News
Points Standings - As the racing heads north to Canada, here's an updated points standing:
450 Class 250 Class
Chad Reed (237) Trey Canard (93)
Kevin Windham (220) Ryan Villopoto (69)
Andrew Short (172) Ryan Sipes (67)
Lites Class Update - We usually don't mention the lites class riders but it's not because they're not worthy. In fact, they have given us some absolutely great racing action this year. Hats off to Trey Canard competing in his first year of professional racing. This Loretta's grad has gotten off to a great start by winning three of his first four pro races. And don't think it's because of a lack of competion. He leads a fellow named Ryan Villopoto (the best racer in the world at last year's Motocross of Nations) in the overall standings but look for this overall race to go down to the wire. Anyone who knows Trey will tell you he's one of the most talented, hard working and humble guys they know. Continued success, Trey!
Speaking of Ryan Villopoto, he and Josh Grant had one of the best races I've ever seen (at Minneapolis). I think they had a nasty get-together in Atlanta earlier this year but you would have never know it. They raced hard - AND CLEAN - for 15 laps. Josh led almost the entire race with Ryan only a couple of times being able to get a wheel out front. On the final turn, Ryan went wide and Josh went inside. Fifty feet from the finish line, Josh landed awkward on the face of a jump and went down. A super exciting race but even better sportsmanship displayed by these two during and after the race. Congratulations to both as this race belongs in a time capsule.
Josh Hill Scores in Minneapolis - Josh Hill scored his first 450 win in the Metrodome. Ryan Dungey, riding the big bikes during the East Coast series, finished second. Kevin Windham keeps his strong run going by finishing third. Chad Reed was in second but - AGAIN - fell. He managed to race back to seventh place.
Windham Survives Daytona Mudfest - In what many described as the worst racing conditions they'd ever seen, Kevin Windham was handed the win when Chad Reed's bike stalled three turns before the checkered flag (he had lapped up to fourth place). Davi Millsaps took secong with Jake Marsack finishing third.
Chad Wins Final RCA Dome Race - Chad Reed had a dominating performance in the final race to be held at this location (a new facility will be in place for next year). Josh Hill rode a great race for second place while Andrew Short finished third for the second week in a row.
Davi Races to Hometown Win - The 67,000 fans who packed the Georgia Dome saw (somewhat) local boy Davi Millsaps win his first big time supercross race. Chad Reed got off to a good start but put it on the ground... again. Davi passed him and never looked back. Chad recovered for a sixth place finish. Kevin Windham and Andrew Short completed the Honda sweep.
K-Dub Rocks in Houston - Kevin Windham scored his first race win in three years at the Houston supercross event- on a track he designed! Chad Reed, after a not-so-hot start, rode a smart race to secong place. Tim Ferry rounded out the top 3.
Reed's On a Roll - He had to work for it but Chad Reed continued his winning ways in San Diego. Chad hit the ground a couple of times but was able to recover and re-take the lead. Tim Ferry passed Davi Millsaps on the last lap to take secong.
Reed Leads the Way (again) in Anaheim - Picking up where he left off in the first Anaheim race - and without the need to battle his top competitor James Stewart - Chad Reed raced to his second Supercross win in three races. Josh Hill and Kevin Windham filled out the podium.
More Bad News for Bubba - Much to everyone's disappointment, James "Bubba" Stewart announced last weekend that he would not be racing that night in Anaheim. In fact, he would likely not be racing for the remainder of the supercross season. James suffered a knee injury during practice back in December and had been trying to ride through the pain. That plan didn't work so surgery was scheduled for this week. Hopefully, he'll be back by the opening of the outdoor motocross season - scheduled to begin on May 25th at Glen Helen. Best of luck, James!
Ashley Fiolek Switching to Honda Four-Stroke - One of motocross's most popular riders, Ashley Fiolek, has announced she's switching to a four-stroke bike for the '08 racing season. If you don't know of Ashley, the 16-year old is one heck of a racer who's proven herself for years by racing against the boys. Oh yeah, she's also profoundly deaf. Because of her small size, she graduated from minis to a Honda CR125 last year. After test riding a thumper, she's convinced it's the way for her to go. She does have some adjusting to do since the bike is heavier, more powerfull and - more importantly for her - "feels" different than a 2-stroke. Being deaf, Ashley counts on sensing the vibrations of the bike to know when to change gears. We wish her the very best for the coming year.
2008 Supercross Season Underway - If the first two races are any indication, the 2008 supercorss season will be very exciting. Yamaha's Chad Reed won the first Anaheim race while Kawasaki's James "Bubba" Stewart took round two in Phoenix. These two are expected to be the class of the field but there are several others waiting to capitalize on any mistakes these two make. For complete details, check out the Supercross.com results page.
Leveling the Playing Field - The class structure for the 2008 Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn's has been announced and there is at least one BIG change. The MX Lites class now allows up to 250cc regardless of whether you're riding a 2-stroke or 4-stroke bike. It will be interesting to see how many riders opt for the lighter, more powerful 2-stroke combination. Note that this change is for amateur racing only and DOES NOT affect the professionals.
MotoSport Now Carries the Leatt Brace - There's a new Leatt Brace dealer and it just happens to be the good guys at MotoSport.com. They have braces in stock and you'll received 2-day shipping at no extra cost.
Racing at Loretta Lynn's - If you've never experienced the challenge of qualifying for the Amateur National Championship held each year at Loretta Lynn's dude ranch (or even if you have), I guarantee you'll enjoy reading about Donn Maeda's journey from California to Tennessee. Donn is the editor of TransWorld Motocross magazine and in the November issue, he chronicles his ups and downs in his typical humorous and irreverent fashion. It's a very enjoyable read so be sure to check it out.
Speaking of Loretta's - The regional qualifying schedule for 2008 has been released. Check out the information here.
Bad News/Good News - The bad news first: Yamaha has decided to stop making their TTR-90. The good news: They've replaced it with a TTR-110. It comes with 20 more cc, a fourth gear (still has the auto-clutch transmission) and the "magic button" (electric start) - which makes this bike darn near perfect. To check out some photos, click here.
Special Thanks - We just wanted to take a moment to thank some very generous people who have already helped make this a better site. Rich Winkler of Dirt Wurx USA offered his motocross track building tips for our education. Andy Bowyer of MX Sports allowed us to use a great aerial photo of Loretta Lynn's motocross track. This sport is filled with fine people and these are definitely two of the best.
A Star is Born! - The motocross community stood and applauded as www.BackyardMotocross.com came online. This site is designed for the non-professional riders and racers who make up the majority of this great sport. Topics, information and discussion will largely be member-driven so it's your chance to shine. Be sure to tell your friends about us.
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