Mototalk

Engine Ice

For January 2001, click here..

Engine Ice Daily News: 

Next Race: Supercross!!! Jan 6...Anaheim...be there

01/02/01:    4 days until Supercross                                                                  138

LA is buzzing with Supercross activity already.  Wednesday the Mazda/Yamaha team truck will be unveiled, and MC will meet some press folks.  Thursday, press day at Anaheim, and Friday, practice and more press.  Friday the annual Supercross Crossover event takes place, which will feature celebs like surfer Sunny Garcia and the one-and-only Vanilla Ice.

The most impressive 125 Supercross rookie of all time is racing this weekend. Ernesto Fonseca is featured article in La Nacion.  He won a title before, and he wants one again.

From Dorito:

Jeremy McGrath is set to sign autographs from 6:00 to 7:00pm on Fri. January 5th at the No Fear store in Orange, CA at The City Block. Joining Jeremy will be No Fear sponsored riders Travis Pastrana, Kevin Windham and Carey Hart.
Also available at the autograph signing will be the Super Stars of Moto 2001 calendar. For all female McGrath and Hart fans, don't miss this opportunity to get your calendar and have Jeremy and Carey autograph it.
No Fear is located at The City Block shopping plaza. Take the The City Block Dr. exit off the 22 freeway.

01/01/01:    5 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Here's a concert photo of Jethro Tull from 1976, check out the moto-gear!

12/31/00:    6 days until Supercross                                                                    138

In case you missed it, there is a way cool video on line at abercrombie.com featuring Ezra Lusk showing off on his CR and showing a couple people how to ride a bike.

The AMA's web site has a news update about new safety lights developed for this year's Supercross series, here's the link.

12/30/00:    7 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Steve Giberson did photos of the MTV Sports and music festival,  check it out!

21 Geneva Arenacross wallpaper images are up! 

If you haven't signed up for the Motonews Fantasy SX league yet, the link is on the upper right of this page.  Hutch is still working on some prizes.  The league membership comes with your Motonews subscription.

Robbie Reynard has had about a month to get ready for SX, after having shoulder and arm surgery.  The drs re-shaped his shoulder a little to keep it from popping out. Wish him luck!

12/29/00:    8 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Just 8 more days!

Chris W at www.Motoedge.com is giving away an autographed Denny Stephenson jersey.  Check out Motoedge for details.

Photohound Troy Calhoun sent in four great FMX photos, here's the link.

No Fear Sponsored FMX Riders Drake McElroy and Kenny Bartram Scheduled to Sign Autographs

Don't miss this opportunity to get autographs from No Fear sponsored Freestyle Motocross riders Drake "D' Mac" McElroy and Kenny "The Cowboy" Bartram on Thursday, January 4th, 2001, prior to the opening round of the IFMA sanctioned SFX Freestyle Motocross on January 5th and 6th at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. If you haven't bought your tickets yet, purchase them online now by clicking here  SFX MOTORSPORTS - FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS

McElroy and Bartram will be signing autographs at the No Fear store located at 10450 South State St. in Sandy, Utah from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, January 4th. For more information on location and directions please call Rob Ertmann or Ryan Johnson at 801-553-9475.

From Don Schneider:

Brrrrraaaaaaaap,
The AMA Western 4-Stroke Motocross National Series is starting up on the third weekend in February. Yes, the 2001 season starts at Speedworld MX Park, outside of  Phoenix, Arizona on February 18th.  The ProAm Purses have went up to $6,000 and Bakersfield, California will once again be offering $10,000. We have not finalized the March 10, or September 30 events yet and may possibly be canceled.
Programs will be printed up the last week of January. For riders following the series and would like to update their rider bios, please contact me asap. For new riders that you may know are coming and would like some National Exposure in the Programs, please spread the word to contact me.
Advertisement information can be directed to Benita Wise at Royal Publishing 219-766-3605.

12/28/00:    9 days until Supercross                                                                    138

More press releases are in from SFX:

-CTi's Knee Doctor John Bodnar to attend each SFX Supercross event.
-Racer X Gas Card returns for 2001
-KTM Supercross Challenge Returns

and from Dorito:

Motorized Scooter Distributor to Sponsor Freestyle Motocross Riders John and Robert Distler in 2001

Gomeyer.com, an Arizona based online Go-Ped distributor has signed on to sponsor John and Robert Distler for the 2001 Freestyle Motocross season. 

With Razors being the craze of 2000, it was only natural that we would see motors on them before too long. Gomeyer.com has recognized the advantages of cross-promoting the sport of Go-Ped racing and Freestyle jumping with the Freestyle motocross industry and it is with great pleasure that they will sponsor both Big and Lil Dis' in 2001. With the fan base that John and Robert have and will continue to build, it is undeniable that Gomeyer.com's sponsorship of the Distlers will create brand awareness through the likeness of each rider, therefore creating sponsor loyalty to Gomeyer.com's business and product. For more information on Go-Peds click   Meyer Distributing Go-Ped Online Super Store of after market products and Acces

HJC Helmets Sign Drake McElroy and Dustin Miller for 2001

Newly signed NO FEAR MX rider Drake McElroy and THOR MX sponsored Dustin Miller have both picked up HJC Helmet sponsorships to protect their melons for the 2001 Freestyle Motocross season.

Both D' Mac and $coot will wear stock HJC helmets as well as one or two that have been custom painted. Drake will design and paint his own and Dustin will work with Michael Designs for his custom lid.

Honda rider Stefy Bau continues signing new sponsors for 2001, Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant being the most recent deal.

"At CycleLogic Products, we realize the industry is moving in different directions with motocross, supercross and freestyle, but Women's Motocross racing is a great new direction were happy to see the sport moving towards.  We hope our newly sponsored rider, Stefy Bau not only captures the AMA/WML Motocross title, but we hope to help her make some AMA Pro Racing main events as well." - Dave Kimmey - President, CycleLogic Products, Inc.

12/27/00:    10 days until Supercross                                                                    138

MC's Team Mazda/Yamaha will unveil the new semi Jan 3rd.  No peeking until then.  The paint job will feature a giant nacnac (what else?).  The team folks looked at photos of nacnacs until they found an angle they liked, then went out and did a zillion photos until they got the best one.  Watch the web for a photo on the 3rd.  

From Dorito:

ATTENTION ALL FEMALE FANS OF MOTOCROSS, FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS AND ROADRACING!!!

The most anticipated calendar of 2001 is now available for purchase and IMMEDIATE delivery. Don't miss this chance to buy the Superstars of Moto 2001 Calendar featuring top supercross, roadrace and freestyle motocross riders in a setting you will never get to see them in at the track.

** To purchase online, please click this link -- superstarsofmoto. 

** To purchase with check, cashiers check or money order please make payable to Bokasmo. Each calendar sells for $15.99. Please include $3.85 for shipping for a total of $19.84. Checks should be sent to:

Bokasmo
Attn. Alex Striler
2141-A El Camino Real
Oceanside, CA 92054

If you can't wait and are in the Lake Elsinore/Murrietta/Temecula area, you can stop by Hairy Situation Salon and pick up your calendar. Hairy Situation is located at 32395 Clinton Keith Rd. Suite #102 in Wildomar, CA off the I-15.

Featured Riders: Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Emig, Michael Brandes, David Pingree, Stephane Roncada, Ernesto Fonseca, Nathan Ramsey, Phil Lawrence, Ryan Hughes, Eric and Ben Bostrom, Trevor Vines and Carey Hart

Drake McElroy Joins the No Fear MX Family in 2001

Though Drake McElroy came on to the Freestyle Motocross scene late in the 2000 season, his 2nd place finish on Saturday November 11th at the SFX Portland NBC "Big Air Assault" was impressive enough to catch the attention of NO FEAR talent scout Malcolm McCassey.  

Drake's sponsorship with NO FEAR will see him wearing NO FEAR MX gear and NO FEAR casual clothing in 2001. Not only will he be joining the company of NO FEAR MX sponsored riders Jeremy McGrath, Kevin Windham, Travis Pastrana, John Dowd, Stefan Everts, Kenny Bartram and Carey Hart but he will also reap the benefits of trackside support from the friendly and lovable Malcolm McCassey.

12/26/00:    11 days until Supercross                                                                    138

It's been over a year since Chad Sanner's spinal cord injury- T12, L1 vertebrae dislocated, and a crushed spinal cord, causing paralysis.   He has had a long tough recovery, but he has already done a local MX race, a mtn bike race, and is getting ready for GNCC and outdoor nationals.  Chad and TFS met at a Supercross during practice at St Louis in 1999 when he missed a berm and landed off the track and on the TFS camera bag, which was being carried at the time.  The strap broke and so did his helmet, but everyone was OK.  

From Dorito:

Metzger Wins Mens Lifetime Achievement Award for Motocross

Mike was not only a presenter at this years NEA Awards held in Germany, but a recipient of the Men's Lifetime Achievement Award for motocross.  Some of the nominees for this years award were Jeremy McGrath, Travis Pastrana, Joel Smets, Edgar Torronteras, and Grant Langston. - Congrats to Metz!

12/25/00:    12 days until Supercross                                                                    138

It looks like Santa didn't leave a laptop with our favorite media icon-to-be Chris Tedesco.   Tedesco has a killer web page and he made it to outdoor nationals, KROC, the Gravity Games, the X-games, and a few other cool events.  To get up to speed, the kid needs a laptop-so send him one!  That's right, you can be www.motoxcentral.com's laptop sponsor.  You are sure to get plenty of stuff covered, just tell him to include you on his web page or something.

Come see the world premiere of Jeremy McGrath’s new Video STEEL ROOTS II

Following the first round of the 2001 Supercross Series on Jan 6th walk over to the Sun Theatre in the northwest corner of Edison International Field (the corner of Katella Avenue and S. State College) to see one of the most anticipated videos ever released. Steel Roots 2 will showcase Jeremy traveling the world looking for unique and challenging place to ride with friends like Mike Cinqmars, Carey Hart, Grayson Goodman, Clifford Adoptante, & Trevor Vines.  The doors will open @ 11:00 pm with the movie starting @ 12:00 Midnight. After the movie enjoy music and dancing until 3:00 am. This facility has a full bar so all guests must be 21 years of age and over. Tickets will be on sale Jan, 6th only in The Sun Theatre ticket office from the hours of 1:00pm – 7:00pm and reopening at 10:00 pm. Seating is limited so make sure to buy your tickets early. Tickets are general admission $15.00.   For more information e-mail lewismxvm@aol.com.

Tony Berlutti, who was Reynard's mechanic this year, is still with Suzuki.  This season he is wrenching for Rodrig Thain.   For more Frenchie news, check www.davidvuillemin.com once a day, at least.   DV will be writing a column for Transworld Motocross magazine.

Here's Shyla Wesley's Jeff Emig fan page, its new, check it out...

12/24/00:    13 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Merry Christmas from Motonews!

Thor is sponsoring freestyler Dustin Miller, here's a Dorito press release.

One of the more interesting career moves of the year would have to be freestyle pioneer Mike Metzger moving into road racing!  Here's some news from Dorito.   Also, Metzger will sponsor D-Mac and $coot.

Here are more press releases from Denny at SFX:

-Lusk to return
-MC Ready for more
-Pontiac and Salt Lake City Supercrosses to air on ABC

From KTM Canada:

As of Dec 22 2000, I am pleased to announce the official signing of Marco Dube to ride KTM motorcycles for the 2001 season. Although Marco has been competing in the SFX Arenacross series since the beginning of November, it was done on a handshake agreement until the official terms of a contract could be agreed to.  Marco unfortunately broke his collarbone at the Rockfield Illinois round of the Arenacross series and has been forced to miss three rounds due to injury. He is scheduled to compete again at the Baltimore round of the series Jan 19 and 20 2001.  For the 2001 CMRC Canadian National motocross series Marco will be riding a "works" or "factory " prepared 250ssx. He will be teamed with Jimmy Lamastus, also on a "works" 250ssx, Stan Sloboda on a "works" 540ssx (4 stroke) and Iain Hayden on a kitted 250sx and a "works" 125ssx.  The official sponsors of the team include Pro Tech suspension ( suspension specialists), Cycle Improvements( engine specialists) , Factory Effex, Torco
Racing Oils, Michelin Tires, BMGSPORT.COM and Starlight Children's Foundation Canada.   We at KTM Canada are all looking forward to the 2001 season and the opportunity to work with a rider as skilled as Marco. -Darren Pilling, National Sales Manager.

From Debbie Matthews:  WSMX (Women's School of Motocross) will be holding Motocross Schools on January 13-Lake Elsinore, CA (Southern Calif) and Jan 20 at E Street-in Marysville, CA (Northern, CA).  
On January 27, WSMX will host a DESERT/OFFROAD CLINIC in the Johnson VAlley-Lucerne-Soggy Dry Lake Area. Desert/MX Champion Lisa Gallo will be the Chief Instructor.

Men and Children welcome !

For more information or to enroll in a class, visit the WSMX website
located at www.dmsports-wsmx.com or call us at 949-837-2206

Rupert "QOTW" Pellet...

12/23/00:    14 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Check it out!  Mototalker Pitracer (www.pitracer.com) sent this press release:

"PitRacer is pleased to announce the addition of website Title Sponsor Cornwell Tools. Cornwell will be providing prizes (TBA) for the top 5 finishers in the 2001 PitRacer Fantasy SX Series. More website activities with chances to win Cornwell prizes are also in the works! Cornwell Tools has manufactured Professional Mechanics Hand Tools in Ohio since 1919. All their tools are covered by a lifetime guarantee and are available from your local Cornwell Tools dealer or by calling 800-321-8356. Cornwell is currently the "Official Tool" of Team Suzuki, Amsoil/Factory Connection Honda, Factory KTM, Andrews Kawasaki Racing, Fred Andrews, Ty Davis, Mike Larocco, Brock Sellards, Kevin Windham, and Chuck Woodford. Cornwell is also involved NHRA, ARCA, NASCAR, and many local racers."

We now have 5 sites listed where you can play fantasy moto: Motonews 2, EA Sports Supercross, Fantasy Moto, Fantasy Racer,and Pitracer.   If you are a Motonews member, the price of a subscription covers you for the Motonews game. 

Cody sent this photo of a big sportbike converted to a quad.

Motodude sent this photo of Motodude, Jr-Mark, the Aussie skateboard mac.

12/22/00:    15 days until Supercross                                                                    138

This year the Jeremy McGrath and Friends Celebrity Golf Classic in Las Vegas raised over $20,000 and was donated to Jimmy Button, Donovan Mitchell and Moto Racing Outreach.  From this event came the idea to create a Foundation designated to raising funds for AMA licensed motocross riders who have suffered career ending injuries. 

Welcome to the Road 2 Recovery Foundation (501 c-3).  Their first event will be held in Phoenix, AZ, Thursday,  January 25th during the week of the Supercross Races. Their mission is to provide motivational, emotional and spiritual support to AMA licensed members should they sustain a career-ending injury.  R2R will also provide funds for spinal cord research in addition to extra medical support at both Supercross and the Outdoor Nationals.  The Board of Directors includes a variety of people involved within the Motocross arena:

Bob Moore – Chairman
Robert Walker – President
Shane Trittler – Vice President
Lorie Henry- Secretary/Treasurer
Jimmy Button - Director
Davey Coombs – Director
Karen Cristy - Director
Sonnie Finch – Director
Steve Hudson – Director
Jeff Spencer – Director

So- play golf and help the riders! Spots are selling quickly.   You can call the R2R offices soon to reserve your playing spots and support.  If you are unable to join in Phoenix, keep in mind that they will be going to Las Vegas as well. If you have any questions or would like to reserve your spot please call 602.943.6605.

12/21/00:    16 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Mototalker Speedbump pointed out this paint scheme for Blackfoot Motosports Honda team.  The riders will be Jean Sebastien Roy, Doug DeHaan and James Povolny.  Here's the press release.

SFX Motor Sports Group will nationally unveil the new "Big Air Assault " freestyle motocross home video, sanctioned by the IFMA and brought to you by Wrenchead.com, in January 2001 at over sixty events.  As it states on the box cover, "Whatever it means to you, "Big Air Assault" will redefine the way you look at freestyle motocross."  For more check out www.pacefmx.com.

12/20/00:    17 days until Supercross                                                                    138

You don't have to wait any more to find out who Larry Ward is riding for next year, and it's not a team in Europe.  Check out the news on the TFS emag 2001 Teams page.

Our good buddy Motodude snapped this photo in Yokohama last week.  He these skateboarders were proud to have their photo taken.

From Pat Schutte:

Indy 500 Veteran and Supercross fan Stan Fox was killed in a traffic accident in New Zealand, Dec 18. The van that Fox was driving and another van apparently collided head-on while driving on a desert road approximately 200 miles south of Auckland, New Zealand. Fox was 48.   Fox, from Janesville, Wis., made eight starts in the Indianapolis 500 between 1987 and 1995, with a best finish of seventh in his debut in 1987 in an A.J. Foyt-owned backup car. He also finished eighth in 1991.

Cannondale released a news item about their finances and resuming motorcycle production.

12/19/00:    18 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Here's Honda's logo artwork developed by American Honda's Motorcycle Division and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to promote the companies' recently announced multi-year motorsports sponsor relationship.  The logo features Universal Studios' character Woody Woodpecker as Team Mascot for both the Honda Motocross Racing Team and the Honda Road Racing Team.  For more info, read this release.

If you haven't been to David Vuillemin's site, check it out.   There is plenty of info covering his prep for Anaheim Jan 6.  There are photos of he and MC and Ferry practicing and lots of cool stuff.  The site had a great look.  If it looks familir that is because it's made by our own French TFS, Dominique Sourie.

Everynone on the net last year was impressed by the great writing by steveyd that mysteriously appeared on Mototalk.  Where is he now?  Here's a hint...

This TGV train goes from Paris to Geneva in about 4 hours.

12/18/00:    19 days until Supercross                                                                    138

This is a Fox Silverado concept truck.  You can go to this web site to take a survey and get a Fox sticker. There is also a link to more photos of the truck, check it out.

What was everyone saying about Geneva?  Check out the quotes from Saturday on the emag 2001.

Lalloz and Demartis made the flight OK out of Paris Monday afternoon.  Lalloz won't have much time to learn the FMF Yamaha 250 4-stroke before Anaheim since he is still pretty sore from crashing Saturday night in Geneva.

Jeff Gibson has Suzuki's waiting for him at home, so he will put away the CRs and get ready for east 125 Supercross.   He will still probably do the Columbus Arenacross.

Nick Metcalf isn't sure of what to do with is bogging RM125.  He was plenty sore after the thing bogged on a jump while he was leading the Saturday 125 main and he crashed out hard.  He didn't get much preparation in for Geneva after that.  After he rode his 125 in Geneva and it bogged again, he and his mechanic crated it back up and he raced 250 only. A rider with his talent shouldn't have to worry about a bike problem.  This looks like a sponsorship opportunity for a go-fast shop that wants to prove what it can do.  

Travis Hodges adapted well to a switch from Kawasakis to Hondas starting with the Geneva weekend.  His finishes were 7, 6, 5 and 12.

Pedro Gonzales may only miss a few rounds of Arenacross.  It isn't clear yet how bad his appendix injury is.

Mike Kidd's luggage was still a DNF all weekend.       

12/17/00:    20 days until Supercross                                                                    138

ET did this combination nacnac-indian air kind if thing.  There wil be more ET on emag 2001.

12/16/00:    21 days until Supercross                                                                    138

Gary Kidd is here updating www.arenacross.com with full results.

12/15/00:    22 days until Supercross                                                                    138

A few results and photos are up already on the TFS emag 2001, check it out.

The Geneva Arenacross track is huge!  Its really more like a Supercross.   More later, practice starting...

Series founder Mike "Where's my luggage?" Kidd.

12/14/00:    23 days until Supercross                                                                    137

Bon Jour. This update is done from the TGV speed train from Paris to Geneva.   Thanks to a broken fuel gauge on a plane in Pittsburgh that caused a delay, and a cool guy at Gale de Lyon train station that grabs all your bags and walks you to the gate just in time (for some Francs), the TFS delegation (spectator and mom) made it this far.   Olive Whah.

12/13/00:    24 days until Supercross                                                                    137

12/12/00:    25 days until Supercross                                                                    137

Ohio's Jeff Gibson is ready for Supercross.  OK, he will be ready after Arenacross in Switzerland this weekend, but its close enough.  Here's a design sheet for the Suzuki box van he will be in.   Cernic's and Cycra are big sponsors.

Rup X sent in some cool photos of Tortelli and Fonseca racing 4-strokes in Japan last October.  Here's the link.

The goofballs at Practice Track newspaper, the closest thing racing has to it's own "Mad Magazine," now have a web site!  Here it is, enter at your own risk.

12/11/00:    26 days until Supercross                                                                    137

Watch Chris "broken toes" Williams site this weekend (www.motoedge.com) for a contest to win a Denny Stephenson jersey.

Check out this cool photo sent in by Mike Lieby.

From Dorito:

Mike Metzger Roadracing at Willow Springs Dec. 16 and 17

As reported in an earlier press release, Mike Metzger has a new two wheeled interest. If you've checked his website recently then you know he has picked up a Yamaha R1 street bike.  Trying his hand at roadracing, he has taken a course at Freddie Spencer's school in Las Vegas and his first road race ever at Firebird Raceway in Arizona resulted in a 3rd, 4th and 7th place finishes.

While Mike still plans to compete in Freestyle Motocross at the 2001 Gravity Games and X Games, his primary focus will be roadracing. Whether you are a Metzger or roadrace fan or both and you live in CA, don't miss the chance to see Mike racing his NoFear/Alpinestar/Eagle One/Arnette/VP Fuels sponsored Yamaha R1 at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA on Dec. 16th and 17th. He will race in three different classes over the two day event. Look for him in Formula One, Open Superbike and Open Mod. Prod. For more information click here  Willow Springs Motorcycle Club | WSMC Home Page

12/11/00:    26 days until Supercross                                                                    137

It was a slow news weekend.  Updates here were pretty slow since emag World Headquarters is breaking in a new official Motonews laptop.  Unfortuantely Microsoft has released some conflicting new products and about 5 hrs on the phone resulted in them deciding to kick a web publishing problem over to the "we give up" team.

Tim Olsen at www.motocrossjournalmag.com says watch there for info on a commercial coming out soon with MC and a famous actress...

Here's a cool photo of Travis on a 250 by Craig Book at www.motocross.com.  This was from the Motoworld of El Cajon / CMXR Gran Prix team race.  Travis and No Fear's Malcolm McCassey were the winners. 

It's just two months and one week before Round #1 of the series kicks off again at Speedworld MX Park in Phoenix, Arizona on February 18th.
For riders attending the series, we need updated information for sponsors and a face shot sent asap. Deadline for insert into the race programs is January 15th, 2000. That is one month from now, which is plenty of time. Advertising in program, contact Royal Publishing care of Benita Wise call 219-766-3605 or 800-397-5834.
Sponsoring series information please contact Don Schneider at 503-756-4782.

2001 RACE SCHEDULE:
DATE LOCATION PRO PURSE (Added $1,000 Purse in 2001)
2/18/01 (Speedworld MX Park) Phoenix, Arizona $6,000
** 3/10/01 Lake Whitney, TX-Turloc, CA-Mesquite, NV-Albuquerque, NM $6,000
4/08/01 (Cotton Wood MX) Cottonwood, Arizona $6,000
5/27/01 (Hungry Valley MX) Gorman, California $6,000
6/03/01 (Bakersfield MX) Bakersfield, California $10,000
7/15/01 (Spokane MX) Spokane, Washington $6,000
7/22/01 (Fossil Bowl) Clarkia, Idaho $6,000
8/05/01 (Albany Motorsports Park) Albany, Oregon $6,000
8/19/01 (Thunder Valley MX) Denver, Colorado $6,000
8/26/01 (Leahy Family Farm) Two Rivers Racing Milliken, Colorado $6,000
9/23/01 (Kahoka MX) Kahoka, Missouri $6,000
9/30/01 (Lake Whitney MX) Lake Whitney, Texas $6,000

** Not finalized at this time.

TOTAL PRO PURSE MONEY = $76,000

$6,000 Purse paid $3,000 Per Moto: 1st thru 12th places:

1st: $600, 2nd: $400, 3rd: $350, 4th: $325, 5th: $275, 6th: $250, 7th: $200, 8th: $150, 9th: $125, 10th: $125, 11th: $100, 12th: $100

"The Riders Points Fund" (guaranteed $12,000 must race 8 of 12 events)
Pays back top 20 in this points fund chase only.

12/10/00:                                                                                                     137 Coming to a theater near you, Crusty 6! Here's a schedule. Arenacross Fan The February cover of Racer X looks really cool with Ernesto Fonseca on the cover, riding the Yamaha 4-stroke 250 in that race in Japan.  It also has articles on Arenacross and Bercy. Here's a new site from Germany by Team Millennium, with international riders like Shayne King, Collin Dugmore, and German rookie Marco Dorsch, take a look at   w http://www.ktm-team-millennium.de/.   Opps, sorry it's in German, hehe.   12/09/00:                                                                                                     137

December is the month everyone gets ready for Supercross, and this includes web folks.  Keep an eye on Jeremy's site, www.nacnac.com for news on what #1 is up to.

Michael James was proud to be nicknamed "Radical Raj," until he found out where the name cane from.  Here's a cool article about nicknames...

Here's another site to do fantasy Supercross, Mototalker Pit Racer has a cool site...

From Dorito:

Both LBZ sponsored riders John and Robert Distler competed at the Extreme Freestyle Challenge in Irwindale, CA last weekend, Robert taking home honors of first place in the Flat Whip contest and a second in the main event. This would be the second time Robert has won the Flat Whip contest, the last time being in March of 2000 at Irwindale for an X Games qualifier.

John was the last rider out for the main event and he had a tough battle in front of him. The fog had rolled in earlier in the evening and by the last
run (John's run) everything was soaked; bike, rider and jumps. Being a larger rider, he throttled hard up the dew soaked ramps, finding all three to be
very slippery. The fierce competitor that he is, he did not give up. Instead, he worked the course and found different ways to approach the ramps to not be as affected by them.  He still managed to pull off one of the most difficult tricks at the end of his run, a perfectly executed One Handed Seat Grab Indian Air, which is becoming his signature move since pulling it in competition for the first time in the Van's Triple Crown of Freestyle Motocross in Baltimore MD. 

With continued results like these, you can plan on seeing more press releases announcing new sponsorships for the Distler Brothers, much like this one.

Distler Brothers Freestyle MX Results for 2000 Pay Off New Sponsors for 2001

CycleLogic Products, Inc., manufacturer of Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant has signed on to support John and Robert Distler's efforts in 2001.

    "Many times people have asked me why do I sponsor freestyle riders with a hi-performance coolant? They don't ride for more than five minutes at a time. The Distler Brothers are exactly why we sponsor many freestyle riders.  Not only do John and Robert ride in indoor arenas for the SFX IFMA freestyle competitions in front of thousands of people, but their training regime consists of several hours of riding motocross out in the desert of Arizona, Tempe being their hometown. Riding motocross is an important part of being a successful freestyle rider and we want to provide a product that benefits both their training and their competition." - Dave Kimmey - President

For more information about CycleLogic Products, Inc, please call Dave Kimmey at 1-877-806-9377.

It's official:

From Rockford Arenacross.

Special "I got this from Dorito" Section:

Trevor Vines Win's Genova Freestyle MX

Though the track was designed for the Genova SX, SoBe/THOR/Yamaha sponsored Trevor Vines used it to his advantage to win the Freestyle MX contest on Dec. 2nd in Genova, Italy. Runner-ups to Vines were Italian Stefano Minguzzi in second, Jeff Tilton in third and Mike Cinqmars with fourth. Trevor will be doing another Freestyle Motocross event on Dec. 9th and 10th at the Bologna Motor Show in Bologna, Italy.

Drake McElory (D Mac) and Dustin Miller (Scoot) Hook Up with SunStar

Not sure if D Mac and Scoot will have enough room on there bikes for all the logo placement from new sponsors that keep picking them up but they'll be giving some love to Sunstar in 2001 on the swing arms of their Honda CR250's.

2001 Freestyle Video

Click here to see sneak preview of the 2001 FMX "Air Assault" -   PACE Freestyle Motocross

Distlers On Board with FMF/Factory 909 for 2001

John and Robert Distler continue catching the attention of new sponsors with their results from recent competitions in the SFX IFMA series and most recently, the Extreme Freestyle Challenge at Irwindale Speedway, a FOX Sports event. The LBZ riders will receive support from FMF and Factory 909 for the 2001 Freestyle Motocross season.

Metzger in 2001

Looking to find out what the Godfather of Freestyle is planning on doing in 2001? Recent finishes of 3rd, 4th and 7th at Firebird Raceway in AZ indicate Mike has a new two-wheeled. Click here to find out:   Welcome to Metzger Motorsports  - All I'm going to say is pavement and Yamaha R1.

Button Back in the Driver/Biking Seat

Looking for the latest news on Jimmy Button's progress in his rehabilitation? Want to buy a Custom Softail Harley? Need some McGrath Hotwheels for stocking stuffers? Check out his website by clicking here - Welcome to Buttonflyracing

Motocross Websites

As often as I send out press releases on the riders and companies I (Dorito) do PR for, I  check over 30 websites to report to my clients the exposure they are receiving. In the past few weeks I have been contacted by several websites requesting that they be added to my list. These were sites I hadn't heard of before but I continue to be  impressed with the content at each of them. Here are some links of some sites that many fans may not know about.
Fast By Design - Motocross News, Reviews, Results, Apparel and Accessories 
MotorcycleUSA.Com The Premier Motorcycle Site on the Web!
LAASsports.com>>>Core Sports for Core Enthusiasts
http://www.motorcycleworld.com/
Actualités du motocross et supercross : MX2K

Mixes for MXers and Fans that Dig Techno and Trance

In a few of the Racer X "2 Tribes" features, I've noticed that Mike Metzger and Ron Tichenor Jr. are fans of techno. As a Techno/Trance lover myself, I thought I'd give some links to some websites featuring albums that I would highly recommend to fellow TechnoTrancers - You can't go wrong with Kimball Collins at ICU or Trance Fixed at Neurodisc. Click here to check them out -  ICU Records ,   Welcome to Neurodisc Records

From Hoppen:  "I was overwhelmed how many responded to my 'join the Hoppen-INS battle' letter! Thanks a lot, you guys truly rule!!!"  Also, Frank has new goodies on his web site (www.frankhoppen.com) From Irwindale...

Rockford Arenacross.

Bailey, Eckman and Coombs are returning to the SX media gang, here's the press release:

Awards and bonuses for Supercross in 2001 are mega-bucks-two mega-bucks actually, here's the press release:

Paul Carpenter will be sponsored by WMR Honda for 125 west SX and 250 MX. Here's the press release.

Dustin Miller and Drake McElroy Both Gain Support of Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant for 2001 FMX Season
Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant, manufactured by CycleLogic Products, Inc. continues to increase their presence in the motocross industry, most recently with its announcement of sponsorship of freestyle motocrossers Dustin Miller and Drake McElroy.

"As the world of motocross is evolving, we want to support all areas of the motocross world. By working with the outstanding talent of these two great competitors, we can be a part of the growth in freestyle motocross. These young men are the future of this sport, as displayed by their results in the short time they have been competing in freestyle contests, primarily the SFX IFMA series." - Dave Kimmey, President.

As if the French guys haven't done enough damage in SX: DV is bringing a couple of his buds over to race in January:  (From www.davidvuillemin.com) Stephan Demartis and Mathieu Lalloz (two french riders) will join the French troops in US for the opening rounds of the US SX Series. Actually, they will ride the first five rounds of the 125 West Coast SX Series. Both guys will ride Yamaha, Demaris will ride a 125 bike and Lalloz a 250 4-stroke. They will based in Corona and will get full the support of Vuillemin's family. This will be the third US SX Series try for Stephan but the first time for Matthieu. So "Bonne chance les gars !"

So what's the big deal with an Arenacross in Switzerland?  It could be just the beginning, read Packing for Switzerland, and the Future on the TFS emag 2000.

From Dorito:
Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is the Recommended and Endorsed Coolant of the American Suzuki Amateur Support Program
American Suzuki's Amateur Support Program has chosen Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant as the Official coolant recommended to all Team Suzuki riders and recommended to all Suzuki motocross racers by the Amateur Support Program.

"As Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant continues making strides towards dominating the market of chosen coolants for dirt bikes, it is with great pride we announce that American Suzuki has chosen to use, recommend and endorse our product. We believe that we have the best coolant available to the off-road industry today. This endorsement by American Suzukis Amateur Support Program is proof of this belief and can only better our position." - Dave Kimmey, President CycleLogic Products, Inc.

Rockford Arenacross.

For more information please contact Dave Kimmey at 1-877-806-9377

More:  Winter X Games are Feb 2-5 - in Vermont - will feature Best Trick in Freestyle MX and I think Step Up - riders going:

More: Clowers, Deegan, Faisst, Vines, Rourke, Dan Pastor, Billy Walls, Adoptante, Jeremy Carter, Jeff Tilton....and a few more yet to be confirmed.....

Pat Muras drives Yamaha's transporter to the races.  Here's an interview with him by Jim Kimball.

More from Rockford:

How did Dave Deringer get so lucky? (Gundy)

Off to the airport:  Budman's bikes get packed up Sunday at Rockford along with 14 others for the Geneva Arenacross, Dec 15/16.

Deringer sent this of who is going to Geneva: 1. Buddy Antunez 2. Denny Stephenson 3. Jeff Willoh 4. Jeff Gibson 5. Pedro Gonzales 6. Darcy Lange 7. Rusty Holland 8. Tommy Hofmaster 9. Nick Metcalf 10. Isaiah Johnson 11. Mike Katin 12. Jim Chester 13. Travis Hodges 14. Brandon Bartz 15. Mike Mason. 

Mike Kidd and Eric Perronard busted a stowaway in a crate going to Geneva.  (photo by Todd "One month before Supercross" Jendro).

Snoop's dad gets bikes ready for the crate.

Smith Sport Optics Launches Newly Designed Website

In preparation for the real millenium, Smithsport.com has launched a new interactive website showcasing their product, athletes and promotions with cutting edge graphics and design.

The redesign was created by Summit Projects of Hood River, Oregon, and features user friendly navigation for simple, easy access to all features of the website. Consumers can enter online every month for the latest and greatest product giveaways, as well as concert tickets for special highlighted bands in the Lounge Section of the site. You can also enter to receive a monthly newsletter and listen to highlighted bands while browsing the site.

Since Smith sponsors athletes in a variety of sports including MX, snowboard, skateboard, ski, wakeboard, bmx and mountain bike, interesting facts and tidbits are included in the various sections and updated frequently. Check out the latest highlights of Smith surfers in Hawaii, Carey Hart's latest and greatest feats or simply look for event schedules for your favorite sport.

Product info is updated constantly and detailed technical information is included so that you can learn the best ways to protect your eyes. There is also a section called “answers to all your frequently asked questions” which is a quick and easy informational tool.

The sites official launch was October 15, so check it out at www.smithsport.com.ed through the rapidly growing inte

The USS Cole (hole in side) is not going to Geneva.   (Photo sent in by Wess McCoy at Honda.)

Here's a coupole of FMX photos from Irwindale by Craig Book, graduate of the School of digicam...

Here's Dustin Miller, who won the IFMA FMX at The Pond last weekend.

Rockford peoples.  (Gundy photo)

Jeff Willoh swept both mains at Rockford Saturday night.  Lange won the Dash for Cash but hurt his hand in the 125 main and oulled off. He came back out but only managed 10th in the 250 main.

Gonzales had a good night, 3rd and 2nd.  Budman and Snoop got taken out in the 125 main first turn.

Find out who Jeff Gibson is riding 125 east Supercross for, click here.

Larry Ward raced a Honda in the Supercross in Italy, Tortelli won it (more on Mototalk).

Photohound Frank Hoppen needs your help!  America's favorite moto photographer (who is German, naturally) needs some companies and people to write to Immigration this week to help him get a green card, read about it now!

Denny Stephenson and Buddy Antunez traded wins in another wild night of Arenacross at Rockford Friday.

Darcy Lange won the Dash for Cash and Mike Mason again won the jump contest.

Lange and Stephenson again banged bars in the 125 main.  LCS Racing/Motonews.com rider Adam Mennenga pulled out his shoulder.  Budman crashed in the 250 main.  Metcalf had a rough night.  Gonzales kept crashing in the 125 main but was second in the 250.

from www.arenacross.com:

from Dorito:

Dustin Miller and Drake McElroy Sign with FMF and Factory 909 for 2001

FMF and Factory 909 know talent when they see it, recently signing freestyle motocrossers Dustin Miller and Drake McElroy to their support program for 2001. Both Miller and McElroy will run FMF pipes and silencers on their Honda CR250's as well as Factory 909 bars, grips, levers and clamps.

Not many people who follow freestyle motocross these days have ever heard of 20 year-old Dustin or 19 year-old Drake but you can plan on seeing their names on a regular basis in 2001. Both of these riders recently began their freestyle jumping careers in the summer of 2000 and have each nabbed several top three finishes in the IFMA FMX Series. Dustin already has two 1st place finishes and multiple second and thirds while Drake has several second and thirds, ready to take his first win.

For more information on Dustin Miller or Drake McElroy, please contact Dorina Groves at (253) 759-7477 or email her at DG900SSSP2@aol.com.

from Meyer:

Photos by Meyer:  (Above) Byrne. (Right)  Reed.

(Above) McFarlane.

Reed wins, McFarlane champion
Sydney, Australia

The final round of the Australian Masters, the premier Supercross championship in Australia was run last weekend at the Olympic stadium in Sydney. For four Australian riders it was the chance to show of their talents in Australia one last time. Chad Reed who won the 250cc class in Sydney will head to Europe this week were he will contest several German Supercross events, before heading back to Europe in early 2001 to contest the World 250cc Motocross championships. The big winner in Sydney though was Andrew McFarlane, the Kawasaki mounted MC of OZ finished in 6th place in the final, yet still scored enough points to win the Masters championship. McFarlane will race for the Rinaldi team in 2001, chasing the World 500cc Motocross title.
Michael Byrne came home in third place in the final, finishing second on the championship, some 20 points behind McFarlane. Of course Byrne will race in USA in 2001, lining up in the Jeff Emig team in the 250cc class. The fourth rider of the Aussies exodus is Brett Metcalfe. At only 16 years old Metcalfe will race the 2001 World 125cc Motocross for the TM factory, he won the 125cc Final in Sydney. American Greg Schnell was also in Sydney, finishing second in the 250cc Final behind Reed.
 

It's official.  Art Eckman will NOT be leaving Supercross in 2001!  The voice of Supercross on ESPN will be back for at least another year.  He was released in October and bowed out gracefully, but things do change.  Rumors were circulating a certain article on the web that had emails of people to write to about his release resulted in a surprising outpouring of support for Eckman, and may have turned things around.  Check out the Art Eckman interview on www.laassports.com.

The outpouring of support for Art Eckman when the news was out he was released surprised just about everyone.  He has a tough job and it's fun to make fun of "Eckmanisms", but people don't want him to go.  They decision makers listened, now he's back.

Tonight the Rollerball (oops) Arenacross series hits Rockford, Ill for rounds 7/8 and the 15 top riders that go to Geneva, Switzerland Dec 15/16 will be decided.   After Saturday's mains, the bikes will be crated and sent air freight to Genava.   TFS emag is going too (not air freight though).

Another big name is set to ride the Supercross Crossover event Jan 5th.   Triathlete extraordinaire
Scott Tinley joins other like Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Actor), John Hopkins (Formula USA Road Racer), Chris Ulrich (Formula USA Road Racer), Robbie Miranda (BMXer), Fuzzy Hall (BMXer), Mike James (Professional Baseball player, St. Louis Cardinals), Sunny Garcia (Surfer), Brian Lopes  (Mountain Biker), Adam Booth (BMX Plus Editor), Victor Sheldon (Jet Skier), and Aaron Burns (EA SPORTS).  Here's the press release:

This came in from our Tallon Vohland reporter Marc Vickers:

Tallon is flying to Italy to race a few SX's on 250's with cats like Tortelli,
Shae, and Wey. He says testing is go