MOTOCROSS AMA SX SPECIAL ISSUE
ILLUSTRATED
MALCOLM STEWART
JESSY NELSON
DUAL FACTORY 4.1 RCT EXHAUST - FULL SYSTEM from $899.99 - SLIP ON from $699.99
SINGLE FACTORY 4.1 RCT EXHAUST - FULL SYSTEM from $699.99 - SLIP ON from $499.99
WWW.FMFRACING.COM *For closed course competition use only. Not intended for street use.
COLE SEELY
SHANE McELRATH
THE WORLD’S FASTEST RACERS JUST GOT FASTER. FMF joins forces with Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda to create a partnership destined for success. We are looking forward to providing superior service and performance throughout the 2014 Supercross and Motocross Racing series.
DECADE EUROPE LTD - OfямБcial UK distributor of 100%
For Dealer enquiries contact | w: www.decade-europe.com | e: info@decade-europe.com | t: 01792-469811
Ken Roczen is the man of the moment in the AMA Supercross Championships. Leading the points race and winning his first ever 450cc main event. Simon Cudby image
Zach Osborne is Europes favorite American after racing the FIM World Motocross Championships for some years. Now on the US scene his attitude continues to win him fans. Simon Cudby image
With a bunch of AMA Championships everyone still looks at Ryan Dungey as an under achiever. No doubt he will want to prove everyone wrong in 2014. Simon Cudby image
These two might not be well known in Europe, however Col Seeley and Jason Anderson are fighting hard for the prize of West Coast Supercross Champion. Simon Cudby image
Australian Dean Ferris might have finished 14th at the opening round of the AMA Supercross Championships, but look for this guy to be top five sooner than later. Simon Cudby image
GET THE UNFAIR TACTICAL ADVANTAGE []
4 STROKE
TACTICAL GROUND WARFARE [] THE BATTLEFIELD HAS CHANGED WITH THE ALL NEW 2013 S7 EXHAUST As far as tactical weapons go, DEP’s all new 2013 S7 Race systems arm you with a new innovative shape silencer which incorporates 32% more packing material, sustaining peak horsepower performance and extending time between repacking intervals. To ensure stability of this tactical weapon, all new dual or single ultra wide stainless steel wrap brackets are fitted. If that hasn’t got you sold on a tactical upgrade? Check out the sprung two-piece silencer design that allows for more flex to the system, easier installation and ultimately a quicker re-packing interval. All systems feature DEP’s state of the art Boost header pipe, which provides superior throttle response and increased over rev to the stock system.
DEP PIPES +44 (0)1622 765353 WWW.DEPPIPES.COM
MANUFACTURER:
CI SPORT +44 (0)1372 378000 WWW.CISPORT.CO.UK
UK DISTRIBUTOR:
2 STROKE
DON’T MISS ANY OF THE ACTION Watch races from all categories LIVE & On Demand in HD
PURCHASE YOUR PASS on mxgp-tv.com
Follow MXGP on:
K-ROC IS BACK
Story Geoff Meyer Images Simon Cudby
Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ken Roczen shocked a lot of people last weekend at the opening round of the AMA Supercross Championships. After scoring a second place start the German sensation moved into the lead when defending Champion Ryan Villopoto went down. From that moment on he had to fight off the challenge of former AMA Supercross Champion James Stewart, before cruising to victory.
For all of Germany this is a sensational result, the first German rider to win an AMA Supercross main event and moved into round two with a lot of confidence. Many looked at Roczen as a rider who might struggle a little and have to work hard to keep with his American competition. Many riders such as Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey, Chad Reed, James Stewart and Justin Barcia have a lot more experience in the Supercross arena, although it is clear that Roczen is a special talent and all the hype about him going to America is slowly starting to become true. Motocross Illustrated: Ken, how did you feel going into that Anaheim 1? Roczen: I felt good going into Anaheim. I had a little crash in Florida, but I was never worried about not being in Anaheim 1 and I went to a doctor and he told me I might have cracked a bone, but it came out not that bad, and even when he told me I felt confident to be at Anaheim. Motocross Illustrated: The AMA 450 class is just stacked. What is possible for you in 2014? Roczen: I know everyone is saying
the field is stacked, but I am just going to have fun and be consistent and have good rides. Motocross Illustrated: Then you win the opening round and it is like WOW. How did it feel? Roczen: I can’t believe it, I never expected it. I had a good start and was behind Ryan and holding on tight and trying to relax, then he went down which wasn’t good for him, then I was battling with James and he went down. I didn’t get nervous and was just super happy to win. I want to come out swinging in the second round. Anaheim has
been good to me because I also won the 250 main event here. Motocross Illustrated: You got a good start and Ryan (Villopoto) was just ahead. Did you think about all the times you had trained together with him? Roczen: When I was behind Ryan I was thinking about that (training with him) and I just wanted to be cool and stay where I was. I wanted to get into my stride, and break away from the field. Some spots Ryan was faster than me and some places I was faster, then he went down and I got the lead. Motocross Illustrated: How was the pace? Roczen: The pace was easy, and I don’t know why I was holding on so tight. I didn’t want to rush and just took my time. I am more studying the bad things and not looking at the good things. I will look at the video and see what others are doing and pick things up from there. Motocross Illustrated: How does it feel being on the 450? Roczen: Yes, I moved to the 450cc class and I felt good in press day at Anaheim. I have advusted to the bike pretty good and I am seeing it as a learning year and do my best. I want to see where I am at the end of the season. We did a lot of training in Florida and my body is good
I feel fit. Also with Ryan (Villopoto) in training, he is more matured and quiet, but we still mess with each other and have fun down there and I think that helps both our performances. Motocross Illustrated: What will you concentrate on now for the early part of the season? Do you have goals? Roczen: My personal goals are to feel comfortable on the bike and see how my body handles it over the whole years, but I want to be up there. I would be lying if I said I wanted to be top ten, I want to be on the podium. Motocross Illustrated: How is it working with Eldon Baker? Roczen: Working with Eldon we have a nice little group with Adam (Cianciarulo), Ryan (Villopoto) and myself and its exciting. I changed my diet, it is good to eat organic, but you need to watch what you eat and it is tough for me because I never did that stuff before, like eating what is best for you.
DECADE EUROPE LTD - OfямБcial UK distributor of 100%
For Dealer enquiries contact | w: www.decade-europe.com | e: info@decade-europe.com | t: 01792-469811
SPEND £500
THIS SEASON TO GET...
Cant wait that long? Simply spend £500 and recieve your race kit now!
*1 kit per customer account per 12 month period, jeans & shirt • £500 spend runs from Nov 13 - oct 14 You can redeem your free kit at any time during the promotion although a voucher for 2015 kit will be issued at the end of the period • Not available in conjunction with any other offer Shipping charges may apply.
...NEXT YEARS RACE KIT
FREE FIND OVER 12,000 PRODUCTS
ONLINE AND IN-STORE! WWW.MDRACINGPRODUCTS.CO.UK
WELCOME TO 2014 STORY DAVID BULMER IMAGES RAY ARCHER AND SIMON CUDBY
Balls were dropped and fireworks were lit around the world as everyone welcomed in the start of 2014. While it was a shame to see 2013 end, the prospect of an even better year for motocross does raise the excitement levels just a bit.
Things of course have kicked off in America and already there were a couple of shocks at the opening round at Anaheim 1. Ken Roczen winning, James Stewart crashing out, Ryan Villopoto not even making podium and Jason Anderson winning the 250 class. Not many people would have bet on each of those things happening, but that’s why we all love motocross and it’s why they continue to run the races, no matter how much we all think we can predict what will happen. It is only one race but it does serve as a reminder to the guys on top that anything can happen and you need to keep training and concentrating because winning races is never easy. This is a message that both Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli should heed because although they head into the 2014 World Championships as firm favourites for the MX2 and MXGP title
respectively, it only takes one slip-up or one lapse in concentration to end their chances at the crown. With that being said, watching those two guys ride is something special (especially in the sand) and I can’t wait until the season kicks off again at beginning of March. First up are the overseas pairing of Qatar and Thailand, just as they were in 2013 and I know a lot of the riders will be looking forward to returning to the SE-Asian country. Both countries will hopefully improve on a couple of aspects for this year’s rounds and although a lot of people are sceptical that these venues should be on the calendar, this is the world championship and both places offer good challenges for the riders and do allow a completely different audience to view motocross, which can only be a good thing.
Qatar will also hold the first round of the Women’s World Championship and it is good to see that they have come in from the cold, and rejoined the MX2/MXGP calendar as opposed to the now defunct MX3 Championship. Supposedly there is funding for the top 20 ladies to make the trip so it’ll be interesting to see how they get on and already we’ve had the press release that Livia Lancelot will compete in the entire championship. Hopefully this is the boost the women need after a couple of years when the numbers seemed in decline. When the series returns to Europe, not only will we see the youngsters in both the 125 and 250 classes, but also in the new EMX 300cc twostroke championship. The class is designed to offer a cheaper alternative to four-strokes and already we’ve seen manufacturers make bikes specifically for the class with TM, KTM and Husqvarna taking up the challenge. With the dismantling of the MX3 class, there are a bunch of people who could sign up and race this championship so it is a real step in the right direction and shows that the powers in charge are listening to the consumers and what they want. Speaking of Husqvarna, it’s good to see the entering the main MXGP class for the first time in a number of year, and not only that, but with a couple of heavyweight contenders in Tyla Rattray and Todd Waters. Rattray’s American experience never really worked out as well as many expected it too so it’ll be interesting how well he does on his return. In 2008 he won the MX2 championship
over Antonio Cairoli and Tommy Searle however I think it’d be a surprise if he came back to that level right away. In saying that, if you consider the #1 in the MXGP class to be Cairoli, behind him are a whole heap of guys all battling it out for the #2 position. Desalle has proved he can beat the Italian numerous times, as has Paulin, combined with a resurgent Kevin Strijbos and Ken de Dycker, the Honda duo of Nagl and Bobryshev, plus a returning Frossard and the improving van Horebeek, Searle and Simpson, this is a class with a lot of talent and potential for wins... if they can just overcome the #222 KTM.
It is really the same in the MX2 class as well, with everyone trying to knock Jeffrey Herlings off the top step. At Great Britain last year, the class proved how good the racing could be without the Dutchman but while he is still around, the rest are fighting for scraps. Once again, the middle of the season is packed with some really good quality venues, spread around the entire European continent. There are a couple of TBA’s in there, but when you can list Matterley Basin (MXoN 2005), St
Jean D’Angely (MXoN 2011), Maggiora (MXoN 2016) and Teutschenthal (MXoN 2013) all running back to back, that really should please all the fans. Throw in the always excellent Scandinavian tracks and there is a good core group of races which should hopefully quieten down the inevitable doubters when the last three rounds of Ukraine, Mexico and Brazil (for the second time) come around. Ukraine has held the European MXoN before but this will be the first GP for the country and honestly there isn’t too much known about the track or surrounding area. Unfortunately the opposite is true about Mexico as it’s reputation far proceeds itself, especially after the events of the 2012 round. Then it’s back to
Latvia for the jewel in the crown, the 2014 Motocross of Nations. The last few years of this event have truly brought it back to it’s rightful place as the biggest race on the planet and I hope that Latvia is no different. If the Americans were motivated before Germany about winning back the Chamberlain Trophy, then events at Teutschenthal should ensure that we see the very best from the USA, as they try and restore their pride and status as the best in the world. Whether that happens or not is a good nine months away so let’s just sit back and watch all this glorious motocross action take place before us. Welcome to 2014 everyone, it’s good to be here.
New for 2013, the Atlas Carbon is our feather weight crown jewel. To create a weightless product this elegant we really had to push the limits of innovation. Completely re-engineering nearly every unique feature wasn’t enough, we made it our mission to develop new features that go above and beyond, while obsessively re-imagining the possibilities of simplicity... The result is a 635g beauty that improves upon every single feature we introduced with our original brace to create the most elite product we could ever dream of.
DECADE EUROPE LTD - Official UK distributor of ATLAS
For Dealer enquiries contact | w: www.decade-europe.com | e: info@decade-europe.com | t: 01792-469811
*FOR CLOSED COURSE COMPETITION USE ONLY. NOT INTENDED FOR STREET USE.
er
速 head B M o b 9 ega and m FROM $319.9 D E Z I D NO ON BLUE A 669.99 SLIP T C R 1 RY 4. ROM $ FACTO L SYSTEM F FUL
WWW.FMFRACING.COM
the only body and neck PROTECTION FOR JUNIOR RIDERS
www.leatt.com
leatt® 151-13
*
BODY PROTECTION IMPACT TESTED AND CE CERTIFIED PROTECTION
FRONT
NECK BRACE HELPS PROTECTECT AGAINST:
BACK
HYPER EXTENSION
HYPERFLEXION
CERTIFIED AS PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
*AVAILABLE IN WHITE GREEN RED & ORANGE
© Le
att C
orpora
tion 20
13
James Stewart
FASTEST MAN ON THE PLANET
STORY SUZUKI IMAGES SUZUKI
Former AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion James Stewart continues to be possibly the most exciting rider in the sport, and for sure one of the most exciting riders in the history of Supercross. While the former “Fastest Man on The Planet” has failed to score any points in the opening round of the AMA Supercross championship, held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California last weekend, he did a hell of a job until crashing out.
With a new motivation, a healthy body and his speed back to how it was maybe five or six years ago the Suzuki Factory rider can be sure a win is just around the corner. We caught up with him and asked him about his A1 experience. Motocross Illustrated: James, how did you feel about how your weekend was, not just the result but also your speed? Stewart: Everything was going good, I mean like I said the heat race was good and we felt great in the main event. I got a bad start, I was just late off the gate, and I came around in 10th or something on the first lap. I was picking guys off one by one and I felt like I was riding the best I have in years. We finished with the first qualification and I was first. The track was technical, but everything was going good. I really was excited about how I was riding. Motocross Illustrated: How about the crash, you got out of shape and then just went down hard. Then couldn’t continue, so no points. Stewart: I took that crash in the whoops and went down and bend my handlebars. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I feel good and I am confident and get into the second round. I know it is going to be okay. Motocross Illustrated: You know what to do to win, but its not going
to be easy now in this class being so many points behind already is it? Stewart: I am a good racer, I won championships and I won a lot of races, so we will see. Last weekend was just the first round of a long championship. Definitely, I didn’t want to go out like I did, but at the same time, I felt like this was the best I’ve been riding in years and this was the best I’ve felt on a motorcycle in years, so I’m confident and healthy; and I feel good on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450. Motocross Illustrated: Despite the lack of points you looked amazing. It must have felt nice to be back to your best speed? Stewart: All day went pretty good and I was able to get second in my heat race. In the Main Event, I was late off the gate and I was pretty far back. But I made my way up on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and it got better and better as the race went on. I felt stronger and stronger and my lap times started going down. I could see that I was starting to pick-itup and make time on the guys up front. I went to make a pass in the whoops – they’d been taking people out all night – and I kind-of got caught out. But I’m happy, the Yoshimura Suzuki team stepped it up again and I’m really proud of my guys and where we are. And
now we’re just going to continue to get better as we head to Phoenix. Motocross Illustrated: How was your off-season preparation? Stewart: I was laying low in Florida and went to California for the final testing and doing the normal program with my brother. The off-season is weird not going to the races. We found some good things about the bike at the Monster Energy Cup, we also made some good improvements since then and I felt good coming into the season. I am doing a lot of stuff different. I have had some great trainers to Eldon Baker, Johnny O’mara, my dad. I am working with Pablo now and we know what we have to do. I am up at 6am of 7am in the morning and I am riding my training bike at 6am in the morning sometimes. Motocross Illustrated: What is the biggest plus about James Stewart in 2014 compared to James Stewart from the last few years? Stewart: I am healthy now and I am not taking weeks off because I am injured. The goal is always to not get injured and everyone is always hurt, but you need to miss the big injuries. When I hurt my knee I was just surviving, you need to keep away from bad injuries. I want to be there all year in 2014.
ROCKSTAR - ATOM RACEWEAR
DAVI MILLSAPS
FIELD OF DREAMS STORY STEFAN PAETOW IMAGES RAY ARCHER
The British Motocross scene is without question one of amazing history, beautiful circuits and enthusiastic specators. Being the birth place of Motocross and with passionate teams supporting the British scene it is little wonder that Motocross is rich with talent and strong series in the UK at the moment.
Our British man on the sport Stefan Paetow put together this little look at what to expect in 2014 and which series might give the most excitement. So handing it over to Stefan here is his look at the Fields of Dreams. So, the Christmas dÊcor has been packed away, riders have returned from their exotic holiday destinations or flown off to sunny climes to train, and the ACU has released their rider lists. What will 2014 bring for British motocross? For starters, there’s rounds and tracks, and although rounds have been hammered out, many of the venues have not: The Red Bull Pro Nationals have gone from seven to five rounds. While their dates are confirmed, their venues are still a big question mark. There was a definite nod for Weston-super-Mare after a fantastic beach weekend with sun and good racing, so can we count on that round at least? A new series, the MX Nationals or Fastest40, supported by Race FX and others, which will run over eight rounds, replaces the now defunct British Masters Motocross series run by Ken Winstanley. It’s visiting all the favourite tracks we know: Culham, Fatcat, Whitby, Pontrilas, Foxhill and Canada Heights, with another two tracks to be confirmed. The expectation is that there are no pre-assigned riders in the class, but rather the return to the old-fashioned fastest forty riders in the class. For some harking back to how things used to be, this is ideal. ACU Events has added a track in Scotland to their roster after skipping our Northern neighbours in 2013. There has been the suggestion that there will be a round in the North East to place tracks across all regions
of the country. That’s a sound idea, and I’m sure that many will rejoice. While Cornwall (Landrake), Norfolk (Lyng), Kent (Canada Heights), Wiltshire (Foxhill), Oxfordshire (Culham) and Yorkshire (Fatcat) see a track in addition to Scotland’s Drumclog, there is still one track unconfirmed. We will need to wait and see. There’s also the Arenacross for the second year running: Spread over six rounds, this is squeezed in between now and the first rounds of the British outdoor season. Starting in Belfast Odyssey, it then goes to Birmingham (The LG Arena), Liverpool (The Echo Arena), Newcastle (The Metro Arena) and Sheffield
(Motorpoint Arena) before ending in London, albeit not at the O2, but Earls Court. Then there’s the rider lineup. Neither Red Bull Pro Nationals nor MX Nationals have released their rider lists yet, but the Maxxis championship has: The Maxxis MX1 class has seen some good changes. A notable rider moving up into the MX1 class is Heads & All Threads Suzuki’s Graeme Irwin, who looked very good on the RMZ-450 at the Motocross of Nations. Also moving up are the two Suffolk natives, 2013 Maxxis MX2 champion Elliott Banks-Browne for Buildbase Honda, who is looking forward to the challenge, and Jake
Nicholls for Wilvo Forkrent KTM, who is returning to the championship after several years absence. A fellow returnee is Shaun Simpson, who has forged his own way in the MX1 world in Belgium and in the world championship with and without factory support over the last few years. He is returning to the fold at HM Plant KTM UK. Another rider of Simpson’s vintage who returned with spectacular success on a shoe-string budget on a 250cc Two-Stroke in the Red Bull Pro Nationals is Lewis Gregory, who will represent the privateer GL12 Racing effort in the class. Two foreign imports in the class for 2014 are Yentel Martens, son of former world champion and team boss Jacky Martens, and Priit Ratsep, who raced in Britain before with brother Kristjan for ARB Tuning Kawasaki in the early 2000s. Ratsep returns on a Kawasaki again, this time Oakleaf Kawasaki. And two great young riders making the jump straight into the deep end are AAA Bikesport Newcastle KTM’s John Adamson, who ended fifth in the 2013 MXY2 championship, and Nathan Watson, who moves up to represent the official Husqvarna effort as part of Dantec Husqvarna UK. The Maxxis MX2 class is also seeing new blood and, well, old. 2013 MXY2 champion Robert Davidson will continue to represent MJW Kawasaki Racing in the class, while his Red Bull Pro National counterpart Dan Thornhill also moves up whilst representing Fowlers Honda Grittenham MX.
Their strong rivals and contenders in the MXY2 class, Mathew Callaghan for Verde Sports KTM and Glenn McCormick for Agnew KTM, move up with them to put pressure on their older rivals. For MVR-D Lanes Honda’s Jason Dougan and Wilvo Forkrent KTM’s Matiss Karro, it is all back to basics with a return from the MX1 class back to the MX2. While Dougan has been injured for much of the 2013 season, Karro made a spectacular return half-way through and continued on impressively throughout. Two other riders making the switch to the lighter MX2 class are IDS Transport KTM’s Josh Waterman and Heads & All Threads Suzuki’s Luke Burton. Burton is switching places with his team-mate Irwin, and he is joined by one of the two foreign imports in the class, Ryo Sato, who ended fourth in the Japanese championship and is eager to make his mark in Europe. The other notable import is Estonian Erki Kahro, who joins his countryman Gert Krestinov in Steve James’s Apico LPE Kawasaki stable. And, one phoenix rising from the ashes again is MBO Sport Yamaha’s Liam Garland, who will reprise his assault on the MX2 class after being struck down with a knee injury just before the 2013 season started and having to sit it out. The inevitable at the end and beginning of each season is that teams end and new teams start. Some teams change
their name, cease running in the world championship or vice versa. Here’s been significant change too: 2013’s Putoline Honda and LPE Kawasaki have gained title sponsors in Apico, turning into Putoline Apico Honda and Apico LPE Kawasaki respectively. Team STR KTM has seen a complete revamp, with the team now called Wilvo Forkrent KTM. Evotech Stevens KTM’s boss has forged ties with KTM’s new acquisition Husqvarna, turning into Dantec Husqvarna UK and gaining the ‘official team’ title at the same time. Venerable racing team outfit Route77energy Honda rejoins forces with former sponsors and merges with Lanes Kawasaki to become Lanes MVR-D Honda, while JAR Honda, Dyer & Butler KTM and Talon Kawasaki retain their names. Buildbase Honda Racing, Heads & All Threads Suzuki and HM Plant KTM UK also retain not only their names, but also retain their ‘official team’ status for Honda UK, Suzuki GB and KTM UK respectively. Two Kawasaki teams have found themselves elevated to ‘official team’ status for 2014 – Oakleaf Kawasaki will represent Kawasaki UK’s MX1 interests, while Scots team Pendrich Height Services Kawasaki will represent the MX2 class. It is still early in the year, and as things firm up for that first outdoor race at Hawkstone Park, expect some dates and more riders to be confirmed.
DECADE EUROPE LTD - OfďŹ cial UK distributor of 6D Helmets
For Dealer enquiries contact | w: www.decade-europe.com | e: info@decade-europe.com | t: 01792-469811
ATOM - ROCKSTAR RACEWEAR
JASON ANDERSON
ONEINDUSTRIESEUROPE.COM
A7 ALUMINUM MOTORCYCLE FOLDING LOADING RAMP STRONG 6063 AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM 6.7FT MOTORCYCLE LOADING FOLDING RAMP.
DECADE EUROPE LTD - Official UK distributor of MATRIX
M2 WORX STAND
HI-STRENGTH ADVANCED COMPOSITE STAND THAT YOU CAN PERSONALIZE. USED BY MORE TOP FACTORY MX TEAMS THAN ANY OTHER STAND.
For Dealer enquiries contact | w: www.decade-europe.com | e: info@decade-europe.com | t: 01792-469811
5.5 neck brace
Neck protection redefined 5 time Dakar winner Cyril Despres relies on the 5.5 neck brace, along with over 200 other Dakar racers.
CYRIL DESPRES
5 X Dakar Champion
• Engineered by a medical doctor and Bio Medical engineers and tested by some of the fastest bicycle and motorcycle racers in the world • Greatly increased range of motion • 5 way adjustability • Sliding front and rear SureFit adjusters for optimum fit • New and improved, CoreFlex split rear thoracic strut designed to work with the body’s natural movements • Thoracic rear strut is engineered to snap off before applying excessive pressure to the back • Engineered collarbone cutout to help keep your helmet GPX 5.5 Brace Ava i l a b l e I n : and brace away from your most fragile bones White, Black, Red & Orange $369 • CE certified as Personal Protective J u n i o r S i ze s Ava i l a b l e I n : J r. B l a c k , J r. G r e e n & J r. O r a n g e $ 2 9 9 ( n o t s h o w n ) Equipment 89/686/EEC • Two adult and one junior size
LEATT: 800-691-3314
© Leatt Corporation 2013
Cairoli and Herlings World Champs!
UN(4)GETTABLE, UN(DUTCH)ABLE! Toni Cairoli’s fourth successive MX1 world championship title aboard the KTM 350 SX-F was another step for the Italian towards matching the remarkable 10 titles won by legend Stefan Everts. As team boss, Stefan also got to witness Jeffrey Herlings, with 14 GP wins in succession on the KTM 250 SX-F, pulverise another record of his. Just 18 years old, Jeffrey was simply untouchable in winning his second MX championship title. One team – two champions – 39 moto wins – READY TO RACE!
KTM Group Partner
Photos: Taglioni S., Archer R. Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
DECADE EUROPE LTD - Official UK distributor of JT Racing
For Dealer enquiries contact | w: www.decade-europe.com | e: info@decade-europe.com | t: 01792-469811
REED STILL WANTS IT
Story by www.motoxaddicts.com Images Simon Cudby
Heading into the 2014 Anaheim 1 Supercross, there were quite a few definites and just as many unknowns, but with Discount Tire Racing’s Chad Reed, we were definite that we had no idea what to expect. In 2013, the two-time 450SX Champion and 2009 450 AMA Motocross Champion was fresh off the biggest injury of his career and on a bike he was very open about not being comfortable on. With that, 2013 quickly snowballed into a season Reed would rather just forget happened. Throughout the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship series, Reedy had zero wins and landed on the box just one time—and his outdoor national season was even worse. Most attributed it to a nagging injury and a myste-
rious illness that Chad was hinting about in interviews, but those that have followed Reed’s career know that comfort is the biggest part of his success. The Reed that loves his equipment is a championship contender, and the Reed that isn’t comfortable is what we saw in ’13. So, with that in mind, all of us wondered if we’d see that comfortable championship contender of years past or if the thirty-one year old father of two’s time had passed. Well, wonder no more. With one of the deepest fields in history on the gate in Anaheim, Reed came out on his new Kawasaki and laid it down. Sure, the #22 made some mistakes and let Roczen and Dungey get away from him late in the race, but his 3rd place finish in the main was a solid start to possibly winning his third 450SX Cham-
pionship. While his 3rd place finish gave me hope that the #22 was back, it was his open disappointment in himself after the race that sealed the deal for me. Last year, Reedy would have celebrated any podium, but a championship contending Reed will only celebrate wins. After the race, MotoXAddicts’ Chase Yocom hunted down Reedy in the pits and asked him his take on his opener. You can check out what the number two-two had to say about his night below. MotoXAddicts: Chad, you had a crazy off-season with figuring out what color you would ride in 2014, but you went with the Kawaski and finished 3rd at the opener. How pumped are you on the start of your season? Reed: I’m excited! I think I made the right choice. Yeah, it was a solid off-season. I worked hard and came here with
a full head of steam. I think the excitement and all that was a little too much. I put a little pressure on myself and just rode tight tonight. I’m super satisfied with a 3rd, but I know there was more opportunity out there.
that’s kind of the next thing we need to really focus on. Q: Yeah, there was definitely a big change in your speed between the qualifying and the heat races. Were there any big bike changes for you and the team throughout the day?
Q: Yeah, you were fast all day, but just a little off the pace early on in Reed: No, between practice and the practice. You definitely found more speed later, though. How was qualify- heat race we didn’t make any changes at all. I think the guys put new tires on ing for you today? it, a new clutch in the thing, topped her off with gas and we were good to go. Reed: Yeah, today was pretty much We made a little change for the main how it will be all year. I mean, you that seemed to help me a little bit, but got those kids that are willing to lay other than that no real changes. it down in practice, and for me, it’s about finding the rhythm, trying to Q: In the main event, things got a little find a comfort level and, obviously, trying to do the best and put yourself chaotic out there, but you got a good start and seemed to avoid it all. Can towards the front. I don’t put a lot of you take us through your main? effort or focus, and I don’t get too emotional if I’m 5th, 6th or 7th. You just try to give yourself a decent gate Reed: Yeah, I got a good start and just pick for the heat and then let the gate tried to get going. I made a few passes right away on the first lap and just tried drop and do your talking. So it’s goto ride a consistent race. I had a lot ing to be a tough year; it’s going to of opportunities to get to the front and be a drag. I think every weekend it’s win, but it just didn’t happen tonight. so important to get good starts and
Dean Ferris and A1 Story Meyer Images Cudby
Dean Ferris made his AMA Supercross debut at the opening round of the AMA Supercross Championships, held in Anaheim, California. The 23 year old Australian finished a fighting 14th, making it through to the main event after a solid performance in his heat race. We caught up with Ferris and asked him about his sickness and also that daunting experience that is AMA Supercross. MXlarge: Dean, 14th place was probably off what you had hoped for, but its wasn’t that bad considering the situation? Ferris: It wasn’t bad. MXLarge: You didn’t have as much preparation compared to the other guys and with not a lot of Supercross skills you sort of came in a little lacking preparation or not? Ferris: I thought I would be further up than I was. I mean it all went pretty smooth, as I said, I expected to be further up than I was,
I made it straight to the main, didn’t crash all day and got great starts. MXlarge: 50,000 people, riding for the Red Bull KTM Factory team and making your AMA Supercross debut. How were the nerves? Did you struggle at all with the whole experience? Ferris: No, actually, not at all. I was zoned out and I didn’t even notice all the people there until I looked back at the pictures. There was no pressure from the team, and I just wanted to do my own thing and learn. I would have expected better results and I will in the future. I have been sick and still am and I could hardly concentrate and that hin-
dered my results a lot. MXLarge: The intensity of the AMA Supercross races, was that tough to get used to? Ferris: You know what, I struggled in the race with the intensity and I thought it was because of the race, but I went training yesterday and I struggled at the test track. Because I have been sick I am all stuffed up and I am on medication and yesterday I could only do five laps and I was struggling to breath and everything. I didn’t get a real good feel and I won’t until I am 100% fit. I mean I felt pretty sick. It will be more intense than practice, but it was a struggle being crook. MXlarge: How did the team feel about your performance? Ferris: The team said from the beginning to just learn and get through the Supercross. They were awesome they gave me space and I didn’t do anything stupid and they were happy about that. I rode well withing my limits, but its still I should probably hang it out more in practice and have a go at the corners and stuff, but it will get better. MXlarge: What about the whole experience of racing at Anaheim 1? Ferris: I loved it. I thought the day would be a drag because we get there at 10am and leave at 11pm, so it’s a long day. But my day went really nicely and I had an awesome time. I was busy the whole day and with practice and signing sections and then heats, the final, watching the 450 main. It was really a lot of fun.
MXlarge: Chad, Matt Moss and yourself all being Aussies, did you catch up at all? Ferris: I said G’day to Chad on the Friday, but we were both busy and we were there to go racing and not have a barby, time enough for that. I ran into a bunch of Aussie fans and I had friends I knew were going. Out of the 50,000 people you would hope I
had some supporters. MXLarge: And you watched the 450 main event?
MXlarge: What about this weekend in Phoenix, will you be fit?
Ferris: I need to get a second opinion, because I am still sick and like I said Ferris: Yep, I watched the 450 main and I tried to practice yesterday, but had I wasn’t going to miss that. It was big for to shut it down early. Without too KTM, the team was awesome, but I was much practice as long as I am healthy also rooting for Chad because he is an Auss- I should be better for Phoenix I think. ie. Stewart crashed and a lot happened, so it was a good show.
JosĂŠ Butron MX2 World Championship Photograph: Bavo Swijgers
EVOLUTION FOOTPEGS
Scar Racing Evolution Footpegs are CNC Machined from 2017 T6 aircraft aluminium and are truely an evolution of the original Scar Footpegs. Exceptional grip with the new sharpened inserts manufactured from high strength tempered steel, Evolution footpegs are ideal for extreme conditions, such as sand and mud. The Footpeg body is 57mm wide, which is a full 10mm wider than standard models and provides vastly improved comfort and control. Available for Japanese and European motorcycles.
To locate a dealer or for more information visit www.scar-racing.com Find Scar Racing elsewhere online:
facebook.com/scar.racing
twitter.com/ScarRacing
José Butron MX2 World Championship Photograph: Bavo Swijgers
TRIPLE CLAMPS
+ Top triple clamp + Bottom triple clamp + Bar mount kit + Aluminium stem and “All Balls” bearing Scar Racing Triple Clamps are CNC machined using premium quality 7075 T6 aircraft aluminium. Top clamps offer four bar positions with our bar mounts and four different heights of bar mounts are available. Easy to install with pre-pressed stem and seal, with “All Balls” bearing. Available for Japanese and European motorcycles.
To locate a dealer or for more information visit www.scar-racing.com Find Scar Racing elsewhere online:
facebook.com/scar.racing
twitter.com/ScarRacing
DAKAR 2014 It is the toughest Motorcycle event in the World and it doesnt get any tougher as the days wear on. The Fourth stage of the Rally Dakar 2014 and a tricky day for Joan Barreda, who fought hard to finish in favourable position. Barreda, who was able to overcome some complicated setbacks to finish in sixth position, but retains the overall standings.
Joan Barreda continues at the head of the leader-board in the Rally Dakar 2014, albeit by a lesser margin after momentarily losing his way and conceding several minutes to his rivals before getting back onto the right route. The Spanish rider from Castellón continues to shine on the Honda CRF450 RALLY, registering another fine performance from the outset, that saw him crossing the Chilecito finish-line sixth on the day.
also said it was “a long and tough day”.
Red Bull KTM Factory riders Chaleco Lopez of Chile and Spain’s Marc Coma had a good day out in Stage 4 of the Dakar 2014, finishing 2-3 in the stage. Coma has moved up to second overall and trails by only 3 minutes 10 and Lopez is in third overall, 5.12 behind the leader.
The marathon stage proved to be an early shakeout and while anything is possible in the Dakar, a handful of riders now seem to be in command of the overall standings. Only the top five are within half an hour of the leader and Coma and Lopez are well placed in this group.
As predicted, the second half of the first marathon stage was a matter of survival as riders nursed their bikes home after no mechanical assistance and no fresh tires overnight. Lopez had a great day, finishing only 29 seconds behind the stage winner, Joan Pedrero. Coma, who is bidding for his fourth Dakar title, trimmed the gap to overall leader, Barreda of Spain, to just 3 minutes 10 seconds.
KTM Factory Team Manager Alex Doringer was a happy man after Stage Four: “The bike and our riders did a fantastic job. Both days of the marathon were very intense. Marc and Chaleco did a fantastic marathon,” he commented. The factory riders are competing on the brand new KTM 450 RALLY bike.
Riders still have to face a second marathon stage after they enter Bolivia for the first time after Saturday’s rest day, and there are still the many kilometers of desert riding in Chile before they reach the finish in Valparaiso.
The stage took riders from San Juan to Chilecito over 210 km liaison and a timed special of 353 km for a total of 563 km. Navigation played an important part in the first part and above all, riders had to nurse their tires, Lopez commented briefly at the already badly worn from the preend of his stage: ‘Stone, river, vious day, through the entire day. stone – a very technical route but my tires were good enough”. Coma They now have to tackle another
very long timed special on Thursday. They face 527 km under the clock and the longest stage in terms of distance – 911 km – as they make their way from Chilecito to Tucuman. The timed special is in two parts and much of it is in the sand. Riders will also have to deal with high temperatures. Dakar Leader: Barreda I was going well in the stage, until about 80 km from the end when I took a wrong turning after seeing a note at the river crossing. I’d spent a long time yesterday going over the roadbook which also indicated another way. I lost a lot of time. I went back to the same place, and then took the same wrong direction. I fell while I was trying to make up the lost time. But the good thing is that I’ve been able to salvage something out it… I lost a bit of time, but we continue to be ahead. Tomorrow is another day and we will try and rectify everything. Classifications Stage 4 1 Joan Pedrero 05:29’13 ESP SHERCO Sherco Rally Factory 2 Chaleco López +00’29 CHI KTM KTM Red Bull Rally Factory 3 Marc Coma +03’10 ESP KTM KTM Red Bull Rally Factory 4 Jeremias Israel +06’30 CHL SPEEDBRAIN Team Speedbrain 5 Olivier Pain +07’01 FRA YAMAHA Yamaha Racing
6 Joan Barreda +13’56 ESP HONDA TEAM HRC 7 Paulo Goncalves +18’38 PRT HONDA TEAM HRC 8 Ivan Jakes +19’30 SLO KTM Nad Ress Adventure 9 Alain Duclos +23’10 FRA SHERCO Sherco Rally Factory 10 Daniel Gouet +24’38 CHI HONDA Tamarugal Honda Racing XC Rally Team General standings after Stage 4 1 Joan Barreda 13:39’53 ESP HONDA TEAM HRC 2 Marc Coma +3’10 ESP KTM KTM Red Bull Rally Factory 3 Chaleco López +5’12 CHI KTM KTM Red Bull Rally Factory 4 Alain Duclos +25’25 FRA SHERCO Sherco Rally Factory 5 Olivier Pain +29’38 FRA YAMAHA Yamaha Racing 6 Cyril Despres +41’17 FRA YAMAHA Yamaha Racing 7 David Casteu +42’17 FRA KTM Team Casteu 8 Jeremias Israel +46’33 CHL SPEEDBRAIN Team Speedbrain 9 Jordi Viladoms +49’14 ESP GAS GAS Gas Gas JVO Team 10 Kuba Przygonski +54’52 POL KTM KTM Rally Factory
José Butron MX2 World Championship Photograph: Bavo Swijgers
TRIPLE CLAMPS
+ Top triple clamp + Bottom triple clamp + Bar mount kit + Aluminium stem and “All Balls” bearing Scar Racing Triple Clamps are CNC machined using premium quality 7075 T6 aircraft aluminium. Top clamps offer four bar positions with our bar mounts and four different heights of bar mounts are available. Easy to install with pre-pressed stem and seal, with “All Balls” bearing. Available for Japanese and European motorcycles.
To locate a dealer or for more information visit www.scar-racing.com Find Scar Racing elsewhere online:
facebook.com/scar.racing
twitter.com/ScarRacing