Silly Season: What We Know, What We Hear, What We Think
Thursday, November 17, 2011 | 9:50 AM
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We’re within two months of the opening of the 2012 Monster Energy Supercross Championship, and even still, not every rider or team has a plan set in place. But most of the puzzle has filled in. To keep you up to date, here's an updated list of teams and riders, as well as an additional round up of rumors we're hearing if plans aren't locked in yet.
Muscle Milk/American Honda
Justin Brayton
JDR J-Star KTM
Malcolm Stewart (Lites)
HRT Racing
Matt Lemoine (Lites)
Monster Energy Kawasaki
Ryan Villopoto
Red Bull KTM
Ryan Dungey
Ken Roczen (Lites)
Marvin Musquin (Lites)
Factory Suzuki
Brett Metcalfe
What we hear: Suzuki lost out on the Stewart sweepstakes to JGR. They will go with a one-rider team with Metcalfe for 2012.
Dodge Motorsports/Hart & Huntington
Ivan Tedesco
TwoTwo Motorsports Honda
Chad Reed
What we hear: No teammate for Reedy for 2012.
Rockstar Energy Drink Suzuki
Blake Wharton (Lites)
Jason Anderson (Lites)
Martin Davalos (Lites)
Hunter Hewitt (Lites)
Joe Gibbs Racing Yamaha
James Stewart
MotoConcepts
Mike Alessi
Tommy Weeck (Lites)
What we hear: Jake Canada has officially signed with MotoConcepts for next season.
Muscle Milk/American Honda
Justin Brayton
Ashley Fiolek (WMX)
GEICO Honda
Kevin Windham
Eli Tomac (Lites)
Justin Barcia (Lites)
Wil Hahn (Lites)
Justin Bogle (Lites)
What we hear: We know, we know, Barcia rode the 450 very well outdoors, but he has a Lites East #1 plate to defend. He'll be back on the 250.
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Blake Baggett (Lites)
Dean Wilson (Lites)
Tyla Rattray (Lites)
Darryn Durham (Lites)
Rockstar Valli/Star Racing Yamaha
Ryan Morais
Kyle Cunningham (Lites)
Gareth Swanepoel (Lites)
Ryan Sipes (Lites)
Kyle Peters (Lites)
What we hear: It appears Star Racing and Valli will team up for 2012, running one semi for supercross (since the rig will only have to house two Lites riders for each SX event) and possibly two rigs to house all eight riders outdoors. And what happened to the supposed Metal Mulisha takeover of the Valli team? Those rumors have gone cold, hence the new Valli link up with Star.
As of 11-16-11, Chad Lanza says official press release with official team and sponsors is just around the corner. In talks with JP$, but as of now, she isn't signed.
JDR J-Star KTM
Malcolm Stewart (Lites)
PJ Larsen (Lites)
Matt Moss (Lites)
What we hear: Tye Simmonds will be racing for the JDR team in Australia, but not in the U.S.
Brooks/McGrath Honda
Andrew Short
What we hear: Could still be a teammate for Shorty at the Brooks/MC squad. Maybe Kyle Regal?
Jeff Ward / Mike Kranyak Racing
Josh Grant
Kyle Chisholm
Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil / Honda
Christian Craig (Lites) // 450 Outdoors
Travis Baker (Lites)
Cole Seely (Lites)
BTOSports.com / BBMX / Palmetto Suzuki
Michael Byrne
What we hear: It looks like one of the final pieces of the off-season puzzle is finally in place. Sources have confirmed as of Friday Nov. 18th that Albertson has signed with the BTOSports.com/BBMX/Palmetto Suzuki team.
Mafia M/C
Nick Wey
HRT Racing
Matt Lemoine (Lites)
Nick Myers (Lites)
Eleven10 Mods
Alex Martin (Lites)
Dragon Racing Fuels/AG Motorsports/Cernics KTM
Gannon Audette
Öhlins USA
Les Smith (Lites)
AJ Catanzaro (Lites)
Taylor Futrell (Lites)
Munn Racing KTM & Moto Innovations
Lance Vincent
Sean Hackley Jr.
Team 51fifty Energy Drink/Naveen Honda Racing
Chris Plouffe
Team Tedder-Monster Energy Racing
Dakota Tedder
Myles Tedder
Diesel Tech
Jeremy Girard
RockRiver Powersports
Vince Friese
Jarred Browne
Alex Millican
Seth Caldwell
Joey Peters
Grant Ransdell
Drew Yenerich
Amanda Maheu (WMX)
Other News:
What we hear: Tommy Hahn is expected to announce his plans on Monday. Stay tuned for more details on that front.
What we hear: TiLUBE Racing is partnered up with Foremost Insurance and will field a two rider 450 team for Supercross only. It will be called TiLUBE Foremost Racing. They are still working on riders and should have an announcement very soon.
Have info on other privateer riders or teams? Email chase@racerxonline.com
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I just really like how that Red Bull KTM team looks in print!!! Hoping for good things from them!!
Nuttin new here. What about the outside help from HomeDepot or Lowes for team 22??
Yes people 2012 will be awesome.hope the #5 the#22 the #7 and the #22 whope some #2 ass........
Need more teams for more riders, There is a lot of talent out there. What a shame the way the bell curve is on the Pro MX riders paychecks.
Put Regal on the damn factory Suzuki team, easily a top 10 guy every week.
heard canada broke wrist is doing east coast for moto concepts
That would be great if Regal ended up on the Brooks/McGrath Honda team. He's got some serious outdoor skills and can't help but think having Showtime around would bring him up to the next tier in SX, maybe dicing with guys like Metcalfe, Weimer, Short etc.
anybody know anything about Jimmy D-Decotis riding for anyone?
so Broc on a 450 pro-circuit, hmmm
Even though I like Cunningham, Sipes, and Swanepoel, the Valli/Star team must really enjoy DNF's. They should have snagged Grant while they had a chance.
Bill C: You're correct, during the summer there were big rumors of Lowe's getting on board with TwoTwo as a big sponsor, and maybe sponsoring some other things within the sport, as well. But it didn't work out.
WOW, Factory Suzuki must be flat broke after RD won all those races for them.
Going with one rider for a SX season, so if he gets hurt, hopefully not, then will they even drive the rig to the next race.
@AGMAN. Factory Suzuki tried to get Stewart. They are FAR from broke...
Brayton on Honda is a decision I still can't figure out, I would take Alessi over Brayton. H&H team is no different than a Metal Mulisha team. WMX= 1 Factory rider against privateers wooohooo. I think the biggest surprise so far is that Tyla Rattray is racing in the Lites class.
Alessi over Brayton? Wow. Honda gets better results (indoors at least) and farrrrr less baggage, drama, and extra 'teammates'. Chisholm, Hahn, and Albertson all deserve good rides. Too bad Suzuki, Ward, McBrooks, or TLD doesn't pick them up. Maybe the Mullisha will take over the MCY fiasco next year.
Looks like Hanny and Morias are finally kicked out of the tiddler class.... What are they like 30 years old?
I think DC will be a big sponsor for MC/BROOKS and maybe Monster too
interested to see how the Brooks/Reed thing plays out. How will the use of hondas supercross track work. I still dont see them getting along. and Reed just signed a mega deal with them. I wonder if there was something reguarding brooks in his contract?
where is jimmy d riding this year???
Pretty stacked field....Start of Main Event at A1 is going to be tits!!!
I think LOWES is to deep in NASCAR with Jimmy Johnson (who I think was Reeds middle man trying to hook that deal up) plus home improvement isnt too much of a money maker these days and Home Depot sponsors the Joe Gibbs Toyota NASCAR, so not sure that would work too well with them sponsoring a Honda team as well Toyota.... I doubt the Reed / Brooks drama will cause any issues. Reallistictly they dont even need to speak to one another and probably wont even see each other. MC is sponsored by both DC and Monster, so a McBrooks/ DC - Monster Honda is probable.....
Yeah what about Jimmy D?
Boy is Honda ever screwing Barcia over. That kids ready for 450s where he can make better money.
pizzacorner wrote: "Brayton on Honda is a decision I still can't figure out, I would take Alessi over Brayton."
Brayton is far more consistent in supercross. Faster, too. He's not as fast outdoors, but he's almost as consistent. Plus, bonus: he's a good guy. Alessi's already had his shot with factory teams. (Brayton sucked at the MEC, though, and Alessi was pretty strong.)
And hey, I was looking up SX stats and saw that Jason Lawrence scored points in 8 different SX races in 2010. What the...? Did he just receive zero camera time or what? I don't remember him being there at all. Oh wait...I guess I remember Dungey kinda bumping him during a practice, and all the JLaw fans freaking out because Lawrence was just "minding his own business." haha
I have seen pictures of Jimmy D riding a Geico Honda (via FB, Todd Gutierrez) with his new number. Haven't seen anything in writing about it but I hope from that we can assume Ziggy signed him for another year. I sure hope so, Jimmy deserves it!
Kyle Regal sure did an awesome job for BTO in the outdoors. Figured he would be a shoe in there!!! Oh well. Hope he lands something soon. Also hope Chisholm and DeCotis find a home soon too!!! Anaheim 1 is getting close.
So many riders still unaccounted for!!! Please keep the updates coming!!!
Does anyone know if Colton Facciotti has any teams interested in signing him?
facciotti to KTM canada
It would be great to see that all riders that make the program for both supercross and motocross get payout like NASCAR. They are the show. Help out the true privateer rider.
Darren Durham???
dang it! No way to "edit" previous comment? What a Louie!
RCX1 Honda is not screwing JB, He has a contract, with one year left on it.
See Rattray still riding with the kids,when's this man going to ride with the big boys?
BillC: The contract (Geico - not American Honda) is for JB to ride for them. RCX's point is that they should let him ride the 4-5-0. Unfortunately "Honda" (regardless of team) needs to put up a defense to PCKawis to sell bikes.
I think Tomac and Barcia could do it. Tomac needs to turn the gain up on SX game. ...and both Seely and Craig had impressive rides last year. I hope to see them and the rest of the RED riders give the GREEN team some competition.
As far as, "..the #5 the#22 the #7 and the #22 whope some #2 ass". Just remember that the #2 ass has the #1 plate. RV will be hard to beat. ...even by the #41.
Anyway you want to guess the future, it should be good !
Factory Suzuki didn't lose out on ANYTHING by EFFIN JS7 going elsewhere! Brett has what it takes on EVERY level. Stewart will draw a TREMENDOUS zero and early in the season. JGR will be the frickin' loser in this equation! (Just like they are with the BIGGEST arse-hole in NASCAR)
motodog- Not a fan of JS at all, but no way is Metcalf going to have anything for the top 5....... he will LUCKY, and mean VERY lucky to make the top 7 in SX.
getting back to JS- going ot be fun to watch him ride over his head again to try and beat RV..... it is going to be like when we was racing with RC......just could never ride consistently at the fastest level to beat him on any type of regular basis without crashing his brains out
lol! fukin' rattray still milking the lites class? typical foreigner cherry-picker! go barcia and tomac!!! go us of a!!!
im not really sold at all on this silly season. worst signing is justin brayton to american honda. i was watching "the moto:inside the outdoors" a week ago and they were saying Honda hasnt had any success since RC4, well moves like that arent going to get you back to the top (i like trey canard tho). suzuki shouldve picked up Andrew short and josh grant for a teamate to metcalfe (very solid outdoor riders). i like the Reed staying with honda with factory support. honda has a bright future with barcia and tomac proving that they can run up front with the 450's (tomac at monster cup)
and JS7 to gibbs is what i expected from joe gibbs only wanting the best . i would rather him go to factory suzuki tho
Anyone notice which direction the suzuki motocross team is going without Roger? seems the Suzuki big wigs fergot what happened to the bike and program in the early 80's gotta be some rtards running that office
You forgot Taylor Futrell, Grant Langston said he'll be racing for Ohlins USA yesterday.
This still does not answer the question as to why China is building Ghost Cities at a rate of 20/yr (Changsha,Ordos, Jiangsu Province etc.etc.). South China Mall in Dongguan, China is the world's largest mall which has been 99% empty since opening in 2005. Bring on A1
I hope that the Rockstar Valli team has a good insurance policy, they are going to need it with that crew.
@
motodog1977... Suzuki lost out on any shot at a win, Even a top 3 for that matter. Like him or hate him JS will win races.
Rock River - Drew Yenerich again - Are you kidding...He's been getting "smoked" at local amatuer races all year and has never even qualified for a main in SX, yet this is at least 3rd year as a team rider and you have a fast local rider like Brad Ripple who always qualifies and can't get a big ride...where's the justice?... The owner Duclos is a meathead.
@justsaying - I hear ya, Brad Ripple is very underrated. Drew Yenerich has at least earned a national number, the more suprising ride to me is Seth Caldwell, has that guy ever even qualified in the top 40? I'm all for underdogs getting rides, but it's a shame when better riders miss out because of it...
@ Scotty
Was gonna ask the same question regarding Colton Facciotti? Guy jumps off his Yamaha he's been riding for years.....spends a few days on a new and different Honda and rides it to a 5th place finish first moto at the Wick! He was better than 90% of the guys on this list on that day at least....too bad a Canadian can never get a legitimate shot.
Ripdown, I am with you on that. But the good thing with him signing with KTM is that their North American operation is a single entity. Colton has support for the final 3 AMA Nationals and they are taking him to meet DeCoster, Dungey, and all the U.S. team to get him acquainted and comfortable with their program. He will also have opportunities to compete in other international races as well when it fits in the schedule
These young guys you speak of. Why do they not make shit happen? Did they walk into Mitch Payton's office and ask for a shot? Even if Mitch says F-off you are still on his radar when he hears your name again. Bumps your name to other team owners in conversation. If you are truly good enough for a ride but just miss being noticed...GET NOTICED. write-text-email-call every day/week/month. If that does not work, you either are not good enough or are a prick..... and well life is not fair, now go to college.
@ Freeloader
Thanks for the info....that is great news. I didn't know he'd signed with KTM. If it is a true North American entity he will get some great opportunities. Been watching him for a few years now in Canada.....great kid with a ton of talent. Hope he makes the best of it.
Hey...maybe he'll get support so Canada can field a MXoN team this year? Kind of pathetic that they weren't there last year.
Interesting to see Jeff Alessi.
@ Freeloader and Ripdown..........I'd like to be optimistic and belive Facciotti is receiving some kind of high end support via the USA team but I wouldn't hold my breath. This is Canadian MX we're talking about here.....
Metcalf does not have a chance and I am shocked Suzuki signed him. I do not like JS but he will be a factor and win some races but not the championship that is all reserved for RV. I am shocked PC did not put Rattray on a big wheel mini and send him to LL and the amateur races. I know the Rat would love to be on a 450 instead he is too big for that lite bike
I'm sure Christian Craig is NOT on Lites... (but that's what the list says)
Retardcross, the main thing that I am saying here is not that he is getting ultra trick one of a kind parts,but the SUPPORT from KTM when he comes south of the border. When he came to Southwick last fall he was racing out a Chevy van, on his own.
Craig on a 250 for supercross, a 450 for outdoors.
I am amazed that Jessica Patterson is not signed yet. Hope she gets an awesome ride for 2012. She was fast on the DNA Shredstix Yamaha last year.
Hear that Jack Sigismundi who rides for Rock River Yamaha in Arena Cross Lites East has a deal concering SX Lites East/ outdoors/ Mexican GP with the new Jacks Links/Wells Fargo/FMF/Hinson/BTO Sports/We Are/Fly Racing/Yamaha. There is also news about signing a 450 guy soon... I am told by a reliable source it is one of the few satalite teams left that pays salaries and the riders way to race. Sick deal and add him on the list racer x.
Rock River - I think the "key" to securing a ride with Rock River is to by so far off the radar, never accomplish anything professionally or be even close to a top amatuer rider and you might have a good chance at securing a spot on the team. The race manager definitely needs a nuero exam....LMAO
Well Rock River has a good deal right now helping out a lot of the lower paid riders. Yet, there are much better privateer teams.
Why would factory Suzuki not offer Ben Townley a ride? He was a SX lites champion...
The 2012 first class line-up is terrific! Reed, Stewart, Windham, Villopoto, Dungey, Canard, Millsaps, Short, Grant, Hill, Alessi, Tedesco, Metcalfe, Brayton, Chisholm, T-Hahn, Wey, Byrne, Hansen, Stroupe, Tickle, Morais, Izzi, Partridge, Thomas, J-Alessi, Regal, … maybe 15 riders are former sx winners (250 or 450), not easy to make the main event!
@super_fro_dadday........you stole the words right out of my mouth!!!!! Why are people inquiring about Jimmy Decotis. Sad to say but he will barely be a top 20 guy this year! This may be Mike Alessi's last year as a pro mx racer. SEEEEEE YAAAAA!
@ Ripdown.......Faccioti did not ride the hondA TO A 5TH place finish at the Wick. He showed up on his trusty Blackfoot Yammy and rode to a 5th place at Southwick. That in turn got the attention of TLD honda. I agree with you on everything else though.
Can't wait to see what Ken Rocks brings in '012.
If everyone remains healthy, I think the perfect storm of 2011 may seem like a squal after we're done with 2012.
Townley To Suzuki for the outdoors wold be a great move. They could probably get him cheap, and he has huge potential upside. There were days when he beat RV "straight up" outdoors. I now he's had a string of injuries since then, but still, not too many riders can make that claim.
@MX Bob, agree that Townley would be a smart move, but his days of beating RV are over. When he was trading wins with RV in the 250 class, RV was around 17 years old, and Townley had alot of pro experience on RV. It wont happen now. But they could get him pretty cheap. But I think Metty would be much faster and more succesfull for them outdoors. He has been solid. Townley is now around 27, and he has been hurt alot. He may be on the downside of his career.
josh grant ridin under wardy i cant wait GO GRANT!!!
Why doesn't Suzuki hire BT101 you ask?........Thats simple, they don't wanna pay ANYBODY, and the next step will be, they won't even make a RM remember the early 80's when RD1 went to Honda.
its not like suzuki is waiting for a big free agent next year to be a teamate to metcalfe. bubba is signed , reed is staying, villopoto aint going anywhere, dungey isnt going back. iguess they r going to try and get someone from the 250 class
Whats up with rockriver? they have like 7 guys and they all suck
darren 29. there are so many options for suzuki. grant and milsaps are already signed but they coulda got them before they were resigned. chishom, hahn., etc so many options