THE WEEKLY FEED: THE RHINESTONE COWBOY • HUGE DIRT BIKE PRODUCTS • VIDEO HITS

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Kent Howerton

Kent Howerton, the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” won three AMA National Motocross Championships and two Trans-USA titles. He started his career racing for Husqvarna, signed with Suzuki in 1978 after Suzuki’s Mark Blackwell witnessed his struggle on the Husqvarna, which was suffering from a myriad of mechanical issues. Blackwell felt that Kent had raw talent and worked with Kent to get more fit. His results improved, though his nemesis Bob Hannah who won all but two motos in the ’78 250 Nationals. Kent was obsessed with beating Hannah and in ’79 he bested Hannah three times and then finished the year by winning the Trans-USA, the Anaheim stadium-cross and the Superbikers.

NEWS

FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Heads Stateside For Red Bull TKO

It’s all systems go as the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship travels to the USA for round five and Red Bull TKO in Tennessee.

Breaking new ground, the championship is set to travel to North America this weekend for the prestigious Red Bull TKO. After a hectic round four at Red Bull Romaniacs just two weeks ago, the world’s best riders will once again go head-to-head as the championship’s leading competitors face off against the best of American talent.

Set for its 11th edition, the Red Bull TKO operates a multi-race knockout style format. From Saturday’s 400 amateur rider qualifier, the best riders then progress through to Sunday’s main event, lining up against a stacked pro rider entry. Adding extra spice to Saturday evening will be the Pro-Prologue Red Bull Straight Rhythm. An 18-rider line-up will see top riders go head-to-head across an exciting straight-line endurocross course.

For Sunday’s main event, a series of knockout races sees riders battling to qualify through to the next round every time they take to the track. A final, 15-rider multi-lap race, on a shortened-but-intensified course, will see the winner take all.

Situated at the Trials Training Centre in Sequatchie, Tennessee, home to world championship Trial events in the past, the terrain is a Hard Enduro gold mine thanks to its rocky riverbeds, waterfall boulders and steep forestry climbs. Adding in unpredictable weather and high levels of humidity ensures a tough and physical race for all.

World Class Entry Fired Up

After his round four victory, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler now sits at the top of the championship’s point standings. A rider on form, Manuel arrives in the USA having previous experience at Red Bull TKO. Winner of the event in 2019, he’s the only rider from outside of North America to do so, and will no doubt be looking for more success this weekend.

The Sherco Factory Racing pairing of Mario Roman and Wade Young are past podium finishers in Tennessee. While neither rider has yet to reach the top step, they’ve consistently placed inside the top three. Arriving in the USA fresh off their Red Bull Romaniacs podium finishes, both Young and Roman very much start among the favorites.

Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker is another rider aiming for a top result. Having fought all week in Romania for a podium result, he just missed out, finishing fifth. Walker has raced and finished a close second at Red Bull TKO previously and knows how demanding this race will be.

Hart And Webb Out To Win

However, as the 2020 winner of Red Bull TKO, Canada’s Trystan Hart (KTM) is the rider everyone will be keeping an eye on. The 24-year-old has already made his mark in 2021 by placing as top Red Bull Romaniacs rookie with seventh. Victory this weekend on familiar terrain is the target for Hart.

Sherco’s Cody Webb has dominated Red Bull TKO over the last decade with six wins to his credit. A knee injury sustained at round four has dampened his confidence slightly. But with a wealth of experience, you can be sure he will give it his all to fly the Stars and Stripes flag from the top step of the podium.

As round three winner, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt is a first time visitor to the Red Bull TKO. Bolt excels in a multi-round format race and lives for the gigantic boulders the Trials Training Centre has on offer.

Sixth at Red Bull Romaniacs, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak will be in the hunt alongside his teammate Michael Walkner. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) and Bulgaria’s Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) can’t be ruled out of contention either.

With a golden opportunity to shine on the world stage, American’s Cooper Abbott (KTM), Nick Fahringer (Sherco), Jordan Ashburn (Husqvarna), Ryan Sipes (GASGAS), Keith Curtis (Sherco), Max Gerston (GASGAS), Pat Smage (Sherco) and Ryder LeBlond (Husqvarna) could also land some knockout results.

Red Bull TKO – round five of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship – takes place at the Trials Training Centre, Sequatchie, Tennessee on August 13-15.

FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Standings (After round 4)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 37pts
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 33pts
3. Wade Young (Sherco) 25pts
4. Mario Roman (Sherco) 24pts
5. Jonny Walker (Beta) 24pts
6. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 20pts
7. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 15pts
8. Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 14pts
9. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 13pts
10. Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 11pts

SOCIAL POKES

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VIDEO JUKEBOX

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TESTING MY SHERCO BEFORE REDBULL ROMANIACS WITH CODY WEBB & WADE YOUNG | MARIO ROMÁN 74

Hi guys! This is the first video about my participation in REDBULL ROMANIACS 2021. We will bring you more videos soon about that amazing event where I finished in 3rd position. I’m really happy and proud for that amazing result! It was definitely one of the most difficult race I’ve ever run, so get a place in the podium makes me so happy.

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GREAT FOOTAGE FROM TIM GAJSER AT LATVIA MXGP

GEAR BAG

Pro Circuit offers some trick parts for the KLX110. Their Tappet covers and Billet Cam cover are made from aircraft aluminum and anodized red, then hand polished. The KLX110 adds power and the Pro Circuit ignition cover is CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and durability.

www.procircuit.com

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KLIM’S NEW FALL RELEASE OFF-ROAD GEAR

KLIM has released a brand new lineup of colors for all three off-road lines, the Dakar, Mojave and XC Lite. The Dakar series gets a full new kit (matching pant, jersey, glove) plus one more new jersey, the Mojave series also gets a full kit (matching pant, jersey, glove) plus one more jersey, and the XC Lite series follows its siblings.

The Dakar series gear is a blend of durability and airflow, featuring massive adjustable vents on the pant legs in addition to multiple stretch panels, leather overlays, and heavy duty 840D Cordura in key areas. The recently redesigned Dakar Jersey, with tough sleeves, vented sides, a zippered sleeve pocket and a lightweight body, is equally focused on durability while still maintaining good airflow for off-road riding.

The Mojave series focuses on airflow while maintaining solid durability, with pants featuring the same burly materials as in the Dakar Pant, but with fully open mesh panels for full-time airflow in hot weather. The recently redesigned Mojave Jersey also features a more open mesh body material for more airflow, while upgrading to the same durable sleeve material found in the Dakar Jersey.

The Klim XC Lite series is engineered with the aggressive trail rider and racer in mind and puts extra focus on comfort in extremely demanding conditions, where airflow, moisture-wicking materials and highly flexible fabrics can make or break the experience. Still, durability isn’t pushed aside with leather overlays and durable fabrics in high wear areas.

www.klim.com

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TM Designworks Factory Edition SX Slide-N-Guide Kit

TM Designworks Slide-N-Guide technology for the 2022 Factory Edition is engineered to provide riders and racers with a cost-effective upgrade from OEM equipment.Utilized by factory race teams, the new sleeker and lightened chain guide pairs up with the new side plates featured on the slider allowing for precise guidance and flow. The Factory Edition SX kit is available for most makes and models and is offered in an assortment of colors to give your bike a “works” look. An optional chain roller is sold separately. $129.95

www.tmdesignworks.com

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Bullet Proof Designs KTM ADV Footpegs

Bullet Proof Designs offers new footpegs available for KTM Adventure Bike models. Using the same platform as its popular dirt bike peg, the 6061 Billet Aluminum piece is wider and longer than stock, giving riders needed comfort for long days in the saddle. Adjustable set screws allow for a tailored amount of grip to suit the rider and terrain. The pegs are available in Orange or Black and fit all 2004+ models. $129.95

www.bulletproofdesigns.com

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LEATT X-FRAME HYBRID KNEE BRACE

The all new Leatt X-Frame Hybrid Knee Brace is manufactured from Injected Carbon Composite and has a 40% slimmer inner hinge on the inside to provide superior bike feel, the outer hinge has metal gears for durable and precise movement. Leatt uses a unique technology that offers a medically certified knee brace with a separate sleeve that includes a CE certified impact protector built in to reduce the bulk in the knee area allowing freer movement for better comfort and great riding.

www.leatt.com

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STAY HYDRATED WITH USWE’S WORLD CLASS PACKS!

www.slavensracing.com

WOLF: BACK IN THE DAY

The Adelanto GP was a high-speed closed course race that got incredibly rough and featured a very tough water hole jump. As remember it I was in third gear, mid-range and try to stay smooth off a face that got lips and ruts. Too, the landing got slick from riders dragging water and mud farther and farther out. I was horrified every time I launched, though Mark Kariya captured this shot of me on my KTM 360 looking quite athletic. Inside, I was sucking the seat cover off the bike.