Volume 10 // Issue 6 by The Racing Paper

VOLUME 10 ISSUE X // 2013 Rice

TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT AT SLEEPY HOLLOW

Lukaitis

KROC WITH HEPLER AT RACEWAY PARK

SAM GREENAWALT • STATE SERIES STATS • PAMX AT MEC • LAMONT HUNTER 1

BIKE Kailub Russell XC1 Pro Grant Baylor XC2 Pro Lites Bob Dunlap Open A Zach Love 250 A Triston Landrum 200 A Trevor Bollinger 4 Stroke A Lites Joe Marsh Vet A (30+) Phil Smith Senior A (40+) Joseph McCarty Open B Ben Parsons 250 B Trent Smith 200 B Cody Pingley 4 Stroke B Lites Kenny Hawkins Vet B (30+) Tom Derby Senior B (40+) Maria Forsberg Women Brittany Hesson Women Amateur Rick Matteson Super Senior A (45+) John Huegel Super Senior B (45+) Vance Earl Masters A (50+) Bill Mount Masters B (50+) Jeff Fredette Silver Masters (55+) Ronald Walters Golden Masters (60+) Trenton Matteson Open C College (14-21) Adam McConnell Open C Junior (22+) Charles Morrison 250 C (12-19) Isaac Absalom 250 C (20+) Brandon Ghearing 200 C Schoolboy (12-15) Bradyn Mohr 200 C (16+) Benjamin Otto 4 Stroke C Lites Luke Miller Vet C (30+) William Lackey Super Vet C (35+) Charles Waggoner Senior C (40+) Dan Kuster Super Senior C (45+) Dale Folwell Masters C (50+) Braxton McGee Super Mini (14-15) Vincent Smith Super Mini (12-13) Chase Hayes 85 (12-13) Daniel Spurgeon 85 (7-11) Randall Ervin 65 (10-11) Jake Easler 65 (7-9) Korie Steede Girls (9-14) Logan Carlisle 50 Jr. (4-6) Lucas Grounds 50 Sr (7-9)

THE RACING PAPER

ATV Chris Borich XC1 Pro Brycen Neal XC2 Pro Am Marshal Goings College A (16-21) Martin Christofferson Junior A (22+) Todd Demaree Vet A (28+) Brian Schmid Senior A/B (40+) Cameron Bruce College B (16-21) Kevin Patterson Junior B (22+) Aaron Delancey Vet B (30+) Kylie Ahart Women Kristen Deloach Women Amateur (15+) Dave Simmons Super Senior (45+) Kenny Rich Sr. Masters (50+) Michael Swift U2 Bryan Buckhannon 4x4 Open Kevin Trantham 4x4 Lites Forrest Whorton 4x4 Senior (40+) Ryan Smith 4x4 Novice Scott Sleppy Sport (15+) Cody Collier Schoolboy (13-15) Corey Silverthorn Schoolboy (13-15) Novice Kirkland Vest 16-19 C Matt Thomas 20+ C Simon Bissell 24+ C Sam Lamp 30+ C Mark Batson 35+ C Phillip Thayer 40+ C Hunter Hart 90 Open (12-15) Carter Kerens 125 Sr. (12-15) Gauge Moore 125 Jr. (8-11) Eli Campbell 90 Sr. (12-15) Dylan Walraven 90 Jr. (8-11) Jordan Digby 90 Limited (8-12) Sadie Welch Girls (8-15) Layne McCormick 70 CVT (6-11) Logan Carlisle 50 Open Jr. (4-6) Alexis Farley 50 Open Sr. (7-11) UTV Polaris National Guard XC1 Modified Team Jacks II XC2 Limited 3 Seas Recreation XC3 Lites ATVScene.com UTV Novice Limited

BIKE CHAMPION KAILUB RUSSELL

5x ATV CHAMPION CHRIS BORICH

Greiner

In The Blood put up $500 for the winners of each A class over the threeround series. Flip to page 33 to see who took home the cash.

WORDS: DAN HATHAWAY PHOTOGRAPHY: MIMI GREINER, ARLENE LANTZER #98 Rice

aFred

WORDS: JORDAN ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY: AFRED

Everyone dusted off their Ratio Rites and bought some premix for the third annual Sleepy Hollow Two-Stroke Shootout.

Two-Stroke Shootout WORDS: ROB HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT RICE

contributor p.04 sign up p.04 night of champions p.06 next exit p.09 flashpoint p.10 front & center p.17 bar-to-bar p.19 fire off p.21 public address p.22 premix p.26 take 5 p.31 inventory p.45 tapped out p.46 trick or treat p.49

Moto riders over age 25 and off-road riders of all ages enjoyed the two-day High Point Vet National Weekend at the end of September.

Lukaitis

There weren’t many Pennsylvania riders that attened this year’s Kawasaki Race of Champions, but the ones that did brought a lot of speed.

K.R.O.C.

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOTT LUKAITIS

Editor / Designer Jordan Roberts Staff Lens aFred, Simon Cudby Staff Pens Jen Kenyon, Chase Stallo Head Honcho Davey Coombs Boss Guy Bryan Stealey Boss Girl Julie Kramer Advertising Tim Crytser Accounts Jerri Headlee Voice of Reason Rita Coombs Contributing Writers Timmy Coombs, Brittany DeNeen, Dan Hathaway, Tyler Newcomer Contributing Photographers Mimi Greiner, Lauren Hall, Arlene Lantzer #98, Zak Lowery, Amy Schaaf COVER PHOTO BY AFRED 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 ATV, 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

USA

5¢

We didn’t receive any letters this month, so I hope you don’t mind if we run some of our favorite Lantzer #98 photos from High Point. -JR

Simon “Phil Collins” Cudby has been one of the best photographers in the biz for some time now. Also known as The Governor, he is Racer X Illustrated‘s senior photographer, which means The Racing Paper can nab some of his hi-res visual marvels whenever a PAMX rider is fortunate enough to jump in front of his lens. Though Cudby is revered for his knowledge of photography and extensive experience shooting motocross, he’s also a family man who enjoys mountain biking and riding motocross whenever he’s not covering races or other press functions. Check out page 30 for some of Cudby’s photos from the Monster Energy Cup, where he shot the two PAMX riders who were fast enough to make it into the night show. Cudby will now likely retire, having completed his lifelong transcontinental goal of being featured in The Racing Paper.

Want to write a letter to The Racing Paper? Send it to: jordan@racerxonline.com or TRP Sign Up 122 Vista Del Rio Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508 4

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2013 PAMX Awards Banquet December 7, 2013 The Aces 316 Chestnut Street Johnstown, PA 15906 Hall Number: (814)536-4176

Awards will be presented at the 7th Annual PAMX Awards Banquet on the evening of December 7, 2013 at the Aces Nightclub. Please plan to attend the banquet to be recognized for you accomplishments. Additional prizes will be given out to those racers who attend the banquet. In order to receive your tickets and trophy, you must fill out the RSVP form, which can be found on www.GoPamx.com. Tickets are $25 each and will not be sold at the door. You may call (412)614-0601 or go onto www.GoPamx.com to check if your response has been received. A class riders must attend to receive their checks. We will not mail your checks out. If you do not attend and send in to have your trophy mailed out, you will receive it approximately 14 days after the banquet. See you there! 6

THE RACING PAPER

50cc 1 1 Nathanial Jackson 2 Josh Peremba 3 Devon Lineman 4 Joseph Shipley 5 Jude Smerlick

235 218 194 93 25

85 / 150 12-15 1 Vincent Luhovey Jr 2 Nicholas Keruskin 3 Hank Hays 4 Christopher Tedesco 5 Ty Kesten

225 93 64 56 42

50cc 2 1 Jaydon Mccurdy 2 Austin Dinkfelt 3 Caleb Lineman 4 Ryder Kuklinskie 5 Connor Heller

219 193 180 157 131

Supermini (12-15) 1 Vincent Luhovey Jr 2 Derek Elwood 3 Seth Andres 4 Cameron Heiser 5 Mark Peterman

225 184 157 121 100

50cc 3 1 Nathanial Jackson 2 Parker Repko 3 William Sokol 4 Joseph Shipley 5 Quinton Ritchey 5 Shane Bunting

240 199 174 127 18 18

Schoolboy (12-16) 1 Hunter Shriner 2 Derek Elwood 3 Timmy Crosby 4 Koi Echalk 5 Garrett Smith

194 164 162 162 146

50cc Open 1 Jaydon Mccurdy 2 Caleb Lineman 3 Austin Dinkfelt 4 Josh Peremba 5 Gavin Meloy Jr

222 198 195 144 115

250 A 1 Steve Roman Jr 2 Dylan Slusser 3 Joey Deneen 4 Jason Mcconnell Jr 5 Ty Newcome 5 Charles Bright

226 220 133 52 47 47

65cc 7-9 1 Tyler Capane 2 Zachary Hufstetler 3 Zachary Ometz 4 Layton Fox 5 Tylor Fiorita

206 174 156 147 138

250 B 1 Zach Oesterling 2 Timmy Crosby 3 Jarrett Thompson 4 Brock Bell 5 Dylan Harris

189 160 159 137 128

65cc 10-11 1 Colton Gorby 2 Christian Mccauley 3 Kohl Kostelnik 4 Cameron Davis 5 Chase Yentzer

238 191 108 75 42

250 C 1 Hunter Shriner 2 Derek Carberry 3 Kevin Bednar 4 Justin Norco 5 Andrew Orischak

228 182 154 115 89

85cc 9-11 1 Jacob Ingram 2 Colton Gorby 3 Noah Carben 4 Christian Mccauley 5 Brandon Barr

219 205 171 158 147

Open A 1 Steve Roman Jr 2 Dylan Slusser 3 Bryan Bachman 4 Samuel Greenawalt 5 Joey Deneen

241 220 122 117 109

Jr Mini Thru 13 1 Jacob Ingram 2 Colton Gorby 3 Brandon Barr 4 Jacob Hepler 5 Cole Jones

226 190 145 142 137

Open B 1 Zach Oesterling 2 Jarrett Thompson 3 Aerian Weaver 4 Shawn Woody 5 Aaron Fenchak

196 173 162 136 124

Open C 1 Derek Carberry 2 Brodi Snyder 3 Nathan Puzak 4 Vincent Odonnell 5 Brendan Mayancsik

202 178 155 152 128

+40 B/C 1 Ralph Bentley 2 Chris Sokol 3 Donald Luther Jr 4 Douglas Orischak 5 Ken Fisher Jr

250 194 171 159 46

Collegeboy (14-24) 1 Samuel Greenawalt 2 Gavin Murphy 3 Garrett Smith 4 Joshua Liston 5 Broc Streit

167 130 102 97 92

+45 1 Ralph Bentley 2 Jeff Kish 3 Mimi Greiner 4 Todd Streit 5 Mike Jones

236 147 117 87 75

Open D 1 Chase Modic 2 Cory Nicklow 3 Devin Holleran 4 Dustin Morningstar 4 Robert Dallo

137 90 39 25 25

2 Stroke 1 Gavin Murphy 2 Denny Roe 3 Trey Gildea 4 Zachary Kantner 4 Joey Deneen

184 158 89 50 38

+25 B/C 1 Clayton Powers 2 Matthew Marlowe 3 Randy Lawson 4 Alex Rick 5 Brandon Borchin

202 199 195 184 64

4 Stroke 1 Steve Roman Jr 2 Aerian Weaver 3 Clayton Powers 4 Broc Streit 5 Christopher Corcoran

200 178 176 91 60

+25 A 1 Steve Roman Jr 2 Christopher Corcor. 3 Mark Mills 4 James Evans 5 Michael Foor

125 95 54 44 25

Women 1 Tiffany Palacki 2 Jennifer Kish 3 Raeslee Weimer 4 Emma Hepler 5 Jenna Harker

213 193 75 53 36

Vet B/C 1 Ralph Bentley 2 Randy Lawson 3 Brett White 4 Douglas Orischak 5 Mick Datri

250 196 148 135 117

Bomber 1 Matthew Brady 2 Jack Machuta Jr 3 Rick Myers 4 Scott Himler 5 David Kline

199 142 61 52 47

+35 1 Ralph Bentley 2 Rick Barrett 3 James Evans 4 Mike Jones 5 Todd Streit

227 76 75 72 25

THE RACING PAPER

EXIT

WORDS & PHOTO: JORDAN ROBERTS

...the riders referenced weren’t guilty of any rule infraction, just like the ’01 YZ250f.

his column comes to you from the Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama at 5:30am, so I apologize in advance for any typos. We’re all dealing with the climate change as fall creeps in on us, and the colder weather inevitably brings in snow that will cover our favorite tracks and riding areas. I headed south for a little bit of riding at Monster Mountain, which if just 45 minutes outside of Montgomery. I’ve never had the chance to stay down south and ride over the winter—as some of the fortunate few are able to do at motocross-specific training facilities—but I can certainly see how the time and money spent to stay down here would be a benefit for the Loretta Lynn Area Qualifiers that roll around in the spring. But I’m down here for a completely different reason: To ride the all-new 2014 Yamaha YZ250f. Yamaha brought down a large group of the media to introduce their new (and finally) fuel injected 250s. We got two days of seat time at Monster Mountain and I have to say, both the bike and the track were a lot of fun. The new bike was presented with radical design changes, including the controversial rearward slanted engine and front-end air intake. The new Yamaha 250 will more than likely fire up some chatter across the internet message boards and throughout the pits just as it did when it was initially introduced in 2001. The introduction of that very first YZ250f changed the face of competitive motocross racing as we know it

today. The 250 four-stroke was quickly recognized for its clear and distinct advantage against a field of 125 two-strokes. People ranted over Yamaha’s temporary technological domination over the 125 class. They accused it as being a “cheater” bike for years, even though there weren’t any rule infractions of any kind. It was just that good. I caught some flack for loosely using the term “cheater” in the last issue. I was giving a group of riders a hard time, and even though it was meant to be good-natured, the lack of context created a little commotion. To clear up any confusion caused by that seven-letter curse word in the last issue, the riders referenced weren’t guilty of any rule infraction, just like the ’01 YZ250f. They were just that good. Again. I understand some of you may send some of these articles out to your sponsors, so if that interview was one of them, please clip out this column and write, “See attachment” when you send it in. I promise to mess around and have fun with you guys in person, but leave the rest for print. On a different note, a lot of us in Morgantown are excited for the premier of Moto 5, the movie, right in the center of downtown Morgantown. The movie premier will be held on November 15th at the Metropolitan Theatre on High Street. The doors will open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 7:30. They’ll be selling tickets at the door, but only if they haven’t sold out. You can grab them online at moto5morgantown. eventbrite.com if you’d like a guarantee that you’ll get your foot in the door. There will be a raffle for some cool products from a bunch of the movie’s sponsors, Red Bull will be on hand, and we’re currently working out the details on a Racer X after-party for attendees 21 and older. Check out the trailer if you haven’t yet; I don’t think it’ll disappoint. Hit us up on The Racing Paper’s Facebook page if you have any questions. We hope to see you there! 9

Is there anybody else that can claim they were having fun throwing out one-footers at the Monster Energy Cup? None that we know of. Brock Papi (144) and Gavin Towers (6) held it down for PAMX in Las Vegas. Check out page 29 for the MEC review. PHOTO: SIMON CUDBY

THE RACING PAPER

PHOTO: SIMON CUDBY

The Pre ‘95 and ‘85 classes at the High Point Vet National brought out everyone’s prized posessions, including Matt Mason’s ‘82 Suzuki RM 250. Flip to page 37 for the vintage collections and more. PHOTO: JORDAN ROBERTS

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INTERVIEW: JORDAN ROBERTS PHOTOS: AFRED

Steve TRP: What have you been up to today? Roman: I just got out of work. Where do you work? I work at Akers National Roll steel mill. They pour from a ladle and I’m in a lab testing the metal. Whenever it’s getting ready to be poured, I look into the computer system and make sure all the alloys pass inspection and whatnot.

not. It was the first year in probably two and a half years that I committed to a series. I was on Yamahas and they paid such bad contingency that it made it not even worth racing the locals, but my dealership helped me out with Suzuki this year and they pay awesome contingency every round. I’d be able to make really good money.

Are you exposed to liquid-hot metal? They are down in the foundry, but being where I’m at, no. I don’t ever have to go down to it, which is nice. They pour it down in the steel foundry and it goes into a spinner, which goes into a casting and makes the mold. How long have you been working that job? Almost a year. Before that I was just always working construction for just one guy that sponsored me.

That’s not too bad. No, and especially being local. I figured it kept me in shape for getting ready for arenacross. That’ll be coming up. You also won Open A in the In The Blood Triple Crown too. How’d that go? It wasn’t too bad. I had really good luck on my 450. My 250, I had a lot of races I kind of let get away from me, and I felt that I couldn’t make up any ground on that bike. But my 450, it seemed like no matter what I’d do, I’d just get awesome starts and would always win those races. With my 250, I just struggled a little bit more. How was it racing with Dylan Slusser pretty much the whole series? It was fun. We kept it friendly. It’s not like we ever had any races where we were banging bars or anything. It was pretty clean racing. We both talked how much it would be better if more local kids came racing, but a lot of people choose not to race. There are still usually six or seven guys [in the A class], but there could have been another four guys that could have been in there to win, but no one came for them.

When’s the last time you were on a Racing Paper cover? That’s a good question. I’d say probably two years at least. It’s been a while. So definitely when Billy Ursic was still doing it. Yeah, definitely. [Ed. note: It was the November/ December 2008 issue. Zak Lowery photo cred.] You had a pretty good year locally. What did you win at the end of the race season? I think technically I won all four classes: +25 A, Open A, 250 A, and Four-Stroke. I only raced six of the rounds in +25 A because they were only getting two or three guys and it wouldn’t pay enough contingency to keep doing them. I don’t know if I would still get something for that or

in some other classes. So each round I’d win, I was clearing $500-700 a weekend.

And that’s why you really tried to push for the State Championship series this year? Basically. It was nice to do them, but I more or less did them because of the contingency. If you’re going there just to race the A classes you’re not going to make much, but with contingency they pay $250 in the A class and $200

There are two sides to that coin. It’s easier to win on a smaller gate but usually a little more fun when you line up with a lot of guys. Does having a smaller gate affect your contingency? Well, that’s another nice thing with Suzuki—you only really have to have three guys. If you have three guys, they’ll pay top two. If you have five or more guys in the class, then they’ll pay top five. Then the payout for the PAMX money, it re17

try to do five or six rounds, whatever the closest ones are that I can hit. It kind of sucks. It seems like they’re getting farther and farther away. Well, Muddy Creek jumped in the schedule, so that’s good. I left Muddy Creek out. Obviously I would hit that because it’s only about six and a half hours away. How old are you now? I’m 26, just turned. Starting to get old in the motocross world! How many more years do you want to do nationals? I don’t know. I feel like if I keep doing what I’ve been doing, I’m going to stay young. I want to try to just do it until I get tired and burn out on doing them. I don’t feel like I practice or ride nearly as much as I used to. I enjoy getting out once a week and racing on the weekends. I just try to road bike a little bit and just keep myself in shape. I don’t know how many years I plan on doing them. I’d like to make a return at Loretta’s at some point—not this year coming up, but the following. ally wouldn’t be bad if we would keep an average of fifteen guys coming, but when there are only five guys, the payouts aren’t the best. Even if I were making less money, I would rather be racing a bigger field than just a few guys. I find it more fun to have fifteen guys or whatever in there. What are your plans for this winter? Arenacross? Supercross? I plan on doing at least all of the East Coast arenacross races—maybe a few more—but it just depends on how much work I can get out of. I’m going to try to do two or three of the supercross races—the ones that are closer. We do have that new one in New Jersey. I’d like to hit some of them. There are a lot of other local arenacross races that I always do. There are a couple in Ohio that pay really good, and there’s also one in Huntington, West Virginia. I just want to keep racing as much as I can to stay in shape for outdoors next year. Are you sticking with Suzuki for the ’14 season? Yeah, I haven’t got my ‘14s yet from my dealership, but it sounds like we’re going to be pretty good on that. I was thinking I was going to ride Yamahas, seeing as they released those new bikes, but I don’t know. I rode the ’14 450 Yamaha and I wasn’t not impressed, but it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. I’m just really happy with the Suzukis. I’m 85 percent sure we’re staying on them. Yamaha might up their contingency with their revamped program. We’ll see with that. They did bump theirs up. It’s really good if you race the nationals, but their amateur contingency hasn’t been nearly what Suzuki’s has. I don’t think they released it quite yet, though. They don’t really release it until after the first or fifth of January—somewhere in there. I have to have a bike and have it ready for arenacross. I don’t want to be banking on trying to hold off and then it not being much anyway. I just feel that with all the parts and everything that I have on my Suzukis and the motors, the guy that’s been helping me out has figured out a lot from this past year. We’d be starting all over if I have to go the Yamaha, where he pretty much has a good idea what he’s doing to the Suzukis already. Who’s working on your motors? Bruno Holnaider. He doesn’t have a company name or anything, but he will do it for anybody that’s really just getting started. The past ten or fifteen years he’s built motors in a lot of diesel trucks and quads. He lives close and this year I decided to try something new. It’s been nothing but success. Everything he’s doing has far exceeded anything I ever had before. It’s just really good. It’s held up all season. Both of my bikes have held up and haven’t had an issue at all with the motors. It’s a pretty good program so far. How many nationals would you like to do this summer? Probably six or seven—the closest ones, like High Point, Budds Creek, Unadilla—all of those. I really would like to go back out to Millville. I went there two or three years ago. That was my favorite track. It seems like when that round comes I either have had a bike issue or something and I haven’t been able to make it back. But I really liked that track. I’d like to 18

THE RACING PAPER

What classes would you like to go for? I would probably do Open A and +25. I always wanted to try to get a championship at Loretta’s, but now it seems like every year since the last two or three it’s been getting stronger and stronger in +25. Every year you see a couple more really big names going back, but that wouldn’t stop me. I’d still love to just go down and do the experience again. I hadn’t been since I was 13. I only went one time on my 85. We just didn’t go back. I did Mini Os twice, though, on a big bike, and I enjoyed that a lot. But I would like to try Loretta’s again now that I have a lot more experience in the racing world from when I was a kid. When did you start getting serious in racing? I didn’t even start until I was 12, so probably my second year in I went to Loretta’s. What was your first Loretta’s class? 14-15 Mod. Those amateur races, Mini Os—stuff like that—all the way up until today doing arenacross, supercross, and nationals… Is there one period of time or accomplishment that really sticks out in your mind? I would just say qualifying for my first national that I tried for, because I really didn’t do very many big amateur races. I think I had already done a national when I went back to Mini Os. My first national I qualified for was Broome-Tioga. That’s not even around anymore, but that was in ’06—the last year they had it, I believe. Who’s been helping you out this year? Hillview Motorsports, PR2, Moose Racing, Bruno Holnaider on my engines, In The Blood Tattoo, Foundation Station, KMS Heating and Cooling, Total Image Autosport, Wiseco, J27, Alpinestars, Bel-Ray, Sunstar, 100%, Works Connection, 180 Decals, Yoshimura, Leatt, and Shoei.

But as soon as he was done talking, Brock Papi, son of long-time racer Dave Papi, shows up near the front of the Super Mini class.

id anyone get to see the Monster Cup on TV last month? I didn’t get to go this year, or any other year for that matter. Not since the one time I got to go. Never again. I’m better off via satellite—less gambling that way. Besides, I’m getting old, and with a premium cable package I can control time better than Adam Sandler. Literally, the table was centered right in front of the casino’s big-screen TV that was located exactly one floor above the turn that went under the MGM Grand through the parking lot. The whole race was right in front of me and the drinks were free and really tasty, mostly due to the very dry climate in the hotel’s main casino. Besides, I was on a real roll—the kind where you don’t have to keep going back to the cash machine or Western Union, or even the card dealer himself. The only stakes I was worried about were the ones my wife was surely about to burn on the grill as soon as the race ended, even though I was recording it so that she could have the steaks ready as soon as we were done watching the broadcast. As my son watched, I asked him if he might someday race in the KTM Jr. Challenge. He told me that he probably wouldn’t be fast enough to be in it even in a couple of years. But as soon as he was done talking, Brock Papi, son of long-time racer Dave Papi, shows up near the front of the Super Mini class. It totally blew my mind. I knew that Gavin Towers was thinking about going, but I wasn’t sure whether his leg had healed yet. I knew he went out there this year at Dallas and did well, getting second. When I saw Brock Papi out there up in the front, I told my son that as long as he put his heart into it, he would be fast enough to race out there someday before he’s forced to ride a four-stroke and wear earplugs. I wonder why guys from our area can’t team up and drive out together and spilt fuel expenses and keep each other up all night snoring or swerving off the road while everyone else is trying to sleep. It’s a lot farther away than Tennessee or Texas for that matter. Once, on the way home from trying to qualify for the Superbowl of Motocross in the L.A. Collesium, Jeff Glass and I were driving across Texas in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere and we saw a UFO in the night sky to our south. But, it was before cell phones or travel-size camcorders. We didn’t stop to be stupid and just kept driving—been there, done that. Besides, the only pro rider that’s been abducted, other than me, was Jeff Alessi.

Roberts

If in doubt of a post, DO NOT POST!

n this installment to Racer X’s Virtual Trainer, I would like to step out of my trainer shoes and write an article from a slightly different viewpoint. In this article, I would like to focus attention on what you can do off the track to improve your relations with the public, sponsors and the industry. I realize that I am a trainer and my expertise lies in training the physical and mental components that make up success at the races but over the last few years in motocross, I have had the unique opportunity to observe and be involved in decision-making at the team management level. In all cases, results are the single most important factor when a team or sponsor is making decisions on where to lend support. You have to have the results. Without the results the rest of this article is a moot point. But a close second to results are the intangibles that a rider can possess: public image, public relations, sponsor relations, etc. These characteristics and qualities may be second in line to results on the master list but can be equally as important.

It is difficult to categorize and prioritize the individual components that make up a rider’s public relations “package.” Listed are some key points in the areas of public relations that I have observed and feel are important in creating your own PR package: • Public Relations: This is your public image and how you relate to the public in general. Race fans, other riders and families, the target market of your or your team’s sponsors, even people and families in your local community. • Personality: Fortunately or unfortunately part of your job is to be a public representative of your team and sponsors. You have to keep this position of representative in the back of your mind when out in public and try to present what you feel the team and sponsors desire. You may not be in the greatest of moods but you have to try to present the image that you are happy to be racing motocross for the team and sponsors that you have chosen to represent. You may have a different personality in the private confines of your own room but out in public, in the pits, stands and elsewhere you really need to portray a happy, outgoing and appreciative member of the team and of the companies that back you. • Actions: People will judge you by your actions more so than by your words. You can say all you want but if your actions don’t match your words, the actions always speak louder. You want to act in a way that makes you a positive 20

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asset to your team and sponsors. This is all common sense really; act in a way that you like to see others act. Act in a way that makes the fans appreciate who you are outside of your race results. When things go wrong, take it as an opportunity to show the public what kind of person you really are, past the initial frustration and anger. They will remember that far longer than the actual incident that spurred those emotions in the first place. • Image: Again, perception is reality. If you appear messy, grunged-out, and just plain sloppy then the public will assume that you’re a slob, immature, and just plain don’t care. Put your best foot forward and don’t give the public a chance to make a false judgment. Display yourself as a clean, responsible and professional individual. Managing an image is within the job description for any professional athlete. Image sells and that is what the sponsors are looking for. • Social Media: While social mediums like Facebook and Twitter continue to grow and change, think 10 times before you post something. A good way to determine if a post should go public is to ask yourself, “Would I post this if my team manger were sitting right here next to me?” Remember, posts on social media are permanent even if you think you deleted it. If in doubt of a post, DO NOT POST! • Sponsor Relations: The relationship that you build and manage between yourself and your team and sponsors outside of actual racing performance. • Appreciation: It all boils down to appreciation for the sponsors. It is important to show your appreciation of their support each and every opportunity you get. Sponsors want to be included and involved; they want to feel part of the team and part of your racing efforts. Not only should you make an attempt to talk to them when they are at events but also send them an email or call them with your race results and race report when they are not present. When renewal time comes around it’s the little efforts that are remembered you make that are above and beyond what is written in a contract. These are just a few points that may aid you in presenting an attractive overall package to potential teams and sponsors. Remember that success can come in many forms. A good result is obviously a success but starting a relationship with an industry sponsor or gaining fans in a new locale are also forms of success that can ultimately lead to your long-term goals in the sport. Strive for wins out on the track but also strive to become a winner off the track. Having both can stack the odds in your favor that you will have the support and prosperity that is the dream of most riders.

AS TOLD TO: JORDAN ROBERTS PHOTO: AFRED

with sam

...so I got a PW50 and I think I immediately crashed it into a tree or something.

Getting Started I got a dirt bike when I was 5 for Christmas. My dad raced before me, but he just raced up at Evansville—the little supercross tracks they had. He never got into it when he was little. He got into it later as a teenager. I always liked it and always watched it. I had actually gone to watch nationals since I was 3. So when I was 5, my dad thought it would be time to get me a bike, so I got a PW50 and I think I immediately crashed it into a tree or something. First Race I don’t remember when my first race was. I’m pretty sure I was either 5 or had just turned 6. I raced at Evansville—my dad raced too—just on the pee-wee track, and I got last or something. It was me on a PW50 against a bunch of KTMs. That was my first race. Best Race of the Year For this year, it was definitely the money race at Pyramid Valley, Fastest of the Fast. That was really good for me because I was the first guy that didn’t have his pro license. Everybody that beat me has their pro license and was way faster. So I was really excited that I could make some money and do well. And I made money both motos, so that was definitely the best race of the year for me. School I’m going to Fairmont State. I’m in my third semester, so I’m a sophomore and doing Graphic Technology as my major. It’s going pretty good. I don’t like it because I don’t get to ride as much and I live away from home during the week, but getting an education is important. It’s going good. I like it when I’m there, but I definitely don’t like missing riding. Wheels I have a 2013 KX450F that I got at Tri County, and there’s nothing done to it. It’s all stock except for a pipe I put on it and some tires and numbers. That’s it. That’s all I really need, and I really like it stock. I’m definitely going to get the suspension done. I’m still running stock suspension with adjustments. Other than suspension to make it custom to me, it’s really comfortable. It’s probably my favorite bike I’ve had so far. It’s really good. BMX I’ve always been a BMX guy. Well, I’ve definitely been into it more since I got

to college because I can’t ride during the week. So during the week I basically go and ride my BMX bike with my buddies. I don’t really like to think I’m any good at it or anything; I just kind of do it for fun. I kind of think of it maybe even as training or something. I just ride around. I like to have fun, do jumps and everything. I’m not too technical with tricks or anything. Actually, when I was up at the [inaudible], that was probably the best day I’ve ever had on a BMX bike. That was really fun—foam pits and trying backflips and stuff. I probably should have just stopped when I was ahead, but I decided to keep riding even though I was tired and sweaty. I should have stopped because I was doing a trick where you grab the seat. When I went to land, I just missed the bar and I fell on my side. It wasn’t that hard of a fall, just enough to knock the breath of out me. But I guess I hit my spleen and somehow lacerated it. It was probably my elbow, because I’m pretty sure that bars didn’t hit me. I just basically had to sit in a hospital for five days, and I wasn’t even allowed to eat three of them. They just had me on an IV. So that kind of sucked because if it started bleeding again they were going to have to take it out, but luckily I didn’t have to have it taken out or anything. I just had to let it heal and it’s still healing. No complications or anything. Favorite Tracks Last winter I went down to Florida and we went to Pax Trax. That track was really fun. It probably wouldn’t be that fun if you rode it every day, but it was really fun. It was the first time I’ve ever rode good in that kind of sand. That was really fun. As for around here, I guess I like PRP. I really like the dirt there. Worst Place on Earth I guess traffic in any big city. I really don’t like sitting still, and in traffic I just get really antsy. I don’t like that at all. I can’t control it. Winter Off-Season Just school still. Just got to do that. Then on winter break I’m also going to work a little bit more and find a job or something, just for a month for a little bit of money for racing. And ride as much as I can. Some winters I’m able to ride. Maybe go to Florida again, but I’m not for sure about that. We’ll have to see. Backers Definitely my mom and dad and my sister. And then as far as sponsors, One Industries helped me out, Tag, and Tri County Kawasaki. 21

PHOTO: ROBERTS

PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Any time is a good time for a photo op. PHOTO: LANTZER #98

This dog probably doesn’t walk much, does it?

Now that’s some cool old school. PHOTO: AFRED

PHOTO: AFRED

Who remembered to bring their mustache but forget their shirt? PHOTO: ROBERTS

Is this like putting water in your Red Bull can on the podium? PHOTO: AFRED

All the old T’s came out at the High Point Vet National. 22 THE RACING PAPER

Scouting out the fast lines. PHOTO: GREINER

Romy, Vinny and Derek hang out between motos at PRP.

The High Point Shootout of 2013 claimed 200mb from four photographers.

PHOTO: ROBERTS

PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Jimmy and Homer kickin’ it at High Point.

PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Ty is unsure of the idea of being a passenger.

PHOTO: GREINER

PHOTO: AFRED

“Mother’s birthday was yesterday...” PHOTO: ARLENE #98

Hunter staying warm in the stands.

Subliminal Willy Browning photo. PHOTO: LANTZER #98

PHOTO: AFRED

Race face, engaged. PHOTO: AFRED

Schoolboy staging.

This thing was super-fun to ride...

...but Megawatt is still baffled it started in one kick. 23

PHOTO: LANTZER #98

PHOTO: AFRED

PHOTO: NOT A MIMI GREINER PHOTO. LANTZER #98, ACTUALLY.

A boring day for these guys is a good day for everyone. PHOTO: ROBERTS

Mimi’s so good she can shoot into the future.

Hanging out at a High Point campfire. PHOTO: AFRED

PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Jerry and Eric practicing for their Blues Brothers Halloween costumes. PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Family Taxi. PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Justin gets ready to twist the 1-2-5. PHOTO: LANTZER #98

Synchronized pit bike riding.

This will be on a sales brochure in two months. 24 THE RACING PAPER

Lisa is really, really good at sketching motocross landscapes.

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

Check out our collection of digital issues, on the house. www.TheRacingPaper.com

PHOTO: AFRED

PHOTO: CUDBY

CHAMPIONS BY BRAND COBRA 10% HONDA KAWASAKI KTM SUZUKI YAMAHA

PERFECT ATTENDANCE 7%

17%

3% 38%

24%

Grein

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Seth Andres Brandon Barr Kevin Bednar Ralph Bentley Noah Carben Derek Carberry Austin Dinkfelt Koi Echalk Derek Elwood Aaron Fenchak Colton Gorby Cameron Heiser Jacob Hepler Jacob Ingram Nathanial Jackson Ryder Kuklinskie Devon Lineman Caleb Lineman Matthew Marlowe Justin Norco Vincent Odonnell Zach Oesterling Douglas Orischak Jos Peremba Clayton Powers Nathan Puzak Steve Roman Jr. Michael Savasta Hunter Shriner Dylan Slusser Brodi Snyder Jarrett Thompson Aerian Weaver

er #9

Lantz

Dylan Slusser and Steve Roman split the In The Blood Triple Crown purse money, but neither were able to make a three-race sweep. Though there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any purse money on the line, here are some riders the swept the series in their respective classes.

Vet B/C +40 B/C +45 Vincent Luhovey Jr. 85/150 12-15 Supermini 12-15 Steve Roman Jr. 4 Stroke Matthew Brady Bomber

Ralph Bentley

WINS BY BRAND COBRA KTM DOMINATION - MOST WINS PER CLASS

PERFECT ATTENDANCE Bryan Bachman Matthew Brady Devin Cafasso Tyler Capane Tylor Fiorita Layton Fox Dylan Harris Connor Heller Derek Hill Zachary Hufstetler Cole Jones Jeff Kish Randy Lawson Vincent Luhovey Jr. Donald Luther Jr. Christian McCauley Jaydon McCurdy Zachary Ometz Tiffany Palacki Josh Peremba Parker Repko Alex Rick William Sokol Chris Sokol

Ralph Bentley

Vet B/C, +40B/C

Vincent Luhovey Jr.

85/150 12-15, Supermini 12-15

Nathanial Jackson Jaydon McCurdy Steve Roman Jr.

50cc 3 50cc Open 4 Stroke

d aFre

POINTS POSSIBLE

250

Ralph Bentley - Vet B/C

250

Ralph Bentley - +40 B/C

250

Steve Roman Jr. - Open A

241

Nathanial Jackson - 50cc 3

240

Colton Gorby - 65cc 10-11

238

style check EVENT: HIGH POINT S.C. RND. 10 PHOTOGRAPHY: AFRED

AUSTIN LEGG

COLE JONES

CHRISTIAN McCAULEY

Matt Mason (2) & Jon Miller (801) High Point Vet National Circa 2013 Photo by aFred

JACOB INGRAM

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

Name

Artist

Album

Hank Hays’ Playlist 1 Given Up 2 Born 2 Win 3 99 Problems 4 Love Sosa 5 St. Louie

Linkin Park Bmayzee Jay-Z Chief Keef Nelly

Minutes to Midnight The Throttle’s Still Twisted The Black Album Finally Rich Country Grammar

Hunter Shriner’s Playlist 1 Party Party 2 Cut Me Some Slack 3 That’s My Kind of Night 4 Parking Lot Party 5 Boy’s ‘Round Here

Florida Georgia Line Chris Janson Luke Bryan Lee Brice Blake Shelton

Here’s to the Good Times Chris Janson Crash My Party Hard 2 Love Based on a True Story...

Brittany DeNeen’s Playlist 1 Acapella 2 Step Off 3 Brave 4 ‘Till I Collapse 5 Better in a Black Dress

Karmin Kacey Musgraves Bareilles Eminem Katie Armiger

Pulses Same Trailer Different Park The Blessed Unrest The Eminem Show Katie Armiger

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craigslist motorcycles

pittsburgh / morgantown 1985 suzuki rm 250 - $800 (masontown, wv)

Runs great, looks fair, newer tires, brand new frt tube, needs air breather and filter ready to ride, $800 cash firm or trade

1985 Honda trx200 - $500 ( Masontown Wv)

1985 Honda TRX 200 runs good needs the front hub it is a 2wd utility and needs a battery it has 300 plastic on it but it is a 200 it cannot be road until it gets a front hub the front one wheel is off of it and it needs a new seat cover $500 firm or trade

PAMX PRESENCE AT THE

WORDS: JORDAN ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON CUDBY

otocross fans across the world tuned in to the Monster Energy Cup to get a preview of what the 2014 Monster Energy Supercross season may have in store. The world’s best professional racers may have been the main attraction, but just as much excitement was drawn from the Amateur All-Star and Super Mini races, as well as the championship round of the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge. And it happens that two of Pennsylvania’s finest were included in the star-studded event: Brock Papi and Gavin Towers. After training on a legitimate supercross track at Brock Sellards’ house, Papi made his way to Las Vegas to race in the invite-only Super Mini class. As proven by the preceding Amateur All-Star race, anything and everything can happen to top-tier amateur riders in a race environment on a full-scale supercross track. However, Papi treated it like business as usual and put in 5-6 moto scores for fifth overall, making him the highest-placing KTM rider in the field. Though Towers easily qualified for the final KTM Junior Supercross Challenge after a second-turn crash at the Dallas SX, the road to Las Vegas was much further than the distance in miles: The young rider suffered a badly broken leg that required surgery and hardware shortly after he qualified for the Monster Energy Cup. Towers healed up just in time to line up for the race and rode to a sixth-place finish in the fourteen-rider field.

Brought to you by:

PHOTO: COURTESY EARLYWINE

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shop talk

SHAUN EARLYWINE

PHOTO: COURTESY OUTLAW

WORDS: CHASE STALLO

Motorcycles and ATVs don’t line the outside parking lot. There are no UTVs, street bikes, or sideby-sides that fill the shop. Outlaw Motorsports, which is located in Morgantown, doesn’t depend on recreational vehicle sales, but how? “Mainly [because] we specialize in parts and accessories for motorcycles and ATVs,” explains Bill Dailey, owner of Outlaw Motorsports. “We don’t sell bikes; we don’t work on them—we do the easy end of the business.” Growing up a racer, it was PHOTO: COURTESY OUTLAW

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always Dailey’s dream to own his own shop. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this since the ‘80s, but I just never had the nerve or took the time to do it,” Dailey says. In 2003, at the age of 38, Dailey’s dream finally came to fruition. “I thought, you know what? I’m 38 and have enough time to make up for one stupid mistake if it doesn’t work.” Outlaw Motorsports weathered the economic downturn, which has had a lasting effect on the motorcycle community and forced many

shops to close. But Dailey says brighter days are ahead. “I think it’s coming back. About ’07 and ’08 it kind of died off, but I think now it’s starting to come back pretty good.” With many pulling back the strings on their budgets and rebuilding older models instead of purchasing new bikes, Dailey has seen an increase in business. “People are not spending as much as they used to, which kind of helps me out because people aren’t buying new bikes; they’re fixing up their old ones.” Dailey has also found success in RC cars and the shop even features a track in the back. “With the way Traxxas sponsors a lot of motocrossers and things like that,

there is a huge overlap there,” said Dailey. Outlaw Motorsports has been influential in the local racing community since opening ten years ago—sponsoring local kids and events—and Dailey wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s more of a lifestyle than a job. It’s something you live 24/7.” OUTLAW MOTORSPORTS • 3833 EARL CORE RD MORGANTOWN, WV 26508 • OUTLAWMOTORSPORTS.4T.COM (304)284-0480

WORDS & PHOTO: JORDAN ROBERTS

Lamont TRP: If you were to describe it to someone new to PAMX racing, what do you do at the races and how long have you been doing it? Hunter: I started racing back in 1978. I was doing Racer Productions races when Big Dave Coombs was still alive and he was running races down at Motordrome Speedway and High Point. And I had a few outlaw tracks up in Alexandria called Country Spring, I did a track called Rocky Ridge a couple times, and that was about it as far as when I started. I [was] actually a PAMX assistant referee at the same time I was being a motocross competition racer. So my job is pretty much the finish-line officiating, starting races, finishing races, and keeping an eye on the racetrack itself, while watching all the racing that’s going on and trying to keep track of all the fairness that’s supposed to be happening out there. Is there a specific time that you can remember starting it, or did that kind of slowly transform into what you’re doing now? That slowly transformed through the years. I started in ’78. It was kind of tough back then, being a black guy and trying to do motocross, because I was told it was a white man’s sport, and I needed a lot of money to do it. So I did go bankrupt. So I backed out of it in, like, ’81 and then I went back to work with that motocross dream of being a professional. I slowly climbed back in. I started saving my money and getting older bikes. In ’95 I came back to racing. I wasn’t alone this time; before, I was by myself, being the only black guy around. My nephew came on board and some of his friends, so there were about ten of us black guys enjoying motocross and hitting all the racetracks. And that was in ’95. I think we raced every race that actually happened in a season. And then we branched off into CRA racing in Ohio and stuff like that. At one point I was still trying to become an A rider and then my age kind of caught up with me. I was

ten or fifteen years older than a lot of people in the class—just Open C—and it’s very expensive. Some of the classes weren’t really there. They kind of incorporated some classes through the years. Then I got bumped to the B class, and I got away from Open B racing because there was a lot of young guys there, a lot of fast guys. Pretty much I was a weekend warrior because I had to go to work on Monday. How old were you then? I’m 59 now, so I would say I was in my thirties. You definitely don’t look 59, that’s for sure. I don’t really feel 59. Actually, I just retired from motocross racing competition. Did you say your last race was at the Vet National? My last race, competition-wise, was at the Vet National. That was a beautiful scene. I told a lot of people about it. I took one of my jerseys that one of the families kind of donated to me because of all my riding years and they had a lot of fun watching me race the old bikes. So I took that yellow jersey, which was a throwback jersey from back in the ’80s, and I had all the racers that I could get to sign their name on it. And you actually raced a moto with it, too, right? I had that jersey on with all those names on it, and I told everybody, “I’m taking all of you with me on my last ride.” It was awesome. It felt good. I rode pretty strong. Your last moto, didn’t you have problems with your bike? Yeah, actually, that ’87. I won the class with that. It was the pre-’95 class. And in the Vintage Pre-’85 class I used the ’82. I ran that thing as hard as I could run it and it developed a flat tire in the rear. So I did a lap on the flat and then I kind of cruised on in to the finish

on a flat tire. Is that for sure going to be your last race? Are you going to end it on a flat tire? Yeah. Physically, internal stuff is going on. Like my cervical spine going up into my skull. I’ve been under a chiropractor’s care for the last four years, getting adjustments for that reason. And my lower back—I had lower-back surgery about eight years ago on the L4 and L5 or L3—they created a disc in there. So when I would get off the bike after a ride, like two days later I would have pain in my lower back or my hip. I would call my chiropractor and go in and get adjustments and kind of get me clunked back into alignment. So that was another reason why I decided to hang it up. I don’t like living with pain. I just thought that enough is enough—all those years of riding a dirt bike and hitting the ground a couple times. I hit the ground pretty hard a few times. Are you still going to be out at the tracks hanging out with everyone? I will be at the track every time there’s a PAMX race at Pleasure Valley, Steel City, and High Point. I will be a PAMX assistant referee working with Craig and Rita and Jeff Cernic. I love these folks, and they’re my family. Motocross is really, really in my blood, and I really want to see the sport stay strong and alive. So I’m going to do my best to be as much involved as I possibly can. Is there anything else going on that you want to talk about? I just want to give a shout-out to all the racers in PAMX. It’s a sport [where] fairness should be involved. It’s like the love of the game. It’s not a bloodsport, it’s a fun sport. I’d just like to see it stay fair and everybody get along as a family and enjoy the sport for fun. I just hope that we can keep the sport alive. 31

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WORDS: DAN HATHAWAY PHOTOGRAPHY: MIMI GREINER, ALRENE LANTZER #98

The In The Blood Triple Crown came down to two major players, but that was only a fraction of the action during the three-round series. Eleven riders joined in for their chance at taking home $1,000.

wo of PAMX’s fastest competitors went to Doublin Gap Motocross Park in a virtual dead heat for the In the Blood Triple Crown, a three-race series sponsored by Pittsburgh’s In the Blood Tattoo Studio. Honda-mounted Dylan Slusser had nailed down the overall in both 250 and Open A in the first leg of the series at Pleasure Valley in late September, but Steve Roman answered in round two at Pittsburgh Raceway Park by taking both overalls on his Suzukis. Slusser, a Cernic’s/Eleven10 Mods rider, was second overall in Open A at PRP and also tallied third overall in 250 A behind Bedford, Pennsylvania’s Joey Deneen. This gave Apollo, Pennsylvania’s Steve Roman a narrow two-point lead in 250 A entering the final round. With the points gap narrow and $500 on the line, Roman remained stress-free in staging before the first 250 A moto at Doublin Gap.

Dylan Slusser (top) and Steve Roman (bottom) have been the main contenders in both the 250 and Open A classes, swapping wins from week to week. Greiner

Greiner

The battles between Slusser and Roman weren’t limited to the Triple Crown. Here, the two went at it at Round 8 of the State Championship Series at High Point. aFred

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aFred

(Counter clockwise from top) Joey DeNeen barely edged out Dylan Walker for third in the second moto at PRP; another battle between Slusser and Roman; Jared Lesher has been getting his feet wet in the A class recently; Sam Greenawalt finished fourth in Open A points. Lantzer #98

“I

don’t really have any strategy besides just go out there and have fun,” Roman said before the gate drop. “It’s a local race, so I’m just here to have fun and do the best I can do.” But Slusser had other ideas. Under sunny skies with temperatures right around 60 degrees, he took control of the first 250 A moto early and kept up a blistering pace that Roman was unable to match. The pair finished in the top two positions, with Yamaha rider Zak Riden not far behind in third. Roman and Slusser traded places in Open A moto one, but Roman made the last pass and guided his RMZ450 to the win with Slusser less than two seconds behind. Between the pair, both Triple Crown championships were on the line going into the second set of motos. “I’m pretty sure it’s going to be crazy at the end of the day,” Slusser said before the second set of motos. “It’s a lot of money.... It’s going to be interesting.” The earlier results were duplicated in the second motos; Slusser led the 250 A race from wire to wire, while Roman took advantage of a mishap involving Slusser on the first lap of the Open-class action. Roman opened up a commanding lead and held it to the finish. Slusser’s dominant 250 A performance at the final round of the Triple Crown put him at the top of the standings, while Roman matched his impressive 250 A ride with a pair of aces in the Open A. Both riders took home an equal share of the series prize money, courtesy of In The Blood.

Greiner

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WORDS: JORDAN ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY: AFRED, JORDAN ROBERTS

he last weekend in September marked the 23rd Annual DC Vet National Weekend at High Point. The event schedule was slightly different from last year, which had only motocross on Saturday, then motocross and hare scrambles on Sunday. This year, motocross ran on Saturday while the hare scramble was reserved for Sunday—a change that allowed competitors and spectators a chance to participate in both. As always, vintage bikes were everywhere—some being raced and some just on display. Todd Streit brought a trailer full of them (including his David Bailey replica CR500), Matt “Megawatt” Watson had a pair of mint Elsinores, and Von Brachna was once again piloting his Maico. Lamont Hunter also returned with his Suzukis for what he claimed will be his last race. Plenty of vintage T-shirts were on show as well. Of the fifteen entrants, May’s Lick, Kentucky’s Barton Wilber won the judges over with his Buckwheat shirt and scored a couple tickets to the High Point Pro Motocross National next year.

he vet classes started at 25+ and increased by five-year increments, all the way up to 55+ B/C, which featured eleven riders. Aside from that division, every age class had its own A, B, and C skill subsets. Some riders were able to win their age class in addition to another younger class on Saturday. Those riders were Shawn Kulcher (25+ A, 30+ A), Jeffrey Pape (35+ A, 40+ A), Denny Swartz (50+ A, 55+ B/C), Ralph Bentley (30+ B, 35+ B, 40+ B, 45+ B), Darren Reese (35+ C, 40+ C), and Neil Weekley (45+ C, 50+ C). Bentley certainly gets the ironman award for winning seven of his eight motos and placing second behind Dan Fristoe in the first 40+ B moto. On Sunday, GNCC XC2 racer AJ Stewart returned for his second straight year to race the PAXC hare scramble in the pro class. He won the two-hour race with ease last year but was unable to repeat; fellow XC2 racer Mike McGinnis joined the pro class at High Point this year and took the win over him by a narrow three seconds. The pro class also featured XC2 racer Mark Heresco, who crossed the finish line just over two and a half minutes after the battle for the lead was settled.

(Clockwise from top left) Neil Weekley went 1-1 in both Vet C 45+ and 50+; Jon Miller rode Vet C 45+ on his Yamaha, but brought out his old Kawi for Vintage Pre 1995; the Liston brothers and Reid Miller (37) pretty much had High Point to themselves in the Open Practice class; the McConnell sisters--Melanie (56) and Jessica (5)--went back and forth in all four motos they raced together in; Ralph Bentley placed first in four different classes, taking seven of eight moto wins.

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WORDS: ROB HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT RICE

he third annual DEP Pipes Two-Stroke Shootout at Sleepy Hollow MX Park by far saw the best racing action the event has seen to date. With the help of promoter Jere Swarr’s passion and organization, the Shootout has gained some serious talent and sponsors in just three years. Cash prizes for best whip, bestsounding two-stroke, and best-smelling two-stroke exhaust take the event to the next level, but the $10,000 purse is what brings nationalcaliber talent to the small town of Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. Though the track experienced nearly an inch of rain on Saturday night, the facility was packed with racers and spectators by Sunday morning for the 125-144 Pro and 250/Open Pro races. The staff worked hard to ensure optimal conditions for the thirteen classes—two of them twenty minutes plus two laps—scheduled to race. The track really came around by the time the 125 riders made their way to staging for the first moto, where the sound and smell of the all-but-forgotten two-stroke came to life. Kessler, Marshall, Decotis, Schmelyun, Peters, and McDade were just some of the names with the potential to top the podium. When the gate dropped on the first 125-144 moto, defending Shootout champ Mike McDade was off to a great start, grabbing the early lead over Jimmy Decotis and Robby Marshall. McDade had a lead of several seconds halfway through the race and looked to be in control aboard his RM125, but he suffered a serious get-off when he endoed over the uphill jump by the tower, giving the lead to #613 Decotis. Morrice, Michigan’s Jerry Lorenz and Glen Rock, Pennsylvania’s Broc Schmelyun were no more than five seconds behind Decotis, but Jimmy ran a strong pace and didn’t leave many areas for the two to capitalize on. The top three positions remained the same for the rest of the moto.

(Clockwise from left) Joey DeNeen switched from his tried and true Hondas to a KTM and went 6-8 for 7th overall in 125-144 Pro; Ty Newcome scored an impressive 3rd in the first 250/Open Pro moto, but a 14th in the second set him back to 8th overall; Mike McDade barely missed out on the 250/ Open Pro podium, going 6-3 for 4th overall.

(Opposite page) The Sleepy Hollow landscape; Timmy Crosby took top honors in 125 B on his KTM; Jimmy Decotis left as the Sleepy Hollow 2-Stroke Shootout champion, scoring two moto wins en route to both 125-144 Pro and 250/Open Pro overall victories. 40

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ew England natives Marshall and Decotis got out of the gate in first and second in the second 125-144 Pro moto. A fourth in the first moto made the overall a tough reach for Marshall, but he was riding like he had to prove he deserved that double-digit national number. He rode strong and was able to hold off Decotis until the checkered flag waved them off the track. Lorenz, Ty Newcome, and Schmelyun had the top five locked down until Dakota Kessler made his charge toward the front of the pack midway through the race. Kessler’s DNF in the first moto excluded him from a possible overall podium, but he made sure everyone knew he had podium speed by finishing third behind Decotis. Decotis took the 125-144 overall with 1-2 moto scores, followed by Marshall’s 4-1 for second and Lorenz’s 2-4 for third. The first 250/Open Pro moto was actually the first moto of the day, which also made it the toughest race as far as track conditions were concerned. As the riders packed their gate, the track staff was still prepping and grooming. Niantic, Connecticut’s Jason Brooks quickly made the best of the conditions, grabbing the holeshot over the top five of Decotis, Newcome, Marshall, and Joey Peters. McDade was also right there, holding down sixth behind Peters. The rest of the pack was unable to challenge the quick pace of Brooks and Decotis off the start, and Brooks was even able to keep Decotis at bay by just a few bike lengths for the entire race. Peters swapped positions with Marshall, but Newcome and McDade held position. The track had come full circle by the second 250/Open Pro moto. Decotis was able to grab the early lead in the second moto with Marshall shadowing him from the drop of the gate. Brooks, the first-moto winner, was unable to get the start he needed to challenge Decotis for the overall. He started outside the top five and eventually made his way past Schmelyun for fourth. By this time, Decotis and Marshall had several seconds on the field. With three laps to go, Marshall grabbed another gear and began to show Decotis his front wheel, but Decotis answered Marshall’s pace and kept the inside lines wide until he took the checkered flag. The two New England riders put on a great show for the lead and kept it clean. With this kind of talent, there was no room for a bad moto but still plenty of room for a rider to grab some extra cash going into the offseason. A moto win was a cool $1,000—plenty of motivation for any of these riders. Decotis took both overall wins, going 1-2 in 125-144 Pro and 2-1 in 250/Open Pro for a whopping $3,000 put up DEP Pipes, TwoStrokeMotocross.com, and Sleepy Hollow. 41

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOTT LUKAITIS

n the first weekend in October, Old Bridge Township, New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Raceway Park hosted the 37th annual Kawasaki Race of Champions. More than 700 racers from around the Northeast came to the popular track for two days of racing. Minis, amateurs, and veteran racers competed on Saturday, while Sunday was reserved for 250 and 450 pro-class racing.

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nder the Farren Racing/PR2 tent for the weekend was a familiar face for PAMX racers and pro motocross fans alike. The #60 Suzuki belonged to Broc Hepler, who has shown up to race at various local tracks since his departure from pro motocross in 2009. Hepler was making his first appearance at Raceway Park and would only compete in one class—+25 Expert—on Saturday, but he would display the skill that earned him national victories during his professional career. Hepler’s perfect 1-1 moto scores bested fellow Pennsylvania rider Mike McDade’s 2-2 and Scott Sheak’s 3-3 for the overall. Although a return to professional racing isn’t in the cards for Hepler, with the speed and style he showed at the Kawasaki Race of Champions, perhaps we’ll see more of the likable Kittanning-based rider at the big amateur events in years to come.

(Opposite page) Mike McDade took 5th overall in 250 and Open A, and 2nd overall and in both motos of +25 Expert. (Top to bottom) Broc Hepler raced a Farren Racing/PR2 Suzuki to the overall win in +25 Expert by sweeping both motos; Luke Renzland was the man to beat after sweeping both motos in 250 A, but a 3-1 score in Open A put him on the second step of the podium; Chase Yentzer accepts a hefty trophy from Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett after winning the Kessler Cup and taking second in 65cc 10-11.

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WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: JORDAN ROBERTS

bell

MOTO-9 CARBON www.BellHelmets.com

Bell and Tagger Designs collaborated once again to put some of Tagger’s work into mass production. The new Moto-9 helmets feature not only signature graphics, but some pretty cool features inside the helmet as well. The cheek pads are held in by three magnets each, which allow for easy removal, but are still strong enough to stay in even if you give them a good tug. Very trick.

$549.95

matrix

M3 UTILITY CAN

www.MatrixRacingProducts.com Sure, any old red gas can does the job, but not all gas cans are created equal. Matrix makes a whole lineup of cool moto pit products that trump generic Walmart items, such as that hagard set of ratchet tie-downs you’ve held onto since McGrath reigned as king. The Matrix gas can has a quick-fill spout—which is handy for GNCC racing and topping off in general—and comes in various colors.

$59.95

yamaha

PRO 400 HEADPHONES www.USA.Yamaha.com

Oh, so that’s what that tuning fork logo is for... You may not be able to fit these under your helmet, but if you’re serious about sound, you’re bound to enjoy the quality of a good set of headphones over everyday earbuds. It’s hard to imagine how much of a song you’re missing until you throw on a pair of these. The PRO 400 headphones aren’t cheap, so the included carrying case is a must.

$299.95

gaerne

GAERNE ORIGINAL HAT

www.Gaerne.com

A hat’s a hat, right? Yeah, pretty much. This one happens to be a Gaerne hat, though. You can find this cap, along with other new Gaerne apparell and products, on Gaerne’s website. If you’re repping a pair of Gaerne’s quality boots, you might as well show some product pride and top it off with one of these flex fit hats.

$23.99 45

tapped out

WORDS: JORDAN ROBERTS PHOTO: AFRED

The RC Double at High Point has always been a photographer’s hot spot. Charles Bright made sure to lay it over properly in front of aFred’s camera at the season’s last race in Mt. Morris. It’s a good thing he got it in then, because aFred snapped his femur when him and Charles went down to Muddy Creek shortly after. He’ll have the entire off-season to recover, so hopefully we’ll see him back at the track come spring—bike or not. Get well soon!

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