11/02/02:

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Photos:  Friday photos from Des Moines

11/02/02:

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Josh Demuth won both mains in Saturday's Arenacross season opener in Des Moines, and it wasn't easy.  New names led both mains in the beginning and put in great rides, giving the more familiar riders some tough work to do.  Shawn Clark, fresh from the US Open's Engine Ice 125cc Amateur cup, led the 125 main until Kelly Smith took him out, then Demuth took the lead from Smith.  Local hero and last year's "Rookie of the Year" Justin Brayton led the 250 main and was only passed by Demuth and Darcy Lange, putting Brayton on the podium for a pleased sellout crowd.

Demuth took the points lead from Lange.  Interestingly enough, the points order for the first three matches the numbers they earned last year.  Demuth leads, Lange is #2 and he is second in points, and #3 Hofmaster is third.   Still the vets need to watch out the the new guys, competition is pretty close.

Results from www.arenacross.com

Shawn Clark, #156, held off Demuth for most of a 125 main.

Nicky Hayden got an 2002 AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year Award nomination.

11/01/02:

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Results from www.arenacross.com

Lange leads the series with 38 points after one round, Hofmaster second with 34 and defending champ Demuth has 31.  Budman struggled after a near crash in the 125 main and is 9th.  Jason Thomas hurt a couple of fingers in a 250 main first turn crash and DNF'd.

10/31/02:

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More info is added to the Teams 2003 section.

Business:  CCE has officially announces the title sponsor for world SX is THQ.

The latest Team Green News is out, and it is one of the best ever.  If you don't get it, run down to your local Kawasaki dealer and pick one up.  The photo printing is the best in the business, and this one is jammed full! 

Things are picking up for the National Arenacross Series.  This year AMA sanctioning is back and three teams will have full-on semis:  Shogun (Yamaha) Richmond Gowland (Team Green), and Tuf Racing (Kawasakis).  Tuf's semi isn't ready but the other two were at Des Moines for press day.

10/30/02:

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This weekend is the National Arenacross season opener in Des Moines!

Josh Demuth will be defending is title against 5-time champ Buddy Antunez, who took a year off AX to race SX and nationals.  There is plenty more competition too, check out the AX section in the "Teams 2003" page.

A trip to Des Moines also needs to include a stop by the incredible Sprockets Karting facility!  www.sprocketskarting.com.

10/29/02:

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Phat Catt Gear, which is the best company for riding gear for us sexy full-bodied riders, still has great stuff.  Check www.phatcatt.com. 

More new humans:  Joshua Rider Renner....8 lbs..... 19 inches, son of freestyler Ronnie Renner, congrats!

10/28/02:

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Arenacross World Finals photos:  On Arenacross dot com

CN reported on a story in Japan that Yamaha had an aluminum-framed YZ250.  www.cyclenews.com.

Michael Byrne was injured in Europe.  The injury sounds a lot like the one he had earlier this year at Indy but we don't have details yet.

Barcelona SX results:  250s:  1)  Lusk, 2)  Vico, 3)  Lozano.  125s:  1)  Tedesco, 2)  Elliott, 3)  Charlier.

All-Japan GP Results:  250s  1)  Demaria, 1-1, 2) Takeshi Koikeda, 2-4, 3) Kazumasa Masuda, 5-3.  125s:  Chad Reed, 2-1, 2)  Ernesto Fonseca Honda 1-2, 3)  Manabu Watanabe Yamaha 5-4.   Fonseca was on a 4-stroke 250.

Please welcome the new member of the Hoppen Clan, born October, 26 2002 02.25 a.m.  Zander-Jaguar Wesley-Hunter Hoppen.  The rest of the family is Xylena-Beverly Carley Faith, Yannick-Tyger Romeo-Pascal, Marion and Frank Hoppen.

Matthieu "Matt" Legrand was born at 11:25am on October 28th in Ivry-sur-Seine (France).  His parents are Karen and Stephan Legrand.  Stephan works as a journalist in the US for a French publisher.

10/27/02:

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More on the Ryno return:  So far the plan is Ryno will race 125 nationals (no supercross) for the KTM team.

Gundy's first full page CN Cover!

10/26/02:

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US Open on TV:  The US Open is scheduled to air on ESPN2 Sunday at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific.  It's a 90 minute show!

Rodrig Thain has been in Europe talking to Husqvarna about racing GPs next year, since so far he hasn't landed a ride for US races in 2003.  That's too bad because the US teams are missing out. Thain is a top talent that should not have been overlooked.  This weekend he is racing a Husky 250 at a supercross in Italy.

Racing:  Here's a preview and preliminary entry list for the 20th Bercy Supercross in Paris, France, Nov 8-10.

10/25/02:

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What do Arencross riders Chad Johnson, Brandon Bartz, Pedro Gonzalez, Chad Pederson, David Oettel, Justin Brayton, and Jeremy Buehl have in common?  So Cal.  Check out the Teams 2003 page and see where they are in the AX section.

MotoXDream's MotoTees / FLY Racing Fantasy Arenacross:  In less than a week, the first series of the 2003 season kicks off in Des Moines, IA. Once again the National Arenacross Series kicks it all off in the Hawkeye state and the new and improved MotoXDream.com is right there playing along. We are now ready to start taking entries for our 2003 MotoTees / Fly Racing Fantasy Arenacross Series. With great weekly prizes from MotoTees, the official event t-shirt of the 2001 Chevy Truck Nationals, you can now win t-shirts from the events you didn't have a chance to witness. Also from FLY Racing, more t-shirts and an autographed Timmy Ferry replica helmet is up for grabs to the 2003 Grand Prize Fantasy Arenacross Champion. So head over to MotoXDream for your chance to play along! 

Renthal PR:  Renthal and KTM have come to terms on a long term agreement for KTM to use Renthal handlebars and Chainwheels for both their 125 and 250 supercross and outdoor national efforts. We are all very excited about the groundwork that has been laid for a long fruitful relationship. This new agreement is an integral part of the Global motocross and supercross relationship that Renthal and KTM now share.

10/24/02:

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Ryno comeback?    Transworld MX's web site (www.transworldmx.com) reports that Ryan Hughes may make a return to racing.  It has been reported previously that Ryno had an insurance policy that would have precluded continuing his pro career, but he told TWMX the policy didn't pay.  That means nothing is holding him back from jumping back out there.  He liked the KTM 125 he rode at the world cup....hmmm. 

Starwest Cycle Park will re-open Monday, Oct 30!   Here's their site with more info.  (Thanks to Michael Leib's dad for sending this in.)

Frank and Mary Hoppen are expecting Hoppen child #3 any day now.

Business:  Mach 1 Announces its 2003 Team.

Just added to the teams 2003 page:  Team D&S Honda/Kawasaki - rider Jeremy Durrett - mechanic Chad Goodwin, Thor Gear - LCS motor/suspension.

10/23/02:

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Racer X's first string photohound Simon Cudby has a new book out with 184 pages of racing!  Here's the link to find out more and order one.

37 Million people will have a chance to see a short piece on RC in Parade magazine, the weekly insert that goes in Sunday papers across the US.  OMS Sports' Pat Schutte helped the editor when someone wrote to the paper and asked about RC.  Nice goin Ruppdog.

Business:  PGI to Produce AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet

MC is back on his bike.  RX's EJ reported an MC on KTM sighting at Elsinore.

The Vans Triple Crown of FMX will be at St Louis this weekend. Here's a preview on the CCE site.

10/22/02:

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Photos of the Reno X Games qualifier by Ryan Mahoney are up, Click here.  For more info on the event, check here.

Stefan Everts injured his ankle at a Supermotard event in Belgium and will be out about 6 weeks.

Chad Johnson was on the teams list for Tuf's Valvoline AX team, but he won't be on it.  Rusty Holland was just added instead.  For the full Teams 2003 list, click here.

Buckelew hurt his knee practicing and will have surgery tomorrow.    Roncada's SX practice track is built by Marc Peters and is almost ready. 

10/21/02:

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Business:  Crossover Challenge returns to SX, this time at Anaheim 3.

Kelsey Lewis (Kyle Lewis' daughter) starred in the Pink video "Family Portrait."  Check it out!  Here's a link to Pink videos.

10/20/02:

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Life:  Washougal People Section  People sections are back!
Life:  Binghamton People Section
Life:  Steel City People Section

Italy wins MXoN:  Italy's Bartolini, Chiodi, and Puzar won the Spanish MXoN with 5 points, Belgium was second with 11, and Finland was third.   Many of the top riders and teams did not participate. 

New Poll:  Tell us what factors are most important when buying a moto product.

Review:  Bar 2 Bar 2002, the best video in supercross is back!

MC is healing up and hopes to get cleared to get back on a bike Tuesday.

10/19/02:

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Metzger does three backflips at Sheffield SX.  (MX Freak photo)

Amsoil/Factory Conection Honda's Michael Byrne won the Sheffield SX, just one week after teammate Mike LaRocco won the big bucks at the US Open.  Amsoil/FC's Travis Preston was second, Ivan Tedesco third.

Chad Reed smoked the field at the Sydney Supercross Masters in Australia.  Troy Carrol was second and the only one Reed didn't lap.  Aussie SX champ Craig Anderson, on his last race for KTM, was third. 

Business:  2003 FIM GP schedule and some new rules.  These came at the conclusion of the FIM World Congress, which wrapped up today.  The 2003 MXoN will be at Zolder, Belgium.

The Italian team of Andrea Bartolini, Alessio Chiodi and Alex Puzar, led qualifying for tomorrow's MXoN in Spain.

Nate Adams adds his name to the riders doing a backflip in competiton.  He did his at an X Games qualifier in Reno.

10/18/02:

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Business:  Clear Channel's Mark Abernethy promoted to senior VP.

KTM's newest import, Joaquim Rodrigues of Portugal, who was checking out the US Open.

Shaun Palmer wants to try the MX nationals again and he is getting ready for Glen Helen 2003.  He spent time getting ready for the nationals in 2001 and Honda backed him for the first weekend, but he injured his finger and pulled out.  That was too bad because he was looking really good in qualifying.

10/17/02:

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Mercedes Gonzalez Benefit MX School:  Check out www.wml-mx.com/news_benefit_school.html

Races/events this weekend:  Sheffield SX (England), SX Masters (Australia), Crawfordsville, IN, GNCC (final round), X Games Qualifier (Reno), Annual Red Bud Grass race, Red Bud, and some raced called the Motocross of Nations in Spain.

EA Sports Supercross runner-up DV turns 25 tomorrow.

10/16/02:

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Australia's 2003 KTM's:  Check out this photo feature by our own "Motodude."

Business:  Kawasaki's Bob Moffit Retires

Life:  Brandon Jesseman in Exercise and Health Magazine!

10/15/02:

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Will make web sites for food...

Chris Williams, web slave for www.maxxis.com and long time friend of Motonews, has left the company and is job hunting on the west coast. Check out his site at www.spyraldesigns.com.

10/14/02:

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Racing:  LaRocco Wins THQ US Open

10/13/02:

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Unofficial News:  The new title sponsor for supercross is THQ.  The series will be called "THQ World Supercross."

10/12/02:

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James Povolny, Jr is backed by "The Privateer Connection," a cool new idea for supporting privateers.  Check it out!  Here is their web site.

Photos: US Open Saturday Photos
Photos: US Open Friday Photos

Josh Coppins won the Italian MX championship on a Honda CRF450R. 

10/11/02:

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10/10/02:

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Photos:  US Open Press Day Photos

Today Ryan Clark and RC are doing the press conference for the THQ US Open at he MGM.  Check back late Thursday for an update and photos.  If all goes well there could be a special guest at the press conference too.

Races are Friday and Saturday night, and Arenacross amateur finals are Sunday afternoon.  Its going to be a very full weekend of racing!  The first 2 nights feature the 250 class, the White Brothers 4-stroke race, the Engine Ice 125cc Amateur Cup, an awesome FMX demo, and the KTM Peewee Exhibition.  If you have to stay home, make sure you listen in on www.ussx.com.   This weekend CCE will officially announce the new title sponsor for Supercross next year.  

60 Minutes 2 will have a crew at the Open this year.  The producer has been working the phones for a few weeks doing research for a spot on the growth of supercross and motocross.  Industry wags are cautiously optimistic about seeing a good program as a result, but skeptics remember a lot of damage done by big TV back when three-wheeled ATVs were getting the wrong kind of attention.

The US Open is a great time to see new bikes and riders on new teams.  Unfortunately we won't see MC on his KTM until world SX starts in December, and Suzuki is staying home, but we will see Grant Langston on a 2003 KTM, Lusk on a 2003 KX250, Ferry on the YZ450F, and Reed in his first supercross for team Yamaha.  Also the Alessi brothers, Mike and Jeff, will be on new CR85s.

Damon Huffman is expected to race this US Open on a Blackfoot Honda, his new team.

Photos:  Sunday (Bike) Photos from the Powerline Park GNCC

The Primm Collection, an all-MX moto stash that will not be open officially for a few years, took notice of the Hackensmith art on Motonews that went up this week.  As a result, when the museum opens, you can look for a display of Hackensmith's art on display.

10/09/02:

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Patched up:  The fuss over who took out who between Grant Langston and Sean Hamblin at the World Cup is over.  They bumped into each other at the Del Mar dirt track event and talked it over.  (Giberson photo)

Business:  KTM Peewee Lineup for US Open.

Changes in the US Open Engine Ice 125cc Amateur's Cup Lineup (Tarroux is out due to injury , replaced by Partridge):

Team Suzuki – Broc Hepler & Bryan Johnson Jr.
Team Honda – Ryan Mills & Sean Collier
Team Yamaha – Nick Adams & Jesse Casillas
Team Kawasaki – Teddy Maier & Shawn Clark
Team KTM – Cody Dickey & Drew Kain
Team Engine Ice – Kyle Partridge & Ryan Sipes

Clear Channel's new URL for the official supercross site is www.sxgp.com, and it replaces www.pacesupercross.com. 

10/08/02:

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Poll:  Pick Your Favorite 250 Rider for the US Open

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Supercross After-Party
Saturday, October 12 at Studio 54 in Las Vegas:  Plans are underway for the "U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Supercross After-Party," which will be held on Saturday, October 12 at Studio 54 in Las Vegas, following the U.S. Open of Supercross. Studio 54 is located inside the MGM Grand - just down the hall from the Supercross race. "We have a history now of putting on awesome after-party events, and we're expecting to have a big turnout for U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, the new sponsor. The riders will all know about it, and many have attended our after-parties in the past," according to Jamey Grosser, Supercross rider and coordinator for the after-party.

10/07/02:

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Internet guide to KROC Photos:
-Kmac's:  www.mac2photography.com/Englishtown/index.htm
-Tedesco's:  www.motoxcentral.com/kroc02_1.shtml
-Kardas:  www.kardy.net  (When he gets around to posting them!)

Toon by Hackensmith.

Photos:  Special!  40 Toons by Walt Hackensmith.

Costa Rica and Grant Langston are not going to the MXoN in Spain, even though a press release issued this week had them listed.

10/06/02:

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This year's US Open program features artwork from our favorite cartoonist, Walt Hackensmith!   Make sure to pick one up this weekend.  The US Open program is always the slickest moto publication of the year.  This one is almost all digital. 

$100,000 is on the line ...
Listen to the US OPEN Of Motocross from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada LIVE ONLINE Friday, October 11, 2002 at 8pm and Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 8pm Pacific Time for two nights of the World Richest Motorcycle Race. http://www.ussx.com.

Mototex Oil, the same oil that Team KTM/Red Bull, Stephan Everts and recently crowned 125cc World Champion Mickael Maschio rely on, is coming to America and is looking to sponsor riders in Motocross, Off-Road and Road Racing. If you are interested and want to fill out an
application on-line simply click here...
http://www.promotionmotorsports.com/motorexusa

Lusk and Josh Woods won the pro classes at the Kawasaki Race of Champions yesterday.  Bubba crashed out early and called it a day, but reports are that he will be OK.  Damien Plotts kept Lusk honest.

Fred Andrews won the Powerline Park GNCC in Ohio, after leading most for the race and staying ahead of a late charge buy Barry Hawk.  Keidrowski was third.  There is one round left with Rodney Smith still leading the points.  Shane Watts isn't recovered 100% but he made a few very fast laps on a 2003 KTM125SX.

10/05/02:

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Photos:  Action ATV Photos from the Powerline Park GNCC

10/05/02:

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Life:  World Cup People Section

Congrats!

Supercross and Motocross champion RC gets married to his long time girlfriend Ursula Holley today.

Clutch Films is now in production of their latest video titled 50 NUTS. This video is showcasing the wide variety of backyard 50cc racing across America. If you have any footage of great racing, big jumps, crashes or funny party footage or skits on a  50cc bikes and would like to be a part of this new video. Contact our office @ 909-244-9793 or by E-mail at LEWISMXVM@AOL.com.

Results:  Results were added to the 50s Nuts National that took place the Friday night before the World Cup.  Click here for the photos and results.

10/04/02:

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Ohio's Charlie Dunaway was paralyzed in a crash recently. A benefit race is being held for him and you can give stuff for the auction. For more info call David Mohr @ 614 595-9676.   Best wishes to Charlie and his family.

Sports Illustrated Followup:  Here's more RC and nationals in Sports Illustrated.  The Sept 23 Adventure section features a cover shot of RC and a two-pager inside.  This is the same page you saw before so hit F5 to re-load it.

Both the US and Canada issued statements today confirming they will not be racing the rescheduled Motocross of Nations in Spain, Oct 19-20.

October cover for Motorcycle Product News (digital, rider is stevey d)

November cover, from Glen Helen Sunday.  Riders are Dye, Trevor Vines, and Rocket Rob Buydos.

Mike Metzger did a backflip this week for the Charlie's Angels 2 movie.

Honda's Aquatrax race rig, on the way to Havasu.

Something else to do on US Open weekend:  The 21st annual IJSBA World Finals will be held from October 6th through October 13th at the Crazy Horse RV Resort & Campground in Lake Havasu City. Sanctioned by the International Jet Sports Boating Association, and promoted by Freespace Media Group, the IJSBA World Finals is the world's largest and most prestigious personal watercraft event. Racers from as far away as Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, and Canada will challenge the USA's best professionals at this spectacular spot on the Arizona's Colorado River, just down the street from the world-famous London Bridge.  For more info go to www.watercraft.com,
 

10/03/02:

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Evel Knievel To Appear at K&N Del Mar Weekend

Clear Channel Entertainment's motor sports division announced today that Evel Knievel, the famous motorcycle daredevil who cheated death hundreds of times, will resurface at this weekend's K&N Filters Del Mar Weekend near San Diego.

Knievel confirmed today his attendance at Saturday night's Skip Van Leeuwen Short Track National, the penultimate national round of the Drag Specialties Formula USA National Dirt Track series.

"Skip is an old friend of mine and I'm looking forward to seeing many of motorcycle racing's best on Saturday," said Knievel.  Saturday night's national event includes the best of motorcycle racing's youth and experience including the Nicky Hayden, Tommy Hayden, Roger Lee Hayden, Rich King, Chris Carr, Terry Poovey and more. Also present will be weekend Grand Marshals, Joe Leonard: 3-time Grand National Champion (1954, '56, '57), Carroll Resweber: 4-time Grand National Champion (1958-'61) and Scott Parker: 9-time Grand National Champion (1988-91, ‘94-‘98).  Knievel will be saluted during intermission ceremonies at Saturday night's national race.

Evel's connections to Clear Channel Entertainment date back to the early 70's. On January 8 1971, Evel's spectacular jump at the PACE Entertainment promoted Houston Astrodome was one of many sold out shows.  Through the years dozens of riders in supercross, Arenacross, and IFMA Freestyle Motocross and dirt track have saluted the 'Godfather of Cool'.  "Evel Knievel is one of the founding fathers of extreme sports, a legend, and we're honored to have him in attendance this weekend in Del Mar," said Charlie Mancuso, president of Clear Channel Entertainment - Motor Sports.  Tickets are available by visiting any TicketMaster outlets or charge by phone (619) 220-TIXS, participating Harley-Davidson and other motorcycle dealers, and during the week of the show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.dirttrack.com.

Next month is the 20th Bercy Supercross, with a unique new all-125 team format. Motonews will be there!  Here is the event's web site. 

10/01/02:

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Justin Buckelew will get the last available spot on Pro Circuit in 2003.

Eric Sorby re-injured his knee at the World Cup and is going back to France for surgery by the same Dr. that works on DV.  He should be back riding in a month.

French 80cc rider Christophe Pourcel, European 85c champion, will race the mini class at the US Open.

Jason Thomas hired Tortelli's previous trainer Yannig Kervella to get him ready for the Arenacross series.  He will be on Tuf Racing's team on a Kawasaki.

09/30/02:

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The man of the hour in motocross right now is Rick Doughty, the owner of Vintage Iron in southern California and organizer of the World Cup.  Doughty and his good friend Greg Primm of Primm Collections raised $100K in less than a week and put together a race that drew about half what a national at Glen Helen pulls in, and it was the coolest race of the year so far.  Fourteen international teams participated and fans from all over had a blast!  

Jeff Ward, David Bailey, Jeff Emig, and Ryan Hughes at the World Cup.

Racing:  World Cup of Motocross

"The Baz," one of the first people to put together Motocross Action magazine, gave the opening prayer at the World Cup Sunday.  The Baz is now a minister but still follows motocross.  Where does he get his info?  The Internet of course.  Baz's regular stops are www.racerxill.com, www.cyclenews.com, Meyer's GP site www.motocrossgrandprix.com, and right here on Motonews! 

Anger Season:  Just about all the key US races are over for 2002, except for the US Open in less than two weeks.  That means it's "internet anger" season, that time of year when talking about racing on the message boards gives way to anger and war games.  DC from Racer X even got some email threats from his last Racerhead column.  Last year the fuss was over RC switching to Honda.  This year it's RC skipping the World Cup, an un-sanctioned race that he was not contracted to ride and was not in Honda's plan for 2002.  People are entitled to be disappointed if they expect RC to race somewhere and he doesn't, but the message board war games have gone way too far.  People also seem to forget that RC hasn't broken any promises.  If a fan spent money and took time off to see RC race in southern California last weekend, and missed him, their issue is with the promoter, not RC or Honda.   The MXoN at Comp Park fell apart. Not RC's problem.  The World Cup tried and could not get him.  Not RC's problem.  The promoters of races are the ones who work the deals to get the riders, get the word out on who is coming, and sell the tickets.   RC's job is to win the races Honda sends him too.  He did his job better than anyone last summer.  Good for him, and shame on the people taking their MXoN-related disappointment out on RC. 

Who's in/out for the US Open?  Reed and Ferry are in, MC, Tortelli, and Roncada are out.  Suzuki just got Tortelli and Roncada on RMs and they need the time to test and get ready for Anaheim.

Who's in/out for world supercross in December?  MC and KTM are in, Yamaha probably, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki are out.

Who's in/out for the MXoN in Spain?  Turnout is not looking good, for sure it will be really bad compared to what it could have been if the race would have stayed in southern California.  RC is definitely out, and America's participation is even questionable.  The annual Team USA manager Roger DeCoster is not going.  

Tortelli's mechanic when he was at Honda, Shane Drew, will be LaRocco's mechanic in 2003, replacing Paul DeLaurier.  Honda is pleased enough with LaRocco that they are supplying Drew as the mechanic to the Amsoil/Factory Connection team.