Tribute To A Class Act...Tom White

Tom White Tribute Video - Narrated by Larry Huffman

On May 25th, 2017 AMA Hall of Fame Inductee and friend to all of motorcycling Tom White "thought" he was announcing a normal Malcolm Smith Movie Night of the iconic film "On Any Sunday" at Glen Helen Raceway. It was anything but normal as a group of friends and family gathered to honor Mr. White with the unveiling of his own monument at the entrance of the Glen Helen Raceway Walk of Fame. This video narrated by the incomparable Larry "Super Mouth" Huffman was played to a very surprised Tom White. This video was produced by Todd Huffman and Donald Hoffman with a script by Rick Doughty of Vintage Iron.

Industry icon honored as he battles cancer

Atlas Brace...Always On

Safety equipment can only help while you are wearing it, and Martin Davalos knows that. If you are going to live life on the edge, it is best to be prepared, and wear the best equipment you can get your hands on... or your head in. www.atlasbrace.com

 

JGRMX

COY GIBBS ON THE LESSONS OF THE LAST TEN YEARS

 

Coy Gibbs.

YOU’RE COMING UP ON TEN YEARS OF OWNING THE JGRMX RACE TEAM. Ten years of wasted life [laughter].

WAS THE TEAM’S FIRST WIN AT  ANAHEIM 1 IN 2009 WITH JOSH GRANT YOUR MOST CHERISHED MOMENT AS A TEAM OWNER? That sure was a good one. I was down on the floor with a couple laps to go, and all of a sudden there was smoke billowing off the back of Josh’s bike. I was freaking out [laughter]. That win was a good memory. Looking back, I would say that I really liked 90 percent of the riders we’ve worked with. Obviously, the business side comes into play sooner or later. Even so, their personalities have been really good. They have been fun to hang out with. I still enjoy watching Josh Grant race to this day. He finished on the podium at Hangtown, looked fast, and rode well. I’m happy for him.

Coy Gibbs celebrating after Josh Grant won the 2009 Anaheim I Supercross.

By John Basher

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? I’m different than most people, in that I definitely want to win championships, but that doesn’t change who I am or how I feel about anything. Winning is just the goal. The best part is the journey. I’ve been with the same guys for ten years. We’ve built a lot of good relationships in the industry and met a lot of cool riders.

I still remember my first day in motocross. I didn’t know anybody. I felt like the school nerd walking around. It’s cool being a part of the sport. What’s truly crazy to me is how Supercross is going. Look at television viewership numbers. We may be the only sport in America that’s up in the ratings. I don’t think we’ve reached the ceiling yet in Supercross. I obviously love it. I want other people to experience and fall in love with it like I did. That’s the big picture to me, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A MOTOCROSS RACE TEAM OWNER? The biggest factor in the last ten years that made things extremely difficult is that the economy plummeted right after we started the team. That was a really tough time. Three or four of the past ten years were very difficult financially, which hurt.

HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO GET WEATHER THE STORM, SO TO SPEAK? It was a nightmare. We put a ton of money into the company to survive it, but like I said, I would do it all over again.

WOULD YOU DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN IF GIVEN THE CHANCE? Absolutely. What’s funny is that I recently added up all of the money I spent over ten years. Obviously, there was a ton of help from sponsors, but that didn’t cover all of the bills. Even with the money we put into the company, I would gladly do it again. I love moto. It’s definitely a passion of mine. These days I’m working more on the four-wheel side, but I still love moto. It’s a cool sport.

The 2017 JGRMX team: Matt Biscelgia, Justin Barcia, Phil Nicoletti and Weston Peick.

AS A RACE TEAM OWNER ARE YOU HAPPY WITH HOW THINGS HAVE GONE FOR JGRMX? It’s tough. I know that it’s hard to win a championship in any sport at the highest level. That’s how I measure success. Winning motos and races is cool, but winning a championship is the long-term goal. It took us a while on the car side. I’ve come to realize that it takes a long time to establish yourself.

In the beginning of my motocross venture my dad told me that it would take ten years before I would get the framework to even compete for a championship. I told him that he was an idiot and that he didn’t know what he was talking about [laughter]. Here I am ten years in and I agree with him. It takes a long time, unless you have unlimited resources and are throwing money around like crazy. We don’t necessarily have that option.

WHEN WORD SPREAD THAT JGR WAS STARTING A TEAM BASED IN NORTH CAROLINA, EVERYONE BELIEVED THAT TEAMS HAD TO BE BASED IN SOCAL. I didn’t see any difference then, and I don’t see it now. Honestly, being centered in North Carolina is an advantage. A lot of riders are moving east if they haven’t done so already. I do think that we’re a little bit too far north. It would be nice to be located a few hours south for better weather. Someday we’ll cover one of our Supercross tracks and we won’t have to worry about weather. Logistically, I don’t think it’s any more difficult being in North Carolina compared to California. Everything can be shipped. It’s not like we’re moving cars around. I feel bad for the NASCAR Cup guys. They race two west coast rounds back-to-back, so they have to meet in the middle of the country and swap vehicles. It’s a nightmare. At least the moto side gets to run the same race bikes.

Weston Peick.

EVEN THOUGH YOUR FOCUS IS ON THE CAR SIDE, ARE YOU STILL PLUGGED INTO MOTOCROSS? Definitely. I don’t follow it on a day-to-day basis, though. I’m not going to lie, I like being on the moto side more than I do on the car side, but I don’t have a choice on that. Still, I talk to Jeremy [Albrecht, JGRMX team manager] and David [Evans, sponsorship acquisition and activation] all the time. I also text the riders. What’s funny is that I’ve learned not to call the riders, because they won’t pick up the phone. After calling four or five times in a week I’ll start texting them, and that seems to work a lot better. I’m excited about the direction we’re going with the team, so I stay plugged in as much as I can.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE TEAM’S SUPPORT FROM SUZUKI? It has been awesome. Suzuki is great to work with. We switched over on our own. We were begging them to allow us to join their group. They were gracious enough to let us do it. What I see on the car side, with our relationship with Toyota, that’s what I see on the moto side with Suzuki. It’s the way it should be.

Justin Barcia.

YOU HAVE STARTED A RETAIL BUSINESS TO COMPLEMENT THE RACE TEAM. WHAT WAS YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND THAT? Racing comes first, but I saw how quite a few companies have survived through lean times by building and selling motorcycle parts. We spend so much money and effort developing parts that I don’t think many people realize how much goes into it. There’s the development cycle, followed by testing, and sometimes more development before it ever goes out to the public. We have to get it right. I think it’s cool that we can bring parts to the public that were made for the team. I don’t know if I can ever justify the amount of money we spend by selling those parts, but it’s neat to be able to offer some of those parts.

WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOUR DAD? It’s funny working with your dad. It’s a treat [laughter]. We have polar personalities. I’m more like my mom. Watching the way he handles people and builds teams is remarkable. With all the success he’s had in his life I stopped trying to chase him a long time ago. He’s a freak. From winning Super Bowls to winning championships in NASCAR, and all of the other great things he’s done, it’s pretty amazing.

I’m fortunate that I get to sit next to him and watch how he handles himself. What really stands out to me is that so many high-powered people are complete embarrassments to their families. They do stupid stuff and screw up along the way. My dad has never embarrassed our family. That’s pretty unique for a guy in that situation. I’ve always been proud of him for that.

2018 Husky

Husky Enduro – 2018

Adding a significant benchmark to their timeline for model year 2018, Husqvarna Motorcycles introduce the next generation of 2-stroke machines – the all-new, fuel-injected TE 250i and TE 300i. Offering unprecedented advantages in terms of performance, rideability, fuel consumption and ease of use, the introduction of fuel-injection by Husqvarna Motorcycles is a bold new step into the future of offroad motorcycling.

Together with the fuel-injected 2-strokes, Husqvarna Motorcycles present a heavily updated range of TE and FE machines for model year 2018. Collecting feedback from top-level competition and combining it with extensive research, the brand’s engineers ensured that the 2018 TX 125, FE 250, FE 350, FE 450 and FE 501 remain true to Husqvarna Motorcycles’ commitment to offer premium motorcycles across their enduro range.

NEW GENERATION 2-STROKES

Perfectly embodying Husqvarna’s pioneering spirit, the new from the ground up fuel-injected TE 250i and TE 300i machines feature engine technology that revolutionises the field of 2-stroke enduro motorcycles. Featuring a pair of fuel injectors positioned at the transfer ports, the new system delivers the perfect amount of fuel into the engine at all times, across all conditions. Offering a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, it also provides a smooth and clean power delivery on both machines.

With the injectors delivering the fuel mixture downwards into the transfer port, the system ensures a much more efficient combustion. Carefully placed at the rear of the cylinder, a special tube relays intake pressure data to the new ECU. Gathering information from the throttle position sensor, the air and intake pressure sensors, together with the crankcase pressure and water temperature sensors, the ECU automatically compensates for temperature and altitude changes eliminating the need to modify carburettor jetting.

Vital for internal engine lubrication, the 2-stroke oil is stored in a separate tank thus eliminating the need for pre-mixing. With its filler tube running through the frame, the 0.7 lt tank contains oil for five full tanks of fuel depending on conditions. Controlled by the EMS the oil pump delivers the ideal amount of oil reducing waste as well as excessive smoke.

TE 250i/300i FUEL INJECTION HIGHLIGHTS
=>Fuel injectors at the transfer ports → Ideal amount of fuel in all conditions
=>Oil pump & oil tank → Convenient, eliminates pre-mix
=>39 mm throttle body → Regulates air flow, TPS relays airflow data
=>New EMS → Modern engine management, no need for jetting changes
=>Standard map select → Customise power characteristics
=>Frame integrated oil filler cap → Simple refills
=>Translucent fuel tank → Large capacity, fuel pump integrated
=>New intake snorkel → Adapted to throttle body

A COMPLETE LINE-UP

Combining the most advanced engine technology with a series of dynamic upgrades, all Husqvarna Motorcycles 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines set the benchmark in terms of handling, power, weight and aesthetics.

Developed by WP Performance System the front forks are specifically designed for enduro riding. For MY18, the forks feature new outer tubes offering improved flex characteristics and reduced friction. A stiffer setting also provides extra sensitivity and improved bottoming resistance.

Also new for MY18 are the Magura front and rear brake systems. Featuring a similar layout to the design used on previous model Husqvarna enduro bikes, each system features optimal sensitivity and a progressive feel while retaining the highest level of performance. Second to none in terms of functionality and style, the new ProTaper handlebars feature class-leading fatigue resistance while adding minimal weight.

World Enduro

Holcombe wins – World Enduro

Steve Holcombe has moved to the top of the 2017 EnduroGP World Championship standings following a near perfect weekend of racing at the Italian GP in Spoleto, central Italy. Claiming a first EnduroGP day win of 2017 on day one when he placed 11 seconds ahead of his Beta team-mate Alex Salvini, Steve then placed as runner-up to Frenchman Loic Larrieu on day two. With three rounds of the 2017 EnduroGP World Championship now complete Steve sits 21 points clear at the top of the premier class’ standings.

On day one Steve hit his stride at the end of the opening lap, winning the 11-minute long enduro test to position himself at the top of the time sheets close behind team-mate Alex Salvini. Keeping up the pressure during the closing special tests, Steve maximised on a mistake by Salvini to claim his maiden EnduroGP class win of 2017. On day two Steve remained consistent throughout the day, securing a well-deserved runner-up result to claim yet another strong haul of championship points.

Steve Holcombe: “I’m more than pleased with how the GP of Italy has gone for me. Finishing onetwo with my Beta team-mate Alex Salvini on day one, getting my first EnduroGP win of the season, moving into the lead of the EnduroGP standings, it’s been great. I had this event marked as one in which I wanted to fight for the win, and that’s what I managed to do. It really is a rewarding feeling to know that the work the team and myself put in since the GP of Spain has paid off. I feel for Matt Phillips, who was forced out on day one. It’s never nice to see a rider you’ve been battling with have a technical issue. But like I said, I’m just pleased that I was able to deliver the kind of result I hoped I would. There’s a long way to go in the championship, but I’ll keep working to be in the best possible shape for the next few GPs.”

Desalles climb – All Time Great?

Desalles climb

World championships seem to define if you are an all-time great or not, but sometimes there are the exceptions. Some riders, like Sylvain Geboers (14 GP wins), or Marniqu Bervoets (19 GP wins) fit right in with those legends, but never get the respect they truly deserve.

Both Geboers and Bervoets were racing in eras dominated by names such as Joel Robert, Torsten Hallman, Stefan Everts or Joel Smets. Both Geboers and Bervoets fought hard with the legends, often getting a GP win, and standing tall at the top of a Grand Prix podium. They both came close to winning world titles, but luck or just that little bit of speed didn’t see them to a world title victory.

Another of those men and another Belgian is Clement Desalle. Desalle continues to move up the all-time GP winners list and is now in reach of the top twenty. An amazing feat for the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider. His first GP victory ciming at the Loket circuit in 2009, and since then he has been one of the main-stays of the MXGP class. A multiple runner-up to Antonio Cairoli in the 450 class point standings, and a rock for his country of Belgium.

Another statistic is that Desalle is the only non-world champion in the list. Not something you want to brag about, but still shows how good the Belgian has been in the era of Antonio Cairoli. Like Marniqu Bervoets before him (who had to contend with Stefan Everts and Joel Smets), sometimes you are just born into the wrong era.

Another GP win and Desalle joins a very impressive list of riders in four times world champion Harry Everts, three time world champion Dave Thorpe, and double world champions Alex Puzar, Rolf Tibblin, and Sten Lundin.

Of course at the top of the all-time winners list, and seemingly in a safe place to remain at number one is Stefan Everts, but two men are closing fast. Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings are the only current riders capable of catching The King.

Top 25 GP winners

Stefan Everts 101

Antonio Cairoli 80

Jeffrey Herlings 62

Joel Smets 57

Joel Robert 50

Eric Geboers 39

Mickael Pichon 38

Thorsten Hallman 37

Roger De Coster 36

Heikki Mikkola 32

Gaston Rahier 30

Georges Jobe 28

Andre Malherbe 28

Paul Friedrichs 28

Dave Strijbos 27

Alessio Chiodi 26

Jeff Smith 25

Harry Everts 22

Dave Thorpe 22

Alex Puzar 22

Sten Lundin 22

Rolf Tibblin 22

Clement Desalle 21

Sebastien Tortelli 20

Hakan Carlqvist 20

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Results French MXGP...Desalle Wins

Desalle wins French GP

Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Clement Desalle has won the MXGP Grand Prix of France with a solid days riding. The tough Belgian scored 4-1 results to beat home Antonio Cairoli, who went 2-3, and third was Gautier Paulin with 6-2.

Cairoli extended his lead over Paulin in the championship points to 50 points, as Tim Gajser dropped out of the second place in the championship, after failing to be able to race today due to injury.

Despite being possibly the fastest rider on the track, Jeffrey Herlings also had a mixed day as his starts were not great, and he crashed in the first corner of the second moto, coming back for 5-5 results and seventh overall.

Clement Desalle: I am really happy to win the second moto and overall. I was struggling and couldn’t find my lines in the first moto. It was tough, finally it is paying off a bit. The work we have done, the training and also the work on the bike. The start was good and it would be great to be on the podium at least once this year. I am really happy, waiting a long time. Two times fourth in the last two races. I thought shit, but I am happy with my day here. I was disappointed for the first moto, but happy with the second one.

Antonio Cairoli: I am happy, positivbe weekend, The track was tricky and I struggled with some lines I nthe first moto, I finished second. Second moto I had a good start, but Clement was fast here and I thought about the championship points and what I could gain on Gautier.

Gautier Paulin: I wasn’t feeling good, but we found the best set-up in the end. The first warm-up was tough for the first moto and some days you have to finish second and it gave me a podium for my crowd. It was a strong weekend and we came from a bad situation, so I am happy about this.

MXGP Moto One

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Max Nagl won the opening moto of the MXGP class after a strong performance by the veteran German. Nagl who had taken the lead early was passed by Antonio Cairoli, but the Italian made a mistake and handed the lead back the Nagl.

In the opening MXGP moto, Nagl led from Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Paulin, then came Despray, Guillod, Coldenhoff, Desalle, Herlings, and Anstie.

Cairoli was quickly into the lead, as Desalle moves into fourth. Nagl gets past Cairoli after the Italian makes a mistake. Van Horbeek also close to Cairoli and Van Horebeek goes past. Herlings up to seventh place. Febvre around 24^th.

Nagl continued to lead, and Cairoli getting a lot of pressure from Desalle, while Herlings all over Coldenhoff. Febvre into 12^th place as he fights for positions.

Not a lot happening up front as Nagl leads Van Horebeek after two laps, then its Cairoli, Desalle, Paulin, Coldenhoff, Herlings, Tonus, Febvre, and Anstie.

Febvre and Anstie all over each other in a nice little battle. Febvre now needs to pass Tonus, as Herlings struggles to get past his countryman Coldenhoff, but does make a pass on the fourth lap.

Nagl is gone, and Van Horebeek also riding a lonely race, as Desalle is all over Cairoli for third place. Herlings onto Paulin and looking for a way past.  Febvre working hard to pass both Tonus and Coldenhoff.

After seven laps it was Nagl with a lead of nearly five seconds, then Van Horebeek, Cairoli, Desalle, Paulin, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Tonus, Febvre and Anstie 10^th.

Nagl got out of shape, but controlled it and kept his lead. Tonus passed Coldenhoff, and Paulin keeps Herlings behind him. Febvre also passed Coldenhoff, and Anstie is right behind the Dutchman.

Desalle made a mistake and Paulin went past, but the Belgian passed him back soon after. Herlings closing in on Paulin and Desalle. Making another charge at the end of the race. Herlings all over Paulin, and Febvre passed Tonus for seventh place.

Herlings goes down, slipping over in a corner, and he wouldn’t seem to be passing Paulin any time soon. Sixth probably his final position. In the late stages though Herlings made a beautiful pass on Paulin, but the Frenchman then pushed his way past. Herlings thought fought back and passed Paulin again.

Everything happening now as Van Horebeek goes down and Cairoli moved into second. Amazingly Desalle is onto Van Horebeek, and Herlings and Paulin are not far behind.

Nagl wins it from Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Desalle, Herlings and Paulin.

MXGP Moto Two

Cairoli led moto two, followed by Desalle, Paulin, Nagl, Coldenhoff, Butron, Tonus, Febvre, Imbert and Guillod. Herlings crashed out in the first corner, down in 23^rd place.

Cairoli continued to lead, with Desalle all over him. Big battle for third as Coldenhoff holds out Paulin and Nagl. Van Horebeek and Febvre all over Nagl, as the frantic action continued in MXGP. Herlings up to 18^th place and charging hard.

Both Yamaha’s went past Nagl, and Desalle all over the leader Cairoli. Herlings up to 15^th position.

Desalle goes past Cairoli to not only lead the race. Herlings up to 12^th place and 19 seconds behind the leader. Herlings passed Guillod and then past Anstie, the Dutchman moved into the top ten.

Paulin goes past Coldenhoff as Coldenhoff made a mistake. Herlings passed Butron and was closing on Tonus and Nagl. Paulin all over Cairoli, as he blocks the move by the Frenchman, and then Paulin moves into second and the GP overall is open for Desalle or Cairoli.

Herlings catching everyone as he burns through the pack and he picks up two seconds in one lap on the leader Desalle. Herlings now just 15 seconds behind Paulin in second place.

After six laps its Desalle, Paulin, Cairoli, Coldenhoff, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Febvre, Herlings, Tonus and Butron. Herlings now 13 seconds behind Paulin, and 16 seconds behind Desalle.

Herlings goes after Febvre, Nagl, Van Horebeek and Coldenhoff and is closing fast.

After seven laps its Desalle, Paulin, Cairoli, Coldenhoff, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Febvre, Herlings, Tonus, and Butron. Herling was now just 12 seconds behind the leader.

Van Horebeek passed Coldenhoff as Nagl and Febvre are all over the Dutchman, and behind them Herlings is looking to pass them all. Febvre passed Nagl. Herlings passed Nagl, and is now onto Febvre and Coldenhoff.

After 10 laps its Desalle by one second over Paulin, then Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Febvre, Coldenhoff, Herlings, Nagl, Tonus and Butron. Herlings past Coldenhoff and nearly past Febvre, this is a brilliant charge by the MX2 world champion.

Van Horebeek, Febvre and Herlings are all closing on Cairoli. Maybe Herlings can out point the Italian after all?

Febvre now on fire as he passed Van Horebeek, and can see Cairoli just ahead of him. Herlings seems to have lost some ground, maybe tired from his own charge.

Febvre is now just 11 seconds behind Desalle, how is fighting off Paulin. Herlings in sixth and 16 seconds back. Nagl slips over and drops back. Herlings onto Van Horebeek.

On lap 12 its Desalle by one second over Paulin, Cairoli a further six seconds back, then Febvre, who was right onto the Italian, Van Horebeek, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Tonus, Nagl, and Butron.

The crowd going crazy as Febvre pulls up on Cairoli. Really a great race this one. Herlings seemingly spent is once again onto Van Horebeek.

After 16 laps the lead is two seconds as Desalle leads from Paulin, Cairoli, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Tonus, Nagl and Butron. Cairoli and Febvre are now moving in on the two leaders, but it is too late. Herlings all over Van Horebeek.

Desalle win the moto and the Grand Prix. Second in the moto was Paulin and then Cairoli.

MXGP – Overall Classification

1 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB KAW 18 25 43
2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 22 20 42
3 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 15 22 37
4 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB HUS 25 12 37
5 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB YAM 20 15 35
6 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM YAM 14 18 32
7 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 16 16 32
8 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS YAM 13 14 27
9 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 10 13 23
10 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU HUS 12 10 22

Nicky Hayden Tribute from the Legends of the Road

As the Legends of the Road (David Bailey, Micky Dymond, Jeff Ward, and Doug Henry) prepare for the Race Across America coming up on June 17th, they had a chance to reflect on a few memories they each had with Nicky Hayden. The devastating news of Nicky’s accident and his passing hit the legends hard as they get set to cycle from Oceanside CA to Annapolis MD. While the fear of injury is on their minds, they will not let it hold them back. They are planing on crossing the finish line carrying the memory of Nicky with them.

Rossi Injured Riding Moto

Valentino Rossi injured in motocross accident

 

Italian MotoGP great Valentino Rossi has been taken to hospital in Italy after being involved in a motocross accident on Thursday.

Yamaha said the 38-year-old rider, a nine-time world champion and currently third in the top class, had been diagnosed with "mild thoracic and abdominal trauma" in a hospital check-up after the accident during training in eastern Italy.

"No fractures have been detected in any part of the body and no serious traumatic pathologies were found," the team added.

Rossi's home grand prix at Mugello is the next round of the MotoGP championship on June 4.

Rossi had led the championship until last weekend's French Grand Prix at Le Mans, where he crashed on the last lap while battling for victory with Spanish team mate Maverick Vinales.