october 2012 - Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

OCTOBER 2012
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JOSHHAYES
CONTENTS
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4
2012 WORLD JUNIOR MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
5
DUNLOP TAKES THIRD SUCCESSIVE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
6
DUNLOP ANNOUNCES NEW BI-DIRECTIONAL MULTI-COMPOUND RACE TIRES
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TAYLOR ROBERT DOMINATES THE 2012 WORCS PRO CHAMPIONSHIP
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RICKY CARMICHAEL CLINCHES 10TH LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
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TEAM D AT LORETTA LYNN’S
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JESSE ROOKE CAN’T LEAVE ANYTHING ALONE
30
EXCITING RACING RULES 2012 MX SEASON
44
RD DELIVERS
50
RSD HURLEY SPORTSTER
56
MOTO2 AND MOTO3 RACING UPDATE
60
CAMERON BEAUBIER
66
AMA ROAD RACING UPDATE
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UPCOMING EVENTS
ON THE COVER:
In his first year on the Red Bull KTM Team, running a brand-new bike,
Ryan Dungey not only wins the first AMA Motocross championship for
the brand, but he also sets multiple records along the way—most
impressive results indeed. Photo by Simon Cudby.
Dunlop Download magazine is published for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires by Vreeke & Associates. www.vreeke.com
3
2012 WORLD JUNIOR
MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Federation International de Motocylisme recently staged the
Junior Motocross World Championship in Sivlievo, Bulgaria. The
USA sent a strong contingent of young riders to this year’s annual
competition, which includes riders from all around the world
racing in the 65cc, 85cc and 125cc classes. Team Dunlop
member Austin Forkner ended up earning high points for the
American team, pacing the squad to third place overall.
Austin and his Team Green Monster Energy Kawasaki got off to a
great start by winning the first moto in the 85cc class.
Unfortunately, the second moto did not start as well for Austin
and he had to work his way up to the front for an eventual thirdplace finish. That tied him for top points with Germany’s Brian
DUNLOP TAKES THIRD SUCCESSIVE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Hsu, who finished 3-1. But by merit of his better second-moto
Dunlop and the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) have been crowned the 2012 FIM
placing, Hsu was crowned 2012 FIM 85cc World Champion.
Endurance World Champions after a close second place in the Le Mans 24 Hours Moto season
finale on September 9th.
Still, Austin’s finishes were instrumental in leading the USA to
third overall in the Nations standings, with the Netherlands first
The result is the latest endorsement of Dunlop’s very public research and development program—
and Italy second.
conducted under public scrutiny on the race tracks of the world, at the very highest level, against
the most demanding competition.
Dunlop and SERT add the 2012 title to those accrued in 2011 and 2010, as well as countless
other silverware accumulated in the relentless pursuit of better results. Seven of the last eight FIM
World Endurance Championships have been won with Dunlop tires.
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DUNLOP ANNOUNCES
NEW BI-DIRECTIONAL
MULTI-COMPOUND
RACE
TIRES
Dunlop proudly introduces a whole new concept in road race
tires: The KR451™. This innovative tire is an asymmetric,
bi-directional multi-compound rear slick. This new rear tire
differs from others in its use of a custom combination of tire
compounds, so the tire can deliver maximum performance
regardless of the track’s directional flow. Multiple variations in
compound combinations of the KR451 will be made available.
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DEVELOPED AND PRODUCED IN DUNLOP’S BUFFALO, NY
FACILITY, THE KR451 RACING TIRES ARE THE CULMINATION
OF A LONG DEVELOPMENT PROCESS HEADED UP BY
DUNLOP PERSONNEL.
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During the development phase, top AMA riders sponsored by
compound combinations given the demands of the particular
Dunlop as the exclusive tire of AMA Pro Road Racing, tried the
track they are racing on that weekend. The ability to reverse
new tire and provided feedback. Here is what Roger Lee
rotational direction of the tire gives racers more latitude than
Hayden had to say regarding the KR451. “The first time I used
ever as they make their race-day preparations. We are very
the KR451 was at the NOLA test. I liked how quickly it came in
proud of this new degree of flexibility as well as the
and how much edge grip it had driving into the corners. I was
heightened racing performance the KR451 delivers.”
also impressed with how well the tire ran after many laps in the
hot temperatures at NOLA.”
The KR451 is available through Race Tire Service at 800-772-
The reversible nature of the KR451 and versatility are made
In general, a tire with a very grippy compound will produce
possible by a new Jointless Tread application of the tire
faster lap times at the track, but that tire may not be able to
compounds, which are wound onto the tire carcass in
maintain those lap times for the duration of a race. A vivid
Developed and produced in Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY facility, the
questions is 615-641-3323; fax 615-641-8959. Also, the
continuous strips rather than being laid down in a more
example is a qualifying tire: It’s ultra-grippy, but only lasts a
KR451 racing tires are the culmination of a long development
KR451 can be ordered via email at [email protected],
conventional, directional manner. As a result, the tire sidewall
few laps. Tires with compounds that produce consistent
process headed up by Dunlop personnel. “This new tire is a
and online orders or requests for information can be obtained
features double rotation arrows, and the different compounds
lap times over race distance don’t normally generate as
very exciting innovation for racers in America,” says Sabastian
at www.dunlopracing.com. Race Tire Service is available for
are also clearly identified on the sidewall as well. By simply
much maximum grip. By offering different compounds on
Mincone, Dunlop Senior Road Race Manager. “Obviously,
phone orders from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central time (7:00 AM
picking the KR451 with the most desirable compound
each side, the KR451 can deliver more consistent lap times
most tracks around the country are biased in the number of
– 3:00 PM Pacific time). Orders placed before 2:00 PM
combinations and then mounting it in the appropriate
throughout the race and deliver high grip, allowing the rider
turns they have to the left or to the right, a result of their
Central time will ship that day. All messages left will be
orientation, the racer can then ride with a new level
to reap lower and more consistent lap times for the duration
clockwise or counterclockwise directional flow. With the
returned the next day so orders can be shipped as quickly
of performance.
of the race.
KR451, racers can now choose from a variety of tire
as possible.
TIRE (800-772-8473). The direct line for orders or tech
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TAYLOR
ROBERT
DOMINATES THE 2012
WORCS PRO CHAMPIONSHIP
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ROBERT DOMINATED THE LAST THREE ROUNDS
OF THE SERIES WINNING ALL SIX RACES
ABOARD HIS DUNLOP-SPONSORED KXF450.
After 10 rounds across the West Coast, the 2012 World Off
2012 Pro WORCS Championship title with one round
Road Championship Series (WORCS) came to a close at
remaining. JCR/Honda’s Timmy Weigand, who had only raced
Honolulu Hills Raceway in Taft, CA, with Monster Energy
one other round previously, was able to put together a
Kawasaki’s Taylor Robert grabbing his seventh win of the
noteworthy weekend in taking second overall with his 2-3
season. Robert dominated the last three rounds of the series,
scores. Garrison was unable to contest his teammate as he
winning all six races aboard his Dunlop-sponsored KXF450.
had done at the beginning of the season and would settle for
fifth overall.
At round eight in Pala, CA, Robert rode flawlessly in race one,
taking the win unchallenged. In race two he had his work cut
At the season finale, Robert launched off the line in race one
out, battling for first place a majority of the 90 minutes but he
and quickly took the lead. Weigand was able to keep him in
eventually pulled away, nailing down another win. Teammate
sight for much of the race but was never able to get close
Bobby Garrison grabbed third overall despite still suffering
enough to make a pass. In the second race, Robert got another
from a shoulder injury.
good start but battled the entire time for the lead and at one
point was passed and ran in second. He regained the lead and
Cahuilla Creek MX in Anza, CA hosted round nine, where
took the checkered flag for another 1-1 overall victory. Weigand
Robert maintained his momentum, dominating the weekend
finished second with a 2-3 performance and Garrison finished
with a 1-1 performance. This marked his sixth win of the
seventh but placed second overall in the series.
season, ultimately giving him enough points to wrap up the
Other Dunlop-sponsored riders finishing out the season in the
top 10 include Justin Soule in sixth, Mike Brown in eighth and
Kyle Summers in ninth.
WORCS POINTS STANDINGS (after 10 out of 10 rounds)
1. Taylor Robert 456 (Dunlop)
2. Bobby Garrison 351 (Dunlop)
3. Robby Bell 311 (Dunlop)
4. Ryan Abbatoye 308
5. Gary Sutherlin 260 (Dunlop)
6. Justin Soule 211 (Dunlop)
7. Joshua Strang 207
8. Mike Brown 196 (Dunlop)
9. Kyle Summers 157 (Dunlop)
10. Timmy Weigand 117 (Dunlop)
BOBBYGARRISON
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RICKY
CARMICHAEL
CLINCHES 10TH LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
After a 16-year absence from the most prestigious amateur
qualifier. Unfortunately, he did not grab a transfer spot in the
motocross race in the world, Ricky Carmichael returned to
Open Pro Sport class, finishing 10th overall with 15-4 scores.
Hurricane Mills, Tennessee to take on the 31st annual Red Bull
Carmichael then took on the regional qualifier at Millcreek
AMA Loretta Lynn Amateur National Motocross Champion.
Motorcross Park in Pell City, AL. He had another impressive
Carmichael, also known as the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T)
showing, launching to great starts both motos and taking the
has been retired from competitive racing for five years but
overall win plus a spot at Loretta Lynn’s.
wanted to revisit his MX roots and experience a no-pressure
form of racing.
From July 29 to August 4th Carmichael and his family returned
to what is deemed as the “World’s Greatest Motocross
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Despite being one of the most decorated racers of all time
Vacation” for another chance to be crowned champion. During
with 67 amateur titles and a record 150 Supercross and
that week Carmichael took on some heavy hitters but
Motocross wins, Carmichael, like nearly 20,000 other racers,
triumphed, taking the win in his first two races. Finally, in moto
had to qualify for his spot at the National. For the Southeast
three of the +25 Junior class Carmichael grabbed the holeshot
region the area qualifier was hosted at Aonia Pass Motocross
but was passed by another rider on the opening lap. The
Park in Washington, GA, where Carmichael lined up on the
“G.O.A.T” ran in second for a couple laps until regaining the
gate for both the Junior +25 class and Open Pro Sport class
lead and quickly pulling away from the rest of the pack. He
aboard his Dunlop-equipped RMZ450. In the +25 class he put
rode flawless the remainder of the race and won his 10th
together two commanding performances, riding unchallenged
Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship, sweeping the
for 1-1 finishes, guaranteeing him a transfer to the regional
class with 1-1-1 scores.
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TEAM D
AT LORETTA LYNN’S
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JORDANBAILEY
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THIS YEAR TEAM DUNLOP RIDERS
HAD AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWING,
CLINCHING A TOTAL OF EIGHT
CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES OVER THE
FIVE DAYS OF RACING.
In the first week of August, amateur racers from all over the country flocked to
country singer Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee for the 31st
annual Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocoss Championship. Marked as
the most prestigious amateur-racing program in the world, over 20,000 racers
attempt to qualify each year in 36 classes for one of the 1,446 available
positions. Each rider must go through the qualifying program, which consists of
50 area qualifiers that take place from February through May and 12 regional
qualifiers in June. This year Team Dunlop riders had an impressive showing,
clinching a total of eight championship titles over the five days of racing.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, who is also an original Team
Dunlop member, put together a flawless performance, riding undefeated in both
Super Mini 1 and Super Mini 2 classes to grab two more Super Mini
Championships. Cianciarulo ends his mini career with a whopping 11 total
Loretta Lynn titles, and he also earned the 2012 AMA Youth award. Jordan Baily
likewise had a very successful week, wrapping up two championships in 85 (911) Modified with 1-1-2 finishes and 85 (9-11) Stock with 2-1-1 finishes.
RYDERDiFRANCESCO
ADAMCIANCIARULO
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Other Elite Team Dunlop members to leave the prestigious amateur national as
crowned champions include Ryder DiFrancesco sweeping the 51 (4-6) AMA 1
Stock class with 1-1-1 finishes, Pierce Brown in the 65 (7-9) Stock class with 11-1 finishes, Carson Mumford grabbing 1-1-2 finishes in the 65 (7-11) Modified
class and Brandy Richards in the Girls (12-15) class with 2-2-1 finishes.
51cc (4-6) AMA Stock
Mini Sr. (12-14) Stock
Ryder DiFrancesco Champion
Austin Forkner 4th
Chase Sexton 8th
51cc (7-8) AMA 2 Stock
Jett Reynolds 8th
Mini Sr. (12-14) Mod
Gage Linville 12th
Tanner Stack 2nd
Sean Cantrell 3rd
65cc (7-9) Stock
Chase Sexton 5th
Pierce Brown Champion
Austin Forkner 11th
Stilez Robertson 2nd
Gage Linville 7th
Super Mini 1 (12-15)
Adam Cianciarulo Champion
65cc (10-11) Stock
Andrew Pierce 11th
Carson Mumford 3rd
Super Mini 2 (13-16)
65cc (10-11) Mod
Adam Cianciarulo Champion
Carson Mumford Champion
Mark Worth 2nd
Andrew Pierce 27th
85cc (9-11) Stock
BRANDYRICHARDS
ANDREWPIERCE
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Jordan Bailey Champion
Girls (12-15)
Garrett Marchbanks 2nd
Brandy Richards Champion
85cc (9-11) Mod
Women’s (14+)
Jordan Bailey Champion
Brandy Richards 4th
Garrett Marchbanks 3rd
CARSONMUMFORD
PIERCEBROWN
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GARRETTMARCHBANKS
SEANCANTRELL
GAGELINVILLE
AUSTINFORKNER
TANNERSTACK
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON TEAM DUNLOP
MARKWORTH
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STILEZROBERTSON
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JESSE
ROOKE
CAN’T LEAVE ANYTHING ALONE
Some guys love a clean, stock bike. Some even painstakingly return piles of junk into
picture-perfect restorations. Jesse Rooke has a new shop in Arizona that could handle any
restoration, and routinely builds a bike from scratch, but Rooke has no love of stock. He
creates machines that are innovative, clean, stark and rolling works of art.
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While most of his work has been in the custom and chopper
entire bike is built with titanium and aluminum fasteners. The
genre, his latest creation started with knobbies. He began with
guards and levers are from Works Connection.”
an exceptionally unusual all-wheel-drive Christini 450. The
Christini is based on a Honda CRF450X, and while it is hardly
Naturally, being a Rooke custom, the bike had to look the part.
smooth in the way street bikes are, adding Christini’s drive
“The frame is bead-blasted, but all of the other chassis parts
system to the front adds more barbs. As exotic as the Christini
are powder-coated. Even the aluminum fasteners get in on the
is stock, JR wasn’t interested in stock.
program, since many are anodized. The plastic and graphics
are special. We haven’t decided yet, but we might sell replicas
“Steve Christini wanted to see what we could do with his
to raise money for charity.”
Christini AWD 450. I’ve always been fascinated by flat track
racing, so we went in a dirt track direction. Carey Hart had
And, since Jesse is a Dunlop guy, there are Dunlop tires. “We
parts from racing Supermoto, so we swapped the X parts to a
haven’t ridden the bike on dirt yet, but I can’t wait. I’ve got an
full Pro Circuit CRF450R Supermoto race engine, swingarm,
invitation to Kenny Roberts’ ranch to get some dirt track
airbox and subframe. We shortened the suspension, and
practice and have a chance to ride the bike. I’ll be riding with
Steve Christini shortened the drive system to match. The
really good guys, so I am hoping the AWD is as good as
rolling stock is 19-inch wheels from Dubya with the ultra-
everyone says it is. I’ll need every advantage in that crowd.”
“MANY OF OUR
GREATEST RACERS
HAVE COME FROM
DIRT TRACK, AND I
WANT TO SEE
IT THRIVE.”
strong D.I.D Dirt Star rims in black with black spokes. The
Look for Rooke customs at various events this year. “I prefer
to display my bikes at events rather than just custom shows. I
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH
JESSE ROOKE AND HIS MACHINES
want to have things to do and see, and I love dirt track. I’m
hoping to schedule in shows that coincide with dirt track
races. Many of our greatest racers have come from dirt track,
and I want to see it thrive.”
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EXCITING RACING RULES
2012 MX SEASON
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ONE THING’S FOR SURE: THE LUCAS OIL PRO
MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP, SANCTIONED BY AMA
PRO RACING, PROVIDED LOTS OF EXCITEMENT AND
A NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME ACHIEVEMENTS AS THE
2012 SEASON FINALLY CAME TO A CLOSE.
Dunlop-sponsored riders Ryan Dungey, Blake Baggett and Ashley Fiolek won all three
national Motocross titles. Elsewhere in this issue of Dunlop Download, we’ve provided an
in-depth interview with Red Bull KTM rider Dungey, who earned the 450 Class
Championship—the first-ever pro Motocross or Supercross championship for KTM in the
USA—with a masterful effort, posting 10 overall victories in the 12-round season; he won
every overall from the third round forward. Motoconcepts’ Mike Alessi worked hard all
season long to challenge Dungey, and his efforts earned him the runner-up spot on the
year. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer edged out Chaparral Honda’s
Andrew Short by a single point for third overall in the championship points chase.
In the 250 class, Blake Baggett earned the title for his Monster Energy/Pro
Circuit/Kawasaki team, in part by winning a class-leading five races. The championship
came down to three Team Dunlop alumni riders—Baggett, GEICO Honda teammates
Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac. It all came down to the final at Lake Elsinore, where Baggett
once again asserted his dominance, never giving up the points lead, and emerging
victorious at the end of the year.
Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Ashley Fiolek closed out the 8-round Women’s Motocross
Championship on top following a wide-open season that saw three riders still holding a
chance at winning the title entering the final round. Fiolek’s hard-earned championship
was her fourth in five seasons as a pro—this, despite missing a round of competition with
an injury early in the season. Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda’s Tarah Gieger earned a
career-best runner-up finish in the championship, while Rockstar Suzuki’s Jessica
Patterson fought on gallantly despite an injury to round out third in the points chase.
ELITOMAC
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RYANDUNGEY
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BLAKEBAGGETT
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ASHLEYFIOLEK
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MIKEALESSI
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JAKEWEIMER
ANDREWSHORT
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IMAGES FROM THE MX SEASON
JUSTINBARCIA
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RD
DELIVERS!
2012 SEES RYAN DUNGEY DELIVER MANY FIRSTS TO KTM—
INCLUDING THEIR FIRST AMA MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2012 AMA Motocross season will go down in the history books—especially the KTM history
books—as one of the most dominant one-man shows to ever brace the grueling National outdoor
circuit. Red Bull KTM rider Ryan Dungey staged a truly amazing display of racing prowess as he
absolutely dominated the competition all season long with a staggering collection of moto wins and
overall victories. These wins elevated Dunlop-sponsored Dungey to third on the all-time win list, as
he overtook Rick Johnson and now closely trails Bob Hannah—both true legends of the sport.
We managed to carve a little time out of RD’s busy schedule to gain a few insights on his
championship season.
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GOOD TIRES ARE ESSENTIAL. WE CAN DO ALL THE
WORK IN THE WORLD DEVELOPING AND SETTING UP
THE BIKE BUT IF THE TIRES, THE ONE PART THAT
ACTUALLY CONNECTS THE BIKE TO THE TERRAIN,
AREN’T ANY GOOD THEN WHAT’S THE POINT?
First of all, congratulations on your championship! You had
of valuable information about the bike at that race and we
an incredible run of moto wins and overall wins in 2012;
were pumped to finish in second place in the process! It
what were some of the elements that helped you find so
gave us a solid platform to build from heading into the
much success?
Supercross Championship.
RD: The Motocross season went really well. I stayed healthy
the entire season, which is what every rider aims for. At the
And you found success right away once the Supercross
start of the season James Stewart and I had some great
season began, right?
battles and I was bummed to see him get hurt because I was
RD: Our first Supercross season together was a really good
having a great time racing him. We were really pushing each
one. We put the Red Bull KTM on the podium at the series
other. But as the season went on I feel the team and I got even
opener in Anaheim and that was awesome. It was a big boost
stronger. We were consistently at the top of our game and on
for the team to know we were on the right track and a reward
the podium every week. Consistency is definitely very
for everyone’s hard work, bringing the revamped KTM program
important as is staying healthy. I think we got the bike dialed in
into fruition. And from there we continued to get stronger,
a little better with every race and by Unadilla we were able to
taking our first win of the season—and KTM USA’s first-ever
wrap up the championship. I know KTM is stoked, as am I.
big bike win—the following week in Phoenix. Our second win
came at the Atlanta SX. However, just like anytime you’re
How gratifying was it to be able to keep on top of your
working with something brand new, there were some weeks
game, racking up win after win, building up a points lead
where we were a little ways off from where we wanted to be
to an early championship?
but I think we always figured it out and were back on it the
RD: It felt good but it wasn’t without a lot of hard work along
following week. It was a shame that I got injured midway into
the way. What’s the old saying; “It’s hard work getting to the
the season and missed five rounds but I think we made up for
top but even harder to stay there?” The biggest challenge was
it by winning the final two Supercross races.
staying focused and trying to continuously push myself to
keep getting better and faster each week. When it comes to
Did you ever have any reservations about joining a new
racing I always strive to do better and keep learning new
team with an all-new, virtually unproven bike?
things about the sport and myself. Like I said, James and I had
RD: There are a lot of factors that come into play when it
some great battles and as the season went on Mike Alessi
comes to signing with a team. I guess coming to KTM, a
continued to get stronger as well so I always had someone
company that for a long time had dedicated the majority of its
there ready to capitalize on any mistakes.
resources to the European racing scene, was a bit of a leap of
faith. But I knew that if Roger DeCoster was there then
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The first year on a new bike with a new team is supposed
something good would come out of it. I’ve had a great
to be an “adjustment period”, but you quickly found
relationship with him for many years and I trust his
success early on during Supercross—what helped you to
workmanship. If he says he can make something work, then I
adapt so quickly?
know he will. Roger never does anything half-heartedly. I also
RD: When I signed with KTM late last year I literally had two
went to Europe to meet with KTM and I saw firsthand the level
weeks on the new KTM 450SX-F before we decided to race
of commitment and resources they were putting toward the U.S.
the cup race in Las Vegas. We figured there was no better
racing program in an effort to win here. It’s awesome for
way to find out where we were at in terms of the competition
everyone involved to experience the success we experienced in
than to race with them. We raced Vegas and gathered a lot
our first year together.
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IMAGES OF RYAN DUNGEY
Tell us about the bike; what are some of the things you like
Bull KTM is good at what they do and I don’t have to worry
team spent a lot of time testing and developing our settings.
Do you have a favorite Dunlop tire, one that gives you the
best about it?
about things because I know they have it handled. KTM both
We also worked on engine power delivery to make the ride
best feel in most track situations?
RD: It just feels good. The weight is just right for me and I like
in Europe and America made me feel welcome from the start
smoother—the way I like it. I think these are the two key main
RD: My favorite is the tire that hooks up best to the conditions
the power delivery from the engine; it handles great.
so the adjustment period didn’t take too long.
areas we made improvements and are still improving on.
we’re riding in! (Laughs) No, I don’t really have one favorite.
Tell us about getting adjusted to your new team; how is
Tell us about some of the development work you and the
The outdoor tracks vary considerably in terrain and
on race day and work with their suggestions for tire choice. No
this team different compared to past situations?
team did with the bike as the season progressed, and how
soil types; tell us about the different Dunlop tires you
one is more knowledgeable than them when it comes to
RD: That’s hard to answer because all but one year in my
those changes have helped your performance.
use at the different tracks, and how they contribute to
knowing what will work best in the various conditions. We
professional career has been under the leadership of Roger! I
RD: When you are working with an all-new bike, every time
your success.
have a good idea of what we should run but we definitely lean
think one of the biggest factors when it comes to a rider’s
you ride you discover new characteristics about it. I think
RD: Good tires are essential. We can do all the work in the
on them for advice when the time comes.
performance and success is your confidence. If you don’t
Roger and the guys in Austria did an awesome job in the short
world developing and setting up the bike but if the tires, the
have confidence in the equipment you’re on or the people that
time they had to develop a bike that was virtually ready to go
one part that actually connects the bike to the terrain, aren’t
What are some of your high points and favorite memories
surround you working on your race bike then it’s hard to go
out of the box. I can honestly say that when I received my first
any good then what’s the point? They literally are the part of
from this 2012 season?
out there and race at 100 percent to 110 percent. What we do
KTM 450SX-F practice bike I felt just as good on it for the first
the bike that grounds it. And it’s the travel and feel we get from
I think getting my first win with KTM and delivering KTM USA’s
can be dangerous so you have to have your head in the right
time as I had felt on any other new bike I’d ridden. I was
the tires to the bike that we eventually base our set-up from.
first-ever Supercross win in Phoenix at only the second race in
place when it comes time to race. At Red Bull KTM I am
actually surprised. We had a really good platform to build
So the quality of the tires we use is crucial to our overall set-
the series is a standout moment for me. And of course,
working with a bunch of new faces; however I’m also working
from. That’s why two weeks after getting my first bike I was
up and development. We choose Dunlop because the product
winning the Motocross Championship! It’s been a great year
with many guys I’ve worked and trusted in the past (Roger, Ian
able to race the cup race in Las Vegas. The key areas we
they produce, I believe, is the best. And the support we
for the team and me. And being back with Roger, Ian and the
Harrison and Rob Hendrickson). Roger is very good at putting
focused on since then have been suspension and engine
receive from them is exceptional. We are always trying and
crew is awesome. I feel at home with the team and with that
an experienced hard working team together. Everyone at Red
development. We use WP Suspension components and the
experimenting with tires working in conjunction with Dunlop.
feeling then I think the good results will only continue.
We work closely with Brian Fleck and the entire Dunlop crew
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RSD HURLEY
SPORTSTER
KEEPING IT SIMPLE.
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Simple things are best. And Hurley’s H20 initiative is, at heart,
[Hurley] on various projects, and this was really an excuse for
a simple thing. Hurley makes surfing gear, and the initiative is
us to hang out and combine bikes and surfing.”
to supply clean water to, well, everyone. Pretty simple, seeing
as how clean water is a simple requisite for life. Hurley’s a
Sands aim was to create “a bike you could ride to the beach
natural match for the project, because it’s a company that
that was easy to build.” To that end, the changes aren’t
makes surfing gear, which depends on—water.
necessarily sweeping, but are well thought out, and took about
a month. The suspension, brakes, wheels and ergos have all
Enter Roland Sands Design. Sands and some of his crew are
been fettled, plus there’s a pipe and fuel module for the 45-
avid surfers, and liked Hurley’s H20 initiative, as well as the
degree V-twin. “It’s really a bolt-on build, not much fabrication
designs of the company’s apparel, specifically the Phantom
involved,” Sands says.
line. Sands says, “The Hurley pattern on the tank was the
inspiration for the build. I really liked the geometric pattern.”
“We have changed the bike quite a bit in its lifetime. We build
a lot of parts for Sportys, so we’re constantly trying new bars,
So with that RSD decided to build a “surf-worthy café bike” to
seats, foot controls, levers and whatever else we can throw at
show its support for Hurley. And Sands’ choice for a platform?
it,” he adds.
Simple. A Harley-Davidson Sportster, specifically the Nightster,
arguably one of Harley’s simplest models.
But the Sportster won’t be the end of the RSD/Hurley
collaboration. Sands says, “Our plans are to develop some
As Sands says on his Web site, “The guys at Hurley are stoked
future concepts that can be a part of the H20 initiative,
on bikes and we’re equally stoked on surfing, so a
possibly building some bikes specifically to reach places that
collaboration was born … using Hurley’s Phantom pattern as
need clean water.”
inspiration. …”
No easy feat that. But you can be assured the simplest
As Sands says, “My friend Punker Pat works with them
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approaches will work best.
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SIMPLE THINGS ARE BEST. AND HURLEY’S H20
INITIATIVE IS, AT HEART, A SIMPLE THING.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE
IMAGES OF THE BIKE
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MOTO2
MOTO3
AND
RACING UPDATE
The racing in the Dunlop-spec-tire Moto2 and
for 2013 and 2014. Márquez will take the spot va-
Moto3 series has been terrific since the start of
cated by team rider Casey Stoner, who an-
the year, but with 12 rounds down as the season
nounced his retirement earlier this year.
progresses, a few select riders are rising to the
top.
In Moto3 racing, tight competition continues to be
the rule with any one of a number of racers vying
In Moto2, as of the Brno GP round in the Czech
for the win come race day. Case in point: in Brno
Republic, Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol’s Marc
it was Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3’s Jonas Folger
Márquez has notched his second consecutive win
who locked up the win in only his second race for
and sixth on the season. These efforts have given
the Aspar team after switching squads midway
him a comfortable gap in the championship stand-
through the season.
ings, with his closest challenger Pons 40 HP
Tuenti’s Pol Espargaró trailing by 48 points, which
Currently, Sandro Cortese of the Red Bull KTM Ajo
is a margin of almost two race victories. Six races
team leads the Moto3 championship chase with
remain on the calendar, so things look very posi-
200 points, followed by Blusens Avintia’s Maverick
tive for Márquez.
Viñales with 168 points and RW Racing GP’s Luis
Salom with 149. But there’s plenty more racing to
Such impressive results, among other factors,
be done, and the only thing for certain in this class
prompted Honda to sign the 19-year-old Spanish
is that there will be plenty more close races before
rider to the factory Repsol Honda MotoGP team
the final checkered flag has fallen.
MARCMÁRQUEZ
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SANDROCORTESE
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CAMERON BEAUBIER
EUROPE
CAN WAIT.
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“I LIKED WHAT I SAW. I LIKED HIS ATTITUDE. HE WAS
TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD ON HIS OWN, AND WE
WERE ABLE TO HELP HIM AND GUYS LIKE HIM A LITTLE BIT.” –
CASEY STONER ON CAMERON BEAUBIER
At 19 years of age, Californian Cameron Beaubier has a racing
Known for his youthful appearance, Beaubier can look forward
resume longer and more impressive than many riders 15 years
to being one of those people who gets asked for his ID well
older. A second-generation racer, Cameron has been racing
into his 30s. And his physicality? Like so many of his racing
most of his life, starting out on a Yamaha PW50 minibike, and
peers, Beaubier prefers to spend long hours on his bicycle for
moving from there to race motocross and supermoto. He
training purposes. In Europe, Beaubier saw that his heroes like
found his way to Europe in the Red Bull Rookie’s Cup, then
Nicky Hayden, Casey Stoner, and the rest went racing with no
raced the MotoGP 125 GP class and the Spanish 125 series
fat on their bones and just enough muscle to get the job done,
and now has returned to the USA to race for the Yamaha
and he’s adopted that same physical profile.
Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha team in the AMA Pro GoPro
Daytona SportBike class.
Beaubier has enjoyed an explosion of success in 2012. After a
somewhat slow start to the season—due to the broken leg he
At an age when most parents would not let their teen stay over
suffered in a Christmas Eve dirtbike mishap, followed by a
at a strange house, Beaubier was traveling all over Europe, at
post-Daytona scooter accident that broke his kneecap into
times by himself. Credit goes to his Dad, Jeff, who was a racer
three pieces—the Californian has won four of the past five
himself and understands the sacrifices and laser-like focus you
Daytona SportBike races, including his breakthrough weekend
need to be successful.
at Barber Motorsports Park where he earned his first career
After several years in Europe, Beaubier returned to the United
wins. The racecraft that Beaubier demonstrated in the class
States and began a progression through the racing ranks. He
has garnered a great deal of accolades. He’s aggressive
won races in the AMA SuperSport series, including his first
without being overly aggressive and he’s got such a strong
race on a 600 at Daytona. He adapted easily to production-
technical riding style that he doesn’t look like the fastest rider
based racing here in the States. From his motocross and
on the track even when he is.
DSB pole position, followed by his first two career DSB race
supermoto roots, one might believe that Cameron Beaubier’s
heart lies with the aged two-strokes when it comes to a
Thanks to racing, he’s got friends all over the world. He and
favored mode of racing motorcycle, but it’s exactly the
American JD Beach stayed with Casey Stoner at Casey’s
opposite. He says he likes the power and responsive chassis
home in Australia, and he enjoys a close relationship with
of a 600 over a two-stroke 125cc GP bike. “You can’t do much
reigning World Supersport champion and current Aprilia World
with a 125,” he says.
Superbike rider Chaz Davies.
With his recent explosion of success, some wonder if Beaubier
will return to Europe next season. There is unfinished business
for Beaubier in Europe, but his focus will be the AMA series in
2013. For now, there is the U.S. to conquer. The World
championships will have to wait for Cameron Beaubier.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE
IMAGES OF CAMERON BEAUBIER
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AMA ROAD RACING
UPDATE
When the MotoGP crowd comes to town, every single national rider afforded an opportunity to
race on the same weekend as the GP stars has his internal meter set to “impress.” A national rider
who has a good showing at a MotoGP event cannot underestimate how it may impact his career.
MotoGP arrived at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in late July, and the full accompaniment of AMA
Pro Road Racing classes joined the storied Euro-centric world championship series. While each
class—SuperBike, Daytona SportBike and SuperSport—were afforded just one race on the weekend, all were held in good weather and with the good vibe brought on with the announcement that
GEICO had signed on to become the series sponsor for the AMA Pro Road Racing series.
JOSHHAYES
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BLAKEYOUNG
AMA PRO NATIONAL GUARD SUPERBIKE
In the SuperBike class, Josh Hayes enjoyed a historic week-
every single one of them. I don’t have anything to worry about.
end at Laguna Seca Raceway. The Monster Energy/Graves/
I’ve got a points situation that I don’t even think about at this
Yamaha rider and two-time reigning SuperBike Champion
point in the season. I’m just focused on winning every race
qualified on pole and handily won the race and, by doing so,
that I can. If I toss one down the road—or two down the
he cemented himself further into the AMA Pro Racing records
road—then I’ll reevaluate how I’m going to approach it. But,
book. Josh won his 11th SuperBike race of the season, includ-
right now, I just want to win everything.
ing his 8th victory in a row, which is a single-season SuperBike
record in AMA Pro Racing. As icing on the cake, it was Josh’s
“I’m still riding like I have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.
28th career SuperBike win, tying him with Ben Spies for third
I still remember last year very clearly. I remember it more
on the all-time wins list.
clearly than I remember winning eight races in a row. It seems
like things have happened pretty quickly and it doesn’t feel
“Good things are happening right now,” Hayes said. “I’ll ride
like that to me. I’ll just keep focusing, and trying hard, and
the train as long as I can. If I get into a battle in a hard race,
pushing myself.”
you’re going to see me fighting for it for that individual race; it
has nothing to do with streaks or race wins or anything like
Going into New Jersey Motorsports Park, Hayes was leading
that. It’s for that race win. I’m in a position where I can try for
his third consecutive SuperBike Championship by 74 points
with six races and three rounds remaining on the season. With
dominating back-to-wins in Jersey, Hayes not only increased
his point lead, but set a new record for most AMA SuperBike
wins in a single season—eleven—surpassing the record previ-
JOSHHERRIN
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ously held by Mat Mladin.
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CAMERONBEABIER
AMA PRO GOPRO DAYTONA SPORTBIKE
In the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike class, Cameron Beaubier just continues to impress. The
Californian won a cut-and-thrust, three-way fight for another victory at Laguna Seca, taking his fourth
victory in the past five races in the DSB class. If you’re of the opinion that Martin Cardenas is one of the
best riders in the AMA Road Racing series and the best rider in the Daytona Sport Bike class, you can’t
help but be impressed by Beaubier beating series points leader Cardenas in a impressive, last-lap pass.
In Jersey, Beaubier won the first race ahead of Cardenas to close the championship points gap, but in the
second race Beaubier was caught up in a horrific crash with Yamaha teammate Tommy Hayden (both
riders walked away) after Hayden hit a damp spot on the tarmac and highsided. The crash left the door
open to Cardenas to take the win, stretching his championship lead.
MARTINCARDENAS
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AMA PRO MOTORCYCLE-SUPERSTORE.COM SUPERSPORT
James Rispoli won the AMA Pro MotorcycleSuperstore.com SuperSport race on Saturday at
Laguna Seca in a race that few on hand will ever
forget. The Celtic Racing/Orient Express Racing
Suzuki GSX-R600 pilot led the majority of the
race, but he was kept honest in it by RoadRace
Factory/Red Bull Yamaha YZF-R6 rider Hayden
Gillim. The chance to show the world what you’re
capable of at a MotoGP event was not lost on
anyone at Laguna and certainly not on the
SuperSport rivals. Both almost crashed as the
laps wore down, and Rispoli put himself on the
top of the podium with an aggressive pass in
Laguna’s final corner for the win. In Jersey, Rispoli
did it again, taking another win and stretching his
significant championship points lead.
JAMESRISPOLI
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SHANENARBONNE
AMA PRO VANCE & HINES XR1200 SERIES
The Vance and Hines XR1200 class did not race at Laguna Seca, but they were
back in action on an equally hallowed ground at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,
and they had good news to report. AMA Pro Road Racing, Vance & Hines, and
the Harley-Davidson Motor Company announced on Saturday that the spec
racing class will be extended for the 2013 and 2014 seasons in the GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Championship.
With an international crowd watching and a $50,000 weekend purse on the
line, Kyle Wyman won Saturday’s race one. In Sunday’s race two, Tyler O’Hara
withstood an early battle, and then he notched a lopsided win that he celebrated in style with one of the longest cool-down-lap wheelies in recent AMA
Pro Road Racing memory.
All bets were off in New Jersey as Shane Narbonne took his first win in the XR
class. Wyman finished fourth, knocking him back to a tie for the championship
points lead with Benjamin Carlson.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE RR IMAGES
TYLERO’HARA
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UPCOMING EVENTS
GNCC Series #11
October 6-7
Powerline Park
St. Clairsville, OH
National Hare and Hound Series #9
October 14
Johnson Valley, CA
Monster Energy Cup
October 20
Las Vegas, NV
MotoGP–Moto2
October 21
Sepang Circuit, Malaysia
MotoGP–Moto2
October 28
Phillip Island, Australia
GNCC Series #12
October 20-21
Crawfordsville, IN
National Hare and Hound Series #10
October 28
Lucerne, CA
GNCC Series #13
November 3-4
Hurricane Mills, TN
MotoGP–Moto2
October 14
Motegi, Japan
©2012 Dunlop • P. O. Box 1109, Buffalo, New York 14240-1109 • 1-800-845-8378 • dunlopmotorcycle.com
MotoGP–Moto2
November 11
Comunitat Valenciana, Valencia