See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
Congratulations to Chad and the entire LM Racing/San Manual Band of Mission Indians/Yamaha racing team. Photo by GuyB.
May 03, 2008
Chad Reed is the 2008 Supercross Champion
Congratulations to Chad and the entire LM Racing/San Manual Band of Mission Indians/Yamaha racing team. Photo by GuyB.
Added Vegas Bonus: Hudgens Explains Reality
So I was listening to the Supercross Live webcast for the Vegas finale tonight, wondering why they were running commercials urging people to buy tickets for an event that was already underway and halfway over. And then the Director of Marketing for LiveNation Ken Hudgens appeared, apparently to publicly address complaints about the lack of live television coverage for this otherwise most exciting of nights.
And I was surprised they didn't ask him who was gonna win tonight.
Anyway, Hudgens explained that a joint decision NOT to go live as in previous years was made after Anaheim 1, though he did not elaborate on the significance of the timing, if any. Basically, since the event takes place on the West Coast at night, live broadcast requires the East Coast audience to stay up late (after 1am) to watch. Which they historically do not, if television ratings mean anything. Which they do, certainly to Hudgens and his clients. Simple, really: the ratings are too weak to justify the costs.
I heard that and immediately thought, "so tell the promoter to move the finale to an East Coast stadium and be done with it..." Oh yeah, LiveNation IS the promoter. This should be a no-brainer, right? Of course not, stadium logistics are a nightmare, ask someone who would know... like LiveNation. Anyway...
So after listening to Hudgens, I felt pretty clear on a couple of things. One, he knows a lot about this sport because he has been involved with the sport for a long, long time. One could say he's part of the status quo; he's certainly part of the establishment, and since the issue of live television broadcasts has ALWAYS been property (literally) of the establishment, he has great credibility on this issue. So when Ken Hudgens says that the ratings indicate that broadcasting the final supercross event is not worth the cost and effort, we should take that as the truth.
So with that understanding, Mr. Hudgens, why not let us have it on the web, for free? You know, us, that miniscule audience listening to the webcast with our friends from all over the world? I'm not even suggesting you pay for production, just let someone else come in and do it, for free. As in, no licensing costs to broadcast in a certain limited fashion on the internet. Imagine that? Some people can't.
And I was surprised they didn't ask him who was gonna win tonight.
Anyway, Hudgens explained that a joint decision NOT to go live as in previous years was made after Anaheim 1, though he did not elaborate on the significance of the timing, if any. Basically, since the event takes place on the West Coast at night, live broadcast requires the East Coast audience to stay up late (after 1am) to watch. Which they historically do not, if television ratings mean anything. Which they do, certainly to Hudgens and his clients. Simple, really: the ratings are too weak to justify the costs.
I heard that and immediately thought, "so tell the promoter to move the finale to an East Coast stadium and be done with it..." Oh yeah, LiveNation IS the promoter. This should be a no-brainer, right? Of course not, stadium logistics are a nightmare, ask someone who would know... like LiveNation. Anyway...
So after listening to Hudgens, I felt pretty clear on a couple of things. One, he knows a lot about this sport because he has been involved with the sport for a long, long time. One could say he's part of the status quo; he's certainly part of the establishment, and since the issue of live television broadcasts has ALWAYS been property (literally) of the establishment, he has great credibility on this issue. So when Ken Hudgens says that the ratings indicate that broadcasting the final supercross event is not worth the cost and effort, we should take that as the truth.
So with that understanding, Mr. Hudgens, why not let us have it on the web, for free? You know, us, that miniscule audience listening to the webcast with our friends from all over the world? I'm not even suggesting you pay for production, just let someone else come in and do it, for free. As in, no licensing costs to broadcast in a certain limited fashion on the internet. Imagine that? Some people can't.
Mr. 200 Percent
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
Midwestern guys aren't supposed to be flashy, right? No? Trey Canard rocks the red state flavor. Red plates on a red bike... haven't seen that before! Another GuyB joint.
Smooth B
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
Roll left, homie. J-Law lays it out at Vegas Press Day, looking like he wants to go to the des Nations or something... Color snaps by GuyB.
May 01, 2008
Remember Battles Like This?
Last year in St. Louis, Chad Reed and James Stewart trading paint... great stuff!
April 27, 2008
Fashion Plate
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
Hey Chad, now that color scheme is working. SuperX put on a riding clinic, going from last to fighting Andrew Short for second on the last lap. Here Reed gestures to Shorty after taking the checkered flag. "What up, foo? You can't stop this!"
photo by GuyB
Jason Lawrence: 2008 supercross champion!
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
He did it, he pulled it off, he earned it and he definitely delivered for the once-mighty Yamaha of Troy team. Give the man some credit! Getdown Jason Lawrence!
I know the headline looks a little off since Lawrence "only" won the 250F West Regional championships... and they have a term for the class that I refuse to use.... but to me, supercross is supercross, regardless of the bike size. Anyway...
photo by GuyB
April 20, 2008
Honda Gets The Small Bore Crown
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
When was the last time Honda won a 250F Supercross title? Was it back when Travis Preston capitalized on James Stewart's rookie mistakes to take a surprise championship? Well, Trey Canard's crown is every bit a "surprise", as even with his pre-season injury, Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto was widely expected to dominate the East Coast region.
What a difference a year makes. Last year Pro Circuit won both Coasts; this year they were completely shut out.
A Championship Lost, A Title Won
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
Trey Canard did it! He outmaneuvered Ryan Villopoto when it counted most, going inside before the finish line jump and forcing Villpoto into a mistake, winning the St. Louis 250F Supercross and the East Region Championship. Congratulations TC! The crux of the biscuit brilliantly captured by GuyB.
April 12, 2008
Chad Reed Has Heart
Pro athletes often are called upon to perform when injured. Tonight at the Detroit Supercross, championship-points-leader Chad Reed (L&M Racing/San Manual Band of Mission Indians/Yamaha) suffered a big time crash in practice, spent hours in the hospital being treated for internal injuries, than came back and raced to a championship-saving 12th place finish.
Now, that might not sound like so much for the normal, jaded sports junkie... but I just heard his voice, as the Supercross Live webcast guys were able to interview Chad right after they pulled off the track. And it was kind of chilling listening to Reed's voice. You could hear in his voice how stressful the entire night had been, and even though he was somewhat relieved to finish as high as he did, particularly since he also crashed in the first turn, there was still a lot of tension in his tone.
Get well soon, Chad. And keep doing what you're doing.
Now, that might not sound like so much for the normal, jaded sports junkie... but I just heard his voice, as the Supercross Live webcast guys were able to interview Chad right after they pulled off the track. And it was kind of chilling listening to Reed's voice. You could hear in his voice how stressful the entire night had been, and even though he was somewhat relieved to finish as high as he did, particularly since he also crashed in the first turn, there was still a lot of tension in his tone.
Get well soon, Chad. And keep doing what you're doing.
April 08, 2008
BREAKING NEWS: The Thunder Valley National Outdoor Motocross will air LIVE on CBS TV!
Actually, that's a complete fantasy of mine, no truth to it all. Call it a late April Fool's day headline, but wow, after thinking about the new Saturday night championship round in Colorado, well... it sure would be cool!
C'mon CBS Sports. Do it. Wake up that sleepy Saturday night audience with a live network television broadcast of the outdoor motocross championships this summer!
C'mon CBS Sports. Do it. Wake up that sleepy Saturday night audience with a live network television broadcast of the outdoor motocross championships this summer!
April 07, 2008
The Man from the Mission is on a Mission
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
Say what you want about Chad Reed's sartorial splendor, but the "The Man from the Mission" (San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, to be precise) is in complete control of the Monster Supercross Supercross title chase (yes, it looks silly to repeat "Supercross"). On a nasty track in Dallas, SuperX Reed rode away from best of the rest. Yamaha's Josh Hill took second, and Honda's Davi Millsaps found himself yet another podium ride to finish third.
But Chad... what's up with the gear? That color scheme is teh suck...
#2 is 2 for 2
See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com
First, I have to say my favorite source for All Things Motocross, the generous Guy B of Vital MX, spent the weekend at the Grand Prix of The Netherlands at the Eurocircuit at Valkenswaard. So this week's Monster Supercross report is ably illustrated by the cheerful (and charitable) Chris Hultner of Amateur MX.
Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto continued to re-emerge as his usual dominating self, taking advantage of points leader Trey Canard's bad luck to grab his second win in a row in 250F East action at the Dallas Supercross. RV is down 17 points to Canard, with only two rounds to go. If Villo loses this title, it will have nothing to do with his speed or skill; that first round DNF is the major culprit.
April 04, 2008
Jeremy McGrath Injured While Practicing
Man, I'm sorry to hear this: McGrath was riding at his ranch when he somehow crashed . He fractured his femur, according to the report.
Get well soon, MC!
Get well soon, MC!
March 29, 2008
"It's in our blood" - Joe Gibbs
Check out this great interview with the legendary Joe Gibbs. Good stuff from Todd Huffman and Racer X Films.
March 28, 2008
News of the Weird
So, Supercross' version of "spring break" ends this weekend, with a trip to the Great White North for the Toronto Supercross. And some, um, let's say "unique" things have happened over the past two weeks. Here are some of them in no particular order...
- Chad Reed has partnered with the promoter of the "Crusty Demons Live" shows to launch his own supercross series in Australia. You know, that sentence just doesn't look right without an exclamation mark. I mean, this is BIG NEWS, but it didn't seem generate all that much heat on the fan boards when it was dropped. Or maybe I hang out at the wrong fan boards. In any case, Chad's partner, a guy named Mike Porra, has some pretty big plans. He told Amanda at Supercross.com, "We created a new company, with its major objective is to re-invent and recreate supercross in this part of the world."
Now some of you might think that's a joke. If you do, read Amanda's interview. and you find out that this guy Porra is for real. He was a general manager for IMG, the international sports and entertainment marketing giant, heading up the Australasian Region. And check these chops: the "Crusty Demons Live" show was the top-grossing touring entertainment event in Australia in 2005/2006, beating out the Rolling Stones and U2 tours.
Looks like Superbad done good.
- History was made in Lake Whitney, Texas at the Parts Unlimited Spring Classic when Michael Young won the 65cc (7-9) Modified championship on his Cobra CX65. It was the first major national amateur title in the 65cc class for an American manufacturer. Cobra President and CEO Sean Hilbert laid it all out there when he told Racer X's Billy Ursic, "Our whole mantra or reason for being is being the best company in the world at the youth competition segment. So the 65 and other bikes in that segment is certainly fair game for us now and in the future. "
- The Superhero from Annapolis, Travis Pastrana, decided to drop another mindblowing trick on us, by riding ACROSS THE TOP OF A LAKE to a floating freestyle ramp, and then hitting the jump and tossing a trick. Ever the savvy marketer, the trick will be featured in the next installment of "Nitro Circus" (he's up to v6 now). Here's part of the call in the press release: "TP then accelerated down the 40 degree slope to the final flat piece of land and entered the lake. The bike “skimmed” (hydroplaned) across the lake with a good rate of speed, but the waves hit Pastrana’s left foot and he was suddenly riding the bike over 5 feet deep water at 70 mph, with one foot on the bike..." Did he make it? Read the release and find out!
- Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey has called it quits on 450 racing this year, pulling out of the Toronto round to focus on the West Region 250F title chase. I have to say that makes sense, but Dungey brought a lot of excitement with him to the big boy class, so he will be missed this weekend.
- The American Motorcyclist Association jettisoned a number of employees on Thursday, according to this article by Dean Adams at SuperbikePlanet.com. Still waiting to hear what that's all about...
- And finally, just what we've all been waiting for... NIGHT MOTOCROSS. No, that sentence did not need an exclamation mark. Looks like the Lakewood Colorado round of the outdoor national championships will be run under huge Musco temporary lights on SATURDAY night, June 28th, at the Thunder Valley facility.
Now, if you're like me, you're probably wondering why this is even considered a "good idea." Well, consider what Thunder Valley's promoter, David Clabaugh, had to say in this press release: "Hosting the race at night brings a new element to AMA Motocross and gives fans a new perspective. And in this ever-changing marketplace, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our event and night racing seems like a perfect fit for our regions’ fans.
“We’ve met with officials from the Bandimere drag racing facility up the highway and we’ve done studies on local trends on event attendance in our area. We strongly feel that our greatest area for growth at Thunder Valley is to hold our national at night.”
Hope it works out, David. I salute you for taking it to another level with Thunder Valley MX.
- Chad Reed has partnered with the promoter of the "Crusty Demons Live" shows to launch his own supercross series in Australia. You know, that sentence just doesn't look right without an exclamation mark. I mean, this is BIG NEWS, but it didn't seem generate all that much heat on the fan boards when it was dropped. Or maybe I hang out at the wrong fan boards. In any case, Chad's partner, a guy named Mike Porra, has some pretty big plans. He told Amanda at Supercross.com, "We created a new company, with its major objective is to re-invent and recreate supercross in this part of the world."
Now some of you might think that's a joke. If you do, read Amanda's interview. and you find out that this guy Porra is for real. He was a general manager for IMG, the international sports and entertainment marketing giant, heading up the Australasian Region. And check these chops: the "Crusty Demons Live" show was the top-grossing touring entertainment event in Australia in 2005/2006, beating out the Rolling Stones and U2 tours.
Looks like Superbad done good.
- History was made in Lake Whitney, Texas at the Parts Unlimited Spring Classic when Michael Young won the 65cc (7-9) Modified championship on his Cobra CX65. It was the first major national amateur title in the 65cc class for an American manufacturer. Cobra President and CEO Sean Hilbert laid it all out there when he told Racer X's Billy Ursic, "Our whole mantra or reason for being is being the best company in the world at the youth competition segment. So the 65 and other bikes in that segment is certainly fair game for us now and in the future. "
- The Superhero from Annapolis, Travis Pastrana, decided to drop another mindblowing trick on us, by riding ACROSS THE TOP OF A LAKE to a floating freestyle ramp, and then hitting the jump and tossing a trick. Ever the savvy marketer, the trick will be featured in the next installment of "Nitro Circus" (he's up to v6 now). Here's part of the call in the press release: "TP then accelerated down the 40 degree slope to the final flat piece of land and entered the lake. The bike “skimmed” (hydroplaned) across the lake with a good rate of speed, but the waves hit Pastrana’s left foot and he was suddenly riding the bike over 5 feet deep water at 70 mph, with one foot on the bike..." Did he make it? Read the release and find out!
- Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey has called it quits on 450 racing this year, pulling out of the Toronto round to focus on the West Region 250F title chase. I have to say that makes sense, but Dungey brought a lot of excitement with him to the big boy class, so he will be missed this weekend.
- The American Motorcyclist Association jettisoned a number of employees on Thursday, according to this article by Dean Adams at SuperbikePlanet.com. Still waiting to hear what that's all about...
- And finally, just what we've all been waiting for... NIGHT MOTOCROSS. No, that sentence did not need an exclamation mark. Looks like the Lakewood Colorado round of the outdoor national championships will be run under huge Musco temporary lights on SATURDAY night, June 28th, at the Thunder Valley facility.
Now, if you're like me, you're probably wondering why this is even considered a "good idea." Well, consider what Thunder Valley's promoter, David Clabaugh, had to say in this press release: "Hosting the race at night brings a new element to AMA Motocross and gives fans a new perspective. And in this ever-changing marketplace, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our event and night racing seems like a perfect fit for our regions’ fans.
“We’ve met with officials from the Bandimere drag racing facility up the highway and we’ve done studies on local trends on event attendance in our area. We strongly feel that our greatest area for growth at Thunder Valley is to hold our national at night.”
Hope it works out, David. I salute you for taking it to another level with Thunder Valley MX.
March 08, 2008
MXerDW's Racetime Pressroom Daily
Okay, this is a very cool thing over at Racetime.com, kind of reminds me of the Drudge Report but for motocross! It's an index of the very latest writings by guys like Motocross.com's Jeff Kardas, VitalMX's GuyB, Racer X's Steve Cox and the former factory spectator (and site owner) himself, Steve Bruhn.
Oh yeah, I think they have a pretty cool message board too.
Oh yeah, I think they have a pretty cool message board too.
March 04, 2008
Milestone magazine
I'd like to write something funny, but to be honest I feel very honored to have a story of mine published in the 10th anniversary issue of one of the greatest motocross mags ever, Racer X Illustrated. And it's on the cover, no less! When you get a chance, check out "The Original Riders." It went on the newstands today.
February 18, 2008
I did this... er, almost 22 years ago!
Davey Coombs at Racer X Online posted this scan of an cover photo I shot for Cycling East newspaper WAAAAAYYYYY back in 1986! Davey ran it at the end of this Racerhead column. Why? I have no idea... but it sure was cool to see it there!
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