My 2009 Anaheim 2 Experience

January 23rd, 2009 • Motocross News, Personal • Comments

This past weekend, i was lucky enough to attend round 3 of the 2009 AMA Supercross Series, Anaheim 2. I had been to two Supercross events before, both in the Georgria Dome in Atlanta. While these events were a blast, and the racing was always great, I was really excited about Anaheim. Why? Because, well, its Anaheim! Something about the event captures the spirit of Supercross in ways no other race can. This year was no different. With upsets in both classes at Anaheim 1, the top riders in each class wanted to redeem themselves. Here is the story of my journey to the 2009 Anaheim 2 Supercross.

Background

As many of you know, I’m from New England. So why choose Anaheim? Well, my Dad is working out there for the winter, and we felt it would be good for me to visit him, go to the race, and check out some of the California culture. The plans were rushed, and I flew out early Satruday morning. After arriving at LAX, we drove straight to the stadium (thanks Garmin!), to check out the pit party.

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I’m Going to Anaheim 2!

January 16th, 2009 • Site News • Comments

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop a quick note and let you all know that I will be going to Anaheim 2 tomorrow (Saturday January, 17, 2009) night! My dad is working out in California, so we decided it would be a good idea for me to go visit him and see the race, all in one trip. I’ve been to two Supercross races before, both in Atlanta, Georgia, so I am looking forward to extending my Supercross experience. I’ve never been to California either, so this should be a great trip. After the race I’m spending Sunday and Monday in Los Angeles, so I’m looking forward to visiting the city.

My picks for Anaheim 2? Stewart and Lawrence. Stewart is fast, as he proved last week, and unless he has another Anaheim 1 style crash, I think he’ll be the solid leader in the Supercross Class. Lawrence, on the other hand, is fast, as he showed at Anaheim 1, but struggled at Phoenix. Look for him to make up for his Phoenix blunder by putting in a stellar performance at A2.

If you’re going to be at the race, hit me with an email at mike868y@gmail.com, maybe we can meet at the pre-race pit party or something.

P.S. I redesigned the logo, what do you think? Comments, suggestions? Let me know.

What Killed the Two-Stroke Motocross Bike and What May Bring it Back

January 12th, 2009 • My Thoughts • Comments

The two-stroke motocross bike is all but dead. The epic staple of the motocross industry from decades ago is now an aging relic. The trademark br-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-p of a properly tuned 125cc two-stroke motocross bike is now a rarity, and the four-strokes have already begun their assault on the mini bike classes.

-Photo by Paul Buckley.

The fact that two-strokes are quickly becoming an antique in the motocross world is undeniable. But what exactly killed this ingenious technology? Two-strokes are lighter, faster (at the same displacement), cheaper to buy and maintain, and easier to work on. On paper they are a clear victor over the louder, heavier, more expensive and more complicated four-strokes. So, what exactly is responsible for the demise of the two-stroke?

Racing Organizations (AMA/FIM)

When the four-stroke was first introduced, it was a joke. Heavy, expensive, loud and slow. Riding one was more of a way to make a statement about your personality than to actually ride the best bike available. So, racing organizations such as the AMA and FIM felt it necessary to give them a (huge) handicap. Almost double displacement for Motocross/Supercross class and exactly twice the displacement for the Lites classes. At the time this felt like a sensible move. The newer technology needed the extra motor size in order to even be remotely competitive.

The problem with the assumption by the AMA and FIM that the four-strokes are slower by nature is that it is wrong. Sure, you can make an argument that the piston travels four time as far for one revolution, but in practice, four-strokes can produce almost the same amount of power as an equally displaced two-stroke. As technology has evolved, the twice as large four-stroke engines have rocketed ahead of two-strokes, making two-strokes too slow for serious competition in the pro or national amateur levels.

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Breaking Into the Mainstream {Part 3: Is Supercross the Right Move for the Sport?}

January 7th, 2009 • Breaking Into the Mainstream, My Thoughts • Comments

Note: Before reading this post, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the series.

In the previous post in this series, I outlined the reasons why Supercross would allow our sport the growth it needs in order to go mainstream. In this post, I will talk about whether or not Supercross is right for our sport.

Supercross is the fancier, more dramatic, and “fluffier” version of Motocross. It wasn’t invented until years after motocross, and the truth is that it has become more of a show in recent years. The format is better suited to television, and it makes the industry much more money than Motocross does.

-Photo by Paul Buckley.

However, regardless of money, Motocross is the sport for the hard core fans. Professional Motocross events happen on the same tracks as amateur ones, and the events resemble the same one that hardcore fans participate in week in and week out. This allows amateur riders to personally connect with Motocross riders and events which is why Motocross races are a favorite among hard core fans of the sport.

Supercross Abandons the Fans

-Photo by Paul Buckley.

Supercross abandons the fans. I’m sure some of you right now are wondering what I am talking about. I listed several reasons in Part 2 why Supercross was better for the fans. The difference, however, is that Supercross is not friendly for the hard core fans who actually ride motocross. Supercross is a great way to bring new fans to the sport, but Motocross keeps them interested in the long term.

What keeps fans interested in outdoor Motocross in the long term? As I previously mentioned, it is the connection with which the fans can make to their favorite pros which keeps them loving the outdoor Motocross Nationals. Just like any good piece of literature, Motocross fans can identify with the struggles, triumphs, tragedies and emotions felt by pros while riding on an outdoor motocross track. This deep personal connection leaves them craving more races and is what leads them to battle the elements year in and year out to watch outdoor Motocross races.

Supercross simply cannot match this connection to the fans. Sure, there are some local Supercross tracks, and amateur Arenacross events allow riders to ride almost the same tracks which are used in Supercross. But, the truth is that most riders will never ride a professional caliber Supercross track, and if they do, they will not be able to carry any type of speed and rhythm. By nature, fans simply cannot connect with Supercross as well as they do with Motocross.

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The Truth Behind the James Stewart / Fox Racing / Answer Racing Debacle

January 3rd, 2009 • Motocross News, My Thoughts • Comments

An iconic relationship in the motocross world ended recently. James Stewart is no longer a Fox Sponsored rider, and will be wearing Answer gear, Aplinestars Boots, and Bell Helmets for the near future.

The recent end to their relationship took the motocross industry by surprise, as they had been together since Stewart’s PW50 days. The break up is even more surpising considering the fact that the match was almost perfect. Both were fresh, edgy, hip and cool. Fox made flashy gear to match James’ flashy riding style. Fox had been a long-term sponsor of the previous king of motocross, Ricky Carmichael, so it was only logical for them to sponsor the next big thing.

Despite the perfectness in their prior relationship, it is over. Stewart has moved on from his Fox Racing days and is ready to approach the 2009 season in his new kit. But what is the true story behind the end to this classic pair?

Pete Fox Talks Out

-Photo by Paul Buckley.

President and CEO of Fox Racing, Pete Fox recently talked with MXA regarding Stewart, and revealed a number of interesting facts.

It turns out that the truth behind Stewart’s leaving was his desire for a Supercross only contract. Fox is dedicated to the sport as a whole, and clearly does not approve of the Supercross only craze. Stewart, along with his move to the San Manuel Yamaha team, decided to make a monumental decision in not riding the Motocross series. Whether this decision was fueled by laziness, money, or just personal desire, I believe that it is the wrong decision. Clearly, Fox Racing agrees with me on this issue, and feels strongly enough to let James Stewart and possible hundreds of thousands of dollars slip from their grasp.

Since our beginning, Fox has been totally committed to motocross and Supercross. We feel strongly that our sport and Industry need both series to be healthy, and Fox will always support both series. That is where Fox’s priorities and path recently separated from James. We wish James luck with his Supercross career. Fox remains committed to the entire sport of both Supercross and motocross.

-Pete Fox

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