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Volcom Exits Motocross

Michael Antonovich — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:51:20 +0000

Volcom Exits Motocross

Costa Mesa, CA. – June 17, 2013 – Volcom today said it will intensify its focus on the foundational core sports upon which the brand was founded over 20 years ago and exit motocross. The company officially launched its motocross program in 2009 and amassed an impressive riding team of world-class athletes, including superstar Ryan Villopoto, the 2011, 2012 and 2013 AMA Supercross Champion. As the first company to formally blend the 3 primary board sports together from day one, Volcom will remain devoted to skate, snow and surf, along with music and art.

“In an increasingly competitive and specialized global market it is imperative that we continue to simplify the Volcom brand message so that we can achieve maximum differentiation and voice amplification,” said Jason Steris, Volcom’s CEO. “We have been extremely proud to have been a part of the motocross family for several years. However, pressing forward with all of our emphasis on board sports is the right direction for Volcom for the long term.”

“I am very proud to have been part of the Volcom motocross program from the beginning and am grateful for the warm reception and regular acceptance from a world-class community of athletes, teams, media, agents and promoters,” said Troy Powell, Volcom’s MX Marketing Senior Manger. “I understand this was a difficult decision for Volcom but I support the company’s vision and the need to retain its focus on its core boarding sports. Combined with my earlier years in the Volcom surf program, it has been a tremendous experience being part of an amazing company and I now look forward to new ventures.” Powell joined Volcom in 1996 and will always be a part
of the Volcom family.

“The motocross team has done an exceptional job helping our company gain an admirable standing in this sport,” said Ryan Immegart, Volcom’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “With Troy at the helm, our accomplishments are many and I am thankful for his stewardship and relentless passion toward making an indelible mark in motocross. As well, we could not have achieved so much without Ryan Villopoto and the rest of our team riders.”

About Volcom, Inc.

Volcom is a modern global lifestyle brand that embodies the creative spirit of youth culture. The company was founded in 1991 on the principles of liberation, innovation and experimentation, and this is uniquely expressed in its quality clothing, footwear, accessories and related products under the Volcom brand name. For more information, please visit www.volcom.com. Volcom is part of the Kering Group*, a world leader in apparel and accessories which develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands. http://www.kering.com

Muscle Milk TWMX SoCal Summer Cup Race Series 2013: Milestone MX

Casey Davis — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:35:38 +0000

The opening round of the Muscle Milk TWMX So-Cal Summer Cup has concluded and it was another one for the books. The creme de la creme of So-Cal amateur racers invaded Riverside,CA’s Milestone MX Park for some competitive racing in hopes of leaving the facility with a trophy or two. Being that it was the first round of the series, the TWMX staff felt it was necessary to welcome all racers and families alike with a good ‘ol fashioned pancake breakfast. Flapjacks, sausage and coffee welcomed the So-Cal Summer Cup crowd in the early morning in hopes of a proper body fuel up.

Some homemade style pancakes and sausage were served up this weekend for everyone. None of that rubbery stuff you get at the drive-thru.

Once everyone got their dose of hotcakes, it was time to check out what goods awaited on vendor row. Etnies has been a staple at the race series, and this weekend was no different. They brought out Twitch’s new signature shoe, as well as Chad Reed’s, and some posters to be given away, as well. Leatt-Brace was on hand selling new neck-braces and pads, chest protectors, cooling system vests and EKS Brand goggles. Also, ODI was keeping everyone supplied with new bars, grips and other accessories. Not to mention the Muscle Milk crew was helping to keep everyone hydrated throughout the hot day.

The people at Leatt-Brace kept everyone covered with body protection, but they also had these Coolit-Vests to keep body temperatures down on those hot race days.

As aforementioned, Southern California’s top groms all made their way out with plans of leaving Milestone with some TWMXRS hardware. But, only a select few were able to! Justin Hoeft, Cody Baker, Shane Mcelrath and Rhys Dorreen were amongst a few of this weekend’s winners. Justin Hoeft walked away with overalls in Schoolboy (thru 17) and 250B, but not without some intense battles with Jeremy Byrne and Tallon LaFountaine. Cody Baker did just about the same thing, but instead, winning Open (non-pro) and 450B. Again, not without beating some stiff competition. Shane Mcelrath and Daniel Baker had some of the most intense battles throughout the day in both Pro Open and 450A. Blistering lap times were seen from these two as they checked out from the competition, but it would be Mcelrath to come out on top in both classes as Baker was breathing down his neck most of the day. Dorreen walked away with the overall in 250A just edging out Jaisaac Sloan’s 1-2 with a 2-1 finish

Justin Hoeft was the man to beat in 250B and Schoolboy (thru 17). Here, he speeds his way over a roller on his way to an overall in Schoolboy.

Shane Mcelrath was absolutely flying this weekend, as displayed above. He went home with the overall in Pro-open and 450A, as well.

Cody Baker was another speedster to completely sweep two classes. Baker finished first in 450B and Open (non-pro).

Another great day of racing was had this weekend and we hope to see you at round two of the So-Cal Summer Cup which will be held at Perris Raceway on July 14. See you there!

Pin-Up Video: Jessica Lyn

Michael Antonovich — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:09:14 +0000

While we shouldn’t play favorites when it comes to pin-up models, Jessica Lyn is an exception that must be made. She is gorgeous, tattooed, and a Morrissey fan. Need we say more?

VIEW: open in colorbox

presented by transworld.tv

FMX Ride Day at Faisst’s House

Casey McPerry — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:54:20 +0000

With the X Games taking place next week in Munich, Germany, everyone has been hard at work. Training with your friends can be even more productive than riding alone, because they push you to do the things you weren’t sure about. Last week a crew of riders, including X Games gold medalists Nate Adams, Taka Higashino, and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg and Red Bull X Fighters star Levi Sherwood, headed out to Ronnie Faisst’s course to get some last-minute practicing in before the trip to Europe. We tagged along to capture the action…

FMX Ride Day at Faisst’s House

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presented by transworld.tv

Summer Vacation: Monday Kickstart June 17, 2013

Michael Antonovich — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:02:47 +0000

It’s crazy to think that we’ve only had three weekends off since January. There was one only small break between Toronto and Houston during the Supercross season, then a weekend off between Vegas and the kickoff of the Nationals at Hangtown. We are now four rounds into the summer, one which will include numerous weekends off and a much earlier conclusion at Lake Elsinore.

This past week was quite remarkable because both Yamaha and Suzuki released their 2014 model year race bikes. Both of Suzuki’s full-size motocross bikes, the RM-Z250 and RM-Z450, claimed TWMX’s 2013 Bike of the Year honors and the brand only made refinements to the award-wining machines for the next year.

2014 Suzuki RM-Z450

2014 Suzuki RM-Z250

Although Suzuki stayed with their same machinery, Yamaha announced their YZF250 and YZF450 will be all-new for 2014. Both bikes now use Yamaha’s reversed cylinder design and wrap-around exhaust, which centers the weight of the engine as much possible. This is quite important for the brand, since both bikes have received criticism as of late; the 250 has had the same carbureted powerplant for years and the debates on the 450 are just the beating a dead horse.

2014 Yamaha YZF 450

2014 Yamaha YZF 250

We’ll swing our legs over all four bikes soon…

This week’s Kickstart is a collection of content, including interviews with a number of riders, photos from the track, and the inspiring story of Japan’s Cloud Toda. Get to clicking.

Open Letter From Michael Leib

Michael Antonovich — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:24:22 +0000

Hello from Italy! I thought it would be best to make a statement since things have gotten pretty interesting over here in Europe. I normally would not do this but I feel that my reputation has been on the line and want to set the record straight before racing for Giraboldi Honda this weekend at the G.P. in Maggiore, Italy.

The Beursfoon Rockstar Suzuki team offered me a verbal racing offer, no contract, for the 2013 GP’s here in Europe. After riding their bike in November I told them it had potential and I would be interested if they could build a bike capable of winning a GP. Months ago the team was presented with the full details of our motor and suspension package. The team insisted that after testing their bike, if I was not happy with the suspension or the motor they had the financial recourses to let me bring in my own suspension and motors, “this would not be an issue”.

I am 100% healthy and was able to ride 2 – 35 minute motos per day before I flew to Holland to test and prepare to race the French GP and was disappointed to find that the race motor was not ready and rode a close to stock motorcycle that was unacceptable. We agreed not to race the French GP. The following week the race motor was ready and I was looking forward to what it would do on the track. I was disappointed with the performance and mechanical issues we were faced with. My mechanic Roel, was working non-stop to correct all of the problems. Thank you for that Roel!

After almost three weeks of being in Holland and riding sub-par equipment that continually didn’t last more than 25 minutes and no explanation of what was wrong, I was unable to get them to agree to get my motors and suspension here.

On this past Monday we left for the 17 hour drive to Italy, I was unsettled about the situation to say the least, having little confidence since the team would not agree to do what they promised to do, to make this a competitive bike, this “was now an issue.”

15 hours into the trip, I talked to the team owner and he informed me that he was not going to consider even trying my motor, period. I told him that was not our deal and that I did not feel confident that I could race their bikes. He then turned the hauler around back to Holland and they dropped me off at the airport, thus terminating our agreement. Pretty upsetting.

While I was at the airport in Germany for roughly 8 hours trying to figure out what I was going to do with the rest of my life, I contacted every available race contact in Europe looking for a ride, there was nothing. At that point I looked into booking a flight home. A good friend here in Italy persuaded me to go the GP and shake hands before heading home to be sure there wasn’t another opportunity for me. I agreed to fly to Milan.

On Wednesday, Beursfoon Rockstar Suzuki released a press release stating, “we are immediately terminating our cooperation with Leib.”
Now for the crazy part; John the team owner at Buersfoon Rockstar Suzuki, plans on suing me and is here in Italy demanding I pay him money or he will file a restraining order blocking me from riding. He has also communicated with every team he could reach telling them what a horrible person I am. He also demanded Youthstream not grant me an entry to race.

It’s a shame, It’s simply a matter of me standing up for what we discussed earlier in the year. Their bike is not competitive – they did not take the steps necessary to make it competitive. The level of performance that I’ll be racing against is very high and Buersfoon Rockstar Suzuki knew full well that the only reason I agreed to race their bike was if it was really good.

I was given an opportunity to a last minute test with Girabadi Honda to see of there was a possible fit. I met with the team, I rode their bike, liked the bike and the whole team. I have agreed to race this weekend.

As I write this John from Buersfoon Rockstar Suzuki is here at the track with his lawyer trying to stop me from racing.

I just got word that the red #80 will be racing this weekend. Thank you Youthstream, AMA, Giraboldi Honda, Josh Pitts, Andrea Giradello, family, friends, and fans!

Ciao!

Michael Leib #80

PitPass: Marvin Musquin – High Point

Casey McPerry — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:08:37 +0000

With last weeks race looking to be a mud race out at High Point, Marvin was able to give us his opinion about the track. Looks like Marvin knows what he is talking about as he walked away from High Point with the overall win in the 250 class.

PitPass: Marvin Musquin – High Point

VIEW: open in colorbox

presented by transworld.tv

Suzuki Announces 2014 RM-Z Motorcycles

Michael Antonovich — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:03:48 +0000

2014 Suzuki RM-Z450

BREA, Calif. – Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) continues its introduction of 2014 vehicles by announcing the 2014 RM-Z450 and RM-Z250.

For 2014, the Suzuki RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 feature updated ECM ignition programs that improve starting, as well as race-inspired Champion Yellow-and-black graphics to best fit each bike’s high-performance character. These upgrades show Suzuki’s continued commitment to the already-strong performance of its RM-Z450 and RM-Z250, facts proven in part by Cycle World magazine’s repeat acknowledgement of the RM-Z450 as Best Motocrosser in 2011 and 2012. And in 2013, both the RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 was chosen by Transworld MX as their bikes of the year. The RM-Z450 was also selected as the class-leader by RacerX.

“By delivering these refinements for 2014, the Suzuki RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 will continue to lead their classes,” said Derek Schoeberle, Product Media Relations Manager for SMAI. “These products are proof that manufacturing and selling category-leading motorcycles takes more than just one year. A combination of superior development, proven craftsmanship, and ongoing owner support helps Suzuki, its dealers and its riders earn multiple championships.”

The 2014 RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 retain the “Champion Approved” features and performance that have lead racers nationwide to select yellow motorcycles as their racing equipment. For years, top racers have chosen to ride Suzuki, including Yoshimura Suzuki rider James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael, whose RCH Racing team competes on Suzuki RM-Zs.

With endorsements like that, Suzuki proves that choosing an RM-Z is the best decision a racer can make. Amateur and pro racers nationwide are increasingly opting for Suzuki RM-Z motorcycles; both the RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 continue to increase their share of race entries each of the last four years. Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. will soon announce its detailed race-support offerings for the coming season.

Suzuki pioneered MX fuel-injection with the 2007 RM-Z450, and it quickly became the first fuel-injected motorcycle to win the AMA SX Championship. Suzuki motocross bikes are renowned for superior on-track handling, as well as the company’s industry-leading race support. By offering more contingency-reward money than any other manufacturer, and giving racers bikes that help them win, Suzuki will remain the right choice for motocross racers, whether that’s Ricky Carmichael or the young rider who is striving to be the best.

The 2014 RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 are expected to begin arrive in dealership in July.

2014 Suzuki RM-Z450 Specs and Gallery

Suzuki made few changes to the 2013 TWMX 450 Bike of the Year, but the refinements should make a proven bike even better.

- Redesigned muffler internal parts increase bottom-to-mid range power and torque, resulting in improved performance without losing top end. The new muffler body now uses conventional bolts in end cap instead of rivets to simplify the replacement of the glass wool packing in the muffler.

- Two couplers are enclosed for quick fuel adjustment settings to suit riding condition. One is for rich and another for lean fuel setting compared to stock setting. Riders can change fuel setting to best suit the riding conditions by simply connecting either coupler.

- 449cm3 4-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve fuel-injected engine developed to deliver phenomenal idle-to-redline performance. Suzuki has refined the crankshaft, piston, valves and valve timing, intake cam, transmission, countershaft sprocket, stator, and oil strainer.

- Latest version of Separate Function front Fork (SFF-type2) from Showa, separating the spring and damping tasks. The right leg contains the spring, while the left leg incorporates the cartridge assembly to manage damping. It results in reduced friction, increased absorption performance and weight saving.

2014 Suzuki RM-Z250 Specs and Gallery

Suzuki made few changes to the 2013 TWMX 250 Bike of the Year, but the refinements should make a proven bike even better.

- A new ECM with higher processing performance and a new high power ignition coil optimize combustion efficiency for increased roll-on performance. ECM ignition program has been changed for improved starting performance.

- The crankcase reed valve has been revised for more efficient lubrication. The new oil strainer has a stronger magneto to capture contaminants from the engine oil. Together these changes contribute to better throttle response and smoother power delivery.

- Cooling efficiency is increased thanks to a redesigned radiator fin and revised water hose routing, making the bike’s high performance power output more stable, even in the most demanding conditions. RM-Z250′s also features a new by-pass hose routing to simplify occasional radiator maintenance.

- The new transmission design achieves a smooth yet solid shift feel. The method of fastening the sprocket attains a quick shift feel.

Must See: Drew Bezanson At Joyride 150

Michael Antonovich — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 01:11:04 +0000

Yeah, it’s not moto, but our riding buddy Drew Bezanson is a ripper when it comes to BMX. The Red Bull and Fox backed rider headed to his home park, Joyride 150, in Canada to film his latest edit for the energy drink brand. Below is the teaser, but you should definitely have a look at the full flick.

That 180 tire tap onto the high post to tailwhip 180 off is one of the most technical tricks we have ever seen…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Fresh Look: Inside Jake Weimer’s Kit

Michael Antonovich — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:54:32 +0000

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer has an all-new look in 2013, and as the season progresses, it is only getting better. After basically matching his teammate for all of last year, Weimz signed with Answer Racing, Arnette, EVS Sports, Atlas Brace, and Bell for a style that is his own. All have debuted their latest products on the JW throughout the 2013 season and have caught our eye on a weekly basis. We hit up Weimer’s sponsors for a rundown of what is quickly becoming our favorite complete kit, including sizes, modifications, and preferences. You’d better believe that we’ll have a complete, identical setup as soon as we can.

HELMET: Bell Moto-9 Carbon
COLOR: Painted by AP Designs
SIZE: Extra-Small
PRICE: $549.95

Weimer’s kit starts with Bell’s premier helmet, the Moto-9 Carbon. Using Bell’s TriMatrix construction, the lid weighs in at a feathery 1450 grams. AP Designs is the house painter for all of Monster Energy’s riders and each of Weimer’s extra-small helmets are coated black and green with unique details, but the brutal roost of the outdoor can chip the paint off. Because it is one of the few areas totally can be custom, the team allows for personal sponsor logos, including Young & Reckless, to be added.

GOGGLES: Arnette Series 3 MX
PRICE: $44.95

After a brief hiatus from motocross, Arnette has returned to the sport with the Series 3 MX goggle and a list of riders, including Jake Weimer. Weimz will use a number of colors in Arnette’s catalog, but typically runs green and black goggles to accent his helmet. A clear lens is almost always installed and is loaded with as many tearoffs needed for the conditions.

NECK BRACE: Atlas Carbon
SIZE: Small
PRICE: $449.99

Weimer was one of the first riders to use the new Atlas Brace in 2012. Weimer debuted the brace during the Supercross season, including prototype carbon models, helped the brand refine its product, and brought Ryan Villopoto onto the team. Atlas make graphics that have sponsor logos and match the gear set that Weimer races in, including the lettering on the back of the jersey.

JERSEY: Answer Racing Elite & Alpha
SIZE: Medium
PRICE: $44.95 (Elite) $55.95 (Alpha)

Answer Racing debuted a number of new 2014 colorways in the latter rounds of the Supercross season and continues to release more throughout the Nationals. Weimer runs both the Elite and Alpha lines with sponsor logos and his number sublimated into the fabric. The jersey is a standard size medium, vented for Nationals and non-vented for Supercross.

GLOVE: Answer Racing Elite & Alpha
SIZE: Small
PRICE: $32.95 (Elite) $36.95 (Alpha)

Weimer prefers a glove with as little padding and TPR as possible. Both the Elite and Alpha gloves meet his desires and he will run either in size medium.

PANT: Answer Racing Elite & Alpha
SIZE: 28
PRICE: $149.95 (Elite) & $169.95 (Alpha)

Weimer’s Answer Racing pants are very simple: they start as off-the-rack Elite and Alpha pants in size 28 and have Monster Energy Kawasaki logos sewn onto the back of the legs.

KNEE BRACES: EVS Sports Axis Pro
SIZE: Small
PRICE: $375 (each)

Weimer uses EVS Sports’ all-new top of the line brace, the Axis Pro. He and Mike Alessi have played a huge part in designing the brace, which has an aluminum frame and carbon fiber cuffs.

BOOTS: Alpinestars Tech 10
SIZE: 9
PRICE: $579.95

Like almost every rider on the line, Weimer runs Alpinestars Tech 10 boots. Lately Astars has produced a number of custom goods for their riders, including the painted green footies JW12 ran in Vegas and the two-tone boots he has for the Nationals.

answerracing.com
bellhelmets.com
alpinestars.com
evs-sports.com
atlasbrace.com
arnette.com
apdesignsusa.com