Pataskala resident won AMA Supermoto title, X Games gold
Even in a year during which he earned his first national supermoto
championship, June 3 through Aug. 5 stood out as an especially
memorable period for Mark Burkhart.
The 27-year-old Pickerington native, who lives in Pataskala, won three
consecutive American Motorcycle Association supermoto races in June
and July, not to mention earning an X Games gold medal Aug. 5.
The three consecutive victories sparked what was by far his most
successful season to date. He ended up winning six of the 10 races to
take the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship with 223 points.
"Winning those three races in a row helped me out a lot," Burkhart said.
"Actually, I was in the points lead by the time those three races were
done. ... It kind of made my season ... and gave me the confidence to
continue winning the rest of the season when I needed to."
Burkhart's season-long success had him in great position to win the title
before the season's final weekend, a double event Nov. 10-11 in
Cabazon, Calif. Needing only to finish well in both races, he won
Saturday's race to all but wrap up the title.
"It definitely made me relax a lot after Saturday, knowing that I didn't
have to go out and push hard to get a top finish and win the race or
anything like that," Burkhart said. "So all the pressure was off my
shoulders and on (the second-place driver, Jeff Ward)."
Another highlight for Burkhart was his dominant performance Sept. 1 in
Nashville. Despite sustaining an injury the previous week in an event in
Connecticut, Burkhart won easily in Nashville. full story on
newarkadvocate.com - pic from picasaweb.google.com
Burkhart burned a lot of rubber -ozzy go- newarkadvocate.com
Mark Burkhart RacerX Interview -ozzy go-
5 Minutes With...Mark Burkhart November 15, 2007
The 2007 season has been a good one for Mark Burkhart.
The Ohio native won the gold medal in supermoto at the
Summer X Games and followed that up with the AMA 450
Supermoto championship last weekend. As icing on the cake
he was nominated for the rider of the year award given out
by the American Motorcyclist Association. I caught him as
he was getting ready to play some golf and enjoy a little
well-deserved vacation. interview on racerxill.com
Burkhart & Currie claimed the Supermoto and Supermoto Lites championships -ozzy go-
Graves Motorsports Yamaha riders Mark Burkhart and Brandon Currie
claimed the 2007 AMA Supermoto and Supermoto Lites championships in
Cabazon, CA. on Sunday, November 11. The coveted titles are Yamaha’s
first in AMA Supermoto and second in Supermoto Lites. On the way to his
Supermoto #1 plate, Burkhart finished the weekend doubleheader with a
win and a third place aboard his YZ450F, while Currie raced his YZ250F
to 2-1 finishes to claim the Lites championship – his first professional
title. Adding excitement was the presence of X Games gold medallists
Doug Henry and Ben Bostrom, with Bostrom nearly cracking into the top
10 in Supermoto on Sunday.
Supermoto... In the premier Supermoto class, Burkhart edged close to
the title on Saturday by winning the event with rival Jeff Ward in third.
Needing only an 18th place finish on Sunday, Burkhart lapped securely in
the top three for much of the 12-lap final before letting Troy Herfoss
past. But Herfoss soon got a flat tire, allowing Burkhart to regain the final
podium spot – and take the championship. Burkhart is now the only rider
to have won both AMA Supermoto and Supermoto Lites titles. “We have
a great team atmosphere at Graves, and we have put a lot of hard work
into getting the whole package to work better,” he said afterwards. “Plus
the durability of the YZ450F is just great – better than any other
manufacturer.”
Supermoto Lites... Despite entering the weekend’s final rounds with
points advantages, Currie still had to finish well to earn their titles. Currie
went into Saturday’s Supermoto Lites race with a 21-point margin over
rival David Pingree, but he charged to a close second-place finish anyway
at the Morongo Casino track. Nor did having the championship on the line
slow him on Sunday. Currie rocketed away at the start and led all eight
laps to claim his fourth victory of the year. Amazingly, when Currie
wasn’t winning he finished second in every other race this season.
yamaha-motor.com
Ward wins his final race, Burkhart claims first title -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
While Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Jeff Ward ended his reign as AMA
Red Bull Supermoto champion with a ride befitting that title, it was
his primary rival, Graves Yamaha’s Mark Burkhart, who had the
most to celebrate following the final contest of the ten-round
series.
Always fast, the Ohioan largely lived up to his preseason vow to
also become a heady and patient competitor this season and
Sunday’s ride at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa was yet
another sterling example.
While Ward checked out at the front, leading every single lap and
never crossing the stripe with any rider within a second of him,
Burkhart settled in for a relatively safe ride in the top five,
needing just three points to secure his first-ever AMA Supermoto
crown. In the end he scooped yet another podium finish, taking
third, more than enough to claim the #1 plate.
Burkhart ended the season with eight podium finishes in ten
races, including a season-leading six victories.
"I am very excited to win the championship," commented
Burkhart. "I rode smart today and I am just happy and proud to
win a title for Graves Yamaha. This championship really is for
Doug Henry. It is such an inspiration having him come to these
races. Doug deserves this championship more then any of us on
the podium."
While the title fight was lost, Ward and his teammate, Cassidy
Anderson, did their team proud at ‘Troy Lee’s Mayhem at the
Morongo,’ concluding the 2007 campaign with a stellar 1-2 result.
The forty-something former Indy Car and Supercross ace proved
once again that he still has the speed and ability to rank firmly
among the world’s elite in the hybrid sport. He earned bookending
wins and nine podiums this season, with only a mechanical woe in
Texas truly sinking his chance for yet another title.
Ward announced that this victory would be the last of his
legendary career as he is going out on top, retiring after his
season-ending victory. "I am happy to have been able to run out
front today, and come away safe from this event," remarked
Ward. "This will be my last Supermoto race. I have been racing
and competing for a very long time and it wears and tears at you
over time. I am still going to be at the races and involved in
Supermoto, but now I will..." full story on amasupermoto.com
pics from vitalmx.com
Nicoll concludes Unlimited season with win -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
KTM HMC’s Kurt Nicoll got a measure of revenge in the final AMA
PPG Supermoto Unlimited race of the season, bouncing back from
his Saturday DNF to score his second win on the season.
The 2004 class champion shot into the lead on the opening lap
aboard his KTM 560SMR and never looked back, opening up a six-
second plus advantage in the eight-lap contest before backing
down and cruising to the checkered flag on the final lap.
The outing only underlined the fact that the former World MX star
is still a force to be reckoned with in the class whenever he races,
finishing the campaign ranked second despite missing two rounds
due to conflicts with his role as Racing Director for KTM North
America. Other than being ruled out on Saturday due to an oil
spill, Nicoll finished on the podium in every race he entered this
season.
"It has been a great season for myself and KTM," Nicoll said
following the race. "I was able to get a great start and I felt like I
had the speed on both the asphalt and dirt to pull of a win. I want
to thank everyone who has been a part of KTM this year. It has
been a successful year and I am already looking forward to
2008."
Factory Aprilia Rip It Energy Racing ace Carlson did most of his
heavy lifting early in the season, opening the year with four
consecutive victories and winning five of the first six, before
leaning on his huge points lead and settling in for three straight
finishes off the box. With his second series title already
confirmed, Carlson picked it back up for the season finale,
however, and rode to a second-place finish, his seventh podium
result of the year.
Carlson ran outside the top three for the opening five laps, but
picked up a spot on lap six when Galveston winner Ales Hlad
made a mistake and dropped out of second and then made his
move on South African Brian Capper on the penultimate lap to
move up to the runner-up position.
"This has been a great weekend," Carlson commented. "Aprilia
has provided me with the best bikes out on the track this year.
I'm so happy to have been able to back up last years'
championship." full story on amasupermoto.com
pics from hmcracing.com & vitalmx.com
Currie completes Lites title season in style -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
While at times the season’s AMA Hot Wheels Supermoto Lites
championship seemed to be a test of speed vs. consistency,
Graves Yamaha’s Brandon Currie proved once again that he has
an abundance of both at his disposal, powering to yet another
victory on the season and securing his first-ever division crown.
While Currie’s path to the championship was certainly made
smoother by chief rival David Pingree’s crash and resultant wrist
breaks in Oregon, there is no argument opposing the Californian’s
status as a worthy champion, as he added six runner-up results
to his four wins and never finished lower than second in any race
during the ten-round season.
Even though he could have taken a relatively conservative finish
on Sunday and still earned the title, Currie wasted little time
mired down the order, leading every single lap of the eight-lap
contest.
It was far from easy, however, as he was under constant
pressure from surging Australian Adam Cini, who hounded Currie
throughout the race, hoping to add his first Lites win a day after
scooping his first Unlimited triumph.
Currie held on over the LA Fuels Husqvarna pilot, however,
claiming his #1 plate in fine style with a 1.451-second margin of
victory.
Currie, who finished the season with 232 points to Pingree’s 207,
said, "This is such an amazing feeling. I have worked for a
championship the last four years and to finally achieve my goal
feels awesome. I want thank Grave's Yamaha and all my family
for all of their support over the years."
While he didn’t get the win, Cini concluded the season with a
flourish, closing out the season with four podiums in the final five
Lites races in addition to his final weekend Unlimited win.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Matt Abbott picked up his second
podium finish of the season with a strong third-place ride.
Although in the end he missed out on the title, Pingree more than
proved himself this season, scoring five Lites wins, including one
after breaking both wrists -- injuries that most thought would
keep him on the shelf until... full story on amasupermoto.com
pics from vitalmx.com
Troy Lee’s Supermoto Mayhem at the Morongo - Sunday Results
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa - Cabazon, CA, Nov. 11, 2007
2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Round 10
Supermoto
1. Jeff Ward (#1 Honda CRF450R)
2. Cassidy Anderson (#15 Honda CRF450R)
3. Mark Burkhart (#6 Yamaha YZ450F)
4. Chris Fillmore (#11 Kawasaki KX450F)
5. Sylvain Bidart (#61 Honda CRF450R)
6. Matthew Winstanley (#18 KTM 450SX)
7. Steve Drew (#73 Yamaha WR450F)
8. Jason Conlon (#294 Honda CRF450R)
9. Heath Voss (#294 Honda CRF450X)
10. Kiyoshi Saai (#192 Honda CRF450X)
Supermoto Unlimited
1. Kurt Nicoll (#8 KTM 560SMR)
2. Ben Carlson (#1 Aprilia RXV550)
3. Brian Capper (#13 KTM 560SMR)
4. Kevin Berthome (#84 Aprilia RXV550)
5. David Baffeleuf (#23 Husqvarna TC510)
Supermoto Lites
1. Brandon Currie (#2 Yamaha YZ250F)
2. Adam Cini (#33 Husqvarna TC250)
3. Matt Abbott (#516 Kawasaki KX250F)
4. David Pingree (#101 Honda CRF250R)
5. Matt Burton (#39 KTM 250SX-F)
AMA PPG Supermoto Championship Final Standings
1. Burkhart (Yamaha Graves Motosports) 223pts/6 wins/8 top-3
2. Jeff Ward (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 206pts/2 wins/9 top-3
3. Troy Herfoss (KTM Hard Equipment) 167pts/4 top-3
4. Chris Fillmore (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 140pts/2 top-3
5. Steve Drew (Mach1 Yamaha) 139pts
6. Micky Dymond (All Access Honda) 130pts/1 win/1 top-3
7. Anderson (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 122pts/1 win/4 top-3
8. Jason Conlon (CHM Exhaust Honda) 113pts
9. Ben Carlson (Factory Aprilia Rip It Energy Racing) 94pts
10. Robbie Horton (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 69pts
AMA Red Bull Supermoto Unlimited Final Standings
1. Ben Carlson (Rip It Energy Aprilia) 216pts/5 wins/7 top-3
2. Kurt Nicoll (HMC KTM) 158pts/2 wins/7 top-3
3. Robert Loire (Husaberg) 156pts/2 top-3
4. Travis Marks (Rockstar KTM) 131pts
5. John Lewis (KTM Hard Equipment) 127pts/4 top-3
AMA Hot Wheels Supermoto Lites Final Standings
1. Currie (Graves Motorsports Yamaha) 232pts/3 wins/8 top-3
2. David Pingree (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 207pts/4 wins/7 top-3
3. Adam Cini (LA Fuel Husqvarna) 172pts/3 top-3
4. Dalton Dimick (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 146pts/1 top-3
5. Jamie Siever (Scott's Speed Shop Yamaha) 141pts
Saturday pics from vitalmx.com
Troy Lee’s Supermoto Mayhem at the Morongo - Saturday Results
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa - Cabazon, CA, Nov. 10, 2007
Troy Lee’s Supermoto Mayhem at the Morongo
2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Round 9
Cabazon Supermoto
1. Mark Burkhart (#6 Yamaha YZ450F)
2. Troy Herfoss (#7 KTM 450SX)
3. Jeff Ward (#1 Honda CRF450R)
4. Chris Fillmore (#11 Kawasaki KX450F)
5. Sylvain Bidart (#61 Honda CRF450R)
Cabazon Supermoto Ltes
1. David Pingree (#101 Honda CRF250R)
2. Brandon Currie (#2 Yamaha YZ250F)
3. Adam Cini (#33 Husqvarna TC250)
4. Robbie Smith (#660 Yamaha YZ250F)
5. Jamie Siever (#90 Yamaha YZ250F)
Cabazon Supermoto Unlimited
1. Adam Cini (#33 Husqvarna SMR510)
2. David Baffeleuf (#23 Husqvarna TC510)
3. John Lewis (#21 KTM 560SX-F)
4. Ales Hlad (#96 KTM 560SMR)
5. Ben Carlson (#1 Aprilia RXV550)
pic from vitalmx.com
AMA Supermoto Championship Finale Will Crown Champions -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
Troy Lee’s Supermoto Mayhem at the Morongo roars into the
Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, Calif., on Nov. 9-11.
This year’s event marks the first time the AMA Supermoto
Championship has visited California’s Palm Springs desert area.
“We are very excited to promote the Supermoto Mayhem at the
Morongo,” commented Troy Lee. “This year we have moved the
race to Morongo and I am very happy with the response and how
everything has gone so far. This event will cap off one of the
most thrilling and exciting AMA Supermoto Championships in
history. On Sunday we will be crowning three series champions.
The event area has given us an opportunity to make a large
track, which will provide top notch racing all weekend.”
The Morongo venue offers unique capabilities and elements sure
to provide excitement and great racing action. Fans will witness
up-close racing that utilizes unique obstacles, such as the Parts
Unlimited UrbanCross jumps. An international field of racers will
be competing during the prestigious season finale.
The AMA Red Bull Supermoto class has been a battle all season
between Graves Yamaha’s Mark Burkhart and Troy Lee Designs
Honda’s Jeff Ward. Burkhart has a 17-point lead heading into the
events this weekend. Ward, however, of nearby Newport Beach,
will have the California fans in his corner.
Last weekend in Galveston, Texas, Troy Lee Designs Honda’s
Cassidy Anderson captured his first-ever premier AMA Supermoto
victory. Burkhart was able to remount from an early race crash
and charged back to finish third. Ward suffered a devastating
blow in the series championship after suffering mechanical
problems while leading the race and ending up finishing in 15th
position.
“The win last weekend was worth everything I have been through
this year,” said Anderson. “It has been an up-and-down year with
some good rides but a lot of bad luck as well. Taking the win felt
like redemption for myself. I know I can win and I have the
confidence to do it again this weekend in Morongo.”
Burkhart, who has won five times this season, now takes his
largest points lead of the year into the series finale. full story on
amasupermoto.com
Anderson Gets First Win Of The Year In Galveston
Bulgarian Ales Hlad wins the Unlimited race, while Aussi Rodney Taplin takes the Lites final.
Cassidy Anderson claimed his first win of the year at round eight of the AMA Supermoto
Championship Series at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, today. Anderson’s win
came at the expense of his Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull Honda teammate Jeff Ward,
however.
After grabbing the holeshot, Ward looked in control of the Supermoto-class main event
until a transmission problem on the 14th of 20 laps forced the defending champion to
pull off the track. Anderson, who had been pushing Ward for the entire distance of the
race and inherited the lead when Ward pulled off, took advantage of the situation by
skating away to the win.
Ward limped his damaged Honda home for 15th place in an effort to salvage as many
championship points as possible, meanwhile, his main competition for this year’s title,
Yamaha’s Mark Burkhart, finished third, after suffering an incident at the start and a tip-
over later in the race.
Burkhart now takes a 17 point lead over Wardy into the two final rounds in California.
In the Unlimited division, Bulgarian KTM rider Ales Hlad turned a holeshot in a flag-to-
flag win in his first-ever ride in the United States.
KTM swept the podium when Kurt Nicoll finished second and Johnny Lewis, third.
The Lites race was a wild one as Honda rider David Pingree looked to be on his way to
the win, however, Husqvarna’s Adam Cini wedged his way under Pingree, sending
Pingree to the ground.
A lap later, Cini was black-flagged for leaking oil, handing the lead Australian Honda
rider Rodney Taplin. Taplin managed to hold off Yamaha’s Brandon Currie to take the
win, with Currie finishing second, ahead of Pingree. cyclenews.com
Galveston AMA Supermoto
Anderson claims first win, Burkhart takes control of title race -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
Moody Gardens, Galveston, Texas, November 2, 2007
2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Round 8
Armadillo AMA Supermoto
1. Cassidy Anderson (#15 Honda CRF450R)
2. Sylvain Bidart (#61 Honda CRF450R)
3. Mark Burkhart (#6 Yamaha YZ450F)
4. Troy Herfoss (#7 KTM 450SX)
5. David Baffeleuf (#23 Husqvarna SM450RR)
6. Benjamin Carlson (#45 Aprilia RXV450)
7. Heath Voss (#294 Honda CRF450X)
8. Jason Conlon (#294 Honda CRF450R)
9. Gary Trachy (#357 Honda CRF450R)
10. Carey Hart (#46 Honda CRF450X)
11. Steve Drew (#73 Yamaha WR450F)
12. Chris Fillmore (#11 Kawasaki KX450F)
13. Micky Dymond (#43 Honda CRF450R)
14. David Felipe Gaviria (#700 Honda CRF450R)
15. Jeff Ward (#1 Honda CRF450R)
16. Dustin Meador (#115 Yamaha YZ450F)
17. Jeremy Santoro (#565 Honda CRF450R)
18. Michelle Disalvo (#97 Suzuki RM-Z450)
19. Robbie Horton (#355 Kawasaki KX450F)
20. Kyle Jones (#362 KTM 450EXC-G)
21. Adrien Chareyre (#55 Husqvarna TE450)
AMA PPG Supermoto Championship Standings after Round 8
1. Burkhart (Yamaha Graves Motosports) 178pts/5 wins/6 top-3
2. Jeff Ward (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 161pts/1 win/7 top-3
3. Troy Herfoss (KTM Hard Equipment) 136pts/3 top-3
4. Micky Dymond (All Access Honda) 130pts/1 win/1 top-3
5. Steve Drew (Mach1 Yamaha) 112pts
6. Chris Fillmore (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 104pts/2 top-3
7. Anderson (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 96pts/1 win/3 top-3
8. Jason Conlon (CHM Exhaust Honda) 95pts
9. Ben Carlson (Factory Aprilia Rip It Energy Racing) 84pts
10. Robbie Horton (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 69pts
11. David Baffeleuf (LA Fuel GP Husqvarna)
12. Casey Yarrow (Mach1 Motorsports Yamaha) 26 pts
13. Carey Hart (Rockstar Honda) 24 pts
14. Xavier Bellerophon (LA Fuel GP Husqvarna) 25 pts
15. David Felipe Gaviria (#700 Honda CRF450R)
16. Danny Casey (Mach1 Motorsports Yamaha) 35 pts
17. Gary Trachy (Supermoto Depot Honda) 23 pts
18. Jason McDonald (Troy Lee Designs KTM) 17pts
Jeff Ward (1) led Anderson for most of the race before dropping
back to 15th place with gearbox trouble. speedtv.com
Taplin claims unlikely Lites win -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
Armadillo Supermoto Lites
1. Rodney Taplin (#12 Honda CRF250R)
2. Brandon Currie (#2 Yamaha YZ250F)
3. David Pingree (#101 Honda CRF250R)
4. Matt Abbott (#516 Kawasaki KX250F)
5. Dalton Dimick (#27 Kawasaki KX250F)
6. Jamie Siever (#90 Yamaha YZ250F)
7. Steve Marty (#138 KTM 250SX-F)
8. Matt Burton (#39 KTM 250SX-F)
9. Robbie Smith (#660 Yamaha YZ250F)
10. Brandon Dooley (#118 Yamaha YZ250F)
AMA Hot Wheels Supermoto Lites Standings after Round 8
1. Currie (Graves Motorsports Yamaha) 185pts/3 wins/8 top-3
2. David Pingree (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 164pts/4 wins/7 top-3
3. Adam Cini (LA Fuel Husqvarna) 130pts/3 top-3
4. Dalton Dimick (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 121pts/1 top-3
5. Jamie Siever (Scott's Speed Shop Yamaha) 111pts
6. Matt Abbott (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 101pts, 1 top-3
7. Andrew Hyder (Yamaha of Columbus) 88pts
8. Steve Marty (Thor Vortex KTM) 71pts
9. Matt Burton (RJ Maxxis KTM Motion Pro) 52pts
10. Chad Cose (BP Racing kTM) 50pts
Hlad leads KTM HMC Unlimited podium sweep -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
Moody Gardens, Galveston, Texas, November 2, 2007
2007 AMA Supermoto Unlimited Championship Round 8
Armadillo Supermoto Unlimited
1. Ales Hlad (#96 KTM 560SMR)
2. Kurt Nicoll (#8 KTM 560SMR)
3. John Lewis (#21 KTM 560SX-F)
4. David Baffeleuf (#23 Husqvarna TC510)
5. Adam Cini (#33 Husqvarna SMR510)
6. Ben Carlson (#1 Aprilia RXV550)
7. Travis Marks (#64 KTM 560SMR)
8. Josh Chrisum (#10 KTM 560SMR)
9. Brian Capper (#13 KTM 560SMR)
10. Robert Loire (#502 Husaberg FS650c)
AMA Red Bull Supermoto Unlimited Standings
1. Ben Carlson (Rip It Energy Aprilia) 178pts/5 wins/6 top-3
2. Kurt Nicoll (HMC KTM) 133pts, 1 win, 6 top-3
3. Robert Loire (Husaberg) 129pts/2 top-3
4. Darryl Atkins (Rip It Energy Aprilia) 123pts/1 win/3 top-3
5. Travis Marks (Rockstar KTM) 111pts
6. Josh Chisum (KTM) 106pts/2 top-3
7. John Lewis (KTM Hard Equipment) 92pts, 3 top-3
7. Brian Capper (KTM Hard Equipment) 92pts
9. Donald Wanat (Rockstar KTM) 75pts
10. Cory Gabbert (KTM Hutt.com) 70pts
Jeremy McGrath Racerx Interview -ozzy go-
Between the Motos: Jeremy McGrath October 24, 2007
Moving a piano and instructing some young neighbor kids on how
to drive a Rhino (“This thing don’t turn too good and be sure to
stop at the signs or they’ll run you over”) wasn’t exactly what I
expected Jeremy McGrath to be doing when I tracked him down
on a Saturday afternoon in late October. But there he was,
relaxed and happy to be home, his abbreviated NASCAR Late
Model stock car racing career now over and his traveling—the
approaching Paris-Bercy Supercross not withstanding—over and
done for the year. Truth be told, there isn’t much left to say about
Jeremy McGrath that hasn’t been said before. Yes, seven AMA
Supercross Championships and seventy-two career supercross
wins were the exclamation marks on his remarkable career, but
more than anything, Jeremy McGrath is remembered for being,
well, Jeremy McGrath.
Now an axiom, Ricky Carmichael is known as The GOAT (Greatest
of All Time), and the number of wins and championships next to
his name is likely to never to be touched. Jeremy McGrath,
however, is “Showtime,” because his actions on the racetrack
were actually superseded by his charming, larger-than-life
personality. Throughout the course of history, every major sport
has been graced with an athlete who almost single handedly took
their sport, put it on their back, and through talent, grace, and
goodwill, carried it to higher ground. Baseball had Babe Ruth in
the roaring 1920s, NASCAR had Richard Petty in the 1970s,
hockey had Wayne Gretzky in the 1980s, basketball had Michael
Jordan in the 1990s, and supercross had Jeremy McGrath, also in
the mid-to-late 1990s.
Since he’s now officially retired from the sport and back in
California after taking a shot at one of NASCAR’s junior divisions,
it seemed obvious to us that the time was right to find Jeremy
McGrath and have him weigh-in on the sport and his place in it.
The interview you are about to read took place over the course of
a few hours, and with each question posed, McGrath seemed to
have his answers ready and waiting. In other words, some time
had passed since he’d lined up behind a starting gate, and he had
more than a few things he was ready to address and elaborate
on. To that end, we bring you Jeremy McGrath. interview on
racerxill.com - ad pic from alpinestarsinc.com
Josh Coppins MXLarge Interview -ozzy go-
The 2007 season is now a month over and the
Grand Prix riders can enjoy a little time off from
erious racing. Some are doing off-season events
like the Mettet Superbiker, or the Bercy Supercross.
New Zealands Josh Coppins contested the Superbiker
last weekend and we caught up with the Rinaldi
Yamaha rider and asked him a few questions about
his off-season and what is coming up for him.
interview on mxlarge.com - pic from
joshcoppins.com
David Pingree Injured - RacerX
Our own David Pingree suffered multiple injuries this past
weekend at the Redmond, Oregon, round of the 2007 AMA
Supermoto Championship. After winning the past four rounds,
Ping was leading the points in the AMA Supermoto Lites class
and looked capable of winning again after claiming the pole
for Saturday's race. On the opening lap he crashed entering
the whoops, and suffered several broken bones.
"I crashed in an over-watered section of the track on the first
lap of the main this weekend while leading," he said. "I broke
both bones in left forearm, navicular in left wrist and fractured
my right wrist. Seeing my Doc today at 11 about surgery. Ill
let you know more when I know."
Get well soon, Ping. RacerX
pic: David Pingree, the series points leader, was running out
in front in the opening lap. Shortly after this photo, though,
he crashed hard, ending his day. hondaredriders.com
Red Riders Race Report: Redmond Supermoto- ozzy go-
Jeff Ward kept his eyes on the prize at Redmond, taking a well-
considered second place on his Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Honda
CRF450R to stay just three points behind in the season’s
standings, with plenty of time—three more rounds—left to make
up the deficit on his main rival, Mark Burkhart.
Veteran MX, Indy Car and Supermoto Star Ward slotted into
second at the start behind Burkhart, but was unable to quite
match the leader’s pace. Troy Herfoss would eventually move up
to challenge Ward for the second-place spot, but Ward’s superior
strategy in passing lapped riders kept him ahead at the wire.
After standing on the second step of the winner’s podium, two-
time series champion Ward said: “I’m really happy to be up here
and I need to find some more speed to get a little closer to Mark.”
All Access Honda’s Micky Dymond brought his CRF450R home in
fourth, with Honda riders Jason Conlon in sixth and Cassidy
Anderson in eighth, making it four CRF450Rs in the top ten.
Ward and Burkhart came into the Redmond round tied in the
points standings, and their close points... read the full story
Burkhart Pulls Away At Oregon Supermoto -ozzy go- cyclenews.com
Currie wins the Lites class while Atkins tops the Unlimited race
Mark Burkhart (pictured) claimed his fifth win of the AMA Supermoto
Series at the seventh stop on the championship schedule in Redmond,
Oregon, today, beating Troy Lee Design/Red Bull Honda’s Jeff Ward
by over nine seconds in the premiere-class final.
Burkhart put his Graves Motorsports Yamaha into the lead at the start
of the 14-lap race and slowly pulled away was Ward was left to deal
with the pressures of a hard-charging Troy Herfoss on the factory
KTM. Herfoss loss sight of Wardy, however, when the front-runners
encountered lappers during the late stages of the race, but held on to
claim his third podium finish of the season, behind Burkhart and Ward.
All Access Honda’s Micky Dymond was fourth with Steve Drew on a
Mach 1 Yamaha in fifth.
Burkhart, who is looking for his first Supermoto-class title, came into
the Redmond event tied with Ward in the series standings but left with
a three point advantage (158 to 155) with just three rounds remaining.
In the Unlimited class, series points leader Benny Carlson went down
on the opening lap of the final, leaving his Aprilia teammate Darryl
Atkins with the early lead. Atkins took full advantage the situation
and rode away to his first win of the year, while Husqvarna’s David
Baffeleuf and Husaberg mounted Robert Loire finished second and
third, respectively.
Redmond was not kind to the series points leader in the Lites division,
either, as David Pingree went down while leading on the opening lap
of the Lites final and got up holding his wrist. The Troy Lee Honda
backed rider was taken to a nearby hospital for x-rays. click on ozzy
got to the full story on cyclenews.com
Redmond AMA Supermoto
2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Round 7 - Deschutes County Expo Center - Redmond, OR, September 29, 2007
Burkhart breaks championship tie with convincing win -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
Redmond AMA Red Bull Supermoto
1. Mark Burkhart (#6 Yamaha YZ450F)
2. Jeff Ward (#1 Honda CRF450R)
3. Troy Herfoss (#7 KTM 450SX)
4. Micky Dymond (#43 Honda CRF450R)
5. Steve Drew (#73 Yamaha WR450F)
6. Jason Conlon (#294 Honda CRF450R)
7. Benjamin Carlson (#45 Aprilia RXV450)
8. Cassidy Anderson (#15 Honda CRF450R)
9. Chris Fillmore (#11 Kawasaki KX450F)
10. David Baffeleuf (#23 Husqvarna SM450RR)
AMA PPG Supermoto Championship Standings after Round 7
1. Burkhart (Yamaha Graves Motosports) 158pts/5 wins/5 top-3
1. Jeff Ward (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 155pts/1 win/7 top-3
3. Micky Dymond (All Access Honda) 122pts/1 win/1 top-3
4. Troy Herfoss (KTM Hard Equipment) 118pts/3 top-3
5. Steve Drew (Mach1 Yamaha) 102pts
6. Chris Fillmore (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 95pts/2 top-3
7. Jason Conlon (CHM Exhaust Honda) 82pts
8. Cassidy Anderson (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 71pts/2 top-3
9. Ben Carlson (Factory Aprilia Rip It Energy Racing) 69pts
10. Robbie Horton (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 67pts
Atkins gets his first -ozzy go- amasupermoto
Redmond AMA PPG Supermoto Unlimited
1. Darryl Atkins (#54 Aprilia RXV550)
2. David Baffeleuf (#23 Husqvarna TC510)
3. Robert Loire (#502 Husaberg FS650c)
4. John Lewis (#21 KTM 560SX-F)
5. Ben Carlson (#1 Aprilia RXV550)
6. Ryan Pugh (#112 KTM 560SMR)
7. Adam Cini (#33 Husqvarna SMR510)
8. Cory Gabbert (#718 KTM 560SMR)
9. Graham Gustin (#833 KTM 560SMR)
10. Travis Marks (#64 KTM 560SMR)
AMA Red Bull Supermoto Unlimited Standings
1. Ben Carlson (Rip It Energy Aprilia) 163pts/5 wins/6 top-3
2. Darryl Atkins (Rip It Energy Aprilia) 123pts/1 win/3 top-3
3. Robert Loire (Husaberg) 118pts/2 top-3
4. Kurt Nicoll (HMC KTM) 111pts, 1 win, 5 top-3
5. Travis Marks (Rockstar KTM) 97pts
6. Josh Chisum (KTM) 93pts/2 top-3
7. Brian Capper (KTM Hard Equipment) 80pts
8. John Lewis (KTM Hard Equipment) 72pts, 2 top-3
9. Cory Gabbert (KTM Hutt.com) 70pts
10. Donald Wanat (Rockstar KTM) 66pts
Currie takes control of Lites title race -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
Redmond AMA Hot Wheels Supermoto
1. Brandon Currie (#2 Yamaha YZ250F)
2. Adam Cini (#33 Husqvarna TC250)
3. Dalton Dimick (#27 Kawasaki KX250F)
4. Robbie Smith (#660 Yamaha YZ250F)
5. Steve Marty (#138 KTM 250SX-F)
6. Andrew Hyder (#995 Yamaha YZ250F)
7. Jamie Siever (#90 Yamaha YZ250F)
8. Michael Corbino (#779 Yamaha YZ250F)
9. Cameron Welsh (#752 Yamaha YZ250F)
10. Tyler Teegarden (#209 Kawasaki KX250F)
AMA Hot Wheels Supermoto Lites Standings after Round 7
1. Currie (Graves Motorsports Yamaha) 163pts/3 wins/7 top-3
2. David Pingree (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 144pts/4 wins/6 top-3
3. Adam Cini (LA Fuel Husqvarna) 129pts/3 top-3
4. Dalton Dimick (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 105pts/1 top-3
5. Jamie Siever (Scott's Speed Shop Yamaha) 96pts
6. Matt Abbott (Monster Energy Kawasaki) 83pts, 1 top-3
7. Andrew Hyder (Yamaha of Columbus) 78pts
8. Steve Marty (Thor Vortex KTM) 57pts
9. Chad Cose (BP Racing KTM) 50pts
10. Troy Lee (Troy Lee Designs Honda) 49pts
ad pics from speedtv.com
AMA Supermoto Championship heads to Pacific Northwest -ozzy go- amasupermoto.com
WHR Motorsports is set to host its first AMA Supermoto Championship event this
Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in
Redmond, Ore.
Entitled the Yamaha Rampage in Redmond, this year’s race marks the first time
the AMA Supermoto Championship has visited the Pacific Northwest and the state
of Oregon.
“This event will help expose the sport of Supermoto to motorcycle enthusiasts and
fans throughout Central Oregon and the Northwest,” said promoter Lee Collins.
“We have thought of the fans first in every step of planning for this event.
Families can expect exciting racing and entertainment on September 29.”
With a panoramic view of the beautiful Cascade Mountain Range, the Deschutes
County Fair and Expo Center is situated on the outskirts of Redmond. The venue
offers ample parking, easy access and a wide range of event areas all set on 132
artfully landscaped acres reflecting the high desert scenery.
Spectators will be able to choose between 2,500 covered grandstand seats located
in front of the dirt section or an additional 1,000 seats in the paddock area in front
of the Parts Unlimited UrbanCross jumps and start/finish line. The track features
approximately 3,800’ of asphalt and 1,700’ of dirt.
The championship scenario in the premier AMA Red Bull Supermoto class has
turned into a two-rider battle and heats up for the final four-race stretch drive. At
the last round in Nashville, Graves Yamaha’s Mark Burkhart claimed his fourth
victory of the season and drew into a tie for the series points lead with Troy Lee
Designs Honda’s Jeff Ward, who has garnered one win and four runner-up finishes
to put himself into title contention.
“It helped me a lot winning in Nashville because now it turns the series into a four
race shootout”, said Burkhart. “I want to win..." click on ozzy got to the full story
Honda Red Riders Race Report: Nashville Supermoto -ozzy go-
AMA SuperMoto Series Round 6: Nashville, TN 9/2/2007
SuperMoto legend and reigning champion Jeff Ward brought his
Troy Lee Designs Honda CRF450R home in second place at the
Nashville round of the AMA SuperMoto Series. The points count for
second now means that Wardie is tied with Mark Burkhart (who
won the event); the two have 133 points each.
Ward led away from the start but was passed by Burkhart on the
back straight, a hairball high-speed section that follows a fas
banked corner on the converted stock-car oval track.
“I’m happy to be up here in second,” said a satisfied Ward. “This
track is, truthfully, not my favorite track. I don’t like going that
fast. Mark (Burkhart) always ran well here. Going into tonight my
goal was to be up here on the podium and not fall somewhere
hard. I’ve fallen here before and it’s not fun.
Mark rode a great race. I hung with him for a while. I started
losing a little grip on the banking and backed it down a little bit.
He just took off. I know we are tied in points. We just move on to
the next race. Mark is tough. He had a bad race last weekend and
that allowed me to get back in the standings. We’ve got a tough
battle on our hands, but it’s going to be fun. I look forward to
that.” click on ozzy go to the full story on hondaredriders.com