MXA’S WEEKEND NEWS ROUND-UP: DEEGAN DOCKED, MONSTER GIRL KNOCKED DOWN, VIALLE DOUBLES-UP & ANSTIE DISASTER

WEEKLY PRIZES UP FOR GRABS IN THE MXA’S FANTASY LEAGUE fFOR INDY SUPERCROSS

Even though the season has started, you can still join for an opportunity to win weekly prizes!

Apple app download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mxa-fantasy-league/id6473468112
Android app download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxa.fantasyleague&pcampaignid=web_share

Dive into an unparalleled Supercross Fantasy experience with MXA’s cutting-edge app, meticulously crafted to deliver all the action directly to your fingertips. Our sophisticated, seamless, and completely free platform allows you to engage in intense competitions, even if you join mid-season. With opportunities to win prizes every weekend based on the most points gained from each race, you’re never out of the running. The season is already in full swing, but you can still challenge your friends, create groups, and immerse yourself in the competition by joining private parties. Enter at any point in the 2024 Supercross series, and stay tuned for our 2024 AMA Motocross Fantasy game. If you’re using Apple click here and if you’re on Android click here.

• BIRMINGHAM JOINS THE PARADE OF SUPERCROSS CITIES: HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED THERE!

Winner Jett Lawrence waited on the top of a jump to congratulate second place Cooper Webb. It was a nice gesture, given that Webb, rammed him in their heat race battle.

Cooper Webb  (2) couldn’t run down Jett Lawrence, but he stayed closer than anyone else on his way to second overall (which only cost him 3 points to Lawrence).  Cooper is now 13 -points behind Jett. As for Cooper’s run-in with the 30-second board Monster girl, she walked out on to the track in front of the fast closing 450 pack.  As Jett went by she was startled and tried to back up, meanwhile Cooper had swerved to his left to avoid her, but she backed into his path. Luckily, she was holding two large placards and Cooper hit those, knocking Erin Roberts down. She was unhurt, thanks to the 30-second boards, but Cooper said in the press conference that he was worried about her as the race continued.

Ken Roczen (94) was flying at Birmingham. On a track that was hard to pass on, Kenny was able to pass his way by Sexton, Tomac, Justin Cooper and Plessinger to stand on the third step of the podium.

2024 BIRMINGHAM SUPERCROSS: 450 RESULTS
1. Jett Lawrence…Hon
2. Cooper Webb…Yam
3. Ken Roczen…Suz
4. Chase Sexton…KTM
5. Justin Cooper…Yam
6. Jason Anderson ..Kaw
7. Eli Tomac…Yam
8. Aaron Plessinger…Hus
9. Justin Barcia…Gas
10. Malcolm Stewart…Hus
Other notables: 11. Shane McElrath (Suz); 12. Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw); 13. Colt Nichols (Bet); 14. Benny Bloss (Bet); 15. Mitchell Harrison (Kaw); 16. Anthony Bourdon (Suz); 17. Kyle Chisholm (Suz); 18. Fredrik Noren (Kaw); 19. Aaron Tanti (Kaw); 20. Grant Harlan (Yam); 21. John Short (Kaw); 22. Dylan Ferrandis (Hon).

Justin Barcia has finally made it into the top ten in 450 Supercross points after 9 rounds. His nine race results are 7-17-3-13-12-18-14-11 and 9.

2024 AMA 450 POINTS STANDINGS
(After 9 of 17 rounds)
1. Jett Lawrence…185
2. Cooper Webb…172
3. Chase Sexton…165
4. Eli Tomac…159
5. Ken Roczen…153
6. Jason Anderson…147
7. Aaron Plessinger…146
8. Justin Cooper…108
9. Dylan Ferrandis…107
10. Justin Barcia…95

Tom Vialle doubled-down on his 250 Daytona Supercross win with an unchallenged victory at the first-ever Birmingham, Alabama,  Supercross.

Cameron McAdoo owns second place in the 250 East. Except for the big Detroit first turn crash, Cameron has finished second at Arlington, Daytona and Birmingham. No surprise that he is second overall in 250 East points—just 1 point behind Tom Vialle.

Seth Hammaker DNF’ed the opening round in Detroit because of the first turn pile-up, but has clawed his way back with a 4th at Arlington, 3rd at Daytona and 3rd at Birmingham. Seth is now 6th in 250 East points .

2024 BIRMINGHAM SUPERCROSS: 250 EAST RESULTS
1. Tom Vialle…KTM
2. Cameron McAdoo…Kaw
3. Seth Hammaker…Kaw
4. Pierce Brown…Gas
5. Jeremy Martin …Yam
6. Jalek Swoll…Tri
7. Daxton Bennick…Yam
8. Coty Schock…Yam
9. Haiden Deegan…Yam
10. Chance Hymas…Hon
Other notables: 11. Henry Miller (Hon); 12. Marshall Weltin (Yam); 13. Hardy Munoz (Kaw); 14. Bryton Carroll (Yam); 15. Preston Boespflug (Suz); 16. Gage Linville (Gas); 17. Bryce Shelly (Yam); 18. Ryder Floyd (Hon); 19. Logan Leitzel (Kaw); 20. Marcus Phelps (KTM); 21. Max Anstie (Hon); 22. Dominique Thury (Kaw).

Max Anstie (37) came to Birmingham with the Red Plate in the 250 East, but left with a blown-up engine in 8th place in the points.

2024 AMA 250 EAST POINTS STANDINGS
(After 5 of 9 rounds)
1. Tom Vialle…74
2. Cameron McAdoo…73
3. Pierce Brown…69
4. Haiden Deegan…62
5. Coty Schock…62
6. Seth Hammaker…59
7. Daxton Bennick…59
8. Max Anstie…53
9. Henry Miller…48
10. Jalek Swoll…47

• HAIDEN DEEGAN DOCKED TWO PLACES AT BIRMINGHAM & FINED FOR UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE BEHAVIOR

After being docked two places in the Birmingham 250 East main event speeding while off track, Haiden Deegan was fined $1000 for unsportsmanlike behavior in his incidents with Seth Hammaker and going down to the Pro Circuit pit and yelling at them. Haiden Deegan is now in 4th place in the 250 East points chase—tied with Coty Schock, who he punted off the track in the final corner of the 250 East main—in which Schock suffered a broken collarbone.

The whole tale started because of a first turn crash in his 250 East heat race with Seth Hammaker. Neither Deegan nor Hammaker transferred out of their heat and both had to go to the Last Chance Qualifier, where Haiden finished second behind Seth Hammaker. The LCQ result meant that Deegan would get the 20th pick at the gate. The bad gate pick saw Haiden get blocked behind a bunch of riders who got together on the first lap. Haiden Deegan went off track and, according to the AMA, passed riders who were on the track, while he was off the track. The AMA also stated that he accelerated instead of riding at the pace the rule book calls for. This a no-no. The AMA docked him two overall positions, from 7th back to 9th.

TV announcer Ricky Carmichael said on the broadcast that he believed that Haiden would be punished for speeding while off the track and that the poor sportsmanship he showed in the Hammaker incident in their heat race crash would be a contributing factor. Haiden had shoved Hammaker’s bike to the ground after Seth picked it up. Then, to compound his issues, Haiden stomped down to the Pro Circuit pit to yell at the Kawasaki team. Plus, the aggressive take-out move on Coty Schock in the last corner of the 250 Main that broke Coty’s collarbone didn’t sit well either.

• EVERY 2024 AMA SUPERCROSS WINNER AT A GLANCE

Venue                                                                                       450                                             250
Jan. 6…Anaheim, CA………………………….Jett Lawrence (Hon)……………R.J. Hampshire (Hus)
Jam. 13…San Francisco………………………Chase Sexton (KTM)…………Jordon Smith (Yam)
Jan. 20…San Diego, CA………………………Aaron Plessinger (KTM)…….Nate Thrasher (Yam)
Jan.27…Anaheim 2, CA………………………Cooper Webb (Yam)…………..Levi KItchen (Kaw)
Feb. 3…Detroit, MI……………………………..Jett Lawrence (Hon)……………Austin Forkner (Kaw)
Feb. 10…Glendale, AZ………………………..Ken Roczen (Suz)…………………R.J. Hampshire (Hus)
Feb. 24…Arlington, TX……………………….CooperWebb (Yam)…………….Haiden Deegan (Yam)
Mar. 2…Daytona Beach, FL………………Jett Lawrence (Hon)…………….Tom Vialle (KTM)
Mar. 9…Birmingham, AL……………………Jett Lawrence (Hon)……………Tom Vialle (KTM).
Mar. 16…Indianapolis, IN……………………..
Mar. 23…Seattle, WA………………………….
Mar. 30…St. Louis, MO……………………….
Apr. 13…Foxborough, MA…………………..
Apr. 20…Nashville, TN……………………….
Apr. 27…Philadelphia, PA…………………..
May 4…Denver, CO………………………….
May 11…Salt Lake City, UT……………….
450 Points leader………………………………Jett Lawrence
250 West Points leader…………………….Levi Kitchen
250 East points leader………………………Tom  Vialle

• JORGE PRADO WINS THE 450 GRAND PRIX OF ARGENTINA

Jorge Prado (1) picked up where he left off in 2023 with a 1-2 victory over Romain Febvre’s 2-3.

450 RESULTS: GRAND PRIX OF ARGENTINA
1. Jorge Prado (Gas)…1-2
2. Romain Febvre (Kaw)…2-3
3. Tim Gajser (Hon)…5-1
4. Pauls Jonass (Hon)…3-4
5. Maxime Renaux (Yam)…4-6
6. Jeremy Seewer (Kaw)…7-5
7. Glenn Coldenhoff (Fan)…6-8
8. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)…8-7
9. Calvin Vlaanderen (Yam)…9-9
10. Kevin Horgmo (Hon)….12-10
11. Valentin Guillod (Hon)…11-11
12. Ben Watson (Bet)…10-12
13. Ivo Monticelli (Bet)…13-13
14. Jan Pancar (KTM)…15-14
15. Isak Gifting (Yam)…16-15

29-year-old Jeffrey Herlings (84) went 8-7 for 7th in the 450 points standings. You might notice that the points don’t match the first round race results—that’s because MXGP pays bonus points for Saturday’s Qualifying races that carry over to the season points. 

450 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS
(After round 1 of 20)
1. Jorge Prado (Gas)…54
2. Romain Febvre (Kaw)…51
3. Tim Gajser (Hon)..51
4. Pauls Jonass (Hon)…46
5. Maxime Renaux (Yam)…39
6. Jeremy Seewer (Kaw)…34
7. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)…32
8. Glenn Coldenhoff (Fan)…28
9. Calvin Vlaanderen (Yam)…26
10. Valentin Guillod (Hon)…21

Husqvarna’s Kay De Wolf’s 2-1 bested Simon Laengenfelder’s 1-4 in the 250 GP.

250 RESULTS: GRAND PRIX OF ARGENTINA
1. Kay de Wolf (Hus)…2-1
2. Simon Laengenfelder (Gas)…1-4
3. Mikkel Haarup (Tri)…5-2
4. Thibault Benistant (Yam)…3-7
5. Andrea Adamo (KTM)…8-4
6. Ferruccio Zanchi (Hon)…7-8
7. Marc-Antoine Rossi (Gas)…4-12
8. Sacha Coenen (KTM)…6-10
9. Camden McLellan (Tri)…11-6
10. Rick Elzinga(Yam)…10-9
11. Lucas Coenen (Hus)…31-3
12. Jack Chambers (Kaw)…12-11
13. Quentin Prugnieres (Kaw)…9-16
14. Andrea Bonacorsi (Yam)…13-14
15. Hakon Fredriksen (KTM)…15-15

Sacha Coenen (19) and his twin brother Lucas are both in the top ten in 250 Grand Prix points.

250 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS
(After round 1 of 20)
1. Kay de Wolf (Hus)…56
2. Simon Laengenfelder (Gas)…50
3. Thibault Benistant (Yam)…40
4. Mikkel Haarup (Tri)…38
5. Andrea Adamo (KTM)…37
6. Marc-Antoine Rossi (Gas)…32
7. Lucas Coenen (Hus)…30
8. Ferruccio Zanchi (Hon)…28
9. Sacha Coenen (KTM)…28
10. Camden McLellan (Tri)…25

• 2024 TV SCHEDULE: AMA 250 EAST/WEST SUPERCROSS & 450 SUPERCROSS

Ken Roczen won in Indianapolis last year. Can he do it again on Saturday, March 16.

• THE GREATEST DEAL IN MOTOCROSS! SUBSCRIBE TO MXA & GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATV/MC CREDIT & A YEAR OF MX FUN

This is the cover of the April 2024 issue of MXA

Did you know that you can subscribe to MXA at absolutely no cost to you—because when you subscribe you receive a Rocky Mountain ATV/MC credit for $25 towards anything in their massive inventory. Plus, you will get all the content in the 12 monthly issues of Motocross Action magazine delivered to your home by a uniformed U.S. government employee. The April 2024 issue includes a full test of the 2024 Husqvarna FC350, a 11-page photo gallery of the Anaheim 1 season opener, 10 pages on how MXA sent a local trail rider out to race the grueling 24-hours of Glen Helen—.by himself. We test the 2024 YZ125 and YZ250 two-strokes and cover how they came to be the longest continually produced motocross models on the track today. And give you detailed insight into not only the new Ducacti 450Desmo, but also the fact that you won’t seen one until 2025 . All of this in addition to “Troll Training” with Alex Martin, “Twisted Logic” with Jamie Ellis, “Suspennsion Simplified” with REP/AEO’s Mark Johnson and “Jody’s Box” by Jody Weisel, These experts give you the inside scoop on stuff you need to know. And, don’t forget, the $25 credit from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC that will more than cover the cost of your subscription. To subscribe call (800) 767-0345 or Click Here

$12,000 PASHA 125 PRO CLASSES AT THE WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP ON MARCH 30

2024 WORLD TWO-STROKE PASHA 125 PRO PURSE & PRIZES

125 Pro: First— $2000; Second— $1000; Third—$500; Fourth— $400; Fifth— $300.
Over-30 125 Pro: First—$1500; Second—$1000; Third—$500; Fourth—$400; Fifth—$300.
Open-50 125 Pro: First—$1500; Second—$1000; Third—$500; Fourth—$400; Fifth—$300.

ADDED BONUS MONEY & PRIZES

(1) The Racers Edge (TRE) offers a $500 bonus to first place in the 125 Pro class (making the winner’s share of the purse $2000).
(2) Fourth and fifth place purse money in all three classes comes from Simi Valley Cycles.
(3) Sixth place in all three 125 Pro classes gets a Ken & Joe’s dealership gift bag.
(4) The purse money comes from Pasha and the companies listed on the race poster above.
(5) Total purse for the three Pasha 125 Pro classes is $12,000 in cash, plus prizes.
(6) ASV Levers are paying $400 start money to get Mike Alessi to the race.

• RICKY & TRIUMPH: THE BEST RICKY CARMICHAEL INTERVIEW EVER

Ricky Carmichael’s role at Triumph America is much more than you’d think. He’s not just taking pictures and signing autographs, but he’s helping test and develop the all-new 2024 Triumph TF250X and he is currently helping develop the 2025 Triumph TF450-X. We enjoyed hanging out with Ricky at the Triumph intro in Florida. He was very open and easy to talk to about the exciting new venture for Triumph. This is a candid interview between Josh Mosiman and Ricky Carmichael, with an impromptu visit from Dennis Stapleton jumping in for the later portion of the video.

• 2024 TRIUMPH TF250-X YOUTUBE VIDEO VIEWS BY MEDIA OUTLET

• MXA VIDEO: 2024 TRIUMPH TF250-X TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TM DESIGNWORKS BETA RR & RX SLIDE-N-GUIDE KIT

TM Designworks’ all-new Beta Slide-N-Guide kit is now available for the Beta 450RX (and all Beta two-and four-stroke models). The kit includes their damping pads to reduce chain slap, plus TMD’s friction reduction additive lower to reduce chain drag and improves wear. The factory tested shape controls the chain through the complete suspension stroke and raised inner plate keeps chain centered on slider for 100% efficiency.

TM Designworks has lower chain tensioner pads for all brands.

The kit includes TM Designworks’ long wear composite plastic lower frame tensioner pad with UV and oil additive included. The rear chain guide is based on the all-new multi-purpose FX series chain guide used by Beta factory riders worldwide in off-road and motocross. The awesome guide features a streamlined profile, great ground clearance and large chamfered edges to skim over rock, ruts and obstacles. The Return Memory System (RMS) gets you to the finish line no matter how hard the hit. The retail price is $204.95 for the kit. It comes in Beta red and black from www.tmdesignworks.com  or your local dealer.

• MXA VIDEO: 2024 GASGAS MC350F TEST

• RANDEL FOUT “A CELEBRATION OF LIFE” ON MARCH 16

There will be a memorial celebration for Randel Fout on March 16, 2024, at Oceanside Harbor Beach from 2:00 p.m. to sunset. Motocross Action has never had a test rider die in a racing incident and we are devastated by the passing of one of our best test riders and closest friends. Randel Fout fell to his death when his bike went over the edge of a ridge during an SRA cross-country race at Glen Helen on Sunday, February 25, 2024.  Randel leaves behind three sons, 41-year-old Jake, 35-year-old Josh and 11-year old Logan. MXA is devastated by the passing of one of the nicest guys in the sport. He was an incredible person and our prayers go out to his family and friends. A Go Fund Me account has been set-up for his young son Logan . All the donations will go to the aid and support of Logan Fout. If you’d like to donate to help his young son, please Click Here.

• 2024 YAMAHA YZ125X VS. YZ250X: WHICH OFF-ROAD YZ-X TWO-STROKE IS BEST FOR YOU?

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• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NIHILO 2023-2024 KTM/GASGAS/HUSKY 65 JET KIT

The Nihilo jet kit for the Austrian trio of 65cc Junior Cycles consists of two main jets (a 210 and 220) and a 17.5 pilots jet. It retails for $21.5 at www.nihiloconcepts.com.

Nihilo also has jet kits for KTM/GasGas/Husky 85s (from 2018 to 2024) and also a KTM 50SX Dell’orto PHBG JET kit.

• ASK THE MXPERTS: WHY DON’T ALL THE BRANDS RACE SUPERCROSS?

Sherco is one of several European brands who make bikes that could be reconfigured as motocross bikes, but sticks to off-road racing.

WHY DON’T ALL THE BRANDS RACE SUPERCROSS?

Dear MXperts,
I currently own a Yamaha, but I am a big fan of brands like TM, Sherco, SWM, Rieju, Kove and APC. My question is, why don’t I ever see any of these bikes racing the AMA Supercross series? It seems to me that those brands would benefit from the exposure, and the fans would enjoy seeing bikes that they rarely get to see outside of enduro and cross-country racing.

Not just any motorcycle can race an AMA Supercross or National. Only motorcycles that are homologated by the AMA may be used in competition. Homologation is just a fancy way of making sure that no rider or team shows up at the races with a special one-off machine that isn’t available in its basic form to every other rider in the race. In order for a bike to be considered a legal production bike, the manufacturer must produce and sell at least 400 units. And, the manufacturer must make those units available to the public all the way up until August 1st of the racing season that the bike was homologated for (unless the manufacturer can prove that all of the available models were sold out before that date). Strangely, only 200 bikes must be in the showrooms by March 1st and the remaining number by June 1st. Only the manufacturer of record can submit a machine for homologation—not a rider or team. There is a $5,000 fee to get a bike on the approved list. On a side note, no motorcycle over five years old may be raced.

These homologation rules effectively make bikes from TM, Sherco, APC, SWM and Rieju ineligible to be raced in Supercross or motocross, unless they can import more than 400 units of the given motocross model they plan to race in that calendar year.

Here are the homologation rules:

(1) Once a motorcycle has been homologated, it may be used until such time that the homologated motorcycle no longer complies with the technical rules or a maximum of five years.

(2)  Compliance with homologation requirements will not guarantee an AMA homologation. The homologation may be withheld or withdrawn for a just cause that the AMA deems in the best interest of the sport.

(3) To be a legally homologated motorcycle, at least 400 units have to be made available to the public. A minimum of 200 units must be in U.S. dealer showrooms by March 1 and the remaining 200 units must be available to the public by June 1st of the current season.

(4) After June 1st, the manufacturers must maintain availability of homologated models to any AMA pro-licensed motocross competitor until August 1 of the current season. This applies unless the manufacturer can supply documented proof that all the units imported to the U.S were sold to North American customers before June 1 of the current season.

(5) Factory team motorcycles are counted as part of the required 400, but the team cannot not count more than 8 units. The AMA does not want the teams to hoard 100 motorcycle to reach the required homologation number. The object of homologation is to ensure that the bikes are available to every AMA privateer who may want one.

(6) Any motorcycle model that was homologated in the previous year is not bound by the 400 unit rules, deadlines or limits for the current year.

• WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP WARM-UP RACE ON THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024

Pasha Afshar wants to give every two-stroke racer a warm-up race two weeks before the 2024 World Two-Stroke Championship. On Saturday, March 16, Glen Helen will host two-stroke classes at the “Saturday At the Glen” races on the Glen Helen National track. Not only is it a chance to make sure you have your machine properly tuned, but it’s a chance to race your bike on the same dirt, hills and start as the World Two-Stroke Championship on Saturday, March 30. For more info got to www.glenhelen.com

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE RACING DECEIT F.I. HELMET

Moose Racing has a brand-new Deceit helmet graphic. This is an all-new design for our Spring 2024 release. It is featured on our F.I. Offroad Helmet that offers extreme airflow with nine intake and three exhaust ports.

The Deceit F/I.helmet also comes with MIPS low-friction liner to help reduce the risk of brain injury. It is constructed with an injection-molded polycarbonate shell.  The Moose Deceit is offered in sizes ranging from XS-2XL. MSRP is listed at $149.95 at www.mooseracing.com.

• MXA VIDEO: THE 2024 BETA 450RX TEST

• 2024-1/2 KTM 450SXF FACTORY EDITION YOUTUBE VIDEO VIEWS BY MEDIA OUTLET

• MXA VIDEO: 2024-1/2 KTM 450SXF FACTORY EDITION TEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WORKS CONNECTION STARK VARG COMPONENTS

STARK VARG PRO LAUNCH HOLESHOT DEVICE
It features and easy to use spring-less design for positive engagement and is CNC-machined from aircraft grade aluminum. It weighs only 50 grams and comes with a custom drill guide template and countersinking tool (along with a detailed installation sheet with step-by-step photos). The retail price is $139.95 at www.worksconnection.com.

STARK VARG FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAPS
These stylish front brake master cylinder covers are available in orange, black, blue, red or green anodized colors. The retail price is $32.95 and you can have it custom engraved with your bike’s number for only $9.95. For more info go to www.worksconnection.com

STARK VARG REAR MASTER CYLINDER CAPS
Works Connection rear master cylinder covers are offered in four stylish anodized  colors  orange, black, blue or red). The retail price is $29,95 at www.worksconnection.com

STARK VARG REAR “HAND BRAKE” MASTER CYLINDER CAPS
You can customize your Stark Varg hand brake master cylinder with orange, black, blue, red or green anodized colors. Plus, there is optional engraving offered to personalize your Stark. The hand brake cover retails for $32.95 and the optional engraved number is $9.95 at  www.works connection.com

• MXA VIDEO: 2024 HONDA CRF450 WORKS EDITION TEST

• 2024 250 SHOOTOUT YOUTUBE VIDEO VIEWS BY MEDIA OUTLETS

• MXA VIDEO: 2024 MXA 250 SHOOTOUT: ALL THE COLORS IN THE RAINBOW

• MXA’S PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: HAIDEN DEEGAN “GHOST RIDES” HIS STAR YAMAHA FOR THE SECOND WEEK IN A ROW

MXA’s Brian Converse shot the whole sequence of Haiden Deegan crashing during Daytona practice. We picked out the two highest flying photos as our “Photos of the Week.”

Amazingly, Haiden walked away no worse for the wear and came back to get 4th in  the Daytona 250 East Supercross later in the day.

• TEAM HONDA BREAKS EVERY AMA START LINE PROTOCOL AT DAYTONA, BUT GETS AWAY SCOT-FREE

The officiating, rules enforcement and questionable selection of who gets punished and who does not has turned AMA rules enforcement into a running joke. The old tag line that the AMA only enforces their rules against privateers and French riders may not be be as true as it once was, but it is still pretty embarasssing. Even weirder is that even though there are strict AMA rules covering everything, not all the rules have defined punishments assigned to them—even though they are deemed illegal.

Take the Jett Lawrence fiasco on the starting line at Daytona. Team Honda broke every one of the very few starting line rules when Team Honda decided to put a new rear tire on Jett’s CRF450 after the sight lap (and then decided to put a tire cover on the tire so that the tire wouldn’t get muddy rolling it back up to the line).

Unfortunately, Jett’s tire cover got stuck on his rear wheel and the mechanic of record, crossed over the defined starting line restraint and into the starting grid area to try to remove it from the wheel out of fear that it would get tangled in the chain and sprocket or even melt against the rear brake rotor. When the mechanic could not get it off, a second Honda mechanic came on the scene to help pull it off. This did not happened as Jett was staging, but during the time that the 30-second board was being turned. They finally ripped it free just before the gate fell.

Here are the rules that Honda broke:

(1) Rule 1.8.8b-1: “Each rider may have only one crew member accompany them to the starting gate. No other crew members are permitted at the starting gate.”

This was Honda’s first violation, as it was obvious that a second Honda mechanic was not only in the area, but intruded into the starting grid. In fact an AMA official was running towards the two Honda mechanics when the gate fell.

(2) Rule 1.8.10a-2: “In the event a rider needs to make repairs once loaded in the starting gate, the motorcycle must be pushed back from the gate to behind the rear restraint before any repairs can be made, so as not to interfere with other competitors.”

This was the second violation, in that Honda did not pull the bike back from the gate to make repairs as the rules require. The AMA, in cover-up mode, claims that removing the stuck tire cover was not a “repair,” but, even to the most casual viewer the two mechanics were frantically attempting to fix Jett’s rear wheel issue—which, of course, is a repair.

Additionally, the AMA claimed that they talked to the riders on either side of Jett’s bike on the starting line and that they said they were not distracted by or interfered with by what was happening on Jett’s bike. That sounds a little suspect. Do you believe that they would take no notice of mechanics encroaching on their starting grid space. The Honda mechanic actually brushed up against Plessinger’s leg at one point, making Plessinger look back to see what was going on behind him–just seconds before the gate dropped.

(3) There is an unwritten rule that all mechanics must leave the starting area before the start countdown begins. No mechanics are allowed to stay anywhere near their riders or bikes. In fact, every other rider’s mechanics had back away from their rider’s bikes and were leaving the starting line area—except Jett’s mechanics.

(4) Not all potential violations are covered in the rulebook. However, Race Direction may impose fines, warnings, disqualifications or suspensions for “at-track” procedural rules violations. So, even though, there is no specific penalty or remedy for Team Honda’s actions, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be subject to punishment under the “at-track” penalty section of the rulebook.

It is important to note, that Jett Lawrence was not a party to these rules violations—and no actual penalty against Jett would be appropriate. Thus, the calls for Jett’s disqualification, points deductions or being docked places do not apply. However, the same leniency does does not apply to Honda’s on-track crew and Honda’s team management.

It should be noted that in the MXGP series, mechanics are not allowed to accompany their riders anywhere near the starting area. The riders are lined up in the order of their gate pick and then ride their bikes to the starting spot they want. It’s clean, quick and smooth. When the last rider pulls behind his gate, the countdown begins. Perhaps, this rule should be applied by the AMA in the future, like next weekend, to avoid the normal fire drills of most AMA starts.

• MXA VIDEO: 2024 YAMAHA YZ450FX OFF-ROAD TEST

• 2024 WISECO/FASTHOUSE WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THREE WEEKS

The Wiseco World Two-Stroke Championship returns to Glen Helen Raceway on March 30, 2024. You can secure your spot early and enjoy substantial savings with Pre-Entry fees were set at $60 for the first class and $50 for the second class up until March 1. However, after March 1, the entries will increase to $80 for your first class before going to $100 for Post-entry on the weekend of the race. To pre-enter for  the 2024 World Two-Stroke Championship and save money Click Here.

• EVERY WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPION (2010-2023)

Off-road star Bobby Garrison (928) won the first World Two-Stroke Championship race 14 years ago. It took nerve to tackle this downhill at speed.

EVERY WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPION (2010-2023)
2010…Bobby Garrison (Hus)
2011…Austin Howell (Yam)
2012…Michael Leib (Hon)
2013…Sean Collier (Yam)
2014…Sean Collier (Yam)
2015…Mike Sleeter (KTM)
2016…Mike Alessi (Suz)
2017…Ryan Surratt (Hon)
2018…Zach Bell (Hus)
2019…Robbie Wageman (Yam)
2020…Mike Alessi (Yam)
2021…Robbie Wageman (Yam)
2022…Trevor Stewart (Yam)
2023…Carson Brown (Yam)

• 2024 KAWASAKI KX250 YOUTUBE VIDEO VIEWS BY MEDIA OUTLETS

• MXA VIDEO: 2024 KAWASAKI KX250 VIDEO TEST

• 2024 TV SCHEDULE: AMA 250/450 NATIONALS AND THE THREE-ROUND SMX PLAYOFFSEndless ruts are a common theme at the AMA 250/450 Nationals. Here, Justin Cooper finds a smooth line on the outside..

 

2024 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 6…Anaheim, CA
Jan. 13…San Francisco, CA
Jan. 20…San Diego, CA
Jan. 27, Anaheim, CA
Feb. 3…Detroit, MI
Feb. 10…Glendale, AZ
Feb. 24…Arlington, TX
Mar. 2…Daytona Beach, FL
Mar. 9…Birmingham, AL
Mar. 16…Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 23…Seattle, WA
Mar. 30…St. Louis, MO
Apr. 13…Foxborough, MA
Apr. 20…Nashville, TN
Apr. 27…Philadelphia, PA
May 4…Denver, CO
May 11…Salt Lake City, UT

2024 SUPERMOTOCROSS (SMX) PLAY-OFFS
Sept. 7…Concord, NC
Sept. 14…Fort Worth, TX
Sept. 21…Las Vegas, NV

2024 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
May 25…Pala, CA
June 1…Hangtown, CA
June 8…Thunder Valley, CO
June 15…Mount Morris, PA
June 29…Southwick, MA
July 6…Red Bud, MI
July 13…Millville, MN
July 20…Washougal, WA
August 10…Unadilla, NY
August 17…Budds Creek, MD
August 24…Crawfordsville, IN

2024 FIM WORLD MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 10…Argentina
Mar. 24…TBA
Apr. 7…Sardinia
Apr. 14…Italy #1
May 5…Portugal
May 12…Spain
May 19…France
Jun. 2…Germany
Jun. 9…Latvia
June 16…Italy #2
June 30…Indonesia #1
July 7…Indonesia #2
July 21…Czech Republic
July. 28..Belgium
Aug. 11…Sweden
Aug. 18…Holland
Aug 25…Switzerland
Sept. 8… Turkey
Sept. 16…China
Sept. 29….Italy #3

2024 WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 30-31…Glen Helen, CA

LORETTA LYNN NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Jul. 29-Aug. 3…Hurricane Mills, TN

2024 MOTOCROSS DES NATION
Oct. 6…Matterley Basin, UK

2024 WORLD VET MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Nov. 2-3…Glen Helen, CA

2024 GNCC CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 17-18… Union, SC
Mar. 2-3…Palatka, FL
Mar. 23-24…Society Hills, SC
Apr. 13-14…Monterey, TN
Apr. 27-28…Crawfordsville, IN
May 11-12…St. Clairsville, OH
June 1-2…Mt. Morris, PA
June 22-23…Snowden, WV
Aug. 31/Sept.1…Newburg, WV
Sept. 14-15…Beckley, WV
Sept. 28-29…Millfield, OH
Oct. 26-27…Crawfordsville, IN

2024 WORCS CHAMPIONSHIP
Jan. 5-7…Taft, CA
Jan. 26-28…Glen Helen, CA
Feb 23-25…Marysville, CA
Mar. 15-17…Lake Havasu, AZ
Apr. 12-14…Blythe, CA
May 17-19…Cedar City, UT
Sept. 6-7…Glen Helen, CA
Oct. 4-6…Mesquite, NV
Nov. 1-3…Primm, NV

2024 DUTCH MASTERS OF MOTOCROSS
Mar. 17…Harfsen
Apr. 4…Oldebroek
Apr. 21…Markelo

2024 ADAC MX MASTERS
Apr. 21…Princely Drehna
Apr. 28th…Dreetz
May 26…Vellahn
Jun. 23…Bielstein
July 14,…Tensfeld
Aug. 4…Gaildorf
Sept. 1…TBA
Sept. 22…Holzgerlingen

2024 SATURDAY AT THE GLEN MOTOCROSS (UPDATED)
Jan. 13…Winter Series #1 (Arroyo track)
Jan. 20…Winter Series #2 (National track
Feb. 3…Winter Series #3 (Arroyo track)
Feb. 24…Winter Series #4 (Arroyo track)
Mar.16…Winter Series #5 (National track)
Mar. 23…Spring Series #1 (Arroyo track)
Apr. 13…Spring Series #2 (Arroyo track)
Apr. 20…Spring Series #3 (Arroyo track)
May 4…Spring Series #4 (National track)
May 11…Spring Series #5 (Arroyo track)
June 1…Summer Series #1 (Arroyo track)
June 15…Summer Series #2 (National track)
July 6…Summer Series #3 (Arroyo track)
July 20…Summer Series #4 (Arroyo track)
Aug. 3….Summer Series #5 (National track)
Aug. 24…Fall Series #1 (Arroyo track)
Aug. 31…Fall Series #2 (Arroyo track)
Sept. 14…Fall Series #3 (National track)
Oct. 5…Fall Series #4 (Arroyo track)
Oct. 19…Fall Series #5 (Arroyo track)
Oct. 26…Winter Series #1 (National track)
Nov. 16..Winter Series #2 (Arroyo track)
Nov. 23..Winter Series #3 (Arroyo track)
Dec. 7…Winter Series #4 (Arroyo track)
Dec. 21…Winter Series #5 (National track)

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Photos Credits:  MXGP, KTM, Husqvarna , GasGas, Brian Converse, Trevor Nelson, Debbi Tamietti and MXA archive

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