THE GREAT OUTDOORS Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National Championship 2013 in Review
Race Reports
From amateurs to pros... The Serendipitous Tale of the
Stolen Bike
Life of a Privateer
Contents 04 From the Editor
42 Much Yet to be Written 46 Budds Creek
08 Grassroots America An Intro 12 Hangtown 22 Thunder Valley 28 Life of the Privateer 30 ‘L’ is for Lucas
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High Point
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The Serendipitous Tale of the Stolen Bike
56 Southwick 62 A Brief Walk of Fame
96 Loretta Lynn’s
66 Redbud
102 When Rains Came to Loretta’s
78 Washougal 88 Best of Instagram 90 Spring Creek
106 Unadilla 116 Utah 122 Lake Elsinore 130 Sixteen Thousand Miles 133 2013 in Numbers
From the Editor SEPTEMBER 2013 / THE GREAT OUTDOORS
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hen we decided to drive the entire 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Outdoor National Championship, we knew there would be challenges. What I didn’t expect, was that I would come to understand why motocross garners such enthusiasm from its loyal fans, and that in time, I would come to fall in love with the sport of motocross myself. The trip was fraught with challenges--car trouble, extreme weather, fatigue--but it was also filled with beauty, and those are the things that we’ll remember: watching the sunrise over a freshly groomed track, cheering on amateur racers on the podium, and exploring America in all its flying colors. We activated on behalf of Lucas Oil and MAVTV at eleven of the twelve pro events, and we also sponsored Leon’s fastest Triathlon in Chicago. We engaged with fans, informing them about Lucas Oil Products and the racing programming available on MAVTV, Lucas Oil’s television network. Many of the Pro National weekends also included amateur events held on the pro track. We worked with the track owners and promoters in order to bring support to these amateur events. We knew we wanted to have an active, hands-on presence at the amateur level, and over time we developed a system of running the podium in a way 4
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that allowed us to engage with all the racers who came through our booth. Lucas Oil donated product to the top three finishers of every class, along with Lucas Oil hats for track crew, and banners, streamers, and flags to brand the track. We faciliated the distribution of those resources on-site. This 2013 MX edition features full reports from each event that we attended, including track spotlights, race reports, photographs, and blog entries, most of which were previously published online along the way. I am the author of all of the articles, and all photographs were taken by myself or my husband, Jason Witt, unless otherwise indicated. We invite you to experience our journey, and see a glimpse of grassroots racing at its finest. Rachel Witt rwitt@mylucasoil.com
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A merica s s r o o t s 8
Grassroots. It implies the power of the individual. It brings pride to the collective. Grassroots is self-made and self-driven. It’s acting locally, and expanding globally. Grassroots is starting from the ground up.
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America s s r o o t s
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e are on week one of a fourteen week cross-country roadtrip, looking to experience America at the grassroots level. I begin my journey with this query: what roots do we share as Americans? When compared with other developed countries, we did not rate very high in employment or math skills. Certainly not all of us are living the American dream; in fact, we rank quite low when it comes to income equality. But, curiously, we rank amongst the highest in confidence. Perhaps it is the belief that we can be the best, the belief that we are capable of
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achieving, the belief that persistence yields results, that unites us as Americans. Americans seek travel and adventure; we want to be moved by something, be it religion, or politics, or art. But we are rooted in our belief that we are the masters of our own universe, capable of carving out for ourselves, the lives that we imagined‌ So is this the life I imagined? Living in a trailer, following the Pro Motocross series? Not exactly. But I did imagine that my life would be filled with adventure. That I would travel and write. Above all, I imagined a life where I was free. Free from the confines of four walls and the accumulation of stuff. Free to look up to a cloudless night sky and see myriad stars.
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Spotlight on...
Hangtown MX Classic History The first motorcycle races in the area took place in the mid-60’s. With the import of some Husqvarnas, a bunch of European racers, motocross was born in the West. The Dirt Diggers of Southern California were putting on the Hopetown GP in the mid-60’s, and in 1967, a group of eight local motorcycle enthusiasts met at Marion Pyle’s bike shop
in Orangevale, to discuss their dream of bringing a big-time motorcycle racing event to Northern California. The meeting would pave the way for the creation of the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club. The first Dirt Diggers North Motocross race was held at Murray’s Ranch in Placerville, CA in 1969.
Fun Facts The Hangtown Motocross Classic is the only National promoted by a club, the Dirt Diggers North MC. The race took its name from Placerville, which was known as “Hangtown” in the Gold Rush days because the judge was known for handing out the sentence of “death by hanging” to convicted criminals. It’s known for its natural, bowl-shaped setting, which allows for a variety of vantage points for fans.
Hangtown Hall of Fame Bobby Grossi Bob Hannah John DeSoto Steve Lamson Mike LaRocco James Stewart Tom Rapp Broc Glover David Bailey Jeff Ward
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Brad Lackey Jeff Emig Ricky Carmichael Marty Smith John DeSoto Brad Lackey Jimmy Weinert Damon Bradshaw Jeremy McGrath Ryan Dungey
Memorable Moments
HANGTOWN
1972 – The race that put Hangtown on the map. 15,000 fans watched three professional divisions compete for $5,000 purse. Tom “Rappster” Rapp dominated the 125cc class on a Bultaco; Grossi won the 250cc; Brad Lackey was on his way to a National and World title, still the only American to win the 500cc GP World championship. 1974 – Club sanctioned by AMA; purse hit the $10,000 mark. 1975 – Professional event hit by snow, sleet, hail, rain, and wind; riders struggled to win the $12,000 purse. 1976 – the first time that each moto could count for points toward the National title. 1977 – With more than 30,000 spectators in attendance, Dirt Diggers North proclaims they have “the largest club-promoted motocross in the world. 1979 – Having outgrown the Plymouth track, a permanent facility at Prairie City OHV Park is established. 1984 – Fighting for the 500cc win, David Bailey and Broc Glover, take each other out, right in front of the announcers box. 1991 – Downpour that lasted all day wreaked havoc on the track, which had to be ‘rearranged’ to accommodate the new “South fork of the American River.” Local Vet Pro’s ran test laps, proving that the race could go on, and National Pros had to follow suit, to the delight of die-hard fans.
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HANGTOWN Hangtown Race Report May 16-17, 2013 (Hangtown Motocross Classic) The Prairie City OHV Park was electric with the energy of thousands of racers and fans last week. Over the course of the week preceding Saturday’s RedBull Hangtown Motocross Classic, an endless procession of campers and factory semis pulled into the park, bringing with them amateur riders competing in the Hangtown Amateur Classic, motocross veterans reminiscing over Hangtown’s 45 year history, talented Pro-Am up-and-comers, big-name racers--Dungey, Villopoto, Stewart, Roczen, Baggett (to name only a few)--along with their crews, and of course, the die-hard fans who have made the sport of motocross the raucous affair that it is today.
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Hangtown Amateur Classic
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he racing kicked off with some fierce competition amongst the talented crew of amateur racers who competed in the Hangtown Amateur Classic on May 16-17. Among them, My Lucas Oil team athlete, and Athlete of the Week Hall of Famer, Tucker Larrieu. Competing in three classes over the two-day event, Larrieu raced a total of nine motos, including the My Lucas Oil Trophy Dash. On day one of racing, Larrieu overcame a couple early mistakes in the first moto of the 2-stroke Open, working his way back up to 4th place. He came back in the second moto with the holeshot, and though he was passed by Cole Barbieri and Dustin Grayson, he placed 3rd, with a 3rd place finish overall. The podiums didn’t stop there though. In an impressive performance, Larrieu took the holeshot in the 450 class and battled Jordyn Scalvini for a first place finish. With another first place finish in the Vintage class, Larrieu rounded out day one with three podiums—including two first place trophies.
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HANGTOWN
The B Class Trophy Dash brought more excitement, when the toughest competitors of the two-day amateur classic went head-to-head to see who would be crowned the fastest B class rider. Cole Barbieri qualified for the My Lucas Oil Trophy Dash after winning the 125 B and 150 B and getting second overall in the Under 25 B. He was out of the gate with a great start, even against some 450s, and passed a few guys early on to take the lead. To the delight of both the fans and the racers, the pros who looked on from the infield—Stewart, Nelson, Seely, and some of their crew—were amongst the loudest in the stands, cheering on the B and C class champions, and even giving Barbieri high fives as he rode past. Once again, the Hangtown Amateur Classic did not disappoint, bringing fun and friendly competition, played out with great sportsmanship. For now, we say goodbye to Hangtown as we move on to the next stop of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Thunder Valley. www.MyLucasOil.com
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HANGTOWN
In the My Lucas Oil Trophy Dash, the top finishers of the B and C classes went head to head. Two Trophy Dash winners were named--one for the B class, and one for the C class. Every competitor ran a Lucas Oil sticker on their number plate. Each winner was awarded Lucas Oil Products, Lucas Oil apparel, signed Troy Lee Designs team visors, and the Trophy Dash Cup.
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HANGTOWN IN NUMBERS
3 Days of racing at Hangtown for the Pro National weekend
25,000
People in attendance at the Round 1 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
696 Page views on mylucasoil.com for Hangtown Track Spotlight and Event News
50 Lucas Oil hats given to all Hangtown track crew to wear throughout the weekend
78 Photos taken on the podium during the Hangtown Amateur National
HANGTOWN Rick Hayes: Thanks Lucas Oil for the support. It was a great event! Kevin Dasse: Very impressed with his first ride. [on Malcolm Stewart’s debut on a 450] Keli Gunn: Amazing day with My Lucas Oil / Rachel Witt and Jason Witt at Hangtown... Fun fun fun!! Alan Fisk: Thanks to @ mylucasoil for the sponsorship!!! I can’t wait to take my bike apart and get it cleaned and lubricated with Lucas Oil!! Kinser Endicott: @mylucasoil hooked it up last weekend for Amateur Days! Incredible thing they did, thanks!…
21,433 Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts covering Hangtown events
787 Riders who raced the Hangtown Amateur Classic
144 Lucas Oil products given to amateur competitors at the Hangtown Amateur National www.MyLucasOil.com
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Spotlight on...
Thunder Valley History Thunder Valley Motocross Park was founded in 1999 by David Clabaugh, who stepped in and saved the park when it was in danger of being shut down. A motocross racer and enthusiast himself, Clabaugh started by upgrading the facility and holding local weekend races. With dreams of hosting a pro national event at Thunder Valley, Clabaugh went to
work for two years as a member of the banner crew on the Pro National series. As he learned firsthand what it took to put on a national event, he prepared his won track, and when a spot opened up for a new Pro National site in 2005, Thunder Valley Motocross Park emerged as the best choice.
Fun Facts The high elevation at Thunder Valley Motocross Park provides an added challenge for both teams and riders. Because of the thinner air, the motorcycles must be adjusted to perform at their peak despite challenging atmospheric conditions.
Thunder Valley Hall of Fame Ricky Carmichael James Stewart Ryan Dungey
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Ivan Tedesco Blake Baggett
THUNDER VALLEY
Memorable Moments Thunder Valley held the first ever pro motocross national event to be run at night in 2008. Each of veteran rider Ivan Tedesco’s inaugural 250 Class and 450 Class victories came at Thunder Valley. He is the only rider to win at the track in both classes. www.MyLucasOil.com
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THUNDER VALLEY Bird’s eye view:
Looking down at the track from above, not only do we get a great view, but we also get excellent track branding, visible from almost any vantage point on the track.
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THUNDER VALLEY IN NUMBERS
1,000,000 Minutes watched on the live stream on allisports.com 26 www.MyLucasOil.com
145
Lucas Oil Products given out to amateur racers
591 Page views on mylucasoil.com for Thunder Valley Track Spotlight and Event Blog
22,650 16
Fans in attendance at the Rockwell Watches Thunder Valley National
To telev the Thun
THUNDER VALLEY SRAC (Sports Riders Association of Colorado): It was a “Huge” honor to meet Jason and Rachel Witt at the Lakewood Nationals. They both are really big in the support of the amatuer riders and SRAC. Please check them out on facebook (My Lucas Oil) and see all they have to offer for the amatuer riders. SRAC and I (Herb Rogers),wish them a safe journey to all the races ahead of them. Braaap. KeriKevin MacBeth: Let’s get dirty! Ja N Mau Oxenreider: DUNGEY ALL THE WAY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN!!
Ian Chia: @MyLucasOil Thank you so much for the blog, it’s as real as it gets!
39,235 65,000
otal viewership (on vision and online) for e Rockwell Watches nder Valley National.
Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts covering Hangtown events
401 MAVTV data forms collected www.MyLucasOil.com
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Life of the
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ver the course of the day the rigs file in, a procession of competitors, so that by sun down the lot that was empty this morning has transformed into what will be known for the next 48 hours as the pro pits. They house the greatest talents in motocross today, some of whom are making motocross history.
Amongst them is Jordan Reynolds, a driven twenty-year-old with a broad, white smile and diamond studs in his ears. When I ask him where his pit is, he points to the nose28 www.MyLucasOil.com
bleeds. “Life of the privateer,” he shrugs and shakes his head without a hint of bitterness. With dad-mechanic-biggest fan in tow, along with his mom and sister, Thunder Valley is Jordan’s third pro motocross event, after Hangtown and his debut race last season at Lake Elsinore. A couple hours later, Ian Chia, a privateer from Peru, stops by. Ian is accompanied by his lovely girlfriend Sarah who will share the task of driving their trailer across America and back, for the entire Pro Motocross National series. I am always impressed, not only by the will of the privateers, but by the commitment put forth from the company they keep. When I catch up with Jordan after qualifying, I ask him how it went. “I could have done better,” he replies, and it’s clear in his momentary downward glance that he is his harshest critic. He immediately recovers, “I learned a lot though. And I guess I did better than last time.” He recounts the morning, the highs and lows, and as something of an afterthought tells me that he hardly felt his shoulder until he got to the whoops. He had failed to mention earlier that he had dislocated his shoulder last week at Hangtown. Having just dislocated my elbow snowboarding six months ago, I shudder at the thought of suffering through the joint-yanking whoops section aboard the hulking piece of metal that is a motocross bike with a fresh dislocation. As my mind pauses on this thought, Jordan is already talking about his next event, Washougal, and all the training and working out he plans to do between now and then, and I smile because I’m looking forward to his re-
e Privateer
turn. On Saturday evening, Ian drops by on his way out. He and Sarah are already heading out to get a head-start on the drive to Tennessee. With a holeshot and fastest lap of 2:16 that morning, Ian would have been in great standings to compete in the main. But he was flagged, and docked his fastest lap, losing his
chance. “Tennessee will be good,” he smiles. He knows he’s close enough to grasp it. He’s ready to race against the best. Later, as our truck and trailer trudge east through the golden morning, I think of the privateers, and in that moment, I feel the Dawn all around me.
“I am always impressed, not only by the will of the privateers, but by the commitment put forth from the company they keep.” www.MyLucasOil.com
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L is for LUCAS
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A stop at the Lucas Estate brought rest, as might be expected. It also gave us a glimpse into the world of one hometown race fan who started an empire... www.MyLucasOil.com
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e match the address in our hand to the one posted on the brick pillars before us. The pillars are met by neat, green hedges. The gate is already open. Meandering up the driveway we survey it all, gulping in the freshness of the air, registering the sound of babbling water and singing birds. We gape at the acres of lawn, at the criss-cross patterns from the mower that line the knolls. We pull up to the mansion, the palace
“Talk about new money,” I exclaim, and this realization makes me laugh. In Fitzgerald’s time, the term ‘new money’ would have been used as an insult, wielded by someone who was born into money; someone who’s smooth hands had never been sullied by toil. I imagine a young man with an Indiana drawl, a farmer’s son, behind the wheel of a semi; stopping at truck stops much like the ones we stay at; waiting for the voice over the intercom to announce his turn for a shower; buying coffee from a convenience store. I imagine him tinkering in his garage, combining oils, analyzing viscosity with homespun methods, hitting the road, testing his concoctions, sealing small accounts with a smile and shaking hands with truck stop clerks. Could he ever have imagined the life he was carving? Well done, Mr. Lucas I say to myself. Well done. Then a sun-tanned woman with smiling eyes emerges from the house and says, “Well y’all coming in or what?” and we follow her inside. ***
built of bricks. We giggle and guffaw, eyes wide, like children encountering Candyland. Like Richie Rich. Like that movie Blank Check. All of these metaphors we use to try to express the whole scene. The ‘L’ on the front drive exudes greatness. “Like Gatsby,” someone adds another metaphor as we stare and awe. 32 www.MyLucasOil.com
When we leave a day and a half later, having soaked in as much of the estate as our bones could handle, we return to our shoebox-sized trailer to resume our journey. The forecast warns of a storm approaching. We smile, buckle down, and drive headlong into it.
L is for LUCAS
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Spotlight on...
HIGH POINT
High Point Raceway History Founded in September 1976 by Dave Coombs Sr., High Point Raceway has evolved since its original design. When the Maico Factory team stopped by to train shortly after the Raceway’s conception, they decided to make it more European, incorporating more hills and using fallen trees and rock piles to outline the course. In order to make it more fan-friendly, they cleared trees and created jumps in major
viewing sections. Then in 2008, star track builder Mark Peters gave the track another makeover, giving it the challenging mix of old school and new that makes the track so challenging today. Dave Coombs Sr. passed on August 3, 1998 after a long battle with leukemia, but his legacy, the family business that is MX Sports, thrives as the driving force behind the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
Fun Facts High Point Raceway is the only track on the Lucas Oil Motocross schedule that sits on the Mason Dixon Line. High Point National hosted the first live network television broadcast of an AMA Motocross race on June 13, 2009 on NBC, a first for Professional Motocross in America.
High Point Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Tony DiStefano Rick Burgett Kent Howerton Broc Glover Rick Johnson Mark Barnett Bob Hannah Danny Chandler Guy Cooper Damon Bradshaw Ricky Carmichael
Kelly D. Smith Ezra Lusk John Dowd Chad Reed Ashley Fiolek Tyla Rattray Ryan Dungey Ryan Villopoto Blake Baggett Jessica Patterson Eli Tomac
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HIGH POINT High point Race Report June 9, 2013 (High Point Raceway) - The 37th annual High Point National took place on Saturday at the historic High Point Raceway. Nearby Morgantown, WV, the birthplace of the AMA Pro Motocross Series, and home to MX Sports and Racer X Online, makes this stop a My Lucas Oil favorite along the series. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto continued to dominate at High Point, even with a slick track after persistent rain the few days prior. Easing away from the competition with clean, calculated lines, Villopoto proved once again that he is the man to beat.
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At the Geico High Point National we were allotted a smaller booth space than usual. Accordingly, we re-positioned the Lucas Oil shield inflatable across from our booth, directly behind the holeshot. The Lucas Oil inflatable was visible from almost any vantage point along the track, and it was featured in the live television broadcast of the event, particularly during the holeshot at the beginning of every race (as pictured above). Holeshot videos were available for replay online from Motorcycle Superstore and Allisports, giving us maximum exposure for Lucas Oil branding in the coverage of the event.
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PAMX Thor Yamaha Spring Series
HIGH POINT
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he racing didn’t end with the Pro National at High Point Raceway on June 8. Campers, competitors, and motocross enthusiasts stayed through Sunday for the PAMX Thor Yamaha Spring Series. Garrett Dye, new to the My Lucas Oil team, came out as a spectator at the historic High Point National, and competed in the 250B on Sunday. He dominated the first moto, coming in first, but a foot injury from a few weeks ago gave him some trouble in the turns in the second moto. He placed fifth in the second moto, resulting in an overall fourth place for the day. It’s not the last we’ll see of Dye, who qualified for Loretta’s in the 450B and 250B Limited. We’ll see him out at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in late July. The top three finishers of every class rounded out the day at the Lucas Oil podium, where they chose from Lucas Oil contingency product prizes, including 10w-40 motorcycle oil, Motorcycle Oil Stabilizer, Chain Lube, Lucas Slick Mist, Contact Cleaner, Foam Filter Oil, and White Lithium Grease.
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HIGH POINT IN NUMBERS
78,389
20,700
Live Stream viewers for the Geico High Point National
Fans in attendance at the Geico High Point National
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506 Page views on mylucasoil.com for High Point Track Spotlight and Event News
21,433 Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts covering Hangtown events
HIGH POINT Kim Laventure: Thanks for picking my boy, Ed Scott, as your VIP Winner! He’s gonna have a Blast! Jealous from Sunny SoCal! Dave Dayley: Great Job KTM!!! Keep going forward and take the championship!!! Tommy Meloy: Lucas oil is the best.
Bodean Guarino: Shout out to Jason at @MyLucasOil for some cool stuff. It’s greatly appreciated and I will do whatever it takes to get good results. #Moto Garrett Dye: Thanks a lot for all the cool stuff today! You guys really help out a lot!
50 Lucas Oil hats given to all Hangtown track crew to wear throughout the weekend
1,353 MAVTV data forms collected
500 Riders who raced the PAMX Thor Yamaha Spring Series at High Point
23 Podium pictures tagged by amateur racers at the PAMX Thor Yamaha Spring Series
334,000 Television viewers for the Geico High Point National
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Much Yet to be Written ...
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y eyes wander across the rows of signed jerseys—everyone from Carmichael to Villopoto; medals bearing almost FOUR!!! decades of pro motocross series insignia hang from various hooks. “First edition Redbull can,” she laughs, and sets a stout gold can back on the shelf. The room is a treasure chest of motocross history. Each piece resonates memories, but judging from the far-off glow I see in Rita
Coombs’ eyes, I imagine that it’s only through experience that one appreciates the true value of these treasures. “And this,” she cackles, “Someone sent us their application on a boot!” She holds up an old Scott motocross boot made of red plastic. It’s covered in a handwritten resume. I’m not sure whether or not the guy got the job, but his application made the memorabilia room, which is, in itself, a great accomplishment.
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Later we meet Davey Coombs, editor-n-chief of Racer X Productions. When we tell him we’re planning to hit some of the Civil War sites on our way up to Budds Creek MX Park, he begins to map out an itinerary of places to see, starting with Antietam. “23,000 killed—more deaths during the 12 hour battle at Antietam than any other single day of battle on American soil!” he exclaims. “So you’re a history buff?” I observe. “I was going to be a history teacher,” he says, smiling.
“
into what is now Racer X Illustrated and Racer X Online—the world’s top source of motocross and supercross news, videos, features, and photos. Racer X is the source I turned to a year ago—when I left my classroom and my books and my students—to follow a sport I didn’t know much about, to nurture the fledgling business that Jason and I had created. During the five days we spend camped out in the Racer X parking lot, they offer up not only their office and Internet, but their hot shower, their cabin by the lake, and their boat. We’re astounded at their
We laugh because we’ve all spent enough time working in the ‘real world’ to know that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
“You didn’t plan on working the family business?” “Not at all,” he reflects. “I went to college. Got degrees in English and history.” I raise my eyebrows in surprise. One would assume Davey would have simply fallen in line with his father, Dave Coombs Sr.—founder of MX Sports, father of professional motocross, the man who invented off road moto, who knocked on Loretta Lynn’s front door and asked if he could host a national amateur motocross race on her ranch (and she said yes!). “Carrie Jo too,” Davey continues. “She went off to law school. She’d been practicing law for a little while when I graduated, and she gave me a call. Told me she’d spent some time out there. Told me it wasn’t that great,” and we laugh because we’ve all spent enough time working in the ‘real world’ to know that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. “I was a journalist and a photographer, and I grew up racing motocross, so I came back here and started a newspaper.” He pulls out a browned newspaper entitled “The Racing Paper,” dated March 1990. We pause for a moment to marvel at it as the reality of just how far they’ve come, sets in. It seems Dave Sr. wasn’t the only visionary in the family. Davey’s nonchalance belies his accomplishments: “The Racing Paper” evolved 44 www.MyLucasOil.com
generosity. When we reluctantly return to the road, I watch the Racer X building fade into the distance. I sit down at my computer. The page before me is blank, but I know there is much yet to be written.
Support The Athletes With My Lucas Oil At My Lucas Oil, we support the athletes. We know that in today’s world, it takes more than talent to be successful in racing. From race entrance fees, marketing costs, and high prices for top-of-the-line gear, racing is expensive! We’re teaming up with athletes to direct funds to the causes of their choice. Whether they need help paying entrance fees, or they want to support a charitable cause, My Lucas Oil wants to help them accomplish their goals. Read on to learn about deserving candidates and help us support the athletes.
Looking For Support? Contact us for apply. Support@mylucasoil.com www.MyLucasOil.com
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Spotlight on...
Budds Creek MX Park History Located within one of America’s earliest settlements, the original track at Budds Creek was built in 1973 by the Terra Motorcycle Club, comprised of a local group of Naval officers. Budds Creek hosted its first AMA-sanctioned motocross event in 1973, and its first pro national in
1989. Today, Budds Creek is still managed by racer and promoter Jonathan Beasley, whose family has managed the track since the mid-70’s. Budds Creek’s GP style, with natural hills and shady areas, make for deep ruts and a challenging, varied track.
Fun Facts
Budds Creek Hall of Fame
Budds Creek is home to the Mid-Atlantic Motocross Association.
Mike Kiedrowski Jeff Ward Jeff Emig Mike LaRocco Jeremy McGrath Steve Lamson Ezra Lusk
Budds Creek hosted the annual Motocross of Nations in 2007. You can rent the Budds Creek Motocross Park for your own event and get the real pro motocross experience!
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Jake Weimer Mike Brown Chad Reed James Stewart Ricky Carmichael Ryan Villopoto
BUDDS CREEK Memorable Moments
• In the 1999 250cc U.S. Grand Prix Kevin Windham beat all of the world championship riders, including ten-time champion Stefan Everts.
• Honda earned back-to-back brand sweeps in 1995 and 1996, with victories by teammates Jeremy McGrath and Steve • When Budds Creek hosted the annual Lamson. Motocross of Nations in 2007, Ryan • Ezra Lusk is the only person ever to get Villopoto became the first rider in the history of the event to win both of his a first big-bike win at Budds Creek in motos on a 125cc/250F machine. 1997.
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BUDDS CREEK budds creek race report June 22, 2013 (Budds Creek Motocross Park) -
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alcolm Stewart had his best day of the season, and first podium since his debut in the 450 class, at Budds Creek MX Park when he placed third in moto 2 (fourth overall).
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BUDDS CREEK IN NUMBERS
95,882
Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts covering Budds Creek events
31,392
21,600
Contest views on My Lucas Oil and Pro Motocross Facebook pages
Fans in attendance at the Red BullBudds Creek National.
5,185 Page views on mylucasoil.com for Budds Creek Track Spotlight and Blog
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Live s online Bull B N
0,698
stream views e of the Red Budds Creek National
BUDDS CREEK Travis Hayton: We had a blast at Muddy Creek with our passes from you all, it was a bless‑ ing. I hope they have a great time at Budds Creek like we did. Thanks again! Hole Joel: I bought a can of Lucas Chain Lube and this stuff works on everything. I have used it on my Moto, my Buckles on my moto boots, socket ratchet, kids bicycles, garage door rollers, computer chair spring, door hinges on My wife’s truck, and her back hatch wouldn’t open anymore so I sprayed some in the lock and it loosened it right up. Lucas Chain Lube is the best! Michael Cowles I can’t wait! I’m so excited I could crap my pants. I hope AC has a good showing! Katy Jensen Had the pleasure of meeting Malcolm today‑, way to go!!!!
600,000 People watched the Budds Creek National on Television. First motos live on FuelTV. The 450 race in Moto 2 was broadcast on NBC, and the 250 race in Moto 2 was shown on NBC Sports.
Jim Ploechl Mookie looked real good today, I hope Big James will show him some credit now?
40 Facebook shares of “The Serendipitous Tale of the Stolen Bike” blog post on Facebook
600 Entries in 26 classes for Budds Creek Amateur day www.MyLucasOil.com
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The Serendipitous Tale of the
Stolen Bike This is a story about human goodness, about life’s serendipitous events. Sometimes, the pieces fit together in just the right way‌
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or the past six weeks of racing events, the bike had served as a focal point of our display. Branded in the Lucas red, white, and blue, the CRF 250 #36 Troy Lee Designs Honda had been the backdrop for
the amateur champions who posed on the podium; it had served in photo opps for the little kids who were placed on top of it, encouraged by proud parents to smile for the photo; it had been oohed and awed over by super fans and veteran racers at all the events we brought it to. So when we woke up on Sunday morning to find that it had been stolen in the middle of the night, to say that we were devastated doesn’t accurately convey the dark cloud of anger and shame and sadness that moved in to hover over us. We had lost the precious cargo that had been entrusted to our keeping. Filing a state police report and making announcements over the loudspeaker at Budds Creek did little to reassure me that there was any hope of finding the bike or the culprits. Surrounded by backwoods trails, the bike could be anywhere. Most likely, it was long gone by now. But it was amateur race day, and there
was work to be done. The boss at home urged us to move forward–make the best of the day–so we lugged our supplies through the hot morning drizzle that was all around us like a suffocating bog, and got back to work. Once our booth and podium display had been erected, the amateur riders who had stuck around to race, along with their families, the track staff, the promoters, and the vendors, began to trickle in to our booth. They commiserated with us over the loss of the bike. They offered their own stories of lost and stolen property. They cursed the thieves and summoned karma. “They’ll get theirs,” they said, shaking their heads in solemn disgust. They searched for solutions and directed us towards nearby trails to search. Thirteen year old AJ, who knew the area well, even hopped on his ryno and rode through miles of backwoods to search for the bike, in hopes that it had been stashed somewhere while his dad fed us lunch. When it was time for winners to be crowned, the mood lifted. Pint-sized kids on their 50’s showed up to claim their trophies and prizes and stand on the podium, as mom
But it was amateur race day, and there was work to be done.
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called out “Smile!” and dad added, “Hold up your trophy, son.” They all beamed with pride. We snapped photos, shook hands, gave out bags of prizes, offered congratulations, and gradually, in the midst of the excitement, the gloom of the morning burned off. It’s hard to feel down when everyone around you is so happy, so appreciative, so empathetic. When Bryce Mauldin, who took first in both his races, realized we were taking photos
They commiserated with us over the loss of the bike. They offered their own stories of lost and stolen property. They cursed the thieves and summoned karma. of all the winners, he went back to his campsite for his racing boots. He didn’t want to be photographed in his tennis shoes. In the meantime, we got to talking to his parents, Shelly and Vance, and the story of the bike unfolded. We described in detail the events of the morning. They wished that there was something they could do. As the afternoon drew to a close and the evening brought some coolness to the muggy day, we said our goodbyes to the Mauldins, along with the others who, just yesterday, had been strangers.
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few miles away, Frank Wood turned off the main road to stop at his property. He parked and got out of his truck. His eye caught on something out of place–down a ravine, in a half-concealed ditch, something red, white and blue peeked through the dense foliage. When he trudged down to investigate, he found a dirt bike. Having had his own bike stolen in the past, he knew that thieves in the area would steal bikes from the track, stash their finds in the woods, and come back with pickup trucks during the night to take off with them. So he called the police. The police officers checked police report records for a stolen bike, but found nothing. They called a tow truck to haul it off to impound. Meanwhile, Vance and Shelly Mauldin were on their way to the grocery store, but they missed their turn. Just as they were turning back around, they spotted a red, white, and blue dirt bike strapped onto a tow truck on the side of the road. They pulled over excitedly, explaining that they knew the bike’s owner, and then lead the police offices back to the track with the runaway bike in tow. When Bryce and his friend Joey
raced up to us on their bikes breathless from pedaling to tell us that the bike had been found, we were incredulous. But that is just how we found it—strapped to the back of the tow truck, surrounded by a buzz of excited people, everyone chiming in to tell their part of the story. Carrie Coombs-Russell, the front-woman of MX sports, smiled serenely, sipping on a Coors Light, and said, “I told you it would turn up.” “If Frank hadn’t stopped at his property,” we mused, “they would have come back for it tonight.” “If we hadn’t missed our turn,” Shelly realized, “we wouldn’t have seen them to identify the bike.” “If I hadn’t gone back for my boots, we never would have gotten the story,” Bryce observed. “If we had given up on the day, and flaked out on running the podium…” I said to Jason, and he nodded knowingly. We hugged and cheered and stared long and wild-eyed at the prized bike before us. We couldn’t believe our great luck, and looking around, we couldn’t believe we had so many new friends with whom to share the triumph.
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Spotlight on...
Moto-X 338 History The original track in Southwick was located just a few miles from its location today. Named for the races held at the American Legion Post 338 beginning in 1973, Moto-X 338 began hosting Nationals in 1976. Today the track hosts
a variety of racing events, from motocross to ATV’s and Jeeps. This year, Moto-X 338 President Diane Peebles-Pittello will retire after 35 years, leaving behind a legacy of service to the motocross industry.
Fun Facts The track earned its nickname “the sandbox” because the track is comprised mostly of sand, making it challenging to all but the most experienced and flawless riders. A total of 38 winners representing five countries have stood upon the podium at Southwick Nationals.
Moto-X 338 Hall of Fame Ryan Dungey Brett Metcalfe Matthew Goerke Ezra Lusk Jeremy McGrath Jeff Emig Mike LaRocco Jeff Stanton Jeff Ward Rick Johnson Bob Hannah Marty Smith Pierre Karsmakers Blake Baggett Tyla Rattray Justin Barcia Ryan Villopoto 56 www.MyLucasOil.com
Ben Townley Andrew Short Grant Langston James Stewart Craig Anderson Danny Smith Travis Pastrana Ricky Carmichael John Dowd Steve Lamson Doug Henry Mike Kiedrowski Larry Ward Kent Howerton Broc Glover Danny LaPorte
Southwick Memorable Moments
• Jeff Stanton won four consecutive times at Moto-X 338 between 1989 to 1992. • Local rider John Dowd won backto-back Nationals at Southwick in 1997 and 1998. • Ricky Carmichael won the Nationals at Southwick every year from 1999-2007
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Southwick
Southwick owes its nickname “The Sandbox” to its sandy soil, which makes it one of the more challenging stops of the series.
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MOTO-X 338 IN NUMBERS
745
MAVTV data forms collected
18,679 Fans in attendance at the final Moto-X 388 National.
41, 475 Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts about the Chaplin Kawasaki Moto-X 338 National
322 Page views on mylucasoil.com for Moto-X 338 Track Spotlight and Photo page.
51,545
Live stream view of the Moto-X 33 National.
Southwick
ride the mud! Jake Larsen: Thanks for all your help I really appreciate, you guys are the best Also thanks for capturing this awesome photo this past weekend at Southwick.
Chuck Eggen: Does that sign say Lucas Oil?
My Lucas Oil: It was a bittersweet day at Southwick. Thank you for 40 epic years of racing...
Ian Chia Thanks to @MyLucasOil for inviting me to PressDay yesterday!
Travis Hayton: Anyone remember the battles between John Dowd and Doug Henry at Southwick? Good races were held there through out the years, hate to see it go. Buzz Wvyankee Sharra: Put a big ass chain and lock on it.... (on the now infamous stolen bike, on display at Southwick). Devin Davis: The Moto Gods are giving Dowd a gift. Wet sand + Dowd = Remember 2009 Bryan Denny: K-Dub! Come out of retirement and show these boys how to
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Dave Dayley: Cool temperatures and rain. Not good for some of the fans but great for racing.
Television viewers. Moto-X 388 National was broadcast on NBC Sports and Fuel TV.
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Bodean Guarino: Jason is such a great person dude! His signature is if not better than a riders signature in my eyes. @MyLucasOil is sick!
Marie Auger: last ever southwick national and i’m super thankful I got to spend it vip @mylucasoil @ Moto-X 33
Years of Pro MX racing at Southwick Moto-X 338 www.MyLucasOil.com
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A Brief Walk
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k of Fame
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hen they asked me if I wanted to be the 30 second board girl for the pro race on the following day, I was hesitant. “Well I’m not sure about wanting to do it,” I said, “But if it helps you guys out, certainly I am willing,” and I told them to put me down as a backup plan. I was aware that donning a sexy outfit and sauntering across the track doesn’t do much to help a woman establish her credibility in a man’s sport. Wasn’t it just recently that I had read a thread on Vital MX debating whether or not all trophy girls were sluts? An absurd assumption, of course, but that did
little to assure me that this was a position I wanted to put myself in. When 1:00 came the following day, I was whisked off to the starting line for the 450 class race. Standing just a few feet away
There was a controlled, frenetic energy in the air. We were just moments from combustion.
from the front lines of battle, I waited for my cue. I watched as team managers and crew chiefs prepared the gates, carving out ruts in the dirt and carefully aligning the bikes as they came in. Malcolm Stewart leaned in and exchanged a few words with his brother; Ryan Villopoto’s gaze remained fierce and stoic as people bustled around him; a pretty girl in a pit shirt handed goggles to a privateer I didn’t recognize; and someone leaned in with an umbrella, offering some last minute shade to Ryan Dungey. There was a controlled, frenetic energy in the air. We were just moments from combustion.
Countdowns were announced. “Three minutes!” someone called. Another minute passed. The officials pointed at me, “You’re on in 10-9-8…” I silently completed the countdown and started my brief walk of fame from one side of the track to the other. In the subsequent two minutes, the earth trembled beneath my feet as the low grumbling of engines grew to a powerful roar. The fans who were pressed up against the gates all around the start line let out a collective cry of anticipation. The 40 world-class riders crouched over handlebars like predators, their sights intent upon the next thirty minutes and two laps that lay ahead of them.
In the midst of my personal concerns, I had failed to realize how freaking cool this would be! The gates dropped, they funneled into the first turn and through the holeshot. In a quick blur, they were out of sight. When they asked later if I would be willing to fill in again, this time I responded confidently, “Absolutely.”
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Spotlight on...
Redbud MX History When Gene Ritchie and his would-be business partners— the Pattersons and the Millers—traveled to Buchanan, Michigan in 1972, they discovered a piece of land with great potential for a motocross track. Named after the Redbud trees in the area, Redbud MX has since become a highly
regarded national track. Hosting an unmatched pro national event every fourth of July weekend, Redbud is one of the rowdiest and most-attended national on the series. Today the track is made up of a lighted night track, a 50cc track, a seasonal grass track, and the pro track.
Fun Facts Gene Ritchie also opened a bike shop, Red Bud Cycle, located near the track entrance. The late “Wheelie King,” Doug Domokos, who went on to set world records and perform outrageous stunts, started out as the shop mechanic and local teenage MX racer, performing at weekend Redbud MX shows. The notorious jump, the ‘LaRocco Leap,’ was named for local Mike LaRocco. Although LaRocco is the local favorite, he has never won an overall at Redbud. Honda has won more at Redbud than any other manufacturer, with 11 premier class wins.
Redbud Hall of Fame Mike Hartwig Bob Hannah Tony DiStefano Kent Howerton Jeff Ward Johnny O’Mara Ricky Johnson Guy Cooper Kevin Windham Steve Lamson Jeff Emig 62 www.MyLucasOil.com
Trey Canard Ken Zahrt Steve Wise Mike Kiedrowski Josh Grant Ricky Carmichael Larry Ward Ryan Dungey Chad Reed James Stewart Ryan Villopoto
Redbud Memorable Moments The first Redbud National in 1974 was won by local motocross star Mike Hartwig. • Roger Decoster vs. Bob “Hurricane” Hannah battled it out at Redbud in the late 70’s. • In 1998, Kawasaki earned their first-ever brand sweep with Jeff Emig and Ricky Carmichael. • In 2001 Larry Ward won overall at Redbud as a privateer.
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Troy Lee Designs and MAVTV collaborated to create special edition jerseys, which they debuted at the RedBull Redbud National, one of the most attended and most watched event on the series.
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Redbud
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RedBud Race Report What gets the Redbud crowd even more riled up than a t-shirt gun? A strong, collective “RedBuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud,� straight from the gut.
In conjunction with this special event, the autograph signing with the Troy Lee Designs team was held at the MAVTV booth on vendor row instead of the usual pro pits. We received more fans than we could even accomodate, and the line that formed on vendor row brought a lot of attention to our booth.
At the MAVTV booth, we raffled off two jerseys signed by their respective owners--Malcolm Stewart and Cole Seely.
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Redbud
Malcolm Stewart #32 chases Justin Barcia #51 at Redbud. www.MyLucasOil.com
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Redbud IN NUMBERS
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545
Races during a 3 day period at Redbud.
MAVTV data forms collected
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28,700 People attended the RedBull Redbud National
201 Lucas Oil Products given out to amateur racers
1,400 Athletes on Hookit received broadcasts of photos and race reports for Redbud.
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Redbud John Cody Smith: I gotta say a huge thank you for helping make Red Bud possible for my nephew Logan Swigart and our friend Dakota Kedik! We love our Lucas Oil products and will continue to use and promote My Lucas Oil for many years to come! Again I can’t thank you guys enough! Brian Trucks: REEEEEEEEDDDDDBUUUUUUUDDDDDDD!!! Keli Gunn: Forrest Lucas likes your Amateur Racing Program and Support!! Troy Lee Designs: The TLD / Lucas Oil / Honda Team had a great time at RedBud Motocross this weekend! BIG THANKS to our race team sponsor MavTV for collaborating with us on some specially branded jerseys, helmets and bikes! No better sponsor to work with on 4th of July weekend than the red/ white/blue of My Lucas Oil!
84,159
Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts covering Hangtown events
2 Winners of MAVTV special edition signed jerseys
100 Times we yelled “Redbuuuuuuuuuud” over the course of the weekend
John Cooper: In a Mich Redbudddddddd native..I first raced there in 1977..been going ever since. Bodean Guarino: At the track with all @MyLucasOil products on/in the bike. She runs like a champ.
REDBUUUUUUUUUU A t any track we witness the natural progression: empty space becomes structured, camping lots emerge and fill up, and with them, pro pits, vendor rows, media centers, and VIP zones appear. But Redbud takes it to a whole new level. Their campsites have campsites. There’s even an 18 and older lot, where the real debauchery unfolds. Take a morning stroll past Lot B, and you will see more than a few people face down in the grass next to mountains of beer cans, music still blaring.
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But don’t get me wrong, there’s more substance to the extravaganza than can be found in a can of Bud Light. I’m not sure if it’s because of the Fourth of July holiday or the incessant back-to-back race events (five events in three days!) or perhaps it’s simply the frantic excitement generated by the resounding, guttural cheers of, “Redbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud” that make it such an extravaganza. Whatever it may be, it is an event that can only be learned through experience. Working the podium at all four amateur events, we
Redbud
UD
got to talk with the many people who come to Redbud to race. We greeted the champions who returned to winner’s circle again and again. We high-fived tiny kids who had just finished their first races. We celebrated with proud moms and dads who we knew put in all the behind-the-scenes work to make it possible for their children to compete. We reminisced with vet riders, who were pleased that they ‘still had it’ after a good run on the track. Watching the fireworks exploding, showering comets of red, white, and blue over the ruts and jumps of
Redbud MX Park, I decide that if Redbud owes its reputation to any one thing, it’s tradition. Each year, the Ritchies and the rest of the Redbud staff put on the biggest, most impressive weekend of racing on the series. And each year, fans, competitors, friends, and families return to celebrate Independence Day together, creating the memories and traditions that shape our lives. This year, I finally got to experience Redbud, and I must admit, it was worth the hype.
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ATTENDANCE, ETC...
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Redbud
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Spotlight on...
Washougal MX Park History Established in 1971, Washougal MX Park is one of only a few natural terrain raceways in America. The track has hosted the Pro MX Nationals since 1980. Set against a
lush backdrop of fir trees and greenery, Washougal MX Park is hands down one of the most beautiful and scenic tracks on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Series.
Fun Facts Jeff Ward placed in the top ten at every event that he competed in (including several overall wins) during the 1980’s, earning him the title “King of Washougal.” Larry Ward (another local Washougal favorite), qualified at 16 consecutive Washougal Nationals. 1987 is the only year since 1980 that Washougal did not hold an MX Pro National.
Hangtown Hall of Fame Mark Barnett Jeff Ward A.J. Whiting Rick Johnson Johnny O’Mara Erik Kehoe George Holland Mike Kiedrowski Guy Cooper Larry Ward Jeff Emig Mike LaRocco Steve Lamson Nikki Harris
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Ricky Carmichael Travis Pastrana Stefi Bau Kevin Windham Michael Brown James Stewart Jessica Patterson Ivan Tedesco Tim Ferry Ryan Dungey Chad Reed Trey Canard Ashley Fiolek Justin Barcia
Memorable Moments
WASHOUGAL
In 1993, the final year of the 500 class, Mike LaRocco, Jeff Stanton, Steve Lamson and Mike Kiedrowski were all battling for the win. The finishing order of the second moto, LaRocco, Stanton, Lamson and Kiedrowski, would be the same as the overall for the day. In 1999, local privateer racer Jason McCormick beat Ricky Carmichael, winning the second moto on a Honda CR 125. He earned a 3rd overall after recording a 5-1 moto score.
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Team athlete Jordan Reynolds during qualifying practice at the Peterson Cat Washougal National.
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WAsHOUGAL RACE REPORT When Troy Lee Designs debuted a new line of chartreuse racing gear at Washougal, the online buzz continued for days after the racing had ended. Love it or leave it, it got a reaction out of fans!
The MAVTV models stepped in as the moto board girls at the Peterson Cat Washougal National. When the beautiful Launa Greene walked across the track, she stole all of our hearts!
The weekend kicked off with two days of amateur racing at the picturesque Washougal MX Park. The top three finishers of all 28 classes joined us at the podium for photos and prizes.
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WASHOUGAL Day one of amateur
racing on a beautiful day at Washougal MX Park.
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Washougal IN NUMBERS
750
MAVTV forms collected
49,955 Live stream viewers
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25,750 People attended the Peterson Cat Washougal National
206,000 People viewed the Peterson Cat Washougal National on television
Tim spok Gr acro Wash
WASHOUGAL Tori Foust- Thanks for everything today. You guys are great!! It was really nice to meet you. Safe travels to you for the rest of the series. Terry Elmore - We would like to welcome My Lucas Oil to the team, we are looking forward to working with your company and having a lot of success together! Cody Burn - Best place to be period! Rep the hometown Brian Barnes - Thanks for all you guys do, My Lucas Oil Rocks Pam Falcioni - The photos look old school, I’d think this was taken in 1979 except for the modern bike, track design, and huge trees! Bryce Barney - Pretty frickn sweet! (on TLD’s chartreuse gear)
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mes MAVTV kesmodel Launa reene walked oss the track at hougal MX Park
2,180 Miles from Redbud MX Park to Washougal MX Park
54,710
Jason Vinsonhaler - Thank you @spyoptic, @MyLucasOil for the support!! Thanks to @hookitcom for providing the platform for support.
Views on MyLucas Oil’s Facebook page for Washougal National posts.
Calebbb Clarkkk - @mylucasoil hooked me up. Thanks guys!!! #awesome #sponsor #lucasoil www.MyLucasOil.com
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WASHOUGAL
Amateur racing takes a brief recess while the pros hit the track at Washougal for press day. Here, some amateur competitors cheer on Tommy Weeck in a mean whip. Holding amateur races over the pro national weekend creates a feeling of comaraderie between the pros and the up-and-comers who follow in their footsteps. www.MyLucasOil.com
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The Best of Instagram
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Spotlight on...
Spring Creek MX Park History The facility was a farm until 1967, when a man named Grant Marquardt founded a hillclimb event there. When he retired, he sold the facility to Perry Hendricks, who added a motocross track in 1976. The track grew in popularity, securing its position as an AMA Pro Motocross Championship track in 1983. Spring
Creek continued to hold AMA National Hare Scrambles throughout the 80’s. The track came under the ownership of John and Greta Martin in 1987 who went on to make extensive improvements, including the construction of towers and viewing platforms, making it one of the premier facilities on the circuit.
Fun Facts The rich soil that makes the area great for farming, also gives Spring Creek MX Park its reputation as having the best soil on the circuit. With 250 feet elevation of huge sand whoops and jumps, Spring Creek’s most famous jump known as “Holy Schmit” is named after Minnesota native and AMA National champion Donny Schmit. The creek that runs through the park is the perfect spot for fans to cool off on hot days.
Spring Creek Hall of Fame Bob Hannah Jeff Ward Ron Liechen Micky Dymond Rick Johnson Donny Schmit Damon Bradshaw Mike LaRocco Jeff Stanton Jeff Emig Steve Lamson 86 www.MyLucasOil.com
Mike Kiedrowski Ricky Carmichael Robbie L. Reynard Nicholas Wey Travis Pastrana James Stewart Steffi Laier Chad Reed Jessica Patterson Ryan Dungey
SPRING CREEK Memorable Moments • In 1985 Bob Hannah recorded his final career win at Spring Creek. • In 1998 Jeff Emig recorded his final career win at Spring Creek. • In 2006, a downpour left the track a muddy mess, but Ricky Carmichael plowed through the mud and lapped everyone, including James Stewart and Chad Reed.
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SPRING CREEK
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SPRING CREEK IN NUMBERS
3 Hours--record load time to get on the road to Loretta’s 90 www.MyLucasOil.com
566,000 Viewers who watched the second 450 moto live on NBC
22,900 Fans in attendance at the Red Bull Spring Creek National
34,363 Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook page covering Millville
SPRING CREEK Shawn Wooten Awesome battle! Awesome people! (on James Stewart and Trey Canard) Beth Balch-Martin LOL,,,,That’s my son Corey! He was stuck in Montana with a cracked block and had a 52 hour layover getting it fixed. No wonder you got passed,,,he’s late!!!!!! (on getting passed by the TLD rig) Kristi Clark YES! - Look out Minnesota . . . this crew is bringing it! Bryce Barney Pretty frickn sweet! (on TLD’s chartreuse gear) Coby Forbes GO Cole --- Lucas oils Rock... Cheri Jolliffe great race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cody Burn Best place to be period! Rep the hometown Jimmy Albertson @JimmyAlbertson 28 Jul - It was so cool watching @treycanard and @js7 battle it out yesterday. The two coolest riding styles…
24 TLD / Lucas Oil sweatshirts sold by 11:00 AM
628,000 Television viewers. First Moto aired live on Fuel TV. Second Moto aired live on NBC Sports.
Jay Ramirez @ jayramirez86 Road trip preppin @ MyLucasOil
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Red Bull AMA Amateur National MX Championship
at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
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ever has there been a better time for amateur motocross racing. The 2013 Red Bull AMA Amateur National MX Championship presented by Amsoil at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch received unprecedented attention this year. For the first time in its 32-year history, viewers could watch live race coverage of each of the 36 classes, including a live webcast on RacerTV.com, Live Timing & Scoring on MXSports.com, and the firstever live coverage on network television on NBC. A total of 21 hours of racing were broadcast live on RacerTV.com, and over the course of five days of racing, viewers from 145 different countries tuned in to follow the racing action, resulting in nearly
348,000 page views on the website. Record-breaking traffic to MXSports. com for Live Timing & Scoring produced nearly 58 million page views, with a total of 1,347,711 visitors throughout the week. Live television coverage on NBC featured the final moto in both the 250 B and 250 A classes, along with in-show features of past champions and current competitors. The NBC coverage garnered a greater viewership than the X Games, which were broadcast on the same day, proving that amateur motocross is on the rise.
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he Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s kicked off with an announcement from Tim Cotter: “You are among the best athletes in the world.” Before him, the fastest, fittest amateur motocross athletes in the world basked in the warmth of such a statement, realizing in that moment how far they’d come. Among them, 19-year-old Jake Mohnike, fresh off a King of the West Championship ; 15-yearold Mikayla Inman with dreams of becoming a professional WMX racer; and Bryce Mauldin, who qualified first in the Northeast Area LL qualifier in the 250 C Limited class. Jake Mohnike competed in both the Open Pro Sport and 250 A. Fast lap times allowed him to move up as many as 16 positions in some races, but he was plagued by a slick track which made for rough starts. He spent a lot time battling his way up. His best moto came with a top ten finish in the 250 A. He left Loretta’s with 12th overall in Open Pro Sport, 15th in 250 A, and a commitment to improving his speed out of the gate.
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We reconnected with Bryce Mauldin after seeing him sweep the podium at Budds Creek amateur days in June. He approached his races with his typical positive attitude and persistence. A tenth place finish in moto 2 in the 250 C class left him sitting pretty close to a top ten overall position, but he didn’t fare so well in moto 3 when the rain returned the
track to a muddy mess once more. Mauldin finished 11th overall in the 250 C and 24th in the 250 C Limited. We came to discover that Mikayla Inman is as tough as they come. After qualifying for Loretta’s she went on to take first in the Women’s Junior class and third in the Women’s Senior class at RedBud, beating three pro licensed riders in the process. When we met up with her in staging for moto 2, she was enthusiastic about the race ahead. What we didn’t find out until later was that she had fractured her foot in practice. She insisted upon racing anyway, wearing a size 14 men’s boot on her usually women’s size 9 foot in order to accommodate the swelling. Though Loretta’s landed her in 21st overall, she won our respect for her die-hard tenacity despite the obvious pain and physical limitations imposed by her injury.
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And the Holeshot Award Goes To...
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or every race at the RedBull AMA Amateur National Championship, there was a Motorcycle Superstore holeshot winner awarded $100 to motorcyclesuperstore.com. Many riders were also accepted into the Motorcycle Superstore Bell Helmets contingency program. Participating riders who wore the Bell helmet were awarded money for placing in the top eight of their respective classes. The result: A whole lot of money on the podium. For every race, there was at least one winner with a great big check to show off. Opposite Page (Clockwise from top left:): Shane McElrath #27 (Troy Lee Designs, Lucas Oil) - 2nd (250 A) / 2ndd (Open Pro Sport) Mitchell Harrison #2 (Farren Racing, MAVTV) – Championship title (Supermini 1) / 2nd overall (Supermini 2) Zachary George #76 (Lucas Oil) – 7th - 250 C
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When Rain Came to Loretta’s
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e had heard many stories about Loretta’s, but they varied mostly by degrees of heat. August in Tennessee: one could only imagine it as a smoldering place. And since my good moods are sometimes
held hostage by humidity, I thought only of heat as the event approached. So when I pulled into the Hurricane Mills Wal-Mart parking lot in Tennessee at 2:00am and jumped out of the truck and shuddered with cold, well naturally I was incredulous. The day after our arrival, it rained. And rained. And rained some more. Some
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people vaguely remembered a year here or there when it had rained. But in 32 years, they had never seen the likes of a storm such as this. By day two the races were postponed due to rain. Golf carts teeming with teenagers hydroplaned through the backwoods. Flooded camps produced inflatable boats captained by tenacious moms. All manner of mud-fights between crews of rascally kids ensued. When the racing resumed, we watched as bikes piled up in the mud on the holeshot; otherwise experienced riders sought speed hopelessly in the slop; tiny kids on 50’s came off the track with hot tears streaming down their faces; vet riders peeled steaming gear from their bodies and dumped buckets of cool water over their exhausted, muddy faces. Miraculously, rarely a complaint was heard. By Thursday the rain stopped and the sun returned to bake the track. Friday brought blue skies. But the storm was scheduled to return on Saturday—the day of the first ever live broadcast of the AMA Amateur National Championship on NBC. The rain arrived once more in a steady drizzle, followed by the rumble of engines on the starting line. Between the morning races, tractors resumed their tasks of plowing and scraping the track, searching for a dry layer beneath the puddles. More scraping. More plowing. When they discovered a crushed drainage pipe that would have served to drain the track, when they had scraped so low that they were almost to the water table, when they saw the clock counting down what little time remained, the situation appeared truly hopeless. It was then that the heavens stopped their crying. Forklifts were enlisted to bust open the blocked drainage pipe. The track received its final grooming. Cameramen assumed their positions. The best amateur racers in the world took their places at the gate. Hearts pounded as the long-awaited moment approached, when the Loretta Lynn’s AMA National Champion would be crowned. Watching, I remembered something that I had heard once, that though today might bring rain—it might bring grief or pain, challenges, or even death— Tomorrow, we race.
“
Golf carts teeming with teenagers hydroplaned through the backwoods.
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Spotlight on...
Unadilla Motocross History In the 1960’s when Ward Robinson first witnessed an event where competitors attempted to ride their motorcycles over the most rugged terrain, he was inspired to build a racetrack of his own. He purchased farmland in New York and named it Unadilla Valley Sports Center. Unadilla Motocross has been hosting motocross racing since 1969, gaining national
attention in the 1970’s with the Trans-AMA circuit and the U.S. Grand Prix. Unadilla was the first facility to host the prestigious Motocross of Nations in 1987. After having hosted the inaugural AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 1972, it returned to what is now the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series in 1989, where it has remained ever since.
Memorable Moments The late 70’s produced some infamous battles between Bob “the Hurricane” Hannah and Roger Decoster. In 2001, Travis Pastrana had destroyed the competition in moto one and was on his way to a win in the second moto when he went down hard on the last lap and knocked himself out. He would never again win another AMA motocross or supercross race. In 2005, James Stewart attempted a pass on rival Ricky Carmichael causing him to land on Carmichael’s back and both riders went down hard. Stewart was knocked out, but Carmichael remounted and went on for a 2-1 overall victory.
Fun Facts The facility hosts two racetracks, known as “U1” and “U2.” This year, the track features at new jump 80 feet back into the bottom of Gravity Cavity and up into a sweeping bowl turn. Unadilla is similar to European tracks with rough, hilly, rocky, and natural terrain. Racers who make the jump from the GP circuit often find success at Unadilla. 102 www.MyLucasOil.com
unadilla
Unadilla Hall of Fame Damon Bradshaw Rick Johnson Jeff Stanton Jeff Ward Guy Cooper Mike Kiedrowski James Dobb Mike LaRocco Ryan Hughes Greg Albertyn Steve Lamson Jeff Emig Kevin Windham Ricky Carmichael Mike LaRocco Stephane Roncada Grant Langston James Stewart
Broc Hepler Ryan Villopoto Ben Townley Chad Reed Christophe Pourcel Ryan Dungey Trey Canard Dean Wilson
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Unadilla Race Report August 10, 2013 (Built Ford Tough Unadilla National) -Known for its gnarly track and passionate fans, Unadilla did not disappoint this year. We had some of the best fan engagement of the season, and we got a work-out just walking through the hills and valleys of Unadilla MX Park. The track is a beast, but it makes for some epic racing!
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unadilla
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A Good Day for
LUCAS SLICK MIST
I
t rained on Friday, day one of amateur racing, the day before the Built Ford Tough Unadilla National. The mud made it difficult for announcers to make out number plates. We announced over the loud speaker that we would give free Slick Mist Speed Wax shines to any rider who came by our booth, right
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next to registration, before and after the race. We sent them on their way with bottles of Speed Wax samples. Before long, people were coming by for “the magic spray.� We sold six cases in four hours, and that day, everyone knew what Lucas Slick Mist was.
unadilla
Above: By Sunday the sun was out to dry the track. But it didn’t stay dry for long, with help from the Lucas Oil water (monster) truck.
Left: The podium ceremony, where
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unadilla
Malcolm Stewart at the Built Ford Tough Unadilla National.
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Unadilla IN NUMBERS
63 Bottles of Slick Mist sold in one day at the Unadilla amateur race
12 Times we ran into “that guy� in the America get-up (see above)
56,317 Facebook views on My Lucas Oil for Unadilla posts.
4 Times we moved our booth in 3 days of racing over the Pro National weekend at Unadilla
unadilla Gary Thomas I was there.Best time.I was in Aaahhhh. Michael Sprada Nothing like Lucas Oil First Class tix!! Gusvegamx My Friends are out there right now Honda #12 250cc and Kawasaki #12 250cc (on the amateur race day) Eric L.Harvey You Rode Well this weekend Ronnie!! After all those Motos??? My Helmet goes off to ya Bro! (on the LCQ) Don Baker I hope its nice tomorrow for race day since we are driving 4 1/2 hours from Canada to come watch !! Henry Knapp So excited for this year’s Unadilla ! My second time ever at a pro event here in NY. First was also Unadilla Kyler Butts going to be a great day, stop by and say hi to Lucas Oil!!!
27 Percent increase in unique online visitors from Round 10 in 2012
214,000 Viewers watched the Built Ford Tough Unadilla National on television
26,255 People attended the Built Ford Tough Unadilla National
Ben Bertram that looks sick!!! Thrilla at the DILLA!!!!!!! Bruce Lowe RV#5 is crazy fast on a bike.. No way anyone past or present beats him straight up.. Not even RC#4.. www.MyLucasOil.com 111
Spotlight on...
Miller Motorsports Park History Opened in 2006, Miller Motorsports Park (MMP) covers more than 500 acres in Tooele, Utah. It was created by renowned track designer Alan Wilson and visionary Larry H. Miller. Set against a picturesque backdrop of majestic mountains, the park offers almost 100%
Fun Facts In 2006, its first year of operation, MMP was named “Motorsports Facility of the Year” by the Professional Motorsport World Expo in Cologne, Germany. It was also named “Superbike World Championship Organizer of the Year.” MMP has hosted many of the world’s most significant racing series, including the FIM Superbike World Championship, AMA Pro Road Racing, American Le Mans Series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. MMP is home to a performance driving and motorcycle school
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track visibility from any vantage point. MMP features amenities such as a world-class karting track, zip line rides, concessions, and permanent bathrooms. The Built Ford Tough Utah National marks the return of the first national motocross event in Utah since 1974.
UTAH
Geoff Aaron keeps the crowd entertained between motos at the Built Ford Tough Utah National. www.MyLucasOil.com 113
The moments between the start of the race and the holeshot are some of the most intense of the entire race.
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UTAH
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MILLER mOTORSPORTS PARK IN NUMBERS
1 New number plate for Ryan Villopoto after securing the championship at the Utah National
21,500 Fans in attendance at the Utah National.
236,000 People viewed the first motos live on NBC Sports Network, the largest viewing on NBC Sports Network of the season
UTAH Erin Porter Monster Kawi! Congrats RV!!! Bryan Shaffer 16 y/o kid with tons of talent and a good family.... (on Adam Cinciarulo) My Lucas Oil When the dust storm hit during the final 250 Moto, you could barely see the track, but you could hear the fans cheering through it, until Tomac reached the finish. Utah fans were as die-hard as any! Kevin Fausett Little Dirt is good for Ya.....But you three have seen plenty...Kudos to U 3...& Buddy.... John Turner - Cant wait for Saturday 40 years it’s Been to long SLC.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! George Silver - New track, new excitement!
40 Years since pro MX has been in Utah
31,970 Views on My Lucas Oil Facebook page for Utah National Posts
9 Days til we were fully cleared of the sand that came in from the dust storm at the end of the day at MMP
John Giacoletti - @mylucasoil Proud to have you guys as a sponsor! Best products on the market! I have converted a lot of people over to your products!
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Spotlight on...
Lake Elsinore History
Fun Facts
Hosting the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix on and off since the 70’s, Lake Elsinore has a long history of motorsports. In fact, the city boasts the motto “Dream Extreme” to convey its support of all manner of extreme sports. However, the permanent motocross facility at Lake Elsinore was not built until 1999. In danger of being shut down by 2010, the park changed hands once more, and was resurrected by Vision
Quest Enterprises, under the care of company owners Tom, Gio, and Joe Nanci. They started with a fresh piece of land that would become a brand new facility. Designed with the help of Marc Peters, they created a state-of-the-art motocross track that hosted its first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross event on September 8, 2012. Today they offer five motocross tracks, along with the renowned Lucas Oil Off-Road Stadium Truck Track.
The classic motorcycling documentary On Any Sunday (1971) was based on the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix. Created by filmmaker Bruce Brown, the movie featured Steve McQueen and Malcolm Smith. Not only was it nominated for an Academy Award, but it helped land motocross on the map in Southern California. Subsequently, the Honda Motor Corporation named its first motocross bikes “Elsinores” in 1973.
Lake Elsinore Hall of Fame Blake Baggett Ryan Dungey
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LAKE ELSINORE
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Lake Elsinore Race Report May 16-17, 2013 (Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park)-
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hile the Red Bull Lake Elsinore National brought the end of the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series, for My Lucas Oil rider Jake Mohnike, it marked the beginning of a pro racing career. Like many motocross riders, Mohnike had been preparing for this day for years. However, he didn’t find out that Lake Elsinore would be his debut pro race until just days before. Mohnike received his pro card on Monday, and in less than a week he got registered, got the bike ready, loaded up the van, and made it to the track for tech inspection and qualifying, all in the midst of preparing for his first week of college.
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LAKE ELSINORE
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Lake Elsinore National
H
e qualified for the 250 class right on the cut, placing 36th and avoiding the LCQ. When we caught up with Mohnike after qualifying, he said, “It was tough. I got arm pump super bad. I’m not sure what it was, if I was dehydrated or nervous, but the track was rough and super muddy. Things worked themselves out though. I just had to hold on.” And hold on he did. In moto one, Mohnike made his way through the pack, finding a hole through the pileup on the third turn. He spent most of the race in 20th position. Later, he discovered just how tiring a 30 minute moto on a pro track can be, but even though he was passed by a few guys in the final laps, he finished 23rd at the end of moto one. Second moto Mohnike came out stronger and more confident, holding position for the
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LAKE ELSINORE
entire moto and finishing 19th. Mohnike reflects, “It was my first race and I was a little timid. I was just trying to keep it up and go smooth the whole way through… but by the second moto I got more confidence and pushed really hard.” Mohnike rounded out the day with 22nd overall.
In many ways, Lake Elsinore was a practice round for what is to come for Jake Mohnike. He plans to train in the off-season and wait for Supercross. Then, says Mohnike, “I’ll go hit A1, the race I’ve been dreaming of since I was five years old.”
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Lake Elsinore IN NUMBERS
2
Days of racing at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park
513
25,044
Total points earned by 450 class champion Ryan Villopoto
Views on My Lucas Oil’s Facebook page for Lake Elsinore National posts
505 Total points earned by 250 Class Champion Eli Tomac
157 Page views on MyLucasOil. com’s Track Spotligh and Event News.
LAKE ELSINORE Dawn Ekness Wright - AWESOME article! Way to go, Jake! (on Mohnike’s pro debut) Mark Oldroyd - Wanted to give a shout to Jason Witt at My Lucas Oil. I met him at the Lake Elsinore National and told him I had just signed on as a team rider, and he hooked me up with all kinds of Lucas Oil goodies to say welcome. Thanks Jason, I’m glad to be part of the team! Mike Slattery - Congrats and look forward to five more years. Buzz Wvyankee Sharra - Lucas Oil has signed up for another five years as the title sponsor for the Lucas Oil Motocross Nationals. First motos will be live next year on MavTV, second motos live on NBC Sports network. Erin Porter - I want a ride!!! I Lucas EVERYTHING Jeremy Scott - Cant wait to go, thanks Lucas Oil!!! Craig Dooley - Wow that would b a great one especially since i owned about a dozen elsinores!!
337,000 Viewers watched the event on the NBC Sports Network
25,000 Dollars James Stewart wins for the motorcyclesuperstore.com Holeshot Award
Dylan @muddyfreakslift - @mylucasoil doin work in the mud! My sponsorship! Go and check out their products!
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16,000
miles driven; 2,130 gallons of fuel; 313 hours of driving; 298 cups of coffee consumed; 105 days living in a trailer; 45 truck stops slept in; 30 races worked; 8 National Parks visited; 5 tires blown out; 3 people (and a dog); 1 crosscountry adventure. Fifteen weeks later we rounded the corner of a familiar street, and we arrived: Home. People ask, “How was your trip?” and you might try to convey in a
word or a sentence the experience, but it is near impossible to do so… On the northernmost outskirts of the United States, we felt the impact of 2,800 tonnes of water per second as it plummeted over Niagra Falls. In Butte, Montana, we placed a toy motorcycle on Evel Knievel’s grave. In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, we helped an Amish man push a downed tree out of the road after being ambushed by a flash flood. In Morgantown, West Virginia, we ate baguettes and aged Provolone in the Racer X boat on
Lake Cheat. In Omaha, Nebraska, we caught bullfrogs and trout that we threw back into a little stream. In New York City, we gaped at the magnitude of man’s creations—giant sky scrapers reaching to the clouds. In Ottawa, Illinois, we spent hours sipping Yuengling watching fireflies dance around a cornfield. In Park City, Utah, we wandered through a street fair, eating crepes and buying necessities, like a hand-made wooden crossbow. In Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, we ate steaming bowls of spicy www.MyLucasOil.com 127
jambalaya at a campsite, surrounded by strangers who treated us like family. And between all of these experiences, we drove and drove and drove. Every week we arrived at a new destination—a world class track—where the best motocross racers in the world would duel it out for our entertainment. We came to know most members of the track crew by name, and they laughed with us as we regaled stories of the latest breakdowns and blow-outs encountered on the drive there. We backed in, set up, cleaned up, as we moved a million moving parts, to create our booth. We slogged through rain and mud, per-
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sisted through sweat and muggy heat, buckled down as thunder shook the earth, and squinted through wind and dust storms. Each Saturday, we addressed crowds of 20,000 plus, hearing our words ring out over the loudspeakers. We reminisced with fans, listening to stories about Hangtown in the 70’s, about 40 years of racing at Southwick, about meeting Bob “Hurricane” Hannah and the GOAT. We trekked around the track taking photographs, cursing our cable providers as we tried to post some epic shot of the day to Instagram. We pushed our way through crowds to the podium, to be there for that brief moment when the champagne would fly.
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Sixteen Thousand Miles Then, after the gladiators had battled and crashed and triumphed—Villopoto, Tomac, Dungey, Barcia, Stewart, Canard, Roczen, Musquin—after they had spoken their thank you’s on the podium and returned to their hotels, we lounged around in the mess, high fiving and sharing beers with the show masters, procrastinating cleanup, so that by the time we trudged toward bed, we were exhausted, but content. Each week we left the track, having learned at
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least a dozen new things. And then? More road. More truck stops. Now that we’re here, at the end, we ask ourselves what was gained. We stumble with words because how does one express the experience as a whole, when it is made up of so many tiny moments? We can only say that we ventured, that we discovered the soul of motocross, and along the way, we felt life pulsing through the veins of America.
2013
in NUMBERS 538,885 views on My Lucas Oil Facebook posts covering motocross events
313 hours of driving across country
30 races worked 10,478 entries on Facebook contest for first class passes to each Pro National event
10,371 page views on
625 photos of amateur racers on the Lucas Oil podium
mylucasoil.com for motocross related content
50 percent increase in Chain
3,000 percent increase in
Lube sales
822 Lucas Oil Products given to amateur racers (potential new customers)
TLD / Lucas Oil team gear and apparel sales
75 percent increase in 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil sales
92 percent increase in Motorcycle 4.2 million total televiOil Stabilizer sales
186 percent increase in Facebook followers on My Lucas Oil page since start of the season
6,624 MAVTV data forms collected
sion viewership of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
81 percent increase in Semi-Syn 2-cycle oil
8.57 percent average increase in all motorcycle sales
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250,000 fans at the track...
538,835 fans reached online...
16,000 miles traveled...
One epic journey.