by Adam Wheeler
Racer X Race Report: USGP
Monday, May 16, 2011 | 10:00 AM
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On a weekend where the FIM Motocross World Championship expanded to include three flyaways – Mexico will extend the American leg of the 2012 calendar – but contracted to meet a regulations ‘leveller’ with the AMA from this year’s Motocross of Nations onwards, there was a Monster Energy U.S. Grand Prix going on somewhere.
Roczen continues to impress. Dominating the field en route to the overall in the MX2 class.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:02.908;
3. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:45.473;
4. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +0:51.224;
5. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:57.603;
6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +1:03.102;
7. Anthony Boissiere (FRA, Yamaha), +1:20.482;
8. Christian Craig (USA, Honda), +1:21.415;
9. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), +1:36.743;
10. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), +1:48.422;
MX1 podium: Nagl, Desalle, Bobryshev
Photo: Simon Cudby
Rockstar Suzuki’s Clement Desalle and Red Bull Teka KTM’s Ken Roczen ensured that there was some diplomacy in the energy drinks stakes at Glen Helen that was otherwise dwarfed by immense presence from the green ‘M’. The presence of the company (two huge rigs at the center of the show) was all the more emphatic considering the amount of resources being placed into their title sponsorship of the Le Mans MotoGP occurring at the same time on the other side of the world.
Desalle was impressive at Glen Helen going 1-1 for the overall.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Both the Belgian and German were undisputed masters of their respective MX1 and MX2 divisions on a blustery Glen Helen stage that was battered by freak rain and cold conditions. The scene was expectedly devoid of American class-leading riders and even though the race-day attendance appeared slightly up on 2010, it will still take more of a crowd to really establish the long-term future of the United States GP.
Roczen called Glen Helen his second home Grand Prix and exudes the sensation that he cannot wait long enough to win the MX2 title and come over to tackle the indoor arenas and outdoor soil. He gained revenge on fellow teenager and KTM teammate Jeffrey Herlings for the Dutchman’s dominance three weeks ago in the sand and CLS Kawasaki Pro Circuit’s Tommy Searle made up for an error-strewn and goggle-less run in the first moto to fill third-place overall and provide the series with the same podium trio for all three of the fifteen rounds run so far.
Roczen continues to impress. Dominating the field en route to the overall in the MX2 class.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Desalle was smooth, efficient and unwilling to entertain any suitors for his first position. Red Bull Teka KTM 350cc-wielding duo Tony Cairoli and Max Nagl came close to the rear wheel of the Suzuki at the closing stages of both motos, but catching and then passing Desalle have proved to be two very different tasks in the past. While Nagl was consistent to end the day as runner-up, Cairoli was unlucky. A small error on the first lap of moto 2 collected the immediate attention of a misfiring Steven Frossard. The collision took both down, Cairoli out of contention for a possible second win in a row and handing Desalle a fistful of points. Frossard would fall again and have to concede the red plate by the termination of proceedings.
A factory Honda battle between Evgeny Bobryshev and Rui Goncalves was decided in the favor of the former and the extremely humble and likeable Russian as he became the first from his country to lift an MX1 podium trophy and post the first noteworthy result in GPs since Vladimir Kavinov won the 1980 250cc Russian event. “I need someone to pinch me because it is like I’m dreaming,” he said. “It was something like 4:00 a.m. for all the people in Russia who were watching, so they did not stay up all night for that second moto for nothing.”
The Russian Evgeny Bobryshev took third overall at Glen Helen.
Photo: Simon Cudby
A hurting Zach Osborne defended his Marty Moates Cup as best American finisher with 5th overall in MX2 and his prolonged and successful chase of Max Anstie in the second moto was entertaining to chart. The Virginian was nursing a sore wrist after an earlier run-in with Anstie in the Saturday qualifier. “I didn’t have anything for the front three today but my fitness is good and I just need to pick up my starts a little bit because you can’t win a GP if you get away in eighth,” the 21-year-old British champion explained. “I wanted to win my home GP, but in the circumstances I’m happy.”
Aside from a decent gathering of names and industry in Southern California, the meetings between MX Sports and Youthstream could provide some interesting developments for motocross on these shores in the years to come. The agreement between manufacturers, governing bodies and promoters to adjust the rules to match weight limits (AMA spec), fuel (allowing AMA spec) and noise control (using the FIM’s 2m Max test, likely to force quieter motorcycles at the Nationals) is the first step of that new dialogue. As well as the shows of supremacy by Desalle and Roczen, Glen Helen 2011 also remains a bit special off the track for these developments.
Cairoli lost valuable ground to Desalle with an 11th place finish in the second moto.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Most of the Grand Prix teams and riders will be hanging around Los Angeles and San Bernardino in the coming days before flying down to Sao Paolo and Indaiatuba for the Grand Prix of Brazil this weekend.
MX1 Moto1
1. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 41:30.376; ;2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:02.908;
3. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:45.473;
4. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +0:51.224;
5. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:57.603;
6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +1:03.102;
7. Anthony Boissiere (FRA, Yamaha), +1:20.482;
8. Christian Craig (USA, Honda), +1:21.415;
9. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), +1:36.743;
10. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), +1:48.422;
MX1 Moto2
1. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 43:24.372; ;
2. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:01.561;
3. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:11.515;
4. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:12.887;
5. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +0:20.108;
6. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Honda), +0:30.121;
7. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:34.060;
8. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), +0:35.550;
9. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:52.794;
10. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:56.262;
MX1 podium: Nagl, Desalle, Bobryshev
Photo: Simon Cudby
MX1 Overall
1. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 50 points;
2. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 42 p.;
3. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), 35 p.;
4. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), 34 p.;
5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 32 p.;
6. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), 28 p.;
7. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 27 p.;
8. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), 25 p.;
9. Anthony Boissiere (FRA, Yamaha), 23 p.;
10. Christian Craig (USA, Honda), 21 p.;
MX1 World Championship standings after 3 of 15 rounds
1. Clement Desalle (BEL, Suzuki), 128 points;
2. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 122 p.;
3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 104 p.;
4. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), 96 p.;
5. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), 91 p.;
6. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 89 p.;
7. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), 87 p.;
8. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Kawasaki), 78 p.;
9. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), 68 p.;
10. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Kawasaki), 58 p.;
MX2 Moto1
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 43:17.168; ;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:13.326;
3. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:48.382;
4. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), +1:01.455;
5. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:07.684;
6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +1:10.785;
7. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +1:52.840;
8. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +1:56.851;
9. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), +2:16.194;
10. Travis Baker (USA, Honda), +2:27.808;
MX2 podium: Herlings, Roczen, Searle
Photo: Simon Cudby
MX2 Moto2
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 42:56.413; ;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:36.739;
3. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:01.005;
4. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), +1:22.834;
5. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:27.540;
6. Marvin Musquin (FRA, KTM), +1:40.946;
7. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), +2:07.188;
8. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +2:12.593;
9. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), +2:13.327;
10. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), +2:29.423;
MX2 Overall
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 50 points;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 44 p.;
3. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), 36 p.;
4. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), 36 p.;
5. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), 30 p.;
6. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), 28 p.;
7. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), 26 p.;
8. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), 23 p.;
9. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 19 p.;
10. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), 19 p.;
MX2 World Championship standings after 3 of 15 rounds
1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 144 points;
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 130 p.;
3. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), 120 p.;
4. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), 90 p.;
5. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), 87 p.;
6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), 81 p.;
7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), 80 p.;
8. Harri Kullas (FIN, Yamaha), 74 p.;
9. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 67 p.;
10. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), 62 p.;
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Damn those KTM's are FAST.
Russia and Belgium are back. Cool. Where's 007?
KTM will be the number one bike in America in the very near future. Jap bikes don't have the quality the KTM's have right now. KTM is a racing company and all the jap bikes are just a manufacturer.
To bad the fan turn out was so poor. I sure hope Hangtown is packed this year.
Great GP coverage. Stayed up till 1am to watch it live on Motos TV in UK then another hour to watch AMA National Motocross preview. Great news that FIM & AMA limits/sound to be equalled for next yea!.
Scratch another excuse off the list for not racing USGP! Hope they can get a TV deal in US so fans can see this isn't a "second rate series"
Good luck to everyone for hangtown this coming weekend!
No one cares about euro spodes racing in are country who wants to pay a ridonkulous amount for just viewing the event ???? What American rider would want to race the event with no payout sorry someone failed the iq test here... O and one more thing glen Helen is a dump itself
Where is Marvin Musquin, I thought he would be on top ten or even top five for sure. Did he get hurt? He was supposed to have the #1 plate for this race.
Hey "Nobody" the payout was $100,000.00 for any U.S. rider if he could win the MX1 overall. I call that pretty good money. Maybe you make more in one day, doubt it, you probably don't even make that in a year.........lol
jairtime does suk
jairtime does suk
jairtime
Awesome....Roczen gets the Dimebag Darrel - Dean MLX Guitar !!! He probably doesn't care how cool that guitar is.....
"jairtime does suck" one word for you. GIMP!
The really cool part here is the leveling of standards between AMA and FIM. This will hopefully help with American participation in the future since they won't have to change their bikes for FIM standards. And FIM has a more effective noise test/standard than AMA, so hopefully it will make our bikes a little quieter.
Great racing at the USGP but why US riders and fans dont show up? Ticket prices were way too high and no top US riders to watch. No top US riders in it because of contract obligations and no points for the National series. they get paid to win the nationals. make some changes and you will have a show.
News Flash for all of you KTM hopefulls... The KTM European Team has the best riders in World on those teams in Roczen, Herlings, Musquin, Nagl & Cairoli...It's like Charmichael put him or them on any team and they're going to dominiate. Plus with the exception of Roczen and Herlings the top US riders would beat them...we do it every time at Des Nations. ...KTM (reality check Alessi/Short)... The bike isn't all that and on top of it it's over priced....KTM's will always be a minority in the US...nuff said...
Does anybody know what happened to Marvin Musquin? If you do please post, thank you.
Might have to disagree with you vetracer19.......KTM is doing a lot of the right things with their company and racing program. It won't surprise me to see their share continue to grow here!! jus' sayn'!!
I think KTM out sold suzuki this year.
KTM also sells every bike they manufacture. They limit their runs to what they can sell. It is actually a very cool company and I hope they continue to be successful. They push the technology and that in turn will push all the manufactures.
I also encourage anyone who actually does ride and race to ride one of the new 450's. I ride/race the 2010 KXF450 and would have no problem riding/racing the KTM450. It is damn good.
And how do you not love the orange!
MX in the states is dropping again. GP racers are faster and it is a bigger sport in the GPs.
The 2011 KTM 450 is better that any 450 that comes from JAPAN
Best Handling SUZ/KTM
Best Suspension YAM/KTM
Best Power KAW/KTM
Most Reliable YAM/KTM
Getting the picture?
I used to ride a 2008 CRF 450 (best 450 ever until the 2010 KTM 450 came along)
Don't let your affinity for the Japaneses bikes fool you...ride one and you'll see
only downside price.
@jairtime suks,
Your ad hominem attacks are sure signs of a frontal lobe challenged hominid form. The lack of any sign what-so-ever of creativity, insight, etc as well as the receptiveness of your post confirms all the research on the role of the frontal lobe in hominid brain function. It is interesting watching you struggle with basic hominid cognition. Question: When you look at yourself in the minor, do you recognize the image moving as you move to be yourself or to you perceive to be a totally different hominid?
I must concede the GP racers are faster then America's amateurs and KTMs are great trail bikes for the rich. That KTM450 dual sport might pull 6th gear if you put a 90 tooth rear and a 9 front on it. In Our MX nationals the KTM's are for course sweeping only.
Hangtown should be sick this year. rain during the week with 78 degrees and sunshine on saturday. What's wrong with people, I would go to a USGP if I lived within a few hours drive of Glen Helen. But I don't.....so I have to settle for the Thunder Valley round.
There is no reason for US riders to show up. In the old days Europe was faster and we had to go over there to prove ours selves. They kicked our ass but it made us better. Latley the US has been better and the top Euro riders come here to prove themselves. I have a lot of respect for the guys who move over here and take there lumps to improve. Many of those "World Champions" never had the balls to come over here.
Amen vertacer, just ask MC what he thought of his KTM. A bike that goes fast and cant turn is still just a fast brick. IMHO
白龙 is jairtime, so 白龙 suks too!!
Thats funny everyone saying KTM's are so much better than the jap bikes. They have won alot of titles here in the US so far havent they? Anyday I go to the track you are lucky to see 1 or 2 there. I know its just coincidence people dont buy them but it has to say a little something about the bikes.
Uhhhh, "redrider24"...what year of KTM was it that MC was riding????? Thought so!! They have come a long way since then my man!! They will be the #1 manufacturer in the not too distant future, just wait!!
Does anyone know what that gizmo on Searle's helmet is? Are GP riders allowed to have radio com with their teams?
What does that say about GP's when there is $100K for an American to win (which a half dozen of them could do) and they still don't show up? Wow! Apparently there is no glory in winning a GP anymore, sad.
Dearest "wrote" (a.k.a. jairtime) I don't know how anyone can look in a "MINOR" but I do believe one can look in a "MIRROR". Before giving your feeble attempt at trying to give "carnal knowledge" learn to spell! You can dish it but can't take it? lol You made ur bed now lie in it...............sucka....ha ha ha.....lol!!!!!
fans can see this isn't a "second rate series"
Yes it is thats why the top riders come to the USA to race NOT visa versa, sorry for the reality slap.
How about Christian Craigs 10th place finish mx 1 and Travis Baker's 12th mx2. Well done to both of you.Both got screwed over during SX. great to see them show so well. The coverage on MX life tv is pretty good. David Baily was fun to listen to and the camera men followed the hot monster drink girls really good too. The blonde was really hot. One thing about the GP riders I noticed .. they kissed the monster girls on the podium. looking forward to watching all the GPs and the Dess nations all for like $55.00 Thats a lot of entertainment for the price. Also cool to learn about the Euros See ya at Hangtown
@frankthetank you can't be for real with that post ..... can ya?? It all about the rider!! So By the way you think the only good bike this year is Kawasaki right?? I mean there the ONLY one with an SX title this year. BTW how many titles do the "jap" bikes have in the GP's the last few years??
The USGP was the best racing I have seen in a while. The fans were great, the track was insane.
The Pala National was a complete joke. The facility cannot compare, the track cannot compare, etc. Plus, by the last stop, the Championships are usually over.
On the Marvin Musquin question: he broke his leg at Bercy a few months ago. This was his first race. He was not as fast as usual and was a bit out of shape. He raced just to try to get his fitness level up so he is ready for Hangtown. Keep in mind this guy was clearly faster that Roczen and Herlings last year. That is what a major injury does! But heck, maybe he can do a Villopoto while getting back. Feel bad for the guy being World Champion and getting hurt right before he comes here. Wish him well.
On the comments about our guys dominating the Motocross Des Nations. Obviously we have done well, but do not discount their riders. Remember we have the population of basically all of the countries represented in the GPs combined. Lots of those countries have the same population of our individual States. Imagine if they had to choose 3 riders from all of them to compete with our team. It might be a bit different. I am not saying our guys don't stand at the top of the box, but just pointing out that we should not be too over confident.
How about the Russian guy! That guy hauls. How cool was that. I think he was on an old CZ?
On the KTM subject: The Japanese do not care as much as they used to about MX or even motorcycles. I think, for example, Suzuki only brought in about 500 RMZ 450 MX bikes last year. The market is tiny. Honda clearly does not care as much about motorcycles as cars.
I am happy KTM is building niche motorcycles. With the baby boomers aging, they will buy their trail bikes, dual sports and MX bikes. Good for them out-developing the Japanese. Anyone who thinks they cannot is not clearly thinking. Just look at their team managers and riders. They will eventually win here and more importantly, develop even better products for all of us. Dungy will be on one soon!
On making the USGP even better: It is embarrassing that we do not have our act together. Please explain the timing and why the parties cannot do what is best for the sport and the fans. It seems to me that between the AMA and FIM and all the other parties, we should be able to put on a race that happens during a period when our riders would show, and when their sponsors would support them, not penalize them for representing us, and it would create even more exposure for outdoor MX. I do not blame the riders for not being there, but I think it would have been great for our sport to have a huge international event right here in So Cal, on the best track, at the best facility, we have.
All the KTM bashers are exposing their ignorance. The old saying "better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt" applies here.
The differences between KTM's & the J-brands are mostly pluses anyways. E-start, juice clutch, better brakes, real steel frames (aluminum is better says who?) and they have consistently been the horsepower king in both classes for some time.
Adding a $1000.00 exhaust system to a J-brand to keep up with a stock KTM is negating the price difference at purchase. Parts quality & longevity is another slam dunk for the KTM's. Formula 1 left "shim under bucket" cam / head design long ago for finger followers, oh yeah, KTM uses this technology.
The one area they lack (IMO) is front suspension but, everybody spends coin to revalve anyway AND they are moving forward on that front.
Hey vetracer, patpipes, ride red & frankthetank, the Village called, they want their idiots back.
"we should be able to put on a race that happens during a period when our riders would show, and when their sponsors would support them, not penalize them for representing us, and it would create even more exposure for outdoor MX"
Two problems with that.................1, it seems like the riders do not care enough to go. 2, there is no good time, this was probably the best. Are you suggesting mid season, or Nov-Dec, or what??
K T M. Keeps Taken Money.
Best thing from USGP weekend: Cairoli getting spanked by DeSalle.
What about the VET CLASS?
If attendance is down on the west coast, maybe have it at Unadilla, ( the grass will grow back in time for the national) or Budds Creek, or Broome Tioga. The fans will be drooling for some outdoor, and no U.S. riders go anyhow. We don't get to see the Europeans, so it would have that vibe that the promoters are looking for. .02
Name those half dozen american riders that could win this race. All i come up with is Dungey and Stewart if he had a good day.
Oh yea, RV
I will throw in my 2 cents of the KTM/Jap bikes issue. The KTM's have the best engines period.. they make more power and are more reliable. The clutch there is no comparison. The hydro clutch is awesome. Its why teams like Factory Honda all run hydrolic clutches, but they dont put them on the bikes you can buy. The hardware on the KTMs are better. Some of the bolts on a few of the Jap bikes I own are junk. Not made from very good steel at all. My only complaint of my KTM compared to our Jap bikes we have here is the suspension. The KTM suspension just doesnt handle large jumps like that of a supercross track well. And my sons Suzuki handled some hard chop and squared off hits alot better than my KTM does. But engine, clutch and quality components I give the nod to the KTM. And the fit and finish seems better too. But not ripping on the Jap bikes either. My sons have a Honda and a Suzuki in the garage, they are quality bikes. And we have an old 2001 Yamaha in there I dont think you can kill. But overall I like my KTM, but I dont moto alot anymore either, its for off-road.
@Clint, he is injured now but Canard can too. And how can you forget RV??
That makes 4, Desalle would get 5th. And Short beat CAroli at the Des Nations in the last moto. But not sure about him on the 350.
Dungey, baby Stewie, Villopoto, Alessi, Grant, Weimer, Windham, Canard (not that he could have raced, but he's still faster than the GP guys) Short, Tedesco, Regal, JGR guys, etc........
And imports who race here didn't care to show either............Reed, Pourcel, Metcalfe, etc........
What are the chances of glen helen counting as BOTH a national and a GP?
Shoot, put Tomac or Wilson on a 450 and they would work most of the euros too.
Wilson is not a American.
The only guy who beat Desalle at 'Dilla was Dungey. Put Roczen on a 350 and he would be tough. There is no way Windham would beat these guys.
I have to put my two cents in. KTM manufactures a more expensive bike, but you get what you pay for. 110% quality materials, components and finish. The bikes in Japan are manufactured and assembled with profit over quality standards. One look at the burrs left after their machining/drilling processes leave allot to be desired. Take the internals of your front forks for example. Most folks don't see this shoty craftsmanship because they send everything out to the aftermarket race shops. Cheap bearings, bolts and such have always been an issue too. If you replaced the sub standard parts on the big four bikes after initial purchase, the cost would exceed that of a KTM. I have ridden many offerings of the manufactures from Spain to Japan and back again since the late 70's. I can tell you KTM is the only really progressive thinking/quality producing/motorcycle racing company today. They improve every year. Don't think for a second that Roger Decoster would risk his reputation on anything less than a team/company who wants to lead the industry. Not to mention winning races and number one plates along the way. Mike and Shorty might not be dominating, but they continue to make the bike better each time out. They are paying the dues for the next string of KTM riders in the future. Whoever mentioned Dungey would be on one next year hit the nail on the head. KTM is race ready. By the way, I am not a KTM employee or sponsored rider.
i would like to say that for everyone of you on here talking crap about the U.S. riders not doing the race....stop and think about what they have been doing since November of 2010. it starts with training, getting ready for 17 weekends of hopefully a injury free supercross season. some guys are working on sponsership deals and so forth an so on. if you think that after just finishing a supercross series then going the very next weekend to race the euros and other country men is a smart thing to do right before the start of the outdoor nationals, Your out of your mind. its a pride race for one. Barely a purse for the riders. if the race was say at the end of the U.S. Nationals im sure the turnout would be much higher. Alot of the American riders are using the off weekend to get the bikes dialed for there up coming series to start. Roczen is the man. He is also contracted to race the GPs not the U.S. Nationals. As for mexico..... it can be a great success. the fans of the U.S. barely Know anything about the GP riders because our publications that we can read from buyn them at the store do not cover the GP boys which = poor showing. until the U.S.G.P. date moves then the crowd will always be low compared to a U.S. national or the MXoN that just happened
in Lakewood, Co.
KTM is a force to be reckoned with.. And the japs know this.
Thing is.. Most people riding the big 4 bikes... Still perceive KTM from the begin 90's to 00's... I remember in the begin 90's... KTM were a joke... And in Europe.. Only the diehards pro europeans would buy them..
And lest not forget.. Things started to turn around after y2k and onwards... And on all accounts, KTM have improved.. to the point... Their bikes are of good quality and on a par or better than the big 4.
Again, I am focusing on the off road division..
The achilles heel of KTM were the suspension... Always sticking by WP... A small Dutch company in suspension... But since KTM have taken over the company.. They have been improving it big times!
Even though they're austrian.. They seemed to have adopted the "German precision mentality"...
Ktm is in a good financial position and is able to buy championships. Beginning to look like Formula1 and other sports were money makes the dicision.
Yamaha decided to only give factory support to Rinaldi Yamaha while the DeCarli Yamaha squad had World Champ Cairoli. Ktm came in between and bought the whole DeCarli team plus cairoli was able to take all of his sponsors with him.
Suzuki had Roczen to become a champ this year. Red Bull made the dicision that Roczen needed to move to Red Bull's KTM. Also Roczen was allowed to take Teka, fox, etc with him. While Herlings and Van Horebeek (and even Musquin) are riding other brands. What about Team standards?
Everts raced Yamaha for the most of his titles. Without any heart for Yamaha he went for the money. Roger deCoster raced Suzuki and nothing else and also he goes for the money.
The next steps are within reach. Dungey's contract is over after this nationals... They will aim at Stewart to, but he is expensive. Once they can afford to buy one of the big 4, they will, and that will get things rolling.
The EURO teams are broke and KTM bought the best.
Won't be easy in USA with solid (and i hope financially healthy) teams like factory Honda, Makita suzuki, Procircuit Kawi..
Lets hope Carmichael will stay yellow, dungey with him, Villo has a green heart, and Canard is loyal to Red.
F#ck Orange, hope our Dutch Herlings will get a ride from mitch! Untill that next contract, i am (unfortunately) forced to cheer for KTM a little bit...
Hans Breemer
The Netherlands
Heck yeah, move the GP from left coast to right. Maybe the crowd will be bigger. Unadilla has a more prestigious, or at least longer, history than probably any other current or recent national track (sorry Jody). Or better yet, have it at Southwick so that John Dowd can show up and win the GP AND the vet race! No doubt some of the locals could show up and do damage at those tracks. I would hate to see the USGP go away, even though they're always too far away for me to attend. Someone does need to work on restoring the old glory to the race, though. You're the man, DC. Jump on it.
@Hans Breemer ...I don't think Roger deCoster "went for the money" Suz would olny give him a 1 year deal, He wanted something more secure. KTM gave him a 3 year deal.
Dungey, baby Stewie, Villopoto, Alessi, Grant, Weimer, Windham, Canard (not that he could have raced, but he's still faster than the GP guys) Short, Tedesco, Regal, JGR guys, etc........
Really??? Dungey, Stewart, RV2 and maybe Canard but the others would get smoked..
And the MX2 would be won by Roczen, easily...
I think the GP doesnt get the promotion or publisity it deserve's. I cant even find an orginized website dedicated to the GP's. I think michigans greatlakesmx.com is more orginized than any pro website i've seen. It's really rediculous we should be getting live results and points updates every race for these GP's with a kickass website in my opinion.
Hans Breemer.. Do not blame the other manufacturers not stepping up in the GP scene... It's their loss and KTM to gain!
KTM's strategy is simple.. Conquer the european market before tackling the US one. Looks like it's working.
Correct regarding the Cairoli sign up... Cairoli wanted to bring his whole team... So KTM agreed to it.. Something I reckon Italians like doing.. look at valentino rossi.. he takes his entire team from Honda, to yamaha and to Ducati.
As for Everts.. Spot on... Yamaha gave Everts huge success... And he left them in the cold to go for the $$... His role within KTM is still a dubious one... He supposedly developed the 350.. Euhh.. yeah, bullcrap! And scouting for young talent... Shit... Who the f**k needs Everts to do this?
But DeCoster going for the $$.. That's not true... DeCoster wanted a long term contract to finish his career as a manager... Something Suzuki did not want to commit (Strangely..).. Which is stupid from their part...
KTM just stepped in... And by doing so, they hired the best possible manager to turn things around at KTM.
As for the what will KTM next year... Let's see if they are willing to go after stewie again... But again, yamaha is the only other manufacturer wiling to pay the huge $$ to keep stewie.
As for Herlings.. i reckon he will stay put at KTM.
KTM has very good ties with Redbull... And this will continue to be for the foreseeable future.. As Redbull, just wants to make sure, they remain the 1st energy drink provider in the world, despite the over exposure of monster or rockstar in the US...
Last but not least.. You're Dutch... Just like me (even though I am half..)... You gotta love the orange colour!!! Our national colour!! Ha,ha!
After watching both the MX1and MX2 races I can honestly say that the GP racers are as fast, strong, and talented as our U.S. riders. Any given day it would be a toss up, there's no reason to talk shit about those guys they're just as amazing to watch as the top pros in outdoor MX.
"KTM will be the number one bike in America in the very near future. Jap bikes don't have the quality the KTM's have right now. KTM is a racing company and all the jap bikes are just a manufacturer"
They have been saying that for years. It's going to take a lot of perswaying to get me off a Honda.
"Awesome....Roczen gets the Dimebag Darrel - Dean MLX Guitar !!! He probably doesn't care how cool that guitar is....."
That is exactly what I was thinking!
Used to hate Jairtime , but now have moved to Wrote ....Airtime knows a thing or two about Moto. , but Wrote seems to only be able to put people down, Which shows me he is just a poser .... I really hate the guy , Hey Jairtime , we have argued in the past , but at least you stand by your convictions ....I respect you at least for that ....But Wrote is a total MORON .trying to impress with his literary skills LOL
I will go one step further. KTM'S Factory weight is heavier and they are still faster. With a little less weight here and there they would be dominant. Don't comment on them being slow until you truly buy or ride one. I was all about Suzuki and Yamaha until my son wanted to try them. We currently have four KTM's and we have been happy with them all. KTM is still devoted to the 2-stroke and I believe you will see them make a resurgence in the future. High cost of racing and higher maintenance cost of 4-strokes will play a roll in this.
Decoster will turn the American team around. KTM hasn't had the chance here in the AMA nationals with Top Podium riders. Give them time they are coming!
VET, that idea is the kind of "outside-the-box" thinking that might help to get Americans to race a GP. Otherwise, it seems too challenging to find a date that works. Unfortunately, the old days are gone; motocross is business these days. Manufacturers choose the races their riders attend and unless there are championship points on the line, they won't be sending their guys.
To forward VET's idea, I'll contribute this. A regular format could be used for determining overall finishing order, but score points separately for each series.
For instance, check out this scenario:
Moto1 Points Moto2 Points Total Points O/A Finish C'ship Pnts-Series
RV 1 (25) 1 (25) 50 1 50 - US
DeSalle 2 (22) 3 (20) 42 2 50 - GP
Dungey 3 (20) 4 (18) 38 3 42 - US
Canard 6 (15) 2 (22) 37 4 40 - US
Cairoli 4 (18) 5 (16) 34 5 44 - GP
Short 5 (16) 6 (15) 31 6 38 - US
RV gets 50 points toward the Nationals because he was first American in both motos.
DeSalle would get 50 points because he was first GP rider in both motos.
Dungey gets 42 points - second American 1st moto (22) & third American 2nd moto (20).
Canard gets 40 points - fourth American 2nd moto (18) & second American 2nd moto (22). And so on...
This way, riders can't say that riders from the competing series cost them points in their title bid.
If there's a tie, let each individual series' rules decide the outcome for championship points. It may be sanctioned by the FIM (as the mothership of the AMA), but if either series is run under with different rules, someone will claim, for instance, that they got screwed by the GP rules at the one round of the Nationals. If the AMA, MX Sports and FIM really look to equalize some of the other aspects (like fuel, sound and weight) they may be able to use a creative system like this to finally make it happen. It could be a HUGE event with a MXdN feel. Like the old USGP's. Actually this race would then truly be a US-GP event. Why wouldn't this work? Am I missing something?
The racing was great. Weather Sunday AM, sucked, but it turned into a beautiful day. I too, wish more US riders were present. I don't buy the, "not enough time" argument. Isn't racing their job? My job says; here’s the work...be there and get paid, and if you are worried about injury you better become an accountant.
Moving the race to the East Coast? You might talk to Mr. Beasley about that. For us "older" racers we have to face the fact that it's now pretty much business first, love of racing much further down the list and national pride stuck somewhere in between. I guess neither good nor bad, in most respects, like other motorsports: NASCAR, F1, GT1, ALMS, etc. that's just the way it is. I'll keep going because I love the sport. Yeah, ticket prices might have been a little high, but what did you pay for your comfy seat at A1?
My only real gripe was hearing rider’s names being unmercifully mispronounced time and again. I know it's not Smith and Jones, but a little more research and effort would have cut down on the snickering and eye-rolling.
What a shame no U.S.A riders didn't have the pride to show'em why in the USGP!!! The $100,000 should have been just a little incentive to beat Rozen and DaSalle--but come on-- Barcia,Sipes,Bagget,Seely,Tomac,Tickle,Cunningham in the MX2 and RV1, Windham, Dungey,Stewert,Brayton,Millsaps and mayby even Alessi in the MX1....I think I would have felt the same chest swelling pride I felt at Budd's Creek the day we spanked the Euro's--badly!! It was a sign of what three proud Americans could do when pride was on the line. I've been to quite a few big races- nationals ,supercross and such--but the MXoN at Budds Creek was by far the best race I have EVER witessed!! I was a VERY proud and HAPPY camper!!!.............Thers no reason we should have backed off. We would have smoked'em!!!
Roczen é simplesmente o melhor!!! Show!!!
Yeah, a dual-sanctioned event would be awesome. It should probably take place as the first event in each series to be fair to all. That might be difficult to schedule, since their series starts several weeks earlier than ours. Imagine if it was held late in the series and one of our riders who is very prone to crashing and taking out others did just that and took out a GP front-runner. Or maybe team tactics from opposing series' would get ugly. Lots of variables to work out.
Maybe they could take the fastest 15 qualifiers from each side and then combine the next twenty from each side and let those 40 RACE for the final 10 spots. I know we're all dreaming, but that would be an exciting way to start the outdoor seasons.
If one of the GP riders was known for doing stoppies during the parade lap American fans of today would go to watch.
Thanks, yomamha.
How can the lot of you possibly sit at your keyboard, and state that KTM are worse than any japanese bike brand on the market.
1) they use higher quality, more expensive, durable, lightweight equipment, made from far superior materials to the alloy crap that comes standard on your run of the mill YZF or KXF
2) their 250 and 450 engines rev harder, make more horsepower, are lighter, and more reliable than any japanese four stroke. And they also make stump pulling two strokes that are amazing to ride and will blow any other brands dated two stroke to the weeds
3) The bikes are lighter and come with better standard equipment (hydro clutch etc - notice the factory Hondas having a hyrdaulic clutch? Because they are BETTER - hence the reason KTM has had them standard since 03)
4) They are incredibly stable, nimble, tight turning and as of 2011 the MX bikes are the best handling machines on the track
5) They have a higher resale value
6) They have a massive and widespread spares and performance parts catalogue
7) The bikes look damn hot
Now any of the current japanese manufacturers that are doing better than that.
Before 2015 KTM will have some AMA championships I can garuntee it, at which point all the naysayers will be their biggest fans as soon as they hire a top rider (dungey, canard, villopoto etc - who will win on any bike).
Mark my words.
Are half of you still stuck in 2002?
@jairtime suks,
Yes, I make spelling mistakes, like most people. I fact I make spelling mistakes in multiple languages daily. But you still have not addressed any of the issues you are whining about. I don't have the time to proof read everything I post and I cannot expect my secretary to proof read my postings on RacerX.
But I assure you, the bed which I have made, and I lie, is one you could only dream of. Loser!
@yomamha,
Please provide us with your achievements on and off the track and I will decide weather you are worthy of interacting with. Were you a B class rider and now work as a mechanic/repairman/ditch digger who might graduated high school with mediocre grades and never left you home town?
(Have nothing against B class riders or manual labors, but if your going to run your mouth you should at least provide some indication your stations in life is not that of an average person. In fact, the average person posting here is just that, average.)
@jairtime,
What class you have ...
I know this is written as a recap but I just cannot get into the way Adam Wheeler writes. His storylines have no structure and there is no suspense to those reading on to find out how each moto went and who the players were, just a mishmash of results and interviews.
Let the US journos cover it, they all seem to get it.
And those guitars are awesome trophies!!!!
Hey MX404 that is a camera on Tommy Searles helmet. Lawndart, Wilson is from Scotland that makes him a European.
Paid 2.99 euros to watch, ended up bein like 5 bucks... RECEIVED NOTHING. never even had a connection.
My main experience is offroad, where KTM's are everywhere. They do make a great bike. That being said, I stuck my modified YZ250 simply because I thought it was a tougher, more reliable machine. I saw my share of KTM failures while my Yammer dished out every form of abuse I could throw at it. Again, I think KTM makes a great bike, I just thought my Yammer was built tougher.
It's not WHAT you ride... it's THAT you ride. ;)
Why dont you quit being such a sisssy and just use "Whatever"?? We all know its you because you have a terrible time with jairtime because he isnt a Stewart fan. And your black and its obvious how he feels about black people. But quit hiding who you are. It makes you look like a coward.
@wrote... Race Vet A class Top 5 last season , all year long on a crf250 , and sometimes depending on the track , A YZ 144 ...Jairtime has never claimed to be a Racist ...Just expressing his opinion ...You on the other hand ..................
@wrote.... Made some wise investments during the real estate boom , years ago , and am happy to say I am retired , at a fairly young age , have done some extensive traveling when I first retired , and am now building a track on my 15 acre compound .... Life is good for me and my family , Thanks for asking..
That is hilarious!! To whoever the "coward" is that claims "whatever is jairtime sucks".....what is YOUR real identity?? You are wrong my friend...i am not "jairtime sucks" and i am as "white" as i can be!!! I will admit to thinking that even though jairtime seems to have quite a bit of knowledge about this sport, he most certainly appears to have a problem with "the" black man in the sport!! It is that racist "vibe" he puts out in his posts that is somewhat offensive, NOT the fact that he doesn't care for James Stewart, not liking the guy is his business!! It seems you are aware of it too!! I just believe the racial mocking he does is unnecessary!! But WHATEVER!!!
白龙.. Go easy on asking a poster's achievement... In a forum like site, where anybody can leave a comment... You should expect all kinds of people will give their 2 cents...
And i recall reading you master several languages... Racer x, is one of the better sites, where I for one, have a blast reading the comments after the articles have been posted. Trust me.. There are a ton of other sites, where you do not want to venture.. You want to appreciate this site.. Go onto the french ones...
whatever... You got to get to know jairtime... What he has explained me.. he's not really having a problem with the black man in the sport.. It's more the personality of this specific individual.
i know.. His comments can be a bit harsh... but hey.. He has been around the motorcross scene for some time... You gotta respect that!
do some history research on MX fool.
Good meaningless coment.