Check out a virtual lap through Thunder Valley MX Park, site of Round 2 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship: the Rockwell Watches Thunder Valley National on May 25.

During the Motocross Grand Prix of Brazil last weekend in Beto Carrero the Honda World Motocross team had a camera in hand to capture some of the sights behind the scenes in the Honda camp. Max Nagl won the qualifying race on Saturday and finished on equal points to the podium on Sunday, while Evgeny Bobryshev finished 11th overall.

As it is an overseas race, the team’s essential tools are crated up with the race bikes and shipped over to the event, which was heavily sponsored by Honda Brazil. The teams work out of booths specifically set-up for the job in hand, and were particularly lucky to avoid the forecasted bad weather for a superb weekend at the Brazilian venue for round seven of the MX1 World Championship.

Elite class competition will be fiercer than ever. Going head-to-head Matti Seistola – Enduro 1 class winner at the recent EWC GP of Spain – Jamie McCanney – current Enduro Youth World Championship points leader – and Tom Sagar – European Enduro Championship Enduro 2 class leader – will all be hoping for a winning result.

As the current Elite class championship leader, KTM’s Darryl Bolter is the rider to beat – himself looking for continued success. Claiming victory at round one before placing third at round two, Bolter has shown he has the speed to fight for victory. However, up against a whole host of talented riders that have recently triumphed on the international scene the KTM rider faces a tough time at Saints Well.

Husaberg’s Jamie McCanney left Chavenage Farm as the overall victor and has since clocked up an impressive four race wins in the Enduro Youth Cup World Championship. Opting to contest the BSEC on a 250 two-stroke, McCanney is a rider to watch for top honours.
Winner at round two, Husqvarna’s Matti Seistola is another rider that figures highly in the EWC. Claiming multiple podiums including a race win at the recent GP of Spain, the Finn is second overall in the Enduro 1 World Championship and will be gunning for glory in Wales.

KTM’s Tom Sagar also heads into the weekend’s BSEC event following international success. Double victor at the European Enduro Championship opener in Italy, plus outright leader of the British Enduro Championship, Sagar has his sights set on overhauling Bolter as the top KTM rider in the series.

Making his Elite class debut in Wales, Gas Gas’ Danny McCanney certainly has what it takes to fight for the win. Missing rounds one and two due to overseas commitments, the multiple Under 23 class champion will be keen to prove himself as top dog.

Defending BSEC champion Jordan Rose (TM) had a difficult start to his season at Chavenage Farm. Fourth at round one but failing to finish round two, Rose is hungry to get back into the title hunt. Adding in Husaberg’s Tom Church, who missed rounds one and two due to injury, the on-form Honda riders Jamie Lewis and Lee Edmondson, plus Kevin Murray (KTM), Mark Roberts (TM) and Matt Ridgway (KTM) ensures the Elite class is more hotly contested than ever.

In the Under 23 class, Husqvarna’s Jack Rowland enters round three on top form. With wins at rounds one and two of the BSEC, plus two highly impressive fourth placed results at the EEC opener in Italy, Rowland will be looking to place on the top step of the U23 podium in Wales. Behind Rowland, TM’s James Dent, Scotland’s Frazer Norrie (KTM) Neil Chatham (KTM) and Frazer Flockhart (KTM), and 2012 Under 19 BSEC champion Steve Holcombe (KTM), are all expected to figure highly.

TM’s Josh Gotts claimed the overall Under 19 class win at rounds one and two. However, he faces a determined Joe Wootton (Kawasaki) and Rob Johnson (Husqvarna), who claimed a round win each at Chavenage Farm. Add in Andrew Bull (KTM), Jon Hunt (Sherco), Scott Altass (KTM) and Luke Flack (KTM) and the Under 19 action is set to be as exciting as ever.

Securing a double win at rounds one and two, KTM’s Brad Freeman was the top-performing rider in the 125 Youth Cup. Setting times that would have saw him challenge for a top 15 result in the overall classification, Freeman will again be a rider to watch out for this weekend.

Husaberg’s Lee Sealey enjoyed a pair of runner-up results at rounds one and two but will be trying hard to bridge the gap to Freeman at round three. Rob Armitage (Husqvarna), Jordan Ridgway (KTM), Ashley Scott (Yamaha) and Drew Slevin (Yamaha) are also keen to claim some silverware at Saints Well.

In the hotly contested Expert class, Kawasaki’s Brad King was the overall winner at Chavenage Farm with defending Expert champion Richard Ely (KTM) a close second and newcomer Scott Austin (Sherco) third. With their on-track rivalry set to continue they’ll also face stiff challenges from Dan Beaven (KTM), Jack Lee (KTM), Carl Brogden (TM) and Jamie Paget (Husaberg).

Katie Walker (KTM) heads to Wales as the current championship leader of the Women’s class. But with Jane Daniels (Husaberg) – the current leader of the Women’s Enduro World Championship – entered, she has a fight on her hands if she’s to win again.

Claiming a double victory at the season opener, Beta’s Lee Green is the rider to beat in the Clubman class. But Richard Holmes (KTM), Mark Denslow (KTM) and Chris Bennetto (KTM) won’t be too far behind Green this time around.

Racing at round three of the Husqvarna ACU British Sprint Enduro Championship in Saints Well gets underway on Sunday May 26 at 9am sharp.

Spectator Info


Directions: 
The start area will be sign posted off the A483 – approx one mile north of Llanbister. Saints Well, Llanbister, Powys. Postcode: LD1 6PT

Entry Fee:
Adults £10.00 each. Under 14 year olds free.

Parking: 

Vehicles will be parked on a generous, flat parking area joining onto the rider’s paddock and start/finish area.



General info:

Racing starts at 10.00am both days. A sighting lap (starts 9.00am) and four timed laps will take place during the morning session before a 30-minute break and paddock autograph signing session. A three-lap afternoon session will then take place. On Sunday the event will end with a prize giving ceremony.

After two years of productive collaboration with Honda in MX1, the opportunity came to work together with the Honda 150cc European Championship to give young talented riders the chance to demonstrate their abilities on the international scene and support potential Honda / Dunlop MX1 riders of the future. Once working relationships have been formed and trust established in the talent from the 150cc championship, a full return to MX2 may become an option for Dunlop to provide a continuous route to MX1.

Roger Harvey, Off-road racing manager – Honda Europe:
“It’s great that Dunlop are extending their support of Honda’s projects from MX1, which is their main focus for development, to our junior programme. We believe it is important to support young riders as they are coaxed through the racing ranks, and we hope to have a future champion from this series. Obviously the riders are racing at Grand Prix tracks, so it’s imperative that they have quality tyres to hone their skills on, and we’re pleased that Dunlop has agreed to supply riders with tyre options for the five round series.”

Sharon Antonaros, Director Dunlop Motorcycle EMEA:
“This is a great opportunity to strengthen our collaboration with Honda and to scout young talent to eventually become future world champions. It gives us the opportunity to understand motocross generations – riders of different ages and the different riding styles as well as the evolving track requirements. Despite not being present in MX2, we believe in the youth and we’d like to give identified talent the support they need throughout their career. This might even bring us back to MX2, to go alongside those riders on their way to MX1. In terms of tyre developments this can also be useful in order to understand the needs of different aged riders. We are very enthusiastic about entering this new championship together with Honda and finding the stars of tomorrow.”

For more information about the Honda 150 European championship series see www.honda150championship.com

North Carolina rookie Cooper Webb began his pro career at Hangtown 2013, and he started it with a bang, serving notice that he’s a serious contender in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series. Racer X Films caught up with the likeable newcomer for this exclusive look at his first day in the pro ranks.

Videographer: Chad DeRosa

HUSABERG IS ALL ABOUT ENDURO. FOR 2014 – HUSABERG’S FINAL YEAR AS AN INDEPENDENT BRAND – THE ENTIRE SEVEN-BIKE, 2-STROKE AND 4-STROKE, MODEL RANGE HAS BEEN IMPROVED AND REFINED. HUSABERG IS PURE ENDURO.

Following the hugely successful introduction of a completely new and extended model range for 2013, for 2014 Husaberg’s focus is simple – to advance and optimise the rideability of all seven of its models. Put simply, overall handling of all models has been upgraded to ensure improved manoeuvrability and rideability – no matter what the terrain. In addition the FE 250 is fitted with an all-new motor, one that delivers class leader enduro power and increased performance.

Husaberg’s 2014 models are the result of 25 years of commitment, innovation, and passion for enduro sport. They also signify the final chapter in the companies celebrated history. As Husaberg’s state-of-the-art technology joins together with Husqvarna’s rich heritage, under the Husqvarna brand, the 2014 model range represents a fantastic and unique opportunity to own a pure Husaberg for the very last time.

A bike for every rider

As Husaberg celebrates 25 years of innovative off-road motorcycle design and manufacture, they’re offering an extensive range of pure enduro 2-stroke and 4-stroke models. From the smallest capacity machine – the TE 125 – to their largest – the FE 501 – Husaberg has a bike to suit all riders. As the only brand that focuses exclusively on enduro, that’s exactly what their R&D engineers have done – improved, lightened and optimised the entire model range as they celebrate 25 years of Husaberg.

2014 MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

New 250cc 4-stroke engine

For 2014 the FE 250 sees numerous improvements as the bike sets new standards in the Enduro 1 class. Featuring a completely new engine, which offers notably more torque than its predecessor, the quarter litre 4-stroke features an all-new cylinder head that offers a significant increase in power. A shorter stroke, new crankshaft, 5 per cent heavier flywheel, new crankcases, updated Engine Management System, as well as the addition of the proven DDS clutch system, ensures the new FE250 engine packs a serious punch.

New suspension settings for all models

Improved traction and greater rider comfort is one of the most significant highlights of the 2014 Husaberg range. All models, both 2-stroke and 4-stroke, receive optimised suspension settings, which ensure improved traction and a smoother ride. Improvements to the WP PDS shock don’t stop at upgraded settings – for 2014 they also feature simplified seal changing and preload adjustment. FE 250 suspension settings are now identical to the FE 350.

Reworked 4CS USD WP Closed Cartridge forks

The sophisticated 4CS USD WP Closed Cartridge forks have been extensively revised for 2014, making them more durable, offering better performance, and making them easier to both adjust and maintain. Delivering impressive and constant damping characteristics, it is now easier than ever before to bleed the forks of air. Springs can also be changed without the need for special equipment.

Improved 250/350 4-stroke frames

Chassis development of the FE 250 and FE 350 models has resulted in significant weight savings as well as handling improvements. When added to the suspension improvements introduced for 2014 they ensure truly optimised levels of traction and handling. With thinner walled down tubes, added to revised cylinder head braces, the new frames allow better absorb energy generated from rear wheel impacts. Improved torsional rigidity also improves high-speed stability and precise cornering.

New 25th Anniversary graphics

Husaberg’s 25th Anniversary is celebrated with assertive new styling as the entire model range receives a sleek and unique new look. Enhancing the slender bodywork on all of the state-of-the-art machines, the striking new graphics compliment the performance upgrades by ensuring a clean, contemporary look.

Optimised tank cap mechanism

Optimisation of the ¼-turn bayonet filler cap allows quicker and easier opening and closing of the fuel cap.

New lower triple clamp

Redesigned for 2014 the lower clamp delivers more consistent force transmission between triple clamp and fork tube. The high-end CNC machined reduce unwanted influences on the damping to ensure a smoother fork action.

New speedo

The new speedometer, developed together with TRAIL TECH, stands out due to its superior ergonomics. Easier to use it provides a better read-out, with the time now visible in any display mode.

New ECU for FE 250

With the focus on saving weight and simplifying the electrical system the wire harness, new ECU, connector and fuse mounts, have all been improved with the TE 250 and TE 300 models also receiving a stronger battery for 2014.

Reworked exhaust system for the 250 4-stroke

For 2014 the FE 250 receives a new exhaust system matched to its new engine. Featuring a new header pipe and a silencer with dual cone perforated pipes, it ensures low sound levels and outstanding performance.

SEVEN OF THE VERY BEST

FE 250

Swift, maneuverable, and agile – the FE 250 may be small but it’s far from tame. In its second year, the FE 250 gets a completely new engine with even more enduro power. It is the new weapon of choice for all E1 racers.

New motor delivers increased torque
DOHC cylinder head with increased flow rate
Optimised enduro specific power
2.7mm shorter stroke, larger bore and intake valves
Lighter forged bridged piston
5% heavier flywheel for optimum traction
Plain big-end bearing for increased service intervals
Completely new crankcase design – lighter & stronger
Multifunctional counter balance shaft
42mm Keihin EMS throttle body – improved throttle response
New exhaust system with dual cone perforated pipes.
DDS clutch for unbeatable reliability
Lightest possible clutch operation
No kick starter ensures minimum weight
Oil-cooled AC alternator powers fuel injection

FE 350

Agility and uncompromising enduro performance are the core values of every Husaberg. In the Husaberg FE 350, lightness of handling and the significant power of the DOHC engine come together perfectly, for every terrain and long race days.

Plain big-end bearing for increased service intervals
No kick starter ensures minimum weight
42mm Keihin EMS throttle body – improved throttle response
Twin oil pumps
DDS clutch for unbeatable reliability

FE 450 & FE 501

The FE 450 features state-of-the-art 4-stroke technology, perfectly packaged in an ultra-light and super-maneuverable enduro chassis. Ferocious, yet easily controllable, power throughout the rev range it offers the perfect blend of strength and ease of use.

Loved by many but mastered only by very few, the FE 501 not only bears a name with a heritage but also perfectly represents what Husaberg stands for: Ultimate readability without compromise. Massive power combined with low weight for maximum agility and fun, and when it comes to racing it is the ultimate 4-stroke weapon in the E3 class.

10% lighter SOHC
Optimised cylinder head gasket – increased durability
Strengthened automatic decompression mechanism
High-tensile, ultra lightweight Pankl con rod
Plain big-end bearing for increased service intervals
New high performance piston rings
DDS clutch for unbeatable reliability
42mm Keihin EMS throttle body – improved throttle response

TE 125

The TE 125 is the nimble little powerhouse of the Husaberg enduro range. With top of the range components it is the perfect choice for all racers wanting the best price/performance ratio in the E1 class. There’s no overlooking the TE 125 when it comes to winning performance.

Newly developed reed valve with Boyesen high performance reeds
Optimised piston grinding shape – increased durability
Improved carburettor settings for better throttle response

TE 250

The TE 250 is an established force in the E2 class – the most hotly contended class in enduro sport. A light and powerful E2 alternative to the FE 450, it delivers all a mid-sized two-stroke should and much more. With a lively power delivery and sporty performance, the bike can handle anything thrown at it. With a six-speed gearbox and an electric starter there’s simply no challenge too great for the TE 250.

New cylinder head with optimised combustion chamber
Newly developed reed valve with Boyesen high performance reeds
Modified ignition mapping for improved motor performance
Refined DDS clutch for unbeatable reliability
Improved carburettor settings for better throttle response
Stronger battery for improved starting
Improved WP PDS settings

TE 300

The TE 300 truly is the go anywhere, do anything bike – the ultimate Extreme Enduro machine yet equally at home battling for race wins in the Enduro World Championship. With its super-smooth, tractable power the TE 300 excels with an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio. In the hands of Graham Jarvis it’s a bike capable of almost anything. In the hands of the world’s weekend warriors it’s dependable and capable as it is enjoyable and easy to ride.

New cylinder head with optimised combustion chamber
Newly developed reed valve with Boyesen high performance reeds
Modified ignition mapping for improved motor performance
Refined DDS clutch for unbeatable reliability
Improved carburettor settings for better throttle response
Stronger battery for improved starting
Improved WP PDS settings

After a strong showing in Brazil both Kevin and Clement are heading to the USA in strong form, lets hope they can both produce what we all know they’re capable of.

How did the trip come about?
“So, the news about Clement and I going to race two AMA MX Nationals in America is now out. I first heard about the possibility after the Grand Prix in Bulgaria. I had already asked the team about going there when we heard that the Mexican round was cancelled and they said it would be pretty difficult but then Davi Millsaps needed his operation and we had a call from Rockstar. Eric [Geboers, Team Manager] told me about a potential plan of doing a whole season there but it turned out to be too difficult and that changed into making one or two race appearances.”

You didn’t fancy a complete switch to the USA then?
“Going for the whole season would have been a big change and I was told not to get too used to the idea initially but it was impossible not to think about it. There would have been a lot to organise and would have been something new. Anyway I was fifth in the world championship and I felt uneasy about switching halfway through the series. It wouldn’t have been easy, but I would have done it if I needed to.”

Excited?
“I’m excited and also a bit nervous. I’ve been talking a long time about going there to try a race and it is actually happening…at the age of 28 this year! I love America and whenever we go there for a GP; and I’ve been twice for training and preparation.”

Expectations?
“I really do not have any expectations. My aim is to make this as much of a fun experience as possible. This might be the last time I can go to the U.S. with this level of support so I want to make the most of being there and enjoy it. I think I’ll need the first race just to take everything in and see how the event runs and then maybe be a bit better for the second meeting in Tennessee. Of course they are fast there, but we are not slow here and I don’t think Clement or I will be going to fight for 15th place. I’ll go to make my laps and battle where I can.”

Are the bikes waiting for you?
“We’ll be taking our suspension and exhausts with us and I think it is good that we’ll be using their Suzukis over there, simply from the point of resources. I don’t have a problem riding the RM-Zs in the U.S. to see how they might feel, especially at the altitude in Lakewood.”

What’s your plan for this week, busy we would imagine?
“We leave Brazil Monday and arrive in California on Tuesday and I think we will even ride that afternoon and also Wednesday before flying to Denver on Thursday. Back to LA on Sunday and then more prep before Tennessee. I don’t think there will be the chance to do more races later in the season. I checked my calendar and my only free weekend through the summer is at the end of July and I’m already committed to the Everts and Friends event in Belgium.”

You’re missing a round of the Belgium Championship..
Missing a round of the Belgian Championship is a shame and particularly racing at Kester which is one of the few old traditional GP tracks left in Belgium but this is a good opportunity and I cannot leave it on the table. I will probably race in Belgium for a few more years yet!

Where does your passion for motocross stem from?
“I’m passionate because I started riding motocross when I was very young and it was my first passion in life. Then I had almost 15 years away from the sport, as I didn’t have time to follow it with University and work taking priority. I then came back into the motocross sport around 10 years ago. I wanted to ride myself a little bit and then I started to follow some riders, so I decided at that point in 2004 to start a small team in Italy to help young Italian riders to grow.

In the first year we won the Italian junior championship MX2 and from there we decided it would be good to get involved a little bit more. We started in the European championship and in the second year we won that championship, so step-by-step we arrived in the World Championship with the support of a manufacturer.”

Tell us about your family business..
“It’s a publishing business that started 100 years ago in 1914 and we publish art productions such as museum art and home decoration, or posters. We do printing, but we create a catalogue of images and we don’t print for others. We distribute worldwide.”

We hear you’ve got an interest in race horses.. is that true?
“Yes. My Grandfather was passionate about horses and I started riding very young, just before motocross, and I have always kept that passion. Around 25-years ago I bred my first horse, a Thoroughbred, and now I keep horses in training in England and Ireland, as well as breeding and selling horses at sales.”

Wow you’re a very busy man! You are known in motocross for improving young riders such as Aleksandr Tonkov; why do you think that is?
“I think most young riders are not in good teams with good people and good bikes. So when they get to a good team, they give 110% of what they can give, so you can see the improvement. What I’ve noticed is that in the first year there’s a big improvement, and then the following year it is less, because then they are more used to what they have. In the first year they put everything in for the results, and this is why, for example, with (Christophe) Charlier we took him in the European championship when he was nobody and he was winning, as well as beating Herlings in 2009. We had (Harri) Kullas in the European championship and he also finished ninth in the World Championship in 2011. We’ve had many young riders improving with us. I like working with young riders more than the experienced guys.”

This year Harri Kullas came back to the team and he isn’t really producing the expected results. Can you tell us what the situation is?
“After stopping with Tonkov at the end of last year, as his personal sponsor planned to take him to America, we knew we had to find someone else. There weren’t many options and we decided to work back with Harri as we knew him, and we know he’s a serious rider. So far it hasn’t worked for many reasons, but mainly after he was injured in the Italian championship, he came back in the first GP’s and wasn’t 100% in his mind. Now he is struggling to find a solution. It’s something he has to find himself.”

Tell us about your Russian rider (Competing in some Grand Prix races and the European championship)
“Vsevelod Brylyakov is a rider we noticed last year in the European championship. He finished 10th despite missing a couple of races and in my opinion he is the type of rider that could improve quite fast. We didn’t know his limits, but he didn’t have a good team behind him. I believe he needs a couple of years to build, but we will end up with a nice rider.”

David Philippaerts is racing for you in MX1 and as a former World Champion; is the goal with him to help your younger riders?
“Yes this was the aim in the beginning with David. To have a top rider like him helping our younger riders to grow up and improve. We know that he is training every week with Brylyakov, who has been learning and copying everything of David’s training. It really helps to have this experience on the team.”

Your relationship with Honda has grown over the last few years, can you tell us more about that?
“In the first year we didn’t have any support, which we knew, but I wanted to change brands for a fresh start. We aimed to find a manufacturer that would eventually be interested in focusing on us for MX2 support, but we knew we had to prove ourselves. Honda was the only real possibility for us and at the end of the last year we had the good news of some support for this season, which I hope we can improve for the future.”

The Gariboldi Honda has developed a lot in the last 12 months, what exactly makes this a good bike?
“Last year we struggled to get what we needed out of the bike for racing, but in the US you see the Honda beating everything, so we knew we could get to that point in Europe. We had no experience, and we made some mistakes, but we’ve learned a lot and this year the bike is good. We believe we have a strong, competitive bike and one of the things all of the riders have said about the CRF250R is that it’s a very easy bike. When they ride it for the first time they feel that it’s easy in comparison to the other bikes, and the chassis is very good. If we can improve our race engine a little more, we will have a fantastic package. As we’ve seen though, it’s possible to have a very good bike, but unless the rider is performing well, it’s not possible to see the capabilities of the machine. What we need in future is to step up with th e riders we have and try to get on the podium.”

Friggin awesome Hangtown edit by Chad DeRosa and RacerX …we like a lot.

Images by KTM, Honda, Monster Energy, Suzuki and Kawasaki