THE WEEKLY FEED: APRIL 13, 2016

BLAST FROM THE PAST: MOTO AND OFF-ROAD

Team events that USA dominated and both held in Povazska, Bystrica , Czechoslovakia

DB 9 — Team USA’s domination at the des Nations continued in 1983. Honda Johnny O’Mara and Mark Barnett played pivotal roles at the Trophee des Nations (125’s and 250s) held at Považská Bystrica, Czechoslovakia

Rhodes- — Washington State’s David Rhodes came onto the Qualifier scene in 1989. His speed at Trask Mountain in the final moto showed that he had a future. David went on to be a member of the Junior World Team in 1991 at Považská Bystrica, Czechoslovakia where the U.S. Team (Jimmy Lewis, Steve Hatch, Chris Smith and David) took the championship.

BIG TIME RUMORS!!

A68U1298 — Ken Roczen makes the RM-Z’s 8-year old design look pretty terrific. It’s a fact that he became disenchanted with the Suzuki effort when things blew up last year when his dad voiced their concerns. Honda is slated to have a new machine for next year and with a Roc aboard it could be a game changer. Photo Tyler Johnson

The word in the pits is that Ken Roczen has signed a 5 year, 11 million dollar deal to race Honda’s starting next year. Early this year the talk of the town was that his team at RCH has been shopping Ken hard talking to both KTM and Honda. We hear that his new deal is a full Factory Honda ride and that RCH is out. Roczen is already the highest paid motocrosser on the planet and this contract shows that Honda is seriously interested in regaining their stature in the motocross world. We also hear that they signed Tim Gajser (World MX2 champion and current 2nd in points behind Febvre) to a long term deal, with the goal being an American stint in the future. Word is that Cole Seely re-uped and that Trey Canard will be looking for a ride next year.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 1.22.22 PM — Tim Gajser Team Honda

With that said, what happens with RCH and their deep pockets?

What’s going on the James Stewart? Is he retiring or is planning an attempt to hit the Nationals to secure a ride for next year?

Cooper Webb is definitely going to the 450 class as a Factory Yamaha rider and Jeremy Martin is rumored to have signed a deal with RCH to race for them, no matter what machine they end up campaigning.

Supercross tidbits

A68U0838 — Baggett’s lap times came down 4 seconds from practice to the main. photo Tyler Johnson

Blake Baggett took home a 5th place finish at Indy, his best finish this year in the 450 class. Word from the team was that they found some compliance in the chassis by switching out motor mount plates to a less rigid design (found while testing for the upcoming Nationals), and too toned down the rigidity of the triple clamps. Baggett noted that the bike was considerably easier to ride via less stiffness felt from the chassis to the wheels. His results on a tough track were impressive, his lap times dropped 4 seconds from practice to the main event!

Indy’s Supercross track was called the toughest and most technical circuit in the last five years. Just look at the Dungey and Roczen’s 30-second lead over third place!!!

A68U0415 — Tyler Johnson’s shot of Chad Reed hitting a jump painted with ruts on the takeoff is enough to make you squeamish. The Indy track was brutal.

A68U1377 — Both Dungey and Roczen have elevated their status in the SX game to total dominators. On a technical track their speed and fitness is on another level. Photo Tyler Johnson

A68U0574 — Aaron Plessinger killed it at Indy with a technically perfect ride on a circuit that challenged even the most adept. Photo Tyler Johnson

The Big Bear Run AMA National Dual Sport Series Ride

The Big Bear Trail Riders Motorcycle Club are proud to bring you the 22nd Annual Big Bear Run AMA National Dual Sport Ride in Big Bear Lake, CA. Take it from the Dirt Bike staff, this event is superb! Great trail, tough loops for the advanced and a beautiful area highlight the ride.

June 25 & 26, 2016

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