Wow and I mean Wow! What an amazing Supercross Season! First of I’d like to congratulate the entire Rockstar Energy Racing Team. Everyone did their part to make what was the best season ever. I have been going to races representing Rockstar Energy Drink for a long time now. We have won championships in the past, quite a few actually, but no season compares to this one. We did not win a title in Supercross this year, but it was much more special. Maybe it was because it was our first attempt at creating a 250 and 450 program on our own. Maybe it was the turn around our riders made when many had counted them out as being contenders, not just this year, but forever. Maybe it was the magic I felt every time the gate dropped. Maybe it was all of those things. I in fact had the same chills and goose bumps so many times that I have right now while I write this. Seventeen races in 18 weeks sounds and can be gruelling at times, but that was not the case. I was so excited for racing each and every week that SX flew by so fast; I can’t believe it’s over.

However, I harbour that enthusiasm and much more heading into Hangtown this weekend. The motocross discipline is by far my favourite of the two. Being out in the woods is much more relaxing to me than the bustling city. Thirty minutes + 2 laps on rougher tracks in the heat and humidity is what really defines this sport for me. While outdoors has not yet started, I already have some very exciting news regarding the 450 class. Ryan Sipes will be moving up a class to fill in for Davi Millsaps who will sit out the MX season to have his leg repaired, and Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 riders Clement Desalle and Kevin Strijbos will be coming over to the US for the Colorado and Tennessee Nationals!

Davi Millsaps: How could I not start with Davi? On paper the overall results say the same thing they did last year. Davi Millsaps: 2nd place. Although there is not a Supercross fan out there that didn’t see the difference in Millsaps. In the beginning there were the doubters. In fact in the middle there were still doubters, but at the end, they were silenced. Those who doubted have now become fans, and those fans now believe. They believe Davi can win it all next year and so do I. There is no question that he will be missed by everyone outdoors, but the truth is, he made the right decision. It’s not just his knee causing him problems. His femur never healed right either. A human femur usually goes from the hip to the knee at an 8 degree angle. Davi’s was at 20 degrees. So every time he rode, or even took a step, it was causing further damage to his knee. If there was any question of his commitment, I challenge anyone to endure that pain for as long as he did. In a of couple years he would have had to have a full knee replacement. So while his absence will be evident, we can all be happy that this will extend his career and make him even stronger. We will be seeing Millsaps at the top for a long time.

Blake Wharton: Blake had a very similar SX in 2013 to his 2012 campaign – third overall with one win. However things could have been very different. Wharton was less than half a lap from what then would have been his first win of the season. As he was entering the whoops for the last time, he altered his line choice to avoid lappers. Consequently he went down. It was one of those moments where you go from feeling on top of the world to falling into the cellar in less than five seconds. I couldn’t believe it happened. Blake was able to remount and muster only a fifth. Then a protest was filed about where Wharton re-entered the track. In one of the many controversial calls of the season he was docked another four positions. I feel that Blake got back onto the track in the safest way possible to himself, other riders and the track crew, but that was not the ruling. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I am not an official. My opinion is simply that; an opinion. That however was the turning point in Blake’s season. Had none of that happened, things could have been much different. The points would have been very tight and would have come down to a three man battle in Las Vegas instead of two. But hey, in racing “stuff” happens.

Jason Anderson: I don’t think Jason’s overall finish in SX really shows the strides he made this year. It’s no secret that after Anderson’s first ever season that he was not looking good for the future. Then in his second season he made some progress but was still not living up to what was expected. This year he still barely tapped his full potential but the progress is now growing exponentially. He now needs to focus on his consistency and patience and he will no doubt in my mind be fighting for a SX title in 2014. He showed all of those things this year in Salt Lake City. Not only did he pass some of his top competitors and move into the lead early, but he held it to the finish. In fact as he pulled out a seven-second lead, he made no mistakes. It appeared as if he had been there before, with a sure victory in his grasp; like he belonged there. Well he certainly does belong up front. For me, after everything he has been through and the things I’ve seen being there with him, this was the best moment of my MX career, if you will. I’ve never been so excited for someone. I may have even been overheard comparing it to my sixth Christmas when I got the first Nintendo I wanted so badly. Or when I got A’s tickets for my 11th birthday and got to see my favourite team win. This was a real life, amazing moment and I’m so fortunate to have been able to be there and see it take place. I have been to every professional race of Jason’s career and I don’t plan on missing one anytime soon. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves……MX is coming and Anderson is even more confident on that style of track.

Ryan Sipes: Unfortunately due to a very scary pile-up, Ryan’s SX season was cut short. He broke a hand that has given him trouble in the past. He had it surgically repaired and hoped to be back by San Diego. The surgery did not work out and he was forced to have another. Sipes was finally able to return for the last three rounds, but was really just riding himself back into race shape. He had some good moments and will certainly be glad he was able to get out there. Ryan was given the nod to ride the 450 for the entire outdoor season which is something he was already really wanting to do. He loves the big bike and his style is very suited to the increase in power.

Nico Izzi: Nico suffered from a knee injury very shortly after getting on his new bike and joining the team. Much to his chagrin was not able to line up for even one Supercross. There was a slight possibility that Nico could return for the last couple rounds, but that just didn’t add up in the big picture. We all know that Izzi feels he has something to prove and I don’t disagree with that point. The kid is hungry and it is showing. It made more sense to let him really focus on outdoors and kind of get a head start on everybody. Now he can come into Hangtown 100% confident and 100% healthy and put his best foot forward. I for one cannot wait to see the #30 on the gate and come out of nowhere to land on the podium. It may take a couple races as it has been a while since he has raced, but I look at that as the next special moment in the sport.

Moving onto the GP season, it is still very early. It has been a bit up and down so far, with some highs and some lows but that’s normal and somewhat insignificant in a season so young. There are a lot more races upcoming and a lot more points to be gathered. I am grateful that I can watch every race online, and I do just that, every moto, every lap. It really allows me to stay in touch and see first-hand….well sort of, everything that is going on overseas. Even more exciting is that Clement Desalle and Kevin Strijbos are coming over here! They will join Rockstar Energy Racing and Ryan Sipes under the 450 semi for Thunder Valley and a new track to all of us, Muddy Creek in Bristol, TN. It’s always great when Eric Geboers and the whole crew can make it over here to catch up in person instead of just over email and telephone. It truly shows that we are all one big team, and it’s awesome to see it all come together. I’m very eager for those two races in particular. To see everyone again and have that many riders on the track vying for podiums is great!

Clement Desalle: I think Clement has been a bit frustrated this season. It seems on multiple occasions he has been the fastest rider on the track but some of the courses have been difficult to pass on. He certainly has been up front consistently, but I know he wants nothing more than to win. The GP in Agueda was no different. He was clearly faster but ended up third. I’m just glad after a very hard crash late in the second moto that he is not injured. I am pretty sure he will win again very soon and the MX1 points chase will tighten considerably. If history repeats itself, the title will once again come down to Clement and Antonio Cairoli, although Gautier Paulin has proven to be a spoiler as well. I’m glad I will be able to watch it all unfold. I have seen Desalle race in the US a few times, including at Unadilla a couple years ago when he battled then Rockstar rider Ryan Dungey for the overall win as they both landed on the podium. I’m confident this trip to the US will produce more of the same.

Kevin Strijbos: Kevin seems to be putting things together coming very close to an overall podium on a few occasions. One of his best races came when he battled his team-mate Desalle for nearly every lap of both motos in Sevlievo for the GP of Bulgaria where he bested him with a second in the first moto. It was very cool to watch! Kevin is a veteran who has won before and I believe can win again. I’m still waiting for both MX1 guys to podium together! It will be exciting to meet him and see him race in person for the first time.

Max Anstie: I remember Max being over here for several years as an amateur and racing Supercross. This year for the first time he came over for the West Coast 250 series as a Rockstar Athlete. He did pretty well and it was good to get to know him a little better. Anstie appears to have all the tools needed to podium in any GP. He just needs to add a good start and he will be there for sure. Watching him come through the pack in Bulgaria was very impressive! Just a case of putting it all together and it will come soon.

Julien Lieber: A youngster in the MX2 class Lieber was putting in some very good results. Unfortunately a knee injury has him out of the line-up for now.

Jeremy Seewer: The EMX250 class is only one race into their season where Jeremy finished third. Definitely a good start, but you could tell he was not satisfied. His goal is to not only win races, but win a championship. It’s inspiring to see that kind of fire in a young rider and coincidentally that is a trait you find in champions.

Photo: Justin Silvey

Ricky, so Europe-bound again…
RC: Yeah, and one of the things I love about coming to Europe is that the fans are so loyal, and so into the sport. They don’t go along because it’s something to do on a Saturday. It’s cool that they’re so passionate.

European fans and riders were able to sample RCU for the first time last year. What would you say to people who have not yet attended and are thinking about it?
RC: You know, I love giving back to the sport and it has lead to the Ricky Carmichael University programme. It is like an ‘experience’. I have all my sponsors involved with Monster and Fox and we have giveaways and the whole deal. We don’t want people to think that we are just there to turn up and take the money. We want them to learn something, and to have a great experience around us and throughout the day. We want the parents of the kids to have learned something, and riders of all ages to come away having had a great time, got some cool gifts and gained knowledge in terms of their riding. We also have the personalities involved with myself, Jeff Stanton, Jeff Emig and Grant Langston this year. I think we have tapped onto something really cool and I have a great time doing it and I think everybody involved does. In the end it is all about the experience, making riders better and helping them achieve their goals.

How will the second European edition be a bit different to the first?
RC: There are always things you can do better…that’s human nature. I feel that we set the bar pretty high last time so we at least need to keep it where it is! I think we’ll change a few small logistical things and I believe we have a pretty good routine in terms of giving each individual rider their own bit of time with all the instructors. For the first few Universities in the U.S. I used to just float around but I will now keep on working a specific section and that way I will get time with everybody. That’s important to me. I want people to feel like they have gotten their time.

What about taking RCU to other countries in Europe?
RC: I think there is a big market for it over in Europe and we’re working on it but the biggest thing that worries me is the language barrier. There is so much dialogue, talking and explaining going on that I don’t want any of it to get lost; it would be horrible. I know we could do it in a lot of cool places like Belgium, Holland and France but there is a lot of talking!

Some kids from other places in the continent might feel like they are missing out…
RC: You’re exactly right! More European RCUs are definitely on the radar and we’ve had some serious talks about but we just need to figure out a way we can effectively convey our message. My biggest fear is coming over there, making the experience but people getting ‘lost’ because we’re talking too fast or there is a just a breakdown of understanding. We talk a lot because it’s the only way to convey how, where and what you should be doing for better results. It [more Euro RCUs] is definitely an avenue we want to go.

RCU seems to be getting bigger and more established…no slowing down for you then just yet?
RC: Yeah! But if I put more RCU on the table then I can turn down a lot of other things. I won’t be bogging myself down. My summers are pretty flexible and the only time it gets a bit crazy is during supercross season but I’ll do everything in moderation!

What about Grant Langston joining the team? A rider with a lot of experience but with Jamie Dobb helping with the European set-up there is a bit of juicy history there after their tussle for the 2000 125cc World Championship…
RC: There is some history there! But we all grow up and we’re all adults with children now. I think Grant brings a lot to the table. He’s a former World and national Champion and is very articulate. He’s great with people and that’s what it’s all about; to be able to give that personal feeling. GL onboard is a win-win for us.

And going back to the Fatcat circuit in July. How do you feel about that?
RC: I’m really excited about going back. Everybody at Fatcat and those that assist us over there like Jamie and his wife Naomi and a few other people behind the scenes helped with a phenomenal first experience. We did get lucky with the weather in the UK and I hope it will be the same this year. The track was great actually…and the best part was seeing all the smiles on the faces.

To learn more about RCU Europe click http://rcu.hookit.com/
For enquiries send an email to: rcueurope@rickycarmichael.com

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s James Stewart announced today that he is healthy and healed, and eagerly looking forward to next weekend’s action-packed kick-off of the 2013 AMA Pro Motocross season at Hangtown in Sacramento, CA. Although Stewart opted out of the last three AMA/FIM Supercross rounds when he tweaked his already-injured wrist at the Minneapolis race, the Yoshimura Suzuki rider still finished in the top 10 in the overall championship points. Since then, Stewart took some much needed time off to recover and came back with a vengeance, focusing his considerable efforts on training and testing on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450.

“After Minneapolis when I hurt my wrist again, it was a struggle,” admitted Stewart. “With trying to rehab my wrist, I decided to take the last couple of rounds off and be as close to 100 percent as possible for Motocross. Even though Supercross didn’t go the way I had planned, I fell in love with my Yoshimura Suzuki team and I had a great time. We had some ups and downs, but we also had some great moments, whether that was winning or just accomplishing a goal together as a team. I was definitely bummed to sit out, but that gave me a chance to take a break, rehab my wrist and get ready for Hangtown. Last year, we came into the series and I only had a few days on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and now I’ve had a few weeks. I love racing Motocross, it’s got a more relaxed family-oriented atmosphere, there’s more time to focus on bike set-up and the racing is really fun. I’m looking forward to Hangtown and to the whole season.”

By the conclusion of the 2013 Supercross season, the Yoshimura Suzuki rider had captured the win at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, becoming one of just three racers ever to go nine straight seasons with a win. Additionally, Stewart raced his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 to podium finishes in St. Louis and Indianapolis, won eight of his heat races and was the fastest qualifier at seven events.

Ken firstly well done with the championship, how is this title compared to the World title?
“It’s something completely different. Of course, the World title was a huge moment. For the world title, I have worked hard all my life but for this Supercross title if you like, just a few years. So this is something special.”

The world is your oyster now what?
“The outdoor title is of course a goal of mine, even if this success is not topped by the other title. Next year it will be for me then in the 450 class. The KTM 450 is great and I think I can get involved there too forward even if the class is currently occupied by some great riders.”

So this year is the last for you in the 250 class, have you some special memories from this season?
“If I’m honest, I’ve never thought about it. My Supercross season was fantastic and the second place as the worst result I can only be happy. Except the small dropouts in Salt Lake City, of course.”

How did you feel when Tomac passed you?
“In the middle of the race I made a huge mistake and did not jump the jump to the target. This has brought me neatly out of the rhythm section. Of course I got nervous but if you find the confidence in myself, this is no problem. And ultimately, I knew that I could overtake Davolos. So it’s all worked out. The madness!”

You’ve just nailed $5,000 for the win. Did you party?
“I have a table at the evening Monster Party, but I’m also pretty tired after a tough day. I celebrated at the SX banquet which was super cool.”

Thanks for that and once again well done and good luck in Hangtown.

Words by MotoX Magazine

Interesting interview with Tony Cairoli from motocrossplanet, is he being super PR friendly or does he really believe one class is better for the sport of motocross? You decide and let us know.

Fresh from his recent X-Games Gold Medal winning performance in Brazil, KTM Enduro Factory Team rider Taddy Blazusiak arrived in Las Vegas with high hopes of making a winning start to the defence of his AMA EnduroCross Championship. Unfortunately for Blazusiak things didn’t go to plan. Battling through an ‘off night’ the four-time Endurocross champ placed second overall in the night’s main event…

Obviously you’re disappointed at having not made a winning start to your 2013 Endurocross campaign, but surely a second place result isn’t too bad?
Taddy Blazusiak: “No, it’s not too bad. Just not the result I was hoping for. To have an off-night like I did but to still finish second overall is really good. It seems that it takes a little while for me to get up to speed in the EnduroCross series. Last year I ended the first night of the championship in third place, so at least this year I improved one position to finish second.”

Talk us through your night. How did it go?
“At first it wasn’t the best. My afternoon Hot Lap wasn’t so hot but we changed a few things for the night show. In the second Hot Lap session I was second fastest and only two-tenths off the best time. My jump off the start gate for the main event was mid pack but I managed to find a clear line in the first corner and came out of it in second place behind Mike Brown. He was riding great so I just tried to follow him. Unfortunately, I made one mistake and slipped back but then he got hung up on the final lap and I closed right back in. It was a solid race.”

With seven rounds and eight main events to contest it’s going to be a long series this year. What positives can you take away from round one?
“One thing that’s clear is that everyone is getting faster. Only three tenths of a second split the top four guys in the Hot Lap so the competition is tough. But it’s a long series – it doesn’t end until November. It’s going to be important to make the best of any bad nights you have. Like I always say you can’t win the championship in the first round but you can definitely lose it. And losing this race makes me hungry to win the next one.”

Along with the AMA EnduroCross Championship, there’s also the X Games Enduro-X series to think about. Barcelona is just around the corner, can you pick up another Gold Medal?
“That’s always the plan. I’m very excited about the race in Barcelona and have been looking forward to it for a long time. It’s the first time X-Games will take place in Europe and Barcelona is like my second home. I’ll be going all out to win it, that’s for sure.”

Finally, X-Games Brazil marked the first time an Endurocross track was taken outdoors. What do you expect in Barcelona with the track being built inside the Olympic Stadium?
“The weather and the humidity in Brazil played havoc with the track. It was so slick to race on that it was like riding on ice. To be honest that race was more about survival than fighting for the victory. I expect Barcelona will be much better. Bringing the track outside allows for bigger obstacles with more space between them so you can race much harder. I’m looking forward to this round of the series, it’s going to be huge.”

What have you been up to during the past eight weeks, since the SuperEnduro World Championship finished?
“After the final round of the SuperEnduro series in France I decided to take a short break from racing to recharge my batteries. I’ve been racing and training non-stop for the past 18 months. By racing both the Hard Enduro events and also the SuperEnduro championship I didn’t really have any downtime during the winter. Basically, the month of April became my off-season.”

What did you do?
“The priority was to take care of my body. I’ve been riding with some small injuries for most of the winter and those issues really came to light at the end of the Hell’s Gate race in Italy. I flew out to Los Angeles and spent a couple of weeks visiting the Red Bull Hospital for treatment on my shoulder and to generally get checked out ahead of what will be another busy 12 months. It was a great experience, I learned a lot about my training and I feel like my old self again. While in the US I also got the opportunity to visit some of my sponsors. It was great to meet the guys at Osiris and Oakley and see what goes on behind the scenes.”

Along with your trip to the US you also spent some time in Austria, how was that?
“Between doing some training schools at the Red Bull Ring and visiting the Kini Festival I spent five days in Austria. The whole trip was amazing. I spent two days coaching riders at the Red Bull Ring. It was great to pass on some of my experience and watch the riders improve over the two days. After that I took in the Kini Festival. With everything from FMX, Nascar, drift cars and electric bike racing the action was non-stop.”

After a six-week break how did it feel to return to competitive action at last weekend’s British Enduro Championship?
“It felt great to race again. It’s been a couple of weeks since I last rode in anger, so the second round of the BEC was a great way to get back into things.”

How did the race go for you?
“Although I finished sixth overall I was pleased with how I rode. Some of the top guys in the BEC also race in the Enduro World Championship and the European Enduro Championship so I knew the competition would be tight. It was almost one-year since I last rode in the BEC and initially I was off the pace. But after a couple of laps I began to settle in and improve my speed. I was hoping for a top five result in the overall classification but two sixth place results and victory in the Enduro 3 category was a great way to ease back into racing.”

Looking ahead you have two big races coming up – the Enduro-X in Barcelona and then the Red Bull Hare Scramble at Erzberg. Firstly, Enduro-X, what are your thoughts on getting to race at the X-Games?
“I’m really excited about this race. I’ve never raced at the X-Games before and I can’t wait to get there. It’s one of the biggest events on the planet. I watched the highlights from the opening round of the X-Games tour in Brazil. It was cool to see Enduro-X taken outside. The track looked bigger and tougher than before and I think the track in Barcelona will suit me. After finishing third overall in the SuperEnduro series, I want to go to Enduro-X and fight for the Gold Medal.”

After Barcelona is the Red Bull Hare Scramble in Erzberg. As the defending champion are you feeling the pressure heading into this year’s event?
“The Red Bull Hare Scramble is probably the biggest event of the year for me. The pressure to win will always be there but it’s not really something you get time to think about. Before you can think of winning you’ve got to be able to beat the track. It’s so gnarly and unpredictable. Any mistake can ruin your result. At Erzberg I’m just focused on riding my own race. If I ride like I know I can then another win is certainly on the cards. I don’t want to finish second!”

Jason Anderson tells all from the first photo he had published in a moto magazine, his dream vacation plus what’s on his bucket list. Get to know Jason Anderson in this My Five.

Kevin Strijbos speaks about his great second place in the qualifying race.

Honda World Motocross racer Evgeny Bobryshev has had a mixed start to the 2013 World MX1 Championship season, and as he’s currently injured, which has seen him miss two rounds of the series, the 25-year-old Russian reflects on the start of the year, as well as his fractured ankle, as he aims to recover for the next race in Portugal.