MXA MID-WEEK REPORT: J-Law Speaks – Revenge, Regrets & The Great Outdoors, West Coast Review, Up & Comer Corner: Nick Paluzzi, New Products, A New Job For Larry Brooks’?, Billy Keefe’s Old Job!
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MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT
By: Zap
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
As cliche’ as it is to always hear about how hard everything was back in the day, it is worth remembering, or at least considering, that back in the mid-70’s the best a multi-time world champion could expect was a stoolÿto sit on out in the sun as this shot of the factory Suzuki pits shows. Roger DeCoster made due and won races – it can be done! So the next time you hear some kid going about how he can’t be expected to go to Mammoth without the aid of a custom Toy Hauler, just remind him what it was like back in the day.
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QUOTE: “Thatÿwould beÿthe Bermuda Triangle of ifs!” David Bailey when asked if J-Law could be a contender in the 450 class IF he kept his act together for the whole season.
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MXAÿREMINDER: L.A. SLEEVE TWO STROKE INVITATIONAL
Don’t forget this weekend’s opening round of the 2009 AMA/Lucas Oil outdoor series will also be hosting the L.A. Sleeve Two Stroke Invitational. No, Chuck Sun won’t be showing up to race on his ultra-trick, whiz-bang factoryÿHonda RC250 works bike, but he will be there aboard a Service Honda built Kawasaki KX 500 that he borrowed from MXA. The 20 minute race will run at 3:00 (practice is at 8:00), field a full 40 man gate and offer a $1500 purse with a whopping $900 going to the winner. Hinson Clutches is also throwing in $500 for the Holeshot Award. L.A. Sleeve has been rebuilding motors since 1945 and were an early player with Euro MX brands like Maico and Bultaco before filling the void for all the modern Japanese two stroke motors.
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MXA PRESS RELEASE: RACE TECH GOLD VALVE STEERING DAMPER KIT
Race Tech’s latest Gold Valve Kit is for the steering damper found on the 2008-09 Honda CRF450R’s.ÿ The standard mounting configuration makes the stock damping inadequate.ÿ The CMGV 2001 Gold Valve Kit comes with a Gold Valve, Ultra-low friction piston band and instructions for 3 damping options: soft, standard and hard. Race Tech also offers a rebuild service for the Gold Valve Steering Damper and for the standard OEM steering damper.Race Tech and retails for $99.99. The Gold Valve rebuild service is available for $19.99 and the OEM re-valve service is $34.99. All Race Tech products, tools and services are available by calling Customer Service (951) 279-6655 or please email: sales@ racetech.com.
WEST COAST SUPERCROSS: HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS
With all their interactive displays, Toyota proved to be a not just a sponsor, but a real partner in the sport. Unfortunately, their privateer support program will not be a part of the Lucas Oil Nationals.
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James Stewart showed up at A1 with a new team, bike, and gear & drinkÿsponsors – time for a change indeed.
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Bound and determined to win, Reed came close, but not even an ugly take-out move on James in Vegas could save the day or his # 1 plate.
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ÿThere were three moments during the season when everything could’ve been lost for James Stewart (make that four if you include Reed’s stupid move at Vegas).ÿThe crash with Reed at A1 was bad andÿthe crash at Daytona was scary. But it was his practice crash at A2ÿthat had him pulling off the track with an injured left arm that had heads spinning.
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Everyone wishes Ben Townley could’ve been healthy.
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It looked like 450 privteer Sean Collier was ready to enjoy a Cinderella season when the Star Yamaha team pegged him as a last minute replacement for the injured Broc Tickle. Unfortunately, Sean’s suffered a spate of crashes and injuries and he never really got a chance to try on the glass slipper.
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As usual Mitch Payton and his Pro Circuit team came loaded to bear: serious, focused, and talented, they ended up one title shy of what they expected. Popular opinion has many expecting a podium sweep outdoors for the five man squad.
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After getting the bounce from KTM just as the season was underway, former National Champ Steve Lamson (r) rebounded as the manager for the newly formed Moto Concepts team that featured Jeff Alessi and Tyler Bowers.
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We like the fact that amid all the Supercross only hoopla,ÿMikeÿAlessiÿhas remained committed to the outdoor series.ÿAlthough at timesÿit seems that he is on a team apart fromÿTeam Suzuki, Alessi delivered an amazing string of holeshots and his indoor skills definitely improved as the season wore on.
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Until Matt Boni showed up late in the season – to eventually take the Privateer Award – the Hart & Huntington team had little to talk about from week to week…and as you know, if you can’t dazzle them with results you might as well break out the showgirls!
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Josh Hansen burned through yet another comeback opportunity only to once again fail miserably and disappear before the season ended. Could there be another team out there dumb enough to give him yet another opportunity? Let’s hope not.
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Sure, maybe it was handed to him when Stewart and Reed crashed out, but Josh Grant proved his mettle by winning A1 with a rear wheel filled with banners. He never shut-off and it was a well deseved win for the Joe Gibb’s team.
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Star Yamaha rider Broc Tickle had high hopes for his west coast effort – until he broke his jaw in practice at A1. Broc eventually came back as an east coast rider and put in some great rides – the best being his third place finishÿin Toronto.ÿ
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Ryan Morais has yet to arrive on top of the box, but he kept Dungey and Weimer honest allÿseason long. A crash and injuryÿin Vegas was an unfortunate end to a bright season.
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The women’s racing scene got a huge boost in credibility when Ashley Fiolek was named to the Red Bull Honda team. Pundits aplenty are speculating that there will be new riders on the team in 2010.
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The San Francisco Supercross offers a unique juxtapostion between the indoor and outdoor environments.
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Enough said.
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The big rumor circulating by season end was that within two years the factory teams will go away and be replaced entirely by satellite teams.
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There were a few good comeback stories to tell in the 2009 Supercross series (including Cody Gilmore in the east coast series). Troy Lee Designs rider Jake Moss had one of the better ones having come back from a pre-seasonÿbroken back to almost winning a Main.
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For some riders a Supercross only contract isn’t a choice, it’s a reality. Branden Jesseman was signed for an indoor only deal with the Canidae/Motosports team so when his night in Vegas was over, so was his ride. As of Monday this week, Jesseman was looking for way to get his bike to Glen Helen so apparently his season is not over yet.
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MXA PRESS RELEASE: ALPINESTAR STELLA
* Specifically designed for women with lower overall height. Calf circumference is designed to suit the shape of a woman’s lower leg. Ankle padding specifically designed to follow the more aggressive tapering of women’s ankles.
* Durable full-grain leather upper with new poly fabric lining and open cell foam. The inner, medial, side of the boot is specifically designed for control and features a thick and wide stamped suede upper panel and PU protective lower section designed for excellent contact and grip against the bike whilst guarding against heat.
* Patented ankle brace protector. PU protectors on the shin, side and toe box area, calf, heel and outer ankle for a high level of impact and abrasion resistance and to absorb shocks.
* Anatomically designed footbed is raised at the heel to move the foot upwards for optimal fit around the ankle and calf. Inside protector specifically designed to provide greater flexibility in the metatarsal area, assisting back and forth flexibility. Three stage, softer, instep/ankle flex zone for maximum comfort, control and support.
* Exclusive dual compound rubber sole provides improved grip and superior durability in high wear areas. Sole features a contoured stamped steel shank.
* New closure structure features three, low profile aluminium buckles with memory, self-alignment, micro adjustments and a quick release/locking system. Top and bottom reverse closure design provides superior impact avoidance and optimal fit.
* Colors: White/Black, White/Violet and Black
* Sizes: 6 to 10 US (37 to 42 EUR)
* Suggested retail price: $199.95
For more information, go to Alpinestars
* Specifically designed for women with lower overall height. Calf circumference is designed to suit the shape of a woman’s lower leg. Ankle padding specifically designed to follow the more aggressive tapering of women’s ankles.
* Durable full-grain leather upper with new poly fabric lining and open cell foam. The inner, medial, side of the boot is specifically designed for control and features a thick and wide stamped suede upper panel and PU protective lower section designed for excellent contact and grip against the bike whilst guarding against heat.
* Patented ankle brace protector. PU protectors on the shin, side and toe box area, calf, heel and outer ankle for a high level of impact and abrasion resistance and to absorb shocks.
* Anatomically designed footbed is raised at the heel to move the foot upwards for optimal fit around the ankle and calf. Inside protector specifically designed to provide greater flexibility in the metatarsal area, assisting back and forth flexibility. Three stage, softer, instep/ankle flex zone for maximum comfort, control and support.
* Exclusive dual compound rubber sole provides improved grip and superior durability in high wear areas. Sole features a contoured stamped steel shank.
* New closure structure features three, low profile aluminium buckles with memory, self-alignment, micro adjustments and a quick release/locking system. Top and bottom reverse closure design provides superior impact avoidance and optimal fit.
* Colors: White/Black, White/Violet and Black
* Sizes: 6 to 10 US (37 to 42 EUR)
* Suggested retail price: $199.95
For more information, go to Alpinestars
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WE WERE JUST WONDERING….
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MXA PRESS RELEASE: JOIN THE HONDA RIDERS CLUB
American Honda introduced today a new membership format for the popular Honda Riders Club of America. Effectively immediately, new Members may join the HRCA free of charge. People holding existing paid membership privileges in the HRCA will continue to receive additional exclusive benefits until that paid membership expires. In addition, all Members will now have access to the new electronic-format Honda Red Rider magazine.
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Prospective members may sign up online to join the HRCA at www.hrca.honda.com, and the digital Honda Red Rider magazine will also be made available at this site as well. Special discounts will be offered to all HRCA Members for select events including the 2009 USGP races at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis, the AMA road races at Barber Motorsports Park, the Hangtown Motocross races and more. The continuance of paid Member benefits, which includes the addition of online access to one model-specific service manual, MSF rider-training reimbursement and more, will remain exclusive to those HRCA Members until the expiration of their current paid membership.
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Prospective members may sign up online to join the HRCA at www.hrca.honda.com, and the digital Honda Red Rider magazine will also be made available at this site as well. Special discounts will be offered to all HRCA Members for select events including the 2009 USGP races at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis, the AMA road races at Barber Motorsports Park, the Hangtown Motocross races and more. The continuance of paid Member benefits, which includes the addition of online access to one model-specific service manual, MSF rider-training reimbursement and more, will remain exclusive to those HRCA Members until the expiration of their current paid membership.
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MXA UP & COMER CORNER: NICK PALUZZI – NICE GUYS CAN FINISH FIRST
By: Xakota Espinoza
Seventeen year-old Nick Paluzzi falls into what many would consider the rarest category ofÿup & comers: genuinely nice without aÿmassive ego & attitude. Nick’s hard work has been proven with numerous titles over the years and not only does he train hard, but he manages to attend school and remain a successful student at the same time. Polite, smart, and fast, Paluzzi is a name we’ll undoubtedly be hearing more and more of in the years to come.
Age: 17
Hometown: Riverside, CA
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MXA: What is your training schedule like?
Nick: I ride four times a week, go to the gym twice a week, road bike twice a week, and sometimes race on the weekend, pretty much the same every week.
Nick: I ride four times a week, go to the gym twice a week, road bike twice a week, and sometimes race on the weekend, pretty much the same every week.
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MXA: What are you doing to prepare for Mammoth?
Nick: I’m going to stick to what I did to prepare before the Texas rounds and Vegas, because it worked pretty good. Hopefully at Mammoth I’ll be able to get another title and some podium finishes.
Nick: I’m going to stick to what I did to prepare before the Texas rounds and Vegas, because it worked pretty good. Hopefully at Mammoth I’ll be able to get another title and some podium finishes.
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MXA: How did World Mini’s in Vegas go for you last month?
Nick: Vegas went really food, I won both 450 stock and mod intermediate classes, and finished third in the 450 4-stroke open non pro. In both 450 stock and mod I was able to get out front and ride my own race, I think I led every lap.
Nick: Vegas went really food, I won both 450 stock and mod intermediate classes, and finished third in the 450 4-stroke open non pro. In both 450 stock and mod I was able to get out front and ride my own race, I think I led every lap.
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MXA: What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Nick: I plan on racing the B classes at Mammoth, Ponca, and Loretta’s and then moving up to the A class.
Nick: I plan on racing the B classes at Mammoth, Ponca, and Loretta’s and then moving up to the A class.
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MXA: So what was the deal with losing your Suzuki ride due to cutbacks in amateur support, but then getting it back?
Nick: They cut their rider support, but I’m pretty sure they brought most of us back. I didn’t really know what to expect, I was surprised when it went away, and when it came back I was definitely happy. I was planning on staying on Suzuki’s either way though.
Nick: They cut their rider support, but I’m pretty sure they brought most of us back. I didn’t really know what to expect, I was surprised when it went away, and when it came back I was definitely happy. I was planning on staying on Suzuki’s either way though.
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MXA: What are your long term career goals?
Nick: I hopefully will get a ride for the pros, and be able to compete in Supercross and outdoor nationals.
Nick: I hopefully will get a ride for the pros, and be able to compete in Supercross and outdoor nationals.
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MXA: If you had to pick three riders to be stranded on a desert island with who would they be?
Nick: 1. Travis Baker 2. Eli Tomac 3. Buddy Antunez
Nick: 1. Travis Baker 2. Eli Tomac 3. Buddy Antunez
MXA:ÿ Now if you had to pick three riders you wouldn’t want to be stranded on a desert island with, who would they be?
Nick:ÿ1. Jason Lawrence 2. James Stewart 3. Josh Hansen
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MXA: Sponsors you would like to thank?
Nick: Suzuki, Rockstar, Troy Lee Designs, Alpinestar, Scott goggles, One Industries, Skull Candy, AC Racing, Maxima, Dunlop, Pro Circuit, RG3.
Nick: Suzuki, Rockstar, Troy Lee Designs, Alpinestar, Scott goggles, One Industries, Skull Candy, AC Racing, Maxima, Dunlop, Pro Circuit, RG3.
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MXA PRESS RELEASE: CTECH Junior Series Cartsÿ
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An all aluminum pit cart line specifically designed for the racer on a budget! You may have seen CTECH’s standard Worktop pit cart, the Ultra Carts on NASCAR’s’s pit road, the Mini cart at a Saturday night race or maybe the Kart Cart during a Stars of Karting race, but you haven’t seen these! CTECH is proud to introduce the Junior Series Pit Cart Line. The standard Jr. Crew measures 44″w x 26″d x 67″h and includes all CTECH standard quality, features and benefits.ÿLike all CTECH carts, the Jr. Crew can be ordered standard or tricked out with incredible options.ÿ For more info, visit CTECH.
An all aluminum pit cart line specifically designed for the racer on a budget! You may have seen CTECH’s standard Worktop pit cart, the Ultra Carts on NASCAR’s’s pit road, the Mini cart at a Saturday night race or maybe the Kart Cart during a Stars of Karting race, but you haven’t seen these! CTECH is proud to introduce the Junior Series Pit Cart Line. The standard Jr. Crew measures 44″w x 26″d x 67″h and includes all CTECH standard quality, features and benefits.ÿLike all CTECH carts, the Jr. Crew can be ordered standard or tricked out with incredible options.ÿ For more info, visit CTECH.
MXA MINI-VIEW: JASON LAWRENCE – CAN IT BE DONE?
By: Xakota Espinoza
Will J-Law make it through the outdoor season without scandal? Can He??
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MXA: How would you say this past SX season went?
Jason: It was kind of like a rollercoaster there was definitely ups and downs just like I always have but I had a great time, I did awesome at Daytona and I feel like I did good in all my 450 races actually, but there were a lot of negative things too that I’m always surrounded with, so I didn’t get away from that which was not the goal.
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MXA: How do you feel going into outdoors?
Jason: I Feel good, feel like I gotta a clean slate. Hopefully I’ll make it through clean, I’m definitely gonna try to make it through and hopefully have some help along the way.
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MXA: What are your goals for the season?
Jason: I just wanna be one of those main guys that everyone’s talking about really. The 450 class is gonna be pretty built up this year with the live TV and stuff so I’m moving to the 450’s and gonna try and be one of the top three guys really.ÿ
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MXA: How would you say this past SX season went?
Jason: It was kind of like a rollercoaster there was definitely ups and downs just like I always have but I had a great time, I did awesome at Daytona and I feel like I did good in all my 450 races actually, but there were a lot of negative things too that I’m always surrounded with, so I didn’t get away from that which was not the goal.
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MXA: How do you feel going into outdoors?
Jason: I Feel good, feel like I gotta a clean slate. Hopefully I’ll make it through clean, I’m definitely gonna try to make it through and hopefully have some help along the way.
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MXA: What are your goals for the season?
Jason: I just wanna be one of those main guys that everyone’s talking about really. The 450 class is gonna be pretty built up this year with the live TV and stuff so I’m moving to the 450’s and gonna try and be one of the top three guys really.ÿ
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Jason (r) hangs with Chad Reed and agent Scott Sepkovic at Glen Helen.
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MXA: After Jacksonville you were suspended for the rest of the Supercross season after a move you made on Broc Hepler. How did you feel after seeing Chad Reed’s move on Stewart in Vegas, which he didn’t suffer any consequences from?
Jason: I loved it kinda, cause it was Yamaha who went and put all the pressure on me to get suspended for the Hepler move so I wasn’t pulling for Yamaha to win. No offense to James, but I liked the move Reed put on him, I think it was awesome.
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MXA: So you didn’t think it was unfair that you were suspended and he wasn’t?
Jason: No, I just think it was unfair that I was suspended. I don’t think anyone should be suspended for any kind of move like that. I mean when I got in trouble for fist-fighting they told me, that whatever you do on the track is on the track, and we can’t control that, but when you get off your bike and start throwing punches then we have to take control. It just seems like they bend their rules every time that I get in trouble.
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MXA: Who do you think your biggest competition is going into the outdoor season?
Jason: I mean I can’t really say yet but I know Villopoto will be tough, I just saw him ride today. And of course Alessi will be good, he made it through Supercross healthy, so I don’t know. It’s gonna be tough, there will be a lot of guys and you never really know until the first race.
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MXA: A lot of people say that you’re not taking this seriously. Are you?
Jason: Yeah I take it seriously, it’s the only way I have to make money so of course it’s serious.
Jason: I loved it kinda, cause it was Yamaha who went and put all the pressure on me to get suspended for the Hepler move so I wasn’t pulling for Yamaha to win. No offense to James, but I liked the move Reed put on him, I think it was awesome.
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MXA: So you didn’t think it was unfair that you were suspended and he wasn’t?
Jason: No, I just think it was unfair that I was suspended. I don’t think anyone should be suspended for any kind of move like that. I mean when I got in trouble for fist-fighting they told me, that whatever you do on the track is on the track, and we can’t control that, but when you get off your bike and start throwing punches then we have to take control. It just seems like they bend their rules every time that I get in trouble.
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MXA: Who do you think your biggest competition is going into the outdoor season?
Jason: I mean I can’t really say yet but I know Villopoto will be tough, I just saw him ride today. And of course Alessi will be good, he made it through Supercross healthy, so I don’t know. It’s gonna be tough, there will be a lot of guys and you never really know until the first race.
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MXA: A lot of people say that you’re not taking this seriously. Are you?
Jason: Yeah I take it seriously, it’s the only way I have to make money so of course it’s serious.
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THIS IS MOTOCROSS
ÿBig air, room to move, multiple lines to choose…it’s all good.
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MXA PRESS RELEASE: SIDI & VEMAR SOFTGOODS AT SLASHED PRICES
Motonation, the exclusive USA importer of the world famous Sidi and Vemar brands is happy to announce a change in pricing in Sidi and Vemar casual wear items. Generally products such as these have some pretty stiff mark ups from the manufactures. In Motonation’s case we see no reason to add any mark up at all as we want to make the casual wear items very affordable to everyone so to motivate more and more individuals to fly the Sidi and Vemar colors! Imagine high quality, name brand tee shirts from only $10, polo shirts from $20, hoodys from $30, Flex Fit hats from $18 and much more! And, all prices include free shipping!!! The complete line of Sidi and Vemar casuals can be viewed at www.motonation.com
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IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING….
What Canidae/Motosport team manager Bill Keefe did for a job back in the day to supplement his career as a Pro, yes, he was a model.
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