1

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2 // 2012

PRO PRACTICELOCAL RACES SERVE AS A WARM-UP FOR HANGTOWN

DURHAM OWNS NOLA•

LORETTA’S POLL•

MORGANTOWN POWERSPORTS

•FRANK’S DIRTY SHIRT

THE USUAL SUSPECTSFAMILIAR NAMES MAKE CLEAN SWEEPS AT PRP

2 THE RACING PAPER

EDITOR / ART DIRECTOR: JORDAN ROBERTS

STAFF LENS: FRED

STAFF PENS: JEN KEN, CHASE STALLO

HEAD HONCHO: DAVEY COOMBS

BOSS GUY: BRYAN STEALEY

BOSS GIRL: JULIE KRAMER

ADVERTISING: TIM CRYTSER

ACCOUNTS: JERRI HEADLEE

VOICE OF REASON: RITA COOMBS

CONTRIBUTORS: JEFF CERNIC, TIMMY COOMBS, LAUREN

HALL, ARLENE LANTZER #98, ZAK LOWERY

THE RACING PAPER122 VISTA DEL RIO DRIVE, MORGANTOWN, WV 26508

TEL 304.284.0080 | FAX 304.284.0081 | THERACINGPAPER.COM

The riders appearing in this newspaper are, for the most part, skilled amateurs or highly trained individuals with experience racing and operating motorcycles. Please don’t try to imitate them. When you ride a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, always wear a helmet, eye protection and the appropriate safety gear. Never ride beyond your capabilities. Use your head, be safe and enjoy the ride.

The Racing Paper publishes six issues annually by World Sports Holdings, LLC. Our editorial office is located at 122 Vista Del Rio Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508. Copyright ©2012 Filter Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing in this newspaper may be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be guaranteed exclusive to The Racing Paper. We are not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. Letters cannot all be answered, nor can all service inquiries be answered. We appreciate correspondence sent to our editorial office and will use the most interesting and appropriate letters in the newspaper. Email letters to: jordan@racerxonline.com Advertising: Please call Tim Crytser at 407-748-4663

CONTRIBUTOR

SIGN UP

NEXT EXIT

FLASHPOINT

FRONT & CENTER

VIRTUAL TRAINER

BAR-TO-BAR

PUBLIC ADDRESS

PREMIX

TAKE 5

INVENTORY

PAMX SCHEDULE

TAPPED OUT

REGULARS

QUAD CORNER

COVER PHOTO BY JORDAN ROBERTS

The road to Loretta’s makes a stop at High Point in Mount Morris,

Pennsylvania, for another Northeast Area Qualifier. The event reeled in riders from across the country for some seat-time on one of America’s longest running outdoor national tracks.

The A classes were invaded by a few heavy-hitters looking to

get some outdoor testing in before they head to Hangtown.

The PAMX boys n’ girls enjoy a nice Spring day at Pittsburgh Raceway

Park mid-April. One of the A riders even paid homage to the Goon section, whether he knew it or not.

We get some Lantzer #98 photos in from the sixth round of the

Spring Series at Pleasure Valley. Flip to page 44 to see if you made the cut.

FEATURESFULL CIRCLE

PRO LICENSE

CLEANING UP

PVR PHOTO REPORT

Fred

Roberts

Roberts

Lantzer #98

4 THE RACING PAPER

Photographer Arlene Lantzer and her husband, Jerry, probably attend more local races than most amateur racers. Even if you’re new to the scene, chances are good that Arlene has a photo of you!

Arlene started going to local races with Jerry and their son Aaron in 1997. They were instantly hooked after the first race. Arlene’s role was to film Aaron’s races so he could study them during the week. She recalls that she certainly wasn’t lacking in the commentary department—both good and bad—but Aaron would just mute the volume when he reviewed the tape. She also began taking still photos of Aaron, and together they refined her camera skills.

As many of you probably know, Aaron died in a 2001 automobile accident. Arlene started a website dedicated to his memory to educate the public on the dangers of drunk driving, and she also stepped up her efforts to provide photos of local amateur racers to online outlets. She’s also very active on Facebook and posts many of her photos on her page and her LantzerMX98.com Facebook page.

If you haven’t met Arlene yet, make a point to say hi next time you see her around the track! TRP

This could’ve been your ad.Oh well.

5

Sign UpLetters to the Editor

5¢USA

Dear Racing Paper,

I love the new look of TRP this year! I also like all of the photos you pack into it from the local races. How can the average weekend warrior like myself get a hold of some of these photos? I attend PAMX races every so often with my family, and I think it’d be nice to have some pictures of us out at the track hanging up at home. I don’t consider myself the fastest guy out there, but who can tell how fast you’re going in a picture? None of my non-moto friends, that’s for sure. And that’s why every bit of the 1,000 words that the picture is worth will be me telling them about my blistering speeds. Now all I need is the photo. Any suggestions?

For the sake of anonymity and great stories...

Sincerely,Mr. Vet B/C

Dear Mr. Vet B/C,

Great minds think alike! If you can find a still photo of yourself dragging your handlebards through a corner, who cares if you en route to eating some dirt? Like you said, it’s your story, and if you’re bench racing game is in the A Class, you shouldn’t have any problem being the fastest guy that just happens to not be at the track at the moment.

There are plenty of photographers that are at the local races every weekend. Most of them do it on the side or as a hobby on their own dime, so they would probably be pretty appreciative if you’d like to buy some of their photos off of them. Here’s a few photographers you can normally find at the local races:

Arlene Lantzer Zak Lowery www.lantzermx98.com zaklowery@gmail.comlantzermx98@windstream.net

Mimi Greiner Lauren Hallhttp://mimi13.zenfolio.com lhaydn.photoshelter.commiminumber13@comcast.net lhaydnphotography@gmail.com

Fred and I also try to make it to every race possible, so if you can also email me at jordan@racerxonline.com. One way or the other, we’ll get you that photo to mount over the fireplace so you can start conjuring up some elaborate stories.

JR

Want to write a letter to The Racing Paper? Send it to:jordan@racerxonline.comor

TRP Sign Up122 Vista Del Rio Dr.Morgantown, WV 26508

6 THE RACING PAPER

MARCH - JUNE 2012

Pittsburgh Raceway ParkSteel CityMapleShadeMapleShade

Steel CityMapleShade MXHigh Point

Mapleshade

MapleshadePleasure ValleyMapleshade

MapleshadePittsburgh Raceway Park

5/135/205/205/27

6/1-6/36/36/9-6/10

6/24

7/87/157/29

8/11-8/128/19

Round 7 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop TiresRound 8 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

Round 9 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

Loretta Lynn Amateur Regional

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Round 10 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

Round 11 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop TiresRound 12 of the Thor/Yamaha Spring Series presented by Dunlop Tires

Round 1 of the Fly Racing State Champ. Series presented by In The BloodRound 2 of the Fly Racing State Champ. Series presented by In The Blood

Contact tim@racerxonline.com and you too can put whatever you’d like in The Racing Paper.

7

8 THE RACING PAPER

9

Since my early days of childhood to my mid-twenties, I’ve always been fortunate enough to have two wheels and an engine underneath

me. Hard work and perseverance have made it possible for me to be able to keep twisting the throttle, but I’ve never really had a dirt bike or motorcycle that’s been much to brag to about. Now that I think about it, I have probably spent more time picking up pieces of metal and plastic than I have riding. With my recent move and fresh start, I decided I might as well keep the ball rolling and try and get a new set of wheels. I came here with an ’03 KTM SX 125 and a ’97

Yamaha YZF 600 (a street bike), both of which were in decent condition but had the usual wear and tear that bikes of that age normally do. My newly hatched plan was to get rid of both bikes so I could buy one dirt bike I could be proud of. I would soon find out how utterly complicated such a simple plan could get twisted up. I posted both bikes on Racer X Online’s Sprocket

List and Craig’s List. I believe it was the last one of the two that really threw me the curveballs. I got

...what I put myself through, all in the name of two wheelsand twisting throttle.

NEXT EXIT BY JORDAN ROBERTS

rid of my KTM no problem. That was surprisingly easy considering it was in the middle of winter. The street bike, however, was much better at collecting dust. I probably had 10 different phone calls in a given week from people saying they were going to come look at it but would always no-show. I could see why they’d be interested in the bike—besides a couple minor frame scratches the bike was basically flawless—but maybe they just liked to window shop. I patiently… wait; I was never

patient about this. I waited for someone to actually want to buy this bike and finally, just finally, a guy came along that was truly interested. Ironically, he was looking to trade his dirt bike, which was an ’07 RMZ 450. It definitely wasn’t the bike I had in mind, but I decided to give it a go. Long story short, I ended up buying the dirt bike and was left with the dust collector once again. At least I got the dirt bike at a good price… Fast forward a few months and

I finally have that piece of junk RMZ up and running properly after hours upon hours of slaving over that thing. I have to thank Chad Sanner and Eric Hull for giving me some pointers after running into multiple dead-ends. So that was good news, and even better news was that

I had a serious inquiry about my street bike! Last-minute plans had him set to come look at it the same day as the first phone call, so I had to hurry and clean the dust off of it once again. I rolled it out of the garage and parked it by the hose to give it

the ‘ole wash n’ polish. I go inside to gather some cleaning supplies and answer a quick email, and then all of a sudden Jessica rushes in very flustered and lacking comprehensible words. I

already knew what had happened. She backed over my motorcycle with her RV, dragging it ten feet in the process. Realizing what had happened, she put it in drive and pulled forward, only to drag it ten more feet in the opposite direction. This was all happening as the guy was on his way to buy it. Another long story short, he ended up buying

it, not even worried about the horrific scrapings along its side since it was his first bike and he planned on laying it over multiple times anyways. It’s funny how things work out, and what I put myself through all in the name of two wheels and twisting some throttle. TRP

10 THE RACING PAPER

Anyone who’s been to Pittsburgh Raceway Park knows how hard it is to stretch it out and pull this gap. Anyone who hasn’t doesn’t know riders have to jump into the face of the tunnel jump, bounce off of it and land on the down-side that’s just outside of the frame to the left. Billy Kibler knows what’s up.

PHOTO BY: JORDAN ROBERTS

11

Timmy Crosby pulls a massive holie in the Mini Sr Class at the High Point LLAQ. He already qualified for Region-als earlier this season, so he signed up just to eye up the competition, which is difficult when everyone is behind you.

PHOTO BY: FRED

12 THE RACING PAPER

Joey Deneen and Aaron Plessinger had some well matched battles in the 250 B Class at Steel City. Deneen grabbed the lead in the first moto but lost it to second-place Plessinger. It was a mir-rored scenario in the second moto, but Plessinger would eventually DNF.

PHOTO BY: JORDAN ROBERTS

13

14 THE RACING PAPER

Rochester, Massachusett’s Jake Pinhoncos showed up at High Point to race the Loretta Lynn Area Qualifier. He also showed up to land on the downside of doubles while roosting without ever touching the front wheel down. Like a BOWSE.

PHOTO BY: FRED

15

Mar 25 Sun PAMX THOR YAHAMA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points

Apr 7 Sat PAMX THOR YAHAMA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points

May 20 Sun PAMX THOR YAMAHA SPRING SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES PAMX Spring Series Points

Jun 1 Fri Practice: open to qualifying riders. (10a-3p) Jun 2 Sat NORTHEAST AMATEUR REGIONAL QUALIFER Jun 3 Sun FOR AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT LORETTA LYNN’S (AMA membership required)

Aug 31 Fri Organized practice (10a-3p). Open to all riders. No membership required for practice. Sep 1 Sat LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP Sep 2 Sun THOR UNITED STATES MX MEGA SERIES presented by DUNLOP TIRES Mega Series Points

Oct 14 Sun PAMX TEAM SUZUKI PA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES presented by FLY RACING & IN THE BLOOD TATTOOS PAMX State Champ Points

16 THE RACING PAPER

17

Timmy CrosbyBirthday: August 15, 1998 (13 years old)

Hometown: Confluence, PAClasses: 85cc (12-14) and Supermini 1&2

Bikes: Suzuki 85 and Yamaha 105

TRP: Are you going for Loretta’s this year? How have you done in the past?Crosby: Yeah, I made it there the past two years and last year I didn’t get to race because I got ran over in practice. Two years ago, I got tenth in the 65cc (10-11).

BY JORDAN ROBERTS

Courtesy of Timmy

How many more seasons are you looking at on the 85cc?This is probably my last season for it.What kind of bike are you looking to get after that? And what classes are you going to race?Probably just the 125. I’ll probably race Schoolboy 1 and Su-permini.Are there any pro riders you look up to? Who’s your favorite rider out there?I like Darryn [Durham] because he’s pretty much a hometown rider, but I also like James Stewart too.Do you have some buddies that you normally ride with out-side of races? Do you have a normal crew?Yeah. Cody Arlet, Hank Hays, Ty Keston, Mauro Cautela, and Dylan Bartlett.Where do you guys normally like to ride?I like to ride at High Voltage and PVR.Are there any other hobbies or other things that you like to do?Yeah, I like to snowboard. Last competition I went to was the snowboard nationals in Colorado.

Sponsors: Cernics, PR2, Finish Line FX, Fly, Spy, Leatt, Maxi-ma Oils, Renthal, and Ghost Measures Inc.

PERFORMANCE FIRST

Over 45 Years of Service in the Shenango Valley

Sharon CycleSales & Service

“HONDA MOTORCYCLES-PARTS & SERVICE”

MON. & THURS. 10 to 8T W F 10 to 6 SAT. 10 to 4

PHONE: (724) 342-5378FAX: (724) 342-5530

265 E. CONNELLY BLVD.SHARON, PA 16146

ROBERT BORNICK OWNER

Timmy is cool because he’s in The Racing Paper.You’re not cool because you’re not in The Racing Paper.

tim@racerxonline.com has the solution.

18 THE RACING PAPER

gets to go out and ride 1 to 2 days per week on the weekends only. Of course, he or she is going to ride as much as possible during these sessions. This is a high forearm specific load, but at a lower frequency. He or she may also lift weights during the week, adding another forearm specific stress. Unfortunately, this rider doesn’t have the same huge base of motocross specific training and fitness as an elite level rider. His or her overall fitness level is lower, thus reducing the recovery capacity. The weekend riding plus the possible weekday strength training provides a forearm specific training load that is barely manageable in recovery in a way that doesn’t negatively affect the weekend’s riding. Remember that all of this is regarding the musculature that has about the smallest capacity for workload of all the muscles being used while riding.

Another reason that I don’t recommend forearm specific

training has to do with the nature of forearm muscle contractions during actual riding. The forearm muscles are used in a static length. The muscle fibers stay at the same length while they generate various amounts of force. This is called an isometric contraction. Both the wrist and fingers are used in fixed positions. You would have to mimic this isometric contraction at the identical muscle fiber length to specifically train these muscles for motocross. Any training that causes shortening of the muscles (as in “regular” strength training where you move a joint) is not specifically addressing the way these muscles are used while riding. Gains on the bike would be very limited if you had any gains at all. Most forearm devices involve shortening of the muscles while force is being applied (isotonic contractions) which isn’t how they are used on the bike. However, this is the way these muscles are used during strength training exercises that involve free weights where you have to hold the weights (barbells, dumbbells). In other words, when lifting weights, the forearm muscle is put in a condition of isometric contraction due to the nature of grasping the bar, dumbbell, or handle to move the load.

The only time that I prescribe isometric forearm exercises is when a seasoned rider who usually rides 3 to 4 days per week misses out on riding for say a week due to some reason. A session of strength training that involves forearm specific training is simply replacing the forearm stress load of a motocross riding session. It isn’t adding to the weekly frequency, intensity, or total weekly workload compared to a regular training week. Recovery would be adequate to prevent negative effects on the next motocross riding session.

In conclusion the fundamental reasons behind not prescribing forearm specific strength training have to do with the total amount of workload these muscles can accommodate without negatively affecting the actual motocross riding and the specific nature of the muscle contraction of these muscles while riding.

Thanks for reading and keep up the hard (and smart) work out there! For more info on how to train for motocross, be sure and visit www.RacerXVT.com. TRP

A very common question is the question of forearm training for motocross. Should a rider specifically train their forearms as a way to reduce arm pump? My personal recommendations

follow and they might surprise you.For both elite level riders and weekend warrior types, I don’t

recommend forearm specific strength training at all. Before you start to stammer “Why not,” let me provide some explanation. The first reason I don’t prescribe forearm specific strength training has to do with workload. Work is defined by the simplest of physics equations: W (work) = F (force) x D (distance)

The amount of force a muscle can produce is dependent on its cross sectional area, basically the size of the muscle. Of all the muscles utilized at a high rate during motocross riding, the forearm muscles are amongst the smallest. This means that the forearm muscles can handle a relatively small amount of total work compared to say the quadriceps muscles of the thigh or the gluteus muscles of the hip.

Say the elite level rider rides 3 to 4 days per week and does strength training and cardio on top of that. Training produces positive results when the stress of training overloads the system and then recovery allows it to build up to stronger levels to accommodate the repeated stresses. The most important aspect of training for any motocross competitor is the actual motorcycle riding. So the elite rider, whom we can assume has a rather large base of motocross specific training, stresses the forearm muscles 3 to 4 times per week while riding and during weight lifting. This is a high frequency of forearm specific stress and the rider manages to partially recover between these stresses and fully recovers during planned recovery periods. Basically, his or her forearm muscles are stressed at high frequency and at high loads, but the elite rider has the base, training background, and recovery capacity to not have any negative effects on the actual motocross riding. The forearm muscles receive adequate stress loads and recovery periods to keep positive changes coming consistently.

The weekend warrior is strangely in a similar situation, but in a much different way. This rider has a regular job and probably only

VIRTUAL TRAINERBY COACH SEIJI

19

20 THE RACING PAPER

This column is going to be really hard to write since the last one was so awesome. I know everyone’s pumped to have me back in print in a newspaper, but please, don’t load up my

cell phone with countless “thank yous” and “you rocks”, ‘cause now I can’t take any pictures and iCloud’s trying to sell me more storage. I’ll bet my new secretary Siri tipped them off that I was writing stories again, while not getting paid, again, hence my new need for additional storage for “way to go” texts and emails. Siri keeps nagging me to buy some, but I won’t listen to an app that comes free with a one-year contract for a cell phone that you can’t get insurance for in case it breaks, gets lost, stolen, dropped in the toilet, or misses my head and implants itself a half-inch deep into drywall. But I have come to the conclusion that all I have to do is keep writing about how to get faster on a bike and turn off the cellular data on my phone.

First off, whatever happened to squaring off turns in mud races to stay out of the main rut? Trying to stay in it basically drags you down and gives you arm pump. It can lead you to the wrong place since you didn’t make it and it continually gets deeper with each moto. I hate to ride in ruts!

Ruts are what make me tired the most—that and getting the holeshot. But sometimes I don’t get the holeshot, and sometimes I even get a bad start and end up going down in the first turn. When that happens, I never seem to get near as tired as I do when I get the holeshot. I’ll tense up from being so nervous that I’ll screw things up

Does it even try to electronically peek into the virtual bucket when

it’s picking my starting position?

BAR-TO-BAR BY TIMMY COOMBS

and end up looking like an idiot. I think it may also have something to do with the fact that when you’re in the front of the pack, you have to go faster than everyone else to stay in the lead, but there’s less chance of being lapped, getting the blue flag, or a bad gate pick unless you’re late to staging or dumb enough to let your mechanic or dad (who after all, paid for the bike, paid for your gate fee, and on top of that the privilege to race) give his opinion. They aren’t ex-pro racers like myself. Listen to me instead. Read me. Feel free to move your lips in the process. After all, who’s going to see you doing it while you’re taking a crap?

You know it really burns me not to get to draw a spoon out of a bucket for a starting position anymore. How fair are the computer’s picking techniques?

Does it even try to electronically peek into the virtual bucket when it’s picking my starting position? After all, we have absolutely nothing in common. I’m just another racer with practically no computer skills or even tear-offs for that matter. Besides, who needs them when I’m practically guaranteed to get the holeshot, and then a severe case of arm pump by the second turn? By then my arms are too tired and numb to take them off the bars to locate a small, thin piece of plastic that’s flapping faster than “Old Glory” in a tropical storm.

So, are you starting to feel faster yet as you read this story? Don’t worry; it will come, ask Darryn Durham. Just keep reading and don’t call, text, or email me to say how much you liked reading my column or want me to clean up my act, or the garbage around your pits. I don’t think anyone

enjoys watching me pick garbage as much as my younger brother or older sister- except for the landowners or the guys that I have picking up with me, who try to stay on the quad instead of helping so they can observe my innovative garbage-picking techniques. There are many.

While we’re on the subject of garbage-picking techniques, are the first-moto gate picks actually as random as they claim? Doesn’t a computer do this with a function? Functions perform the same task over and over each time. Excuse me, the last time I checked, doing the same thing over and over each time, but expecting a different outcome each time, was called insanity… TRP

21

22 THE RACING PAPER

He’s been taking notes fromthe Editor’s riding technique.

Check out this aggressive newthree-wheeler concept.Mini dog vs. minibike.

Even Villopoto was at PRP. Sitting down on the job.

Shield sighting

High Point hosted an Area Qualifier as well as an umbrella convention.

Stallo

Roberts

Stallo

Roberts

Roberts

Roberts

Fred

23

McDade rocks a dirty lip sweater. Take notes Kenny Watson. B2B.

Timmy is all about quads.They’ll get up to race speed next year. Wait, another one?!

Stallo

RobertsRoberts

Roberts

Roberts

Stallo

Stallo

“It was an 8mm, and it fell out somewhere around here...” Pro Action’s Eric Hull hangs outin between suspension setups.

24 THE RACING PAPER

“Why does it sound like themower deck is engaged?” Jimmy Sausage links up with an old friend.

Philth in the house.Test tube bikes. They’re only prototypes.

Sweet ride.

Welcome to TRP, Chase.

Girl talk.

Would you like your photo in

Public Address?

Emailjordan@

racerxonline.com

Snail MailTRP Public Address122 Vista Del Rio Dr.

Morgantown, WV26508

Fred Stallo

Roberts

Roberts

Roberts

Stallo

Roberts

25

26 THE RACING PAPER

Top 5The road to Loretta’s.

EarbudsWho’s listening to what.

Shop TalkMorgantown Powersports

Winners!Helmets for the Vet Class.

28

29

30

27

Roberts

Fred

Roberts

The 2012 supercross season has been full of wildly unpredictable ups and downs. Darryn Durham has experienced both sides of the

spectrum, first being brought on to Mitch Payton’s highly touted Pro Circuit Kawasaki team, then shortly after suffered a fractured wrist before the season even started. Durham was slated to race the West Regional SX Lites series, but was forced to contest in East after the injury left him on the sidelines.

Nobody knows how Durham would’ve done in the unfamiliar West Regional SX Lites series, but everybody knows he has been enjoying a stellar season on the other side of the country. In prior seasons Durham had only broken into the top five just once, but he has been inside the top five in every main event besides one blemish in Houston (which was certainly overshadowed by Barcia’s breakdown).

Top five finishes are just the tip of the iceberg for Durham’s 2012 season. He won his first heat race over World Champion Ken Roczen in Indianapolis, and Roczen was obviously aggravated by his near loss after Darryn threw a checkered flag nac-nac right in front of him.

This issue is set to go to print the same day as the Las Vegas Supercross, and so far Durham has logged four podium finishes this season. The most celebrated

is his last race in New Orleans, where he led most of the race and was the first the cross the finish line in the main event.

Look for Durham to keep bringing the speed (continued on page 29)

Darryn Durham Wins New Orleans SXStory by Jordan Roberts // Photos by Lauren Hall

Star Racing Yamaha

Honda of Troy/Kilbarger Racing Eleven10 Mods Pro Circuit

Kawasaki

Here’s a look at Darryn Durham’s supercross career to date, starting with his rookie year at Star Racing Yamaha up until this year with Mitch Payton’s Pro Circuit Kawasaki. The “---” denotes the rounds he didn’t log any qualifying times, and the chart doesn’t account for the Las Vegas Dave Coombs Sr. East-West Shootout.

Hall

27

Timmy Crosby Mauro Cautela

Austin LeggCameron McKinney

EVENT: PITTSBURGH RACEWAY // JORDAN ROBERTS

Q: Who will make it the furthest in their respective classes on the road to Loretta’s?

Corey Passieu

Timmy Crosby

Joey Deneen

Jimmy evans

oTher

28%

11%

11%

11%

39%

Jimmy Evans

Visit facebook.com/theracingpaper to tilt the scales!

Roberts

PAMX Spring Series Points

PAMX State Champ Points

28 THE RACING PAPER

I’ma hop in my Delor

ean, go back to ‘99,

and win X Games Gol

d Medal with this fl

air.

Showcase your finest skills by sending your photo to jordan@racerxonline.com

Joey Savatgy Mike McDade

Austin PrimaveraZach Bell

EVENT: HIGH POINT LLQ // FRED

Name Artist Album

Chad Sanner’s Playlist 1 Comin’ Up 2 Brand New 3 Just Sayin’ 4 Never Ever 5 Racks

Justun Palencsar’s Playlist 1 Search and Destroy 2 Clamp Down 3 Rock-N-Roll 4 The 59 Sound 5 Gasoline

Jen Kenyon’s Playlist 1 Head Full of Doubt 2 Hold On to What You Believe 3 Somebody That I Used to Know 4 On The Radio 5 I And Love And You

Sammy AdamsSammy AdamsSammy AdamsWiz KahlifaLil Wayne

The StoogesThe ClashMotorheadThe Gaslight AnthemKrum Bums

The Avett BrothersMumford & SonsGotyeRegina SpektorThe Avett Brothers

Boston’s BoyBoston’s BoyBoston’s BoyFlight SchoolSorry 4 the Wait

Raw PowerLondon CallingThe Best OfThe 59 SoundCut the Noose

I And Love And YouDeluxe CompanionMaking MirrorsBegin To HopeI And Love And You

Who’s listening to what before the gate drops...

Roberts

29

Hall

What’s up bro? I thoughtyou were supposed to be an accredited

journalist or something.

Department of CorrectionsLast issue we gave away Renthal hardware to a couple of KTM kids. We hooked Jacob Posey up with some handlebars, but we put the wrong name in the issue. Needless to say, he was and still is absolutley furious! Sorry Jacob, we’ll try to suck less next time.

outdoors on the Pro Circuit team. He cracked the top ten on numerous occasions last year on the Eleven10 Mods team,

which turned the heads of many in the motocross industry. They couldn’t figure out who was bringing the heat out of the back of a black box van and where he came from. TRP

(continued from page 26)

Morgantown Powersports isn’t new to the off-road and street bike

game having been around since late 1999. Originally named Morgantown Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki, the dealership, parts, and service provider entered the local powersports market after a small handful of dealerships closed their doors a few years prior. Founder and owner Scott Shaffer noticed the drop-off in powersports dealerships and realized the void they had left.

“I just remember when I was a young kid, we had a Honda dealership in Morgantown--Scotchle had it--Ferrini had Yamaha, and S&S had Suzuki and Kawasaki. Then it just occurred to me; we don’t have a motorcycle dealership in town,” Shaffer reflects. “When I opened up there were no other powersports dealers in Morgantown.”

With that, Shaffer staffed roughly ten employees before opening up the original, and still current, location of Morgantown Powersports. The business still runs on the same successful formula, priding themselves on genuine customer service, but there has been some expansion over its twelve years of consistent service. They now employ over 25 members and have recently added KTM and Kawasaki to their lineup within the past few years.

Morgantown Powersports doesn’t limit their products and services just within the confines of their walls, either. Earlier this year, they hosted a ride day at Pyramid Valley open to the public. Although the weather was inclement, over 100 riders showed up to enjoy the preseason ride, taste of fresh barbeque, and a special MPS ride-day T-shirt.

By Jordan Roberts

Shaffer also runs a rider support program, where 50 or more riders enjoy the benefits from some level of support, most notably in parts discounts and gift cards.

Support doesn’t stop at the amateur level, though. Morgantown Powersports is a strong supporter of the Eleven10 Mods team out of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. They provide them with the CRF250s you see Martin and Nicoletti riding at the pro level of the sport.

By the time this issue goes to

print, you still should be able to walk up to the parts counter and be greeted by Scott’s sixteen year-old son Blake, who recently started working there. However, Scott told Blake’s boss to fire him, like anyone else, if he wasn’t performing up to par. Luckily for Blake, he’s starting to carry the same personable aptitude as his father. TRP

Morgantown Powersports526 Mileground Road

Morgantown, WV 26505MorgantownPowersports.com

Fred

Roberts

30 THE RACING PAPER

Like The Racing Paper on Facebook to learn how you can win cool prizes by simply showing up at local races.

Rider: Dave CapaneClass: Practice/Moto Dad

Son: Blinded

Rider: Frank Ali Class: Vet B/C & +40 B/C

Shirt: Dirty

Roberts Roberts

Brought to you by:

31

Justun is the owner and tattoo artist at In The Blood Tattoo shop, located in West Pittsburgh. In The Blood funds a rider support program and presents the PAMX State Championship Series. Justun races at select PAMX events and isn’t too difficult to spot off the track.

TRP: So what came first, a dirt bike or a tattoo?A dirt bike came first. I grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. My neighbor and longtime friend Jack Machuta talked my dad into getting me into motocross. I was 10, just about ready to turn 11, and my dad bought me a used Suzuki RM80 from Cernic’s. It was funny, too, because when we brought it home that day I was trying to learn how to ride it―basically not foul a spark plug and get used to the clutch. I pulled alongside my dad to talk to him and I didn’t get a chance to shut the bike off before I stepped off. At the same time he grabbed the throttle and the bike launched, like, 15 feet in the air, came down breaking the rear fender and twisting the silencer. It was a great way to break in that new bike!

Would you like to think you’ve refined your bike skills a little bit since that day?Yes. My bike skills have been refined just a little bit [laughs].

So how did your tattoo shop, In The Blood, come about?I thought of the name back in 1998. My friend Jarod Bartock and I were hanging out and I had a drawing of a CR250 that I had written “In the Blood” on the shrouds of. I said someday I’m going to have a moto company called ITB. Well, that was left behind shortly after that. I graduated and decided to quit the motocross scene to follow the punk rock scene. I thought it was the best thing in the world at first, but a few years later I hit a point in my life where I felt empty. It was weird, because I had an awesome family, was into music and motorcycles, and I never drank or did any drugs. I still stand strong on that to this day. I felt it was time to get in check with what the good lord had in mind for me instead of just wandering through life without following a purpose. It was crazy, because about a week later, after asking the

lord into my heart to guide me, some rad opportunities came about. I was working at a tattoo studio in Johnstown, just drawing up designs and doing all of the cleanup for about five years. Michael Pearson, the owner and a good friend, said, “Hey, man, you’ve been here for a while. I think it’s time to start tattooing.” I was so stoked because I knew it was time to kick-start my career in life as a professional tattoo artist. The other opportunity was to be the frontman in a band called The Last Hope. Little did I know, both would be huge parts

in my life and the earlier development of ITB. About a year later I had a falling-out with my friend in Johnstown at his studio, so I ended up leaving. I spent the next eight years of my life touring with The Last Hope around the U.S., playing bars, strip clubs, basements, venues, churches―pretty much wherever we got a show, we rocked. Then, while I was on tour the first year I had gotten a call from a lady I had worked for. She was trying to sell her tattoo studio after a partnership-gone-sour left her with an eviction notice and utility shut-offs. Through all that chaos she had no idea what to do and just wanted out of the business. When I got home from tour I contacted some of my closest friends―we had a ministry we started called The END Ministries―and I said, “Hey, guys, this may be a opportunity to

get something rolling!” About a month later we took over the studio and decided it would best to close down, redo everything, and make it our own.

So what year was ITB founded, and when and how did you start giving back to motocross through ITB?In the Blood Tattoos and Rock ‘N Roll was founded in 2003 on the Southside of Pittsburgh. At the end of 2009, I felt the lord calling me out of the band, and two years prior to that I felt moto back in my heart.... I got back into riding and hanging with old friends. That fall, my friend Jack Machuta talked me into coming out to the Vet Nationals at High Point. After that I was super stoked and knew it was time to get back with the sport. I started saving some money and ended up picking up a CRF450R with only 18 hours on it from Virginia. After that, I started to attend PAMX races weekly, but it was more than just the racing. I felt the good lord wanted me to start giving back to riders and families, so week by week I started giving my tithe―10 percent of my income set aside―to a rider, or split between a few riders. It would pretty much just go to whomever God would put it on my heart to give to that day. As all this was going on, I decided to start a rider support program the following year to be consistent with a few riders. My thoughts were that probably not that many people would be interested, but I was wrong. I had quite a few riders contact me that now represent the ITB brand. Some of the riders include Broc Streit, Steve Roman, “Mad” Mike Jones, Joe Michaels, Vinny Lohovey, Tyler Luft, Matt Brady, and the list goes on from different classes and skill levels.

So where do you see yourself and ITB five years from now?The vision is to keep going with ITB brand in the motocross scene with continued involvement in PAMX and, lord willing, to be worldwide. The main goal is to be successful enough to be able to help riders and their families all around, especially with times being tough, whether it be prayer, covering gate fees, parts, bikes, or whatever can be done to meet the needs of the racer and use the name and clothing to hopefully get support and funds to do so.TRP

Justun Palencsar By: Jordan Roberts

32 THE RACING PAPER

That

’s th

e m

ain

feat

ure

and

this

isn’

t you

r ad.

Jus

t say

ing.

tim

@ra

cerx

onlin

e.co

m

33

FULLCIRCLE Story by Chase Stallo

Photos by Fred

While superstars like reigning Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion Ryan Villopoto, and multi-time su-

percross and motocross champions Ryan Dungey, James Stewart and Chad Reed grace the covers of magazines in newsstands across the country, the roots of motocross lie within the amateur ranks. A time where mothers and fathers line the fences nervously biting their nails, try-ing to encapsulate every breath-taking moment. Where your father is more than your number-one confidant; he’s your driver, your mechanic, your trainer. Where per-sonal trainers, mechanics and agents are replaced by aunts, uncles and grand-parents. Where names like Carmichael, McGrath, Stewart, Villopoto and Dungey honed their profes-sions. The truest symbolism of American motocross.

With Area Qualifiers span-ning the country as far west as Honey Lake to as far east as High Point Raceway, the

pressure has begun to mount for the future stars of the sport. Hoping to make their dreams become a reality—qualifying for the 2012 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by Amsoil at Loretta Lynn Ranch—the apprehension in the pits at High Point Raceway could be cut with a fine-toothed comb.

Rain threatened High Point throughout the day, but be-neath the skies of dissolute grey that hovered over the pristine hillsides of Mount Morris, Pennsylvania laid a me-ticulously groomed track. Although the track was tamed

down slightly, compared to what will be run when the superstars of pro motocross invade the small Pennsylva-nia town in June for round four of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the only glaring omission was the back section along the rolling hillside.

Although rainy condi-tions threatened northern Pennsylvania throughout the week it didn’t stop the big names of amateur mo-

High Point LLAQ

Rothenstine gets low over this roller.

34 THE RACING PAPER

tocross to flock in from all corners of the Southeast and Midwest. The Bell brothers, Chase and Zach, made the trek from Cairo, Georgia. Also making the trip from Georgia was the highly touted Joey Savatgy. Rein-ing Arenacross Lites East Champion Michael McDade made the short trip down from Indi-ana, Pennsylvania, gracing the line with other local stars such as Joey Deneen and Dylan Slusser. [Ed. Note: McDade’s and Slusser’s results do not reflect in the overall results as neither are trying to qualify for Loretta’s]

The Open Pro Sport, 450 and 250 A class-es were the talks of the pits with the likes of Savatgy, McDade, Slusser, Zach Bell, Austin Primavera, Christopher Williams, Cody Gragg and Kyle Bitterman, among others, lining the gate. The 450 A class would kick start the ac-tion with Indiana, Pennsylvania’s Michael Mc-Dade using his familiarity with High Point to his advantage. McDade would outlast Savat-gy and Lenori, North Carolina’s Cody Gragg for the first moto win, but Savatgy would get his revenge in the second moto. The Thom-asville, Georgia native took command early, powering his Suzuki to the moto win and the overall. But the real story of the moto was Mc-Dade. A horrid start would leave the reigning Arenacross East Lites Champion buried deep in the field. McDade had worked his way up to seventh as the white flag fluttered in the wind, but his charge was far from over. Us-ing a full track to his advantage McDade was able pick off three more riders en route to a fourth. McDade would take the runner-up po-sition behind Savatgy with Slusser rounding out the podium.

The Savatgy/McDade rivalry would con-tinue to flip flop in the 250 A class. Savatgy would hold off a late charge from McDade to take the first moto win, although the real battle played out behind as Gragg, Zach Bell, and Bitterman jockeyed for third. Gragg held on for third, with Bitterman and Bell following suit.

Weather played a factor in the second 250 A moto as the grey skies that were looming overhead all day finally unleashed their fury. While rain wreaked havoc across the hillsides, McDade was positioning himself for the over-all, jumping out to an early lead over Bell and Slusser. Meanwhile, Savatgy was struggling with the now slick track. With McDade hold-ing a commanding lead over Bell and Slusser, Savatgy was slicing his way through the pack after going down twice, trying to salvage the overall. McDade cruised to the moto win and

(Clockwise from top left) Zach Bell pulls past Kyle Bitterman on the start of the 250 A Class; Mike Mc-Dade raced two classes, but wasn’t eligible to sign up for the qualifier; Savat-gy made a clean sweep in his qualifiers; Jake Pinhoncos didn’t have the weekend many expected.

35

the overall, but the Area Qualifier overall would go to Savatgy—Mc-Dade was not eligible for the AQ overall. Bell and Gragg would take second and third, respectfully.

The Open Pro Sport class saw more of the same from the trio of Slusser, Savatgy, and Bell, with a new player thrown into the mix—Bristolville, Ohio’s Christopher Williams. A second moto win propelled Slusser to the overall, with Savatgy and Williams rounding out the podium. But like McDade, Slusser was not eli-gible for the Area Qualifier overall, which went to Savatgy, giving the Georgia native a clean sweep on the weekend.

Bedford, Pennsylvania’s Joey Deneen and Boonville, Indi-ana’s Brandon Gourley went toe to toe in the 250 B Stock class. The first moto saw Deneen grab the early lead with Gourley locked to his hip. Gourley applied pressure all moto, but wasn’t able to wrestle the lead from Deneen, who held on for the close win. A commanding win in the second moto would give Dennen the overall with Blountville, Tennessee’s Tanner Earhart and Kensington, Ohio’s Jordan Weber joining Dennen on the podium. An eighth in the second moto would relegate Gourley to fourth overall.

Michael Hall would rebound from a fifth in the first 250 B Mod moto to capture the second moto win and the overall. Bethel Park, Pennsylvanian’s placed second with Edinboro, Penn-sylvanian’s Michael Fisher joining the PA party to take home third. Hall’s weekend would only get better from there as the Morganton, North Carolina native left Mount Morris with the 450 B Mod overall and a second in the 450 B Stock class, as well.

The always-exciting Supermini classes featured some heavy hitters of their own. Rochester, Massachusetts’ Jake Pinhancos would headline the class, but it was Rockford, Michigan’s Ashton Hayes, Brooksville, Florida’s Tyler Pan-tley, Bulter, Pennsylvanian’s Brad Esper and Huffman, Texas’ Andrew Pierce stealing the show. The four engaged in a heated battle in the second moto before Pantley and Pierce distanced themselves from Hayes and Esper. Pantley held off Pierce for the win, but would have to settle for second overall behind Hayes. Pantley, Esper and Pierce would round out the top four. Pinhancos would finish the day fifth overall.

Pierce, Hayes, Pinhancos and Esper would carry over their grudge match to the Supermini 2 class with Pierce winning the overall behind 1-1 moto scores. Hayes held on for second with Pinhancos and Esper capping off the top four.

Rising talent continued to spill onto the track in the School Boy 1 and 2 classes. Hamilton, Ohio’s Aaron Plessinger and Cario, Georgia’s Chase Bell traded moto wins in the School Boy 1 class, with Plessinger taking the overall with 2-1 moto scores. Fugal-Varina, North Carolina’s Keith Tucker finished third. Plessinger continued his hot weekend with a 1-1 finish in the School Boy 2 class, taking the overall over Bell and Hamilton, Ohio’s Darren Walsh.

With High Point in the rearview, the trek to the 2012 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Champion-ship presented by Amsoil at Loretta Lynn Ranch is far from over for these rising stars. Regional Qualifiers are on the horizon, which brings with it the added pressure to qualify or go home. For a select few, the end of the road won’t be the Amateur National. Some will graduate with top honors and return to High Point on a whole new level, looking to grace the covers of magazines just like their predecessors. TRP

36 THE RACING PAPER

The title of the highly renowned classic motocross film On Any Sunday preludes to a notion that enthusiasts across the coun-try traditionally line up to race on the last day of the working

person’s weekend. However, the Spring Series schedule broke this mold for the fourth round at Steel City to make way for a tradition that reaches a wider scope of the population: Easter. Instead, racing was moved up to Saturday so the local motocross community could join the rest of their families in celebrating Easter.

The holiday weekend also parted the rigorous seventeen-round AMA Supercross schedule, leaving the pro riders with some free time during one of the rare off-weekends of the season. The professional and amateur series are normally two separate events and what hap-pens in one normally won’t directly affect the other, but as stated earlier, this weekend broke the mold for your average run-of-the-mill amateur race weekends. Eleven10 Mods owner and operator Chad Sanner saw the break as an opportunity to get in some testing and preparation for the upcoming outdoor series.

The ewok warrior that pilots the Eleven10 Mods #30 machine went back home to spend the holiday with family, but “Filthy” Phil Nico-letti and Dylan Slusser once again hopped back in the black box van and made their way to Delmont, Pennsylvania, for Saturday’s race. They pitted not too far from Michael McDade, another rider looking to get in some preseason warm-up races before the season opener at Hangtown. McDade has traveled to select supercross races by way of full-on privateer efforts, but is opting to focus more on preparing for the upcoming outdoor series.

By the time registration closed, the three were slated to race both 250 and Open A, along with regional talent like Steve Roman, Daniel Lippman, Ty Newcome, Alex Odell, Ben Ritter, and Broc Streit. The 250 A class had a decent turnout of 12 riders, while the Open A class

The Open A Class start proved to be challenging for Nicoletti (upper right on #715), as he was up against a pack of 450s on his 250.

ProLicense

Story and Photosby Jordan Roberts

As riders prepare for the opening round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motorcross Championship, a select few decided the best way to do this is get back to the roots of American motocross.

37

THE MOUNTAINEER RUN*

Round 7: May 26-27 - Masontown, WV*Also features UTV Racing

SNOWSHOE Round 8: June 23-24 - Snowshoe, WV

✔ 2 & 4 Stroke ✔ Welding & Repair✔ Piston Kits/Coatings ✔ Boring & Honing✔ Single or ✔ Big Bore Kits multi-cylinder block✔ Nikaseal Plating (Aluminum, Steel, or Cast Iron)

✔ Expedite Service

337 Coldstream Rd. • Phoenixville, PA 19460 Toll Free 1.866.845.1531 • www.powersealusa.com

Fast TurnaroundDealers Welcome

38 THE RACING PAPER

had a sizeable tally of 19 riders.The 250 A moto was the first of

the two classes in the day’s moto order. The riders lined up for the first moto, the gate dropped, and Dylan Slusser was the first to make it out of turn one. He had his hands full, though, because Nicoletti and McDade were the next two riders behind him. Slusser lead through the uphill double-double and into the back section as the pack rode out of sight over the rolling hills. As the riders rounded back around the front section, and the roar of the A Class grew louder, a different number plate made its first ap-pearance over the tabletop pre-ceding the finish line. Nicoletti grabbed and held on to the lead before a full lap was in the books, and Slusser sat in second with McDade closing in from third. McDade looked poised to make a move for second in the first half of the moto, but blew his chance when he low-sided before the up-hill rhythm section. He was able to pick his bike up and hold on to third, but Slusser was long gone by that point. Nicoletti, Slusser, and McDade rounded out the top

three for the first moto.Slusser once again grabbed

the holeshot for the second moto of the 250 A Class, but this time McDade was the other Red Rider right on his heels. Roman fol-lowed in third with Nicoletti in fourth. McDade got by Slusser in the first lap, and in the process slung a rock from his rear knobby directly into Slusser’s left shoul-der. It was damage control at that point for Slusser. A rider’s speed can easily be cut in half after tak-ing a shot like that. Nicoletti took advantage of the situation, mak-ing quick work of Roman and Slusser in one section, allowing him to start setting his sights on McDade. He slowly gained on McDade in the next two laps, and was finally able to make his move for the lead in the last lap to seal the overall win with 1-1 finishes.

Nicoletti found himself at a disadvantage, though, when he rode his 250f up to the start-ing gate for the first moto of the Open A Class. Even the power-house small-bore engines from Eleven10 can’t match up to a 450 on a deep, uphill start. The gate dropped, leaving Nicoletti bur-

(Clockwise from top to bottom) The top-three battle in the first moto of the 250 A Class; Nicoletti eventually ran down Slusser; Mc-Dade was forced to play catch-up after he low-sided before the uphill section.

39

NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIER& REGIONAL SCHEDULE

NORTHEAST AREA QUALIFIER

February 25 & 26 Elizabeth City Elizabeth City, NC

March 10 & 11 Tomahawk Hedgesville, WV

March 17 & 18 Englishtown Englishtown, NJ

April 21 & 22 High Point Mt Morris, PA

April 28 & 29 Area 51 Batavia, NY

May 5 & 6 Pleasure Valley Armagh, PA

May 12 & 13 Winchester Speed Park Winchester, NH

May 19 & 20 Unadilla Valley Sports Center New Berlin, NY

NORTHEAST REGIONAL

June 2 & 3 Steel City Amateur Delmont, PA

June 23 & 24 Doublin Gap Youth Shippensburg, PA

Is that a two-part ad over there? Looks like it. The bar is being raised and real estate is running out.

Contact Crytser today!tim@racerxonline.com

40 THE RACING PAPER

ied around tenth while Slusser and McDade ran out front early on. A lot had changed by the end of the second lap, though. McDade stole the lead from Slusser, and Nicoletti was slic-ing through the pack and had already made his way up to fourth. It looked likely that Ni-coletti would challenge Slusser by the end of the moto, but in-stead rode out the moto with-out ever getting close enough to make a move. The first Open A moto would finish out in that order.

As for the second moto, Dylan was undecided as to whether or not he was going to call it quits for the day. The rock that was slung from McDade’s rear wheel left an impression on his shoulder, but “Dr.” Phil

let him know he was fine. Ev-eryone was back at the gate for the last Open A moto, and McDade took a commanding holeshot while Slusser lagged behind with a bum shoulder. This was to be expected, but what wasn’t expected was Ni-coletti’s top-five start aboard a 250F against the rest of the 450s. He then took advantage of his start by passing into second place soon after the first lap, enabling him to set his sights on McDade. Meanwhile, Slusser rode in the midst of the pack around tenth while Steve Roman enjoyed his absence from the lead group by riding soundly in third place. Howev-er, Roman wasn’t exactly quite part of the lead group since McDade and Nicoletti checked

out for a duel inaccessible to all other contenders. Nicoletti followed McDade intently, lap after lap, and finally made an attempt at the lead after the uphill rhythm section. He made the pass on McDade, but it didn’t stick. McDade passed right back, but Nicoletti did the same by diving in under Mc-Dade mid-turn before the next rhythm section. Nicoletti led McDade to the checkered flag, with Roman following in a dis-tant third and Slusser moving up to sixth.

At the end of the day, Nico-letti walked away with the 250 A overall by sweeping both motos, and McDade sealed the Open A overall with 1-2 moto scores. TRP

41

42 THE RACING PAPER

Riders, families, and spectators once again lucked out with fair weather at Pittsburgh Raceway Park for

yet another Spring Series race early in the year. The two rounds that have been held at PRP have seen nothing but blue skies by the time mid-day rolled around, which can be considered quite the blessing when reflecting on typical early-season weather. However, anyone planning to attend the race couldn’t rest easy until they witnessed the track firsthand. The previous night’s rain threatened the facility’s conditions, but excellent preparation from PRP’s track crew resulted in adequate conditions by the first moto.

The A Classes were void of anyone preparing to compete in a pro national, which opened up the doors for the next in line to make a mad dash to the front of the pack. Tyler Luft was the first to take advantage in the 250 A Class by grabbing the holeshot

and holding the lead well past the first few turns. He wasn’t without company though, as Steve Roman, Jason McConnell, and Alex Odell were right behind. Luft held strong until the start of the third lap, when Roman saw an opening and made his move by the #50 Honda. As Roman began to pull away, there were times when you could throw a large blanket over the next three riders, but the running order remained the same until the checkered flag flew.

The holeshot belonged to Alex Odell in the second moto, but once again, Steve Roman was close behind. Roman made quick work of the pass for the lead and continued to pull away, similarly to the first moto. McConnell would also move into second again, but not soon enough to challenge Roman. The overall went to Roman, with McConnell in second, and Luft in third. The results don’t show it, but Scott Kantner rode the whole second moto pulling moves that

PRP

Some of the faster racers in the PAMX Spring Series were able to put together a string of winning motos. However, some strings were longer than others.

Cleaning UPStory and photos byJordan Roberts

(Clockwise from top) Deneen around the back sweeper; Cau-tela leads Crosby; Luft leads Odell; Supermini rippers.

43

would certainly make Ronnie Mac proud.250 B was commanded by Joey Deneen

from start to finish. He put his CR 250 out front by the first turn in moto one, and was pretty close to doing the same in the second moto. Jared Lesher also joined in on the two-stroke fun, following Deneen in second place for pretty much all of moto one. Lesher pulled the same start in the second moto, but was led this time around by Clinton Schaffer. Deneen followed Lesher in third, but he didn’t stay there long. He made passes on both Lesher and Schaffer in the first lap. This group had somewhat of a lead on fourth place Gavin Murphy, but anybody in the rest of the pack needed to cut the track if they wanted to get anywhere near the front. The absence of any other challengers left Lesher and Schaffer duking it out for the rest of the moto. Lesher spent a lot of time right on Schaffer’s rear wheel, but was never able to find a line around him. It didn’t matter though, since Schaffer’s fourth place finish in the first moto would relegate him to a third place overall, while Deneen and Lesher would end up taking first and second, respectively.

Steve Roman ruled the 250 A Class, and Joey Deneen dominated both the 250 B and Two-Stroke Classes, but neither could match what was happening in the mini classes. Timmy Crosby didn’t leave Pittsburgh Raceway Park until he’d won all six of the motos he’d raced. Second place was the best anyone else could do in the Jr. Mini, 85/150 12-15, and Supermini Classes. However, these classes were certainly not short of young

talent. Vinny Luhovey followed up Crosby in the Jr. Mini Class with second-place finishes in both motos, and he almost did the same in the Supermini Class. Luhovey placed second in the Supermini Class for the first moto and put himself in position to do the same with a second-place start in the second moto. He looked poised to take second again but he dumped it in a corner midway through the race, allowing Cameron McKinney to place second in both the moto and overall with 3-2 moto scores. In 85/150 12-15, Mauro Cautela was able to pull the holeshot in both motos, but he was unable to keep the lead from Crosby for much more than a lap. Cautela was able to hold on to second while Ty Kesten and Cameron McKinney fought over third each moto. Kesten secured third place overall, beating out McKinney with his 4-3 score over McKinney’s 3-4.

Corey Passieu was no slouch either. He took top honors in both motos of the 50cc 2 and 50cc Open classes on his Cobra. Passieu has also been competing in the 65 7-11 B Class aboard his KTM. He placed third overall with 3-3 moto scores that day, and will become more of a threat to the top spot as he furthers himself in the transition from 50s to 65s.

Jimmy Evans didn’t seem to have a problem sweeping both motos in the +25 A and +35 A classes. What’s new? I rode the +25 B/C Class, which was in the same moto, and I’m pretty sure he passed me. Oh yeah, and I was in the gate drop behind him. TRP

PRP

(Clockwise from top left) McKinney launches into the sunset; Roman extends his lead; McConnell sticks his KTM in the smooth line; Passieu cruises to victory.

44 THE RACING PAPER

#98 Photo RePoRtArlene Lantzer gives us the skinny on what went down

at Pleasure ValleyRaceway’s Spring Classic.

The 250 A Class ready to go...

...and Steve Roman was the most ready out of the group.

Timmy Crosby

McDade railing it.

A-Mart hauled at PVR. Smith and Herrington battle in 250 B.

Evans, Sanner, & Co. in +25 A.

Write your own caption.

Broc Schmelyun finished 4th overall in 250 A.

Jonathan Wells.

The 250 B holeshot goes to Deneen.

I challenge you to a 1990s freestyle duel, Kantner. JR

45

Moto-Gate // $59.95

Smith Fuel v.2 // $65

Zero X // $19.99

Winners Edge // $15

Have you ever been driving down the highway to have your tools fly out of the back of your truck because your bed isn’t long enough to put the tailgate up? Have you ever had todecide between going back to get your valued tools or fleeing the scene? Here’s a little advice: The $60 is well worth it.

Zero X takes you inside the JCR Team’s offroad racing exploits through deserts of Baja California and Mexico. It also largely pays tribute to multi-talented Jeff “Ox” Kargola, who lost his life during the Rip To The Tip ride. Zero X is inspirational and touching, yet still packs in plenty of high-speed action.

The Fuel goggles are Smith’s top-of-the-line set, and the v.2’s come complete with a nice goggle bag and a roll-off system that is incredibly easy to install. I wasn’t too keen on the design of this particular frame style, but after visiting their site I found plenty of different frame/strap combos to suite my taste buds.

Pills are the solution to everything, duh, including arm pump! Winners Edge offers a complete line of non-FDA-approved arm pump relief supplements. Not only do their pills instantly cure arm pump, they also include “brain stimulators” to get you all jacked up. Pop some today and you’ll be Villopoto tomorrow!

By Jordan Roberts

www.Moto-Gate.com

www.SmithOptics.com

www.Seven-Films.com

www.WinnersEdge1.comWebsite is available occasionally

46 THE RACING PAPER

Alex Odell lays his Suzuki over in one of the well-grooved lines at Pittsburgh Raceway Park while all the spectators in the stands are missing out. Mimi knows what’s up, and she probably caught another angle of Odell laying the hammer down.

Check out her site to see what she got. Go to Sign Up on page 5 to get the link.

Photo by Jordan Roberts

47

FOR ALL YOUR MOTOCROSS, OFF-ROAD, ATV, AND STREET-BIKE NEEDSTHREE FLOORS FULL OF BIKES, PARTS, AND ACCESSORIES

CALL: 304-296-9055526 MILEGROUND ROAD, MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA 26505

TOP FLOOR: MOTOCROSS AND OFF-ROAD MIDDLE FLOOR: PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BOTTOM FLOOR: STREET BIKES AND ATVS

LOG ON TO WWW.RIDEMPS.COM • LOG ON TO WWW.RIDEMPS.COM • LOG ON TO WWW.RIDEMPS.COM

2012 MODELS IN STOCK! • 2012 MODELS IN STOCK! • 2012 MODELS IN STOCK! • 2012 MODELS IN STOCK!

COME AND BE A PARTOF ONE OF THE LARGEST

SPONSORED RACE TEAMS AROUND!