/or trails at their own leisurely pace and throughout the duration of the afternoon they will draw cards. The top 20 best poker hands will be presented with a trophy and the remainder of the participants have the best odds of winning one of our many, many draw prizes! A 'Hard Luck' award is presented to the rider with the most mechanical problems during their ride. It's an all-round fun day for those who enjoy riding but aren't into the racing scene! Sign-in begins on Sunday at 9am till 12 noon.

And you will also be able to mingle with Hully Gully staff who will be here this Sunday.

You can now get a sneak preview on the fall specials they have to offer by visiting: http://hullygully.com/REDTAGSALE/tabid/259/Default.aspx

What an awesome opportunity wrapped up into one day: Try your luck and win a prize at our Poker Run & strike up a deal at the Hully Gully 'Red Tag Sale' all under the warm sunny skies that are forecast for this weekend.

Now for our mud-bogging crowd.....coming up on Sunday, September 18 we have our Fall 4x4 MudFest. It's only twice a year that we invite out all of the off-road 4x4 enthusiasts wanting to test their own ability of taking their truck through our various mud, trail and obstacle course challenges! This date has been advertised on our 2011 Schedule sent with our spring mail-out, but flyers are not being mailed as a reminder.....all the details are outlined below....

For those who are not receiving our email updates and don't have access to a computer, they've likely got a red-neck buddy who'll bring them up-to-date?!

Check it out......this is an absolutely amazing spectator entertaining event.....

13th. Annual Fall 4x4 MUD-FEST

SUNDAY, September 18, 2011 @ GoPHER DUNES

OPEN TO 4X4 TRUCKS & JEEPS ONLY!

Absolutely NO ATV's or bikes allowed (with the exception of security staff)

Once again we will be using the alternate entrance (just 350 feet further west off the 2nd Concession), with additional changes that have been added over the summer -- an exciting new and challenging obstacle course along with the mud pits and the gnarly trails!! It's only twice a year that Gopher Dunes invites out

the 4x4 truck & jeep enthusiasts, and this is your 2nd and final chance for 2011. Spread the word to all your off-road bud's as you will not be receiving any fall flyers by Canada Post mail. Let us tell ya, the only way to experience this unique adventure is to come out and do 'er in the mud, mud & more mud and find out for yourself what it's all about!!!

The "GoPHER DUNES 4x4 MUD FEST" has come to be known as one of the biggest off-road truck events of its sort in the country! This event is open to 4x4 trucks & jeeps only! This is a non-competitive event where the 4-wheel drive vehicles will have an opportunity to challenge their mud-slinging abilities by manoeuvring through various mud pits, over rock climbing obstacles and through a section of trails.....plus more.....

Gates open at 8:00am on Sunday, September 18th. No overnight camping allowed.

Truck registration is from 8m to 12:15pm followed by a mandatory drivers' meeting.

MUD-RUN begins at 12:30pm & all trucks must be registered prior to the drivers' meeting for which all drivers must be in attendance.

GATE ADMISSION: $15.00 per adult (including drivers) & $10.00 for children up to age 13 & $5.00 for pre-schoolers up to age 4

A Waiver Release must be signed by all participants, passengers and spectators entering the property. When signing a waiver, the individual states that he/she has read and is aware of the entire content of the Release & Waiver of Liability & Indemnity Agreement (which can also be read on our website www.gopherdunes.com). They are assuming full responsibility for their actions and have resigned themselves from holding any individual or the premises itself responsible in any way. Anyone not willing to abide by the rules and clauses of this waiver, must inform us of such, and they will be forbidden to enter the premises. The event will be supervised by Police Officers & Security Staff who can and will charge accordingly those disobeying the rules, causing disturbances, drinking alcohol outside of the designated beer tent area, or breaking the law in any way whatsoever!

TRUCK ENTRY FEE: $30.00 per vehicle (must have valid drivers' licence)

ADDITIONAL DRIVER FEE: $15.00 (for an already registered vehicle)

ENTRY FORMS can be downloaded & printed off our website --- entries are accepted only on day of the event!

Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and any passengers, and helmets are strongly recommended for those in open vehicles.

Refreshments & food will be available at this event! ! !

The Courtland Firefighters will once again set up Beer Tents serving beverages to non-drivers.

Alcohol can only be consumed in the licensed fenced-off areas. No Glass Containers Allowed on Property!

Absolutely NO Trunk Bars!!! Age of Majority ID must be shown, when requested.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times! No dogs allowed on property for this event.

No overnight camping allowed the night prior!

For anyone keen on seeing some mud-slingin' red-neck dirt-power kinda' fun --- this is an event you won't want to miss!! We don't aim to please everybody -- we just aim to please the best of 'em!!! This will be time to get down-right & dirty!

Bring your lawn chair, boots plus rain gear and your camera for a good shoot on a real 'hoot of a day'! Rain or shine, the show must go on!!

For more information visit: www.gopherdunes.com or email: info@gopherdunes.com

or call Frank & Barb Schuster at 519-842-2781

Quote for the Day: A fact of life -- today is the oldest you've ever been, yet the youngest you'll ever be; so enjoy the day while it lasts!

Bobby Prochnau to race the Corduroy Enduro

2011-09-08T22:12:00.000-04:00

By Jeff Morgan

Inside MotoX & Off Road was recently made aware that the 2009 Canadian Enduro Champion, Bobby Prochnau, has decided to try his hand at the 58^th running of the Corduroy Enduro. Prochnau has been in the east for the past few weeks and spending time with multi-time Cord winner Allan Lachapelle, in preparation for the Labelle, QC and the Motopark rounds of the Canadian Enduro Championship. He is currently undefeated in the series and is looking to round out the sweep and claim his second title in three years.

During his time with Lachapelle, Prochnau was convinced to try this more traditional, long-loop enduro, which will be a first for the KTM Canada/RTR Performance/LRP supported Prochnau. When we caught up with Prochnau he was at LRP’s (Lachapelle Racing Products) headquarters and he was able to confirm that he was indeed going to be attending the Cord this year and had already informed the Cord organizers that he would be there.

“Apparently it is big and bad and I am looking forward to seeing it,” said Prochnau. “I have been learning about the history of the event and it sounds like it is going to be fun.”

In addition to Prochnau, two-time 500cc world motocross champion Jeff Smith will the special guest speaker on Saturday night. For more information on the Corduroy Enduro visit www.corduroyenduro.ca

SPY OPTIC™ RE-UPS WITH TUCKER HIBBERT

2011-09-07T09:50:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CARLSBAD, Calif.—SPY Optic™ today announced a renewed sponsorship deal with professional snocross and motocross racer Tucker Hibbert, No. 68. Hibbert, the most decorated ESPN Winter X Games snowmobile athlete in history, will be endorsing the new signature SPY®+Tucker Hibbert Whip™ goggle through 2011 and for an undisclosed term thereon.
Hibbert is the reigning ISOC National Snocross Champion, 2010 FIM World Champion, has 66 National Pro Snocross wins and six National Pro Snocross Championship titles. With 10 Winter X Games medals under his belt, he will contend for a record-breaking sixth-consecutive gold medal at the 2012 Winter X Games.
“Signing Tucker is a no-brainer and a pleasure because he’s such a beast at everything he does—on the snow or in the dirt,” says Motorsports Marketing Manager Victor Sheldon. “He knows how to lay it all on the line to win, he is the fiercest competitor, and he is an inspiration to anyone with a pulse.”
Hibbert’s new signature Whip™ goggle features his black-and-white broken pinstripe print and includes a contrasting white nose guard, a bonus dual-pane snow lens and clear motocross lens. Specifically for his model, Tucker worked with the SPY design team to help create the new Backlatch™ system that secures the goggle strap to the helmet for guaranteed strap stability in wet and heavy roost conditions.
“I’m stoked to have worked with SPY on a goggle that fights the elements and keeps things clear when I’m racing,” says Hibbert. “A split second determines a race finish and it’s crucial to have a goggle that fits my high performance needs when it matters.”
Hibbert’s relationship with SPY began during the 2002/2003 snocross season and he continues to be a part of a family of SPY motocross luminaries that includes AMA Supercross legends Jeremy McGrath, Kevin Windham and Ricky Dietrich; five-time Grand Prix Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli; and 2010 AMA Arenacross Series Champion Team Babbitt’s Monster Energy Kawasaki.

For more information about SPY Optic, log-on at www.spyoptic.com.

Codie Johnson named 'AXO Athlete of the Week' at MMRS MX Championships

2011-09-06T12:40:00.001-04:00

From Yamaha Canada

September 6, 2011. Toronto, ON – Yamaha Motor Canada congratulates Codie Johnson on being voted as the ‘AXO Athlete of the Week’ at the Maguires Motocross Racing Series (MMRS) Championships in Madoc, Ontario.

Codie and his father, who hail from nearby Courtice, Ontario, arrived in Madoc well ahead of the first motos. They helped drive in stakes, hang up banners and prepare the facility for the 4-day event.

“He’s a very polite, humble and overall nice kid. Like a lot of young racers, he’s happy just to be riding a dirt bike,” noted MMRS announcer, Kyle Carruthers.

The award is directed towards riders 50cc to 85cc classes, who show dedication and good sportsmanship towards competitors and race officials, qualities Yamaha strongly considers when reviewing racing sponsorship.

Codie’s positive and helpful attitude is matched with some great racing skill, as he finished top-10 in the 85cc 12-16 and Schoolboy classes. Attached to the ‘AXO Athlete of the Week’ honour is a complete set of AXO riding gear. Look for a very well dressed Codie Johnson in 2012!

Congratulations to all MMRS National award winners and champions!

To view AXO’s complete line of 2011 MX gear, please visit: http://yamaha-motor.ca/apparel/apparel_list.php?group=3&category=riding. AXO gear is available, exclusively, at Yamaha dealers across Canada.

ROCKSTAR MAKITA SUZUKI DOUBLE PODIUM

2011-09-06T10:00:00.001-04:00

From Team Suzuki

Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki captured another impressive double-podium finish at round 11 of the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Delmont at the weekend as the Steel City National saw reigning AMA Pro Motocross Champion Ryan Dungey and his team mate Brett Metcalfe finish second and third respectively on their Yoshimura-equipped Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450s.

In Saturday's first moto, Dungey got a great start and took over the lead within the first few turns. Dungey pushed hard and led the entire 30-minute race before being overtaken right before the finish line. Although he finished in second place, it was by a mere 0.558 of a second. In the second moto, he got the holeshot and made a valiant charge, but wound up finishing in second place. The final result was second-place overall for the day.

"It was a tough, technical track but I think I rode pretty good this weekend," said Dungey. "Overall, I felt good and I had a strong pace on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450. Then, I went out on a limb and we made some changes before the second moto and it just wasn't doing it for me. I lost a bit of ground, but no excuses. We just need to keep our head up and move forward because there's plenty of racing left. We're going to Pala next, and to go 1-1 would be great, but all I can ask for is the most from myself. I like that track and I was able to win both motos there last year so it'd be great to do it again. I just want to focus on finishing the season strong for Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki."

Metcalfe also put on an impressive performance: In the first moto, he was with the front-runners off the gate and was battling for third for most of the moto. His patience and consistency eventually paid off as Metcalfe took over the final podium spot on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 before the race's end. In the second moto, he got another good start and moved up a few positions before finishing fourth. The combined results gave Metcalfe his third podium finish of the season.

"Steel City was a great day for me," said Metcalfe. "I was able to pull a third and I was happy to be on the podium. I was feeling really comfortable on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 and, coming off the win last weekend, I was carrying some momentum. I felt really comfortable on the track and the bike was working great, so I knew I was in for a good day. My starts were better in both motos and that helped and I was also able to make some moves. Now I'm looking forward to Pala as it's kind of my hometown race. I'm just excited about that, I think it's going to be a good event and I look forward to putting the Rockstar Makita Suzuki back up on the podium and having a strong finish in the Championship."

The Rockstar Makita Suzuki team's next event is the 12th and final round of the 2011 AMA Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday, September 10th at the Pala National in Pala, California.

Steel City 450 Class Overall Results:

1. Ryan Villopoto

2. Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)

3. Brett Metcalfe (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)

4. Chad Reed

5. Jake Weimer

6. Mike Alessi

7. Justin Brayton

8. Kyle Regal

9. Nick Wey

10. Michael Byrne

2011 Motocross 450 Class Standings:

1. Ryan Villopoto - 481

2. Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki) - 467

3. Chad Reed - 402

4. Brett Metcalfe (Rockstar Makita Suzuki) - 342

5. Mike Alessi - 272

6. Jake Weimer -- 251

7. Andrew Short - 196

8. Kevin Windham - 193

9. Justin Brayton- 191

10. Davi Millsaps -- 173

GEICO Honda riders ready for big finish in Pala

2011-09-06T09:53:00.001-04:00

From GEICO Honda

PALA, Calif. (Sept. 5) – The Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship wraps up on Sept. 10 and the GEICO Honda riders have plenty to race for in the season finale.

Eli Tomac will be trying to secure a fourth-place finish in the standings at the Pala National, while also shooting for his first overall 250cc victory of the season.

"I'll definitely race well there," Tomac said. "I run the California tracks well. I even live out there part time."

After a second-place finish last weekend, Tomac pulled ahead of Kyle Cunningham for fourth place in the standings, and now holds a seven-point edge heading into Saturday.

"I'll be comfortable out there," Tomac said. "I'll be heading out to California right away to train. Pala is a track that suits my style, so I should be good."

Justin Barcia is looking for a bit of redemption after an abbreviated day aboard an American Honda CRF450R at Steel City a week ago.

"I feel like I wasted a good opportunity," Barcia said. "The key for me is to just work really hard this week. Hopefully I'll be able to put the bike up front. That's what we've got to do to put on a good show for the fans."

Justin Bogle will be finishing his first taste of pro motocross racing for GEICO Honda. He said he's looking forward to racing Pala because it's the only one of the four tracks he's been to that he's familiar with.

"After not feeling great last week, I'm really going to try to chill and recoup," Bogle said. "I've not raced at Pala but I've ridden there. It's the most familiar track on my schedule so it should be good."

Jimmy Decotis said he will be trying to end a roller-coaster season on a high note.

"I like that kind of soil," Decotis said. "I've practiced at Pala a whole bunch so I'm familiar with the track and the soil there."

Practice for the Pala National gets under way at 8:30 a.m. PDT. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 12:40 p.m. FUEL TV will show the first motos in the 450 and 250 classes starting a 4 p.m. EDT. SPEED TV will show the second motos live starting at 7 p.m. EDT.

Troy Lee Designs Welcomes Colton Facciotti to the Team

2011-09-01T10:46:00.001-04:00

From Troy Lee Designs

We never like to see one of our own get hurt. Christian Craig’s injury from Southwick was heartbreaking for the whole team and we are doing everything we can to support him during his rehabilitation. In his absence, three-time Canadian national champion, Colton Facciotti, will be joining the team and taking a swing at American motocross glory.

Facciotti came south on his own dime last weekend and posted a solid fifth place in the opening moto in Massachusetts. Anyone who has seen the tall, Canadian rider in his element can attest to his talent and raw speed. The Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda team recognizes that and, with a bike available, is excited to give Colton an opportunity to show his skills on the sport’s biggest stage.

"I’m looking forward to the last couple rounds and seeing how Colton can do," says Troy Lee, the team’s owner. "I love to see a kid that is hungry to make it happen and I see that fire in him. I think he is going to surprise a lot of people who haven’t followed his career. The kid is fast."

Colton is anxious to for this weekend too.

"I’m pumped to get the opportunity to ride for TLD," says Colton. Adding, "It’s always been a dream of mine since I was little to get on one of the elite teams in the US and hopefully I can do them proud and get some good results."

If you are heading to Steel City this weekend or the Pala National the following weekend, be sure to keep an eye out for Colton Facciotti. If we’re right, you might just find him at the front of the pack.

TLD would like to thank all of our team sponsors: Lucas Oil, American Honda, PPG, Red Bull, SillyBrandz Global, Adidas, Specialized, BioLytical Labs, Dunlop, McQueen Racing, VQ OrthoCare, Shock Doctor, Skullcandy, Renthal, Oakley, Alpinestars, Pro Circuit, Primm MX Collection, Couts Heating & Cooling, Selle Italia, N-Style, VP Racing Fuels, Boyesen, ODI, DID, Rossignol, Pacific Collision Centers, Muc-Off, Kasey Kahne, Elrod Racing, New Era, Leatt, Cycra, Hammerhead, Hinson, Light Speed, Moto Tassinari, Twin Air, Talon, QTM, and EPIC Action Camera.

Guy Giroux August Update

2011-08-31T18:55:00.000-04:00

Well I've been awfully quiet since the end July, and since we're almost in September now, I guess it's time to speak up!

Just like the last 2 years, the western swing took a really big toll on me, even more this year. I guess the Munich trip right before leaving didn't help with fatigue. The drive was okay, but I guess it was too hard on me! Trying to make everything during the time we did was just too much. And I'm still suffering not too much body wise, but more mentally! I feel just like when I got back from Dakar! (Which means I feel like eating cookies, drinking beer and doing nothing.)

Even worse I let personnal stuff mess with my racing, which just add to make me feel even more down. The way I rode out west didn't represent what I could do on my bike; I feel like I'm riding better this year than ever, plus I'm also in better shape! But my head took a break in July and August.

Since the beginning of August I'm trying to change my routine a lot. I'm not riding bikes a lot, but I'm sure spending a lot of time on my bicycles. Everyday I'm either on my bmx, mountain or road bike, and thank's to my new rookie, I've been pushing pretty hard Plus the fact that having finally a kid that wants it as bad as I wanted it is really good for my head! I don't wanna spill the beans too quickly but I think a lot of people will be impressed by this Sam Kid when the nationals come back east.

Back to racing now: I rode the MX at X-town mid August. I rode pretty good scoring not worst than 2nd and 3rd for 2 days of racing, behing a skinny new vet called JSR. My riding was good but the fun level was pretty low, since my brain was even more messed up.

At Tring-Jonction I won, and had an awesome race battling with Phil. Once again the fun level was pretty low, but I had to win! My goal at the beginning of the season was to go undefeated in Quebec.

Then Roxanne and Mark at Quad Expert invited me to race their local FMSQ race. I wasnt too pumped about it, but since they really wanted me there I went! Quad Expert really stepped it up and we had an awesome display! But on a sad note: the FMSQ didn't let me race, which sucked big time for Roxanne and Mark. I stayed calm and didn't let the political stuff get in the way and became the real team manager and cheered Phil, Sam and all the Husky rider all race long! I can now also add to my accomplishement list: been refused to race ...lol

Last weekend was at X-town again, but this time it was for an enduro-cross, and since I was part of the promoting team I pretty much spent all week ribonning and cutting trails. Saturday night as I was waiting for my older rookie to show up, I got a horrible phone call! Phil had crashed hard and was being transported to Quebec City hospital for better treatment.

I didnt know Phil too much before the western swing, we live pretty far from each other, and other than text messaging our conversation were pretty short but after spending 3 weeks, never more than 5 feet apart, we really got closer. I was really devastated to hear he was hurt bad! You never wanna hear the words "broken vertebra," even less when this comes from the kid you are cheering for! I consider Phil more than a teammate, even if our conversation weren't very long or too deep, we really connect well. He is the first Quebecer to go faster than me in 25 yrs, and I was cheering him on even when he beat me in Blairmore. On the other hand he was there with me when things changed out west, and without talking he knew why I left with my ipod and some metal in my helmet in Blairmore.

Saturday night I didn't sleep; I was thinking about Phil pretty much all night! He was gonna get operated on Sunday, and that didn't help me focus.

We are now Wednesday, I've talked to his mom, and she said operation went well and he was gonna be out of hospital by monday!!!!

On Sunday morning the weather was still pretty good, once we got on the line, rain and wind picked up! I got a second place start and by turn 3 I was in the lead, but I just didn't feel like pushing so I just rode to a minute lead and stayed there all race. My head was on the turtle mode and there was nothing I could do. I won by a minute, and clinched the championship. Probably the saddest championship I've won! We still had to take the ribbon down, and clean the facility. Plus the fact that Phil wasn't there to race me!

Sam got second in the Intermediate class getting passed only a few corners from the finish! He was protecting the inside line, but got pushed and passed. He will learn from that I'm sure

On a good note I had fun on my bike last week on Wednesday, while messing in the parking at X-Town I found a nice sand bank that was pretty steep, I started to hit it pretty fast and it was shooting me straight up! After a few hits the bank collapsed, but I had a huge smile on my face; it reminded me of how we just use to freeride, and have fun instead of doing laps!

So my plan is simple! early next week I will go hit our old 1995 riding spot. I will go ride with a shovel jammed on my bars and go jump some sand!I will try and get some pics.

Then it's Labelle , were hopefully my head will be back after freeriding. I know I can race those guys, and I will try my best to win one of the last 4 days!

Until then, I'm out to shovel some hits!

G-Rox

Get well soon Phil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Royal Distributing CEC Rounds 5 & 6, Labelee, QC

2011-08-31T18:23:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release - Aug 31, 2011

After some exciting and challenging events in Western Canada in July the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championships are returning to the East for rounds 5 & 6 in scenic Labelle, PQ on September 10 & 11th. For the Amateur riders this will also be Rounds 1 & 2 of the Eastern Canadian Enduro Championship. Contrary to some misconceptions, in order to compete in the Eastern Canadian Enduro Championship, racers do not require a license plate of any kind on the motorcycle. Also, no drivers license, insurance or ownership for the race vehicle is required. There are no complex timekeeping rules that take away from the objective which is the fastest rider wins

Labelle is a beautiful resort town located half hour north of the Mt Tremblant ski village. Mt Tremblant offers riders and spectators a great variety of excellent lodging and dining options.

The course in Labelle will be a fun and challenging mix of terrain. The MX test is one of the best in the series on a large sandy soil grass track with lots of traction. The enduro test has been described by riders as something comparable to what you would find at an enduro in Sweden or Finland. Last year one of the Pro riders, who has participated in a number of Six Days Enduros, got back to the pits after the first lap, took off his helmet and with a huge grin on his face said "Now THAT is a real enduro!".

The Western Canadian Enduro Championship wrapped up in Blairmore, AB in July and World Enduro Canada would like to congratulate those winners, many of whom will be travelling east to see if they can sweep thier class. All the more reason eastern riders need to show up and defend their turf and claim the Inside MotoX and Off Road Magazine Eastern Amateur Canadian Enduro Championship for themselves!

Inside MotoX & Off Road Magazine Western Canadian Enduro Champions

A - Mike Laycraft
B - Matt Coonfer
C - Cole Wilton
40 + - Howard Lawrence
50 + - Andrew Christiansen
Women - Chantelle Bykerk

World Enduro Canada wants to thank all the sponsors who have made this exciting National Championship possible.

Title Sponsor - Royal Distributing

Premier Sponsors - KTM, Yamaha, Honda, Husaberg

Associate Sponsors - Husqvarna, Kymco, Rekluse, Parts Canada, Rockstar, Kinedyne

Supporting Sponsors - West Jet, West Coast Transportation, CORE, Wiesner Insurance

Media Partners & Sponsors - Inside Motorcycles, MXP, Offroadmotorcycles.ca, Inside MotoX & Off Road, DMX, Canadian Motorcycle Rider.ca, CMRC

For more event information please visit our site at https://service.mail.com/dereferrer/?target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldendurocanada.com

McGrath, Bailey, Doyle, and Hannah on "The Moto Show"

2011-08-31T14:23:00.000-04:00

From Resmarket

August 31, 2011 - Fullerton, CA - As the "The Moto Show with Jim Holley" (TMS) gets into its third week, the star power of guests continues to stay strong as everyone involved is seeing the potential in this new show and wants to be on it. Episode three features Jeremy "Showtime" McGrath, David "The Icon" Bailey, Pete Doyle from the Yoshimura Suzuki Team and Bob "Hurricane" Hannah jumping in to help his buddies at Matrix Concepts show off their new products.

"Every week, we all learn a little bit more and people are saying the shows are getting better each week. Having guest talent like we are getting makes producing the show that much easier and more fun." said Todd Huffman, series creator and Executive Producer at Pipeline Digital Media. "After three weeks we are proving to the industry and ourselves that a weekly talk show about motorcycle competition can be pulled off."

Jeremy McGrath discusses his MXoN experiences, his truck racing career and commented about Chad Reed's season and more, while David Bailey talks about his new role at JT Racing, his new bicycle company and his Ironman experiences. Pete Doyle from the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Road Racing team chats about the strategy for Blake Young going into the last two rounds of the AMA Superbike Series, and Chadd Cole from Matrix Concepts gets some "help" from Bob Hannah as he shows Jim the new Matrix line of products.

This episode can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/TheMotoShowTV

As TMS enters its third week viewership continues to grow on YouTube as enthusiasts are discovering the show through web sites, social media pages and word of mouth. The first episode is heading towards 12,000 views and combined the shows are approaching 25,000 views.

"It's great to see the numbers grows like this on a new motorcycle media project like this developed specifically for YouTube and the Internet," said Huffman. "After week four we should continue to get encouraging numbers as the show finds even more viewers around the US and abroad."

About "The Moto Show with Jim Holley"

TMS is a new concept of entertainment for motorcycle and motorcycle racing enthusiasts around the world. In a world of podcasts, webcasts, blogs and vids, it is the first weekly, talk/discussion "TV show" to be aired exclusively on YouTube so viewers around the globe can watch the same time as those in the United States. Produced by the creators of "The Motocross Files" and "Epic Ride" (Pipeline Digital Media), TMS will cover ALL disciplines of motorcycle racing. Motocross/Supercross, Road Racing, Flat Track, FMX, Off-Road, Endurance, Hill-Climbing, Trials and more will all be featured at various times.

The show is hosted by former Supercross World Champion and factory Yamaha rider Jim Holley, as well as Cycle News Editor, Paul Carruthers and Nitro Circus' Laurette Nicoll.

Episodes one through three are available on YouTube. Visit the YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TheMotoShowTV. Also show links are available at www.TheMotoShow.com and www.facebook.com/pages/The-Moto-Show/207418419292787.

Advertisers for the first shows include Husqvarna Motorcycles, JT Racing, Matrix Concepts and Butler Maps.

In-kind supporters for the show include: Pacific Panel Products, Shop.Retro.net, Matrix Concepts, Motion Pro Tools, Champion Built, Autographed Collectibles, Vintage Iron, Early Years of Motocross Museum, Associated Electronics, Stages Theatre - Fullerton, and

Husqvarna Canada Phil Chaine Injury Update

2011-08-30T13:58:00.000-04:00

From Husqvarna Canada

August 29, 2011 – Saint John, NB – Guy Giroux, Marc Coffin, Josh Barrett and the rest of the crew at Husqvarna Canada would like to extend their best wishes to Philippe Chainé and his family as they work through the recovery process from the serious crash that occurred at the FMSQ Enduro La Tuque race in Québec on August 27th, 2011.

Phil opted to run the FMSQ event for extra practice prior to Rounds 5 & 6 of the Canadian Enduro Championship in Labelle, Québec on September 10th & 11th. Phil was also scheduled to compete at Round 5 of Québec’s new CMRC Competition Off-Road Series the following day, Sunday, August 28^th, where he maintained 2^nd Overall in the Championship hunt.

Philippe Chainé

Unfortunately, Philippe suffered a serious crash less than 500 feet from the finish line while commanding a solid lead in the Pro Class. His injuries included fractures to his vertebrae that required surgery. Phil successfully underwent surgery on Sunday, August 28^th and his chances for full recovery are excellent.

In addition to his success in Québec this year, Phil maintains a solid lead in the E1 Class of the Canadian Enduro Championship with 3 Wins in the first 4 Rounds. After his dominant performance at the Eastern CEC Rounds in 2010, there was little doubt that Chainé was in a great position to nail the E1 CEC Title in 2011.

Philippe Chainé

Philippe and his family are very grateful for all the support from their friends in the racing community. You can send your notes of support to Phil on his Facebook account (Philippe Chainé).

For more information about Husqvarna Canada, please visit www.husqvarnamotorcycle.ca and www.husqvarnaracing.ca

Burson and Husqvarna TXC511 Top D37 Return!

2011-08-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

From Husqvarna

August 29, 2011 - Corona, CA - After taking a summer hiatus, District 37 racing is back in action, and so is Zip-Ty Racing's Nick Burson. At the Invaders MC Desert Scramble in Johnson Valley, California, Burson battled the heat and dust to pilot his Husqvarna TXC511 to the overall win!

Burson led for most of the race, which consisted of two 35-mile loops. Jake Argubright mounted a challenge early in the second loop after he passed Burson just before the pit stop.

"At that point I had someone to chase, which is sometimes easier, but the dust made it pretty difficult," Burson commented. "I wanted to pick up the pace but as soon as I got on the trail we were already in lappers so I backed it down and tried to ride smart."

Smart and steady paid off for Burson, who regained the lead from Argubright and sailed to a rather uneventful finish. "It was nice to get another win for the Zip-Ty Husqvarna team and I hope we can turn our bad luck around from the first half of the year into good luck for the remaining races!"

On the same weekend, Zip-Ty Husqvarna racers were taking to the AMA EnduroCross course in Indianapolis for round three of the series. Despite suffering a broken finger less than two weeks earlier at round two in Everett, Washington, Jamie Lanza toughed it out in Indiana to fight for a qualifying position. Lanza was making good progress in the second qualifier before throwing a chain and losing his bid at transferring to the main event.

The Zip-Ty Husqvarna team hosted a guest rider in Indy - Dirt Rider Associate Editor, Chris Denison - who did a race test of Cory Graffunder's TE310 in the amateur class. Watch the pages of Dirt Rider magazine for Denison's story on the Zip-Ty TE310 - the bike that started life as a dual-sport bike, and became a full-fledged racer and the inspiration for Husqvarna's TXC310 - the flagship of the 2012 model line!

"It's great to see Nick Burson back in action in desert racing," commented Husqvarna's National Marketing Manager, Corey Eastman. "He's off to a good start for the remainder of the 2011 season. It's also great to have a guest rider like Chris Denison with us for the weekend. It's a shame that Cory Graffunder is still out with a broken wrist, but with Jamie Lanza and Ryan Sandoval making strides in the series, we're still flying the Husqvarna colors in EnduroCross."

2012 Husqvarna TC & CR Line Revealed

2011-08-29T14:29:00.001-04:00

From Husqvarna

CORONA, CA (August 29, 2011) – The most aggressive of Husqvarna’s 2012 line of off-road motorcycles, the TC250 and TC449, are the embodiment of Husqvarna’s race technology. Under BMW ownership, the Italian manufacturer has drawn motor inspiration from its parent company’s rich racing background in designing the latest generation motocross/GP racers. The result is another significant step forward in design – further evidence of Husqvarna’s passionate dedication to competition and the pursuit of reclaiming its place as a leader in two-wheel technology.

Not forgotten is the grassroots 125cc two-stroke class. It is still alive, and though the rules may have changed, the fun-factor remains unmatched. In the dedicated spirit of mixing gas, Husqvarna has returned for 2012 armed with the mighty CR125! Taking it a step further in performance and versatility, the 2012 CR125 comes equipped with a 144 top-end kit complete with piston and cylinder.

TC250

In the world of motocross, competition has never been tougher – both for racers and equipment – but Husqvarna has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and today’s cutthroat 250 motocross class is no exception. The TC250 receives another overhaul for 2012, bringing it another step closer to track supremacy. Bigger power, better handling and a dose of F1-inspired race technology ensure that the TC250 will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012.

The BMW-owned manufacturer has pulled out all the stops in the bold new motor design. Calling on its rich racing background, the new piston and cylinder head are inspired by BMW Formula 1 technology. The new piston is lighter and freer-revving, and operates inside a cylinder head whose design originated in F1 development. Updated valve finger followers are also F1-type, and now DLC- (diamond-like carbon) coated for a long lifespan and silky-smooth operation.

The TC250’s battery-less fuel injection system now operates with a Keihin (formerly Mikuni) ECU and throttle body. Three different preset maps are available on the ECU. The ignition is upgraded to CDI; the coil actually produces less voltage than the unit it replaces, but is far more efficient through capacity-style induction. A new airbox and revised velocity stack feed the revised motor, and altogether produce a substantial power increase on the TC250, particularly in high-range and overrev.

The re-vamped motor is accompanied by an upgraded chassis. The TC250 shares the new all-black Chromoly frame with the TXC, featuring increased tensile strength with structural reinforcement and the addition of plates near the steering head. Suspension receives an overhaul as well; the Kayaba 48mm closed-cartridge fork and link-mounted Kayaba shock are developed for (and by) U.S. motocross riders.

TC250 Highlights

• NEW Piston is lighter and freer-revving, based on F1 technology.

• NEW Cylinder head design inspired by BMW’s F1 race program.

• NEW F1-type valve finger followers are DLC-coated.

• NEW All-black, Chromoly-reinforced frame with increased rigidity and strength.

• NEW Fuel-injected with battery-less Keihin EFI unit (formerly Mikuni).

• NEW Ignition upgraded to CDI, comes with three preset maps.

• NEW Akrapovic exhaust system all new with power-boosting resonance chamber on the header.

• NEW Revised Kayaba suspension front and rear tuned for demands of U.S. motocross riders.

• NEW Airbox and revised velocity stack produce substantial top-end power increase.

• NEW IPD (in-mold plastic design) graphics in striking new black/red color scheme.

• NEW Silver anodized Excel rims.

• Brembo brake hydraulics and Braking rotors.

• Five-speed gearbox operated by Brembo hydraulic clutch.

• Polished Grimeca hubs front and rear.

• MSRP: USD$6,999

TC449

After receiving a serious shot in the arm in the power department, the 2012 TC449 is ready to flex some muscle on the track! Husqvarna’s premier class motocrosser gets a substantial overhaul in the motor and chassis departments aimed at taking it to the next level of competition.

Starting with the powerplant, the 449.6cc, fuel-injected four-stroke receives new valve timing, and DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating on the connecting rod for less friction and longer life. The ignition features new settings and a dual-map configuration, with the possibility to change the map while the engine is on by way of a switch on the handlebar.

The new airbox is larger, carrying with it a revised velocity stack aimed at increasing mid-range power. High-performance WP radiators keep things running cool. These revisions alone create a surprising power increase across the RPM-range on the 2012 TC449.

The chassis also receives its share of upgrades, creating a better overall balance while also effectively managing the TC449’s big power, ensuring the useable torque grips the ground with the utmost efficiency. The new all-black Chromoly frame is updated with structural reinforcement in key areas, making it stronger and more rigid. The Kayaba 48mm closed-cartridge fork and Kayaba shock body are re-tuned for the specific demands of U.S. motocross. The shock also receives a progressive spring, which is softer on the initial stroke and allows the rear to settle in, helping to iron out the overall front to- rear balance of the TC449 for optimum handling.

Like its TE and TXC counterparts, the TC449 upgrades to the single-piece tail section that is narrower and streamlined for better ergonomics. The wiring harness is also lighter and simplified, utilizing higher-quality materials.

TC449 Highlights

• NEW Dual-map ignition with handlebar-mounted hard/soft switch.

• NEW Valve timing creates significant all-over power boost.

• NEW Airbox with larger intake and revised velocity stack for more mid-range torque.

• NEW DLC coating on connecting rod for less friction and extended life.

• NEW Kayaba suspension front and rear tuned for specific demands of U.S. motocross.

• NEW Progressive shock spring is softer on the initial stroke, improving overall balance.

• NEW All-black Chromoly frame is stronger and more rigid with key reinforcement and new plates near steering stem.

• NEW Cooling system upgraded with high-performance WP radiators.

• NEW Streamlined single-piece tail section is narrower and lighter.

• NEW Wiring harness redesigned to be simpler and more direct.

• NEW IPD (in-mold plastic design) graphics in striking new black/red color scheme.

• NEW Silver anodized Excel rims.

• Electric start.

• Five-speed gearbox operated by Brembo hydraulic clutch.

• Polished Grimeca hubs front and rear.

• Brembo brake hydraulics and Braking rotors.

• MSRP: USD$7,999

CR125

Rediscover the ultimate in agility, lowest in price and easiest in maintenance with Husqvarna’s mighty eighth-litre two-stroke motocrosser! Competition comes first on Husqvarna’s CR125, which carries its existing race-tested technology and top-level components into 2012.

The compact 124.8cc single-cylinder, two-stroke motor continues to sing at high tunes with a Mikuni TMX38 carburetor fed by V-Force reed valves, and like all of Husqvarna’s two-strokes, the CR125 features a Ducati Energy digital ignition. The six-speed gearbox is operated by a Brembo hydraulic clutch. Brake hydraulics are also Brembo while rotors are supplied by Braking.

The CR125 receives the same updated frame as the WR125. The all-black Chromoly frame features higher rigidity for better performance and longer life. The CR continues to carry the premium Kayaba 48mm closed-cartridge fork and proven Sachs single-shock which provide a plush ride.

Along with the other shared changes across the Husqvarna line of motorcycles – silver anodized Excel rims and new black/red IPD (in-mold plastic design) graphics – bodywork on the CR125 features new airbox protection for the 2012 model.

CR125 Highlights

• NEW CR125 comes with 144cc top-end bore kit including cylinder and piston.

• NEW All-black Chromoly frame reinforced for greater tensile strength.

• NEW IPD (in-mold plastic design) graphics in striking new black/red color scheme.

• NEW Silver anodized Excel rims.

• Kayaba 48mm closed-cartridge fork and Sachs shock provide a plush ride.

• Trimmed with race-tested premium components like Ducati Energy digital ignition, Brembo brake hydraulics and Magura aluminum handlebar.

• Compact, lightweight 124.8cc two-stroke motor with 38mm Mikuni TMX carburetor.

• V-Force reed valves.

• Quick-adjust clutch perch.

• MSRP: USD$5,999

TADDY BLAZUSIAK SECURES HIS ENDUROCROSS HAT TRICK IN INDIANAPOLIS

2011-08-29T08:52:00.000-04:00

From KTM

KTM Extreme Enduro factory rider Taddy Blazusiak, five-times Red Bull Hare Scramble winner at Erzberg and current Endurocross titleholder wrapped up his hat trick on Friday night in the Pepsi Stadium Indianapolis. The Polish rider took a thrilling victory from KTM teammate Mike Brown in the main event to win Round Three of the 2011 GEICO Endurocross Championship.

Even though the Endurocross season is only weeks old, Taddy has now already won three of the seven race series. He took the inaugural gold medal at the X-Games in Los Angeles, which counted as Round One and also won Round Two at Everett in Washington. Taddy has this season moved up to the KTM 350 SX-F machine, the bike that was developed by KTM with input from 10-times world champion and Red Bull Teka KTM Manager in Europe, Stefan Everts.

Taddy and Mike had a serious face-off in the final on Friday night with Brown leading for several laps over the obstacles before a mistake cost him the lead and the eventual victory. Endurocross, a relatively new discipline in motorcycle racing is proving a crowd pleaser, especially after the sport's hugely popular launch as part of the 2011 X-Games. Run over a series of daunting hazards in an indoor arena, it is proving an effective way of bringing the thrill of extreme Enduro to city venues.

Taddy may seem to be dominating the current competition but on Friday night Mike Brown also looked impressive on the track and it is clear that he plans to take on the might of his teammate's domination. The afternoon kicked off with timed qualifying laps to determine the gate picks for the three heat races. Mike set the fastest time, while Taddy, who made a mistake was back at seventh fastest. Then Taddy won his heat race to line up with Brown and the other qualifiers in the main event. Colton Haaker was the lead rider at the start but Mike and Taddy quickly hunted him down. Mike held the lead for several laps but then had to succumb to Polish pressure. Taddy then rode on in his usual near-faultless style to secure yet another victory.

Riders will tackle Round Four in California on September 17.

Results

1, Taddy Blazusiak, Poland, KTM

2, Mike Brown, USA, KTM

3, Justin Soule, USA Kawasaki

GEICO's Barcia scores win in just his second race on a 450cc Honda

2011-08-29T08:50:00.001-04:00

From GEICO Honda

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (Aug. 27) – GEICO Honda rider Justin Barcia fought through the driving rain and a sloppy track at Moto-X 338 to win his first 450 moto in just his second race on an American Honda CRF 450R in the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship.

"I'm super pumped about how I did today," Barcia said. "To beat all those top guys is just awesome."

The moto victory salvaged what proved to be a rough day for GEICO Honda and there was no better example of that than Barcia himself.

In the first moto of the day, Barcia got a solid start and was running third when his bike lost power. Barcia was unable to get it re-fired and he had to accept a DNF and 36th-place finish.

"We had a little trouble in the first moto, so I knew I had to come back strong," Barcia said. "To start the second moto, I had the far outside gate. I got a great start somehow and led pretty much the whole race."

Barcia only got better as conditions deteriorated. He got the holeshot in Moto 2, and would win that race – his first outdoor win of the year – by nearly 27 seconds for a seventh-place overall finish on the day.

"It was a confidence booster to say the least," Barcia said. "I was pumped to be able to get that win for everyone on the GEICO Honda and American Honda teams."

GEICO Honda's 250 riders had difficulty rebounding the way Barcia did.

Riding in just his second race as a pro, Justin Bogle was the team's top 250 finisher. He was ninth overall after finishes of 18th and fourth.

"Practice didn't go well at all and I struggled with the setup," Bogle said. "We got the bike working good. The first moto was about survival. The second moto I started good and closed in on third, but had to drop back because my goggles got muddied. The second moto felt awesome."

Jimmy DeCotis bounced back from a spill and a 36th-place finish in Moto 1 to finish ninth in the second moto and 16th overall.

Eli Tomac finished 19th overall with finishes of 14th and 32nd. He remains fifth in season points.

"I had a big crash in the second moto, so that kind of jacked me up," Tomac said. "My practice started as good as it gets. My first moto I got shuffled back at the start then had to work my way back up. The second moto, on the fourth corner, someone came flying into me, my wheel got stuck in the mud, then I got run over by three people."

Up next for GEICO Honda is the next to last race of the outdoor season, the Sept. 3 Steel City National outside Pittsburgh.

Yamalube Schrader's SMX Racing Team Shines at Walton!

2011-08-28T19:12:00.000-04:00

Photo by James Lissimore

Goals were set and goals were achieved and exceeded! The Yamalube Schrader's SMX Racing Team was ready to do battle. Yamalube, Yamaha Canada and Schrader's upped the ante with strong sponsorship and both riders families drained bank accounts to provide the riders with every opportunity to ride and achieve goals. Shawn Maffenbeier and Denaye Giroux had incredible focus, desire and physical fitness throughout the entire series to allow them to chase their dreams.

Photo by James Lissimore

Denaye came into Walton with the sole goal of taking the number 1 plate for Canada. Riding both the Intermediate MX 2 class and the women's class showed that she isn't afraid to get out and mix it up with the boys, but enables her to have that extra edge over her female competition."Denaye rode three very strong motos to take the overall number 1 plate for Canadian Women," said owner/manager Jackie Maffenbeier. "She has been single minded in winning the championship and Denaye has obviously put the entire package together this season."I'm totally pumped with my results this season," said Denaye. "The incredible support we've received from Yamalube and Yamaha Canada gave the confidence that I had the best 250F on the line and I'd be able to handle anything a track could throw at me with the Superior Suspension from Joe Skidd. Rick Bradshaw from Schrader's really deserve's a huge thank you for not just this season but all the ones previous as he has given me great support for years and also been a great boss allowing me time off to train and do the series. Putting the number 1 plate on the rig door helped to let the reality sink in...that and my new #1 2012 gear from Troy Lee Designs!"

Photo by James Lisimore

Sunday in Walton saw Yamalube, Schrader's SMX Racing rider Shawn Maffenbeier hit the lake..er, track for the first moto. With the rain arriving Saturday night and continuing Sunday in torrents to say that things were a challenge was a major understatement! "I actuall got a great jump off the line with my Renegade fuelled Yamalube 450F," said Shawn. "Then as I was heading down the line my Dragon goggles were sprayed and I lost my vision going into the corner and went down. Things got a little tougher after that. The Dunlop tires gave me everything they had in the grease and I managed to finish the race."

Photo by James Lissimore

Owner/Manager Randy Maffenbeier said, " Shawn has put the onus on himself to prove that he belongs and is going to be a real challenge to the number one plate. He continues to improve each season and we're excited with his 6th overall on the year. We can hardly wait for next year!" The Yamalube Schrader's SMX Racing Team would like to thank all the sponsors. It takes many people and organizations to operate a team and each and everyone is vitally important to support our riders to enable them to firstly even arrive at each race and to perform without the worries of all the little things that are needed to put them on the track. See you next year!

http://www.smxracing.ca/

Motovan Acquires Steen Hansen Racing

2011-08-26T12:37:00.001-04:00

From Motovan

Monday August 22nd, 2011 (Boucherville, Quebec, Canada) Motovan Corporation , Canada’s leading distributor of Powersports parts and accessories, has recently acquired Steen Hansen Racing (“SHR”). Based out of Edmonton Alberta, SHR has been servicing Western Canadian dealers for almost 40 years and currently distributes well-known brands such as: Akrapovic, Gerbings, Leatt, Ohlins, One Industries and Sidi, just to name a few. “We are very happy to have SHR under our banner” says James Paladino, President/CEO of Motovan; “ Our acquisition investment is another clear indication that we believe in the Powersports industry and we are determined to grow Motovan in Canada. Our goal of providing dealers throughout Canada with the best brands, at competitive prices, on a timely basis… was the driving force behind the purchase of SHR” explains James.

Equally enthusiastic of this transaction is SHR’s Poul Hansen, who is maintaining an important role with Motovan Corporation. “SHR is a family owned business and even though we faced difficult market conditions, we were never going to sell our company to just anyone” says Poul, “I have known the Paladino family for many years and they share the same values as we do. I’m 100% certain that they will take care of our loyal customers and bring our brands to the next level across Canada. I am happy to have joined the Motovan team and I’m looking forward to the challenge”.

Despite sharing certain functions with Motovan, SHR will continue to operate independently from their current location and will soon publish a 2012 SHR catalogue containing their key brands. Don’t hesitate to contact Poul and his team for any questions or concerns.

MOTOVAN CORPORATION

Established in 1980, Motovan imports, exports, distributes and manufactures replacement parts and accessories for motorized recreational vehicles (Motorcycles/MX, ATVs, snowmobiles) as well as providing logistics services to other powersports organizations. Motovan is the Canadian distribution leader, boasting the largest sales team and network of powersports dealers in Canada. All reference materials, catalogs, industry information, press releases and product features can all be found on-line for your convenience at: www.motovan.com.

2012 Husqvarna TE Line Revealed

2011-08-25T11:59:00.000-04:00

From Husqvarna

CORONA, CA (August 23, 2011) – Throw dirt and pound pavement with Husqvarna's street-legal TE dual-sport motorcycles, the bikes which continue to provide riders the freedom to take aggressive off-road performance to the street!

All four TE models receive new reinforced all-black Chromoly frames, silver rims and fresh styling (shared changes with the rest of the 2012 Husqvarna range). Key features also include suspension upgrades and the new TE250 "Low." The 48mm open-cartridge Kayaba fork is stiffened up with revised damping for a comfortable and capable ride on road and trail. The TE250 and TE310 are both also upgraded to the Kayaba shock.

New in distinguishing the 250 from its larger TE310 sibling is a lower seat height. The Kayaba fork and shock on the TE250 are both shortened, resulting in a more user friendly seat height approximately 50mm lower than last year's. The "inseam challenged" will also appreciate the slightly lower saddle height on the 449 and 511 TE, both of which receive a 4mm shorter Kayaba shock. Designed specifically to complement the CTS (Coaxial Traction System), the upgraded rear suspension improves the handling characteristic and overall balance of the 449 and 511 chassis. On the front end, the fork valving is more aggressive for even better off-road performance.

The focus on the 2012 TE449 and TE511 was to make them more approachable all around, so along with a shorter seat height and refined suspension, the chassis is also updated with a streamlined wiring harness and a sleeker one-piece rear fender. The TE449 and 511 also run cooler than ever thanks to the addition of high-performance WP radiators.

The TE250 and TE310 share a number of upgrades including improved exhaust and new generation frames. In striking red and black color scheme, the smaller bore TE models (250 and 310) are outfitted with more rigid frames, which complement the revised suspension, and pair stability with responsiveness for a confidence-inspiring ride. New exhaust systems deliver improved performance across the board, polishing up the power delivery on the 250 and 310 TE motorcycles.

Even with the long list of choice improvements for 2012, the TE line remains 50-state street legal. There is quite a wide spectrum between dirt and street that encompasses the bountiful category of "dual purpose" motorcycles, and Husqvarna's TE models favour the "dirt" end of the scale. The TE dual sports are true off-roaders, urbanized just enough to allow riders to hop on the pavement every so often. Connect trailheads, ride straight from your garage – have the freedom to Ride More with the versatility of a Husqvarna TE!

Key Features

•48mm Kayaba open-cartridge forks on all TEs receive stiffer settings

•TE250 seat height is 50mm shorter

•250/310 receive Kayaba shock

•449/511 Kayaba shock 4mm shorter for improved handling

•449/511 receive more compact one-piece tail section

•449/511 receive lighter, streamlined electrical system

•New reinforced all-black Chromoly frame with increased rigidity

•New handlebar clamps offer two different positions

•Silver Excel rims

•Striking red and black color scheme with new IPD (In-mold Plastic Decoration) graphics

TE250 – World Championship "Low Down"

Exclusive to the U.S. market, the 2012 TE250 will feature a low seat height, nearly two inches shorter than last year's model. Lowered suspension on both the front and rear give it greater appeal to riders of smaller stature, or to those simply seeking the comfort of being able to touch the ground flat-footed. The TE250 receives the premium Kayaba shock, and the increased rigidity of the revised all-black Chromoly frame further improves the ride, as well as aesthetics.

Kayaba Suspension Upgrades

Along with the 48mm fork, the TE250's shock is now also by Kayaba. The linkage mounted monoshock is fully adjustable through high- and low-speed compression, as well as rebound damping and spring pre-load. The Kayaba fork on the TE250 is shorter, but also stiffer than last year. It has been re-valved for stiffer settings in order to complement the new shock, resulting in the TE250 being more capable and well balanced than ever. In addition to the suspension upgrades, the new all-black reinforced Chromoly frame has a stronger steering tube, improving the overall structural rigidity of the chassis. Silver anodized Excel rims are new for 2012, and the TE's sharp new look is finished with redesigned IPD (in-mold plastic decoration) graphics – integrated into the bodywork so they stay looking new, and won't suffer damage from pressure washing.

Engine: Light and Compact

The potent Husqvarna TE250 single-cylinder, DOHC, titanium four-valve engine continues to rack up numerous victories in the World Enduro Championship. The compact lightweight 249.5cc power plant returns for 2012, and harmonizes with the quiet E3-compliant exhaust system to keep power flowing while also meeting stringent emissions standards. Mikuni electronic fuel injection feeds the cylinder head through a 42mm throttle body. The TE250 also features both electric start and kick starter backup. Trimmed with choice aftermarket components such as the Brembo hydraulic clutch, Brembo brake hydraulics and Braking wave rotors, the TE250 is a super refined package with a world championship-winning pedigree.

TE310 – The Winning Choice of Antoine Meo

It's the weapon of choice for World Enduro Champion Antoine Meo. The Frenchman elects to contest the E2 enduro category – which allows engines up to 450cc – on the 302cc machine. It's a courageous choice, and one that is already turning heads and earning due recognition in the premier World Enduro category. The ideal balance of light weight, useable power and manoeuvrability come together in a potent package perfectly suited for Husqvarna champions as well as passionate amateur riders. A scalpel among axes, the TE310 will slice through the gnarliest off-road terrain – and at a more accessible price than its larger displacement counterparts, even with all its choice upgrades such as Kayaba suspension and revised Chromoly reinforced frame.

The compact steel frame was already modified in last year's model, yet is further refined for 2012. The steering head receives reinforcement for increased rigidity and the entire frame is now black in color. The TE310 is also characterized by redesigned IPD graphics and silver Excel rims – changes that are shared across the '12 line of Husqvarna off-road motorcycles.

Like it's TE250 sibling, the 310 receives improvements in the chassis and suspension department with an all-new Kayaba shock. With high- and low-speed compression, rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, the rider is able to fine-tune the Kayaba shock to any weight, preference and terrain. Thanks to stiffer settings in both the fork and shock, the TE310's suspension is more capable and well-balanced than ever.

The engine is directly derived from the compact and lightweight TE250, but with all its own character, and even more torque coming from the bored-out 302cc mill. The specially developed exhaust system further improves engine performance, allowing air and power to flow efficiently. Engine performance and reliability are further improved by a new cooling system, which incorporates a thermostat and electric fan to help prevent overheating in slow, demanding terrain. New handlebar clamps complete the list of upgrades made to the latest-generation TE310.

Husqvarna TE449 & TE511: Evolution of the Species

Experience gained over the last year has helped Husqvarna engineers make the TE449 and TE511 even more competitive and appealing in 2012. The basic platform of both models remains unchanged – the 449 is still the bike with innovative technical features and striking good looks that put it among the best in its class, and the 511 still pours on smooth power in no limited supply. Both are already exquisite machines, but with a handful of choice revisions, they gain even more rider appeal for 2012.

The TE449 and 511 both feature the same shared changes across the 2012 line of Husqvarna off-road motorcycle – the revised black frame, silver anodized Excel rims and new IPD graphics. Ergonomically designed side panels increase freedom of movement for the rider, and the redesigned tail section is now once piece and more compact, further improving aesthetics. The 449 and 511 TEs are also both fitted with a streamlined electrical system designed to be lighter and simpler, and the sharp-looking integrated graphics are guaranteed to last through miles of off-road wear and repeated power washing. But dirt bikes are destined for the trail, not the runway, so additional changes to handling and mechanics make the TE449 an even more capable off-roader – a master of the dirt that is still 100% street-legal. Select changes to the TE511 make it easier to ride, and design aspects were thoughtfully scrutinized with one goal in mind: making the most powerful off-road motorcycle of Husqvarna's 2012 range more appealing and rideable than ever.

Stronger Frame, Lower Profile

Handling is improved thanks to a more rigid frame, featuring a reinforced steering tube – like the other TE models – as well as reinforced seat rails and stronger engine supports. With styling and layout redesigned, the TE449 and TE511 have better overall balance, and with a revised Kayaba shock, 4mm shorter than its predecessor, the overall seat height is lowered for 2012, making both models more approachable. The Chromoly reinforced frame and upgraded shock synchronize with Husqvarna's patented Coaxial Traction System (CTS) in order to let the 449 and 511 handle like never before. Through the collaborated efforts of the Husqvarna R&D and factory race teams, the latest frame has also been designed to concentrate more weight on the bike's center of gravity, and minimize chain torque.

Husqvarna continues to use top of the line Kayaba suspension components on the TE449 and 511. The shock is fully adjustable with high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping clickers, and spring preload adjust. The shock is mounted on an upside down link, combining the advantages of progressive linkage with the protection of above swingarm shock placement. Up front, the 48mm Kayaba fork is re-valved with stiffer overall settings, yet with a more supple feel on the initial stroke for a more comfortable, yet capable ride.

Fine Tuning the Power Delivery

The single-cylinder, titanium four-valve, DOHC motor is a recent design, one which needed few modifications – just some minor changes to fine-tune the power curve. To draw optimum performance from the TE449, designers focused on the mapping of the Keihin fuel injection. Cooling efficiency is improved with new WP radiators, which also help power flow freer. The TE511 certainly has no shortage of power. In fact, the biggest challenge is keeping all of its ponies in check. This is why engineers, riders and testers at Husqvarna have focused mainly on ease of handling with the TE511 motorcycle, and painstakingly developed a new Keihin ignition mapping specifically designed to deliver power from its 477.5cc DOHC four-stroke motor in a more linear, progressive fashion.

Stopping capabilities are entrusted to Brembo and premium wave rotors are supplied by Braking. Cooling circuit efficiency on both models is further improved with a new WP radiator. The six-speed gearbox remains operated by a progressive Brembo hydraulic clutch, which affords a positive feel with a light touch. Starting is effortless with pushbutton command, and eliminating the kick-starter remains to be a good decision, given the reliable ignition and high-power battery of the TE449 and 511.

Canadian Enduro Championship 2011 - Labelle

2011-08-25T11:11:00.001-04:00

From Marc Giroux

Maximum 150 entries!

Be part of it!

• New enduro format for Canada

• Start is in the center of Town, with facilities everyone.

• 35km loop, 3-4 times a day, all returning back to the center of town.

• Three « special tests » per loop, one Extreme, one MX, and one Enduro, all timed by computer.

• Inscriptions and inspections on Friday Sept. 09th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturday Sept. 10th from 6:00am to 9:00am.

• Inscription fee for the week-end is 100$ (does not include the cost of buying ($40) or renting ($20) a transponder).

• info: www.ceclabelle@rocketmail.com

• www.ceclabelle.ca

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

Cheques payable to:

Club Enduro Labelle

2025 rues marcel, Saint-Jérôme, Québec, J5L 1Z2.

Classes (please circle only one):

* E1 (0-200cc 2 stroke & 250cc 4 strokes) E2 (201-299cc 2 stroke & 450cc 4 strokes)

* E3 (Open) E Vet. (40 +)

* A (3 to 5 years experience in competition) B (1 to 3 years experience in competition)

* C (first competition) Vet. (40+)

* Super Vet (50+) Women

Name: _________________________ First name: ___________________________

Address: ________________________ City: ______________________________

Province: _______________________ Postal code: _________________________

Phone: __________________________ Date of birth: ___________________

E-mail:_____________________________________________________________

Sponsors: ________________________________________________________