TRP Volume 9 // Issue 1 by The Racing Paper

Camp Hill, PA’s

JAREK BALKOVIC

PAMX SPRING SERIES

WINS MONSTER ENERGY RICKY CARMICHAEL

AMATEUR SUPERCROSS AT

DAYTONA

RIDERS GET BACK ON TRACK FOR 2012

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 // 2012

MOTORAMA

WE VISIT THE LONGEST RUNNING ARENACROSS

TOMAHAWK LLQ

FULL GATES FOR THE 50s AND MORE

DAYTONA RCSX • GNCC • ELEVEN10 MODS • 2012 GEAR POLL

THE RACING PAPER

REGULARS

FEATURES Hall

CONTRIBUTOR

TOMAHAWK LLQ We road trip to Tomahawk to find out who will make it to the next round and further themselves on the road to Loretta’s. The 50s were certainly in abundance and the first to fill up the starting gate for the Area Qualifying race.

SPRING SERIES

Fred

Mother Nature toys with our emotions over the first two rounds of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunop. Last we knew, brown underwear wasn’t trending, but we’ll give it a try.

TAPPED OUT SONGS BY BRET MICHAELS

Fred

RCSX TRP finds an excuse to go down to Florida: Daytona Amateur Supercross! We pick up some 3rd-degree sunburns, knock-off souvenirs, and a sweet two-stroke along the way.

EDITOR / ART DIRECTOR: JORDAN ROBERTS STAFF LENS: FRED STAFF PEN: JEN KEN HEAD HONCHO: DAVEY COOMBS BOSS GUY: BRYAN STEALEY BOSS GIRL: JULIE KRAMER ADVERTISING: TIM CRYTSER ACCOUNTS: JERRI HEADLEE VOICE OF REASON: RITA COOMBS CONTRIBUTORS: JEFF CERNIC, TIMMY COOMBS, LAUREN HALL, KEN HILL, ARLENE LANTZER #98, ZAK LOWERY, TYLER

Hall

NEWCOMER

COVER PHOTO BY FRED THE RACING PAPER 122 VISTA DEL RIO DRIVE, MORGANTOWN, WV 26508 TEL 304.284.0080 | FAX 304.284.0081 | THERACINGPAPER.COM The riders appearing in this newspaper are, for the most part, skilled amateurs or highly trained individuals with experience racing and operating motorcycles. Please don’t try to imitate them. When you ride a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, always wear a helmet, eye protection and the appropriate safety gear. Never ride beyond your capabilities. Use your head, be safe and enjoy the ride. The Racing Paper publishes six issues annually by World Sports Holdings, LLC. Our editorial office is located at 122 Vista Del Rio Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508. Copyright ©2012 Filter Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing in this newspaper may be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be guaranteed exclusive to The Racing Paper. We are not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. Letters cannot all be answered, nor can all service inquiries be answered. We appreciate correspondence sent to our editorial office and will use the most interesting and appropriate letters in the newspaper. Email letters to: jordan@racerxonline.com

Advertising: Please call Tim Crytser at 407-748-4663

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex hosts the longest-running arenacross to date in Harrisburg. We catch up with one of the winners, TJ Phillips, and snap an arena-full of photos.

This could’ve been your ad. Oh well.

THE RACING PAPER

Born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, Lauren Hall decided to chase her dreams, no matter how far-fetched they seemed, after a horrible car accident just seven years ago reminded her that you only live once and should live life to the fullest. Lauren picked up photography as a hobby, but she soon realized she wanted to take it further, so she enrolled in Washington School of Photography, where she would receive her Certificate of Professional Photography. She tried her hand at many different areas of photography, but her passion for motocross and other extreme sports eventually led her to the local track, where everything just “clicked.” Lauren has now been shooting motocross for the past three years and is proud to be one of the few females shooting in the industry. She’s been everywhere from the local amateur races to the pro nationals and supercross races fulfilling her dream. When Lauren isn’t at the races, she enjoys spending time hiking and going on outdoor adventures with her family. And she isn’t the only one in her family with a passion for motocross. Her six-year-old son, Haydn, happens to be one of motocross’s biggest super-fans. TRP

USA

5¢

How do I get The Racing Paper delivered to my house? Kurt Lecorchick Johnstown, Pennsylvania Hey Kurt, There are actually a couple ways you can get The Racing Paper sent to your house. 1. Do you race at any of the PAMX rounds? Every member of PAMX will receive a complimentary subscription of The Racing Paper. All you have to do is sign up for their annual membership and we’ll mail six issues a year. 2. If you don’t hold a PAMX membership, you can always subscribe for just $10. Go to www.theracingpaper.com for the subscription form. Print it out, fill it out, and mail it to our office. Either that, or you can email the same information to jordan@racerxonline.com JR

Dear The Racing Paper, I have been a lover of the two-stroke for many of years. But now, it seems like the OEMs are doing everything they can to stop the grassroots revival of the smoker. Do you see a scenario where the OEMs, excluding KTM, begin to produce two-strokes again to the masses? Sincerely, Adam Adam, It would be great if the OEMs revived their two-stroke efforts, but unfortunately, their motivation lies behind what’s making them money. As much as you hear the consumers complaing about the high costs of four-strokes, etc., they still pull out the checkbook buy them. Yes, two-strokes are still available from KTM and Yamaha, but the sales numbers haven’t influenced the OEMs to put the adequate R&D into them. Class structure is another factor in this situation. There is no way a 125 two-stroke will ever be on the same level as a 250 fourstroke, at least with the way bike techonology is trending at the moment. Fuel injected two-stroke with electric start? Sign me up! JR Want to write a letter to The Racing Paper? Send it to: jordan@racerxill.com or

TRP Sign Up 122 Vista Del Rio Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508 5

MARCH - JUNE 2012

3/18 3/25

Pittsburgh Raceway Park Round 1 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires Round 2 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires Steel City

4/1 4/7 4/15 4/20-4/22 4/29

Doublin Gap MX Park Steel City Pittsburgh Raceway Park High Point Pleasure Valley Raceway

Round 3 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires Round 4 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires Round 5 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier Round 6 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

5/4-5/6 5/13 5/20 5/20 5/27

Pleasure Valley Raceway Pittsburgh Raceway Park Steel City MapleShade MX MapleShade MX

Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier Round 7 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires Round 8 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

6/1-6/3 6/3 6/9-6/10

Steel City MapleShade MX High Point

Loretta Lynn Amateur Regional

THE RACING PAPER

Round 9 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Round 10 of the Thor/ Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

THE RACING PAPER

NEXT EXIT

BY JORDAN ROBERTS

Hi, I’m Jordan, the new editor of The Racing Paper. Since early December, I’ve been putting a lot of effort and long hours into revamping this publication. It all started from the ground up, too. I spent a good portion of my first day staring at a blank screen, and the paper had still failed to make itself by lunchtime. A sandwich later, time was still not on my side. After a brief staring contest with my computer, I decided to just dive in. The table of contents was looking like my best option, so I started there. I gradually made progress, page after page, and it wasn’t looking too bad. I felt pretty good about myself at that point. Then that dreaded word was brought to my attention: deadline. That nasty word made me realize that a publication generally needs content, not just design. It’s a fairly important aspect. I needed help. Having just moved in from Michigan, I didn’t really know anybody. Luckily, the motocross community is full of awesome people who like to make things happen. Zak and Lauren came to my rescue with photos from Nuclear Cowboyz, Motorama, and the Tomahawk LLQ. Tyler put some words down for Tomahawk LLQ that required little to no editing. Arlene brought the double threat of photography and writing for the

first round of the Spring Series. I was also able to round up some interoffice help from Andrew (aka Fred), Bryan, and Jen, who all proved to be a tremendous help. I have to give it up to these guys: If not for them, you probably wouldn’t be reading these words for another month. Now that this first issue is in the books, I can actually do a little riding! Before my move, I lived fifteen minutes from RedBud. That was tough, but before long I realize I now live fifteen minutes from High Point. I consider that a pretty good trade-off and can’t wait to race there. I plan on attending every PAMX race I’m in town for, so don’t hesitate to say hi if you see me out there. I always enjoy meeting people in the area and am normally pretty conversational, unless it’s before 8 a.m. at signup. My brain doesn’t quite fire on all cylinders in the early morning. You can find me at the races on a #622 RMZ450, assuming it’s running at the time. I have the uncanny ability to take a perfectly sound bike out of commission faster than you can say “first-turn pile-up.” And while I’m on that subject, I’d like to apologize in advance for any whiskey-throttle incidents you may become a part of. My arms pump up to the approximate girth of the business end of a whiffle ball bat. I’ve raced since age 13, but apparently not frequently enough to encourage the blood to circulate through my arms. Hopefully, I can get some more track time this year. In addition to riding and racing, I really love meeting new people and being able cover the sport we’re all passionate about. So now that this is all wrapped up, that’s exactly what I’m going to get back to doing. I’m headed to the fourth round of the Spring Series at Steel City to try to win a chocolate bunny. See you at the track! TRP

My arms pump up to the approximate girth of the business end of a whiffle ball bat.

The Honda of Houston fenders were the first to cross the finish line in both 250 A/Pro Sport and 450 A/Pro Sport main events in Daytona. Vann Martin piloted his Honda to a 250 win, while his teammate, Kyle Swanson, took home the win on his 450. PHOTO BY: FRED

THE RACING PAPER

It surely was tough on the scorers at the second round of the PAMX Spring Series at Steel City. Throughout the day, riders fought to keep the weight (in mud) off of themselves while attempting to keep it on two wheels. Rumor has it, some riders are still missing after the mud monsters sucked them under. PHOTO BY: FRED

Mantua, Ohio’s Jeremy Hand (32) was able to keep it out front and sweep both motos in the Mini Sr. (12-14) class after poor starts held Confluence, Pennsylvania’s Timmy Crosby (79) at bay. Crosby fought back to third, but was unable to contest for a win. PHOTO BY: LAUREN HALL

THE RACING PAPER

Somehow, the dirt at Daytona miraculously cured just in time for the beginning of amateur racing. Practice was a little sloppy, but a collective sigh of relief could be heard from the riders who were there to see Saturday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carnage in the pro race. PHOTO BY: FRED

THE RACING PAPER

Mar 25 Sun PAMX THOR YAHAMA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points Apr 7

Sat PAMX THOR YAHAMA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points

May 20 Sun PAMX THOR YAMAHA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points Jun 1 Fri Practice: open to qualifying riders. (10a-3p) Jun 2 Sat NORTHEAST AMATEUR REGIONAL QUALIFER Jun 3 Sun FOR AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT LORETTA LYNN’S (AMA membership required) Aug 31 Fri Organized practice (10a-3p). Open to all riders. No membership required for practice. Sep 1 Sat LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP Sep 2 Sun THOR UNITED STATES MX MEGA SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES Mega Series Points Oct 14 Sun PAMX TEAM SUZUKI PA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES presented by FLY RACING & IN THE BLOOD TATTOOS PAMX State Champ Points

NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIER & REGIONAL SCHEDULE NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIER February 25 & 26 Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City, NC

March 10 & 11

Tomahawk

Hedgesville, WV

March 17 & 18

Englishtown

Englishtown, NJ

April 21 & 22

High Point

Mt Morris, PA

April 28 & 29

Area 51

Batavia, NY

May 5 & 6

Pleasure Valley

Armagh, PA

May 12 & 13

Winchester Speed Park

Winchester, NH

May 19 & 20

Unadilla Valley Sports Center

New Berlin, NY

NORTHEAST REGIONAL

June 2 & 3

Steel City Amateur

Delmont, PA

June 23 & 24

Doublin Gap Youth

Shippensburg, PA

THE RACING PAPER

BY JORDAN ROBERTS

Jarek Balkovic Birthdate: 1-1-96 Hometown: Camp Hill, PA Classes: Schoolboy 1 & 2

TRP: Where have you raced so far this year? Balkovic: I raced at Gatorback twice for the Winter End series, and then I raced Daytona and Mill Creek. I did a qualifier at South of the Border and at Elizabeth City. I thought Daytona was a lot of fun. I had a lot of fun at that track. Mill Creek was definitely the toughest. I think it was just all the competition.

Fred

There were a lot more fast guys there than there were at Daytona. What are some of the accomplishments you’ve had over the past years? Which ones stick out to you the most? I won Loretta’s 65 10-11 Stock in 2007. And then in 2008 I got a 2nd at a Mini Os Supercross in 85 9-11 Stock, then this last year at Mini Os I got 2nd in Schoolboy 1 in 2011 in the Supercross. And then I won three classes at Daytona. I went 1-DNF-1 at Mill Creek in the Schoolboy 1 and I got 3rd in the two-stroke Open. All right. So, you’re just trying to use the 125 as a stepping stone in between the classes? Yeah. And I’m starting to kind of get out of it, I guess. What are some other things you enjoy other than motocross? Other than motocross… [pause] Or is motocross “the thing?” I mean, motocross is about it right now. Sponsors: Cernic’s, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Troy Lee Designs, Wiseco, Sunstar, All Balls, Maxima, Pivot Works, Cylinder Works, Dunlop, Renthal, Action Motorsports, FMF, KSR Wheels, PR2 Suspension, Dominus, SDG seats, Decal Works, Gaerne, Scott, Fuel Clothing

PERFORMANCE FIRST

PHONE: (724) 342-5378 FAX: (724) 342-5530

Sharon Cycle Sales & Service “HONDA MOTORCYCLES-PARTS & SERVICE” Over 45 Years of Service in the Shenango Valley

ROBERT BORNICK OWNER

MON. & THURS. 10 to 8 T W F 10 to 6 SAT. 10 to 4

265 E. CONNELLY BLVD. SHARON, PA 16146 17

CERNIC SAYS

BY JEFF CERNIC

to a minimum for everyone, and all five manufactures support the PAMX with factory contingency, making PAMX races the best value for your money. The third value is what you are reading right now. If you are a PAMX member, The Racing Paper will be mailed to your doorstep just for being a member. This alone is worth the price of your PAMX membership, and since many manufacturer and accessory companies read The Racing Paper, our rider coverage and PAMX brand name will spread nationwide. Finally, the continued support of great sponsors helps PAMX run two series in a season: the Thor/Yamaha PAMX Spring Series presented by Dunlop Geomax Tires, and the Fly Racing Pennsylvania State Championship Series presented by In the Blood Tattoos. These two series are two of the best in the nation, with over $50,000 in series-ending awards given out at the PAMX Night of Champions Banquet in December. If you have not been to the PAMX Night of Champions Banquet, then this should be your goal for 2012.

AMX 2012 is in full swing, with spring shining down on Pennsylvania motocross. Before I start talking about the new season, I want to thank all of our PAMX members just for being members. Like I always say, I don’t look at all of you as just racers; I look at you as customers too. Without customers, we don’t have an association like PAMX, so I’d personally like to thank all of you very much. Now let’s talk. The 2012 PAMX keyword this year is “value.” The first change to add value for PAMX 2012 is that we will not ask you for an AMA card—even though I am a lifetime member and truly believe we all should be members of the AMA. PAMX is stilla chartered member of the AMA. However, the PAMX board decided not to sanction our races through the AMA in 2012. We believe this will open the doors for new riders who are not yet sure if racing is for them. So far, two rounds into the Thor/Yamaha PAMX Spring Series The PAMX is supported by great companies, and I would presented by Dunlop, we have seen a noticeable amount of new like to thank them very much for their support. We could not do it riders on our starting line. without Parts Unlimited, Thor, Western Powersports, Fly Racing, Yamaha Motor Corp, American Suzuki, Kawasaki Motors, American Honda, KTM USA, Dunlop Geomax Tires, Asterisk Knee Braces, Scott Goggles, 100% Goggles, In The Blood Tattoos, Total Image Motorsports, 343 Graphics, Twin Air, Boyesen, Mosites Motorsports, Finishline FX, Cernic’s Racing, and all of the motorcycle dealers within the PAMX boundaries. TRP

Prices for admission and riders’ fees for the 2012 season are lower now than they were even in the 1990s.

The first change to add value for PAMX 2012 is that we will not ask you for an AMA card.

Second, our prices for admission and riders’ fees for the 2012 season are lower now than they were even in the 1990s, at just $10 for a weekend pass. If there is a practice and a Sunday race, the rider entry fee is $30 per class. PAMX is trying to keep the cost of racing 18

THE RACING PAPER

Get live GNCC alerts on your smartphone with the Live Laps Texting Service.

For schedules, classes, results, news, points, photos and much, much more, check out PAMX on the world wide web at www.gopamx.com Just text “m@gncclive.com” to sign up.

BAR-TO-BAR BY TIMMY COOMBS

et’s get things straight here at this new Racing Paper before we go any further. This isn’t my first rodeo in the professional writing chair. Just like I was a pro motocrosser back in the day, I’ve also done my fair share of stories in several major racing magazines, as well as appearing on the cover of one of them when I won the famous Blackwater 100; being the first true cross-over MX-to-woods professional of the times (circa 1988). In the years that have followed, memories of my upset overall victory have grown in my head to the point that I just had to write about it in the last paragraph. Feel free to read it again. Oh, and another thing, I know how to ride in the mud better than anybody so why don’t I give away a few mud pointers and secrets. First things first: Your tire pressure should be ten pounds in the front and eight in the rear. Try to put at least three tear-offs on, with the top one pullable from the clutch side so you won’t have to take your throttle hand off the gas near the beginning of the moto. If you have a set of roll-offs that you race with, put two or three tear-offs on top of them. Remember to pull all of your tear-offs before you start tugging on the string, and use scissors so they’ll fit. Believe it or not, a bike takes on major weight in a mud race. Using Thunderlite under your fenders can make all the difference in the world for speed and endurance. If you can’t find any, just try to go real fast on the track and jump really high to knock all the mud off your bike each time you land. A good start in the mud is a must, but not as much as it is in a really dusty race. But dust doesn’t stick to your helmet as much as mud

does and is easier to clean off after the moto. However, don’t be afraid to wipe off a mud-covered visor with your hand, or your boot if you’re double-jointed. Before a really muddy moto, don’t tighten your chain as tight as usual. The mud will get in between your chain and sprockets and further tighten things up, possibly binding up your suspension or even breaking your chain along with the shaft that the countershaft sprocket goes on. That’s major bucks to fix along with, in most cases, a busted side-case. This is very important: Don’t look back or follow other riders when you’re riding in the mud. Your goggles could get wasted by mud thrown from your own bike instead of the usual roost of another. If you don’t already, use fogproof on the inside of your goggle lens. Put Rain-X on the front-side. When you throw them off during a moto, never throw them near anyone who looks like they would want to return them; they’re usually the goggle collecting type. You should see how big my goggle collection has become from knowing how to sneak muddy goggles into the washing machine in the absence of bright whites and hot water. Back when I was a pro, riders used to square-off turns and ride across big ruts to find traction, unlike today where they expect better traction to come from a dozer and a lower water-table level. What’s the first thing you should do when you stall out your engine in a mud race? Put your bike in neutral. You see, mud makes clutch-plates extra hot, and they slip when that happens. How do you expect to start your bike with it halfway in gear? Then after a few unsuccessful kicks you decide to try neutral after you’ve already flooded it out. So, it’s neutral and then kick. If it’s a fourstroke, never use the compression release; that’s for wusses and short people named Frank Ali. Good news: Starting blocks are still legal due to the vertically challenged and short-tempered. Question: Should a rider have to re-enter the track at the same spot where he left it (like it used to be), or re-enter the track at the next convenient place where the least amount of scoring damage will occur? The hot-line shouldn’t be able to be a water truck road or part of the infield so you won’t have to let off the throttle or turn around. What if transponders worked like electronic dog-shock collars and the yellow Acerbis track markers acted as the fence? That’s how they do it in my neighborhood. TRP

Never use the compression release; that’s for wusses and short people named Frank Ali.

THE RACING PAPER

Fred

The only way to contain these kids is by electric fence.

RC hosts the riders meeting at the Daytona RCSX. Lantzer #98

Richter’s back.

THE RACING PAPER

Lantzer #98

Fred

Turn right to braaap. Fred

This guy needs a goggle sponsor!

Fred

J. Coombs

She just learned how to do simple math. Put her to work!

Fred’s steed made an appearance at Steel City.

Lantzer #98

Fido’s pride hit an all-time low when they made him play dress-up.

Hall

His lid is DOT approved for spectating.

J. Coombs

It’s tough to wave a flag bigger than yourself.

Fred

Fish gets the diva treatment from Jen.

“The trick is to find the I/O switch...” Fred

KTM hooked it up with a Daytona loaner.

Fred

He’s too young to even know what retro means. 23

Fred

Lantzer #98

The bike was ready before the next moto, but it was a nail biter.

Staging in the Daytona infield. Fred

Lantzer #98

Tim went straight into karaoke right after the riders meeting.

Bleacher Creatures. Fred

“...at least that’s what I’ve heard the blue flag is for.” Hall

Would you like your photo in Public Address? Email jordan@ racerxonline.com Snail Mail

TRP Public Address 122 Vista Del Rio Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508

Mr. O’Hannah does his best Gene Simmons. 24

THE RACING PAPER

Shield sighting.

Five 27 Top The readers speak! Roberts

We sent photographer Zak Lowery to shoot this regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier freestyle motocross exibition, Nuclear Cowboyz. Top-level riders such as Adam Jones, Ronnie Faisst, Matt Buyten, Beau Bamburg, and more were there to showcase their skills in front of the massive Consol Energy Center crowd.

Talk 28 Shop Eleven10 Mods

Hall

529 29 Foundation Supporting the youth.

Look-over backflips anyone?

Fred

30 Winners! We hook up some little guys with Renthal prizes.

THE RACING PAPER

Nuclear Cowboyz are known for their theatrics.

The whip, still the best trick in the book.

EVENT: RCSX // BY FRED

Q: Which company do you think has the coolest gear out of the 2012 lineup?

Fox Answer

37%

16%

Kyle Swanson

Earl May

other

16%

thor

Fox 360 Future Gear

14%

Fly

Alexander Frye

Mike Fisher

Visit facebook.com/theracingpaper to tilt the scales!

Apr 21 Sat NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFER Apr 22 Sun FOR AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT LORETTA LYNN’S (AMA membership required. Qualifiying not required.) Jun 8 Fri Organized practice. Open to all riders. No membership required for practice. (10a-3p) Jun 9 Sat LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP Jun 10 Sun PAMX THOR YAHAMA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points Jun 15 Fri Organized practice. (ATV’s only)(10a-3p) Jun 16 Sat ATV STAMPEDE (ATV’s only) Jun 17 Sun AMA ATV MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP (ATV’s only) ( AMA membership required.) Sep 22 Sat 22nd ANNUAL DC VET NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - VET MOTOCROSS Sep 23 Sun VET MOTOCROSS Sun VET HARE SCRAMBLE Sep 30 Sun PAMX TEAM SUZUKI PA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES presented by FLY RACING & IN THE BLOOD TATTOOS PAMX State Champ Points

EVENT: TOMAHAWK LLQ // BY LAUREN HALL

William Carling

Nicholas Mayberry

day and ground all e h t h it w ful ke out st be care ju t u b You can ma , ll e s and t of. it won’t kis it in front ’ in o d e ’r who you

Tyler Hayes

Aerian Weaver

Showcase your finest skills by sending your photo to jordan@racerxonline.com Roberts

By Jordan Roberts

any know Eleven10 Mods through the motocross media spotlight they’ve enjoyed over the last year thanks to their impressive race results in the professional ranks. Darryn Durham and Alex Martin are just a couple riders who have gotten Eleven10 Mods some T.V. time within the past year. If it seems like they emerged out of nowhere, it’s because they basically did. More accurately, they emerged out of a basement. Former pro and local hotshot Chad Sanner formed what would ultimately be Eleven10 Mods out the basement of his apartment back in 2007, but to say it was a modest venture at the time would be an understatement. Sanner’s new entrepreneurial focus was without a definite name, let alone a business direction. “I didn’t necessarily know it was going to be a modification

THE RACING PAPER

shop,” reflects Sanner. “I just wanted to do rebuilds, but it kind of escalated into modifications.” As Sanner’s reputation grew, so did the variety of services that his customers requested. It wasn’t long until he’d outgrown his limited workspace, so Sanner cleaned out his basement in 2009 and moved his shop into a twocar garage. Surprisingly, this was when Eleven10 Mods formed a team to hit the professional ranks with a Chevy Express van and a lot of determination. Of course that garage didn’t last long. The work kept coming, and in April 2011, Eleven10 Mods moved to an old alternator shop in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Sanner also purchased a larger box van to get the race team to each round. They still work hard to make every customer happy during the week despite their vigorous race regimen over many

weekends throughout the year. Eleven10 Mods offers a variety of services, ranging from OEM and aftermarket parts orders to building race bikes from the ground up. They put together some of the coolest looking bikes in the pits and have the knowhow to make them competitive at the national level. All of their modifications, micro-polishing, anodizing, etc. takes place in-house at their Uniontown location. There are currently five fulltime employees at Eleven10

Mods. Chad and Hoss build all of the motors, Weasel runs the parts desk, Abbey manages the front desk (and everything in between), and local PAMX rider Dylan Slusser tackles various mechanic duties. Eleven10 Mods is your one-stop shop for just about anything you need for next weekend’s racing and beyond. Eleven10 Mods 51 North Arch Street Uniontown, PA 15401 724-562-8877 Eleven10mods.com

By: Jordan Roberts

oundation 529 is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth motocross riders with the necessary equipment to keep them as safe as possible out on the track. The organization was founded by John and Shelli Barto after their son, Wyatt, passed away from a motocross-related incident in 2008. Within the same year, John and Shelli began raising money in order to provide children 18-years-old and under with Arai helmets and Leatt neck braces. Foundation 529 has since grown in participating members, and attends various events to raise awareness and funds. This year, they have already visited Motorama,

Doublin Gap, and Tomahawk MX for their Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier. In fact, they raised money at the Tomahawk LLQ by collecting donations for memorial laps. Motocross tracks aren’t the only event Foundation 529 can be found at. They have been known to host various carwash fundraisers as well as a pig roast in September. Foundation 529 also sells shirts, hats, bracelets, stickers, and more to help with funding. Check out Foundation 529’s Facebook page or website at www. foundation529.org to learn how you can help out with a good cause.

Hall

Who’s listening to what before the gate drops...

Andrew Fredrickson #185

1. Captain Catfeesh - “Blair Mountain Battle March” (YouTube hit song) 2. Sexy Sax Man - “Careless Whisper” (George Michael Cover) “I’m a huge George Michael fan, and the saxophone soothes my soul.” 3. Black Mountain - “Stormy High” “Good chill music to relax to, gets me in the right state of mind for smooth riding.” 4. Joey Cape and Tony Sly - “Justified Black Eye” 5. Osker - “Panic” “This one gets me pumped up to rip the holeshot every time. Although I don’t get holeshots, the song gets me believing I’m about to.”

Jordan Roberts #622

1. Every Time I Die - Ex Lives “Best band on Earth, period. Their new album just came out in March, but there older stuff is great too (except for that first album).” 2. Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles II “These two are as unique as they come. Unfortunately, this group inspired a lot of imitators after their first album. ” 3. Blues - Snakepit “Actually, they don’t sound bluesy at all.” 4. Deftones - Diamond Eyes 5. Bring Me the Horizon - Count Your Blessings “They didn’t used to be all emo.”

Chase Stallo #121

1. Rise Against - Siren Song of the Counter Culture “Siren Song of the Counter Culture is far and away the best album produced by the punk rock band from Chicago. Black Masks and Gasoline kick-starts the album and has been a favorite of mine since the violent riff first hit my ear.” 2. Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine, “Bombtrack” 3. Against Me - Reinventing Axl Rose, “Baby I’m an Anarchiest” 4. Korn - Follow the Leader “Got the Life” 5. Method Man - Tical “You can listen to this album front to back and enjoy every song just as much as the one before it.” 29

Fred

Like The Racing Paper on Facebook to learn how you can win cool prizes by simply showing up at local races. Brought to you by: Rider: Tyler Capane Bike: KTM 50 SX Prize: Renthal Chainwheels

THE RACING PAPER

Rider: Bryce Adams Bike: KTM 65 SX Prize: Renthal Twinwall KTM Bend

Mike McDade

It looked like you were still able to hit that uphill double-double, though. Yeah. Actually, the last 450 moto I cased it and Broc almost landed on me. It was hard to do all day, but definitely made up a lot of time. Have you done any other races this year so far? Yeah. I just came off the Arenacross. I won the Lites East and went and finished up the rest on a KTM. After I rode a KTM for, like, a month and a half I just decided to switch to Hondas. And Mosites hooked me up with some bikes and [Chad] Sanner is going to build them for Outdoors. I’m going to do By Jordan Roberts my own thing for Outdoors with Motocross TRP: You raced the first two rounds of the Ministries and J27 and Eleven10 mods. Kind Spring Series. How’d that go for you? of going to be our own thing. I showed up there. It was pretty good. There So, apart from that, do you have any new were only six in the A class. I won, Dylan sponsors for this upcoming season? Slusser got 2nd. We had a decent battle at I rode for Eleven10 last year. They did my the beginning. The second one was good. It Kawis for last year. I’ve been with them for a was muddy. It would have been real good if while. All the sponsors I’ve had, I’ve been with they would have pulled the track and made for the last year, except for J27. They make it smoother after intermission. But it was a the ti-bolts and stuff and a good throttle tube. good weekend. It could have been a little I don’t even know what it is, but it just has so better. much...it snaps back faster than any throttle

Ken Fisher

By Jordan Roberts TRP: What’s your role in PAMX? I have two roles in a PAMX. I’m the Senior PAMX Rider Representative, and regionally I’m also the Insurance Communication Officer. The Rider Rep position is the contact for the riders. It’s not just me, by the way; we have a staff. What I represent is an alternate. Phil Kanarkowski, Dave Capane, Jeff, Wayne Arlett, are who’s on site. The role of the Rider Rep is really not to make decisions, but to

have all the input from the rider, the rider’s perspective, from the staff of people about everything from track conditions, class design, points, issues-just basically to represent on the rider’s behalf to the officers of PAMX, Jeff, DOC, Craig… So, it’s really the voice of the riders. Obviously it’s not my voice, but it’s my experience that I can hopefully interpret what the riders are saying about a particular issue, and I convey that to the officers. What are some of the new PAMX changes you’re excited about this year? I’m excited about a lot of the changes. All of them are geared towards better racing, a better race day. The longer motos, the condensed classes, and even more importantly I think the common program, a PAMX program that riders and promoters know that we have a program. When riders show up they know who they’re going to be on the gate with. We have a general moto order which can be flipped but people know what to expect and there’s some consistency among all the PAMX promoters. I think that

I’ve ever seen. They’re going to title sponsor what we’re doing, I think, along with Mosites and Eleven10. I just picked up a Scott gear deal. I’ve been with them for goggles for a couple years and they just hooked me up with some boots and gear. So, they’re definitely one of my bigger ones. Really it’s just going to be the same thing I did last year, just with a couple extra sponsors. It should be good. You said you planned on racing some of the Nationals. Which ones do you have in mind? I’m actually doing all of the Lites class. I’m going to run I think the first three that are out west, I think I’m going to ride Jeff Gibson’s supercross bike. They’re going to get that set up for outdoors, I think, and I’m going to ride for them. And then when I come back, whatever the fourth round is, I’ll come back and ride. I’ll have the same bike, but maybe doing it on my own deal. What are you expectations going into it? Last year I came into it after an injury and I hadn’t raced for two years before that. I finished top 20 so this year my goal is to be top 10, but I’ll be happy with anywhere in the top 15 every race and then overall. That’s the goal. TRP

will hopefully bring more riders out. And then condensing some of the classes to make a better day and also make a better gate and have better racing. And I keep using the word racing because that’s what we’re there for on Sundays. So what kind of classes do you race and on what kind of bike? Being as old as I am, there are probably a dozen classes that I’m eligible for. Typically I race the new Vet BC, 40 BC, and Plus 45. You can usually find me racing a KTM 450 SXF, but occasionally I’ll sneak in my KTM dual sport with the headlight and a license plate and turn signals. It’s pretty neat to run around the holeshot with a license plate and turn signals and a horn. Besides motocross, what are some other things you’re into? I have a family. I have a wife, one daughter, one dog, one guinea pig and four motorcycles and a set of golf clubs. Golf is probably my other passion. I’m much, much better at golf than I am at motocross, but motocross is way more important to me than golf. TRP

AMERICAN WOODS RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

COME RACE WITH US! SEASON 2012 SAT: QUADS/ PIBIKES SUN:DIRTBIKES PEE-WEES START 9AM, YOUTH 10AM ADULTS-NOON ADMISSION 10.00 FOLLOW US AT AWRCS.COM

APRIL-21/22- CROW CANYON URICHSVILLE ,OHIO MAY-19/20- WELLSVILLE ,OHIO JUNE -9/10- SCRUBGRASS VILLAGE OHV PARK, TEMPLETON PA JUNE 30/ JULY 1- FANTASY WHITETAIL, BOYERS PA JULY21/22- T.B.A. AUGUST 18/19- SOUTHINGTON OFF-ROAD PARK ,GARRETTSVILLE,OHIO SEPT. 1/2 – 100 MILER , TEMPLETON, PA SEPT. 22/23- CLINTONVILLE ,PA OCT.13/14 & OCT.27/28 T.B.A

Scrubgrass village Ohv park 1130 ridge road Templeton , Pa 16259 1242 AMAZING ACRES FOR ATV’S ,UTV’S, DIRTBIKES AND JEEPS FUN RIDE DATES: APRIL-15&29-JUNE-3&4-JULY-8 JULY -27,28,29- SCRUBGRASS OHV FEST AUG.26 -SEPT.16&30 –NOV.11 TOY RUN FOR MORE DETAILS :SGOHV.COM 32

THE RACING PAPER

FIRST-ROUND PICKS Local hotshots head to Hedgevilles, West Virginia, to chase down their dreams of making it to Loretta Lynn Ranch, but this is only the beginning.

arch Madness to most of America means college basketball. March Madness to the motocross world means the first full month of attempting to qualify for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch. Winter training and practice, late nights in the garage, and countless hours of travel all lead to one thing: the first step toward Hurricane Mills and the Loretta Lynn Ranch in August. Conveniently located close to the Baltimore/Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, Tomahawk Motocross Park, near Martinsburg, West Virginia, can stake a claim to one of the most attended Area Qualifiers for the Championship. This year was no different. With more than 1,000 riders over the two-day event, Tomahawk Motocross Park has cemented itself as a top draw on the road to Loretta’s. While numerous riders fought for the headlines, it was the addition of a new rolling sand section that turned out to

be the top story of the weekend. The sand section became a formidable opponent for every rider. “We wanted to add something to the track that the riders had not seen before,” said Tomahawk owner Chad Gochenour. “Something that would challenge [them] and change every lap. It definitely brought the top riders to the front of the pack. That’s what Loretta’s is all about.” By the time practice had wrapped up, it was assured that the sand section was going to challenge every rider, but it wasn’t going to keep the top riders from advancing to the Northeast Regional in June. With a full 40 riders on the gate, the first moto of the weekend was the popular 50cc (7-8) class. Tomahawk was abuzz with excitement; you could feel the energy in the air. The little miniwarriors did not disappoint. With two National titles in 2011, Cobra mounted Callin Kauffman, from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, took the early lead and attempted to run away with the first

Written by Tyler Newcomer Photos by Lauren Hall

moto. But in true Loretta’s fashion, New Jersey’s Deegan Harper wasn’t going to give up without a fight. Marking Kauffman’s every move for three laps, Harper was determined to take down the defending National Champion. But a tip-over in a tough off-camber would end Harper’s first-moto aspirations. Kauffman would go on to take the first moto win of the weekend. The second moto would call for more of the same from Kauffman. Hoping to run away with the event’s first championship, Kauffman had to overcome a mistake on the start of the last lap to hold off the late charge of New York’s Hunter Layton to go 1-1 and take home the first overall. While most of the riders were taking advantage of the practice day on Friday at Tomahawk before the race, Frederick, Maryland’s Jacob Grove was in an urgent-care facility trying to get healthy enough to overcome a case of bronchitis to make the trip. While visibly under the weather, he gave the large crowd 33

(clockwise from bottomleft) Casey Clark cuts through the blue skies; Jacob Grove won Open Pro Sport and 450 A; Attack of the minis!; Austin Toskov did well in Schoolboy 2 and 250 B Modified. 34

THE RACING PAPER

at Tomahawk their most exciting moto of the weekend. Grove piloted his Martinsburg Motorsports Suzuki to the early lead in the first 450A moto. However, he twice relinquished that lead wrecking in the same turn, the second time having a quick bout with a Tomahawk sprinkler head. Both times, the cool and collected Suzuki rider fought back to the lead using his local knowledge of the Tomahawk track to make calculated passes on the day’s top riders. Grove’s come-from-behind victory was the first of his perfect weekend, where he went 1-1 in both 450A and Open Pro Sport. Tomorrow’s stars are always featured in the Schoolboy and Super Mini classes. Local boy Brandon Garlock set the standard in both fields. With one foot flying off the peg through Tomahawk’s infamous rhythm section, the Falling Waters, West Virginia native took control of his first moto of the weekend toward the end of the first lap and never looked back. With flair and style all his own, Garlock swept the Schoolboy 1 class and Super Mini 1 and 2 classes, winning all six motos of the week-

end. Garlock looks determined to make Hurricane Mills his “vacation” destination this August. Austin Root took three overalls home to Chester, South Carolina, with him. Root won seven of his eight motos on the weekend, with his only loss coming at the hands of Bedford, Pennsylvania’s Joey Deneen in the second moto of Sunday’s 250B Modified Class. Deneen’s 2-1 moto scores gave him the crown over Root’s 1-2. This would be the only tarnish on an otherwise perfect weekend by Austin Root. While the ultimate goal of every rider at Tomahawk was a trip to Hurricane Mills and the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn Ranch, Tomahawk was only the first step. Those who qualified in the amateur classes head to Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pennsylvania, on June 2 and 3. The Youth Classes head to Doublin Gap MX Park in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, on June 23 and 24, where the competition is guaranteed to be even more intense and the chance of taking that last step even more difficult. But that’s why only the best of the best make it to Loretta Lynn Ranch. TRP

N O S A E S a f o

n w a D

s in l l a eb v r u e c slop. m so e to h t i w hin s f f n PRP s o m su k c i Photos and text k fro s , e t i by Arlene Lantzer Ser orecas g prin ther f Steel City S X a e M Written by Jordan Roberts PA the w e Photos by Fred h

Fred

Pittsburgh Raceway Park

he PAMX racing season has officially started, and what a start it was. The first round of the Spring Series provided fantastic weather for the time of year typically reserved for sleet, rain, mud or wind. The warm, sunny conditions woke riders up from a moto-hibernation and the pit area at Pittsburgh Raceway Park quickly filled up with coaches, motor homes, trailers and trucks. In turn, the classes filled up with familiar names from previous years, as well as many new ones. There were new bikes, riders were sporting awesome new gear, and there were even a few number changes. The track looked beautiful with its fresh spring dirt, sweeping turns, and all of the great places to make passes. Many nice ruts formed in the spring soil, allowing riders to shoot out of the corners, but there were a few grooves that seemed to gobble up the smaller bikes. Nevertheless, the 50cc 36

w e n

THE RACING PAPER

riders all battled through without too much delay. Dennis and his crew did a wonderful job with track preparation, registration, and flagging. As with the start of any new season, there are some minor things that will need to be ironed out as the year progresses, but the staff did an excellent job for the first race of the year. The quality of racing was also excellent, with many top riders

mixing it up in a variety of classes. The A and B classes have started out with some very familiar names, not to mention some new riders who appear to have real promise. Dylan Slusser is still keeping it right up front, along with Michael McDade and Broc Streit. Dylan Bantum took second behind Dylan Slusser in the 250 A class, but it was Michael McDade who beat out Dylan Slusser and Lantzer #98

Dylan Slusser nabbed the first 250 A win of the season.

Broc Streit in the Open A class. Jeremy Taylor dominated 250 B, Open B, and College Boy classes. He would win it over the likes of Joey Deneen in both 250 B and College Boy classes. Jonathan Sauers proved to be Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest competition in Open B with a second-place finish. The 250/Open C class had Cody Arlet taking first in both classes with Tanner Flemm and Jarrett Thompson keeping up in front. The Supermini and three 85 classes are stacked with great talent. Broc Papi, Timmy Crosby, Vinney Luhovey, Hank Hayes, Mark Peterman and Austin Legg are just a few of the riders who can be seen battling it out in these classes. Timmy Crosby and Broc Papi both took two first-place finishes in their classes, and Seth Andres had a firstplace finish over Logan Rummel in the 85 9-11 class. The 50 and 65 classes are always ones to watch, with Corey Passieu and Hank Hayes battling it out. Louis Moore won over Jacob Posey in

Lantzer #98

Fred

the 65cc 7-11 C class. The +25 A class had Billy Kibler beating Tim Scouten, and Eric Hamilton took the measure of Randy White in the +25 B/C class. (Welcome back, Eric!) Mike Weimer had the +35 A class all to himself with the Vet B/C class taking the second drop that moto. Mike was flying and was certainly impressive to watch. Michael Warchol and Brett White split moto wins, but Frank Ali took the overall in the Vet B/C class. Ken Fisher and his group of fantastic +40 B/C riders welcomed Bob Greiner back to the gate. Michael Warchol had a solid first in both motos, with Ken Fisher taking both second places behind him. Bob Greiner swapped a second and first place with Don Hanlon for an overall in the +45 class. Joey Deneen won the 2-Stroke class with Broc Streit triumphing in the 4-Stroke class. Grace Majkowski won the overall in the Women’s class, including a firstmoto win. This race day was a great start to the PAMX race season. The new class structure was full of outstanding riders. The pit area was not only filled with riders, but also a wonderful community of family members and spectators. I have only been to Pittsburgh Raceway Park twice and I have been so impressed with this great facility. Thank you to Dennis Bates and his fantastic crew for all that you do.

Steel City

he high temperatures and summer-like conditions vanished as soon as we started getting used to the unusually fantastic weather that started the 2012 PAMX season. Grey clouds stretched across the skies early Sunday morning, and a previous rainstorm left the grounds of Steel City a sloppy mess. Some threw in the towel upon hearing some unfavorable words from the weatherman, but an undeterred 225 entrants were ready to embrace the cards they were dealt – or at least make the most of them. Riders loaded up on tear-offs and headed out for practice. The onceuntouched track was quickly churned up as riders splashed in and out of the various deep sections. Jumps were immediately out of the question for all but a select few riders, and keeping it on two wheels had certainly become the task at hand for everyone. As the riders pulled off the track, they knew they were in for a fun and challenging day in the mud. The track crew, too, knew that conditions weren’t going to improve vastly throughout the day. They laid out a course on an un-

Lantzer #98

(clockwise from inset) It was all Jeremy Taylor (327) in the first round; Roll-offs anyone?; McDade sets the precedent for the start of the season. 37

Fred Fred

used portion of the track for the 50s and 65s, and kept the bulldozers at hand to continuously scrape off the excess on the big-bike track. Racing would kick off with the 250A and 250B classes heading up the first moto with two drops. It was Mike McDade from start to finish in the 250A class both motos. McDade would also dominate the Open A division, but not before stalling his bike off of the holeshot in the second moto. He quickly battled his way up through the pack, and looked to be gaining most of his time by being the only rider to consistently hit the uphill double-double. He eventually caught up to the leader, Broc Streit. Streit put in a solid lap-after-lap ride, with McDade trailing close behind. He was not willing to give up the lead without a fight, but McDade rode patiently and was able to make a pass stick before the checkered flag came out, giving him a perfect score for the weekend. The 250B class would arguably bring out the most exciting frontof-the-pack battle between Jeremy Taylor and Robert Perri, Jr. Perri grabbed an early lead but it wasn’t long before Taylor was right on his back wheel. Taylor was clearly making up time on Perri by hitting every jump his 2-stroke KTM could lift him over. Perri kept his lead for multiple laps but would eventually succumb to Taylor’s charging efforts late in the moto. Jeremy Taylor would capture a perfect 1-1 score in the 250B class, but he couldn’t quite repeat the same success in his other classes. Joey Deneen ran up front with Taylor in both motos of the 2-Stroke class. They swapped wins and second-place finishes, but Deneen would end up taking the overall with his second-moto win over Taylor. Deneen would also top Streit and Taylor in the College Boy class by taking the overall win with 1-2 moto scores. The 85 and Supermini classes were ruled by Timmy Crosby, who took home overall wins in 85 9-13, 85 12-15, and Supermini. Crosby was unmatched in his 85 classes and scored first-place finishes in all four motos, but Zack Sparks kept him honest in the Supermini class by grabbing the first-moto win. Sparks looked to have the speed to take home the overall in Supermini, but an early crash kept him from challenging Crosby in the second moto. Crosby would go on to collect the overall win with 2-1 moto scores. The track chewed riders up and spit them out all day long, but there’s something about a mud race that replaces the tensions of trying to win with inevitably lighthearted fun. Every rider was guaranteed to have one or two instances for the blooper reel, and if you can’t find the fun in that, you might be out there for the wrong reason. Now that we have the spring mud race out of the way, hopefully Mother Nature will return back to her kind ways. TRP

(top to bottom) Streit put in a solid ride for second overall; Zack Sparks caught up to second place after a crash early in the second moto; Deneen holds his Honda wide open across the water.

Fred

THE RACING PAPER

Daytona RCSX Riders congregate from all over the United States to race the oldest supercross in the history of the sport. Now you don’t need your pro license to enter.

he longest running supercross in our sport, Daytona, is now on its third year of being paired with its own unique amateur event: The Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship. Spread over the two days following the pro race, the amateur supercross gives any rider the unmatched opportunity to race the same supercross track as the pros. Of course, the track is tamed down to suit the skill level of amateur riders, but the layout normally remains unchanged. This year, though, was an exception due to the torrential downpour that occurred before, during, and after the pro race Saturday night. Staff made the obvious decision to cut the portion of the track that resembled a canal for small boats. Somehow, they were able to save the rest of the waterlogged track late Saturday night so it was ride-able by early Sunday morning. It’s a good thing, too, since riders came in from all corners of the Continental U.S., as well as Hawaii and Brazil, to ride on the hallowed grounds of Daytona. And with a turnout like that, the talent pool is bound to close in on the deep end. The event garnered some of the fastest young names in the amateur motocross ranks, including Vann Martin, Jesse Wentland, Cody Chisholm, Alexander Frye, and Camp Hill, Pennsylvania’s own Jarek Balkovic. As a matter of fact, Balkovic actually went on to win all three championships in the classes in which he competed. He dominated the Schoolboy 1 and 2-Stroke classes by winning both the heat races and main events. In Schoolboy 2, he placed second in the heat race behind Hudson, Florida’s RJ Hampshire, but still managed to win in the main event. Another familiar face to attend was that of Corey Passieu, from McDonald, Pennsylvania. Passieu is used to cleaning up in the small bike classes at local PAMX races, and he followed through with those expectations at Daytona by winning the 50 7-8 championship. Passieu also raced 65 7-9 and 65 Unlimited 7-11, where

THE RACING PAPER

Written by Jordan Roberts Photos by Fred

(clockwise from bottom right) Kyle Swanson (313) rips the holeshot and 250 A win; Jesse Wentland (26) leads a hungry pack; DC worked the starting-gate all day; Corey Passieu has his gameface on; Jeremy Taylor makes the stretch off of the very rutted finish-line jump.

he finished seventh in both heats, and eighth and sixteenth in the main events, respectively. The young guns weren’t the only standouts at this race. Barry Carsten, Earl May, and Mike Treadwell battled it out in every fast old-guy class there was. Though the racing between the three was close and exciting, Carsten walked away with every championship and holeshot award. There were many other unique flavors to the event besides the track and riders coming from different backgrounds. Coined as the hardest-working man in motocross during his heyday, Ricky Carmichael himself was on the podium from the first gate-drop until the last checkered-flag handing out championships and holeshot awards. DMXS Radio’s David Izer was on hand helping out on the podium, as well as doing a little co-announcing with Racer X’s own Jason Weigandt. Mitch Payton, of no-introductionneeded, was also in attendance, closely watching the youth take to the track and keeping an eye out for future employees. More importantly, the Monster girls were there (my professional racing dreams ended long ago). The Daytona Supercross used to just be the roughest, most original supercross track on the circuit, but in recent years it has evolved into a full family vacation destination. From watching the pro racing to racing the amateur event, and not to mention the ever-so-famous bike week and the beach, Daytona is definitely one to mark down on the bucket list. TRP

THE RACING PAPER

Written by Jen Kenyon Photos by Ken Hill

ou couldn’t ask for a more exciting season opener than an all-out intense battle for three hours through the deep sands and rough Florida terrain, pitting former GNCC champions against a new wave of talent looking to prove themselves as series contenders in what looks to be one of the most highly contested championships in GNCC Racing history. Now take all that excitement and press repeat, as the series bounced back into action for round two, no more than five days after going to battle at Florida’s opener. The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series kicked off its 2012 tour once again in conjunction with Daytona Bike Week, two and a half hours south of the madness at the beautiful Westgate River Ranch Resort, in River Ranch, Florida, for a unique opener where ATVs raced on Sunday and bikes on Tuesday, separated by the only chance for racers to ride an organized practice a day before each event. AmPro Yamaha Racing’s Paul Whibley, the 2009 GNCC champ, and defending champion Charlie Mullins battled down to the finish—and into sheer exhaustion—after three hours of intense racing at the Moose Racing Westgate River Ranch GNCC. No

more than six-tenths of a second separated Whibley and Factory FMF/KTM’s Mullins in the season opener, but it wasn’t just the two of them battling the entire race. New Zealand’s Rory Mead kept his WMR/KTM within striking distance for the first two hours, even passing Mullins for second place near the halfway point (1.5 hours in) when Mullins stopped for fuel. By this time, Whibley had created a cushion between himself and the second- and third-place riders.

Mullins recharged and put in one last run during the final hour of racing, reclaiming second from Mead. But it was Whibley—known as the “Axe Man”— who held his composure best and edged out Mullins, who was nearly touching the back tire of Whibley’s YZF-450 as the check-

ered flag fell, and Mead followed behind for the third spot. Fast behind them came XC2 Pro Lites winner Steward Baylor, riding a KTM 250 two-stroke. Much pre-season buzz centered around the 17-year-old’s attempt to win a race overall on his 250, since GNCC Racing starts the XC2 Pro Lites division one minute behind the XC1 Pros, giving the Lites riders a chance to prove themselves in the overall scheme on an adjusted time clock. Baylor scored another first place in XC2, as well as third overall on the adjusted time clock—beating out an entire field of 450s in the premier class, and making the young rider a heavy contender for the overall this season. The 13-round circuit took five short days off from racing and headed north to Aonia Pass MX Park in Washington, Georgia, for round two at the The Maxxis General GNCC. Things picked up right where they left off for some riders, including FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins, who scored a consistent (2-2) in the first two rounds. But it was Mullins’ teammate Kailub

Russell who took this one home, bouncing back from a shoulder injury that caused him to sit out the last hour of competition in Florida. Russell’s win in Georgia comes as only the second XC1 win of his career since his full-time debut in the premier class in 2011. Although Russell is young, there’s no doubting his ability to consistently put his FMF/KTM atop the podium and contend for the title amongst his veteran opponents this season. AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley sits on top of the championship point standings heading into round three, but holds a mere one-point lead over FMF/ KTM’s Charlie Mullins. Kailub Russell holds the third position, while Shenandoah Honda/Offroad Champion’s Thad DuVall sits fourth and WMR/KTM’s Rory Mead holds the fifth place spot early in the season. Coming up in April, the CanAm Grand National Cross Country Series heads to Morganton, North Carolina, for the FMF Steele Creek GNCC, followed by the Dunlop Big Buck in Union, South Carolina. The month closes out with a new location to the schedule, The Mammoth GNCC in Park City, Kentucky. For more information on the series, visit www.gnccracing.com. TRP 43

Photo Report

With TJ Phillips By Lauren Hall

We take a trip to the oldest Arenacross in the history of the sport to catch up with the newest batch of quick contenders. Photos by Lauren Hall

Trent Rickert leads the 85s through the rhythm section; Joey Deneen won Open B and placed second in 250 B.

Open A holeshot led by Casey Clark; Open A heat winner Richie Kastle takes his Yamaha through the rhythm section.

Cory Carsten (left) and his dad (Barry Carsten) would make a fast duo for any one-off team races. Cory swept both of his classes and Barry earned some money too. Miss Motorama; Clint Johnson and TJ Phillips duke it out in Open A. Phillips won it, with Johnson taking second. 44

THE RACING PAPER

TRP: What kind of bike do you ride and what was your setup? Phillips: I ride a Kawi 250 and we set up the sprockets, suspension and stiffened the springs for the Arenacross series. How did you do? Good, I won both lites class and in the open classes placed 5th and 2nd. When did you first start riding? I first started riding at 10, and I’m 20 now. So half my life. Living here with our winters (Phillips is from New Castle, PA) what do you do for practice and prep for the upcoming season? I ride all the Arenacrosses and money races. I also go to South Carolina to ride at ClubMX. When I’m home I find whatever race is going on big or small and try to participate. With Arenacross I’ve been placing within top 5 in the lites rounds. There has been some pretty good competition. What do you have planned for the 2012 season? I’m going to finish up the Arenacross series and plan on racing some SX. You compete in the PAMX series too right? Yes, I did a few. I raced in FLY Racing’s GSC Championship and Thor Yamaha’s Spring Series by Dunlop, both in Open A and 250 A. Phillips took home 2 wins, some cash and his one of a kind Motorama trophy. Congratulations to him and all of the other 2012 Motorama Arenacross winners.

By Jordan Roberts

Renthal Fat Bars // $89.95

I’ve got a lot of experience with fat bars. It’s where I found my significant other, and I’m not ashamed to say it. Actually, I’ve been more empowered and in control than I’ve ever been thanks to the new KTM bends Renthal came out with. They come in both high and low rise to better suite your comfort.

www.Renthal.com Dunlop Geomax // Varies

Speaking of hooking up, Dunlop offers a variety of offroad and motocross tires for every type of riding. Pictured here are their MX51’s, which cover a wide array of intermediate terrain and are the go-to tire for most riders. Do your tires’ knobbies look like this? If not, slap a pair of these on or consider supermoto.

www.DunlopMotorcycle.com Lockstraps// $39.95

This is definitely one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” products. Lockstraps keep your ride safe by utilizing two combination locks on each tie-down, and a steel cable that runs through the strap to hinder most cutting. It’s like The Club steering wheel lock for your bike.

www.Lockstraps.com Xpeed // $125

Xpeed has produced street helmets for a while now, but they’re relatively new to the offroad market with just one helmet model available. All-in-all, it’s a pretty decent helmet for a buck twenty-five. But their open-face? Now that’s what’s up!

www.XpeedHelmet.com

Only the brave and determined showed up for the second round of PAMXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Series at Steel City. The mud was plentiful and deep, and most riders gained an extra thirty pounds by the time they exited the track. Some rode for series points, but others simply went out for some fun in the mud. Photo by Fred

THE RACING PAPER

LOG ON TO WWW.RIDEMPS.COM • LOG ON TO WWW.RIDEMPS.COM • LOG ON TO WWW.RIDEMPS.COM

COME AND BE A PART OF ONE OF THE LARGEST SPONSORED RACE TEAMS AROUND! 2012 MODELS IN STOCK! • 2012 MODELS IN STOCK! • 2012 MODELS IN STOCK! • 2012 MODELS IN STOCK! TOP FLOOR: MOTOCROSS AND OFF-ROAD

MIDDLE FLOOR: PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

BOTTOM FLOOR: STREET BIKES AND ATVS

FOR ALL YOUR MOTOCROSS, OFF-ROAD, ATV, AND STREET-BIKE NEEDS THREE FLOORS FULL OF BIKES, PARTS, AND ACCESSORIES

CALL: 304-296-9055 526 MILEGROUND ROAD, MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA 26505