MOTOCROSS ACTION MID WEEK REPORT

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Jorge Prado

After commencing his professional career in the FIM World Motocross Championships in 2016, it did not take long for Jorge Prado to ascend to the top step of the podium. Within just two seasons, Jorge secured victory in the 250 Worls championship in both 2018 and 2019. Transitioning to the MXGP 450 class , it took a few seasons for Jorge to establish a competitive foothold. Despite consistently being at the forefront and securing several wins throughout the seasons, it all culminated in 2023 when Jorge clinched the 450 World Championship. Now, Jorge has made the decision to compete in the first three rounds of the AMA Supercross Championship aboard the Gas Gas MC450F. After the three rounds, he will retrun to Europea to begin the defense of his 450 World Championship. His grand plan is to return to race in the USA full-time in 2025.

MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 2024 450 SHOOTOUT

TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: PATRICK JOHNSON’S 1978 KAWASAKI SR125 REPLICA

“Hello MXA! Forty years ago, Kawasaki Motor Corporation hired renowned Open Class specialist, Gaylon Mosier to contest the 1978 AMA 125 Championship. KMC armed Gaylon with a “one-off” SR125, arguably a blend of the 1978 KX125 A4 and the yet to be released 1979 KX125 A5 production bikes. The SR125 used many parts off of Kawasaki’s production bikes, but also incorporated unique design features intended for the future UniTrak rear suspension. Like most works bikes of the day, at the end of the 1978 season, the bike was destroyed and put into a dumpster in the back of KMC’s race shop.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Gaylon’s 1978 125cc campaign (placing 2nd behind Broc Glover), I created this exact replica of the 1978 SR125. To quote Marty Tripes, it’s a “works bike made in America.” Starting with a 1979 KX125, I reverse engineered the chassis and engine into a replica works racer.” –Pj

EDITORS NOTE: Please keep those submissions coming. If you would like your bike to be featured in the “Two-Stroke Spotlight,” please email me at [email protected]. All I ask is that you give a breakdown of your bike and a detailed description of the build. Please also send a few photos of your steed. By submitting your bike for the “Two-Stroke Spotlight,” you agree to release all ownership rights to the images and copy to MXA.

MOTO TRIVIA

Who is this rider? The number four stayed with KTM in 2024 but switched rider names.

ASK THE MXPERTS: THE REALITIES OF CLICKERS

Dear MXperts,
Are MXA’s recommended suspension settings really transferable from bike to bike? On two stock, brand-new bikes, will eight clicks out on compression give the same result on each bike? Or, would manufacturing variances result in two different settings being needed for the same effect?

You are correct in assuming that no two bikes will respond exactly alike to the same clicker settings, but that is more than just a product of manufacturing tolerances. There will be bigger differences within the exact same shock based on its temperature (early in a moto and late in a moto), the age of the oil (oil thins out as it gets used), and the flexibility of the shim stack (the shims fatigue over time). All the elements of suspension tuning make for better or worse performance. The perfect clicker setting on your shock will do you no good if you don’t adjust the race sag for your weight. More important is that even though the Kawasaki KX450, CRF450 and RM-Z450 use the exact same 49mm Showa forks, they all have proprietary valving from each brand’s R&D departments that gives each fork the feel that the corporate test riders developed. Read the full article by clicking here

“EVERYONE IS CHASING MALCOLM” ROCKSTAR HUSQVARNA TEAM INTERVIEWS

TEAM FAITH WELCOMES BILLY LANINOVICH

Press release: Viral Brand Goggles is thrilled to announce the partnership with veteran Supercross winner Billy Laninovich for the upcoming 2024 Supercross season. The former San Francisco 125 West Supercross winner, known as “Lano,” is making a triumphant return to professional racing at the age of 40. It is an exciting facet for the fans and insiders alike. Laninovich’s comeback will be marked by his association with Viral Brand Goggles, as he proudly sports the Signature Series Goggles throughout the 2024 Supercross series. This collaboration between Viral Brand Goggles and the iconic racer promises an exhilarating season for both the brand and fans of the sport. Billy Laninovich will be a key member of Team Faith, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination on the track. As he lines up at the gate for A1, Laninovich will undoubtedly be the oldest racer, adding an extra layer of excitement to the 2024 season.

In an exclusive interview during Team Faith’s 2024 team introduction, we caught up with Billy Laninovich and his teammate Robert Hailey. Laninovich expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “I’m thrilled to be back on the track and competing at the highest level. Teaming up with Viral Brand Goggles is an exciting partnership, and I can’t wait to showcase the Signature Series Goggles during the races.” Team Faith, known for its unique composition of riders, holds another intriguing distinction in the paddock. With Billy Laninovich and Robert Hailey on board, the team proudly boasts the oldest and tallest racers, adding a dynamic element to the racing landscape. Viral Brand Goggles is honored to be a part of Billy Laninovich’s journey as he embarks on this remarkable comeback. The Signature Series Goggles, designed to meet the demands of elite athletes, will undoubtedly complement Laninovich’s prowess on the track. Fans, sponsors, and enthusiasts alike can look forward to an extraordinary season filled with adrenaline, skill, and the unmistakable style of Viral Brand Goggles as they join forces with Billy Laninovich and Team Faith for the 2024 Supercross series.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: AARON PLESSINGER PRE-SEASON PRESSURE PRESSURE