ANOTHER ERA, ANOTHER TITLE FOR KING

The podium for the over-40s veterans at the Australian
Motocross Championships this season was
(left to right) Stuart McFerran, Darryll King
and Brad Williscroft. Photo by Kajx Communications.

By Andy McGechan

Old soldiers never die, they just keep on fighting.
That could certainly be said of Hamilton’s Darryll King.
It may have been six years since the Kiwi legend last won a major national title in Australia but he rolled back the clock in July when he made it Australian motocross title No.4.
King won the prestigious open class titles across the Tasman on three separate occasions – in 2001, 2003 and 2004 – and he returned at the weekend to snatch away the over-40s veterans’ crown, an official championship for the first time this season.
The 41-year-old raced his Yamaha YZ450F to a hat-trick of wins at the Coolum circuit, this inaugural veterans’ championship sharing the programme with the eighth and final round of the open class (MX1), pro lites (MX2) and under-19s championships.
“In the end I did it fairly easily but there are still some very fast riders at the top of their game in the veterans’ racing,” said King, who had earlier this season also raced a Yamaha YZ250 in the pro lites championship.
“It was a neat track and (promoter) Kevin Williams does a great job. I always get fantastic support from Yamaha over there too. All in all, it was a brilliant weekend.”
Meanwhile, fellow Yamaha rider Cameron Taylor won the 35-40 years’ veterans’ title with a similar display of dominance, taking a clean sweep of moto wins.
King now looks ahead to contesting the final round of the World Veterans’ Motocross Championships at Lierop, in the Netherlands, on September 4.
A jam-packed personal calendar meant King has been unable to mount a full campaign in Europe this season, but, at the only other round of the world series he attended, the United States GP in May, he finished the day overall runner-up.
King twice finished second that day, both times behind fellow Yamaha rider Doug Dubach.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Holland,” said King. “That’s why I raced the YZ450F four-stroke instead of the YZ250 two-stroke in Coolum. I need to be riding the bigger bike in the deep sand of the Dutch track.”
King said he is still uncertain whether he will be able to mount a full campaign in the veterans’ class in Europe next season but “the calendar is out already and it just might suit me.”

COACHING WITH CHRIS BIRCH DATES

Womans mid week sand skills 
Wednesday 28th July
Women-only coaching day at the Kawasaki Sand Pit. Nice and relaxed and open to riders of all ability. Starting at ten and finishing around two. Cost is $100.
Pre booking essential please email chris@birchy.co.nz

Mens mid week sand skills 
Wednesday 4th August
At the Kawasaki Sand Pit. Aimed at intermediate riders but open to all. Starting at ten and finishing around two. Cost is $150 inclusive of entry to Kawasaki Sand Pit.
Pre booking essential please email chris@birchy.co.nz

Trail riding Skills 
Taupo 8th August
A days coaching for trail riders at a brilliant venue ten minutes out of Taupo. Open to riders of all abilities. We will cover basic bike set up, a little bit of suspension set up and lots of riding skills for hitting the trails. Cost is $150 and pre booking is essential.
Email chris@birchy.co.nz

KIWI KICKING UP A STORM IN EUROPE

Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

New Zealand’s Kayne Lamont is going from strength to strength.
Lamont won the two main classes at the New Zealand Junior Motocross Championship near Blenheim in April, then immediately afterwards boarded an international flight.
The 17-year-old from Mangakino, in the Central North Island, headed off to Europe to follow in the wheels-tracks of men such as Motueka’s Josh Coppins and Tauranga’s Ben Townley.
Now based in England, the Suzuki GB rider (who is sponsored by Mount Maunganui’s MotoGB in New Zealand) has been flitting to and fro across the English Channel to tackle several rounds of the European 125cc championships (EMX125).
He scored solid points at the latest round of that series in Sweden, finishing 11th and 15th, placing him 14th overall for the day.
He then put himself on the top step of the podium, this time at round six of the Red Bull British 125cc Championships at the Howton Court circuit in Pontrilas, south Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border.
He was again in action in England on Saturday and Sunday, this time challenging the elite of the MXY2 class at round five of the British Motocross Championships at Foxhills, in Swindon.
Making his debut in the MXY2 class, Lamont stormed to the top of the qualifying rankings, humbling current championship leader Connor Walkley and other British stars Tom Kelly, Matt Bayliss and Matt Burrows.
For racing proper, Lamont took his RM125 to the front of the pack, eventually winning the race ahead of Walkley and that really set the tongues wagging.
“The commentator said it was the first time in his memory that a 125cc two-stroke had won a race in this class – the racing here open to 125cc two-strokes and 250cc four-stroke bikes,” said Lamont’s father, Stuart.
Lamont had a more difficult second race and had to settle for runner-up spot, behind Walkley, meaning the young New Zealander had to settle for overall runner-up on the day because of the count-back rule – with the highest-placed rider in the last race getting the nod.
“Kayne is feeling really comfortable with the Suzuki and we now head back to Belgium tomorrow before heading across to the Czech Republic to tackle round six of the EMX125 Championships on August 8.”

Source: Suzuki NZ.

ILLNESS FORCES REED OUT

Statement from Chad Reed about his 2010 racing campaign
For Immediate Release: 24 July 2010

To all my friends in the motorsport world I didn't want you all to just get the press release so please find my open letter below as was supplied to my sponsors and commercial partners yesterday evening, a full press release will follow.

I have spent most of the last month in and out of my doctor’s office getting tests done, trying to figure out what is going on.

Knowing that I have worked hard during the week on and off the bike, each weekend I head to the race excited to get out there and get some wins on my Monster Kawasaki - ready to defend the Number 1 plate that is on my bike. The team and bike are prepped and ready on race day and then I’m unable to race like I normally can.



Where is the fight that I normally have?..... For most of this outdoor season I have been frustrated and questioning every part of my program, wondering why I am unable to race to my full potential. It's embarrassing riding with the #1 plate on and not battling at the front. I don't take it lightly, and I knew I had to get to the bottom of my issues.

Many people have commented that it's due to my role as a new dad, but that's not it. Tate makes me want to race harder, I want my son to be proud of me and I want to teach him that by working hard you can achieve your dreams.

People think that the passing of my friend Andrew McFarlane was another reason that I may not be riding to my full potential, that I'm keeping it safe. That's not it either, I have always ridden within my safety zone and I know Andrew is up there pumping me up to get some holeshots and win some races like he always did.

These two reasons alone make me want to race harder and give it everything I have, to be an example of hard work to my son, to live life to the full and be thankful for doing what I love to do, and that is race a motorcycle. I'm not ready for retirement. I want a few more championships indoors and out.

So finally with all that said, I got my results back from the doctor, I have Epstein Barr Virus. I know some other riders have had it, and I never thought I would be sitting here saying the same thing. It explained my fatigue issues on the track. I knew it wasn't my fitness, but I was struggling to finish moto's. It just got to a point where it was dangerous for me to be out there.

My doctor, team and I have decided that I need to be off the bike for a while to try get this handled. I am really disappointed to be out again. This year has been a personal worst for me. I have often been referred to as Mr. Consistent, but this year has been far from that.

I want to apologise to my fans for not being able to race for you and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and sticking by the 22 this year. From the worst times, comes the best times, and I will be working hard to kick this illness so I can get back on track and to winning races as soon as possible.

Thanks for your support and understanding at this time.

Chad

PHILLIPS INJURED AT MOREE

Another tough outing for Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing.

Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing riders Todd Waters and Michael Phillips have both come away from the penultimate 2010 Australian MX Nationals event at Moree Motorcycle track bearing the scars of a tough days racing.

Waters, who finished 6th in the first 8-lap Pro Open race, tweaked his ankle in the second moto and was unable to race to his full potential.

The 19 year old then tweaked it again in the final race and was forced to retire.

“It was a tough day,” Waters admitted. “I qualified well and got some good starts in the first two races but once I tweaked my ankle I really struggled.

“Today’s outcome was the result of me making too many little mistakes, so I need to go away and work on those.

“I want to go to Coolum and have some fun and finish the motocross season on a good note. It is a track that I like and we are racing a double header,” he concluded.

Teammate Michael Phillips recorded three top ten race finishes but also had his fair share of drama.

The New Zealander was involved in a first corner crash in the third Pro Lites race and sustained a deep cut to the inside of his elbow which required medical attention.

“I was a bit disappointed with my first two races as the bike was awesome but I suffered arm pump,” Phillips explained.

“It was very pleasing to get back out for the final race and finish third. I felt like I rode a strong race and hopefully I can take that through to the final two rounds at Coolum this weekend.

“A big thanks to the Race Safe guys for patching me up and getting me back out for the final race,” he concluded.

Next weekend will see the series conclude with a double header at Coolum Pines Motocross Park. The final two rounds of the season will be held on Saturday 24th July and Sunday 25th July.

*MX Nationals Championship points were not available at the time of publication

Source: Cougar Racing

COOPER WINS TARAWERA 100

There has perhaps never been such a comprehensive win at the big Tarawera 100 dirt bike endurance race as was witnessed at this year’s edition, near Whakatane on Saturday.

Cody Cooper (MotoGB Suzuki RM-Z450) enjoyed a thrilling start-to-finish win at this 33rd annual running of the great race, leaping to the lead before the 218-rider field had even reached the first corner … and he never looked back from there.

The Mount Maunganui rider stretched his lead over Waitakere’s Shaun Fogarty to nearly two minutes by the end of the first of four 38-kilometre laps, raced over steep and undulating farmland at the tiny settlement of Te Teko.

Cooper rode flawlessly over his 152-kilometre journey and was never threatened over the gruelling race that lasted near three hours.

By race end, Cooper was more than three minutes in front of Fogarty, with last year’s Tarawera 100 champion, Cambridge’s Damien King, taking third place, another minute further back.

“The bike was so crisp. I skidded off the start and I thought I wouldn’t get away cleanly, but then it hooked up and that was that,” said Cooper.

“I have not raced this event in a few years – not since I won here in 2007 – but had nothing else to do this weekend and I do so much enjoy racing here,” said the 26-year-old.

“I wanted to be able to cruise a bit over the last lap, so that meant I had to do some work early on and build a bit of a buffer. That’s why I sprinted so much after the start. I knew I needed to get a bit of a gap on Fogarty and, besides that, I didn’t want to show him where I was going.”

Cooper heads back across the Tasman this coming weekend where he will tackle the next round of the Australian Motocross Championships. He is currently running sixth in the MX1 class in Australia.

Napier cross-country hero Lance O’Dea (Suzuki) finished eighth overall and was the top rider aged under-19, finishing ahead of Whakatane riders Conrad Edwards and Peter Smit in that race-within-a-race.

Source: Suzuki NZ. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

SEAN CLARKE GUIDED TRAILRIDES ANNOUNCED

Here's a release that we fully support:

Hi Everyone,
I am running a series of Guided Trailrides for the second half of 2010.
The rides will start at Tar Hill and travel cross country to Whakamaru and return.
Up to 150ks per day with hardly doing the same track twice.
The ride will follow trails that were used for the ISDE and Trailride tracks in the area and will be suitable for Intermediate to Expert level riders. (Sorry, No Novice Riders.)
Each ride will be limited to 25 riders per day.

Dates;

• 24th July
• 28th August
• 25th September
• 30st October
• 27th November

Start Time 9.30 on the bikes and finish between 3 and 4pm.
Cost $100 per day per rider.
Lunch and transport of fuel will be supplied.
Riders must bring and full tank of gas and a spare 15 litres.
This ride is really great fun with great views and awesome tracks that are in the area. Each ride will vary as different tracks are reopened.
Most of the tracks are single trail in the trees with a few firebreaks and roads in between to link it all up.
I have been running Guided rides for private groups for a long time now, so I think it is time to give the opportunity to others to have a go.
The maximum amount of riders has been set at 25 so the ride can keep moving along. We have to regroup every now and then but stops are kept to a minimum.
So if your keen to have a go email me at foresttrailevents@xtra.co.nz  and I will confirm your entry and send you payment details.

Cheers
Sean.

TOWNLEY PODIUMS AGAIN

Second successive podium for Townley after Red Bud MX National.

New Zealand’s Ben Townley has claimed his second successive podium of the season as the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championship has hit the halfway point for round 6 of the 12 round series. The Lucas Oil – Troy Lee Designs – Honda racer narrowly missed out on his first moto win at the Red Bud National however another solid score of 4-3 has shifted the Kiwi to fourth in the championship standings.

With probably his strongest qualifying time of the season Townley had fourth pick of the gate going into the first moto and grabbed a good start as he quickly passed Andrew Short to take the lead. With series leader, Ryan Dungey, and reigning outdoor champion, Chad Reed joining the action, Townley pushed hard to try and gap his pursuers. Dungey challenged ‘BT ‘several times for the lead however every time he made a pass, BT would counter attack and regain the lead. With one lap to go Townley made a vital mistake and went down costing him what should have been his first moto win of the season.

With the same four riders once again challenging for the win, moto 2 saw fellow Honda racer, Andrew Short out front with Dungey, Townley and Reed in hot pursuit. Dungey made his way past Short with ‘BT’ following suit so as not to lose tow with the American. With 6 laps gone Townley made a mistake which enabled Reed to move closer enabling the Australian to then make his move to take over second place from the Kiwi. Townley regained his rhythm and tried to challenge Reed but had to settle for 3rd spot at the checkered flag.

“Red Bud is such a great track to ride on and it makes racing here so much fun. I thought I had the first moto in the bag but got cross rutted and went down. I had a great race with Ryan and we traded positions quite a few times which was good for my confidence. In the second moto I made a mistake while chasing Ryan and that took away my momentum and allowed Chad to get me. We got 2 good starts this weekend and it will not be long before we can fit all the pieces of the puzzle together.” explained a determined Townley.

The calendar takes a week break before round 7 takes place in Millville, Minnesota on the 17th July .

www.bentownleymx.com

Race results:Round 6 of 12

450 Class (Moto Finish)

1)Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (1-1)
2)Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki (2-2)
3)Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda (4-3)
4)Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda (3-5)
5)Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda (5-4)
6)Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha (6-6)
7)Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Honda (7-7)
8)Ryan Sipes, Flaherty, Texas, Yamaha (8-8)
9)Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (10-9)
10)Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Kawasaki (9-12)

450 Class Championship Standings

1)Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 268
2)Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 204
3)Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 201
4)Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda, 189
4)Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 189
6)Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 182
7)Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 177
8)Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Honda, 122
9)Ryan Sipes, Flaherty, Texas, Yamaha, 114
10)Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha, 108

RED BULL ROMANIACS 2010 + VIDEO

The infamously difficult Red Bull Romaniacs 2010 is underway and New Zealand's Red Bull KTM rider Chris Birch is standing atop the unofficial leader board.

Winning the Red Bull Romaniacs Prologue by a country mile and taking pole position for the start of Day 2, the first day in the Carpathian Mountains, Birch simply outclassed international riders like Taddy Blazusiak (KTM), Graham Jarvis (Sherco) and Andreas Lettenbichler (BMW).

Taking clues from the Red Bull Romaniacs website, it seems that after and early lead in the morning, Chris Birch was passed around lunch time by Graham Jarvis. Jarvis' Sherco then suffered an electrical problem during lunch which allowed Birch an opportunity to claim back the lead. Birch's lead was short lived however when Jarvis passed Birch back during a tricky uphill section.

With Birch winning Prologue racing, it seems Jarvis may be in the lead after the first day in the mountains having finished 40 minutess ahead of Birch at the end of Off-Road Day 1. It is not known at this time how Lettenbichler and Blazusiak have finished Off-Road Day 1 in the Carpathian Mountains. There is a rumour that Blazusiak injured his troublesome shoulder during the Prologue and was unsure whether it would hold up for him to continue racing.



Off-Road Day 2 starts in Sibiu just before 7am, around 3pm our time. To follow the riders via live tracking during racing navigate to RedBullRomaniacs and follow the links found on the homepage.

GO HARD CHRIS BIRCH!

HONDA PRO RACING - MX1

Honda Racing MX1 Race Summary – St Jean d’Angely, France

Following heavy overnight thunderstorms the MX1 riders woke up to a track that had changed drastically from the day before. However, the rain had stopped and it wasn’t long before it began to dry out, although by the time it did the ruts had become deep, adding further technicality to the hillside track. The cloudy conditions were a big change from the blazing hot sunshine and 30 degree temperatures of Saturday and it seemed that riders welcomed the cooler operating conditions.


Davide Guarneri had qualified best of the Honda riders, lining up in an impressive 5th spot. His LS Honda team-mate Tanel Leok finished 11th in the qualifying heat and was hoping for a better start on race day. Both CAS Honda riders, Gareth Swanepoel and Evgeny Bobryshev, had also qualified outside the top 10 and had the same ambition. Unfortunately Honda Racing MX Martin were left spectating, as MX1 rider Jimmy Albertson did not travel to France due to an injury sustained at his home GP in Glen Helen, USA just a week before.

In the first moto, Antonio Cairoli grabbed the holeshot on his KTM and began to move away from the field. Guarneri slipped his Honda CRF450R into second and began pursuit. Leok had got the good start he was hoping for and moved into the leading pack in a strong 5th spot.

CAS Honda riders Gareth Swanepoel and Evgeny Bobryshev had gated well and in the early stages and all 4 Honda’s were running in the top ten. At half-distance Guarneri and Leok had settled into 5th and 6th place respectively and were sticking in consistently close lap times as they battled between themselves. Suzuki man Steve Ramon and Cairoli were battling for the lead, swapping places in a fascinating dice.
As the sun began to break through, Leok turned the heat up on his Italian team mate before a small mistake put pay to his challenge. He eventually had to settle for 6th place, just one spot behind his team mate Guarneri in 5th. CAS riders Evgeny Bobryshev and Gareth Swanepoel had both failed to make in-roads into the top 10 and finished in 11th and 13th respectively. The race was won by Cairoli with Ramon keeping him honest all the way to the line.


In the 2nd moto, Guarneri got the holeshot and moved away from the field in the early parts of lap one. Yamaha’s David Philippaerts soon began to apply the pressure as the riders got into their stride. A scruffy second lap saw the Italian drop to 3rd behind Philippaerts and Suzuki’s Clement Desalle. Both CAS riders had poor starts and were running outside the top 10 as the race developed. At half distance, Bobryshev was forced to retire when a wire broke off the ignition coil, a rare and unfortunate event that left the Russian stranded at the bottom of one of the steep climbs.

Towards the later part of the race Guarneri was involved in a fearsome tussle with Ken de Dycker, at one point putting a fantastic overtake on him while in mid air, but his challenge faded and he was forced to settle for 8th, one place ahead of his team mate Leok. The remaining CAS Honda rider, Gareth Swanepoel, also suffered technical difficulties and came over the line in 13th place.

The result saw 3 Honda riders in the overall top 10 classification and a best result of the season for Guarneri in 6th overall. The Italian is certainly starting to come good and looks like mounting further challenges to the podium throughout the second half of the season.

Davide Guarneri, LS Motors Honda
In the end not bad, I took more points today then at any time in the rest of the season but I am not happy about the second moto as I made many mistakes and chose the wrong lines in the early part of the race and did not find my rhythm. The first moto went well but it is not really my favourite kind of track. I prefer it when it is not so rutted. I do not have the agility because of my size, I work better when it is slippery. I am happy but I want more.

Tanel Leok, LS Motors Honda
It was ok but can be better. I was hampered by illness as I have tonsillitis and I began to get quite tired towards the end of the second moto. My starts were good. I like the track, it is my kind of track, quite physical and demanding. It was just a shame that I was not on top form.

Evegeny Bobryshev, CAS Honda
It wasn’t so good. I had a big crash on Saturday. I had good speed but made a mistake and I went down. Sunday there was a lot of rain and the first race was difficult, lots of ruts and slippy ruts that made it hard going. I was stiff on the bike and not relaxed and therefore did not have good speed. In the second race I was much better. I started to find good lines and was much faster. The bike had a problem when a stone took out the cables and the bike just stopped. It wasn’t such a good day but I am hoping to find more luck next time out.

Roger Harvey, Honda Off-road Manager
It’s been a hard track, very difficult conditions. Leok and Guarneri were riding excellently but could have probably gone better in the second moto. Guarneri is struggling a little bit with fitness but you can see the confidence growing and his smooth style is a pleasure to watch. Leok did well to battle against illness all weekend and I am sure he will be back stronger in Germany. The CAS guys had an unfortunate weekend with technical difficulties and Bobryshev has hit a bit of a difficult patch with crashes which is expected in his first season in MX1. The Martin boys were sad not be involved in MX1 but we just have to wait until Jimmy comes back which should be next time out in Teutschental.

HAMISH IN THE POINTS IN AUS

Team Raceline Pirelli Suzuki's Hamish Dobbyn Collects Points Despite Injury

RACE REPORT
2010 Australian National Motocross Championship (Round Five) Newcastle (NSW) 30 May 2010
Team Raceline Pirelli Suzuki rider Hamish Dobbyn showed great determination at the Australian National Motocross Championship in Newcastle, finishing sixth overall despite suffering a hand injury during practice.
At one of the toughest tracks of the season thus far, Dobbyn showed great pace in the first moto, leading at stages and ultimately finishing second.
In the second moto, Dobbyn again ran up front, collecting fourth place. However in the final moto, he succumbed to the injury and was unable to finish.
Despite the limitation imposed by his injury, Dobbyn retained his sixth place overall in the U19 Championship.
The next round of the Australian National Motocross Championship will be held at Wodonga on June 27.

CHRIS WOODS - TEAM MANAGER, RACELINE PIRELLI SUZUKI
"Hamish showed a lot of heart today. After breaking his knuckle in the second lap of practice he still managed to qualify fourth.
"Hamish had two fantastic starts today, andhe managed to lead for the majority of the first moto and battle for the top positions in the second moto before the pain got too much mid way through moto three and he had to pull out.
"We have a few weeks until the next round so there is plenty of time for Hamish to recover; we'll come out swinging at Wodonga."

Round 5 - 2010 Australian National Motocross Championship Results
Under 19s
1 Joshua Cachia 72
2 Ross Beaton 67
3 Harley Quinlan 56
4 Ethan Martens 48
5 Matthew Phillips 43
6 Hamish Dobbyn (Suzuki RM-Z250) 40
7 Luke Arbon 34
8 Kieran Leigh 34
9 Dylan Peterson 32
10 Shaun Redhead 32
Under 19s Championship Standings
1 Joshua Cachia 273
2 Ross Beaton 240
3 Matthew Phillips 203
4 Luke Arbon 197
5 Dylan Peterson 195
6 Hamish Dobbyn (Suzuki RM-Z250) 177
7 Harley Quinlan 175
8 Kieran Leigh 158
9 Ethan Martens 145
10 John Phillips 140

Source: Bikedeadline

MEDIA RELEASE - 2011 KAWASAKI KX250F EFI

Imminent media release from Kawasaki

With the popularity of electronic fuel injection paving a new direction in Motocross performance, Kawasaki has taken its incredibly sound KX250F package of 2010 and gone one better. Introducing the all-new 2011 Kawasaki KX250F with EFi.
Overview

There are nearly 30 upgrades to the 2011 Kawasaki KX250F, reflecting the rigor of testing and development happening at Kawasaki. Engineers started with what’s arguably the gold standard in 250-class racing – the 2010 KX250F – winner of the 2010 AMA East and West Supercross Lites titles.

Loads of engine modifications have made the latest KX an absolute corner-to-corner screamer. Refinements to the 249cc single include higher compression, a modified top on the exclusive Bridged-Box Bottom piston, higher valve lift, longer spark plug design, and a new coil that offers a hotter and longer-lasting spark. And, the addition of Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) produces stunning – and more useable – power. The system automatically adjusts to suit track and climate conditions, even when the going gets rough.


An optional ECU Setting Tool allows racers to select from several different ECU data maps or fine tune a custom map. The tool can also record up to six hours of data, including engine rpm, degree of throttle opening, coolant and air temperatures, ignition timing, fuel adjustments, gear position and system voltage.


Headlining the chassis changes on the KX250F is Kawasaki’s new Separate Function Fork. Instead of a conventional fork design, the SFF separates spring and damping duties (one in each leg) for improved performance, less friction, lower weight and easier adjustability. The right leg has the spring, with a larger main spring/rod assembly than traditional forks; the left leg handles damping, with rebound and compression damping adjustable on the fork tube.


As for ergonomics, the KX250F’s bodywork offers riders a slim interface and a natural positioning that make going fast a simple affair. The upgraded seat provides excellent seated grip and rider mobility, and features firm urethane foam to hold its shape longer.


Features
+ New Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) system allows consistent fuel delivery, quick starts and easy adjustability; prevents engine hesitation after landing from jumps
+ Optional ECU Setting Tool allows custom tuning and data logging
+ New Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) divides spring and damping functions – springing in the right leg and damping in left provide less friction, better performance and easier adjustability
+ Revised suspension settings front and rear aimed at race-experienced riders
+ Increased engine performance via higher compression and exhaust/intake changes
+ Super-hard titanium nitride coating on the outside of the inner fork tubes reduces stiction and improves suspension action, while also helping to prevent scratches and tube damage
+ High-performance piston featuring bridged-box-bottom design
+ Engine tuned to achieve the widest possible torque band, maximizing traction through more of the rev range
+ Stainless steel exhaust features longer header section and larger-volume muffler, quieting emissions to 94 dB

TOWNLEY NOTCHES SECOND HONDA CRF450R VICTORY IN TWO MEETINGS

A hot, breezy, fast and intense Grand Prix of USA at the challenging Glen Helen circuit in eastern California was the scene of the sixth round of fifteen in the 2010 FIM World Championship. Former MX2 world champ, current AMA title contender and GP wild-card, Ben Townley, expertly guided his CRF 450R across the finish line in first position for the second meeting in succession.

The Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda man claimed victory in the second moto at the first USGP since 1999 and first since 1992 at Glen Helen on Memorial Day weekend and in front of 16,000 spectators who braved unrelenting sunshine and temperatures in the low ‘30s.


The New Zealander – returning from several seasons plagued with injury – was in fine form as he escaped to victory in the second moto. Unfortunately he was left to curse his retirement in the first moto – as a consequence of bike damage sustained in a tussle with Mike Alessi while pushing for second spot – which ultimately put him out of the hunt for the overall win. Townley had to settle for 8th spot overall and question what could have been had he not suffered cruel luck first time out. The impressive Italian Antonio Cairoli took the overall win on his factory KTM 350 EX-F but can perhaps count himself lucky that Townley dropped out of the first moto, and out of contention for the overall win.
LS Motors Honda David Guarneri was also in good form and had a productive meeting. The Italian scored two top ten finishes for 7th overall and can take encouragement from his showing, particularly in the second moto where his pace – for virtually the entire 35 minute and 2 lap race – was on a par with the fight for 3rd spot just ahead of him on the track.


Ben Townley, Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oils Honda:
“It was awesome and a great feeling to win. It doesn’t matter what race it was but to beat the best people in the world – whether in America or Europe – is the goal I was aiming for. I am not anywhere near how could I can be and when that point arrives then it will be pretty cool. I felt like I had some of the old magic back a little bit after the qualification race yesterday and it come together today. Following Mike and Tony was not hard for me, so speed-wise I don’t have a problem.


Davide Guarneri, LS Motors Honda:
“It was a good GP. I have had some problems in the past with the really hot weather but today was not bad, I lost two positions on the last lap because I was completely finished. In the second moto I was keeping pace with Alessi and Cairoli; I did not start that strongly but was building my speed.”

Roger Harvey, Off-road Manager, Honda Motor Europe:
“It was great to see Ben Townley running at the speed we know he and the bike are capable of and it shows the good work the guys are doing in the US to have him competitive in the AMA one weekend and then winning here and beating the best in the world the next.”

Source: HondProRacing

ANDREW MCFARLANE - RIP

FORMER world motocross number two Andrew McFarlane died as tragedy struck the Australian championship. McFarlane suffered severe head injuries in a practice lap crash as riders prepared for round three of the series in Victoria. Paramedics spent almost an hour trying to revive the 33-year-old Queenslander but he died at the track at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford, north of Melbourne.

Event manager Kevin Williams released a short statement on the event's live web feed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great regret that we announce the passing of one of our own - Andrew McFarlane,” Williams said.

Following a meeting, fellow riders rode three laps in each class in honour of the man who finished second on the world championship circuit in 2005 before the day's racing was cancelled.

McFarlane is survived by his wife Natalie and their young daughter.

As the news filtered through professional motocross riders paid tribute to McFarlane, who returned to Australia last year after nine years competing on the world motocross circuit in Europe and the United States.

US-based Australian motocross star Chad Reed was distressed by the news.

“I was just talking to Chad Reed a little while ago and he's extremely upset,” said Reed's manager Matt Cousins.

“He and his wife spent a lot of time with him and Natalie in the States and that's really blown everyone away.

“He had an illustrious career across three continents, a beautiful wife and daughter and I guess that's where everyone's thoughts are right now.”

American motocross riders Sean Hamblin and Mike Sleeter posted tributes on their twitter feeds.

“Gone but never forgotten bud! Prayers for the family now!” wrote Hamblin.

Motorcycling Australia and Victoria Police both launched investigations into the accident.

McFarlane was placed fifth in the Australian series ahead of last Sunday's event and the event's website said McFarlane was expected to retire from racing after the 2010 season.

“I've been very fortunate in my career,” McFarlane said on the site.

“I've raced in Russia, all over Europe, Japan, and the Unites States, it's been an awesome experience and after 27 years I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share.”

Cousins said motorsport by its nature carried inherent risks.

“It's a dangerous sport, every form of motorsport is dangerous,” Cousins said.

“We race V8 Supercars every other week and we've had deaths, we've had serious injuries, it's a part of the game we play unfortunately.”

source: www.mxlarge.com & www.mxnationals.com.au

DUCATI ENDS HARLEY REIGN!

Kopp Wins Prescott Mile

WHILE the MotoGP riders were getting ready for action in Spain, on the other side of the Atlantic history was being made in the United States.

A Ducati won an AMA dirt-track national championship race.

It was at the Yavapai Downs Mile in Prescott, Arizona, that Washington rider Joe Kopp raced to the chequered flag on his Lloyd Brothers Motorsports Ducati to victory, drafting past Sammy Halbert's Harley-Davidson XR750 to win by just 0.024 of a second after 20 laps. Kopp's win ended a streak of 134 consecutive race wins by Harley-Davidson in Grand National Twins racing.

The last non-Harley victory in a Grand National Twins race was on August 8, 1998 when Rich King won the Joliet Half Mile on a Honda. The last non-Harley win on a Mile was on September 5, 1993 when the late Ricky Graham won the Springfield Mile on a Honda RS750 V-twin.

NEW HUSKY MX 450 PICS

"These pictures were taken during a test at Crossodromo Malpensa (VA - Italy) where tester Andrea Bartolini and official Husqvarna Rider, Alex Salvini under Engineer Pierluigi Zampieri (Racing Department Manager) have developed the motorcycle before the official debut that will come soon." Martino Bianchi, Coordinator PR and Racing Activities.