Motocross Supercross Engine Ice Daily News

April 1 is supposed to be a day for fun pranks and lies, but no one was laughing at the St Louis airport the morning after the Supercross-at least not the people who were going to wait all day and probably the next for room on a flight out after one US Airways plane didn't have a crew, and the people got moved to the next plane. This started a chain reaction of "bumping" which is ok when there is room but when you are last on the list to get on, you get a hotel. Instead of fighting the crowds, "Extreme" Ray Gundy and I grabbed a one-way renta car and made a mad dash for Pittsburgh.

Not only did Pastrana ride the 125 class at St Louis, he also rode a qualifying heat in the 250 class and got second between MC and LaRocco, and then he climbed on a KTM 50 and mixed it up with the peewees. Actually #14 is his cousin Kevin Pastrana, who just rode one class and had a mid-pack race. Travis had a pretty exciting weekend though, winning everything in the 125 class after a great battle with Ramsey for the lead on the last lap, and getting a bit of a lecture from LaRocco after that 250 heat race. He sat out the 250 main, details on the 125 racing section on the emag.

The amazing Ricky Carmichael now has 9 wins in a row, and he can't wait for this one to be over with. He's really happy to be finally in control of a 250 Supercross title chase, but its stressful too, read about his race and comments on the emag 250 racing section.

Arenacross wrapped up an excellent season last weekend, with Budman finishing on top again, Willoh second. SFX had a cool banquet after the last round with plenty of awards, including one for our own Ray Gundy, who made every round.

In Supercross, the story has gone from "how long can MC keep it up?" to "how many in a row can RC win?" RC has won every round but 3, and he has the last 8 in a row. Tonight's race is St Louis, and interestingly enough, the last record-breaking win streak in Supercross ended right here. That was 1996, when MC was close to sweeping the series on a CR, but Jeff Emig stayed ahead of the champ for a whole main and won. MC won 14 that year, Emig 1.

Travis will be racing both classes! This is common with iron man privateers that hope to at least make some spending money, but no 125 series leader has ever wanted to race all night and take on the 250s too. Travis is just like that. In a few weeks he will again be in the spotlight as he defends his outdoor 125 title. His toughest competition may not be a single rider, but a single bike-the YZ250F. The new Yamaha is going to be a popular choice amoung outdoor 125 class front-runners. So far the Motonews list of YZ250F entires includes Larry Ward, Ernesto Fonseca, Nathan Ramsey, Damon Huffman, Keith Johnson, and Micheal Brandes.

Brandes was going to try and comeback from his round one ankle injury at New Orleans, but he is still healing.

In case you missed it, Vuillemin plans on returning for Supercross round 16 at Vegas, to get warmed up for the outdoor season.

Mad Mike will be doing a freestyle demo at St Louis, Pontiac, and Vegas! His tricks keep getting better and better. Mad Mike is always a must see. Here's the press release.

ATV Sport just featured the new Cannondale FX400 4-wheeler, a spinoff of their MX400 motocross preject that is sure to make some waves in the quad world. Photos by Chris "I got a cover" Williams.

Cover your ears and put on the sunscreen. Motonews cruised out to Houston's Raceway Rark east of town the day after the Houston Supercross to check out an NHRA national. Sondra got us hooked up with a pass because she knew NHRA guy Ron Capps, who has raced the Supercross Crossover. Here's the link:

Motonews is about to turn 150! That means 150 races, 150 long drives, flights, or naps in someone else's car, and 150 text/photo reports posted. No one else has done this non-stop since Round 1, 1997!

If you need a Supercross chat room to hang out when while listening to the SFX broadcast on www.pacesupercross.com, check out Matt Cwiertny's CWAT MX.

Just one year ago, MC was leading the series with DV in second. RC was trying hard and looking good, but nothing like this year. Check out last year's emag report from St Louis.

Snoop reports the Greenies will be at St Louis Powersports Friday night. From Mototalk: St Louis POWERSPORTS is throwing a pre-race party on Friday night. Kawasaki's Ricky Carmichael and Stephane Roncada are going to be there, along with TheEdgeSports.com's Michael Byrne and Casey Johnson, and Pro Circuit's Tallon Vohland, Mike Brown, and Bobby Bonds. The event is going to be hosted by SCOTT USA's Bevo Forte. So if you're in the area, we'll see you there.

Give a kid a new camera and look what ya get-great stuff! Chris Tedesco at www.Motoxcentral.com has an awesome pile of digi-photos from the Hampton FMX last weekend. He was breaking in a new digital Oly E-10, the camera that replaces the popular C2500L. E-10s are popping up a lot at the races. Roncada has one and so did a couple of people shooting the last few Supercrosses. It's the best thing going in the $2,000 range.

Here are the total dollars raised on behalf of Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki for the Ricky Carmichael Experience on eBay, including invidual totals for the autographed items:

KX125 Motocross bike:         $5700.00
Autographed replica jersey:    $ 465.00
Autographed #4 plate:           $ 255.00
Autographed poster:                $ 73.00
Total                                    $6493.00

The two unnamed freestylers we had on the Deland FMX feature were Rudy Waller and Javier Villegas. Here is the link again. We got an update from Ronald Farnsworth, who is a Boeing rep working in Chile. He sent this cool FMX report too:

High Flying freestyle brings the house down in Chile: This past weekend (March 17) in Santiago Chile the biggest and best freestyle exhibition south of the US border to date showed the South American crowd what freestyle is all about.

With Cliff Adoptante, Mike Jones, Brian Leiva, Rudy Waller and Trevor Vines putting on a show second to none. Local Chileno talent Javier Villegas was conspicuously absent after a spectacular getoff during his first stateside appearance at Daytona. look for his getoff in Crusty 7.

With a live band providing the drive the lights were dimmed. As smoke began billowing over the jump and fire blasting from the landing ramp the show was something to behold.

The boys put on one heck of a show over the 75 foot gap with Jones pulling off an over vertical kiss of death that looked impossible to pull back. The big guy was on this night. Leiva laid down his best show yet by letting every trick hang until the
last moment before pulling it back for the landing. Trevor, Rudy, Cliff, Brian and Mike put on that has the entire city of over 6 million talking.

With ten thousand plus in attendance, The boys played freight train with everyone jumping in unison pulling off every trick in their bag. During the show Wallers Latin fan club let him and all the world see what they had to offer!!!

The guys provided over 35 minutes of high flying fun revving up the crowd. At one point during the show a young lady in the stands went into labor and had a baby putting the crowd in high gear. Fun was had by both the riders and the spectators. This was a first time event of this level in Chile and based on the reaction from both the public and the riders this won't be the last.

The latest issue of Racer X has a long feature by your favorite Arenacross journalist/racer Jeremy Riesenburg. It's way cool, check it out.

Also a don't miss: The return of Wide Open magazine, edited by our own steveyd, AKA Steve Dye. steveyd's writeup on Supercross so far is a must read. They hang out on the web at www.pie.com.

125: YOT gets shut out, a surprise winner in the 125 class, the first two were outside the top ten in points, and Langston led every lap, but biffed on the last one-dang.

RC: 8 straight! MC can't get used to second, but RC is talking this season by storm. LaRocco was, well, LaRocco-strongest at the end, but third.

Sondra, drag racer Tommy Johnson Jr, and Motoworld of El Cajon's Isaiah Johnson at the NHRA drag national at Baytown the night after the Houston Supercross. Johnson went to the SX and had a blast. The SX was well attended by drag racing folks, they are big SX fans.

This top fuel dragster has such violent horsepower the whole thing arcs when it is powering down the strip. You can see the frame tweaking in the center here. A drag racing feature will be up sometime this week, and we will return to our regularly schedules Supercross program.

Travis Pastrana did practice for the 250 class at Houston Friday. He rode the first practice Saturday, but skipped the second. He hurt his ankle the day before and decided to stop. RC had the fastest lap time in the second 250 practice, MC second. KW looked pretty strong too. Fonseca had the fastest time in the 125 class.

Team Yamaha, YOT, and Mazda/Yamaha racing were at Lyle Lovett Motorsports signing autographs Friday night.

We're in Texas, so Sondra and I are running around town in a rental pickup, not a stupid car.

Denny and Michelle Stephenson are going to have a baby! Michelle is expecting in November. Congrats!

Houston is one of the oldest venues in the SX series, but it is still a nice place to have a race and the dirt is great.

It's hard to predict Supercross when the series leader is RC and he keeps doing things no one has done before, like win when MC is after him, or win seven in a row-seven! No one besides MC has had a season like this since 1993, the year MC appeared in the 250 class and spoiled the fun for the fast guys. RC's time to adjust to the 250 class was two seasons in Supercross, zero in outdoor motocross. In 125 racing his time to adjust was one season in Supercross, and zero in outdoor motocross. He's never lost a title once he got the series lead.

Sometimes things start to happen after the series mid-point, and they could this year too. Front runners who didn't start out winning races can find their groove, while the series contenders have to think about not screwing up. Minneapolis may have been a preview for more new faces out front. Look for Lusk, LaRocco, Ferry and Windham to keep RC and MC on their toes.

Houston will be a west race, so YOT riders Fonseca and Buckelew (first and third in points) get to go up again Suzuki's Smith and Thain (second and fourth). How long has it been since Suzuki was leading 125 Supercross in one coast, and second in 125s in the other?

Motonews sent out an announcement that we are going full-time in two weeks. This means yours truly TFS quits the "day job" and works on Motonews only. This isn't just web work. Motonews is the leading supplier of race images on the Net, but also Motonews is sending publication-ready images to media world-wide. Here's the press release:

One of the web sites that sent a message after the Motonews announcement looks pretty cool, check out www.motoxstation.com.

DP Brakes Sponsors Team LAAS/Factory Connection

March 22, 2001, Warwick, NY - DP Brakes, the motorcycle and ATV industry pioneer in sintered metal braking technology, has announced the signing of Team LAAS/Factory Connection. Larry Mills, Vice President of Tony Mills International, Inc. has supported team rider, Frank Barry, individually since the end of 1999 and was pleased to extend his support to the rest of the team, including Ryan and Justin Tuerck.

"I am excited to have DP Brakes support after testing a number of different products with the boys and finding DP Brake's pads to provide the best and longest lasting performance." - Scott Tilton/President, LAAS, Inc.

Team riders, Ryan and Justin Tuerck, will make their first spring season debut race at Southwick this weekend, March 25, at NEMX's season opener. For more information on Team LAAS/Factory Connection and sponsors, visit http://www.laassports.com/

Green like money. Isn't RC's contract up this year? How would you like to sit across the negotiating table from this guy after this year (so far)?

Engine Ice sponsored riders Scott Metz, Mike Stevenson, Forrest Butler, and Karsten Butler are headed to Costa Rica to race in that Arenacross Orlando Quesada wrote about a few days ago. Metz and Stevenson are on YZs, and Butler and Butler on Hondas. The event is March 24 in a soccer stadium in Cartago, Costa Rica 10 miles east of San Jose. The event is part of the Pepsi Arenacross National Championship. Engine Ice's Dave Kimmey is going to prqatcice his Spanish and sip Cafe con Leche in the morning.

While they are down there, they might run into Jeff Emig, who is in country with some Kawasaki folks to have some fun. They will fly back to Houston for the SX this weekend.

Mike Kidd reports that Damon Bradshaw had a blast at the last regional Arenacross (winning everything) and he will be at the Charlotte Coliseum this weekend to try it again. Unless you hear different, he should be on Factory Connection Honda's since he will be working with their 125 riders Boniface and Jesseman this year.

GP News: Kawasaki Racing Team’s Mickael Maschio has been detained in hospital suffering from an internal cerebral hemorrhage ( Internal bleeding ) together with a broken rib following a crash on Sunday.

The world ranked #9 rider suffered a crash in Sunday’s opening round of the 250cc World Motocross Championship at Bellpuig, Spain while battling for a podium position. Travelling home by car Sunday evening Mickael started to feel unwell and went immediately to the hospital near his home at Digne les Bains where internal bleeding was diagnosed and he was admitted.

Mickael thinks there is a possibility that he could be released from hospital on Thursday or Friday ( 22nd / 23rd March ) he remains optimistic that he will be fit enough to race at the Dutch Grand Prix at Valkensvaard on April1st. ( 8 days time ) " I have some small pain from the broken rib, breathing is not too bad but it is painful when I try to walk. I felt a little shaken after the crash, then as I traveled home I started to fee ill and thought it best to go directly to the hospital where I had scan and x-rays " said Maschio from his hospital bed.

Maschio had put in a tremendous race performance at Bellpuig, coming back from a 9^th position start climbing up to 5^th and then 4^th position following in the wheel track of reigning World Champion Frederick Bolley before hitting the braking bump and was thrown from his machine. " I was feeling very confident, I only had four laps to go and no one was putting me under pressure. I had jumped over the same bump three or four laps previous, but the bike wasn’t straight it bounced away from me. I thought that I had caused my injuries when I hit the ground, but later I was told the handlebar hit me in the side"

With the new single race format a finish and good result is crucial for a rider remain in contention for the world title " I hope that I will be fit enough to make it to Holland, the Kawasaki team is based less than 30 minutes from the track so this is like a home grand prix for me " said Mickael adding, " I really wanted to do well there in the sand, to thank the team for all their hard effort in preparing the bike over the winter, I will just have to wait and see what my doctors advise is and make a decision from there. "

Roncada will sit out this weekend's SX in Houston, he's still recovering from that hard landing at Daytona. Craig is out also with a broke wrist.

Shriner Patients to be Visited by Top Motocrossers and Freestyle Motocrossers: Knowing how much joy meeting famous people and athletes brings to little kids who are stuck in a hospital recovering from their injuries and illnesses, riders Jimmy Button, Mike Cinqmars, Brian Deegan and Micky Dymond will head to the Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday March 27th at 6:30pm to visit with them as well as bring them toys and goodies. Most of the kids at this particular Shriners Hospital are orthopedic or burn patients. There are more riders looking into their schedules in hopes of joining in on what they know will be a fun and rewarding time with the kids.

Anyone wishing to send toys for the riders to take to the kids can do so by sending to:

Alternative Sports Concepts, Inc.
Attn: Carl Harris
354 Via Del Monte
Oceanside, CA 92054

Riders interested in joining in on this visit can email Dorina Groves at DG900sssp2@aol.com or call Carl Harris at 760-757-6257.

Need more power for your XR650? American Honda is pleased to announce the availability of the all-new XR650R HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) Power-Up Kit. Designed for competition, the Power-Up Kit brings HRC's renowned development and engineering expertise to riders seeking the latest edge in big-bore open-class competition.

The XR650R HRC Power-Up Kit features a high compression piston (including rings and clips), camshaft assembly with decompressor, cam chain assembly, stiffer clutch springs and all the necessary gaskets to reassemble the engine. Because the Power-Up Kit is designed exclusively for competition, it is sold without warranty. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $999.99 and the kit can be ordered through any authorized Honda motorcycle dealer while supplies last.

2001 Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, Baja California, March 16 - 18

Once again, the mightly Honda XR650R proved to be unmatched, sweeping the top three positions in this weekend's Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Off-road motorcycle event for the second year in a row!

Honda Racing's factory teams finished 1st and 2nd with Steve Hengeveld and Jonah Street claiming victory over Johnny Campbell and Tim Staab. The two teams battled for most of the race until a small mechanical problem forced Campbell and Staab to relinquish the lead and settle for runner-up position. Campbell and Staab won the 2000 San Felipe 250 last year.

The privateer team of Phillip Zieger and Trevor Sheridan turned in an impressive performance on their Honda XR650R. The two put in an outstanding performance to finish in 3rd place behind the two factory Honda teams.

2001 Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 class - 22 Results, Top 3 Finishers
1.   Steve Hengeveld / Jonah Street - Honda XR650R
2.   Johnny Campbell / Tim Staab - Honda XR650R
3.   Phillip Zieger / Trevor Sheridan - Honda XR650R

More GP format changes for 2002: No 250 class? Geoff Meyer reports on www.cyclenews.com that next years format will be just 500s with a 125 supprt class.

Vuillemin did break his collarbone at Minneapolis and we be going back to France for a month to recover and get ready for the outdoor nationals.

RC led every lap at Minneapolis. MC was back up to speed in the main but couldn't make up for a sixth place start and finished second, LaRocco third after he held off a charge from KW. The 250 main was a thriller (after RC's cruise anyway). Five different riders held second place. Vuillemin passed MC in their heat race and won it, then he was on fire in the main and was looking at RC's jersey until he went off the track onto another section and crashed, hurting his shoulder. He went to the Dr. but we don't have a status yet. Lusk passed MC in the main but wiped out too.

Travis won big in the 125 class and regained the series lead. Ramsey was under a pile in the dirst turn, but his teammate Wey was second. Brown third. Ryan Clark came out of a corner beside Vohland in a heat race and they contacted, sending Clark into a high-speed getoff right where your favorite photohound was standing, who ran like crazy. The word was Clark broke his collarbone.

This was the first time in three years no one stole my jacket at Minneapolis, thank you.

Jeff Gibson won both 125 mains at Albuquerque, Gonzalez and Holland traded 250 main and Dash for Cash wins. Damon Bradshaw showed up at the regional AX at Raleigh, NC and cleaned house, winning all four mains. At Daytona Bradshaw said he would like to do some outdoor nationals (125) and some of the FIM SX races. Since the FIM SX is in decline, and SFX is looking at expanding (more races like Geneva), Bradshaw would be a good pick for those races, no?

Nissan to sponsor SX next year? Maybe. At Minneapolis Terry Boyd and Jamie Little rode out for the show opening in a Nissan, and a Nissan occupied a corner on the floor. It looked like a demo for a potential sponsor.

Kasia Geist. Everyone remembers her as the Pro-X piston babe from Millville.

Western 4-Stroke Nats podium: Terlecki, Lamastus, Beatty, Hooters babes: Crystal, Laura and Dee.

Tortelli's Supercross coach JMB has returned to France because "they have two different kinds of training." Tortelli will be working with Yannig Kervella (a French champion who rode at Bercy about ten years ago and made #8 in 250 GP) for the whole outdoor season. Kervella was helping Frederic Bolley who won the last two 250 GP titles.

The LA Times printed what DC described as a "Hatchet Job on Supercross." The article talks about injured riders like Donovan Mitchell, but goes off on some disorganized critique of off-road riding, adds quotes from Super Grumpy, and ends with a few national injury statistics. What's the point? Riding is dangerous. Duh. What does that have to do with how well Supercross is doing? Nothing. Its a sad waste of paper space. The thing has started quite a flap on Mototalk, so join in!

DC reports the 2001 MXdN will be at Namur, Belgium. The official announcement will be made at a press conference during the Spanish GP this weekend.

Motocross meets "Discovery Jones" TV: Discovery Jones, a show geared for kids ages 7-17, dedicated to teaching values and offering positive role models, recently filmed a segment with DM Sports-WSMX in January at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, CA. The show is set to air Friday March 30 and again April 6th, at 4:00pm eastern time on the INSP network on your cable system. You may also view the show on I LIFE DIGITAL cable, on Monday's and Wednesday's both in the morning and at 1:00pm in the afternoon. If you have a satelite dish, you can see the show on SKYANGEL NETWORK ...check satelite listings for those times.

Highlighted in the show were Team Green riders Andrew Short, Angie Keuntjes and Justin Keeney along with Tayler Lacey and Team Suzuki's Ben Riddle. WSMX (Women's School of Motocross) was also highlighted. With the camera's rolling the riders put on quite a show, exiting a few freestyle moves, whips, moto action and interviews.

Howard Stern Radio Takes Liking to Freestyle Motocrosser: LBZ rider Robert Distler was featured on a Howard Stern syndicated radio show on Friday March 9th in Columbus, OH between 8am and 10am. The interview was set up by DeAnna Kelly, SFX Freestyle Motocross Director of Marketing. In addition to Lil Dis's air time on Columbus Ohio's largest rock/alternative radio station, WBZK 99.7FM, the station made arrangements for four fans to have dinner with Robert at Juliannes in downtown Columbus. This is a first for freestyle motocross to draw interest from Stern's popular radio talk show and it can only be hoped that this is just the beginning for bigger things to come for freestyle motocross.

While Robert was the only rider to do the radio interview, he will be meeting up with Doc Marten rider Nate Adams and Answer Racing's Mad Mike Jones to film for The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. The airing of both shows will be on a national level, dates and times to be announced at a later date.

The series date for the Daniel Boone round of the DM Sports Women's World MX Series Championships has been rescheduled back to it's origional date of April 28-29.

OMS Press release: Nine-time AMA National Champion, Scott Summers was involved in a post-race crash following the 2nd round of the Grand National Cross Country Series in Macon, Georgia on Sunday, March 11.

In preparation of Round 3 of the GNCC Series, Summers was suspension testing following Sunday’s event. During the test, Summers crashed and was taken to Mid-Georgia Medical Center in Macon, Georgia where he was diagnosed with a broken femur. Summers underwent surgery today at 2:00 pm to have a rod inserted in the injured leg.

An up-beat and positive Summers said from his hospital bed, “This is obviously a temporary set back. As soon as I am able, I will begin intensive therapy on my leg with world-renowned sports trainer, Dr. Jeff Spencer. I had been working with Dr. Spencer for the past few months and was very encouraged by the strides we had made in that short time.”

Summers may be released from the Mid-Georgia Medical Center as early as Friday, March 16.

SFX just bought a majority interest in the International Hot Rod Association, here's the press release.

Daytona was a local race for SFX Vice President of International Business Development, Eric Peronnard. The guy who worked to bring AX to Geneva, Switzerland, Peronnard is now based in Daytona Beach.

Things got ugly at the 60th Daytona 200 by Arai. There were three red-flags, two fires, injuries, and a death in the Buell race. Check www.amaproracing.com and www.speedvision.com for details.

America's outdoor national champions RC and Pastrana swept America's most outdoor-like Supercross at Daytona, with really big wins. Each was their second Daytona win in a row. LaRocco charged from 7th to second after passing Lusk near the end. MC started 8th and couldn't get a drive past 6th. Ferry looked great all day but took a tumble and was fifth. Langston looked great in his first pro 250 race in the US, but got a flat when he was running a strong 9th in between Tortelli and Voss. Roncada tweaked his leg or his ankle, he DNF'd right after the 250 main started.

Bradshaw stopped after practice because he wasn't ready, but seemed very upbeat. Watts didn't qualify-neither did Kelly Smith. David Hill crashed out and may have a broke leg or femur, post on mototalk if you know more.

Ramsey lost the lead in the 125 main while trying to hold off Travis in a whoop section. Yamaha of Troy was shut out of the podium, with Pro Circuit's Brown and Vohland finishing second and third.

Is the "Beast" really back? Here is what he said Sunday: "I am going to do some outdoor nationals for sure, I just don’t know which ones, if I am going to do them all, or pick five that I like. Not real sure yet, but for sure I am going to help Factory Connection with the 125 testing because they have young guys on the team. If I want to race, I will race some." for more on what Bradshaw said, read the Daytona 125 race report...

Doug Henry chats with 125 rider-for-a-day Damon Bradshaw. Bradshaw will probably just do one SX for FC, but maybe some nationals?.

MC: The champ has his hands full, but if he wants to get his Mojo back, this is the time and place to do it.

Hey, it is Friday already? SX tomorrow afternoon? Weeks at Daytona are a blur, there is just too much going on.

Pastrana and RC have plenty of reason to be confident tomorrow, since they won last year and are both 100%. It the late afternoon Friday, just after the 600cc Supersport road race, a light rain cleared the pits. You can bet Vuillemin wouldn't mind seeing some rain Saturday.

Swap at Transworld Motocross mag (look at Mototalk) reports Damon Bradshaw is racing Daytona for Amsoil Factory Connection on a 125!

Gary Bailey gets the SX track done almost 2 weeks early because you can't be stirring up dust while all the road bike are zipping by.

Deegan missed the Deland Freestyle demo because he broke his ankle and couldn't go.

Thursday TFS emag will cover the custom Valkrie contest in the morning, and the FMX at Deland in the evening, with some road practice in between.

If you heard a rumor RC got hurt this week, don't listen. Kawasaki says he is fine.

One of Jeff Emig's biggest fans, Shyla, just updated her web page, so Check it out!

If you see this trailer crossing the country, tell the folks in the pickup pulling it you saw the photo of Tim Ferry here on Motonews.

Sick! Here is an amazing photo by our buddy Chris at www.motoxcentral.com. It is Drake McElroy at the Providence FMX last weekend. Check out his photo report and event article-good stuff!

Action photo: Supercross PR manager Denny Hartwig asks, "Where's Dave!?"

Engine Ice News: HMC Ducati and Competition Accessories Ducati is planning to run Engine Ice for Sunday's Daytona 200.

Matt Wait of the Synergy Technologies Honda Race team was injured in Sunday morning practice, breaking his left arm above the elbow. He will visit Dr. Ting in California within the next few days and its anticipated that he could be back for the Formula USA Willow Springs race. As with any rider who has been injured and is not able to race, they certainly enjoy hearing from the fans. Anyone wishing to send a "Get Well" to Matt may do so by emailing DG900sssp2@aol.com

Before the rain came, all the classes set to race today were able to get in some good practice time. The Unlimited Superbike class saw reigning class champion Grant Lopez of the Valvoline EMGO Suzuki team posted the fastest lap followed by Hooters Suzuki rider Mike Ciccotto and Vesrah Racing/Roadracing World's Chris Ulrich on his #18 Suzuki GSXR 750.

Buell Lightening practice had Michael Barnes of Zlock Racing going fast in the morning session, followed by New Castle H-D and Buell's Tripp Nobles.

In Aprilia Cup practice it was West Coast Racing's LaVaughn Daniel leading the session and followed by #23 Dan Fischer.

Stay tuned to the Net on Thursday, we may have an answer on where this year's MXdN will be held.

Buddy Duffy had somewhat of a set back over the weekend.

It seems he may have had another minor stroke. This caused some additional swelling in his brain, which was under control up until that point. The medical staff and his family were faced with a very difficult decision. They couldn't further medicate to reduce swelling, if the swelling continued it could further damage his brain and/or crush his spinal cord. So the only real available option was too cut off the top of his skull to allow his brain to swell. All agreed this would be the action to take. The removed portion of his skull was sent to a local blood bank and cryogenically preserved.

He is still in a coma. The good news is that the doctors feel that the CAT Scan showed his strokes were in the lower right portion of the brain. This part of the brain is not necessarily used. When he was taken off of the respirator to go to the CAT Scan, he was trying to breathe on his own. Even though he is in a coma and heavily medicated, this is a good sign and shows he's fighting to live. All in all, the doctors feel it is possible for Buddy to have a full 100% recovery (no guarantees of course) after a lot of rehab. It is safe to say he may never ride or race again.

Your prayers are helping and I speak for all of his family and friends when I say….Thank you. -Dave

Pastrana bounced back and won the 125 class. Ramsey was third but still leads the points.

Budman swept the Salt Lake City AX, with Snoop making the podium in both mains. Gonzales won the DFC. Jump contest expert Mike Mason hurt his hand. Gibson had an off night. Willoh and Holland crashed together in the 125 main. Willoh's broke ribs turned out to be just bruised.

For Salt Lake photos, check ot the great stuff by Gary "I got a flash" Kidd on Arenacross.com. Ray will have stuff up tonight on the special Arenacross emag.

New Orleans Supercross stuff will be up late tonight, but you will know what happened because you will listen on www.pacesupercross.com.

Saturday night is round 8 of EA Sport Supercross-the series halfway point. RC isn't slowing down, and MC remains determined to make up that 9 points RC has after Atlanta. Neither has won a 250 main here. Last year's New Orleans winner Vuillemin hasn't made a podium yet, but he seemed over the injured ribs at Atlanta. Lusk won here in 1999, Windham in 1998. Before that Supercross left New Orleans after Mike Bell and Mark Barnett won in 1980 (they ran two nights).

Check out Stevedensmore.com for a cool report on the Dayton, Ohio IFMA freestyle event. OK, never mind, check out his hottie friend Corissa right here.

The Formula USA 200 Mile Challenge kicked off Bike Week at the Daytona International Speedway. (Notice Engine Ice signs)

According to Engine Ice Dave, there are no changes in Charles Duffy's condition yet. He writes: "Buddy Duffy's condition remains virtually the same. But that is a good thing. It has made the doctors confident enough to start weaning him off of the pain and sedative medications he's been on. As the meds wear off, we'll get a better idea of his "True" condition. Keep hoping and keep praying."

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