Frid'Eh Update #10 Presented by Toronto Supercross

Sponsored by: 

By Kyle Carruthers and Billy Rainford

It’s almost here! The Toronto Supercross is just 2 weeks away and spring is right around the corner. The snow is melting fast here in Bowmanville, ON and everyone is getting into full moto mode. Shops are selling bikes, gear companies are filling booking orders to your local dealers and local motocross clubs are getting ready for their first events of the season. But before we get into all that we have to make it through the highlight of the year for many of us and that is the weekend at the Toronto Supercross and the parties at the Houston Restaurant on Yonge Street. If you haven’t got your tickets yet to the event I would get on it as seats are selling fast. Make sure if you want to make it into the Houston you get there early as it is going to be a packed house. Houston Manager, David Toye, has this place rocking for us and is going to help DMX throw the best supercross after-party and Friday night pre-race social we have ever seen. Get there early as there will be a line and the cover charge is only 5 bucks to get in on the Saturday and Friday night is free cover. Not bad at all for a night of great times and good memories--and of course the beverages will flowing.

You won't want to miss this one!

But before you hit all these festivities make sure you check out the Monster Energy Pit Party Friday night and, thanks to Atlas Brace, we are giving away four tickets to the Supercross with pit access all weekend and industry seating.

Atlas Brace and DMX to give away free industry seating to Toronto Supercross.

How to win is simple: You need to send us a picture of you wearing your Atlas Brace watching Daytona Supercross this weekend. The most creative picture we see watching the race and wearing their Atlas Brace is going to take home 4 passes for them and some friends to check out the pit party. Email all photos to Kyle@directmotocross.com no later than Monday at 12:00PM so we can choose our winner. And think outside the box; use your bike, your couch, your dog, your sister...we don’t care, but make it good! Here’s exactly what is going on at the Pit Party and you won’t want to miss it and with the industry seating during the event, this may be your chance to meet your favorite rider up close and in person.

By popular demand, The Monster Energy Friday Night Track Party returns on Fri.  Mar. 22. FREE with a valid March 23, 2013 event ticket, you can EXPERIENCE  Monster Energy Supercross PRIOR to Race Day in Toronto at the Track Party from  6‐8PM on Friday, March 22, 2013 INSIDE the Rogers  Centre. This is the chance to walk the track, meet the riders, get autographs,  and learn about the sport. With it being the  ONLY Canadian stop on the Tour, this is THE entertainment option for Friday  night for those making this a weekend trip! – Courtesy Feld Motorsports.

Shawn is one of the hardest working riders in Canadian moto. Bigwave photo

Now, this week’s update goes out to my buddy, Shawn Maffenbeier, or “Little Muff” as many call him. Shawn was the breakout rider during the 2011 season earning national #6 on his Yamalube Troy Lee Designs Schraders YZ450F. Unfortunately, Shawn had some bad luck in 2012 with some crashes and some uncontrollable circumstances in some motos that put that #6 back to a #10. Either way, Shawn is ready to rock this season with a new team and a new bike as in the Rockstar OTSFF Yamaha team and will be one of the riders taking advantage of riding a 250 2-stroke in the MX2 class. We know Shawn is in shape and the shorter motos won’t be a problem for him. If he can handle that 250 as well as everyone is claiming, I expect to see him fighting for podiums every weekend and possibly a Canadian title. You won’t find a rider as funny as Shawn in the pits, so make sure you say hi to him as the series rolls into your local event and of course make sure you tell his father Randy (another one of the good guys in the sport) you like his hair style and walk away quietly.

KTM signs a new Canadian rider?

I guess we can get into the "unofficial official" news of the week and that is that #7 and former GDR Troy Lee Designs rider has left his former team to take a ride with the powerhouse team of Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox Racing KTM. No, we haven’t got an official press release on it yet,  as Events and Marketing manager Danny Brault has been too busy in the California sunshine working on his tan and drinking martinis while he thinks about how many sleeves he is going to rip off at the Houston after-party (I am sure this is far from the truth of what he is really doing as I know he has something pretty cool in the works for you guys) but I expect to see something soon. My sources tell us that Tyler did take part in the team photo shoot this week in California and it looks like he is going to enjoy his new KTM.

I talked to Andy White today and, of course, he is not going to say much on the record until they get the word out there, but he does want to say it is a Canadian kid they have hired who is a great addition to the team and that his new rider is looking very good on his new KTM. Andy is also very happy to have his whole team be Canadian riders.

So, now KTM has Colton Facciotti - 3-time MX1 Champ, Dusty Klatt - 2-time MX1 Champ and 2-time MX2 West champ, Tyler Medaglia - 2-time MX2 Champ and Kaven Benoit the favourite going into MX2 this summer. Not only is it a strong team but they are all Canadians as I said before. I love seeing sponsors and OEMs giving our boys a chance at a ride. But the statement still holds, “if you’re not fast enough, get faster” and these boys have certainly proved they can handle whatever Americans we can throw at them.

Of course, Yamaha has something to say about this with Bobby Kiniry, Maffenbeier, Richard Grey, The Allisons, and Jeremy Medaglia who all look to take aim and achieve their prospective titles. And, of course, you can’t forget the Monster Energy Leading Edge Kawasaki squad of Teddy Maier, Tyler Villopoto and soon to be Brett Metcalfe.

Which bring us to Brett Metcalfe I’ll let Billy touch on the deal here a bit more later, but we need to assume Brett Metcalfe is a proven name who likely has a good shot at winning the title this year. I know KTM and Colton Facciotti, as well as Yamaha and Bobby Kiniry, likely take it as a compliment that such a big name is being brought up to challenge their top riders, but all this can do is bring great press to our series if we have top American names like Kiniry, Metcalfe, and Maier up here as well as our Canadians. If our Canadians do beat these guys then it only brings more attention to our series and, of course, more attention to the Canadian that does it, which may help lead to more State-side support. Get what I am saying? Email me at Kyle@directmotocross.com if you want to chat about it.

Ok here’s Billy...

Thanks, Kyle. First off, Happy International Women’s Day. As a male it’s difficult to see the need for something like this. Some men will say, “Pfft, we don’t have an International Men’s Day!” Well, unless you are part of a minority or a gender that hasn’t enjoyed equality, you can’t say there isn’t a need for a day like this. Ok, on with the Update…

The big news this week was the move from GDR TLD Honda to the Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox KTM team by Tyler Medaglia. I know that Derek Schuster does everything he can to run a professional team over there (and Tyler Medaglia is actually in his wedding party) but Derek is taking the move with class. He understands it’s a business move and he can’t fault Tyler’s decision to go to the only true ‘factory’ team in Canada. I spoke to Derek today and he said, “I have no hard feelings toward Tyler, personally, and wish him good luck this year.”

Derek is now forced to reassess things with his team and go into talks with his sponsors to confirm the direction they want to take now that their #7 rider is gone. Obviously, Medaglia will be taking his Red Bull sponsorship money with him over to KTM and this fact is what is putting Schuster in the position he now finds himself.

He wouldn’t go on record with which riders he’s been in touch with, but hopefully we see the GDR logo on a Honda up near the front when the gate drops in Nanaimo. What if Derek had fought tooth-and-nail to force Medaglia to stay on his team? Who wants a rider that has been ordered to stay? It basically left Schuster between a 'rock and a hard place' so he decided to take the high road and let Tyler be scooped up by the KTM team.

Here is a short statement from Tyler Medaglia:

Ya, the decision was not easy because Derek and myself put a lot into it, and yes there are no hard feelings; we are still good friends that wouldn't change. It was just a move that I couldn't pass up. There was a lot on my shoulders and given the form I feel this season so far I really feel like I can be in a title chase and that takes 100% focus without any additional distractions or stresses.  I spent 2 days on a stock KTM 450 and it didn't take any time to get comfortable. The brakes alone will allow me to go faster. I am very excited to be part of the KTM family. We had tried several years to get something going and now it has come.

Derek Schuster and Tyler Medaglia are definitely two of the best characters we have in Canadian moto and it's great to see they share the same positivity. Hopefully, everything works out and we see Team GDR TLD Honda on the line with at least one title contender. Best of luck to both parties.

Have you seen this yet? It looks like the riders on the MXGP circuit know how to have some fun...even at the races. Check out this Harlem Shake video. It’s absolutely ridiculous but I can’t stop laughing!

The first big U.S. amateur national of the year is wrapping up in Pell City, Alabama at the Mill Creek Spring Classic. I was able to attend this event a couple years ago. The track is pretty fast and has some huge ski-jump-style launches. I could only find 4 Canadian names racing:

#259 Taylor Ciampichini Innisfil, ON

MX Schools.com, Team LTD, AX Tour, Smith Optics, Oneal USA, Works Connection

450B Mod: 17, 13

450B Stock: 18, 14

College B/C (16-24): 13, 8

#721 Adam Burk Alvinston, ON

Decal Works, Orthomed MX, Scott, Race Tech, Ryno Power, B.J. Equipment, Mom & Dad, Loudmouth, Ryno Tech

250C Stock: DNF, 16

Schoolboy 2 (13-16) B/C: 32, 32

#198 Sami Burk Alvinston, ON

Decal Works, Orthomed MX, Scott, Race Tech, Ryno Power, B.J. Equipment, Mom & Dad, Loudmouth, Ryno Tech, WCK Toys

Women (14+) B/C: 10, 9

#84 Tanner Ward Bright, ON

Cobra Moto , Dunlop, Scott Canada, Forma Boots , KR Communications, Wardmotosports

85 (12-14) Mod: 13, 14

85 (12-14) Stock: 15, 15, 12 - 14^th Overall

Jr. Mini (9-13): 10, 9

Supermini 1 (12-15): 15, 20

*results were current as of posting.

If you would like to follow along with the racing on the final day, you can watch it live, listen to it live, and follow along with live timing and scoring:

Listen live with live timing and scoring: http://pc2013.tracksideresults.com/liveresults.asp

Watch live: http://www.xsan.mx

Some stats from Alabama:

-there were 796 entries in 37 classes.

-average of about 280 people listening live to the feed.

-I noticed there were very few women racers there:

                -Girls (9-13): 2

                -Girls (12-16): 5

                -Women Open: 8

                -Women +14: 12

                -Women Pro: 5

I hope this isn’t an accurate barometer of what’s going on down south in women’s moto.

-biggest classes were Schoolboy 1 (12-16): 35 and Schoolboy 2 (13-16): 35

-numbers were also low in the youngest 51cc classes with only 7, 15, 10, 16, and 4 in the 5 classes.

Again, I hope this isn’t a sign of the strength of the sport down south. We’ll have to wait until the gates drop in Texas before we draw any conclusions.

Racing finishes tomorrow. Good luck to the Canadians. Next on the schedule is the Oak Hill GNC in Decatur, Texas. I’m not sure who is heading to that one, but it’s always a great event.

If you live and race in Ontario and need to get your transponder, here is where you can do it and some answers to questions in the FAQ where Brett Lee from Race Day Services basically interviews himself:

Transponder day this Saturday at Xtreme Toys in London. There is no
requirement to purchase or have in place a 2013 organization
membership.

March 9.2013

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Xtreme Toys

London, Ontario

4123 Dundas St., London, ON N5V 5C6

(519) 457-8697 <tel:%28519%29%20457-8697>
 

FAQ

Are Clubs using AMB Transponders as a revenue source?

No. It is often surprising to learn that any Transponder scoring
system can costs thousands of dollars. The investment is in the
program and not a revenue source. It is simply impossible to recover
this level of investment, however it makes racing better. A better
racing product for you as racers is our number one goal. RDS will have
several “Dealer Days” where AMB Transponders will be available
before the season. Details will be announced shortly. We want to
ensure that all effort is made to ensure EVERYONE will have AMB
transponders before your first race. Racers can also call
organizations anytime regarding the purchase of AMB Transponders

Riders DO NOT have to purchase MY LAPS AMB Transponders from any
particular organization. If you wish you may purchase it directly from
MY LAPS. Transponders from MY LAPS <http://www.mylaps.com/>
 are $90 US, plus shipping, plus tax.

We encourage racers to look on E BAY for a used AMB Transponder.

We cannot emphasize the point enough that CLUBS is not using AMB
Transponder sales as a source of revenue.

Does my RFID tag work with AMB Transponders?

For those riders that have a “$5 Tag/transponder”, that is NOT a
transponder, that is an RFID tag. It is not compatible with AMB, Orion
or other similar type Transponders systems.

RFID technology is improving but still is affected by many things
including range, weather, position, metal, volume of riders on the
pass and they do not offer the same level of quality that AMB
Transponders do. AMB is a proven technology that can be trusted.

Does my AMB Transponder I have work at any organizations?

Yes. One of the major deciding factors in choosing AMB is all major
organizations are, and intend on using AMB transponders. If you own a
AMB transponder it is compatible with the CMX, CMRC, MMRS, AMA
systems.

Can I rent a transponder?

At this time, RDS will not offer a rental service. The cost of a
charger case with 34 transponders in it is $11,000.00 US, we believe
that several cases of rentals would be required.. Also please note the
rental transponders only have a 3 year warranty. The AMB Flex has a
LIFETIME warranty. As mentioned these are the transponders that are
the MX industry standard and can be used at other organizations.
Currently several organization use AMB (CMX, MMRS, AMA, CMRC, ). RDS
believes that in 2013 this will be the standard transponder used in
all scoring in all major events in Ontario.

Some organizations, like MMRS do offer a rental service.

Do still need numbers on my bike?

Yes. There will be manual backup on scoring at events and you must
still use the proper numbers and colors. Officials use your numbers
and colors to identify you during events.

What if a rider wishes to just try racing for the first time?

Often, first time riders are introduced to the sport, or a club, by a
friend. If those riders are not riding in the same class, transponder
can be shared. Riders also have the option of not using an AMB
Transponder and not being scored for the day.

At this time it is not feasible to carry the cost of supplying 100′s
of rental transponders. RDS also does not want to make this cost
mandatory to occasional racers. As AMB Transponders become more
common, like proper numbers on the bikes, transponders will be a
normal part of the racing culture.

How do the transponders attach to the bike?

You attach a quick mount clip to your fork tube with zip ties, then
snap the transponder into the quick mount clip & secure with the
strap. Note: The transponder comes with one clip. Additional clips
will be available to purchase.

How does the transponder communicate with the scoring computer?

A cable is buried across the finish line and the AMB Transponder is
recognized from below. Every time you pass the finish line, no matter
the number of bikes, you are recorded. This will produce immediate,
accurate race results. How long do the transponders last? What is the
warranty?

Life expectancy is 8 – 10 years. Warranty is 3 years – full
replacement for non-working items – assuming they are not busted up
& broken. Your AMB Flex Transponder is always covered under warranty
as long as you have subscribed to keep it activated. Your AMB Flex
transponder also has insurance for damage. If you damage your AMB Flex
Transponder, you can return it for a replacement once every three
years. What happens if I want to borrow a bike to ride?

Simply use your AMB Transponder on your buddy’s bike. No
notification to the score keeper is necessary as the computer is
reading the AMB Transponder, not the number on the bike. What is the
cost of the AMB Transponder & what is included?

Your personal transponder kit comes with the AMB Transponder, mounting
bracket, 110v charger, 12v charger that works in your vehicle. The
cost of the kit is $125.00.00. Additional brackets are $5.00.

How long will the battery charge last?

A full charge will last about 7 days. It has a motion detector that
turns off when not in use, which extends the charge and the life of
the battery. Who do get more information from?

Can I sell my own transponder when I am done racing?

Yes. Transponder hold their residue value and often you may be able to
find one for sale on Ebay or buy and sells. Many riders sell their AMB
transponders and capture much of the original cost back,

Who do I contact at clubs and sanction bodies about 2013 motocross?

Skip Pym -CMX Director of Operations

905-953-6236 <tel:905-953-6236>

skip@cmxracing.ca <mailto:skip@cmxracing.ca>

Jim Scott <http://www.directmotocross.com/category/riders/jim-scott>
 -SWO CMRC

6472125607 <tel:6472125607>

jscott@cmxracing.ca <mailto:jscott@cmxracing.ca>

John McGuire -MMRS

905-349-2711 <tel:905-349-2711>

info@mmrs.ca <mailto:info@mmrs.ca>

Where are some AMB transponder days?

The transponder day is this Saturday at Xtreme Toys in London. There
is no requirement to purchase or have in place a 2013 organization
membership.

March 9, 2013

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Xtreme Toys

London, Ontario

4123 Dundas St., London, ON N5V 5C6

(519) 457-8697 <tel:%28519%29%20457-8697>
 

March 16/17, 2013

Toronto International Motorcycle Spring Show

CMX Race Booth

March 16/17, 2013

Toronto International Centre

6900 Airport Road

Toronto, Ontario

Saturday – March 16th 10am – 9pm

Sunday – March 17th 10am – 5pm

Other locations and dates, including Machine Racing in Newmarket, will
be announced soon. There will also be pick locations announced
shortly.

Thanks for all the information, Brett, and good luck with this new venture.

I spoke with Red Bull Royal Distributing Fox KTM rider, Dusty Klatt, today to see how he’s doing. As with everyone who has their ACL reconstructed, he’s in some pain but is looking forward to getting to work on the rehab side of things. As someone who grew up struggling with knee issue after knee issue, I can relate to the irritating road ahead for him. He said the plan is still to join the Monster Energy CMRC Nationals July 14^th at Gopher Dunes. If anywhere is going to put his knee to the test it will be there! I told him he should show up at round one with a stack of his artwork and sell it out of the KTM hospitality area. He’s got some talent!

Another one of Dusty's paintings. He said art class was the only one where he received an 'A' and I can see why.

I can’t believe that we’re already heading into the first outdoor racing weekend of the year next week out in BC! We’re experiencing the big ‘melt off’ here in SWO so it won’t be long before the entire country is getting back to their favourite practice tracks and amping up for the first race! Here is some information on the racing next week out west:

GEARING UP FOR A GREAT BC MX CHAMPIONSHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Future West team is busy getting the big rig ready to roll for its first trip of the outdoor season to round 1 of the Gente Bella BC Motocross Championship that fires up at Ashcroft's Eagle Motorplex on Saturday March 16th for the optional practice day followed by round 1 of the BC Motocross Championship on Sunday the 17th.

Future West events manager, Jamie Hellam, had this to say: "It's really busy for us at the moment. The series has attracted a lot of companies that want to be involved and help out with the sponsorship and prizes that are necessary for the success of the series and the future of the sport in BC. We have a lot of banners and bale covers etc. to pack in the rig and hang at each round of the series. The plan is to have the events looking good and give the sponsors a professional look and presence at the track. We are taking the extraction fans used in Arenacross series out of the rig to make room for a new events tent that will be used for Saturday night entertainment at each event with live Supercross satellite feed and videos when Supercross is not available." On race days the tent will be used for rider meetings, awards, information center and hospitality area.

It's a race against time to get everything ready for round one, but rest assured BC Motocross will be ready to roll next week for the start of the much-anticipated BC Motocross Championships.

For more information on the Gente Bella Salon and Spa BC Motocross Championships please visit www.bcmotocross.ca.

The stage is set for a great year of racing. Visit www.bcmotocross.ca for up to the minute news on this exciting new motocross series.

Know a friend who you think would be a good racer or do you know someone with bikes sitting in the garage collecting dust? Tell them to PUT A NUMBER ON IT and come race the BC Motocross Championships. Classifications for all skill levels and the best part - NO LICENCE FEE! Round 1 March 17th Ashcroft!!!!!

2013 FUTURE WEST BC MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

MARCH 17TH - ASHCROFT - EAGLE MOTORPLEX
MARCH 24TH - VICTORIA - WEST SHORE MX
APRIL 7TH - MISSION - LOWER MAINLAND MOTOCROSS CLUB - MISSION RACEWAY PARK
APRIL 14TH - CHILLIWACK - FUTURE WEST - CHILLIWACK HERITAGE PARK
MAY 5TH - MISSION - LOWER MAINLAND MOTOCROSS CLUB - MISSION RACEWAY PARK
MAY 19TH - PEMBERTON - GREEN RIVER MX PARK
JUNE 16TH - OKANAGAN - TBC - TRACK TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
JUNE 23RD - CHILLIWACK - FUTURE WEST - CHILLIWACK HERITAGE PARK
 

Good luck out there, everyone! Oh, and don’t forget…round one appears to land right on St. Patrick’s Day, so let’s see lots of photos of people celebrating!

We may only have 3 Canadian riders to cheer for this weekend in Daytona (Cole Thompson, JJ Pauk, and Nicky Beatty), but hopefully we’ll see several up-and-comers staying around after watching the SX taking part in the 4^th annual Ricky Carmichael Amateur SX Championship on Monday. I saw on Facebook that at least a few Canadians plan on attending. Here is the info on the day:

International Speedway for the biggest two-day amateur supercross event on the planet. Following Saturday night’s Daytona Supercross by Honda, amateur racing kicks off Sunday, March 10 and continues on Monday, March 11.

Amateur racers now have the unprecedented opportunity to compete on one of the most prestigious motorsports grounds in the world for, not one - but TWO days of racing! For riders, family, friends and fans, there isn’t another event anywhere in the world that presents such a potent package, making this an instant can’t-miss event on the amateur motocross schedule.

As always, the full weekend includes: Saturday night’s Daytona Supercross by Honda, where the fastest Supercross riders in the world go to battle. The facility will then open its doors to amateur riders and their families, who are welcome to camp on the Daytona infield and watch Saturday’s professional action before taking the track Sunday and Monday.

The combination of Daytona’s facility and Ricky Carmichael’s endorsement makes for an unforgettable weekend. MX Sports, the same organization that hosts the largest motocross race in the world - the Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by Amsoil at Loretta Lynn Ranch - will organize the entire two-day amateur program.

With Daytona’s hallmark tradition in motorsports, Carmichael’s unrivaled reputation in supercross, and MX Sports’ experience in producing fun, fair and safe races, the Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross is quickly becoming one of the most important weekends of the racing year. Come join us during the famous Daytona Bike Week for an opportunity like never before.

If you're an old, Canadian punk rock fan you'll know where this is going... Bigwave iPhone photo

I go past this street almost every day and this song gets stuck in my head, so I thought I’d get you all in on it—classic Canadian punk rock band, DOA.

"This is not a brouhaha, it's a total donnybrook!"

I keep getting sidetracked trying to type and listen/watch the racing at Mill Creek. As I type this, Michigan rider (and Walton TransCan regular), #35 Joey Crown, just took the title in the 85 (12-14) Mod class on a Honda 150. It was a little strange not seeing him on a yellow bike, but he got it done with 3,2,1 moto scores. Great job, Joey!

I got in touch with Jason Hughes from Leading Edge Kawasaki to get the latest word on the whole Brett Metcalfe deal, but he is still unable to confirm anything. I did see that Brett had Tweeted this recently:

I'm finally starting to see a direction shaping up for me in 2013. Been a long time waiting for my injuries to heal. I have been riding.

I am still in negotiating stages but should have some news to break soon. I'll keep all tweeps updated when it’s final. For now #onthegrind

I know that between now and June 2^nd there will be a lot of debate as to whether or not ‘@BMetty24’ comes up here and dominates or if he will be surprised at how fast our guys go up here. Let the conversation begin.

I saw a photo on Facebook of the PerformX gang taking a well-deserved break from training in California. They rented Harleys and went for a long ride out on the coast.

The PerformX gang renting Harleys in California. Facebook photo

I just saw this short promotional video of new Ontario pro rider, #53 (formerly 147) Hayden Halstead. Hayden is a great kid and a photographer/media person’s dream. He’s fun to watch on the track and always gives an entertaining and honest interview. Outlaw Productions videoed him as he talked about last season, his shoulder surgery, and 2013. Little things like this are what add value to a rider when they are emailing resumés to prospective sponsors. Everyone should take note. Check it out:

That’s going to do it for me this week. I’m looking forward to hunkering down over at Steve Emery’s place to watch all the action live from Daytona Saturday night on Speed. Good luck Cole, JJ, and Nicky!

"See you at the races...I'll be there on my 2-stroke!" Bigwave photo