august 2011 - Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

AUGUST 2011
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ON THE COVER:
Blake Young has dominated the AMA Superbike
series, finishing on the podium in every race but
one, and scoring six wins to grab the points lead
heading into the final rounds.
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CONTENTS
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DEFENDING CHAMPION JOSH STRANG LEADS GNCC SERIES
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CASELLI CONTINUES WORCS REIGN
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2011 ISLE OF MAN TT EXPANDS DUNLOP WIN RECORD
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TEAM DUNLOP UPDATE
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ROLAND SANDS OPENS NEW DESIGN CENTER
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MISSION MOTORS WINS 2011 USGP TTXGP/FIM E-POWER CHAMPIONSHIP
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HONDA MOTO3 RACER DEBUTS
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DUNLOPS, DIESELS AND THE U.S. MARINES
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DUNLOP RELEASES USA-MADE RACING SLICKS
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X GAMES 17
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LAGUNA SECA ROAD RACE ACTION
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MX UPDATE: BATTLE TO THE FINISH LINE
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MIKE GOSSELAAR TUNER TO THE STARS
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CHRIS FILLMORE LIKES RACES THAT START WITH SUPER
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RICKY DIETRICH WORCS CHAMPION TURNED MOTOCROSS ROOKIE
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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DEFENDING CHAMPION
JOSH
LEADS GNCC SERIES
FMF/Makita Suzuki’s Josh Strang set an incredibly high
When he’s not racing the GNCC series in the East, the
standard at the start of the 2010 Can-Am Grand National
Southern California resident likes to mix it up in the SoCal
Cross Country (GNCC) series—he won the first four races. The
motocross series. Strang also likes to train with his “mates” by
Dunlop-sponsored Aussie captured a total of five first-place
riding bicycles. The versatile 23-year-old also rode at A Day in
finishes that season to win the GNCC Championship.
the Dirt Motocross Grand Prix at Pala Raceway in California
during Thanksgiving weekend in 2010, and he and Jeremy
And in 2011 he looks ready for a repeat. He currently holds a
McGrath engaged in a spectacular bout in the Open GP.
14-point lead in the series. He has recorded two wins and
stood on the podium at six of the seven races held so far. (Two
Strang started riding at age four on a Suzuki JR50. And he’s
races were cancelled because of rain.) One of his wins came
been a fan of the brand since. “I've been with the team since
at what is dubbed “America’s Toughest Race” in Snowshoe,
2007 when I came over [from Australia],” he said. “It's been
WV. After having raced at Snowshoe for three years, Strang
good, I mean, the bikes are really good and they're behind me
came in with a plan and executed it—at this track it’s better to
100 percent. I couldn't ask for anything more.”
follow than to lead. That way “if a rider in front of you gets
stuck, you can see where not to go and choose a different
This season Strang and FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins have been
line,” Strang said.
battling for the lead. Mullins currently holds second place in
the series, having taken two first-place finishes and a total of
At the last round in Millfield, OH, he charged through the field
five podiums.
to claim third place after getting knocked down near the start.
“The first lap was decent, I think I was close to the front,”
The GNCC series now takes a break for the summer, with the
Strang said. “On the second lap, I lost a little ground in a really
next round scheduled for September 11-12 at Unadilla in
tight section, but after that, I started picking guys off, and on
New York. “We've got two months off,” Strang said. “I'll spend
the last lap I caught Cory Buttrick and passed him for third.
a bit of time with my parents, who are coming in from
The RM-Z450 was perfect and pulled really strong on these
Australia. But then, we'll get back down to work and get ready
tough hills.”
for Unadilla.”
JOSHSTRANG
GNCC SERIES STANDINGS XC1
1. Josh Strang 174 (Dunlop)
2. Charlie Mullins 160 (Dunlop)
3. Paul Whibley 149
4. Nate Kanney 111
5. Cory Buttrick 110 (Dunlop)
6. Kailub Russell 109 (Dunlop)
8. Chris Bach 80
7. Mike Lafferty 64 (Dunlop)
9. Jimmy Jarrett 43
10. Thaddeus Duvall 58
CHARLIEMULLINS
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CASELLI
KURTCASELLI
CONTINUES WORCS REIGN
At the sixth round of the World Off Road Championship
Series (WORCS) at Honey Lake MX Park in Milford, CA,
Dunlop-sponsored riders continued their reign atop the
podium. FMF/KTM’s Kurt Caselli and Mike Brown
finished one-two, with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s
Justin Soule in third. This is the fourth time this season
that Dunlop-sponsored riders have claimed the top
three spots on the podium. Dunlop-sponsored riders
currently hold eight of the top 10 spots in the series.
In moto one, FMF/KTM’s Taylor Robert grabbed the
holeshot, but Caselli passed him on the first lap. Robert
stayed close until he crashed. Their teammate Brown
damaged the radiator on his bike during a crash on the
MIKEBROWN
rocky course, but still managed to come in sixth.
In the second moto, Brown sped off with the holeshot.
He was pursued by Robert, who then crashed, forcing
WORCS POINTS STANDINGS
1. Kurt Caselli 264 (Dunlop)
2. Taylor Robert 238 (Dunlop)
3. Bobby Garrison 237
4. Mike Brown 216 (Dunlop)
5. Justin Soule 192 (Dunlop)
6. Robby Bell 178 (Dunlop)
him to DNF. Caselli started off eighth and persistently
picked off riders to finish second behind Brown.
Caselli’s 1-2 earned first overall, with Brown’s 6-1 giving
him second. Soule’s consistent 3-3 put him third. Soule
and Brown were tied in points, but Brown’s better finish
in the tie-breaking second moto gave him second for
the day.
7. Destry Abbott 140 (Dunlop)
8. Ryan Abbatoye 132
9. Gary Sutherlin 116 (Dunlop)
10. Kyle Summers 108 (Dunlop)
With his win at Honey Lake, Caselli extended his points
lead to 26. The seventh WORCS round takes place at
Washougal in Washington.
JUSTINSOULE
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2011
ISLE OF MAN TT
EXPANDS DUNLOP WIN RECORD
Dunlop increased its total race wins at the famed Isle of
1907,” said Dunlop Motorsport Manager, Motorcycle EU,
Man TT to 17 victories over the last four years as riders
Steve Male. “The Mountain Course is a closed public road,
using Dunlop tires took wins in the Superbike, Supersport
so this gives us the best test possible of our products, and
1, Superstock and Senior TT races in 2011. The 92nd
the lessons learned at the TT are directly applicable to our
running of the Isle of Man TT race saw yet another victory
commercially available products.
for Honda TT Legends rider John McGuiness in the final
TT race, completing the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
“The D211 GP is a tremendous tire, and this was illustrated
“This was an excellent performance from Dunlop-shod
once more by our two TT wins this year in the Supersport
teams and riders,” said Pat Walsh, Dunlop Motorsport
and Superstock categories. The technology developed for
Sales Manager Motorcycle Race. “The Dunlop service
this tire was initially used on the GP Racer D211 and is
team worked extremely hard to achieve these results, so
now being applied in the Sportmax Q2 and Roadsmart,
many thanks to the design team, service engineers and
which is a testament to the effectiveness of Dunlop’s
the Birmingham factory for providing us with the product
commitment to race-to-road technology transfer.
to make this happen. The tire fitters at the event were a
crucial part of our success.”
“Our Multi-Tread compound and N-Tec technologies
give superb dry grip with fast warm-up times and great
The Supersport and Superstock victories were achieved
handling, which are good for the road and also in
using Dunlop’s D211 GP tire with the addition of a road-
competition, as highlighted by our further TT wins
legal tread pattern, tires that were homologated for race
in 2011.”
use and built at Dunlop’s Motorsport Department in
Birmingham. The technology developed for this tire is
In addition to McGuiness’ victories on Dunlop’s racing
applied to Dunlop’s D211 GP-A tires, which are available to
slicks in the Senior TT and Superbike TT, Bruce Anstey
track-day enthusiasts.
took the victory for Padgett’s Motorcycles Honda in the
Supersport Race 1 and Michael Dunlop won the
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“Dunlop has a long history of success at the Isle of Man
Superstock Race for Street Sweep Kawasaki. Both riders
TT, which stretches back to the very first race win there in
used the Birmingham manufactured D211 GP-A.
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TEAM DUNLOP UPDATE
DUNLOP-SPONSORED RIDERS ENJOY MUCH SUCCESS AT
LORETTA LYNN’S
Dunlop congratulates the Team Dunlop members and other Dunlop-sponsored riders who
turned in championship-winning performances at the 30th running of the prestigious AMA
Amateur National Motocross Championship taking place August 1-8, at Loretta Lynn
Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN. Team Dunlop’s Stilez Robertson, Garrett Marchbanks, Sean
Cantrell, Chase Sexton and Austin Forkner each won championships, while Adam
Cianciarulo garnered two titles. Combining the seven Team Dunlop wins with the 26
championship victories earned by Dunlop-equipped racers, Dunlop won 33
championships over the seven days of competition.
Putting in commanding performances aboard his Geomax-fitted Kawasakis, Cianciarulo
won four of six motos en route to capturing both the Supermini 1 (12-15) and Supermini 2
(13-16) championships. Robertson rode impeccably, completing a sweep of the 51cc (7-8)
AMA 2 Stock motos for the title win, while Marchbanks went 2-1-1 for the 65cc (7-9)
Stock Championship. Sexton’s moto win and two runner up finishes in the 85cc (9-11)
Stock Championship earned him the overall, while Cantrell went 1-4-1 for the 85cc (9-11)
Stock Championship and Forkner went 1-2-3 for the 85cc (12-14) Stock title win.
“I am proud of each and every Dunlop-sponsored rider at Loretta Lynn’s,” said Primo
Marotto, Dunlop's Manager Amateur Motocross Support. “Everyone did a tremendous job
not just at the event but also by qualifying for the biggest race of the year. The Team
Dunlop squad performed outstandingly against some very stiff competition, particularly
Adam who won two titles. We are especially proud that more than 80 percent of the
champions chose to equip their motorcycles with Dunlop Geomax tires at the premier
amateur national event of the year.”
ADAMCIANCIARULO
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TEAM DUNLOP UPDATE
DUNLOP WON 33
CHAMPIONSHIPS OVER THE
SEVEN DAYS OF COMPETITION.
GARRETTMARCHBANKS
SEANCANTRELL
STILEZROBERTSON
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TEAM DUNLOP UPDATE
CHASESEXTON
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“WE ARE ESPECIALLY PROUD THAT MORE THAN 80 PERCENT
OF THE CHAMPIONS CHOSE TO EQUIP THEIR MOTORCYCLES
WITH DUNLOP GEOMAX TIRES AT THE PREMIER AMATEUR
NATIONAL EVENT OF THE YEAR.”
AUSTINFORKNER
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TEAM DUNLOP UPDATE
ADAMCIANCIARULO
STILEZROBERTSON
MAMMOTH HAUL FOR
TEAM DUNLOP RIDERS
Team Dunlop’s winning ways continue with Adam Cianciarulo, Stilez Robertson and
Michael Mosiman turning in championship-winning performances at the annual Mammoth
Motocross event held in Mammoth Lakes, CA, in late June. Aboard their Geomax-fitted
race machines, the trio mastered the Mammoth Mountain track with each rider garnering
a championship win. Fellow Team Dunlop members Tristan Miller, Sean Cantrell and
Brandy Richards put in solid efforts to record overall podium finishes.
Cianciarulo was unstoppable in the Supermini class, dominating all four motos that made
up the Supermini Championship. Miller joined Cianciarulo on the podium in third overall
after recording 4-5-3-3 moto results. Mosiman blitzed the 85cc 7-11 class, winning backto-back motos for the title, while Cantrell went 2-3 for second overall. The 50cc Open
Championship was comprised of four motos, and Robertson finished on every podium,
including taking two wins to capture the title victory. Richards put in a strong effort to
finish second overall in the Women’s Championship.
In addition to Team Dunlop’s excellent results, Dunlop-equipped racers earned more than
60 percent of the championship wins over the 10 days of racing action.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEAM D
OR TO JOIN THE TEAM D COMMUNITY
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MICHAELMOSIMAN
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ROLAND SANDS
OPENS NEW DESIGN CENTER
As you might imagine, whenever the creative mind of noted custom bike builder Roland Sands focuses on a
project—any project—the end result will likely be bursting at the seams with over-the-top results. He’s already
proven that truism many times over with the fabulous custom motorcycles he’s conjured up, many of which have
appeared here in the pages of Dunlop Download. And so it was when the Roland Sands Design group opened up
their new headquarters in Los Alamitos, CA. Roland and the RSD crew threw one mighty fine grand opening party to
show off their new facility, which contains the RSD design center, a custom build shop, plus a retail store featuring
the new Roland Sands Collection of apparel.
“We have an eclectic mix of art, motorcycles, parts, apparel and accessories at our world headquarters,” Roland
explained. “But it’s not just your average showroom, there are a lot of really interesting and unique items on display.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW RSD DESIGN CENTER,
RSD PRODUCTS AND A LOOK AT HIS MANY PROJECT BIKES
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“WE HAVE AN ECLECTIC MIX OF ART,
MOTORCYCLES, PARTS, APPAREL AND
ACCESSORIES AT OUR WORLD HEADQUARTERS.”
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MISSION MOTORS
WINS 2011 USGP TTXGP/FIM E-POWER CHAMPIONSHIP
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THE FACT THAT THE MISSION R LAPPED LAGUNA SECA AT
THE SAME PACE AS COMBUSTION-ENGINE RACE BIKES
SHOWS HOW COMPETITIVE ELECTRIC VEHICLES CAN BE.
At the 2011 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Red Bull US Grand
Thousands of racing fans were on hand to cheer on the e-
Prix, Dunlop-sponsored Mission Motors won the TTXGP/FIM
powered racers, and the weekend produced some other very
e-Power International Championship Race, showing very
compelling stats:
impressive speed in the process. Steve Rapp, riding the
Mission R electric superbike, completed the eight-lap race
• This qualifying time was just 10 seconds off of the MotoGP
39.9 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.
pole time.
• Average race lap times were 10 seconds faster than last
The win capped off a flawless weekend that also saw Rapp
year’s fastest times.
pilot the Mission R to pole position in qualifying with a 1:31.3
• Piloted by Steve Rapp, the Mission R finished the eight-lap
lap, breaking the lap record for all electric vehicles at Laguna
race in 12 minutes, 40.6 seconds, 39.9 seconds ahead of the
Seca by seven seconds. Had the Mission R been competing in
second-place finisher.
the weekend’s gasoline-powered AMA Pro Supersport
category, it would have qualified in fifth place.
By merit of having electric motorcycles share the weekend
with MotoGP bikes in front of a huge international crowd, the
point was made that the new era of electric vehicles is rapidly
gaining mainstream acceptance. And the fact that the Mission
R lapped Laguna Seca at the same pace as combustionengine race bikes shows how competitive electric vehicles can
be. But perhaps most compelling is the technology that won
the race. The Mission R’s powertrain has been built with
production-grade durability and reliability in mind.
During the press conference following the race, Rapp said,
“The name of the bike, Mission, is the perfect name. This
company has been on an absolute mission to give me a great
bike to ride. It was great to have such a large crowd to show
what these bikes are capable of. We don’t know what the
future holds, but it looks good.”
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HONDA MOTO
3
RACER DEBUTS
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THIS ENTRY-LEVEL GP SERIES SERVES AS A GATEWAY TO
THE PREMIER CLASSES, FUNCTIONING AS A SPRINGBOARD
IN CREATING FUTURE MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP RIDERS.
World GP motorcycle road racing upshifted into a new era
The NSF250R follows the current shift to four-strokes for
recently when Honda Racing Corporation unveiled the new
motorcycle GP road racing machines that saw the
purpose-built NSF250R four-stroke racer at the Catalunya GP
replacement of two-stroke 500cc machines with the four-
in Barcelona, Spain. Honda will sell the NSF250R to teams for
stroke MotoGP class in 2002 and the onset of the four-stroke
use in the Moto3 class—a class that will use Dunlop spec
600cc Moto2 in place of the two-stroke 250cc GP250
tires—in the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand
machines in 2010.
Prix (WGP) in 2012, and this new series will replace the current
two-stroke, 125cc GP125 class.
GP veteran Alex Crivillé put the new NSF250R into action on
the Catalunya circuit with demonstration laps run during
The high-performance, lightweight and compact NSF250R
June’s Spanish GP races, and the bike was also on display for
inherits important elements from Honda’s RS125R racer and
the world to see. Technical highlights include a liquid-cooled
will give riders a familiar-feeling platform while honing their
four-stroke single-cylinder DOHC 249cc powerplant
racing skills. As before, this entry-level GP series serves as a
specifically designed for Moto3 applications as a lightweight
gateway to the premier classes, functioning as a springboard
and compact unit that delivers a remarkably high output. The
in creating future MotoGP Championship riders.
engine incorporates a front-intake/rear-exhaust configuration
with high charging efficiency, while adopting a layout with the
Beginning with the 1976 MT125R through the 2009 RS125R,
cylinder tilted back 15 degrees to concentrate mass. To
Honda produced a total of 15,000 machines for entry-level
generate strong power throughout the high-rpm range, the
road racing. Over this 34-year span, Honda broadened the
NSF250R incorporates titanium valves for both intake and
base of two-wheel motorsports both in Japan and worldwide
exhaust to reduce friction and lighten the valve train.
with highlights including all 29 Japan Championship 125cc
Furthermore, the design reduces friction between piston and
class champions, and a grand total of 130 Road Racing World
cylinder and improves durability by offsetting the cylinder
Championship Grand Prix (WGP) victories, resulting in 11
centerline and applying nickel silicon carbide (Ni-SiC) for the
manufacturer championships and nine champions with the
cylinder surface treatment. The cassette gearbox design was
RS125R. Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso, currently riding
selected for quick and easy gearset changes for the close-
the RC212V in MotoGP, both won World Championships
ratio six-speed transmission, thereby allowing gear selection
aboard the RS125R, accumulating world-class experience in
to be optimized over a large variety of racing circuits.
the process.
The new frame design ensures excellent cornering traits and
an agility that not only matches but also surpasses the
RS125R by revising the rigidity balance and shape, while
retaining the compact dimensions of the RS125R. The basic
structure of the front and rear suspension remains the same as
on the RS125R, and the NSF250R-exclusive settings produce
a machine with excellent riding stability. The wind-cheating
bodywork makes the NSF250R the equal of the RS125R in
aerodynamic performance, while a cooling duct on the under
cowl improves the engine’s cooling performance. In addition,
the NSF250R will compete on class-spec Dunlop racing tires.
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transmission is unit construction with the new engine, but uses
machines with an M2 in street bike trim. He pulled off a 128.24
some KLR shafts and gears. Hayes fits the bikes with Dunlop
miles per gallon on biodiesel. And the Hayes diesel bikes
D6076 or TR91 tires depending on their use.
aren’t only about high mileage: they also hold 37 Land Speed
Records for diesel motorcycles.
Diesels are famous for their fuel economy, and the M1030-M2
DUNLOPS, DIESELS AND THE
U.S. MARINES
How would you like a job with unlimited travel opportunities, a
KRR250s and KLR650s for the job. By 2004 the company was
generous clothing and equipment allowance, and free room
building their own motorcycles with “heavy fuel” engines.
does not disappoint. With a big gasoline-powered single
Between the awesome fuel economy, the ability to run on just
like a KLR650 Kawasaki or a Honda XR650L, you can
about any liquid you can pour into the tank, and a diesel’s
generally expect about 50 miles per gallon. The Hayes gets
reputation for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles, more
about double that at 96 mpg—and this is no lightweight
than a few readers are probably asking where they can get
machine either. With the stock 6.1-gallon Kawasaki tank,
one of these for their own. Other than enlistment, there’s still
the M2 will easily cover between 550 and 600 miles on
hope. Hayes DT is in the middle of getting EPA certification for
one filling.
a new 695cc diesel engine in the KLR chassis, and would like
to offer three versions: a standard “street fighter,” an
During the recent 2011 Vetter Challenge, a 133-mile fuel-
adventure-touring model and a high-mileage commuter bike.
economy run, Fred Hayes himself easily won, riding one of his
When they do, we’ll be sure to let you know.
and board? And let’s sweeten the pot even more: we’ll pay
you to ride motorcycles and even throw in a pension plan.
The current model is the M1030-M2. Hayes bills it as the
world’s first JP-8/diesel–powered tactical motorcycle, a niche
Where do you sign? Right on the dotted line. All you have to
market for sure, but one with serious growth potential,
do is see your local United States Marine Corps recruiter.
especially when you consider the engine’s versatility. At its
heart is a double-overhead-cam, four-valve, 670cc single-
The Marines have been using motorcycles for scouting,
cylinder liquid-cooled engine that offers true multifuel
patrolling, reconnaissance and military-police functions for
capability, running on JP-8, JP-5, JP-4, JET-A1, AVTUR diesel
decades. And Dunlop is proud to supply them with thousands
and even biodiesel. (JP stands for jet propellant. JP-8 is the
of D606 tires for those bikes. But even with the tires covered,
current kerosene-based fuel used by the U.S. Air Force, and
the Marines faced a more serious dilemma: Uncle Sam
it’s also used to power heaters, stoves, tanks—and in our case
decided that everything on the battlefield should use one kind
motorcycles. Understating the case as only the government
of fuel, and that will be diesel. Sure, it makes sense from a
can, they note, “The use of a single fuel greatly simplifies
logistical point of view, and the Navy (in whose ships the
logistics.” JP-4 was a 50/50 mix of kerosene and gasoline
Marines ride) was only too happy to get out of the gasoline
used until 1995. JET-A and JET-A1 are found in most
business. But how to reconcile the Marines’ bikes and the new
commercial airliners.)
fuel requirements?
Home-builders have shoehorned small single-cylinder and VEnter Hayes Diversified Technologies (aka, Hayes DT) of
twin agricultural diesel engines into existing motorcycle
Hesperia, CA. Founded by Fred Hayes, the company
chassis, but almost all of them end up using one-speed CV
specializes in producing diesel dirt bikes for the United States
automatic transmissions. Not the M1030-M. It features a
military. The company got its start 43 years ago; at that time
standard, dirt bike–style five-speed with a conventional foot
they tuned motorcycles and were a small supplier of electronic
shifter and a handlebar-mounted clutch lever.
components to the military.
Hayes bases the M1030-M2 on a Kawasaki KLR650 rolling
From there, Hayes moved into modifying gasoline-powered
chassis, but modifies the frame and airbox for diesel use. They
off-road bikes for the military, especially converting Kawasaki
also change the rear shock and the fork springs. The
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HAYES DT
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DUNLOP RELEASES
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USA-MADE
RACING SLICKS
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TESTING OF THESE USA-MADE SLICK TIRES
ENCOMPASSED EXHAUSTIVE EFFORTS INCLUDING
MULTIPLE TESTS WITH MANY RIDERS AT AMA TEST
SESSIONS AND PRIVATE TESTS.
In September Dunlop will release brand-new USA-built
This new KR tire project started in mid-2010 with the goal of
KR448F and KR449 racing slicks, tires created primarily for
providing additional slick rear tire options for club racing and
club-level racers and hard-core enthusiasts who enjoy partici-
track days across the country. The end result is a tire built in
pating in track days. The KR449 rear 190/55R17 and
America that is competitive at all levels, including competitive
200/55R17 tires will be available in three compounds, Soft,
pricing and race-winning performance. During the testing and
Medium and Hard. All of these rear tires incorporate Dunlop’s
development phase, these tires have been able to match the
exclusive N-Tec, MT Multi-Tread™ and Intuitive Response
lap times of the more expensive made-in-the-UK racing
Profile™ (IRP) technology that has proven so effective in
slicks. Such impressive performance was made possible
other Dunlop road racing tires. The KR448F front 125/80R17
thanks to the latest investments Dunlop North America
will be offered in two compounds, Soft/Medium and
made in incorporating high-technology tire-building machines
Medium/Hard.
and procedures in the Buffalo, NY, production center—the
same equipment and processes used to build tires in the UK
for Moto2.
Testing of these USA-made slick tires encompassed exhaustive efforts including multiple tests with many riders at AMA
test sessions and private tests. Some of the more notable riders included Josh Hayes, Ben Bostrom, Josh Herrin, Roger
Hayden, Larry Pegram and Martin Cardenas, and test tracks
included Miller Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car
Course, Barber Motorsports Park, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jennings GP, Roebling Road Raceway and Summit Point
Raceway. In addition, the BEI Racing Team tested the tires
and have been using them in competition in the WERA National Endurance Series, where they have won every race
they have entered thus far in 2011.
The KR448F and KR449 tires will be available in September
to all racers from Dunlop’s race-tire outlets, Erion Racing
(800-700-3599) and Race Tire Services (800-772-8473).
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NATEADAMS
X
GAMES
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DUNLOP MEDAL HAUL
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DUNLOP RACERS SWEPT THE MOTO X STEP UP,
MOTO X BEST WHIP, MOTO X SPEED AND STYLE,
AND WOMEN’S MOTO X EVENTS.
Downtown Los Angeles was transformed into an
the gold medal winner while defending gold
adrenalin-filled sports mecca on July 28-31, as
medalist Todd Potter earned the silver and Jarryd
some of the biggest names in motorsports from
McNeil secured the bronze medal. Defending
around the world invaded the city center for X
Best Trick gold medalist Australian rider Cameron
Games 17. And they put on a show like no other. A
Sinclair won silver after executing a knack-knack
mixture of Freestyle, Motocross and Endurocross
double backflip in this year’s contest.
motorcycle events thrilled spectators inside the
Staples Center over four days of competition, and
Vicki Golden won her first X Games gold medal by
out of a possible 24 medals up for grabs, Dunlop
winning the Women’s Moto X aboard her Dunlop-
racers won 18: five gold, seven silver and six
fitted Kawasaki race machine, while X Games 14
bronze. In addition, Dunlop racers swept the Moto
gold medalist Tarah Gieger secured the silver
X Step Up, Moto X Best Whip, Moto X Speed and
medal and France’s Livia Lancelot secured the
Style, and Women’s Moto X events.
bronze. Gieger scored her second silver medal of
the games by finishing runner-up in the first-ever
Matt Buyten set a new world record on his
Women’s Enduro X event.
Dunlop-equipped motorcycle in the Step Up
competition, soaring over the bar at 37 feet to
Dunlop-sponsored World Off Road Championship
capture his fourth X Games gold and second-
(WORCS) rider Mike Brown had a memorable first
consecutive Moto X Step Up gold. Ronnie Renner
X Games, winning the silver medal in the debut
was awarded the silver medal clearing 36.5 feet,
Moto X Enduro X event, while two-time WORCS
while Myles Richmond finished with the bronze,
champion Justin Soule finished with the bronze.
leaping 35.5 feet. X Games veteran Nate Adams
nabbed his first gold of the games in the Speed
and Style competition—Mike Mason took silver
VICKIGOLDEN
and Ronnie Faisst bronze—before going on to win
gold medal number two in the Freestyle
competition. Spaniard Dany Torres won bronze.
The Best Whip contest is always a crowd favorite
as fans get the opportunity to vote via text for
their favorite whip. Fans voted Jeremy Stenberg
JEREMYSTENBERG
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MATTBUYTEN
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LAGUNA
SECA
ROAD RACE ACTION
TOMMYHAYDEN
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JOSHHAYES
Drama and tight racing filled race day at California’s
marbles on the line in the Superbike class come
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where AMA racers
New Jersey.
shared the track with MotoGP action. With only one
more round at New Jersey Motorsports Park re-
The Daytona SportBike race at Laguna Seca proved
maining on the 2011 AMA calendar, Laguna Seca
dramatic enough in its own right, albeit under alto-
proved to be a crucial setting as some champi-
gether different circumstances. The race was red-
onship hopes got virtually locked down while others
flagged twice for crashes, and the championship
became only more tightly contested.
struggle between GEICO Powersports/RMR
Suzuki’s Danny Eslick and Monster Energy Graves
In Superbike action, Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider
Yamaha rider Josh Herrin was largely decided when
Tommy Hayden and Monster Energy Graves
Herrin DNF and Eslick, leading the race, won the
Yamaha’s Josh Hayes fought an epic battle, with
contest when the second red flag flew. That out-
numerous passes and bare fractions of a second
come puts Eslick squarely in control with 244 points
separating the pair all race long. Multiple passes on
over 199 for Herrin and 196 for Jason DiSalvo on
the last lap—no mean feat on the undulating La-
the Team Latus Motors Racing Ducati 848.
guna circuit—saw Hayden outfox Hayes on the very
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last turn and win the drag race up the front straight-
In SuperSport West racing, Benny Solis ran away
away. Hayden’s victory raised his points tally to
and won by a hefty margin on his Red Bull/Erion
263, but more importantly he helped teammate
Racing/Roadracing World Honda CBR600RR, but
Blake Young retain his lead in the points standing,
he still trails LTD Yamaha’s David Gaviria in the
with 311 to 306 for Hayes. And that puts all the
points chase, 172 to 165.
DANNYESLICK
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BLAKEYOUNG
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CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE RR IMAGES
BENNYSOLIS
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MX UPDATE:
BATTLE
TO
THE
FINISH
LINE
CLOSE, FIERCE RACING CAPTIVATES FANS
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RYANVILLOPOTO
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WE’VE WITNESSED
TREMENDOUS RACING AND
SPECTACULAR BAR-BANGING
ACTION ALL SEASON
As the 2011 AMA Motocross Championship enters the home
stretch, a number of racers are battling for the top spots in the
championships. We’ve witnessed tremendous racing and
spectacular bar-banging action all season and with three rounds to
go in the two Motocross Championships and Women’s
Championship, the race to the finish line will be anything but
predictable.
The RedBud National marked the midway point in the 450 class
Championship, and a fanatical Michigan crowd filled the hillside
surrounding RedBud. With three overall victories to his credit
coming into round six, TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed captured
his fourth overall win of the season, further extending his lead in the
championship to 16 points over Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan
Villopoto. Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey finished runner-up
in the round with Villopoto in third.
The Spring Creek National was up next and a spectacular crash by
Reed during moto two allowed Villopoto and Dungey to reel in
Reed’s points lead. After winning moto one, Reed lost control of his
bike while leading moto two, and he crashed hard. Astonishingly,
the gutsy racer rejoined the race. Forced to execute a come-frombehind charge, he advanced from last position to ninth by race’s
end. Finishing runner-up in the first, Dungey came out on top in the
second for the overall win, marking the defending champion’s
second victory of the season, and a fourth consecutive win at his
hometown track. Villopoto finished a close second overall, while
American Honda Racing’s Trey Canard finished third in an
impressive 450-class motocross debut. Reed’s fifth overall result
narrowed his lead in the points to just six ahead of Villopoto.
DEANWILSON
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At round eight’s Washougal National, Dungey captured his third victory of 2011
and his fourth straight victory at Washougal. Villopoto took the opening moto win
with Dungey in second, and Dungey finished on top in moto two. However, by
virtue of the second-moto tiebreaker, Dungey nabbed the overall. Canard was
well on his way to capturing his second-consecutive overall podium result after
finishing moto one in third place, until he crashed hard in the second moto while
in third. With Canard out, Dungey’s Suzuki teammate Brett Metcalfe moved into
third to score his first overall podium of the season. Villopoto assumed the
championship lead after Reed finished fourth overall.
The Unadilla National hosted round nine in the series and Villopoto captured his
second overall victory of the season after dominating both motos (1-1). Dungey
finished runner-up with 2-2 moto results, while American Honda Racing fill-in
rider Justin Barcia kept the reigning champ honest, as the pair dueled for second
in both races. Barcia went on to go 3-3 for third overall at his impressive 450class debut. Villopoto’s victory extended his lead in the championship to seven
points ahead of Dungey and 25 points in front of Reed after the TwoTwo
Motorsports racer finished in fourth place.
The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki squad continues to dominate the 250
class Championship with team members Blake Baggett, Tyla Rattray and Dean
Wilson all recording wins. At RedBud, Baggett swept both motos for the overall,
while Wilson finished runner-up in both for second overall. Rattray completed the
team’s sweep in third. The following round at Millville, Rattray came out on top
while Wilson finished second and Baggett rounded out third overall. Baggett
rebounded at Washougal to get the overall after winning the opening moto and
overcoming a crash early in the second for third overall. Rattray scored a pair of
runner-up finishes for second, while Wilson bounced back after finishing fifth in
the first race to win the second moto and take third overall.
Through eight rounds in the 250 class, Wilson captured five moto victories to lead
the championship despite not notching an overall win. Wilson changed that at
round nine in the series by dominating both Unadilla motos, going 1-1 on the day.
Baggett finished runner-up (2-3), while GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac broke Kawasaki’s
stronghold over the top spots by taking third overall (5-2). Wilson has a 25-point
advantage over Baggett in the 250 class standings with three rounds to go.
America’s fastest female Motocross racers joined the men at Millville for round
five of the Women’s Championship. DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha’s
Jessica Patterson tied with American Honda Racing’s Ashley Fiolek for the day in
points, but Patterson's second moto victory gave her the overall over Fiolek. Troy
Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda’s Tarah Gieger finished third. Fiolek has an eightpoint lead in the championship over Paterson with three rounds to go.
CHADREED
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RYANDUNGEY
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JUSTINBARCIA
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BLAKEBAGGETT
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TYLARATTRAY
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ASHLEYFIOLEK
JESSICAPATTERSON
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WMX CHAMPIONSHIP
POINTS STANDINGS
250 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP
POINTS STANDINGS
450 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP
POINTS STANDINGS
1. Ashley Fiolek 232 (Dunlop)
1. Dean Wilson 396 (Dunlop)
1. Ryan Villopoto 391 (Dunlop)
2. Jessica Patterson 224 (Dunlop)
2. Blake Baggett 371 (Dunlop)
2. Ryan Dungey 384 (Dunlop)
3. Tarah Gieger 188 (Dunlop)
3. Tyla Rattray 353 (Dunlop)
3. Chad Reed 366 (Dunlop)
4. Jacqueline Strong 138 (Dunlop)
4. Kyle Cunningham 264 (Dunlop)
4. Brett Metcalfe 262 (Dunlop)
5. Vicki Golden 131 (Dunlop)
5. Eli Tomac 239 (Dunlop)
5. Mike Alessi 210 (Dunlop)
6. Kasie Creson 128
6. Gareth Swanepoel 200 (Dunlop)
6. Andrew Short 196 (Dunlop)
7. Marissa Markelon 125 (Dunlop)
7. Broc Tickle 195 (Dunlop)
7. Kevin Windham 193 (Dunlop)
8. Lindsey Palmer 107 (Dunlop)
8. Justin Barcia 181 (Dunlop)
8. Jake Weimer 190 (Dunlop)
9. Alexah Pearson 103 (Dunlop)
9. Martin Davalos 175 (Dunlop)
9. Davi Millsaps 173
10. Sayaka Kaneshiro 98 (Dunlop)
10. Darryn Durham 148 (Dunlop)
10. Tommy Hahn 140 (Dunlop)
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE MX IMAGES
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MIKE
GOSSELAAR
TUNER TO THE STARS
For many years, Mike Gosselaar has been a fixture in the pro motocross paddock. He has prepped bikes
for some of the biggest names in the sport and has gathered many championships along the way. We
recently had a chance to spend some time with Mike to ask him about life and living as a pro MX tuner.
Question: Mike, when and how did you first get involved
going at it this long. Here I am after all these years, and I still
with tuning for racers?
enjoy it. I tell you what, that feeling of winning is something
MG: Probably like many people I started off riding
really special; once you experience that, it’s really hard to
motorcycles and then racing minibikes as a kid. Then, in high
settle for something less.
school I started working in a motorcycle shop. Next, I worked
for the state of California with the California Highway Patrol,
Q: With the constant flow of new machines and new parts
working on their motorcycles, and then I got a position at
to test, it must seem kind of overwhelming at times to
American Honda. At the time, I knew Dave Arnold, who was
keep up with all the hardware and technology; what are
team manager with the Honda team. He raced at the same
some of the keys to keeping on top of the technology
track where my kids were racing, and Dave came over and
game?
said, ‘Hey, Mike, we need you! Have you ever thought about
MG: You always try to be innovative and you’re always
working as a factory mechanic?’ The next thing I knew he
working on new ideas. As a factory team we’re always on the
had lured me down to Honda to work on the team.
forefront, and sometimes we see things that the factory
maybe hasn’t thought of yet. So we give them input and they
follow up on it—so that can be pretty cool. We’re always
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Q: When you first started wrenching, did you ever
training and always trying to keep up with the new
suspect you would still be at it after all these years? What
technology. The electronics are especially complicated now,
did the future look like to you at that time?
but we have people who specialize in that and work on that
MG: When I started with Honda, I had taken a one-year leave
portion only so they can keep up with it—that’s a full-time job
of absence from working with the state, and I planned on
on its own. But the mechanical end of it, which I do, doesn’t
coming back to that job after one year. I never thought I’d be
really change that much.
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STEVELAMSON
“THE KEY IS BEING WITH A WHOLE GROUP OF PEOPLE; IT’S A
TEAM THING. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT MYSELF OR THE RIDER—
THAT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE.”
Q: It seems that most of the racers you worked with had
four-strokes are basically all the same. I grew up racing four-
one thing in common: winning. Talk about the riders you
strokes and I worked on racing four-stroke Hondas back in
worked with and the championships you’ve gathered
1973. So it hasn’t been that big of a deal for me.
along the way.
MG: I started off with Team Honda with Steve Lamson in 1994,
Q: Since the transporter keeps traveling—often for long
and we won a couple of 125 championships the second and
distances—from track to track, explain how you keep
third year working together. From there I started working with
ahead on the work you do to the bike.
Ezra Lusk, and we came close to winning a couple of
MG: We start working on the bike the day of the race, after the
championships; we won a lot of races and beat Jeremy
final race is over. The transporter can’t leave the track until all
McGrath at that time when he was at the top of his game.
the fans clear out, so that gives us some time to work,
Then, I started working with Ricky Carmichael and that led to
disassembling the bike and getting things cleaned up.
more championships with both Honda and Suzuki. Then, I
Then, we get to the next venue early, meet the truck and start
worked with Mike Alessi for one year and Chad Reed for one
setting up the bike for the next race, reassembling the bike
year, and now I’ve been with Ryan Dungey for two years.
and doing the engine work. It’s about a two-and-a-half-day
Frankly, I’m not sure how many championships that is all
cycle, but they’re long days and we’re under the gun.
together; I should know. I think it’s maybe 10 or 11.
We set up a work routine, and we try to stick to that routine
EZRALUSK
unless we have a delayed flight or we get stuck someplace
Q: What are some of the keys to developing winning
or whatever.
partnerships with the riders you tune for?
MG: The key is being with a whole group of people; it’s a team
Q: What are some of the most fun aspects of your job?
thing. It’s not just about myself or the rider—that would be
MG: Well, first of all, everybody here loves motorcycles and we
impossible. It takes a whole bunch of people working close
all ride. Then, we get to work on these team bikes, and it’s so
together, and having a good time by being serious and still
hands-on—it’s your baby, you know? It’s fun to see it out there
getting the job done. It’s definitely a whole team effort.
and competing against other riders and other manufacturers. It
keeps you young.
Q: When you started tuning, two-stroke race bikes were
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the norm. Now it’s all about four-strokes. Talk about that
Q: What are some of the hardest things you have to deal
transition, and things you’ve learned along the way.
with in your profession, things that the general public
MG: It wasn’t much of a transition for me because I worked on
never sees?
four-stroke street bikes for years and years. So it wasn’t really
MG: The hardest thing is when you have a failure
much different. When Honda came out with the four-stroke
breakdown/issue/mishap on your motorcycle; your heart just
motocross technology, it was pretty cool working with a big-
sinks. It feels like you die just a little bit, like you literally lose a
bore single with four valves, but the internal working of
little bit of your life span right there because you don’t know
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RICKYCARMICHAEL
“THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE ALWAYS MEMORABLE, BUT IT’S
ALSO THE PEOPLE YOU GET TO MEET, PEOPLE YOU
WOULD NEVER OTHERWISE GET TO KNOW AND BE
AROUND—A TON OF MEMORIES.”
what happened at that moment. It’s the worse feeling, the
Dunlops, worked closely with them, and the Dunlop crew
really tough part of the job. It’s just a machine, you know?
knew their stuff and they know how to build tires. They change
Sooner or later things break, things come up—that’s racing.
our tires for us, and we have complete confidence in them;
But you learn and move forward from there. And everyone and
they’re true professionals.
everything becomes better, the race bike, the production bike,
it all gets better in the long run because of what you’re
Q: Looking back on your career, what are some of the
learning there at the track.
most memorable moments and milestones you’ve
achieved along the way?
Q: Many young aspiring mechanics look at you and figure
MG: I’ve enjoyed so many special moments in my career that
you have the best job in the world—what advice would
it’s hard to pick out one that I could call the most memorable.
you offer to someone who wants to break into race tuning
Having said that, I guess I look back on Ricky’s championship
for a living?
in 2004, and that time really stands out. Ricky was coming
MG: As a mechanic, it’s tough to break into this business. You
back from a knee injury, yet he still won 24 out of 24 motos in
have to start young, be in the right place at the right time and
the Motocross season. That was quite an accomplishment.
it’s good to know somebody in the business and get the right
The championships are always memorable, but it’s also the
opportunity. It’s tough to break into this and make a good
people you get to meet, people you would never otherwise get
living at it. It’s not like with the racers where you can prove
to know and be around—a ton of memories.
yourself with sheer speed and move up. You have to prove
yourself, but you also have to get known by the right people at
Q: You used to race and you still ride. Do you ever think, I
the right time.
should have been a factory rider?
MG: No. I got to the local pro level, but I never even thought
Q: Tell us about the working relationship you have with
about going to the national level and trying to qualify for a
the Dunlop crew at the track and how they help you with
national. I did road race for a while and did some national stuff
bike setup.
and that was fun. But now it’s just for fun; I don’t take riding
MG: We’ve always had a great working relationship with
seriously. Now I’d rather go woods riding with a buddy and
Dunlop. For years when I was at American Honda we used
just have a blast, and just ride a motorcycle and have fun.
RYANDUNGEY
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CHRIS
FILLMORE
LIKES RACES THAT START WITH SUPER
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Two-time Supermoto champ and road racer Chris Fillmore hit
making any plans to reach that goal.
the big time when KTM announced its involvement in U.S.
“I was just having fun,” Fillmore said. “We went to the sand
Superbike competition for the first time with the race-spec
dunes and played in gravel pits. As I got a little older I did
1190 RC8R, with Fillmore at the controls. Fillmore—who
some racing, and got a little more serious, but it wasn’t until
currently leads the Vance & Hines XR1200 series with three
2003 that things changed. That was when I tried Supermoto,
wins to his credit—wasted no time establishing the KTM’s
and despite my motocross background I fell in love with the
credibility: At the team’s debut race at Mid-Ohio, Fillmore and
pavement part. Roughly two months later, I was on the grid at
the RC8R showed serious speed, and ultimately finished
a National. I hooked up with KTM that first year, and was pro
seventh.
at 16 years old.”
Things weren’t always this way for the likeable 24-year-old
During his Supermoto career Fillmore rode for KTM twice, and
from Michigan. In 1999 Fillmore was just a kid with a Yamaha
also for the Troy Lee Honda team. He earned two national
YZ80 motocross bike dreaming of making it as a pro, but not
Supermoto titles, but was already thinking of road racing.
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“While I was riding for Troy Lee, I told Honda that I
was interested in getting into road racing, but
nothing ever came together. In 2007 I got a 600 and
did some WERA races. Then in 2008 I was back
with KTM, so I did some road racing on a KTM
Superduke, and that opened the dialogue with KTM.
We’ve talked about me road racing a KTM ever
since 2008.”
Between 2008 and his new Superbike ride,
Supermoto faded away for pros despite grass roots
and local racing for the machinery. Fillmore chased
rides and honed his racing skills whenever possible.
For 2011 he jumped to the Vance & Hines XR-1200
spec race series for RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer
Daytona H-D Racing/Revolution team. You wouldn’t
think that any bike could be more different from a
light and flickable Supermoto bike.
“For sure the Harley is different in many ways, since
it is heavy, but for some reason the wide bars make
it feel similar to me,” Fillmore explained. “Also, for
road racing you don’t get that much time to
practice. When I got the H-D ride I hadn’t been on
the track for months, so the transition wasn’t
difficult. It is a really cool class to race, and it really
teaches you technique. Despite the pace being
intense and the racing very close, the speeds are
slower. You have time to teach yourself as you ride
and race. The bikes are all identical, so the racing is
more about the rider. If you lose some ground it is
hard to make up time, but the close battles make it
really fun. All of us are smiling under our helmets!”
Fortunately, when he made arrangements with
RMR/Rossmeyer/Revolution, he included the option
to accept rides that don’t conflict. So Fillmore
reunites with former KTM Supermoto sponsor Mitch
Hanson and the HMC Team, but remains in the VHR
XR-1200 series.
“I’m super excited about making the move to
Superbike. I rode a stock RC8 a little in 2010, and
when the race bike arrived from KTM Austria, we
uncrated it and went straight to the track. Even
without any setup the modified bike is amazing. It is
a full race bike. We had to keep the bike under
wraps until after KTM announced the ride and
introduced me at the dealer meeting. I drove straight
from the dealer meeting to a track to start testing.
I’m definitely excited to take this next step forward!”
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All racing is about putting in fast laps, but not all racing is the same.
In 2011 Ricky Dietrich is making a change few others have dared to
attempt. The 2006 World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS)
Champion and 2008 Endurocross Champion is switching from
off-road racing to Motocross, competing in the AMA Motocross
Championship with the Valli Motorsports/Rockstar Yamaha team.
Dietrich is having an impressive first full season racing Motocross,
scoring a string of top-10 moto finishes, including a season-best
fifth overall at the Freestone National in Texas. We caught up with the
longtime Dunlop rider to find out how he’s adjusting to full-time
Motocross and get his thoughts on his season so far.
RICKY
DIETRICH
WORCS CHAMPION TURNED
MOTOCROSS ROOKIE
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WHEN EVERYTHING AROUND YOU IS NEW, IT DEFINITELY
HELPS TO HAVE SOMETHING FAMILIAR TO BUILD FROM.
IT’S GOOD TO BE ON TIRES THAT I KNOW AND TRUST.
Q: What are the main differences between WORCS and
Q: Which round has been your best this year?
Motocross racing?
RD: Probably the second round in Texas. I finished just shy
RD: The intensity! Having straight-up speed and putting in
of the podium in one moto and ended the weekend fifth
your best laps from the minute the moto start gate drops is
overall. I also finished fifth overall at that race in 2009. I
the biggest difference. WORCS racing is all about
think the off-roader in me comes out in those grueling, hot
endurance because a race lasts a couple of hours. I raced
conditions. I’m used to having to ride for a few hours at a
the WORCS series for six years, so going the distance and
time in that sort of heat. The temperature at the Lake
having stamina is not a problem. In Motocross, each moto
Havasu WORCS race each year is around 105 degrees, and
is about 35 minutes long. I find myself just starting to settle
we have to race in those conditions for two hours straight! I
into a rhythm at the 30-minute mark. I notice I’m making
think that’s why I go okay at races like Texas.
passes towards the end of motos when riders are getting
tired; that’s when I’m just warming up!
Q: You’ve been a longtime Kawasaki rider and switched
to ride for Yamaha’s Valli team this year. How did
Q: Why switch to Motocross?
that relationship start and how’s everything going
RD: Motocross has always been my passion and something
at Valli?
that I’ve wanted to pursue—I’ve always had the itch for it.
RD: It’s going great! Valli Motorsports also has a WORCS
Whenever I could fit in racing a Motocross event around my
team, and that’s where I got to know the team owner Chad
WORCS schedule, I would do it. In 2009, I got the
[Lanza]. I called him up during the off-season and preached
opportunity to fill in for Ryan Villopoto on the factory
my case about how I wanted to be the first WORCS racer to
Kawasaki team when he got hurt, and I got good results. I
successfully switch to racing pro Motocross—that’s my
raced five rounds and finished inside the top 10 four times
dream. Chad was stoked and very supportive. We decided
(5-6-6-7-11). Knowing I could run in the top 10 with little
that I wouldn’t race Supercross and instead focus on
experience in the class, against the top guys, really ignited a
preparing for Motocross. The transition to a new discipline
spark in me. That’s when I knew that I wanted to have a go
and onto a new team and new bike has been a lot of fun so
at racing Motocross at the pro level. Since then, I’ve been
far. I was with Team Green Kawasaki for six years, and that
focusing on pursuing a full-time ride in Motocross.
team was basically all I knew. I feel like I’m reinventing
myself this year, which is exciting. It makes everything fresh
Q: How are you adapting to the shorter Motocross
and new again, and to be doing it with the support of a
tracks? Anything particularly challenging about the
great group of guys around me is awesome.
tracks?
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RD: I think I’m adapting well. Some of the national tracks I
Q: You’ve been riding Dunlop for a long time. Talk about
have been to before and some I haven’t. So when I’m going
your relationship with Dunlop over the years.
to a new track I do all I can to familiarize myself with it
RD: I’ve ridden Dunlop tires from as far back as I can
beforehand. I watch videos of the previous years’ races and
remember. I’m pretty sure I rode Dunlop throughout my
try to see where lines develop. In my opinion the tracks
entire amateur career, and I’ve only ever ridden Dunlop
seem rougher this season. I’m not sure if that is to keep the
during my pro career. I said previously that everything about
speeds down a little; however, I think that works to my
this year is new, but I failed to mention the one thing that
advantage. I’m used to riding rough, nasty tracks so I think
has stayed the same—my relationship with Dunlop. I’ve
that has helped me. At the 2009 Colorado Motocross night
enjoyed a great relationship with the trackside Dunlop guys,
race, I remember the track was really smooth, and I did
and I’m glad I could keep them as a sponsor in the switch.
horrible there! I wasn’t used to racing on such soft and
When everything around you is new, it definitely helps to
smooth surface conditions. The roughness of the tracks this
have something familiar to build from. It’s good to be on
year has really helped me to adjust.
tires that I know and trust.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
AMA Road Racing #9
September 2-4
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Millville, NJ
GNCC Series #10
September 11-12
Unadilla
New Berlin, NY
AMA Motocross #11
WMX #7
September 3
Steel City Raceway
Delmont, PA
WORCS ATV #7
September 16-18
Glen Helen MX
Devore, CA
MotoGP–Moto2
September 4
Misano, San Marino
World Superbike #10
September 4
Nurburgring, Germany
AMA Motocross #12
WMX #8
September 10
Pala Raceway
Pala, CA
MotoGP–Moto2
September 18
Aragon, Spain
WORCS Bikes #8
September 23-25
Glen Helen MX
Devore, CA
GNCC Series #11
September 24-25
Somerset, PA
World Superbike #11
September 25
Imola, Italy
World Superbike #12
October 2
Magny Cours, France
World Superbike #13
October 16
Portimao, Portugal
WORCS ATV #8
October 21-23
Race Town 395
Adelanto, CA
GNCC Series #12
October 8-9
Powerline Park
St. Clairsville, OH
GNCC Series #13
October 22-23
Amsoil Ironman
Crawfordsville, IN
National Hare and Hound Series #9
October 9
Johnson Valley, CA
WORCS Bikes #9
October 14-16
Race Town 395
Adelanto, CA
MotoGP–Moto2
October 23
Sepang, Malaysia
National Hare and Hound Series #10
October 23
Lucerne, CA
MotoGP–Moto2
October 16
Phillip Island, Australia
©2011 Dunlop • P. O. Box 1109, Buffalo, New York 14240-1109 • 1-800-845-8378 • dunlopmotorcycle.com