Amateur Riders Webb and Bell on the Move
Monday, October 17, 2011 | 4:05 PM
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PrintAnyone who follows the U.S. amateur moto scene was probably adjusting the color on their TV set while watching the Monster Energy Cup on Saturday night. Was that really Cooper Webb on orange? Zach Bell on red?
Indeed, while the silly season is dragging on and on in the pro ranks, deals are getting done quickly for top amateur talent. Webb, a long-time Honda prospect, is now part of KTM's restocked amateur program. The Monster Energy Cup will mark his first--and last--race on a KTM minicycle, as the North Carolina-based Webb will be a full-time big bike rider from here on out. Webb could maybe even be ready for a pro debut at Hangtown in 2012, (he will be old enough by the age requirements) but that's a long way off. Regardless, KTM is pumped to have him.
Webb made his KTM debut at the Monster Energy Cup.
Photo: Simon Cudby
KTM has also brought in Chase Bell (Zach's younger brother) and Vermont's Dakota Alix. The Orange Brigade is building a nice farm system to go with the signing of Ryan Dungey at the top. One insider said he's more scared of what KTM is capable of that any other manufacturer right now.
The GEICO Honda team, which has enjoyed great success bringing the likes of Trey Canard, Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, Blake Wharton and Justin Bogle through the ranks, is not sitting back and watching. They have not only signed Zach Bell (the AMA Youth Motocrosser of the Year at Loretta Lynn's in 2009, and formerly with Kawasaki) but are close to a deal with a second top prospect. These new deals won't include a locked-in time schedule for a pro debut. Bell, for example, is a little bit younger than some of the team's previous amateur signings--but obviously if his amateur career continues to flourish, he'll be racing for the pro team somewhere down the road.
And of course, Kawasaki has their future set with a five-year deal with Adam Cianciarulo.
Things may be unpredictable at the top, but in the amateur ranks, we've never see such a clear path to success.
Bell joins the likes of former amateur prospects Trey Canard, Justin Barcia, and more in the GEICO amateur program.
Photo: Simon Cudby
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How where we supposed to see them on there new bikes???? They only showed a few short clips of the Supermini and Amateur races. I sure wish they would have showed more of their races and did without the NASCAR segment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cooper was hauling on the orange, but the 50 lbs he gave way to AC killed any chance of catching him.\
Supermini and 250a were the best races of the night
geico honda is close to a deal with Jacob Hayes.....a little birdie told me so
I dont know how these parents pull this racing off.i am a father of a pretty good rider who still rides, but we stopped racing when the four strokes came in.the bikes,parts and travel will have you spending an easy 5 grand a month w/sponsers,to get to that level. factor in the injuries along the way,for me i wont mortgage my sons and my families future for something with so little pay off long term. its cool for the kids that make it,but it just shouild not be so proffesional so young. these kids ride with alot of pressure and expectation .
Jeremy Martin #44 Rockstar Suzuki, Younger brother of Alex. VERY BRIGHT FUTURE--thought I'd help racer x finish this article since they obviously printed it before they actually finished it!!! Go Jerma!!!!!
Another big factor that everyone is over looking is Daniel Baker. He has moved up to the big bikes and is really killing it. Baker is flying low under most radars and will be a factor in the 250B class and the schoolboy2 class, I am not sure what his plans are or if he has a ride but I have seen him riding 2012 Honda 250f. He is still training with Travis Preston as well. Watch for Baker to turn some heads in 2012!
Hey guys, yes Webb rode the KTM at ME Cup and did an impressive job handling the new bike (especially because he only had a KTM practice bike for 6 days before the race and got his race bike the day before), but Webb has not inked a final deal yet. He looked comfortable on the KTM and says he enjoyed the weekend. Although Webb has several offers on the table silly season is still in play for him. He appreciates the opportunity with KTM and the support of all of his sponsors this last weekend including especially Red Bull, Thor, and JGR. While silly season negotiations continue Webb is busy attending tenth grade in public school and working with his coach Gary Bailey getting ready for mini-0s.
Bucky, yes, Jeremy Martin is one of our favorite amateurs--good kid and always seems to excel in the tough races. However this article was merely covering the riders who have made recent team moves. We talked to a source at Suzuki yesterday and he says no major changes with the Suzuki amateur program--unlike the pro team, that went into a state of flux for awhile.
We also heard a rumor that J-Mart could possibly become a free agent before he turns pro (next year after Loretta's, we think) but that's a long way off. We focused on what we do know right now for this article.
MXLaw, Yes, KTM confirmed Webb is not actually under contract yet, but we do believe it's going to happen. Orange Brigade is making a big push!
are all you people in lala land.how the fuc$k do these people afford to go am racing all over the country. its not like these kid parents are doctors&lawyers;. mostly blue collar folks.
who cares how they afford to go racing thats usually not the publics business but i would sponsor dollars go along way
loose 02,i agree no ones buis. just thinking out loud.i know the answer to my own quesion. the fact is alot of these folks spend every last nickle they have,in hopes of stardom.my gripe is it has gotton to proffessional to early.thats not good for the health of the sport,makes it to disscouraging for the avarage kid/parent.
tbonemx47 says it right but these kids now are hauling ace go 175!!!!!!