Preview: 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship begins Saturday at the Hangtown circuit in Northern California. The season promises to be festive because the American Outdoor Championship is in its 40th yeare edition. In two classes, 250 (MX2) and 450 (MX1) and over twelve races, the top riders of American motocross will decide among themselves who is the best.
In contrast to last year, the interest of the drivers now seems to be greater. The recession has also hit American motocross. Were a few years ago Supercross only-contracts are still commonplace, but they are now rather an exception. With the exception of the injured, almost all AMA top riders will be behind the starting gate in Hangtown tomorrow.
450: Open battle?
Last year one man ruthlessly dominated the 450 championship. His name: Ryan Dungey. Under the care of Roger DeCoster Dungey flourished in it Rockstar Makita Suzuki-team. Dungey managed to win no fewer than 24 of 19 heats. He also took another 10 day victories. The big difference this year for Dungey may be the opposition. It could well be much stronger than in 2010.
After his title in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross has a championship Ryan Villopoto probably also has his sights set on the Outdoor Championship. The Monster Energy Kawasakidriver has good credentials to win the title. Van 2006 tot 2008 the rider unpacked Washington State three consecutive titles in what was then the Lites (250) class was called. Villopoto's teammate Jake Weimer debuts in the 450 class.
Also Chad Reed could play an important role in the title fight. Reed already became 2009 champion in 450, then on Suzuki. Last year the Australian could not fully defend his chances because he was felled halfway through the championship Epstein-Barr virus. At Honda they also count on the talent of good old Kevin Windham. The man from Louisiana normally comes out for it Geico Honda team but will be in the Nationals on a factory Red Bull Honda get to work. Windham has the tough task of dealing with the injured Red Bull Honda factory riders Trey Canard en Josh Grant to replace.
Roger DeCoster, from this season onwards the team manager of the Red Bull KTM The team has probably been eagerly awaiting the opening event of the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship. After all, it is an open secret that the outdoor circuits are riders, Andrew Short en Mike Alessilie down better. Andrew Short starts on the KTM SX-F while Alessi prefers one SX-F 450.
After the dissolution of the American Yamaha factory team the sporting interests of the brand are defended with crossed tuning forks by various support teams. James Stewart, the main factor at Yamaha. Missing for now. Yamaha's hopes rest mainly with this Justin Brayton en Davi Millsaps. Both Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Yamahariders had a mediocre Supercross season and could use some extra publicity. The biggest question mark in the Yamaha line-up is probably going to be Christophe Pourcel. Scream Scream negotiated with various teams for months, but the talks always turned to the Frenchman's exuberant wage demands. Ultimately, Pourcel apparently realized that he too could not escape wage moderation and signed on David Vuillemin guided MotoConcepts Yamaha team. However, it remains to be seen whether the collaboration between the two Marseilles will lead to great things.
250: power blocs
In lightest Pro class the battle has been raging between several power blocs for several seasons. This mainly includes: Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team and it Geico Powersports Honda team diametrically opposed to each other. Of brand new Supercross Lites East-champion Justin Barcia Geico Honda has a potential title candidate on board. Yet his teammate appears So Tomac physically a little bit stronger to deal with the heat and the length of the matches. Geico Honda misses Texan Blake Wharton. Wharton injured his shoulder during the Supercross season, but would make his comeback during the Outdoors season.
At Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki people probably count on it Tyla Rattray to succeed in the Outdoors. The former MX2 World Champion never really excelled in the Supercross season, but the Nationals certainly seem to be right up his alley. The South African has to deal with the young dog at home Dean Wilson. The Canadian with the British passport already showed great things during the outdoor season last year and is certainly considered a potential title candidate. Wilson and Rattray's teammates Josh Hansen, Blake Baggett en Brock Tickle then have more of one supercross profile. Team boss Mitch Payton may have to invest a lot of energy to keep peace in the tent.
KTM has a title contender in the 250 for the first time in a long time. Two-time world champion Marvin Musquin begins its first full U.S. campaign on Saturday. Musquin rode the American MX2 GP in Glen Helen. However, he had to conclude that he lacked the speed Ken Roczen en Jeffrey herlings to follow.
And then there are a whole host of outsiders like Cole Seely (Troy Lee Designs Honda), Ryan Sipes (DN Star Racing Yamaha), Martin Davalos (Rockstar Energy Suzuki) en Malcolm stewart (ARMA Suzuki City). The motocross circuits would be the younger brother of James should be a lot better than the Supercross tracks.
In 2011, Dutch and Belgian motocross fans will see the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship live for the first time via MotorsTV.
You can find the complete Lucas Oil AMA Motocross calendar here.
Photo Credits: Suzuki Racing, KTM Images/Garth Milan, KTM Images/Hoppenworld, Kawasaki Motors, American Honda
Also to read
Team HRC Honda to Portugal with Tim Gajser as the only rider
The 2024 MXGP World Championship kicks off the first of three straight races this weekend in Agueda, Portugal for the fifth round in this exciting battle. The next weekend it will…VIDEO: Roger De Coster about communication with the riders
In a video interview with Roger De Coster, the difficult start of the KTM boys in the US is discussed. It's about the set-up of the engines and how everyone...An update on Tyla van de Poel's injury
Tyla van de Poel crashed during the EMX125 in Arco di Trento and broke his tibia and fibula. Another pilot hit his front wheel on a ski jump, causing him to...Jago Geerts: “I want to come back to Lommel”
Jago Geerts is working hard to bounce back from an injury he sustained in early March during the opening race of the 2024 MXGP World Championship in Argentina. The Belgian, who at…
Your reactions