MAY 2012 - Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

MAY 2012
CONTENTS
4
BROC GLOVER WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
6
BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM
6
DUNLOP DEBUTS ALL-NEW WEB SITE
8
AN ORIGINAL: TEAM DUNLOP’S ADAM CIANCIARULO
10
GNCC: MULLINS AND RUSSELL LEADING THE PACK ON GEOMAX TIRES
10
RACE GNCC AND EARN DUNLOP DOLLARS
14
ASHLEY FIOLEK AND ELENA MYERS: MAKING MOTORCYCLING HISTORY
18
TAYLOR ROBERT: KEEPING THE FOCUS ON HIS FIRST WORCS TITLE
20
2012 MOTO2 AND MOTO3 SEASONS UNDERWAY
24
CLOSE RACING: DAYTONA 2012
30
2012 TEAM DUNLOP
32
DUNLOP CLINCHES THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE 2012 SUPERCROSS SEASON
40
VILLOPOTO CAPTURES HIS SECOND CONSECUTIVE SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
42
TEAM DUNLOP ALUMNI FIND SUCCESS IN THE PRO RANKS
52
THE DUNLOP GEOMAX FAMILY: OPTIONS FOR CHALLENGING RIDING CONDITIONS
56
KEVIN WINDHAM: STILL GOING!
60
AMA OUTDOOR NATIONAL PREVIEW: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
64
UPCOMING EVENTS
ON THE COVER:
GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia not only wrapped
up the Supercross Lites East Championship in
fine style, but he also went on to best all
comers in the Lites East/West Shootout in Las
Vegas to top off a great Supercross season.
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Dunlop Download magazine is published for Dunlop by Vreeke & Associates. www.vreeke.com
3
BROC
GLOVER
WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Broc Glover, Dunlop’s Senior Manager, Motorcycle Off-Road, was awarded the Monster Energy
AMA Supercross Lifetime Achievement Award at the season-ending award banquet in Las Vegas,
NV. Glover, who spearhead’s Dunlop’s Supercross, Motocross and off-road racing efforts, had this
to say about the prestigious award.
“I feel very fortunate that I have been able to turn my passion for motorcycle racing into a career
that has gone well beyond my years as a racer. I really want to thank the people at Feld
Motorsports for this award, as well as all my past fellow competitors and peers, and the entire
racing community that I have the pleasure to work with. Of course, I would also like to thank the
Dunlop trackside crew and everyone back at Dunlop headquarters in Buffalo, NY, who work so
hard to support the AMA Supercross and Motocross paddock. Three years ago, Dunlop stepped
up an already high level of support in the AMA Pro paddock, and this program is something I am
very proud to be a part of.”
Dunlop-sponsored riders have won every AMA Pro Supercross and Motocross championship in
2010, 2011 and all three Supercross championships in 2012 with Ryan Villopoto, Eli Tomac and
Justin Barcia.
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BARBER
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM
Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Birmingham, AL, is a
modern motorcycles, as well as a substantial collection of
genuine treasure of the motorsports world: Barber
Lotus and other race cars. The collection is the largest of its
Motorsports Park. Within its 740 acres of lush, green, wooded
kind in the world.
countryside, you’ll find a world-class racetrack containing a
2.38-mile loop of undulating tarmac, whimsical oversized
The museum displays approximately 600 of the collection’s
sculptures, including a series of giant-sized steel spiders and
1200 motorcycles at any given time. These bikes range from
dragonflies, and the superb Barber Vintage Motorsports
machines crafted into existence in 1902 to current-year
Museum, home to one of the world’s finest motorcycle
production motorcycles. The common street bike is
collections.
represented, as well as rare one-off Grand Prix race
machinery. Surprisingly, all of the restorations are done in-
George Barber’s love of vintage motorcycles and sports cars
house, and most bikes are fully operational. Bikes from the
dates back to the 1950s. Recognizing the need for a museum
collection are started during tour hours and routinely ridden
that reflected the history of motorcycles around the world,
around the track to the delight of hard-core motorheads.
Barber began earnestly collecting historically significant bikes
in 1989. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum opened to
If you’ve yet to visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum,
the public in 1995, and in 2003 it was relocated to the
you need to place it high on your list of things to see in your
grounds of the then newly opened Barber Motorsports Park.
lifetime. In fact, the collection is so spectacular you’ll surely
The collection now contains more than 1200 vintage and
want to visit these machines over and over again.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
DUNLOP DEBUTS ALL-NEW WEB SITE
Dunlop is pleased to announce the debut of its completely new Web site at www.dunlopmotorcycle.com. Designed specifically for
the American market, the new site is currently live, and was designed with many features that make the new site a regular online
stop for riding enthusiasts. The brand-new content on this site includes racing news and insider views, tire technology insights,
videos, tips, care and maintenance information, a complete and easy-to-use tire fitment guide and tire catalog, a special section
for Dunlop Download magazine, plus a gallery of free downloadable wallpaper images covering race bikes, customs and more.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ALL-NEW DUNLOPMOTORCYCLE.COM
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7
AN
ORIGINAL
TEAM DUNLOP’S ADAM CIANCIARULO
Adam Cianciarulo is an original: He was a part of the inaugural 2007 Team Dunlop squad and has continued to progress
through the program since. Because the program is designed to highlight the ongoing achievements of its young but
outstanding amateur motocross racers, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Cianciarulo is a perfect example of the
program’s success. Cianciarulo is one of the most promising amateur motocross racers on the planet, having racked up
over 100 championships, more than any other mini rider in history. In 2011 he received the Youth Motocross Rider of the
Year award for his outstanding performance throughout the season.
Cianciarulo started riding at age three and quickly began making his way through the ranks. He has received immense
support from Kawasaki, making this his ninth year as part of the Team Green family. As one of the founding members of
Team D, Cianciarulo has seen amateurs like himself enter the pro ranks with incredible success, which is his ultimate
goal. “It has been an honor to be a part of Team Dunlop, since the beginning,” Cianciarulo said. “The program has
gotten bigger and bigger over the years, and Dunlop’s support has been a huge part of my success.”
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9
GNCC
MULLINS AND RUSSELL LEADING
THE PACK ON GEOMAX TIRES
KAILUBRUSSELL
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Considered the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in
The 22-year-old Russell won the 2009 and 2010 GNCC XC2
the United States, the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC)
Pro Lites Championships, and finished fourth overall in his
competition throws a variety of terrain conditions at its partici-
rookie XC1 season in 2011. In the first round of 2012, at West-
pants during its grueling three-hour races. Riders encounter
gate River Ranch in Florida, Russell crashed and injured his
woods, hills, rocks, mud, motocross sections and more. And
left shoulder but still managed to finish 12th. The next week
of course, this is all at speed.
still sore from his injury, he got off to a poor start but passed
the field to finish first at The General in Georgia. The following
In 2011, Factory FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins captured his first
week at Steele Creek in front of a record crowd Russell once
GNCC championship—standing on the podium 10 times dur-
again stood atop the podium.
ing the 13-round series—a commanding performance he
achieved while riding on Dunlop’s Geomax® line of tires.
Russell currently sits in second place in the points standings,
only seven points behind first place. Like Mullins, Russell has
Although the various Geomax products have been extensively
been relying on Geomax tires to give him the edge on the
developed and tested at the highest level of competition rac-
challenging GNCC courses. According to Steve Yanacek
ing, such as Supercross and Motocross, they have also been
Product and Marketing Mgr., Off-Road and ATV Tires, the rid-
used successfully in a variety of demanding off-road events
ers choose a mix of tires depending upon the terrain condi-
like GNCC, WORCS, National Enduro, Hare & Hound and
tions. “The competitors will mix and match Geomax tires front
SCORE, to name a few.
and rear to achieve the optimum in traction, grip and handling,” Yanacek said.
Dunlop’s Geomax Reinforced Pattern
TM
(GRP) design is one of
the major contributing factors allowing these tires to deliver
GNCC POINTS STANDINGS
enhanced traction and tenacious grip across a wide range of
1. Paul Whibley 76
riding conditions. And last year Mullins used the Geomax tires’
2. Kailub Russell 69 (Dunlop)
versatility to full advantage to dominate the competition.
3. Charlie Mullins 65 (Dunlop)
4. Thaddeus Duvall 52
After three rounds of the 2012 season, Mullins holds third
5. Cory Buttrick 50 (Dunlop)
place in the overall standings, posting two second-place fin-
6. Rory Mead 44
ishes and one sixth-place in the third round at Steele Creek in
7. Jordan Ashburn 40
Morganton, NC.
8. Garrett Edmisten 39 (Dunlop)
9. Christopher Bach 39
And it looks as though Mullins’ FMF/KTM teammate Kailub
10. Takeshi Koikeda 36 (Dunlop)
Russell will be a strong challenger for the top spot this year.
RACE GNCC AND EARN DUNLOP DOLLARS
Dunlop is proud to be a Feature Sponsor for the 2012 GNCC
decals to display on their motorcycle. Riders who finish in the
season, and will once again offer the Dunlop Dollars GNCC
top three in their class will receive a Dunlop Dollars
Contingency Program.
certificate. In addition to Dunlop Dollars, Dunlop also provides
a set of tires for all GNCC Series class champions. Please
Amateur GNCC racers can earn Dunlop Dollars, which can be
read the registration form for other terms and conditions
redeemed at any Dunlop dealership to be applied toward
that apply.
the purchase of a Dunlop off-road tire. Contingency
registration forms are available at the GNCC rider registration,
The Geomax line of off-road tires will be sold and installation
and a GNCC tech inspector will check that the bike has
will be available at select GNCC events through Gear
both front and rear Dunlop tires. Riders will get four Dunlop
Racewear/MotoTees.
CHARLIEMULLINS
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ASHLEYFIOLEK
ASHLEY FIOLEK AND ELENA MYERS
MAKING
MOTORCYCLING
HISTORY
In a predominantly male sport like motorcycling, women
riders are starting to make their mark and become better
known. Although in different types of racing series, Ashley
Fiolek and Elena Myers fully embody the power women can
have in the world of motorcycles. Both women have had very
successful amateur and professional careers: Fiolek was the
first female to sign a contract with a factory motocross racing
team, and Myers was the first female to ever win a
professional race at Daytona.
ELENAMYERS
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15
ALTHOUGH IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF
RACING SERIES, ASHLEY FIOLEK AND
ELENA MYERS FULLY EMBODY THE
POWER WOMEN CAN HAVE IN THE
WORLD OF MOTORCYCLES.
With the support of her parents, Myers started racing pocket bikes at age eight. She
quickly progressed to mini bikes, then to Supermoto, and in 2006 at age 11 she
began racing the United States Grand Prix Racers Union National Series. At the
young age of 16, Myers made her professional racing debut at Daytona International
Speedway on March 11, 2010, where she finished seventh. Myers made history at
round four of the 2010 AMA SuperSport Championship series at Infineon Raceway
in Sonoma, CA, by becoming the first female to win a race in the history of AMA Pro
Road Racing. In 2012, Myers made history once again by becoming the first woman
to ever win a professional race at Daytona. With such a short yet successful
professional career, Myers is sure to be a consistent threat to the podium.
Fiolek has overcome incredible odds to become one of the best-known motocross
racers in the world. She first began riding at the age of three and was entered into
her first race at age seven despite being born profoundly deaf. As an amateur, Fiolek
was a member of Team Dunlop and won countless titles, and she continued this
success into the professional ranks. Fiolek made history in 2009 by becoming the
first female to sign a contract with American Honda, and being the first deaf person
to compete in the X Games. She is currently a three-time AMA Women’s Motocross
Champion and a two-time X Games gold medalist. Fiolek enters into the 2012
season focused and determined to defend her championship title.
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TAYLOR
ROBERT
KEEPING THE FOCUS ON HIS FIRST WORCS TITLE
In the realm of the World Off Road Championship Series
Factory FMF/KTM veteran rider Mike Brown, who just turned
(WORCS), one dominant champion has exited while a new
40 years old, has challenged Robert in the first four rounds
one is emerging.
and has bested him once, at the second stop in the series,
Buffalo Bills in Primm, NV, where Brown grabbed first and
Factory FMF/KTM 2011 WORCS Champion Kurt Caselli will
Robert came in sixth due to mechanical problems in the
not be contesting the series in 2012, instead he has been
second race. On the fast, sandy and rocky Lake Havasu
running the AMA Hare & Hound series where he is leading in
course, Brown, who finished second overall in 2011 and
points. And Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Taylor Robert, who
was the WORCS champion in 2009, came in second with
finished in third place last season, is gunning to take his
3-2 finishes.
place atop the podium in 2012.
Standing in third place in the points, Kyle Summers has
In the first four rounds, the 21-year-old Dunlop-sponsored
raced up front with Robert and Brown and stood in third on
Robert has grabbed two first-place finishes, in the opening
the podium three times. He clocked the fastest lap at Lake
round at Glen Helen in Devore, CA, and in the latest at Lake
Havasu, and is only six points behind second-place Brown.
Havasu City in Arizona. Robert went 1-1 at Havasu last
year, and did so again in 2012. He also finished second in
Bobby Garrison, who is fourth in the points, ran an
round three at Mesquite in Nevada, and is the current
outstanding race in the third round at Mesquite, NV, coming
points leader, eight points ahead of Mike Brown in
in first in both races. Other Dunlop-sponsored riders in the
second place.
top 10 include Justin Soule in fifth and Ross Neely in eighth.
WORCS POINTS STANDINGS
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1. Taylor Robert 171 (Dunlop)
6. Ryan Abbatoye 119
2. Mike Brown 163 (Dunlop)
7. Gary Sutherlin 110
3. Kyle Summers 157 (Dunlop)
8. Ross Neely 98 (Dunlop)
4. Bobby Garrison 153 (Dunlop)
9. Robby Bell 95
5. Justin Soule 141 (Dunlop)
10. Colton Haaker 81
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2012
MOTO2
MOTO3
AND
SEASONS UNDERWAY
20
MARCMÁRQUEZ
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WITH DUNLOP POSITIONED AS THE OFFICIAL TIRE OF THE
MOTO2 AND MOTO3 GP SERIES, WE’VE GOT A FRONT-ROW
SEAT HERE AT DUNLOP DOWNLOAD FOR SOME OF THE BEST
ROAD RACING ACTION TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE IN THE
WORLD, AND THE SEASON-OPENING GRAND PRIX OF QATAR
PROVED THAT POINT BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT.
The riders in the 20-lap Moto2 contest put on an especially
which replaces the long-lived 125cc two-stroke race bikes,
masterful display of racing skill, with as many as seven riders
features young riders aboard a new generation of purpose-
staging a race-long battle for the win. As the checkered flag
built racing 250cc four-stroke machinery that continues to
fell, Marc Márquez (Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol) just barely
place a premium on corner speed—which adds up to
beat out Andrea Iannone (Speed Master) for the win with a
exciting viewing.
margin of just 0.061 of a second. After having led some of the
race laps, Pol Espargaró (Pons 40 HP Tuenti) filled out the
True to form, this historic event turned out to be a great
podium in third after a tough battle with his teammate Esteve
debut as 17-year-old Maverick Viñales (Blusens Avintia) took
Rabat, who finished fourth. Crossing the finish line in fifth
the win after a hard-fought battle with rookie Romano Fenati
position was Thomas Lüthi (Interwetten Paddock), who had
(Team Italia FMI) who scored a podium in his first-ever Grand
set the fastest lap times in all three practices prior to the race,
Prix start. Meanwhile, a thrilling battle for the final podium
started from pole position and who spent the entire race in the
position raged behind. In the end, pole-position starter
lead group. However, while challenging Márquez for the win on
Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) came out on top of a
the last lap, Luthi ran wide in turn one and that miscue was
furious five-way fight with, in order of their finishing
enough to leave him in fifth place on the day. That’s a perfect
positions, Luis Salom (RW Racing GP), Miguel Oliveira
example of how tight the racing is in the Moto2 class, and by
(Estrella Galicia 0’0), Zulfahmi Khairuddin (AirAsia-SIC-Ajo)
all indications that’s how it will remain all season long.
and rookie Arthur Sissis (Red Bull KTM Ajo). All five of these
riders had a clear shot at taking third place, but on the last
On the same weekend, Losail International Circuit also served
lap, Cortese was able to get a better drive out of the last
as the stage for the first-ever Moto3 race. This new GP format,
corner to beat Salom.
MAVERICKVIÑALES
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CLOSE RACING
DAYTONA 2012
BLAKEYOUNG
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ELENAMYERS
Daytona is not just the opening race of the AMA Pro Road
over the standing record of 1:52.1 set in 2011. Kyle Wyman
Race season; it’s a litmus test for everybody in the paddock,
likewise put the D211 GP-A to good use by winning the
an unyielding analysis of who’s ready to race—and win.
XR1200 race.
The challenge of arriving at Daytona ready to race applied to
The SuperBike class, in turn, employs Dunlop’s racing slicks,
Dunlop just as it did to everyone else in the paddock. As the
and these specialized tires quickly proved to be up to the task
Official Tire of AMA Pro Road Racing, Dunlop’s efforts at Day-
as well; in Thursday’s season-opening qualifying session
tona included a full contingent of race staff—20 tire techni-
around the sweeping expanses of Daytona International
cians covering different roles at the race—plus more than 4000
Speedway, reigning class champ Josh Hayes was clocked at a
tires purpose-built for the extraordinary demands posed by the
mighty impressive 205.42 miles per hour. Hayes parlayed that
high banks of Daytona and the attendant super-high speeds,
speed into a decisive win in the first SuperBike race, but Blake
plus the twists and turns of the tricky infield section.
Young rallied back for the next encounter as he and Hayes
Dunlop’s 190/60ZR17 Sportmax® D211™ GP-A, the newest
Young emerge victorious by a margin of only 0.002 of a sec-
race tire made in Buffalo, NY, made itself a favorite choice by
ond—a genuine photo finish!
staged an epic drafting duel for the second-race win that saw
anchoring a number of brilliant performances in multiple
classes. In addition to winning the high-profile Daytona 200 in
As the dust settled, the week’s efforts at Daytona had pro-
the hands of 19-year-old privateer Joey Pascarella, the new
duced exciting races in all classes, most of which were de-
190/60ZR17 Sportmax D211 GP-A won both SuperSport se-
cided by mere fractions of a second. Such close racing
ries races under James Rispoli and Elena Myers—the latter
speaks volumes about the racers who gather to battle each
making history by being the first woman to win any pro race at
other on the track, the Dunlop tires that help get them to the
Daytona. As another example of its racing prowess, the D211
finish line, and the excitement and thrilling scenes yet to come
GP-A established new SuperSport lap records during the
as the season progresses.
course of the weekend, with rookie Jake Lewis notching the
JOSHHAYES
26
best race lap time of 1:51.3—a considerable improvement
27
JAMESRISPOLI
KYLEWYMAN
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DAYTONA IS NOT JUST THE OPENING RACE OF THE
AMA PRO ROAD RACE SEASON; IT’S A LITMUS TEST
FOR EVERYBODY IN THE PADDOCK, AN UNYIELDING
ANALYSIS OF WHO’S READY TO RACE—AND WIN.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DAYTONA IMAGES
JOEYPASCARELLA
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NAME
CLASS
NUMBER
YEARS ON THE ELITE TEAM
Adam Cianciarulo
SM
92
6
Andrew Pierce
85/SM
129
1
Austin Forkner
85
28
2
Brandy Richards
Girls
198
2
Carson Mumford
65
122
2
Chase Bell
85/SM
235
3
Chase Sexton
85
486
4
Gage Linville
50/65
402
1
Garrett Marchbanks
85
82
2
Jordan Bailey
85
133
1
Jett Reynolds
50/65
79
5
Lance Kobusch
85
99
4
Mark Worth
SM
321
6
Michael Mosiman
85
342
2
Pierce Brown
65
63
2
Ryder DiGrancesco
50
199
1
Sean Cantrell
85
37
4
Stilez Robertson
65/85
325
3
Tanner Stack
85
382
4
2012
TEAM DUNLOP
Team Dunlop launched its 2012 season on Tuesday, March 6, in Decatur, TX, at
the Oak Hill Amateur National. A dinner was held that evening for team members
and their families at the local Bono’s Chophouse and Saloon. Dunlop’s Manager
of Amateur Motocross Support Primo Marotto proudly announced the 19 Elite
Riders of 2012, congratulating four new members and welcoming back 15.
Two special guests were in attendance for the night, Dunlop Vice President Mike
Buckley and GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle, a former Elite Team member. “Dunlop
was so supportive of me throughout my amateur career and even still with
GEICO Honda, so it was really cool to be able to go back and show my support
for them,” said Bogle.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE TEAM D INFO
31
The 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, an FIM
DUNLOP CLINCHES
THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS
IN THE 2012 SUPERCROSS SEASON
32
Weimer. Reed made the pass on Weimer for the lead and rode
World Championship, proved quite eventful this year. The
a solid race, grabbing the first-place podium position. The
series started in impressive fashion, with four different winners
following week in Oakland, Reed took second in front of
in the first four rounds, but then injuries sidelined many of the
Villopoto and Dungey. After Oakland, Villopoto dominated the
top riders. Heading into the final round in Las Vegas, NV, all
field, winning at the second Anaheim race, San Diego and
three championships had already been wrapped up by Dunlop-
Arlington. Reed quickly established himself as one of the guys
sponsored riders. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto
to beat in Arlington, until going down hard while battling with
clinched the title with four rounds still to go—the earliest any
Villopoto for the lead. Unfortunately, the crash sidelined him for
rider has won the Supercross title—while GEICO Honda
the remainder of the season. Dungey put together a solid
teammates Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia had remarkable
performance in Atlanta, riding to his second season win. Then,
seasons, winning the West and East Lites titles, respectively.
after riding two rounds with a shoulder injury, Dungey was
forced to sit out the next five rounds.
Villopoto quickly took charge by winning the season opener in
Anaheim, CA, aboard his Dunlop-equipped KX450F. The
With many top riders out, Villopoto continued his winning
following weekend in Phoenix, AZ, after going down on the first
streak unchallenged, grabbing the top podium position at St.
lap, Villopoto was forced to work his way through the pack,
Louis, Indy, Toronto, Houston and New Orleans. At round 15 in
finishing in third. Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey performed
Seattle, Villopoto was unable to continue the race after injuring
flawlessly, grabbing the holeshot and running away with the
his knee, leaving the podium wide open for L&Mc Racing’s
win, marking KTM’s first-ever Supercross win. After a red flag
Andrew Short to grab his first-ever Supercross win aboard his
at Dodger Stadium, TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed was at
CRF450R. Short had also recently returned from a shoulder
the front of the pack with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake
injury that sidelined him for much of the season. Team Honda
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MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI’S RYAN VILLOPOTO CLINCHED
THE TITLE WITH FOUR ROUNDS STILL TO GO.
Muscle Milk’s Justin Brayton was a consistent threat,
Round seven of the series in Arlington, TX, also marked the
making his way to the podium at St. Louis, Indy, Toronto and
first round of the Lites East class. GEICO Honda’s defending
New Orleans.
Lites East Champion Justin Barcia wasted no time proving that
he would be the guy to beat. Barcia grabbed a good start, and
The Lites West class started off just as exciting as the
after taking the lead, he quickly gapped the rest of the field.
Supercross class with three different winners at the first three
Rounding out the podium were Monster Energy/Pro
rounds. At the opener in Anaheim, Troy Lee Designs/Lucas
Circuit/Kawasaki’s Darryn Durham and Red Bull KTM’s Ken
Oil/Honda’s Cole Seely took the win after battling with Monster
Roczen. Barcia won handily for a second consecutive week in
Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Tyla Rattray. GEICO Honda’s Eli
Atlanta after grabbing the holeshot and running away from the
Tomac put in a hard charge after getting a midpack start and
rest of the pack. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’ Blake
was able to grab a third-place podium finish. The following
Baggett rode a consistent race, finishing in second in front of
weekend the night belonged to Monster Energy/Pro
GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle. At the next two rounds in St.
Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson who grabbed the holeshot and
Louis and Daytona, Barcia continued to dominate, taking the
dominated the entire 15-lap race over Red Bull KTM’s Marvin
win. At Indy the race was red-flagged, and it was interesting to
Musquin and teammate Tyla Rattray. GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac,
see the restart in a staggered formation. Barcia was unable to
who once out front was nearly untouchable, dominated the next
continue his winning streak, settling for third behind Durham
three rounds in Los Angeles, Oakland and Anaheim Two.
and Rockstar Suzuki’s Blake Wharton.
Heading into round six, Tomac had a padded 22-point lead in
the championship, but after being unable to finish the race due
In Toronto, Barcia got back to his winning ways after battling
to a hard crash, he handed the points lead over to Wilson.
with Roczen for the first few laps. Wharton made his second
podium appearance of the season, placing third in front of
Seattle marked the return of the Lites West Championship, and
MotoConcepts’ Jake Canada and Darryn Durham. After
Tomac and Wilson picked up their battle for the points lead
grabbing the holeshot and quickly gapping the rest of the field,
exactly where they had left off eight weeks prior. The race got
it looked as though Barcia would take his sixth win of the
pretty heated between the two, but Tomac triumphed, finishing
season in Houston. However, he tangled with a lapper and
in third behind Star Valli Rockstar Yamaha’s Ryan Sipes and
went down on the last lap; he was able to recover and finish
Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin, after Wilson went down.
second, allowing Roczen to take his first win of the season.
Tomac regained the points lead heading into Salt Lake City,
Baggett rounded out the podium in third. In New Orleans
closely followed by Wilson. In the main, Tomac got a midpack
teammates Darryn Durham and Blake Baggett placed first and
start but quickly charged his way through the field to third
second on the podium, followed by GEICO Honda’s Justin
place behind Wilson. The two battled for second until Wilson
Bogle. It was the first time during the season that Barcia was
made a mistake, allowing Tomac to make the pass. He
not on the podium, but his fourth-place finish was good
continued to charge forward, eventually passing Rockstar
enough to clinch his second-straight East Lites title.
Suzuki’s Jason Anderson who had grabbed the holeshot.
Wilson went down hard and was unable to continue the race,
GEICO Honda teammates Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac owned
allowing Tomac to wrap up the Lites West Championship with
the night at the final round in Las Vegas, NV, taking the wins in
one round still remaining.
the East and West main events, respectively, and finishing
RYANVILLOPOTO
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CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SX YEAR IN PHOTOS
GEICO HONDA TEAMMATES ELI TOMAC AND JUSTIN BARCIA
HAD REMARKABLE SEASONS, WINNING THE EAST AND WEST
LITES TITLES, RESPECTIVELY.
JUSTINBARCIA
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ELITOMAC
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DUNLOP-SPONSORED RIDERS POSTED IMPRESSIVE
RESULTS THIS SEASON—HOLDING EIGHT OUT OF
THE TOP-10 POSITIONS IN THE SUPERCROSS CLASS
FINAL STANDINGS AND 10 OUT OF 10 IN BOTH THE
LITES EAST AND WEST CLASSES.
one-two in the East/West shootout. In the shootout, Barcia
2012 Supercross Championship Final Standings
pulled another holeshot followed closely by Rockstar Suzuki’s
1. Ryan Villopoto (Dunlop)
Martin Davalos and Tomac. Davalos put together an
2. Davi Millsaps
impressive ride, making a pass on Barcia for the lead a few
3. Ryan Dungey (Dunlop)
laps in. It was a four-way battle for the lead with Tomac and
4. Justin Brayton (Dunlop)
Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen closing in on the front-runners.
5. Jake Weimer (Dunlop)
Barcia was able to capitalize on a mistake by Davalos,
6. Mike Alessi (Dunlop)
allowing him to make the pass and regain the lead. Tomac
7. James Stewart
made his way past Davalos as well and quickly set his sights
8. Brett Metcalfe (Dunlop)
on Barcia. Tomac charged hard down the stretch and caught
9. Broc Tickle (Dunlop)
Barcia, but never got quite close enough to go for the pass.
10. Kevin Windham (Dunlop)
The two championship Honda riders finished one and two in
front of Davalos, Roczen and Musquin.
2012 Supercross Lites West Championship Final Standings
1. Eli Tomac (Dunlop)
With Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto already
2. Dean Wilson (Dunlop)
having wrapped up the title, the battle was on to see who
3. Marvin Musquin (Dunlop)
would round out the top three in the Supercross points
4. Cole Seely (Dunlop)
standings. In the main, MotoConcept’s Mike Alessi grabbed
5. Jason Anderson (Dunlop)
the holeshot, but was quickly passed by Red Bull KTM’s Ryan
6. Matt Moss (Dunlop)
Dungey. Once out front, Dungey was unstoppable, riding with
7. Ryan Sipes (Dunlop)
ease to the checkered flag. Behind him, the battle got pretty
8. Martin Davalos (Dunlop)
heated between Alessi, Yoshimura Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe and
9. Billy Laninovich (Dunlop)
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer. Meanwhile, Team
10. Nico Izzi (Dunlop)
Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Brayton got a bad start and was
forced to work his way through the pack. At the halfway point,
2012 Supercross Lites East Championship Final Standings
Weimer was passed by Brayton and another rider, leaving him
1. Justin Barcia (Dunlop)
to finish fourth followed by DNA Energy/JWR Kawasaki’s
2. Ken Roczen (Dunlop)
Josh Grant.
3. Blake Wharton (Dunlop)
4. Blake Baggett (Dunlop)
Dunlop-sponsored riders posted impressive results this
5. Darryn Durham (Dunlop)
season—holding eight out of the top-10 positions in the
6. Jake Canada (Dunlop)
Supercross class final standings and 10 out of 10 in both the
7. Justin Bogle (Dunlop)
Lites East and West classes.
8. Kyle Cunningham (Dunlop)
9. Matthew Lemoine (Dunlop)
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE SX IMAGES
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10.Malcolm Stewart (Dunlop)
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VILLOPOTO
CAPTURES HIS SECOND CONSECUTIVE SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, an
second consecutive year. After going down on the first lap
FIM World Championship series, has a repeat champion in
at Chase Field in Phoenix, he managed to work his way
2012: Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, who
from the back of the pack up to a third place finish. The
clinched the championship title in Houston with four
next week at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles he went off
rounds still left in the series—the earliest any rider has
the track and once again was sent to the back, but was
accomplished this feat. He has joined an impressive list of
able to finish fourth. After a third in Oakland, Villopoto
only five riders to ever earn back-to-back championships.
captured three straight wins at the second Anaheim race,
San Diego and Arlington. He won again in St. Louis, and
Since the gate dropped at the season opener in Anaheim,
after struggling in Daytona he earned four more wins in
CA, Villopoto has proven time and again that he was the
Indy, Toronto, Houston and New Orleans. New Orleans
guy to beat this season. He started strong, winning the
marked Villopoto’s ninth win of the season and 24th
season opener at Angel’s Stadium in Anaheim, CA, for the
series win.
CLICK HERE TO SEE VILLOPOTO’S YEAR IN IMAGES
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TEAM
DUNLOP
ALUMNI
FIND SUCCESS IN
THE PRO RANKS
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JUSTINBARCIA
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SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 2007, TEAM
DUNLOP HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF
THE NATION’S PREMIER RIDER-SUPPORT
PROGRAMS, HIGHLIGHTING THE
ONGOING ACHIEVEMENTS OF ITS
YOUNG BUT OUTSTANDING AMATEUR
MOTOCROSS RACERS.
ASHLEYFIOLEK
Many of the original Team D squad members have graduated from the program and
had great success in their professional careers, including Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac,
Blake Baggett and Ashley Fiolek. Recent Team D graduate Justin Bogle has also had
a successful rookie season in the 2012 AMA Supercross Lites class aboard his
GEICO Honda CRF250R.
Barcia has had notable success since entering the professional ranks. In 2011, the
GEICO Honda rider raced his way to his first AMA Supercross Lites East
Championship title aboard his Dunlop-equipped CRF250R. Barcia has continued this
success into 2012, starting his Supercross season exactly where he left off in 2011—
on top of the podium. Since the first gate dropped in Arlington for the Supercross
Lites class, Barcia has dominated the rest of the field winning five out of the nine
rounds, and taking his second consecutive title at round eight in New Orleans.
A second Team Dunlop graduate—GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac—made his 2010
professional AMA Motocross debut one to remember by winning the 250 class
overall at the Hangtown Motocross season opener. In his rookie season racing
Supercross, Tomac won two Supercross Lites races before finishing runner-up in the
West Coast Championship. In the 2012 Supercross season, Tomac clinched his firstever Supercross Lites West title by winning five of the nine rounds in the series.
Since graduating from the Team D program and making his professional debut in 2010,
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett has posted significant results. In
2011, Baggett finished fourth overall in the AMA Supercross Lites East class after
grabbing two wins at the Daytona and Las Vegas rounds. He likewise enjoyed a solid
AMA Motocross 250 Championship series, finishing the season in third place overall.
In the 2012 Supercross Lites East Championship, Baggett finished fourth overall, with
four podium appearances at Arlington, Daytona, Houston and Las Vegas.
GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle has had a noteworthy rookie season in the 2012 AMA
Supercross series, finishing seventh overall in the points chase. Bogle made his first
podium appearance of the season in Atlanta, GA, placing third overall. He was part
of the 2008 Team D squad and graduated to the professional ranks in 2011.
American Honda’s Ashley Fiolek has continued to dominate the competition since
entering the professional ranks. She was the first woman in history to earn a factory
ride with American Honda, and she proceeded to win three AMA Women’s National
Motocross Championships, including the 2011 title.
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BLAKEBAGGETT
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ELITOMAC
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JUSTINBOGLE
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51
®
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩTERRAIN
ΩΩΩΩTERRAIN
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩTER-
ΩΩΩΩTERRAIN
THE DUNLOP
GEOMAX FAMILY
OPTIONS FOR CHALLENGING RIDING CONDITIONS
Dunlop’s Geomax® line of premium off-road tires is the product of more than 119 national championships
Dunlop has earned in the dirt, including the 2012 Supercross Championship with Ryan Villopoto and the
East and West Supercross Lites titles with Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac, respectively. With four different
models, the Geomax series of tires delivers excellent performance across a wide variety of terrain
conditions—from hard-pack through extreme mud and sand, from high-flying Supercross to the wilds of
Baja desert racing, or from national-champion mini racers to weekend recreational riders.
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However, thanks to these plentiful options, some riders might find it a little intimidating to try and
figure out which tire might be the best choice for them. So to take a little mystery out of this process,
we asked Broc Glover, six-time AMA Motocross champion and current Dunlop Senior Manager,
Motorcycle Off-Road, to lend a little insight with a tire-by-tire rundown. Here’s what he had to say:
“Starting with riders facing hard-packed conditions, the hardterrain Geomax MX71
TM
is really the tire of choice. The MX71
“When conditions get softer, you’ll see some riders go with a
soft-terrain MX31TM front with an MX51 rear, or an MX31/MX31
is very popular in Supercross races in California, where the soil
combination; sometimes it’s just rider preference. That MX31
tends to get packed down as the motos wear on. Outdoors,
setup is a good combination for the Midwest tracks where you
riders will often use the MX71 as a second-moto tire to deal
have the deep ‘bottomless loam’ conditions such as at Loretta
with harder soil conditions as the track dries out. The MX71 is
Lynn’s, where there’s no rocky soil or rock base beneath the
also a very good tire for riding in the West and Southwest in
soil.
general, whether it’s for track use or off-road riding, because
the terrain tends to be rocky and full of shale. It’s a good
“The MX31 is also popular for more grab in front when you’re
desert tire too because it’s more puncture-resistant thanks to
riding in soft conditions, such as the sandy track at the
the tighter knob spacing. In these kinds of riding conditions,
Southwick Motocross national. At Southwick, lots of riders run
the MX71 delivers lots of durability—and that makes it a very
an MX31 front and an MX11TM in the rear. That combo was
good choice for recreational riding.
also popular at Daytona this year in the rainy, wet, sloppy
conditions. The entire Lites podium used that MX31/MX11
“Another thing to keep in mind is that’s it’s okay to mix and
combination, as did Villopoto and Kevin Windham. In Florida in
match front and rear tires. For example, the MX71 front paired
general, where lots of tracks are almost completely sand
with the MX51TM intermediate-terrain tire in the rear is the most
tracks, the MX11 is a very good and popular tire. And
popular Supercross combo among the pro riders. The MX71
interestingly enough, we’ve also received feedback from hill-
actually reaches pretty deep into intermediate terrain
climb competitors, who are finding that the MX11 works better
applications, and the MX51 is a more aggressive tire that gives
for that application than custom-made paddle tires!”
that extra bite for added drive. With the MX51 mounted front
and rear, you’ll get more bite up front than with the MX71; it’s
“So in summary, you can mix and match your Geomax tires for
common for the pro Supercross racers to use this combo back
your local riding conditions. These tires offer a pretty wide
East, where the soils tend to be softer. Ryan Villopoto favors
range in terrain applications. And sometimes it just comes
the MX51/MX51 combo in Supercross most of the time.
down to personal preference; for example, more than a few
pro riders pair up the soft-terrain MX31 front with a hard-
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE GEOMAX VIDEO
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terrain MX71 rear just because that’s what feels best to them.”
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KEVIN
WINDHAM
STILL GOING!
In the 1990s Kawasaki Team Green would bring Eastern-based
amateur stars to the Mammoth Mountain Motocross—riders like
Robbie Reynard, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart and a young Kevin
Windham. While at Mammoth in 1994, the Windham family got an
important phone call: Yamaha wanted to talk about a factory ride. In
the final AMA 125cc nationals, Windham rode with enough speed to
earn Rookie of the Year and sign that Yamaha contract. Who knew that
would be the beginning of Windham’s 18 years as a national pro.
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A title in the premier class has stayed just barely out of Windham’s reach during his years as
a pro racer, but—to paraphrase a popular country song—on his best days he’s as good as he
ever was. Throughout his career, he has had “best days” when he was better than the best.
His recent milestone was starting his 200th SX main event! That longevity is amazing in itself,
but KW hasn’t just been filling a place in the main. The GEICO Honda rider is always a
podium threat, and stood on the podium twice in 2012. As the season progressed, it
appeared that Windham was getting stronger. After qualifying fastest at Houston, and while
involved in a massive battle for a heat-race win, Windham scrubbed so hard he caught a peg
on the take-off. The crash ended his racing for 2012, but K-Dub attended the New Orleans
Supercross, and we caught up with him there to talk about his season and the future.
Dunlop Download: You just got stronger as the season
point doing both is too much, but I love motocross. I believe it
went on. How do you keep your skills and drive at such a
is the purest form of our sport.
high level?
Kevin Windham: For me it’s about loving what I do and
DD: You have more experience with different brands of
wanting to continue to be good at it. When I think about being
tires than any rider racing SX. How important are tires and
done with racing, it really makes me sad, so the drive is always
bike setup for you?
there. I have all the tools around me. The GEICO Honda team
KW: Bike setup and tire selection are huge. The dirt is always
is amazing, so I have all the pieces of the puzzle
different and changing, and you need to be on top of it. Tires
are what help transfer that power down to the ground, so I am
DD: The crowd is so behind you at every race. Is that a
very happy with Dunlop.
motivating factor?
KW: The crowd has been a huge part of my career and the
DD: How is your recovery coming along, and will we see
reason I am as successful as I am. To do well is great, but to
you racing in 2013?
do well and have everyone enjoying the race or your career is
KW: For sure you will see me in 2013. The recovery is coming
amazing. It is definitely a big reason I am still here. I couldn't
along well. This isn't something that is going to take me out of
come out every weekend to a bunch of boos.
my career. The ligaments need time to heal. I don’t know how
long that will take, but I will be back. Being here in New
DD: Do you hear the crowd when you are racing?
Orleans and not riding is really hard! I’m missing it a lot.
KW: Oh, of course you can. During the race you can feel the
excitement of the crowd and you can really feed off of it.
Many things have changed since KW started his pro career.
DD: What was it like returning to the outdoor series in 2011?
veteran, a husband, father, pilot and outdoorsman. Other
KW: It was fun. I don't ride outdoors because I feel at this
things haven’t changed: he remains a podium threat.
Instead of a young prodigy he is an experienced and wily
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AMA OUTDOOR NATIONAL PREVIEW
WHAT A
DIFFERENCE
A YEAR MAKES!
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JUST A SHORT YEAR AGO EVERY FAST GUY RACING THE
AMA SX SERIES WAS HEALTHY AND FOUR RIDERS HAD A
SHOT AT THE AMA SUPERCROSS TITLE. THAT LED TO A
ROUSING YEAR OUTDOORS AS WELL.
Fast-forward to 2012, and you find an SX season with full
outdoor series. No doubt other SX podium runners like Jake
stadiums and busy emergency rooms. Carnage befell nearly
Weimer, Justin Brayton and Andrew Short will be players. Mike
every top rider. Kawasaki superstar Ryan Villopoto stayed
Alessi is looking strong and suited to the Suzuki, and don’t
healthy long enough to pelt the remaining competition with
count Brett Metcalfe out.
Dunlop roost and win the title earlier in the season than any
rider in history. The competition was helped by a few riders
Injuries have hit the Lites class as well, but not as hard with
like Ryan Dungey and Andrew Short who returned to the
the front-runners. Pro Circuit’s Tyla Rattray is now healthy, but
series and won mains. A start crash and injury sidelined Josh
will jump to the 450s. Tomac is back to winning speed and
Hill in his first race back from nearly a year recuperating, then
Ryan Sipes should be healthy and ready. For sure, the Pro
a variety of race and practice mishaps struck down proven
Circuit Monster Energy team is going to be a powerhouse
Honda winners Trey Canard, Chad Reed, Andrew Short and
squad. The team has the riders to make things happen and
Kevin Windham, KTM’s main man Ryan Dungey, Josh Hansen,
extremely powerful bikes.
Ivan Tedesco, Ryan Morais and more! Finally, after the title
was decided, an insignificant fall injured Villopoto’s knee.
As seen in 2011, the Honda teams have very good bikes and
riders, and if anything, the 2012 Honda CRF250R is even more
So what does it all mean for the 40th edition of the Lucas Oil
potent in race form than the ’11 was. All four Japanese brands
AMA Pro Motocross Championship? No doubt there will be
have strong riders and machinery. There are a large number of
great racing as always. Ryan Dungey was healed and back in
riders on KTMs, and expect to see former world champs
winning form by the end of the SX series, so he is a favorite.
Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen in the mix.
He and KTM still have much to prove. It is expected that the
KTM will, if anything, be even stronger outdoors than it was
Most of the tracks are regular stops for the series, so there
inside a stadium. Then came news that James Stewart had
should be no mystery to suspension and tire choices. Dunlop
been released from his JGR contract, signed with Yoshimura
has a near sweep of the teams in both classes, and the tires
Suzuki and would be racing outdoors for the first time in
will be ready for the job. Likely, the majority of tire testing will
several years. If he likes the Suzuki and being back on
be directed at the new stop at the Lake Elsinore track in
Dunlops as much as he claims, he should be a title contender
California. The exception could be Dungey and the KTM team.
as well. RV’s Kawasaki seat will be filled by former 250cc
Whereas other teams are starting with bikes that are not so
World Champion Tyla Rattray. He was second in the 2011
different from 2011, Dungey has a totally new brand, and KTM
Lites championship outdoors, but his ability to handle the 450
is basically starting from scratch. Orange put it together in a
is unknown.
hurry for SX, and the team is committed to impressing in the
Lucas Oil series as well.
Trey Canard and Chad Reed have the speed and factory
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Honda machinery that is proven, but both have year-ending
In all, it looks like another strong year in the great outdoors.
injuries that will keep them out of outdoors. Windham could
For sure there are front-runners, but this is motocross, and as
have been a factor, but he never planned on running the
the SX season has shown: anything can happen!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WORCS Bikes #6
May 18-20
Racetown 395
Adelanto, CA
GNCC Series #7
May 26-27
The Mountaineer Run
Masontown, WV
AMA Motocross #1–WMX
May 19
Hangtown
Sacramento, CA
AMA Road Racing #4
May 26-28
Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, UT
National Hare and Hound Series #7
May 19
Jericho, UT
World Superbike #6
May 28
Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, UT
MotoGP–Moto2
May 20
Le Mans, France
AMA Motocross #2–WMX
May 26
Freestone
Wortham, TX
AMA Road Racing #5
June 1-3
Road America
Elkhart Lake, WI
AMA Motocross #3–WMX
June 2
Thunder Valley
Lakewood, CO
MotoGP–Moto2
June 3
Catalunya, Spain
MotoGP–Moto2
June 17
Silverstone, Great Britain
AMA Motocross #4
June 9
High Point
Mt. Morris, PA
AMA Road Racing #6
June 22-24
Barber Motorsports Park
Birmingham, AL
World Superbike #7
June 10
Misano World Circuit
San Marino
WORCS Bikes #7
June 22-24
Hungry Valley SVRA
Gorman, CA
WORCS ATV #6
June 15-17
Hungry Valley SVRA
Gorman, CA
GNCC Series #8
June 23-24
Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe, WV
AMA Motocross #5
June 16
Budds Creek
Mechanicsville, MD
MotoGP–Moto2
June 30
Assen, Netherlands
©2012 Dunlop • P. O. Box 1109, Buffalo, New York 14240-1109 • 1-800-845-8378 • dunlopmotorcycle.com