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

Suzuki RM-Z450

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

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

Suzuki RM-Z250

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

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

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

The life of a factory motocross mechanic is not an easy one. Factory motocross bikes are worth well over a hundred thousand dollars and require the upmost in care and maintenance. Follow Lee McCollum and Rene Zapata as they tear down and rebuild James Stewart’s Factory Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450.

When James Stewart scrubs the whole world takes notice….check this bad boy out.

Muddy Creek Raceway has played host to some of the largest amateur motocross events in the country, making the third stop on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross tour somewhat familiar to many of the racers who grew up competing in the amateur ranks. Although the facility has undergone many changes to accommodate the Nationals, its natural-terrain, great dirt and rolling hills will showcase all the components that have made Muddy Creek Raceway such a successful venue over the years.

Re-Mastered edit from the last round – brilliant stuff

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto has started the 2013 season perfectly, winning all four 450 Class motos through the first two rounds of competition. This Saturday, Villopoto looks to extend his undefeated record at the Built Ford Tough Tennessee National. However, with one of the most competitive fields in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross history, Villopoto will have his work cut out for him.

Sitting second overall in the championship standings, reigning champion Ryan Dungey is all too familiar with the runner-up position early in the season. After James Stewart swept the first four motos of 2012, it wasn’t until Round 3 that the Red Bull KTM rider began a win streak that lasted 10 motos. Dungey has been in lead contention all season long and the Minnesota native looks to secure his first win at an all-new venue that has the potential to deliver an even playing field for everyone.

I’ve never been to Muddy Creek before so I’ll take it with an open mind. It’s a new stop for all of us and I think it will be interesting,” said Dungey, the 2012 450 Class Champion.

The 450 Class is full of top-level competitors who have proven they have what it takes to be a contender this season. For example, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Barcia, who led 10 of 34 laps at Round 2, has proven his merit so far in his first full-time season in the 450 Class. After finishing with a (3-4) score last weekend, Barcia currently sits tied with teammate Trey Canard for third place in the point standings.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart has had his fair share of ups and downs in the first two rounds, but the 2008 450 Class Champion remains intact for the championship chase early on. Stewart came out swinging at the opening round, capturing both holeshots and a third overall finish. Round 2 looked to be the same until Stewart collided with another rider in Moto 1, where he finished 15th. Stewart bounced back with a third place in Moto 2, allowing him to maintain a top five position in the championship standings.

In the 250 Class, several riders are looking to become the first to win the inaugural Tennessee National. Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen made a statement early on, sweeping the first three motos of the season. But GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac was able to secure the overall win in his home state of Colorado last weekend, giving each rider one respective overall victory heading into Round 3.

There’s no counting out GEICO Honda’s Zach Osborne, who secured his first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross career podium finish last weekend. Osborne, a Virginia native, grew up only 30 miles from Muddy Creek Raceway and the familiarity could give the former world championship contender a possible advantage over his competition.

Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin has put in consistent rides so far this season, currently holding third overall in the championship standings. The French rider tops defending 250 Class Champion Blake Baggett by two points heading into Round 3 and both riders look to secure their first win of the season in Tennessee.

The Built Ford Tough Tennessee National will commence Saturday, June 1, in Blountville, Tenn., beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern. Live coverage of the opening motos on NBC Sports Network and Allisports.com will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern. The second motos can be seen on FUEL TV and Allisports.com at 3 p.m. Eastern.

Previous Round Results and Championship Standings

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (2-2)
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (3-4)
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda (4-5)
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (6-6)
6. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki (5-7)
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (15-3)
8. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (7-10)
9. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki (10-8)
10. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki (11-9)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 100
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 88
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 70
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, 70
5. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 66
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 54
7. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki, 49
8. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 37
9. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 36
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 34

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-1)
2. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (1-3)
3. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda (6-2)
4. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (4-4)
5. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (9-5)
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha (8-6)
7. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Kawasaki (7-10)
8. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (5-12)
9. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha (3-17)
10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (13-7)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 95
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 89
3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 72
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 70
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 65
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 50
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 49
8. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 43
9. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 39
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 39

Ever wondered how Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart sets up his bike? Stewart’s mechanic, Lee McCollum, takes you through the parts that make up the bike and the settings he tweaks to get it dialed for race day.

The 2013 Thunder Valley National in Lakewood, Colorado—round 2 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series—is now in the books, and Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart walked away feeling pleased with his ride despite suffering from some bad luck in moto number one. After tangling with Andrew Short on the opening lap, James next ran into the bike of Jake Weimer who went down directly in front of him, and was forced to battle his way back up from nearly dead last. James shook off his 15th-place moto one result by throwing down a solid third-place effort in the second moto, and is feeling optimistic heading into the Tennessee National next weekend. Here’s what JS7 had to say after the race…

Round 2 of the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series is about to go off at Thunder Valley MX just outside of Denver, Colorado, and Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart just exited the track after setting the third quickest time in the final practice session of the morning. Take a look at James’ pre-race update to hear what he has to say about the track, bike setup, and his expectations for the day…

Round 2 is the earliest Thunder Valley has ever been on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule. Last year it was Round 3.
The mile-high altitude at Thunder Valley is a unique element of this national. It will provide an additional challenge for mechanics in making a bike perform at its peak, while riders must physically adjust to the thinner air.

Thunder Valley was the site of the first professional motocross event to ever be held under the lights, during the 2008 season. The track also hosted a night race during the 2009 season. In 2010, it was the host venue for the Motocross of Nations.
Ivan Tedesco is the only rider to win at Thunder Valley in both the 250 and 450 Class. Both of his inaugural victories came at this track, which he considers to be his home race.

Blake Baggett looks to be the first repeat-winner at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class since Ryan Villopoto’s second win in 2008.
Thunder Valley marked Ryan Dungey’s first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross victory aboard a KTM, also marking KTM’s first win in the 450 Class. Dungey has won the last three years in the 450 Class.

450 Class Stats
The first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship race was held at Thunder Valley on July 24, 2005. Ricky Carmichael won on a Suzuki.
Four different riders have won in eight races at Thunder Valley. Three of the four – Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart and Ryan Dungey – have gone back-to-back.
Ivan Tedesco is the only rider to win in both classes at Thunder Valley. Jake Weimer and Justin Barcia will look to achieve the same feat this weekend.

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Suzuki – 4
Kawasaki – 2
Honda – 1
KTM – 1

Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
KTM – 2012
Suzuki – 2011
Honda – 2009
Kawasaki – 2008

First time winners at Thunder Valley
Ivan Tedesco, 2009 – Honda

Riders to win at Thunder Valley in both classes
Ivan Tedesco

Brand Sweeps at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki; James Stewart (450 Class) and Ryan Villopoto (250 Class) – 2008
Kawasaki; James Stewart (450 Class) and Ben Townley (250 Class) – 2007

2013 Current Stats

450 Class Point Standings – After 1 of 12 rounds
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 50
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM,44
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki,40
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda,36
5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y. Honda, 32
6. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 27
7. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM, 26
8. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 24
9. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki, 24
10. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 21

Overall Wins
Ryan Villopoto – 1

Moto Wins
Ryan Villopoto – 2

Overall Wins by Brand
Kawasaki – 1

Laps Led (total)
Ryan Villopoto – 29
James Stewart – 5
Total: 34

Holeshot Winners
James Stewart – 2

250 Class Stats
The first 250 Class race at Thunder Valley was held on July 24, 2005. Ivan Tedesco won on a Kawasaki.
Justin Barcia broke Kawasaki’s seven-race win-streak last season, taking the 2012 win on a Honda.
With Barcia’s departure from the 250 Class, Blake Baggett will attempt to be only the second repeat winner at Thunder Valley. Ryan Villopoto is currently the only repeat winner at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class.

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki – 7
Honda – 1

Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
Honda – 2012
Kawasaki – 2011

First time winners at Thunder Valley
Ivan Tedesco, 2005 – Kawasaki
Jake Weimer, 2009 – Kawasaki

2013 Current Stats

250 Class Point Standings – After 1 of 12 rounds
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 50
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 42
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 42
4. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 36
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 28
6. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 27
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 24
8. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 22
9. Joseph Savatgy, Cairo, Ga. KTM, 21
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 20

Overall Wins
Ken Roczen – 1

Moto Wins
Ken Roczen – 2

Overall Wins by Brand
KTM – 1

Laps Led (total)
Ken Roczen – 30
Marvin Musquin – 3
Blake Baggett – 1
Total: 34

Holeshot Winners
Blake Baggett – 1
Zach Bell – 1

Past Winners

THUNDER VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK
Lakewood, Colo.

450 Class
Date / Winner, Hometown / Machine
June 2, 2012 / Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, MN / KTM
June 25, 2011 / Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, MN / Suzuki
June 26, 2010 / Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, MN / Suzuki
June 27, 2009 / Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, CA / Honda
June 29, 2008 / James Stewart, Haines City, FL / Kawasaki
July 22, 2007 / James Stewart, Haines City, FL / Kawasaki
July 23, 2006 / Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL / Suzuki
July 24, 2005 / Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL / Suzuki

250 Class
Date / Winner, Hometown / Machine
June 2, 2012 / Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY / Honda
June 25, 2011 / Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, CA / Kawasaki
June 26, 2010 / Christophe Pourcel, France / Kawasaki
June 27, 2009 / Jake Weimer, Rupert, ID / Kawasaki
June 29, 2008 / Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, WA / Kawasaki
July 22, 2007 / Ben Townley, New Zealand / Kawasaki
July 23, 2006 / Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, WA / Kawasaki
July 24, 2005 / Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, CA / Kawasaki

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

Check out many of the top riders of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship get some track time on the Hangtown course after their visit to Sacramento’s rail yards days before the opening round. Featured riders include Blake Baggett, Ryan Dungey, Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Justin Barcia, Trey Canard, Malcolm Stewart, Cole Seely, Jesse Nelson, Jake Weimer, Justin Brayton, Justin Hill, Dean Wilson, Tyla Rattray, Martin Davalos, Darryn Durham, and many more!