Live Motocross Edition #7

> The Brutality of our sport continues Its safe to say motocross is one of the toughest sports on the planet, both on the body and the mind. Round 3 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championship at Thunder Valley was more than brutal for reigning 450 champion Ryan Dungey, after a crash in moto 2 he was checked out by doctors and what was found was devastating, a cracked C6 Vertebrae in his back - season over.

“It’s very difficult to share such disappointing news,” said Dungey. “I will use this time away from racing to recover fully, knowing this will only make me stronger and more motivated.”

R a y C h uss SIMON CUDBY

Is Romain Febvre turning into the badboy of MXGP motocross?

Probably not but the fiery Frenchman has showed some quite temperamental moments over the last few weeks, firstly in Spain he clashed with Tony Cairoli (watch video here) and then at his home MXGP in France, the middle finger was produced when passing Valentin Guillod.

Romain still continues to win races and chase down current points leader Tim Gajser, expect more French waves all the way through the season.

R a y C h uss R a y Arc h e r / K T M I m a g e s

r a y c h uss

Team Green Kawasaki’s Lewis Hall has been flying so far in 2016, establishing himself as an elite rider here in the UK and in Europe.

Lewis, you’ve had a cracking year so far here in the UK and in the European championship, what has been your highlight so far?

“I’ve had a awesome year so far racing all over England/Europe. In the European championship I’ve had top 10 finishes all season except from the second race in Holland where I had bike trouble. My favourite round was

defiantly Slovakia, it was awesome scenery, unreal weather and my results were consistent. I came 5th and 6th and really enjoyed it.”

You’re a big lad on the BW85 and you seem to throw it around on the track, do you think in 2017 you will be on a bigger bike?

“Yes I’m very big on my Kawasaki BW85 now ha-ha, it’s hard for me being a big kid but I know when I move up to a 250f next year (2017), it will help me out. Next year I plan to race MXY2 in the Maxxis and the British Youth Nationals.”

Looking at the MXGP world championship, who is the one rider that inspires you the most?

“My favourite rider has to be Romain febvre, I just love the way he rides and he never gives up!”

There are 3 more rounds of the Thor British Youth Nationals left, will we see at the races in Scotland?

“Yes I’ll be in Scotland for round 3 of the BYN and I’ll be doing the rest of the championship!

I’m really looking forward to Leuchars because it’s an awesome track and I really like it because it gets really rough.

I also want to say a huge thanks to all my sponsors, I couldn’t do it without all of you.”

< From the Editor >

//Who did what?/

The season is ticking along nicely on both sides of the Atlantic, MXGP is super tense in a class so tight you just couldn’t pick a winner in any race. In the USA it’s similar in the 250 class but with Ryan Dungey now out injured in the 450’s the limelight is now firmly on Ken Roczen for the title.

EDITOR Ray Chuss GRAPHIC DESIGN Ryan Burisch

Many of us head to the MXGP of Great Britain this coming weekend, an event normally well represented by fans and home grown riders alike, a well known rider tweeted recently about riders who may not have the speed or experience to ride at world championship level and I totally agree with him, we just can’t allow riders to race the premier motocross championship in the world because they have the money to enter, in most sports you earn your spot not pay for your spot.

Health and Fitness Leah Preston Contributors Rick Blyth Managing Director Gareth Hockey

Matterley Basin over the years has produced scintillating racing in all classes, this year will be no different if the weather holds out and the sun shines. Max Anstie, Shaun Simpson, Jake Nicholls, Tommy Searle and a whole host of other British riders in the European championship classes will be looking to do their countries proud, the guys love the support, flags, banners and all sorts of shenanigans is much appreciated by all involved and it makes for a Great British atmosphere.

Financial Controller Margaret Stephens PHOTOGRAPHY Ray Chuss, Simon Cudby, Rick Blyth, Suzuki Racing, Monster Energy, Ray Archer, Yamaha Racing, Kawasaki UK, Bavo Swijgers

Enjoy the the read and enjoy your time at Matterley Basin.

Chussy Editor.

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Lewis Hall - The 419 just keeps improving

Superb season so far in the UK and at the European championship.

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5 of the Best The Stars and Stripes of the US Outdoors With 3 rounds gone we check out what’s hot or not

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Shaun Simpson - 4 Key Tips that will improve your season

4 Foods to improve your race diet.

Cover Image by Honda Gariboldi / Davide Messora

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Cover Star with Tim Gajser

The Slovakian flyer is a class act after 10 rounds of intense MXGP racing

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A story to tell...Marc De Reuver vs Mike Alessi

World championship fun from 2005 at Desertmartin

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Where are they now?

Gordon Crockard AKA “The Crockstar” is busier than ever.

L i z a H e isk e ll , M onst e r En e rgy , S u z uki R a cing , S imon C udby

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Without doubt the Lucas Oil AMA Outdoor championship has some of the best tracks in the world, most are set in natural surroundings very much old school motocross with a mix of new school design. Then you have how the circuit is dressed and the guys in the USA are the best at it, the Davey Coombs and his team work flat out to make things look incredibly cool.

OF THE BEST//

OR MAYBE NOT The design and look of the trophies in the US have become a talking point over the last few seasons, guns, guitars and what not have been handed to the victorious riders.

This year has been no different with the Ken Roczen and Co picking up a skateboard for their winning endeavours, might be difficult to put that one on your mantlepiece.

MAN IN MX As we mentioned already, Davey Coombs and his team at MX Sports are the guys behind the US outdoor nationals, arguably the best outdoor motocross championship on the planet.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been said a number of times, Davey is possibly the hardest working man in motocross and yet still has time to help out at the tracks doing whatever needs to be done, his passion and enthusiasm for the sport is mindblowing - a great example of hard work pays off.

OF THE BEST//

/04 Mentored by Ricky Carmichael, Joey Savatgy is fast becoming one of the future stars of US racing. Currently leading the 250 class by 3 points after 3 rounds of the championship, Joey is the man to put Pro Circuit back as a championship winning team come the end of the season - those guys deserve it and need it.

Inter-webings at it finest

When Brit Tim Berners-Lee invented the world wide web back in the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it was supposed to be a platform for everyone to use for FREE, times have changed a little due to commercial interests but even so the guys at NBC have been second to none so far when it comes to online race coverage, very little issues and crystal clear on desktop and mobile devices.

@gablesmotorsports

@jeffrey_herlings84

@kenroczen94

@malcolm_stewart

@mcpandino

@pro.race

@ryandungey

@solheimfmx

@tiga243

@tommysearle100

B ES T INS T A GRAMS OF T HE MON T H

< c o v e r s t a r >

r a y c h uss Hond a P ro R a cing / B a vo

Moves up from the MX2 class as world champion and continues in the same vain of consistency in the incredibly tough MXGP class - I think Tim deserves our June issue cover.

Out of the 20 races so far this season, Tim has won 9 and finished on the podium at every single round, not bad for a so called rookie of the class. If consistency wins championships then this guy is going to be difficult to beat at the end of the year.

Honda are pumped Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure.

REward yourself

s h a un simpson

rick blyt h

Being strict with your diet all week and avoiding sugary snacks which cause ‘spikes’ can be hard work but come the weekend you will feel the benefit. Keeping your diet as clean as possible will help you start to feel great and pushing harder for longer. Having said that everyone needs a treat which is very important, I usually have an ‘off’ evening after a race where I have some chocolate. It’s not a bad thing, your body needs it too! Just don’t make a habit of it...

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HYDration Hydration is another key point in any sport that can be overlooked. It’s very important to be properly hydrated come race day especially in the summer when you’re sweating more. I like to up my hydration intake starting the day before the race taking my daily intake of water from 2.5 litres to around 4 litres and try to continue this through race days. Avoid chugging the water, small sips little and often. I rarely use sports drinks as they are full of sugar and give you a sugar hit which have you buzzing one minute and wanting to sleep the next. Hydrate with water correctly and it will be more than enough to keep you going on any tough moto days.

LItle & Often During race day especially between motos it’s important to get some food in right away, you’ve just burned numerous calories and these need to be replaced the sooner the better. I usually have a kiwi fruit as soon as I come in from a race and 300500ml water. That way your system is already working in preparation for your next Moto.

After that I usually keep it simple with rice and chicken or tuna, again easy for your body to break down. If you’re still feeling you need more, a cereal bar or sports bar would do it. Try to not eat anything at least an hour before you ride though, as you need to give the food time to digest.

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I’m sure you’ve heard it before but breakfast is really one of the most important meals on a race day. It gives you the fuel you need to power through your motos. I used to think that eating a big fry up would really set me up for the day - How wrong I was. Ideally you want to eat about 2 hours before your first morning practice. I keep it simple and have 2 slices of brown toast with 3/4 eggs scrambled. This will give you enough fuel without your body having to work too hard to break the food down to store as energy.

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Supported By

Supported By

2016

Leuchars scotLand

Practice 9am First race 11.55am adults £20 children £5 Family ticket £45

MOST VIEWED Gautier Paulin Crash Qualifying Race MXGP of France 2016

First Ride 2017 KTM 250SX 2 Stroke

AMA Motocross 2016 Hangtown 450 Moto 2 Full race

Crash James Stewart AMA Motocross Hangtown 2016

MO T OCROSS + SUPERCROSS j u n e 2 0 1 6

GoPro: Cole Seely Moto 2 - Thunder Valley

AMA Motocross 2016 Hangtown 450 Race 1

Angry People attack Motocross/Enduro driver #18

MXGP of Trentino Race Highlights 2016

BIG

BOYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

toys

At nearly ÂŁ20k this really is a serious piece of kit for anyone with a spare few quid in their pocket, you would probably need at least 2 acres of spare land too to really enjoy the power and the versatility of this new breed of off-road fun.

After spending the day testing one we can honestly say the fun factor was 10 out of 10, the suspension made for an incredibly smooth ride even over jumps and the acceleration and power coming from the 998cc engine was intense to say the least.

Like I said if you have some spare cash and fancy something new then the Yamaha YXZ1000R should be added to your wish list.

Full details and technical information can be found here.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Say hello to the impressive Yamaha YXZ1000R a toy for the BIG boys.

Outdoor exercise

Now the weather’s getting warmer, who wants to workout indoors? Not me!

The warm weather season is up us so here are a few simple exercises using a tractor tyre which will strengthen arms, legs and core!

If you haven’t got a tractor tyre lying around try these exercises on steps, benches and the postman even caught me doing it on the sofa once too!

Tricep Dips Rear Elevated Lunge

Deep Wide Weighted Squats (pictured) As with any squats ensure your toes are pointing slightly outwards, that your back remains straight and imagine sticking your bottom out, this will ensure the best posture and most benefit. Bend the knees as much as you can on the descend so that the squat will become as deep as possible, as you ascend the weight will make the quadriceps muscles work much more.

This becomes a little tougher than just your standard lunges as you end up using a lot more strength from within your front leg, but the rear leg helps us to work more into the gluteals. Ensure that you step far enough forward so that the front knee doesn’t overshoot the ankle (this will feel as though you have taken a massive step forward but just give your body time to adjust and balance). Drop as low as you can a push back up using the front leg. If you want to really make those legs burn then try using added weights!

“Triceps”, “bingo wings”, “those flabby bits at the back of my arm”, I’ve heard them being called everything, but one of the easiest parts of the body to strengthen and tone.

The tire for this one was at a perfect height so I could really gain maximum benefit.

Arms should be just wider than the width of your body (shoulder width of possible). Work with straight legs if possible, make it easier by bringing the feet closer. Drop your bottom as low as you can by bending the elbows as much as possible then drive the arms back to straight. Great one for isolating the triceps and feeling that burn.

Check out our website for more Fitness tips with Fitness Editor Leah Preston.

Tyre Flip

Press Ups I actually prefer press ups using the tire because when you elevate a press up under the hands it will be a slight be easier (yes, I am a little bit of a wimp).

Great for upper body strength and core! See how low you can get the chest to the tire with these, and if they are still too easy then slow them right down...test yourself!

Leah Vs Tractor Tire...scores were painful but I’m pretty sure I won!

It is tough but addictive, you’re almost competing with yourself as you want to flip the tire so badly.

If you want to do this and keep your back in one piece then please ensure you lift with your legs and keep your back straight. Once you have the tire lifted to a manageable height it’s easy going. Also to make sure you have done this properly, push the tire over using a rather loud grunting noise and walk off with your chest pumped out, it’s the proper way ;)

L EAH P R E S T O N R AY C H U S S

+

THE

So Far

As the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean reaches the halfway stage in the season it is time to look back at the year so far.

The natural sand circuit of Lyng in Norfolk provided a great backdrop to start the season in the MX2 is was the domination of the two Rockstar Energy Factory Racing Husqvarna’s Max Anstie and Conrad Mewse as the pair claimed the top two steps of the podium that stole the headlines.

While the Husqvarna pairing had a faultless day some of the main title contenders suffered some challenging results as Ben Watson and Steven Clarke both suffered technical problems, while Martin Barr’s second race result was hampered by a rear wheel puncture. It was James Dunn who secure third overall on the day with two solid rides.

In MX1 Class all the pre-season hype about the battle between Simpson and Searle soon ended with Searle producing the perfect day starting with pole position in qualifying and two dominate race wins to claim the overall victory and the early season championship lead. Behind the Searle and Simpson roadshow it was Leok who took third overall.

R ick B lyt h

Round 1 – Lyng

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Canada Heights The championship rolled into Canada Heights in Kent and with the leading pair of Anstie and Mewse not competing it was Dunn who arrived as the virtual Championship leader, but the story of the day was to be all about Steven Clarke.

The Apico Husqvarna rider was on fire and produced two race wins on route to the overall and the championship Red Plate after being tied on points with Dunn.

Other riders to improve on their performances at the opening round were Bryan Mackenzie and Martin Barr who both stepped onto the podium, with Barr moving into third in the standings and just a point behind Clarke and Dunn. Canada Heights also marked the return to British Championship racing for the former European EMX250 Champion Mel Pocock.

After claiming pole position in MX1, Searleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day at the Kent circuit took a turn for the worse as he crash in the first turn of race one and had after being collected by several riders mounted a charge through the pack to finish inside the top 10 and limit the damage as Simpson claimed the race win. The second moto would see Searle return to winning ways and take the victory ahead of Simpson. At the end of the day it was Simpson who took the Red Plate away from Searle.

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/Desertmartin

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Hawkstone Park/ With the MX2 championship standings so close going into Hawkstone Park there was sure to be plenty of racing. Unfortunately James Dunn suffered a crash in practice which meant he finished the day with two non-points scoring rides and dropping out of the Championship race. On track it was Bryan MacKenzie who claimed the moto win in race one and his first race win for two years. The second moto would see the Buildbase Honda rider Martin Barr take the victory and with it claim the Red Plate. For Steven Clarke a challenging day meant he lost the Championship lead but one of the main stories of the day was the return to fitness of Adam Sterry who claimed second overall and Mel Pocock’s continued rise in form as he led the second race until a crash ruled out any chance of a podium finish.

While in MX1 Simpson arrived at Hawkstone Park looking to keep hold of the Red Plate and although Searle went fastest in qualifying, the Monster energy DRT Kawasaki rider was suffering the effects of a heavy crash the previous week and was unable to beat the Scot in either moto. The day finished with Simpson claiming both race wins and extending his points lead by another 6 points, while Jake Nicholls continued his return to form and stepped onto the overall podium for the first time in nearly two years with a 3 -3 scorecard.

In MX2 the scene was set for hometown hero Martin Barr to write his own piece of Desertmartin history. Unfortunately it wasn’t too be as the series leader tangled with another rider on the opening lap and remounted at the back of the field before being urged on by the Irish crowd, to recover to fourth behind Steven Clarke to only crash on the last and injure his shoulder and finish in 7th.

Barr attempted to compete the second race but after two laps he had to retire to the pits, leaving Sterry to take the overall with a double victory ahead of Bryan Mackenzie both times and Clarke with a 3-3 which was enough to claim the Red Plate once more.

Graeme Irwin also suffered bad luck in the opening race while leading to the delight of the crowd, but would crash and snap his handlebars and ending the Irishman’s race. This handed the lead to Searle who would also suffer tough luck when the Kawasaki stopped allowing Jake Nicholls to claim his first MX1 race win both Anderson second and Whatley in third ahead of the injured Shaun Simpson in fourth. The second moto saw Searle dominate from start to finish ahead of Irwin and Nicholls who settled for third to ensure he claimed his first MX1 overall victory as well.

Busy July could decide the 2016 titles The month of July could prove to be a very important month for the championship title fight as we see rounds 5 and 6 take place just two weeks apart. First the series heads to Leuchars in Scotland on July 3rd.

This Scottish venue will receive a redesign prior to the event by world renowned track designer Justin Barclay.

Following that the championship will return to the Suffolk circuit of Blaxhall on July 17th, to a venue which made an impressive debut last season. For the main title contenders it will be vital to get through events with strong results, points and injury free which could prove vital come September 18th.

KTM/Husky 450 2016 Supercooler SRP: £199.70 // www.apico.co.uk

Apico Factory Racing Socket Set SRP: £35.00 // www.apico.co.uk

KTM SILENCER BABY DUMMY RRP £5.99 // www.ktm.com/gb/powerwear/

apico multi-tool RRP £9.99 // www.apico.co.uk

KTM/Husky ‘16 Brake Line Clamp SRP: £9.99 // www.apico.co.uk

Domino KTM/Husky 2016 4T Throttle SRP: £9.99 // www.apico.co.uk

W h e n

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M X GP

Things didn’t go quite to plan for the young KTM backed American, whether it was the pressure of the team to win or the damp conditions of Desertmartin, things just didn’t happen.

The talking point was in race 1 when Marc De Reuver passed him early in the race and when he did, Marc turned around and waved at Mike, I think it was a wave but it could have been something totally different. I think at this point Mike’s weekend was over.

What I did notice back then was Mike had so much to prove that day, he really wanted to show his true speed but the results didn’t happen, but it showed that even with all the support in the world, a little bit of mind games works a treat.

Mike finished the weekend in 8th position with a 3 - 17 scorecard

r a y c h uss

The scene was set, a superfast kid from America heading to race in Northern Ireland at the 2005 MXGP, Mike Alessi was around 15 or 16 at the time and on his way up the ladder, winning races in the 125 class at the US Nationals and finishing 3rd in the championship - he was a serious contender to win if it wasn’t for those pesky Euros.

smith/ R AY C H U S S

Welsh legend Dai Smith started racing when he was 15 years old, fairly late in comparison to some nowadays who seem to ride as soon as they can walk.

I remember watching Dai when I was around 15 or 16, he was definitely one of the cooler riders around at the that time and his Honda bikes always looked tip top.

So Dai how did it all start?

“I started racing age 15 which was bit late but had to save up enough money to buy my first bike. I won the Welsh

championship in my second season and also finished 10th overall in the ACU finals.”

My memory of you was way back in the AMCA, you had a bit of a Ricky Johnson look about you.

“Yeah I raced in the AMCA for Honda UK with the Honda Equipe Team for a couple seasons.

I raced all over Europe with IMBA which was great experience and getting to race sand tracks.”

I know you raced GP’s and British Championship but you raced on 4 wheels as well didn’t you?

“Life after motocross I had a couple years rallying and did some circuit racing, I won the Welsh Triathlon championship and had some good results mountain biking.”

Your life now is work and maybe a little motocross at Farleigh Castle for the VMXDN? “Yeah I run my own car body repair shop in South Wales but still try get out on my motocross bike a little and I ride for Wales in the Nations team at Farleigh most years. I’ve tried most sports but I think once you have raced motocross it never leaves you, it’s in your blood. I’m still fit and healthy and enjoying life.”

My phone as these days you are pretty useless without it

Another obvious one is my wallet as without money you can’t do anything Coffee which I never used to like but now I’m addicted so I will usually never leave without having one.

<I don’t leave home without it/

Last one is pretty difficult I’m going to say my dog, I don’t take him everywhere as that would be weird - HA-HA but he comes with me quite a lot

rick blyt h

That leads me on to my keys. I hate walking so my van keys are essential.

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Food we burn so many calories which means we need to replace those calories so I usually have some snacks in my van.