Faces at the Races|New Jersey SX
Photos and Captions by Billy Rainford
I had a lot of fun posting ‘Faces’ last week, so I wanted to get to it right away this week after round 16 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Driving the distances we do to get to these great events can get tiresome, but then the racing starts and you get to see something special happen every time. Sometimes you have no idea what that ‘special moment’ will be at all and other times you do.
#1 Red Bull Fox KTM rider Ryan Dungey only had to finish 14th or better to clinch his 2nd straight 450 SX title. He’d been on the podium 31 times straight heading to NYC, so we knew going in what the headline was probably going to be. Here’s a closer look at the people who keep us all coming back for more, no matter how far the drive is. As always, these captions are all written in good fun.
RaceDay LIVE’s Jim Holley is always busy during track walk getting the interviews, like this one with #23 Aaron Plessinger.
There are two people whose stern looks actually kind of frighten me…and I was able to capture both of them in this one shot. Hey, Mike LaRocco and RJ Hampshire, lighten up, you’re at the dirt bike races!
The weather Saturday was about 15 degrees but it got hot inside the stadium out of the wind. Unfortunately, it cooled right off in the evening and I was trapped wearing shorts!
Who are “three people who’ve raced in Canada,” Alex…and Scott Howard? (Google it, Bowker!)
It won’t be long now until we see Mike Alessi back racing in Canada!
There were quite a few MX Superstars back in the 1980’s and Jeff Ward was 3 of them!
I’m still not sure about Jason Anderson’s hat, but HE looks happy.
Keeping things light during track walk.
The music stopped and Aaron had to stay like this for like 2 full minutes…
Justin Brayton listening in on the riders’ meeting.
We couldn’t really figure out what Tyler Bowers was doing here. He must have been broadcasting live because he’s way too young to have to hold his phone way out there like some of us…
‘Mr. In’ Tyler Rayner was there…of course.
Tim Ferry is hypnotized by this lustrous facial hair.
Uh oh, it looks like Jake Weimer is predicting a bog in this section. Can’t you just hear it?
Josh Grant was all business here.
#314 Alex Ray.
Did you know Tanner Ward’s dad’s name is Jeff? Well, it is.
#519 Josh Cartwright, the full-time college kid, gave it the old…college try in Jersey.
Canadian Team PR-MX in the house!
I always wonder if riders do the sections like they map it out during track walk. I know I never did! The quads usually ended up being double double sections…
Cade dislocated his shoulder in that final turn of the LCQ when he got together with Nick Wey. – Bigwave photo
#471 Logan Karnow hamming it up.
I’m not moving the camera until you look at me, Logan! There.
#424 Vicki Golden didn’t miss the night show by much.
Darryn Durham staying loose.
Um, Josh, that guy is trying to talk to you…
From the tunnel during opening ceremonies.
The Pit Party Smoke Show. I breathed in way more of that stuff than is probably healthy.
Vicki and Kenny Bell.
Doing a brisk business at the turnstyles.
When in Rome…
After the smoke show, it looked like a war zone!
Oh well, the crowd loved it!
The Pit Party in full effect.
Trying out a Honda for the first time.
A happy fan getting an autograph.
Is the one on the left also a wig?
Tyler getting a slight adjustment before hitting the track.
Yes, guys, that IS the French Canadian in front of you.
The pits from up in the stadium.
Here’s how it works. Clear as mud…
You’d almost think we staged this one…
I’m not a huge fan of the look of these plastics, but a #1 can make anything look perfect!
Julien getting Dave Blanchet’s bike ready for qualifying.
Julien helping out a fellow racer who needed a hand with a tire change.
Hey look, a signed Paul Carpenter jersey!
Henry Miller has a ton of talent. Unfortunately, he met the ground a few times this past weekend.
This one can be found in the Sears catalog. He should really be pointing off into the distance though.
Cartwright’s moving billboard.
Logan getting into the zone in the PR-MX pit.
Alex found just the right tint for the sidelines.
Pre-race nerves.
Pointing out the action to mom.
Josh is getting a lot of ‘air time’ here!
MXPTV’s Matt Wozney took some time away from the Pro Bowling Association to cheer on his brother #760 Tyler Wozney.
Donk and Vicki during practice.
Looking for inspiration from high places.
Jason Anderson memorizing his lines.
It was an enthusiastic homecoming for #88 Ronnie Stewart.
Lurch having a chat with Chad Reed during opening ceremonies.
Eli Tomac ready for a good night.
“Hey, what’s he doing over there?”
Time for some new brace graphics for Marvin.
Getting the Scott Goggles just right.
Aaron and Cade yukking it up before the night show.
That’s actually Martin Davalos squinting!
Justin Starling ponders a good night in Jersey.
The only guy named Vann you know who wasn’t in a college drinking movie. .
#201 Cedric Soubeyras having some fun before the racing starts.
FXR catalog shot.
Monsieur Le Big.
Not as impressive when it’s still light out.
At least it cleared out quickly.
The opening ceremonies colour guard.
It’s time for a few pit signs…
#83 Daniel Herrlein getting set for the night show.
Keeping the legs fresh.
Cole Seely waiting for his intro.
Weston Peick.
The podium was right in front of the start straight so we could wander over and shoot the 450 guys waiting on the line.
Justin Bogle visualizing a holeshot. It works because he’s near the front almost every time!
Yep, you should be smiling, Trey Canard! That really could have been a lot worse.
They listed Benny Bloss as being 6’5″. That’s a pretty tall motocrosser!
Jake Weimer staring down the start straight.
I actually missed Malcolm Stewart’s victory dance. Here he is just after it was done, calling Mike LaRocco over.
Ready to hand over clean 100% goggles for the podium shots.
Martin Davalos still hasn’t blinked.
I always enjoy Jeremy Martin’s facial expressions on the stage.
#64 Dakota Alix just keeps on grabbing holeshots!
Product placement is key.
Jeremy is never happy with 3rd place.
Someone tell Malcolm he won!
Malcolm and Big James have a ‘private’ moment after the podium.
You just never know who’s going to get the champagne shower at these things.
Dakota heads to the pits with his holeshot cheque.
The celebrations were emotional at the end of this night.
This photo doesn’t really sum up how cool it was when Ryan’s wife finally made it onto the track and jumped into his arms.
Someone is smiling like he knows outdoors is just around the corner…
Somone else is smiling just because he IS Ken Roczen.
Oh, and he won.
I kinda liked all of these…
A hug from The Man is saved for the rare few. This isn’t a man hug, it’s THE man hug.
I even heard them say, “OK, stare into Cudby’s camera” and I still stood way over here. Oh well, I’m glad I could be there to witness another championship. Thanks for playing along. See you at the races…
