Tyler "King Scrub" Villopoto signs up for Arenacross!

Tyler Villopoto – younger brother of AMA SX champion Ryan – has signed with Oakleaf Kawasaki to race the 2014 Arenacross championship.

The 23-year-old American is a smooth operator indoors and finished second overall in the 250cc class on the opening night of the 2012 Bercy SX before crashing out the following evening.

“I'm extremely excited to have signed a deal with the Oakleaf Kawasaki team to ride the Arenacross series in 2014,” says Tyler. “Coming to the UK will be a new experience and I plan on being a top competitor in the series.”

This season Tyler’s contested the MX2 class of the 2013 Canadian Nationals for Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki and has been drafted in to race for Somerset-based Oakleaf alongside Arenacross #3 Jack Brunell by team boss Shaun Anthony.

“We’re really pleased to sign Tyler for the Arenacross,” says Shaun. “He's a fast rider and a perfect partner for Jack. He's got experience of the Kawasaki which doubles our chances of putting Oakleaf Kawasaki on the top step and makes winning the series a realistic aim.

“As a team we’re excited to be racing the Arenacross tour. The series was outstanding in 2013 and 2014 is going to be even better and we look forward to the packed arenas, amazing atmosphere and everyone getting behind the Oakleaf Kawasaki team. We would like to thank Kawasaki and all our sponsors for this opportunity – see you in Belfast in January!”

For series promoter e22 Sports the news that yet another top-flight rider has signed up is further confirmation that in just its second season Arenacross is heading in the right direction.

“It’s massive news that Tyler Villopoto has confirmed to race the Arenacross tour here in the UK,” says Matt Bates, Managing Director of e22 Sports, “and I can't thank Shaun and the Oakleaf Kawasaki team enough for the effort they have put in to bring this together. I also believe this is just the start of the great news as teams start to release their riders for the series.”

The seven-round 2014 Arenacross series kicks off with a double-header at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, on January 17/18 before travelling to the LG Arena, Birmingham (January 25), the Echo Arena, Liverpool (February 2), the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle (February 9) and the Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield (February 15). The series signs off at London’s Wembley Arena on March 1.

For more information, to buy tickets and to keep up-to-date with the latest signings go to www.arenacrossuk.com

METZELER SELECTED AS TECHNICAL PARTNER BY TEAM HRC RALLY COMPETING IN THE 2014 EDITION OF THE ‘DAKAR’

The German tyre brand will fit the new Honda CRF450 RALLY of riders Helder Rodrigues, Sam Sunderland and Javier Pizzolito with KAROO™ Extreme prototype tyres in sizes- 90/90-21 front and 140/80-18 rear

 Munich (Germany), 14 October 2013 – Metzeler has been chosen by Team HRC Rally, the Honda works motorcycle rally team, as tyre supplier and technical partner to face the toughest raids and rally competitions in the world, among them the 2014 edition of the prestigious Dakar.

The new Honda CRF450 RALLY of the riders Helder Rodrigues, Sam Sunderland and Javier Pizzolito will be fitted with KAROO™ Extreme prototype tyres in sizes- 90/90-21 front and 140/80-18 rear. The product used in the competitions in which Team HRC Rally will take part, the Metzeler KAROO™ Extreme, is a prototype tyre not available for sale because it is specifically developed for competitions in collaboration with Team HRC Rally and will be used in different competitions, including the challenging Dakar. With the name KAROO™ Extreme the goal was to emphasize two important aspects behind the development of this product that combines the heritage and experience of the KAROO™ in enduro on/off use and the "extreme" experience of Metzeler in the international enduro competitions with the MCE 6 Days Extreme, the 22 times Enduro World Championship winner tyre.

This product for rally raid competitions is therefore the natural evolution of Metzeler in off-road activities. The rear tyre has been specifically developed to provide a 0 degrees steel belt together with a 4-ply carcass and a new generation of compounds featuring Metzeler’s exclusive mixing process: all these elements combined together are able to ensure excellent durability and resistance for the tyre and to offer top performance throughout the entire race. The front tyre is available in two different versions to cope with all types of soils, from those hard and rocky to those softer and with sand. Team HRC and its riders will thus be able to choose, with the help of Metzeler technicians present onsite, the best solution depending on the type of stage they have to face. The first testing ground with which Metzeler will work with the Team HRC Rally is the Rallye OiLibya du Maroc that starts today and will end on October 19. This competition will be the first important opportunity to gather feedback on the behaviour of riders and tyres with the motorcycle and prepare for the most important event, the 36th edition of the Dakar which will take place from 5 to 18 of January 2014 on the varied lands of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. More information regarding the entire range of Metzeler racing, road and off road tyres visit www.metzeler.co.uk and www.facebook.com/MetzelerUK

Tony Cairoli GoPro from MXGP

More often than not we just want the biggest jumps, the loudest engines and the wildest crowds. But, sometimes, it’s nice to watch something a little slicker – something with a little panache. Well lucky for us this GoPro of Tony Cairoli’s MXGP final lap just landed and, while it might not be the most action packed run, boy does this man have some tekkers. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Inside the Outdoors

The series that reveals the real lives of MX riders continues this week with a portrait on Coleen and Davi Millsaps, one of the most successful mother/son teams in amateur history. It’s a surprisingly emotional episode, as we learn about the struggles that parents must endure when helping their child through amateur seasons that cost upwards of $100,000. We think it’s a must watch for any MX fan, if only to counter-balance the glitzy world of parties, models and photo shoots that are regularly touted on the pro circuit.

Motocross of Nations Preview

The 2013 Motocross of Nations may be a month away but things are already shaping up something fierce. Teams are slowly coming together, with host nation Germany looking particularly strong with a team that includes Ken Roczen, Max Nagal and Dennis Ullrich.

However it is the French who are being touted among the early favourites for a podium finish, with a line up that features Gautier Paulin and Jordi Tixier. Team USA were left scrabbling last week when it was announced that Ryan Villopoto would miss the event through leg surgery, but with Justin Barcia taking his spot alongside Ryan Dungey and Eli Tomac – they could well be the team to beat. Likewise the Dutch team is still struggling to fill their spots after star man Jeffrey Herlings pulled out due to a broken shoulder blade. 

With so many new stars coming through and injuries opening spots to talented youngsters, this should be a great year for the MXN. We’ll be reporting news of the course and final team line ups in coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled like potatoes.

Video High Fives with Trey Canard

Racer X Illustrated recently caught up with Trey Canard to discuss his improvement throughout the year and the team’s mid-season bike change.

Of course, they also caught Tray shredding his backyard course and practicing race starts – which he says has made the biggest difference to his game this year. So check the video and let us know what you think!

2013 Red Bull Pro Nationals Round 1: Landrake

All photos courtesy of Nuno Laranjeira (www.nunophoto.co.uk)

Last weekend saw the first round of the 2013 Red Bull Pro Nationals in Landrake, Cornwall. In front of an audience of 4000, 300 riders competed over the weekend of April 20th and 21st. Take a look at the gallery to see what went down. You can find out more at the Red Bull Pro Nationals Site

RESULTS

MX1:
Kristian Whatley - 1st
Milko Potisek - 2nd
Nico Aubin - 3rd

MX2:
Steven Lenoir - 1st
Graeme Irwin - 2nd
Neville Bradshaw - 3rd

Rookies:
James Harrison - 1st

Big Wheel 85cc:
Jay Hague - 1st

Small Wheel 85cc:
Tom Grimshaw - 1st

65cc:
Gary Ashley - 1st

125cc 2-Stroke Expert:
Lewis Gregory - 1st

125cc 2-Stroke Junior:
Rob Holyoake - 1st

Open 2-Stroke Expert:
Robert Hamilton - 1st

Open 2-Stroke Junior:
Chris Povey - 1st

The Crash That Keeps On Giving

First things must always come first: we borrowed this vid from Brotocross. Crash videos are usually entertaining assuming no-one is injured, but this one offers far more. After watching it once, you're probably impressed but not wowed. On second watch, you see a flying man. On third watch you see the endo from the Honda rider, and if you're willing to continue you'll see the guy who clips his helmet on our riders bike, well after the incident. It's not often you have so much going on in one incident, a solid 8/10 from us!

Barcia + Insane Whips = Win

We're saying nothing. Just watch this, it's really quite epic.

Foreshore MXC Volunteer mentoring programme

Foreshore MXC is a community based off road bike educational project which aims to provide a safe and controlled environment for young people to learn and develop new skills such as: Motorcycle maintenance, Motorcycle riding, Practical groundwork, Physical exercise, Social skills, Vocational training, Numeracy and literacy and Personal development

Engaging with young people in the community helping them develop their skills encourages long term change. The alternative education program has been designed to run for up to 32 weeks and is currently working with groups from Brynyderyn Pupil Referal Unit (PRU).

Foreshore MXC also runs a Volunteer mentoring program working with 16 - 24 who are classed a NEETS (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The work based training programme looks at supporting volunteers who are in this situation.

The programme supports volunteers in the skills needed to seek out employment, motivation, gaining qualifications, interview techniques, and application form filling and work experience placements linked to the industry of off road bikes sports all of which packaged into a program.

The main aim of the programme is to secure a placement in further education or employment with the volunteer suitably motivated and skilled to carry out the commitment. One young person has already gained, as a result of this program, a full time employment position as a result of taking part in this initiative.

For more information please visit the Foreshore MXC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/foreshoremxc. Alternatively you can contact to Mark Thomas on 02920 445900 / 07814 544244.

Dirt Shark At San Diego

Looks like the ladies were out in force at the San Diego Supercross last weekend. Or, at least, the guys from Dirt Shark knew where they were all hiding. They really have a tough life, chatting to all the top riders and hanging out with Monster Girls. We're not jealous one bit. No sir.

Ryan Villopoto: Story Of A Champion

There will be many of you who will be unable to muster a shred of sympathy for multi-millionaire and multiple Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto. However, his path to success has come at the expense of his childhood, a traditional relationship with his family, alienating his siblings and bringing his father the brink of financial ruin.

Would you be prepared sacrifice as much and have the livelihood of your own parents resting on your success in order to have the same? No wonder RV can come across the wrong in interviews.

If you've got the time, this documentary is well worth a watch and you may see Villopoto in a different light by the end. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Hawk International Motocross GP Attracts World Class Rider Line-Up

The Hawk International Motocross kicks off at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire on the 10th February 2013 and the pre-season opening race has attracted a world-class line-up of riders eager to compete...

The top billing riders heading the field include current MX2 World Champion Jeffrey Herlings and his new KTM team-mate Jordi Tikier, plus Britain’s number one rider Tommy Searle, whose age means he has moved up to the MX1 class and will make his 450 debut for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

Searle will be competing at Hawkstone against Clement Desalle, Marc de Reuver and British MX1 Champion Kevin Strijbos. In MX2, British hopes lie at the feet of Elliot Banks Browne, James Dunn and brothers Ben and Nathan Watson.

Hawkstone is situated 10 miles north of Shrewsbury and will be signposted off the A49 Shrewsbury to Whitchurch and the A53 Shrewsbury to Market Drayton roads, postcode SY4 4NA. Race day is Sunday 10th February and tickets are available on the gates at the day, priced £25.

For more information see the new website www.hawkstoneinternationalmx.com

FULL ENTRY LIST: MX 1

Tony Craig Carnegie Fuels/MOM Honda
Carlton Husband JLP Racing KTM
Jonathan Barragan STR KTM
Ryan Staveley Honda
Marc de Reuver Stabilo Pro Grip KTM
Ross Keyworth Revo Talon Kawasaki
Gautier Paulin Kawasaki Racing Team
Kevin Strijbos Rockstar Suzuki World MX1
Jilani Cambre JDS Racing Team KTM
Clement Desalle Rockstar Suzuki World MX1
Alex Snow Oakleaf Kawasaki
Wayne Garrett JAR Honda by IFS
Jamie Collins TVR Racing KTM
Jake Gowan D3 KTM
Tanel Leok Route 77 Energy Honda
Nathan Parker Revo Talon Kawasaki
Jens Getteman LS Honda
Brad Anderson Maxxis Kawasaki by LPE
Shane Carless Oakleaf Kawasaki
Dorren Coutts Maxxis Kawasaki by LPE
Adam Cook Concept Catering KTM
Patrick Major Desert Off Road Kawasaki
Connor Walkley Maxxis Kawasaki by LPE
Jason Dougan Route 77 Energy Honda
Jeremy Van Horebeek Kawasaki Racing Team
Matiss Karro STR KTM
Tommy Searle CLS Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
John Meara TMC Moto X Racing Honda
Jake Boyes Wulf/Bikesport/Wearside Rewinds Honda
Kenny Van Dueren Team Scott KTM
Greg Fisher Jack Horseman Kawasaki
Xavier Boog Ice1Racing KTM
Jamie Law Dyer & Butler KTM
Oliver Sandiford Smith MJW Kawasaki
Daniel Hutchinson Bikesport KTM
Luke Burton Heads & All Threads Suzuki
Scott Elderfield CMP Racewear/Goldentyre Kawasaki
Jamie Ellis RSS/Spiral Graphics/RFX KTM
Scott Ardren NC Groundworks Kawasaki
James Lassu MJW Kawasaki
Tom Kelly Malin KTM Racing
Ben Hunt Green Lane Recycling Honda
Christy Harnett TMC Moto X Racing Honda
Jarad Goodwin Suzuki
Tommy Alba Dirtbikexpress/HPR Honda
Sam Simmons Motoward Yamaha
Ashley Wilde Sandbach Scrap Metal Kawasaki
Gareth Padgett Yamaha
Rui Goncalves Ice1Racing KTM

MX 2

Liam Garland Dyer & Butler KTM
Graeme Irwin Heads & All Threads Suzuki
Bradley Wheeler GL12 Racing KTM
Charlie Hamlet Feehily/Morris/Fox/RFX Suzuki
Mathew Callaghan RSS Suspension/Recognize GFX Honda
James Dunn HM Plant KTM UK
Luke Newman International Plywood/Ride Direct Kawasaki
Julien Lieber Rockstar Suzuki MX2
Axel Van de Sande Stabilo Pro Grip KTM
Elliott Banks-Browne HM Plant KTM UK
Mike Kras Team Beursfoon Suzuki
Ceriel Klein Kromhof HFS Logistics MX Team KTM
Lewis Tombs JAR Honda by IFS
Zac Stealey V Customs Kawasaki
Luke Norris Oct X MNE Kawasaki
Pascal Rauchenecker Standing Construct KTM
Arminas Jasikonis Route 77 Energy Honda
Jeffrey Herlings Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Brian Bogers Stabilo Pro Grip KTM
John Robson Bikesport Newcastle/ JR Robson KTM
Dan Thornhill Revo Talon Kawasaki
Ben Watson HM Plant KTM UK
Sam Winterburn D3 Racing KTM
Adam Darbyshire Underdog Racing Honda
Rob Davidson MJW Kawasaki
David Blackburn Blackburn Motorbodies Honda
Glenn Fletcher CM Engineering/Regent MX/ JWR Honda
Jack Cox JL Cox Cranes/MotoMark Yamaha
Daniel Brough Heatex Racing Kawasaki
Maxime Desprey Monster Energy Bike It Dixon Yamaha
Petar Petrov Kemea-Reytec-van de Laar Yamaha
Ludovic Brevers Kemea-Reytec-van de Laar Yamaha
Damon Graulus Standing Construct KTM
Brent Van Doninck KTM Scott Team
Aaron Pipon Martin Racing KTM
Jason Meara TMC MotoX Honda
Arnaud Tonus CLS Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Andre Park Kemea-Reytec-van de Laar Yamaha
Glenn Coldenhoff Standing Construct KTM
Neville Bradshaw Putoline Honda
Alessandro Lupino CLS Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Jake Milward Oakleaf Kawasaki
Jack Kelly Malin KTM Racing
James Cottrell Putoline Honda
Brad Todd Planet Suspension KTM
Adam Sterry STR KTM
Jordi Tixier Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Kevin Fors Kemea-Reytec-van de Laar Yamaha
Nathan Watson HM Plant KTM UK

Ryan Dungey Wins Round 5 Of 2013 Supercross At Anaheim III

Photo: Speed TV

People have been comparing this year's Supercross to the 2012 F1 season and its easy to see why: after five rounds there have been four different riders standing at the top spot of the podium. Back-to-back wins from Ryan Villopoto had us fearing the start of another RV whitewash Anheim III saw Ryan Dungey emerge as the winner.

Dungey had an appalling time in the qualifying heat races, but the main event looked like a walk in the park. Even with Justin Brayton picking up the Holeshot and Mike Alessi leading the first lap, Dungey had established a place out front by lap 2, made easier thanks to Alessi falling on a corner sortly after he was overtaken. It was a lead that he carried through to the checkered flag without much in the way of a threat from the riders behind him.

While Dungey will be pleased with his solid performance, Chad Reed seems to be continuing his run of back luck, thanks to another multi-rider accident on the third corner of the first lap that took both Brayton and Ryan Villopoto out of contention. Reed managed to salvage 16 points by the end of the race but Villopoto had to settle with an 8th place.

Fans of James Stewart finally had something to cheer about with his best performance of the championship so far, who was riding in 2nd place until lap 13 when he had to give up places to a determined Davi Millsaps (who keeps the red plate and now boasts a 14 point lead) and Justin Barcia who snatched a place back on the podium after a couple of races sat out thanks to accidents.

We're just under a third of the way through the 2013 championship and we still don't think anyone could confidently pick who will be champion. Roll on San Diego!

DC SHOES: MOTO - DEFINED BY DC

DC promised to drop this video on the 15th January so we've been waiting with bated breath to see what would be in store when the like of Pastrana, McGrath, Maddison, Canard, Stewart,Cianciarulo and other DC athletes got together to have some fun for a big promo movie.


In the office, the final result has divided opinion. Some have declared it "One of the most epic moto movies they have seen for a long time", with "Great riders, great locations, massive hucks, Pastrana and fireworks!" Others feel like such a build up has left them slightly underwhelmed. What's with the random clay pigeon shooting? Could the only afford about four rockets for the fireworks scene? Why so little bike sounds?

Take a look at the video and make your own decision. What do you guys reckon?

Rockstar Racing Supercross Team: Training Day

This is the second episode of Rockstar Energy's Beyond The Finish Line series, which give us more insight into the world of it's Motocross athletes: Jason Anderson, Ryan Sipes, Daniel Baker, Nico Izzi, Blake Wharton and Davi Millsaps. We thinks it great to get an insight into what these riders have to go through away from the circuit and, for anyone who fancies themselves as a racer, an indication of the level of commitment and hard work that they have to go through every day to be ready for a race. It's particularly interesting to see the little differences between all the riders when it comes to their training regimes. Even within the Rockstar team, big man Millsaps can't spend too much time at the gym for fear of bulking up and Ryan Sipes likes to ride BMX because it gets his heart-rate up better than cycling on the road. Either way, it looks like a lot of effort. Where'd we put those Krispie Kremes? If you want to see more, check out the first episode of Beyond The Finish Line here

Ronnie Mac At Anaheim 2

Are you still keen for some Ronnie Mac action? Once a viral video star, now an officially signed 'athlete' for FMF racing, the hard-drinkin', overall wearin', redneck good rider headed out to Anaheim 2 recently to sign some autographs and make a scene in the pit area. Don't get us wrong, it's great that the moto community has accepted the parody character as a bonafide celebrity but we can't help feel that the joke has run very thin now. There is only so long someone can pretend to be an asshat without everyone just believing it. Maybe we're getting hipster about it. We liked Ronnie Mac before he was cool.

James Stewart Announces His New Official Motocross Gear - Seven MX!

Rumours have been circulating for a while but James Stewart has finally announced his official line of MX gear, created by Troy Lee Designs. As the man himself points out, this isn't a lazy collaboration with his name attached - this is a custom range that he claims will be "sports driven and performance balanced... Seven brand will be completely different. If you're a serious motocross racer or just a guy that wants to have fun, Seven brand is going to give you a benefit over everything else."

Bold claims, Bubba but we've got to admit that the kit looks sick! Fingers crossed that we'll get some for the FreestyleXtreme store very soon. Keep an eye out and we'll let you know as soon as we get our hands on it! In the mean time, you can follow Seven MX on its Facebook page