Wednesday, February 28, 2018

JuniorMotoX announces two Pro classes in 2018

Courtesy of JuniorMotoX

JuniorMotoX is the fastest growing indoor motocross event in the country. For year three there will be two new Pro classes added to the big night show. The new classes are not limited to age 18 yrs.
Since the first JuniorMotoX event in 2016 the best amateur racers in the country have turned out in force. The next step was to give the pro riders a chance to race on that same amazing dirt. For the Pro riders the team at JuniorMotoX brought a $5000 + purse to make sure some of the best racers show up to battle.
“We wanted to give the Pros a chance to put on a show in front of the best amateur racers in the country “mentioned Tom Zielinski the co-creator of JuniorMotoX. “Over the last two years I was asked about Pro classes so often that it was clear we needed to consider how to make that happen”. Jay Reynolds added “because JuniorMotoX was planned to fit between the end of Supercross and Arenacross but before the outdoor season starts we expect a good turnout of top riders to come vie for the $5000 + at stake.”
The JuniorMotoX track design has been completely reworked for 2018 with input from some of the best racers, coaches and industry partners. The track design will challenge all the racers in new ways this year. 
Come join us for some of the best racing anywhere at JuniorMotoX 2018

                                  www.juniormotox.com


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Tuesday, February 27, 2018

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES & ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK EXTEND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles


HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES’ COLLABORATION WITH ROCKSTAR ENERGY EXTENDS FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO YEARS
Husqvarna Motorcycles are pleased to announce the extension of their strategic global partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink, for an additional two years. Officially lengthening their highly successful collaboration, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders will set out to achieve continued success in all major offroad disciplines worldwide through 2018 and 2019.

With the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team enjoying increasing success, the extension of the agreement with Rockstar Energy comes at a time that team riders Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne respectively lead the 450SX and 250SX East Region categories of the AMA Supercross Championship. In addition, 2018 has also seen Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders enjoy a wealth of success in indoor enduro, extreme enduro, rally, motocross and supercross events.

Entering into this long term, worldwide partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink in December 2015, Husqvarna Motorcycles started an important and successful chapter in their racing history. Earning a total of four FIM World Championship titles and three AMA titles, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team has established Husqvarna Motorcycles as a leading manufacturer within the global motocross and offroad motorcycle competition sector.

To celebrate their wealthy collaboration with Rockstar Energy, Husqvarna Motorcycles were proud to introduce their very first FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION motorcycle, launched at the end of 2017. With Jason Anderson having to date raced his FC 450 ROCKSTAR EDITION machine to three victories in the AMA Supercross series, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider currently holds the championship points lead as the series nears the halfway point.

Looking forward to the thrilling season ahead, Husqvarna Motorcycles are confident that the extension of their partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink will help the brand continue to achieve success at the highest levels of two-wheeled worldwide motorsport.

Diego Clement – Head of Motorsport at Husqvarna Motorcycles: “Continuing our successful partnership with Rockstar Energy will further strengthen our status in global motorsport. We are confident that the extension of this agreement will allow Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders to look for yet more success in 2018 and beyond. Together with Rockstar we’ve worked hard during the last two years to make Husqvarna the winning brand that it now is. We’re more than pleased to be lengthening such a resilient and fruitful collaboration and are really looking forward to a positive and rewarding season.”

Michael Kelso – Marketing Director at Rockstar Energy Drink: “To stand out in the highly competitive environment that is global motorcycle racing you need strong and lasting collaborations with trusted partners. Breaking down borders with the creation of one global team in late 2015, we are now here to ensure Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders will keep winning championships. Demonstrating our potential in the past two seasons, we’re taking steps ahead and look forward for yet more success in the years to come.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 2018 Rider Line-up 

Motocross World Championship
Gautier Paulin, Max Anstie, Thomas Kjer-Olsen, Thomas Covington

US Supercross/Motocross
Jason Anderson, Dean Wilson, Zach Osborne, Michael Mosiman, Mitchell Harrison

World Enduro Super Series, SuperEnduro & Hard Enduro
Colton Haaker, Alfredo Gomez, Billy Bolt, Graham Jarvis

US Off-road & EnduroCross
Josh Strang, Thad Duvall, Dalton Shirey, Colton Haaker

Dakar Rally & Cross-Country Rallies World Championship
Pablo Quintanilla, Andrew Short



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Baggett digs deep to finish 9th in Tampa SX | Team RMATV/MC-KTM-WPS Race Report

Courtesy of 

Payson, UT (Feb.26, 2018) - After a 19-year hiatus, round eight of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship Series, made its return to Tampa, FL, and the Raymond James Stadium this past Saturday night. Blake Baggett kept his chances at a championship alive as he recovered from an early race crash to finish inside the top ten.

Rider Reports

 
Photo Credit: Kardy Photos

Baggett timed the drop of the gate perfectly and led the field to the first turn to grab the holeshot in his heat race. He pulled a gap early on until an uncharacteristic mistake in a tricky rhythm section made him jump off the track and into the catch net behind the first bowl turn. After regrouping, Blake came back through the field to finish 7th to transfer to the main event. Blake had his work cut out for him in the main as an early race incident in the treacherous sand section put him at the tail end of the field. He then put his head down and charged his way through the field into the top ten where he finished the night in 9th place. Blake continues to hold down 3rd place in the championship points standings.

"Tonight was tough," said Baggett. "I felt I had the speed tonight. It was unfortunate about the incident early in the main, as I feel we could have been up front. We will regroup and look forward to getting back on the podium in Atlanta next weekend."

 
Photo Credit: Kardy Photos

Benny Bloss felt good coming into Tampa, and it showed in his heat race, where a good start allowed him to battle inside the top ten. He kept the charge and worked his way up to finish 5th and transfer to the main. Unfortunately, an early race incident in the main event ended Benny's night early.

 
Photo Credit: Kardy Photos

Anthony Rodriguez's night started off solid as he launched out of the gate in his heat race rounding the first turn in 5th. He hit his marks and secured himself a spot in the main event with a 6th place finish. He took that momentum into the 250SX main event, just missing the first lap carnage and fighting for positions inside the top ten for most of the race. He rode well on the tricky track, only sliding back a few spots to finish the night in 11th place.
After eight rounds, Team Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-KTM-WPS will travel north to Atlanta, GA, for round nine and the second triple crown of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Series.

Tampa SX Team Photo Gallery: CLICK HERE

Thank you to our 2018 sponsors:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC | KTM | WPSFly Racing, Palmetto Motorsports, FMF Racing, Bubba Burger,, Engine Ice, Alpinestars, ODI, Scott, Galfer, Motorex, Acerbis, Seat Concepts, Decor Graphics, Sunstar, Regina Chains, WP Factory Services, Hinson Racing, DT-1, Dunlop, ASV, Motion Pro, Talon, Dubya,Excel, Loenbro Motosports, The W Training Facility,SoCal SuperTrucks, Gear, Truck Central, Safety-Kleen, Hurly, ETS Fuels, Beta Tools, ProPegs, Xtrig, San Diego Powder and Protective Coatings

Follow the team on social media:
Instagram: @teamrmatvmc
Facebook: @teamrmatvmc
Twitter: @teamrmatvmc
Team Website: www.teamrmatvmc.com




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Monday, February 26, 2018

LS2 HELMETS, REVZILLA ACCEPTING RIDER SUPPORT APPLICATIONS


Aurora, IL — LS2 Helmets U.S., in partnership with RevZilla, is now accepting rider support applications for 2018. Both brands are looking to support amateur racers across the country. Top selected riders will receive LS2 MX470 Subverter Helmets for the season, while runners-up will be eligible for aggressive pro deal pricing. If you believe you have what it takes to represent both LS2 and RevZilla, apply here.
The MX470 Subverter brings the absolute latest in helmet technology to the world of motocross. The lightweight shell is made from LS2’s proprietary Kinetic Polymer Alloy, which utilizes nanotechnology to enhance the penetration resistance, strength and energy management of the shell, without adding weight. Combined with their Synthetic Scalp System rotational energy management system, the Subverter will go head-to-head with any brand of MX helmet on the market today. This system offers the largest slip plane in the industry and works with the comfort liner to mitigate rotational energy.

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KAWASAKI SWEEPS MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS RETURN TO TAMPA

Courtesy of Kawasaki

Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac continued his winning ways with a second straight victory as Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship returned to Raymond James Stadium Saturday night. In the 250SX class it was Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner earning his first career supercross win in dominant fashion.
It was another great weekend for Tomac as the No.3 Kawasaki once again kicked the day off by setting the fastest time in qualifying. He did not let off the throttle all night as he finished second in his heat race and was ready to notch another main event win. As the gate dropped for the main, Tomac led the field around the inside of the first turn on his KX™450F and began battling for the lead. Just passed the halfway mark, he solidified his position up front and went on to lead 13 laps and capture his fourth win of the season. Monster Energy Kawasaki welcomed fill-in rider Tyler Bowers to the team this weekend as the injured Josh Grant recovers. In his 2018 debut with the factory team, Bowers transferred directly out of 450SX Heat 1 with a sixth place finish. In the Main Event, Bowers rounded the first lap in 18th and worked his way up to 14th place at the checkered flag.
“It was a tough race tonight,” said Tomac. “A couple of guys got around me early on but I was able to find my groove and ride up to the front. I found a good line in the heat race and I used that to get by Marv (Musquin) and overall this was a good race track for us. A win in this 450 class is pretty hard to come by, and this feels really good.”
“Today went well,” said Bowers. “I felt super comfortable on the factory Monster Energy Kawasaki as soon as I hit the track in the morning and felt I rode well all night. I had a great heat race, but didn’t get the start I wanted in the main and ended up finishing 14th. Overall, I think it was a great weekend and can’t thank Monster Energy Kawasaki enough for giving me this opportunity.”
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Forkner and Martin Davalos came into Tampa, Florida looking to rebound after last weekend’s results. As the Florida sun set Raymond James Stadium came alive. When the gate dropped on the opening 250SX heat races, Davalos captured his second heat race win of the season with Forkner qualifying third. At the start of the main event, Forkner came around the first turn in third place and wasted no time jumping into the lead by the end of the opening lap. The pressure on Forkner was relentless for 20 laps, but the young 19-year-old professional held a strong pace and led every lap to his very first career supercross victory. After starting in sixth place, teammate Davalos rode strong to a fifth place finish.
“I’m really happy to get my first supercross win,” said Forkner. “I came into this season coming off a wrist injury and I’m feeling really good right now. The team has a good setup for my KX™250F. Going after my first win was a challenge, but I was up front early and I tried to sprint to build a lead. I managed the pace to try and keep a good gap. I have to give it up to my team for staying behind me.”
“Today started off really well, with qualifying third overall in practice and winning my second heat race of the season,” said Davalos. “Although, when the gate dropped on for the main, I banged bars with another rider and nearly went down. Luckily, I was able to sneak around the inside of the first corner and pass a lot of riders back. A fifth place finish isn’t terrible, but I want to win.”

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IMPRESSIVE RM-Z450 SUZUKI DEBUT FOR HILL AT TAMPA SX

Courtesy of Team Suzuki Press Office

Team Suzuki Press Office – February 26. 



Justin Hill #46 – 450 Class – 6th
Malcolm Stewart #27 – 450 Class – 8th
Jimmy Decotis #47 – 250 East Class – 10th
Weston Peick #34 – 450 Class – 12th
Kyle Peters #76 – 250 East Class – 13th 


The big news entering round eight of the 2018 AMA/ FIM World Supercross Championship on Saturday was Autotrader/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing team 250 rider Justin Hill would be racing the all-new Suzuki RM-Z450 in the premier class. And the defending 250 West Supercross Champion wowed the 42,411 fans at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida by logging the fourth-fastest qualifying time, a heat race victory; plus, a shot at the Main Event win. 

Suzuki RM-Z450 team-mate Malcolm Stewart scored his best finish of the series in eighth. Weston Peick crashed while running in fifth and ended up just outside of the top-10 and RM-Z250 rider Jimmy Decotis got caught-up in a second-turn crash and charged his way from 20th to 10th. 

Hill had high expectations entering his first 450 Supercross and was fast from the start, using his RM-Z450 power to routinely jump a tricky triple-quad-quad section that very few others dared to even try. With a fourth-place Main Event start, Hill methodically worked his way to within striking distance of the leader. Unfortunately, he fell after trying to cut inside while making a pass for the lead but came back to finish an impressive sixth place. 

Stewart spent last week at the JGRMX headquarters in North Carolina testing suspension settings on his Suzuki RM-Z450 and looked great in his home state, placing eighth in what was his best result of the series so far. 

Peick looked ready to improve on his series-best fifth place finish by running the lead pace for half of the Main Event. Unfortunately, the tricky sand rhythm section sent him to the ground. He recovered and finished 12th and he now sits fifth in the point standings – less than 10 points from third. 

Suzuki RM-Z250 mounted Jimmy Decotis had the speed to finish on the podium for a second straight weekend, but a crash derailed his chances. Still, Decotis fought his way from 20th on the second lap to 10th by race end. He sits fifth in points. 

Team-mate Kyle Peters was in position for a great finish, but he was knocked down by another rider a few laps into the Main Event but fought back to 13th. 

Justin Hill [450 Class, Sixth Place]: 

“I was less than intimidated by the 450 guys. The speed was easier than I thought it would have been. I was comfortable at battling the front runners. The experienced guys seem to do less dumb stuff. Riding with the smart guys seems to work better for me. As I get more involved in the 450 class I feel like I could be the guy, because that type of riding style suits me well. 

“The first few laps after I got up following the crash I was trying to regroup. I had a bent front brake lever, and it was hanging pretty far down. Then I started getting the quad jump again. There was no way I was going to do that section without a front brake. I’ll have another week on the Suzuki RM-Z450 and head to Atlanta with new goals. I’m looking forward to it.” 

Malcolm Stewart [450 Class, Eighth Place]: 

“What a night! It was so hot in Tampa that I thought I was racing the Nationals! We had some good testing on the new Showa BFRC shock with the team before traveling down to Tampa. We got the bike more in tune and the results are starting to come around. Thanks to everyone for sticking by me my entire career. The next stop is Atlanta, which I’m really looking forward to!” 

Jimmy Decotis [250 Class, 10th Place]: 

“I felt a little bit off in the beginning of the day and struggled to get into a groove. Things started coming together in the final practice. The heat race went really well. I worked to fourth place. I had a good jump off the gate in the Main Event but missed a shift halfway down the straightaway. Someone crashed in the second turn and I did all I could to avoid his rear wheel, which was spinning pretty fast. Unfortunately, my front wheel hit his rear wheel and I went down before I knew what was happening. I laid there so that I wouldn’t get hit by the rest of the field, and then picked up my RM-Z250. I put my head down and charged as best as I could. It’s unfortunate stuff like that happens, especially after finishing on the podium last weekend, but that’s why we race nine rounds. I’m healthy and happy, so I’ll keep building and get ready for Atlanta.” 

Weston Peick [450 Class, 12th Place]: 

“That was the first race at Tampa in a long time. It was nice to go somewhere new. It was a hot day, with a lot of humidity. Practice went well for me, despite not feeling very in tune with the track. I tangled with some people in the heat race and had to work from about 10th place to fourth by the finish. Before the heat race we softened up the shock a bit, because of the sand section and the ruts. I had a good start in the Main and was around the top-five for over half of the race. Then I made a weird mistake in the sand section. I cross-rutted off the face, landed, hooked left, and went over the bars. I hit my thigh, and it took a while to get the bike out of the sand.” 

Kyle Peters [250 Class, 13th Place]: 

“I was in good position during the heat race, but I rode too timid during the opening laps. After running sixth on the opening lap I made a bobble in the sand section and dropped back a few spots. A few laps later I got taken out while going past the mechanic’s area. I tried to salvage as many points as I could, but I can’t be that far back in the pack. I’m really disappointed and frustrated. I need to bring everything I’m doing at the practice track to the race track.” 

Jeremy Albrecht [Team Manager]: 

“Overall, everyone was better. Hill was definitely impressive. He would have been the podium for sure if not for the crash. I just wanted him to get experience and show it, and I feel good about next year. Even though he rode so well, we have to be patient and stick to the plan. Hill remains focused on building the Suzuki RM-Z250 program, and he will move up to the 450 class next year. As for Stewart, it was a career-best finish for him. He raced with the new Showa BFRC shock, which performed very well. Stewart is improving every week. Peick was solid. He had a good race going, but crashed in the sand. Peick has been a little flat in the middle of the main events, so he’s going to change up a few things in order to have more energy. 

“In the 250 class, Decotis was riding well all day. He crashed but recovered well in cracking the top-10. Peters was riding better than last week. He struggled in the sand and had a crash in the Main, but he improved over last week. 

“The team is traveling to Atlanta on Thursday to spend time with our friends Autotrader. We’ll take part in Friday’s press day, and then enjoy racing at what is our hometown Supercross race on Saturday.” 

The Autotrader/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing Team will travel to Atlanta for round nine of the 2018 Supercross series on Saturday, March 3rd. 



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Geico Honda - Tampa SX Race Report

Courtesy of Geico Honda




Tampa, FL (February 24, 2018) – GEICO Honda’s RJ Hampshire was in position for a dream run. First by simply getting the chance to compete in his home stadium, and then by leading portions of his heat race and the main event in Monster Energy Supercross’ 250SX East Region event. But the native of Hudson, Florida, raised 30 minutes from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, made too many mistakes to complete the dream run. He ended up second in his heat race and fourth in the main event.
 
“Was so excited to race in my city,” said Hampshire. “Felt decent all day. One mistake in the heat race cost me the win. I got another holeshot in the main and did not ride well at all those opening laps! Same thing as last weekend. Made so many mistakes and couldn’t mentally put it together. It took me a couple laps to settle down and then I kind of found a groove. It’s frustrating to holeshot both weekends and end up with two fourths. I need to prove that I can be a threat in this championship. I’m not the same rider as years’ past and I have the bike to put me out front! I’ll continue to plug away and work on those opening laps for next weekend.”
 
Hampshire now sits third in the 250SX East standings.
 
While Cameron McAdoo’s eighth-place result doesn’t sound amazing on paper, it was a strong ride considering he was competing with a fracture in his hand. He suffered the injury when Kyle Peters landed on him last week in Dallas.
 
“Tampa has lots of positives for me,” said McAdoo. “The first being I was able to race after suffering a broken hand last weekend. We worked really hard all week long getting rid of swelling and trying to get the hand useable, so I was happy to even be able to be out there! I was happy with my start in the heat race but felt like I rode tight, and I want to race those front guys harder because that’s where I feel I belong. All in all we ended up eighth on the night so it’s something that we will build off of.”
 
Coming into Tampa Jeremy Martin’s hopes might have been highest of anyone, and he was competitive, speed-wise, in practice. Bad starts ruined his chance of a good finish, though. After some crashes in the main event, he finished a disappointing 12th.
 
“Rough weekend in Tampa,” said Martin. “Speed felt solid all day to be there for a podium finish. Pretty sure I was sleeping on the gate in the main which put me in a poor position and exposed me to some people I shouldn’t have been around. Just need to move on. Looking forward to round three.”
 
GEICO Honda Results
Tampa Supercross
250SX
 
4. RJ Hampshire
8. Cameron McAdoo
12. Jeremy Martin


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Kailub Russell Earns 48th Win at VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC

Courtesy of GNCC


Thad Duvall and Steward Baylor Jr Round out the Overall Podium
UNION, S.C. (February 26, 2018) - Day two of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, an AMA National Championship, racing action took place today, February 25, at the Big Buck Farm in Union, South Carolina. Rain showers would take place earlier in the morning, but cloudy and cool conditions would make for the perfect conditions at the 1 p.m. pro bike start. 
Anticipation was at a record high as the green flag flew for the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC season opener. Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Josh Strang would capture the All Balls Racing $250 XC1 Holeshot by edging out AmPro Yamaha's Ricky Russell.
Josh Strang grabbed the All Balls Racing $250 XC1 Holeshot at round one. 
Josh Strang grabbed the All Balls Racing $250 XC1 Holeshot at round one. 
- Ken Hill
Thad Duvall put his Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna into the lead on lap one, while a pack of XC1 Pro riders assembled behind him. When they came through timing and scoring, the top five riders were just seconds apart. Duvall would hold that lead for the first two laps, but Tely Energy Racing/KTM's Steward Baylor Jr was picking up the pace. 
Baylor Jr would make the pass for the lead during the third lap, along with JCR Honda's Trevor Bollinger moving into the number two spot. Duvall would find himself in the third place position at the halfway point, but he would have company from FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell. 
Kailub Russell and Thad Duvall battled to the checkered flag in South Carolina
Kailub Russell and Thad Duvall battled to the checkered flag in South Carolina
- Ken Hill
Off the start K. Russell would find himself in an undesirable position as he came around on the first lap in the seventh place position. K. Russell would put his head down and push on to make the pass for the lead during lap four. News from the FMF PowerPoint was that Duvall and Baylor Jr were side by side, with K. Russell only a second behind them. When they emerged from the woods heading into the finish, K. Russell was in the lead followed by Duvall and Baylor Jr when the white flag came out. 
Russell and Duvall would battle throughout the last lap, ultimately crossing the finish line just inches apart. Baylor Jr finished third overall, followed by Bollinger and Strang. KR4/Husqvarna and XC1 Pro Rookie Layne Michael finished out the day sixth in XC1 and eighth overall, followed by R. Russell. KR4/Husqvarna/GTR Complex rider Cory Buttrick returned to GNCC Racing and finished a strong eighth in class, and 13thoverall. 
Beta USA's Jordan Ashburn put in a strong performance in the 2018 season opener where he finished ninth in XC1. Tely Energy Racing/KTM's Grant Baylor finished 10th in the XC1 class, while Rockstar Energy/Leatt/Maxxis' Ryan Sipes was running sixth before being forced to pull off due to bike issues. 
Josh Toth takes the early points lead in the XC2 250 Pro class as he goes for his second consecutive title.
Josh Toth takes the early points lead in the XC2 250 Pro class as he goes for his second consecutive title.
- Ken Hill
Thirty-five riders lined up on the second row today, but it was AOMC/Fly Racing's Sam Evans taking the Hot Cams $100 XC2 Holeshot. It wasn't long before FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Josh Toth took over the lead, followed by Trail Jesters/KTM Racing's Ben Kelley and Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Pascal Rauchenecker following closely behind him. The top three at the beginning of the race, would stay that way until the checkered flag was thrown. M&E Honda/Fly Racing/Maxxis' Austin Lee would start his season strong with a fourth place finish, followed by Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Craig Delong.
The FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class was filled with talented riders from the past and present. Riemer Inc/Lojak Cycles' Hunter Riemer jumped off the line first earning the Wiseco FMF $100 XC3 Holeshot award. Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Alex Teagarden claimed the first win of the season after capturing the 250 A championship in 2017. Yamaha-backed rider, Cody Barnes, came across the finish in second followed by Armored Graphics/Maxxis/RX Suspension's Dustin Simpson.
After becoming the 250 A Champion last season, Alex Teagarden earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win at round one.
After becoming the 250 A Champion last season, Alex Teagarden earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win at round one.
- Ken Hill
Brewer Cawley took home the top amateur honors at this weekend's VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC while Jojo Bowden and Chase Hayes finished second and third in the overall amateur podium.
As the 10 a.m. amateur race took off, it was KTM-mounted rider, MacKenzie Tricker who took the holeshot and early lead with Fly Racing/Maxxis/SeatConcepts/KTM rider, Becca Sheets and KR4/Husqvarna's Tayla Jones in tow. Sheets would make the pass and hold the lead in WXC, but a last lap pass by Jones would give her the season opener win. Sheets and Tricker would round out the podium. 
MacKenzie Tricker grabbed the WXC holeshot, but Becca Sheets and Tayla Jones followed closely.
MacKenzie Tricker grabbed the WXC holeshot, but Becca Sheets and Tayla Jones followed closely.
- Ken Hill
The 8 a.m. youth race would take to the track first this morning, where 208 youth racers headed into the South Carolina woods. When the checkered flag waved it was Peyton Whipkey, Grayson Lail and Max Fernandez standing on the podium. 
The 1 p.m. pro bike race was broadcast LIVE in its entirety on RacerTV.com and can be viewed as archived video online by visiting the GNCC LIVE page online. A highlight show featuring the event will be aired on the NBC Sports Network on Sunday, April 1.
The 2018 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series resumes in two weeks March 10 and 11, in Palatka, Florida with the Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC. 
Youth rider, Peyton Whipkey, wheelies to a win Sunday morning. 
Youth rider, Peyton Whipkey, wheelies to a win Sunday morning. 
- Ken Hill
For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC. 
VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC
Union, South Carolina
Round 1 of 13
Sunday, February 25 
XC1 Open Pro Event Results:
  1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
  2. Thad Duvall (HQV)
  3. Steward Baylor Jr (KTM)
  4. Trevor Bollinger (HON)
  5. Josh Strang (HQV)
  6. Layne Michael (HQV)
  7. Ricky Russell (YAM)
  8. Cory Buttrick (HQV)
  9. Jordan Ashburn (BET)
  10. Grant Baylor (KTM)
*Overall National Championship Standings:
  1. Kailub Russell (30)
  2. Thad Duvall (25)
  3. Steward Baylor Jr (21)
  4. Trevor Bollinger (18)
  5. Josh Strang (16)
  6. Josh Toth (15)
  7. Ben Kelley (14)
  8. Layne Michael (13)
  9. Pascal Rauchenecker (12)
  10. Austin Lee (11)
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2017 National Champion. 
XC2 250 Pro Event Results:
  1. Josh Toth (KTM)
  2. Ben Kelley (KTM)
  3. Pascal Rauchenecker (HQV)
  4. Austin Lee (HON)
  5. Craig Delong (HQV)
  6. Evan Smith (HQV)
  7. Jonathan Johnson (YAM)
  8. Trevor Barrett (YAM)
  9. Liam Draper (HQV)
  10. Cole Mattison (YAM) 
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:
  1. Josh Toth (30)
  2. Ben Kelley (25)
  3. Pascal Rauchenecker (21)
  4. Austin Lee (18)
  5. Craig Delong (16)
  6. Evan Smith (15)
  7. Jonathan Johnson (14)
  8. Trevor Barrett (13)
  9. Liam Draper (12)
  10. Cole Mattison (11)
About GNCC Racing
The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,400 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised weekly on NBC Sports and RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
How to Watch 
Racer TV and NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) are the official homes for coverage of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) events. All 13 rounds, from the season opening Big Buck GNCC in South Carolina to the finale at Ironman Raceway in Indiana, will air in 30-minue; taped-delayed telecasts on NBCSN, while Racer TV provides live streaming coverage of the 1 p.m. ATV and motorcycle races from each event, in addition to the six UTV rounds. Catch all the action at http://www.nbcsports.com/ and http://www.racertv.com/
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join


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Sunday, February 25, 2018

TAMPA SX RECAP: MUSQUIN CONTINUES MAKING STRIDES WITH 2ND PLACE FINISH IN TAMPA, TICKLE EARNS TOP 5

Courtesy of KTM

Round 8 - AMA Supercross Championship - February 24

TAMPA, Fla. – The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team prevailed through a challenging eighth round of the AMA Supercross Championship on Saturday as both 450SX riders finished inside the top-five amidst a chaotic day of racing. Musquin led nearly half of the Main Event before finishing 2nd on the night, while his teammate, Broc Tickle, matched his best finish of the season with 5th place in Tampa, Florida.
In 450SX Heat 1, KTM riders Blake Baggett and Musquin put their KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION machines into the front of the pack off the start, with Baggett at the helm early on. However, the Rocky Mountain ATV*MC – WPS – KTM rider lost his lead on lap three after he clipped the landing of a quadruple jump and overshot the following turn, leaving him briefly tangled in the safety net. Musquin assumed the lead position from there as he battled with a hard-charging Justin Hill for the top spot. Musquin ultimately went on to finish 2nd in the heat race, while Baggett fought his way back up to 7th to salvage a transfer position into the 450SX Main Event.
In the Main Event, Musquin put himself into a favorable top-three position off the start, where he quickly set his sights on the lead spot. By lap three Musquin was able to pass Cooper Webb for the 2nd place position and he continued his momentum to pass Eli Tomac on the following lap. Musquin held the lead for 12 laps despite great pressure from Tomac in 2nd. Tomac eventually got around Musquin just after the halfway point but the French rider quickly rebutted with an impressive pass to regain the lead. The duo continued to put on an exciting battle for the fans but it was ultimately Tomac who prevailed, with Musquin finishing a close 2nd after 26 laps of racing.
Musquin: “It’s awesome to finish the day on the podium for 2nd place. We fought for the lead so that was nice to have a battle with Eli but I just missed a little bit to fight until the end with him. We showed some good speed overall - I was missing a little bit of time on the big rhythm sections but other than that I felt pretty good on the rest of the track. We corrected my whoops a little bit and my turns were good so I was pretty happy about my riding. And to lead some laps was definitely good and going in the right direction for the future. I know it’s 2nd place but I’ll take it, it’s some good points.”
Tickle got a top-five start in 450SX Heat 2 but soon ran into an issue that dropped him back outside the top-ten. The race was unfortunately red flagged early on due to a downed rider, which resulted in a single file restart based on the current running order. Tickle capitalized on the opportunity to reposition himself as he climbed back into a top-five position after the restart.
In the 450SX Main Event, Tickle began just outside the top-five aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION where he maintained a consistent performance throughout the entire race. Despite chaos around him, Tickle held strong to bring home his second top-five finish of the season at Round 8.
Tickle: “Overall I’m happy with the night. This week it was good to get back to the Baker’s Factory and ride here in Florida. Practice went a little better today and we made some changes before the Main Event. I put my full trust in the Red Bull KTM crew and we made a change that was in the right direction to get me comfortable and I was able to go out there and put in a solid 20 minutes to end up 5th so it’s a step in the right direction. We’re making baby steps and making progress during the week to get better so for me, it’s keep focusing on the things I need to do that can help me on the weekend and making it happen.”
It was a tough night for Rocky Mountain ATV*MC – WPS – KTM’s Blake Baggett, who finished 9th in the 450SX Main Event. After eight rounds Baggett still maintains the 3rd place position in the 450SX Championship Standings. 
Next Race: Atlanta, Georgia – March 3, 2018   
Main Event Results 450SX Class Tampa 2018
1. Eli Tomac, Kawasaki
2. Marvin Musquin, KTM
3. Jason Anderson, Husqvarna
4. Cooper Webb, Yamaha
5. Broc Tickle, KTM
Other KTM
9. Blake Baggett, KTM
22. Benny Bloss, KTM
 
Standings 450SX Class 2018 after 8 of 17 rounds
1. Anderson, 181 points
4. Musquin, 142
3. Baggett, 134
4. Brayton, 125
5. Peick, 125
Other KTM
8. Tickle, 114
21. Bloss, 27
 
 
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