Vital MX Daily: 8/29/12

Ready to tour around and see what the companies, promoters and riders in MX are up to? Read on. Let us know what you think about this format, too...if you like it, hate it, etc.

We'll start with a Yamaha interview with David Phillipaerts.

Philippaerts: “I feel better and stronger than last year”
Monster Energy Yamaha’s David Philippaerts was a recent visitor to the British Grand Prix at Matterley Basin last week. The Italian was in good shape after the operation on his wrists in early July (in the wake of a crash at the Grand Prix of Sweden) and should very soon be given the all-clear by medical experts to start riding his YZ450FM. Here the former MX1-GP World Champion chats about his swift recovery and rehab period.

David, what’s the latest with your fitness and the status of the injury?

I feel better but now I’m frustrated because it is not possible to get back on the track again yet. It feels strange to be here [at Matterley] and not be thinking about the races. I have no pain, I feel strong and the doctor is happy with the work that has been done. He says the operation fixed the wrists and made them stronger even more than the surgery I had last year and of course with my job that is important!

What’s the next step?

I’m due a check-up soon and then together with the doctor we hope to fix a date to get back on the bike and then I’ll be taking it easy and slowly to get back to normal speed. I haven’t been cycling or working too much because the season is over for me, and it doesn’t make much sense to start training at this time. 2013 has to be my focus now. I am doing some light work to stay in shape but I think when I start riding again in September then I will step it up a little bit and do more work on the bike. I am doing physio every day.

So what have you been doing over the last month or so?

Some work on the house because I’ve never had such a long period at home! I’m sorting out some small things and hanging out with some friends. I walk to the bar everyday to see people and have a talk. It is a different life.

You haven’t had any worries or doubts because the injury was a repetition of the one last summer?

I was happy with the job last year and the guys in Germany took good care of me but the whole process there was not like being at home. I knew the doctor in Italy I needed this time and called him directly from Sweden after the crash. He told me the operation was difficult because he had to take away the old metal work and place new material. There were two options: an easy operation with a long recovery period of six months or a longer and hard operation with a shorter recovery. The doctor advised me to take the harder operation in the end because he thought it would be better for me. It was a long process but it meant I would be able to look at riding a bike two months afterwards. The doctor was pleased with his work and how it all turned out. Last year after twenty days I could move my hands and this time it was two. This year I was fast. I did the same training and was pushing the same way in the motos as I showed in Mexico and Brazil. So why not the same next year? The operation wasn’t done on a knee joint or a shoulder or any ligaments; it is just the bone and I saw the best specialist for that. I had two different types of plate last time and now they have been switched for the same material in each wrist and it is stronger. My life is motocross and I want to race.

You look in good form. If you can ride in September will the Nations on the 30th be possible?

No. I hope to be on the bike two weeks before and while I think it would be possible to race I won’t be at the level I want to be to do a job for Italy. For that motivation I cannot do it this time. I will miss Lommel but I should know if I can make another race this year quite soon.

Vital MX Forum Thread(s) of The Day

Jeff has a new ride for next season, and he lays out what he's been up to. Pretty bold and honest on his part...sort of a rarity these days. Check it out. http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Jeff-Alessi,1243097

Rupert X always has some wild 'n crazy posts. His Steel City photo recap from previous years is awesome.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Two-Things-I-MUST-Get-Off-My-Chest-Protector,1243137

Race Tech Series Graphics by Split Designs Co.

Race Tech and Split Designs Co. are showing off the new 2013 Race Tech Series graphics kits Available for all five major OEM's, Split Designs has Race Tech Series graphics available for almost any motocross bike out there, and kits can be customized to add your name and number free of charge. In addition, you can go for a full kit ($169.99), or just shroud graphics ($59.99). Full graphic kits are printed on high tac 21 mil motocross material, and complete kits include shrouds, front and side number plates, air box decals, front fender tip, rear fender, fork guards and swing arm decals. To order, visit SplitDesignsCo.com.

For more information about Race Tech’s products, seminars and rider support program, please visit racetech.com or call their friendly sales staff at: (951) 279-6655. To apply for Race Tech Rider Support, click here.

One Industries 2013 Intro

Bayo visited with the One crew, and came back with a cool report that you can find on the homepage (once a day is all we ask). Here's a shot that he'd posted on Instagram.

You have added Vital MX to the folks you follow on Instagram, right? Search for VitalMX.

Sponsorship Opportunity: Factory Effex
Looking for a graphics sponsor for the '13 race season? Factory Effex launches its sponsorship program at www.hookit.com/brands/factorye for athletes to apply for potential support. Your window is from 8/29/12 – 12/31/12, and they're offering discounts and monthly specials for sponsored riders only.

Sponsorship Opportunity: Atlas

Atlas Brace Technologies is accepting resumes at http://www.hookit.com/brands/atlasbracetechnologies/. Want more info? Visit Atlas Brace at atlasbrace.com, like them on facebook.com/atlasbrace, or follow them on twitter @atlasbrace.

TLD Creates Exclusive Helmets for University of Notre Dame

Last week, Adidas and the University of Notre Dame unveiled the new Adidas TECHFIT football uniforms, with accompanying redesigned football helmets, that the Irish will wear on October 6th when they host the Miami Hurricanes at Soldier Field in Chicago for this year's Shamrock Series game.

Of course, the Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda team also has relationship with Adidas, and the gang there recently added their take on the classic Notre Dame football helmet. Using time-honored artistic practices, these intricately designed helmets are two-thirds gold leaf and one-third blue. The gold area of the helmet touts an impressive, multi-layer, textured swirl effect finish while the blue area features an updated white Notre Dame Leprechaun graphic.

These specially designed helmets utilize spun 22-carat gold leaf and have been machine-turned more than 200 times. This particular process, credited entirely to the craftsman at Troy Lee Designs, provides the Shamrock Series helmets with a newer, more brilliant, bright gold finish, a tribute to the iconic Notre Dame dome.

The process that Troy Lee Designs used for this project is one that dates back to the 1800's whereby early artisans used pure gold dust, infused with other liquid substances, to paint intricate murals and other works of art that still adorn many churches, cathedrals and castles around the world today. Additional fodder for the process used on the Notre Dame helmets came from the type of paint-process used in the 1920's and 30's in the painting of carriages and early fire engines.

Troy Lee had this to say about being asked to be part of the helmet process, “I am really pretty honored that I was asked to help redesign these football helmets for Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series. It has been exciting to take part in updating this classic look for such an iconic institution like Notre Dame.”

Notre Dame fans can LIKE the TLD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/troyleedesigns.tld and the adidas football page at www.facebook.com/adidasFootballUS for more information, photos and videos of the new Irish uniforms. They can also follow the conversation on Twitter at @TroyLeeDesigns or @adidasUS and use the hashtag #techfit.

Fox Road Tour Heads to RCU Lake Elsinore Campus
Showcasing an Interactive Product-Learning Experience

MX Sports is pleased to announce the return of Fox Racing as a supporter of Ricky Carmichael University at the Lake Elsinore Campus. Taking place Monday, September 10 in Lake Elsinore, Ca., this year's RCU will feature the Fox Road Tour, presenting a hands-on learning experience for Fox's newest premiere releases: the Instinct boot and V4 helmet.

Fox Racing will be showcasing their consumer interactive experience at RCU Lake Elsinore, featuring the newly released Instinct Boots and V4 Helmets. While students hit the track with their instructors, family members and mechanics are encouraged to take advantage of the activities taking place throughout the facility.

"We're excited to bring the Fox Road Tour to the Lake Elsinore Campus this year," said Warren Johnson, Marketing Communication Director. "Fox will have reps on hand during RCU to present full product details for both the Instinct boot and V4 helmet and participants and their families can actually try them on and learn how it all works."

RCU is an exclusive and unprecedented opportunity for motocross riders on the west coast to learn from The-Greatest-of-All-Time and his accomplished faculty. For more information and to register for the event, click HERE.

Tickets On-Sale for Ontario EnduroCross

If you're looking for tickets to the Endurocross round in Ontario, California on Saturday, September 15th, they're on sales now at three of the area’s best Powersports dealers; John Burr Kawasaki (www.johnburrcycles.com), Corona Motorsports (www.coronamotorsports.com), and Malcolm Smith Motorsports (www.malcolmsmithmotorsports.com) as well as at Ticketmaster.

Just like all EnduroCross events, the pit area is open to the public for free all day and the arena is also open for free during the daytime practice and qualifiers, which get started on Saturday morning. The top 30 Expert riders also do a one at a time Hot Lap during the midafternoon so make a day out of it and check it out in person.

For more information on the TV Coverage, check your local listings or www.motorsportshour.com.

For more information on EnduroCross, go to www.EnduroCross.com.

KTM Announces KTM EnduroCross Rider Experience Schedule

KTM is excited to announce the return of its KTM EnduroCross Rider Experience Program at both the Denver and Boise rounds of the AMA GEICO EnduroCross Series.

The KTM EnduroCross Rider Experience Program is a chance for the first 20 KTM non-pro riders that register for the event to receive a FREE riding session courtesy of KTM the Friday before the race at both the Denver (October 6, 2012) and Boise (October 27, 2012) EnduroCross rounds. The first 20 riders that register for each event will spend over one hour on the EnduroCross track while receiving special instruction from KTM pro athletes Mike Brown and Taddy Blazusiak.

The lucky riders will be greeted by KTM staff and pro riders upon arrival to the stadium on Friday night. After the ride session and special instruction, riders will be given a KTM t-shirt and will be emailed a photo of them from their time on the course.

To sign-up for the event, please visit www.endurocross.com, select the entry form link and choose the KTM Experience from the drop down list.

Coppins and Yamaha win Australian MX Championship
Yamaha have ruled the competitive Australian Motocross Championship once more and thanks to CDR Yamaha and Josh Coppins the YZ450F was able to stand atop the podium for one of the most sought-after national titles in the MX world. For veteran and former Grand Prix winner Coppins adding the Aussie crown to his vast CV of accomplishments was the last major stamp on a career that lasted almost twenty years at the highest level.

Coppins scored second position overall at Coolum in Queensland last weekend in what was the tenth and final round of the series. The 35 year old picked up seven moto victories and posted fantastic 21 top three finishes in the 30 motos run over the course of the contest. It was the fifth consecutive championship for the Australian CDR team.

“This ranks highly for me,” said the New Zealander, who spent three seasons as a factory Yamaha racer in the FIM MX1-GP World Championship. “No domestic championship is easy, even more so when it's not in your home country. The level of the teams impressed me and overall I've had a great time and I am really happy I got to ride here before I retired.”

“It felt good to repay Yamaha and all the sponsors,” he added. “I feel at home with Yamaha and have now won races for them all over the world. The latest YZ450F has been one of my favourite bikes of my pro career.”

Coppins will represent his country at Lommel in Belgium for the 66th Motocross of Nations on September 30th. The Kiwi has always been in contention to fly his flag since his first appearance back in 1993. ‘The Lizard’ will then contemplate his next steps: “I will stay involved with Yamaha and in mx, mostly back home in New Zealand but also abroad. We are still talking; I think they wanted me to get this championship in the bag before we made to many plans but I'm happy that we have a future laid out.”

“I’m excited for Josh that he was able to win this championship,” said CDR Yamaha Team Principal Craig Dack to Yamaha Australia. “I have said it before, but the working relationship I have with Josh is still the best I have had with a rider in doing this role in 20 years. For Josh to secure our 36th championship, in our 20th anniversary of CDR Yamaha is a fitting reward and another historic moment for CDR and Yamaha.”

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The Legends & Heroes Tour to honor “Mad Mike” Jones @ Steel City National!

The Legends & Heroes Tour is proud to announce that it will be honoring Michael Jones, aka “Mad Mike” Jones, at round 11 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in Delmont, PA this coming weekend. Mr. Jones was born February 28, 1966 in Pittsburgh, PA and just six short years later he started his motorcycle racing career. Often considered as "One of the founding fathers to the sport of Freestyle Motocross", he is an American freestyle motocross competitor, with over 35 years of professional rider experience under his belt.

In 1989, “Mad Mike” became the World Champion of Supercross. Nine years later, it was the sport of FMX that earned him another world title and in 2001, Mike was a Winter X Games Gold Medalist.

“We meet Mike earlier this year at the High Point National and found this guy to be a true champion. Many of us remember when Jones hit the road and raced the nationals. A frequent face mixing it up on the track at Steel City, Hi Point and then went to compete the World Supercross series. Mike came home with the World Supercross title in 1989” States Alex Moroz General Managing Partner of the Legends & Heroes Tour. “In 2001, Mike Jones was the first ever to win the Red Bull X-Fighters competition” Moroz concludes.

Today, Mike continues to ride the veteran class and does Freestyle exhibitions as well. He is married to his wife, Christine, of 25 years and has a twenty-two year old daughter, Brittany, who just graduated college. They both ride just for fun.

The Legends & Heroes of Motocross 2012 tour will honor Mr. Jones this Saturday during the opening ceremonies of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships at Steel City. Mr. Jones will also be at the Legends & Heroes display at 3:00pm Saturday for a meet and greet with the fans.

Barcia and Tomac Pushing Hard for Championship Lead

DELMONT, Pa. (Aug. 28) - Just two events remain in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship season and GEICO Honda riders Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac are still very much in the hunt for the season championship.

Both men are chasing leader Blake Baggett, who leads second-place Barcia by 24 points and third-place Tomac by 28 points.

With four motos left in the season including two at this weekend's Steel City National, Barcia said there's no time left to hold anything back.

"It's do-or-die time," Barcia said. "I'm going to give it my all, but I still have to stay smart, because riding smart is what has put me in the position I'm in right now."

Barcia said the Steel City track can be a little unpredictable, so he's going to be on his guard all day.

"This track usually gets hard and slick in a hurry," Barcia said. "Great starts here are a must, and you've got to run smart for all 30 minutes."

Tomac, while a little further back, also has his eyes on the top prize.

"I'm not out of it by any means," Tomac said. "My goal for this weekend is to get to within at least a moto of Baggett by the time we leave. I've got to keep plugging away and get more moto wins, it's the best thing I can do right now."

Tomac said he's happy to have that big motivator to carry him through to the end of the season.

"By this point in the year, if you aren't in the championship, you are kind of just waiting for the season to be over," Tomac said. "You are wishing things would have gone a little bit better. It's cool to be up here right now and I'm excited to see what we can do this weekend."

GEICO Honda's Justin Bogle is coming off his best overall finish of the season, a sixth, last time out in Unadilla. Bogle said he's been busy back in Oklahoma refining his riding so he can crack the podium before the season ends.

"I've been working on a few things," Bogle said. "I want to come into Steel City more prepared than I have been at any other outdoor race this year. I've been working on a lot of the fundamentals - starts, corners and all the areas - just to get better.

"I got to race Steel City last year and I really like the track. With the way the ruts form in the dirt there it reminds me of a few tracks around Oklahoma."

Wil Hahn, who is trying to maintain his hold on sixth place in the standings, also has his sights set on a podium finish or two before the year is out.

"I want to get my bike on the box and have some all-GEICO podiums," Hahn said. "I've feeling good and been doing my homework. This race has a good vibe. There's a huge core of fans who show up and I'm looking forward to giving them all a good show."

Jeff Ward Racing Team Gear Is Now Available at JeffWardRacing.com

As the old saying goes – It’s better late than never and with that Jeff Ward Racing (JWR) is pleased to announce that its online store is now up and running. Fans can now purchase all their favorite JWR team gear at JeffWardRacing.com. All stock is up to date and current.

The list of JWR team gear that is currently available includes jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, baseball t-shirts, white & black hats along with JWR branded Element iPhone cases. Please note that shipping charges are automatically included, unless the order is being placed from outside the United States. In that case the purchaser will receive a separate invoice for additional shipping/handling charges before the items ship. All purchases will be sent through USPS and the method of payment at this time is PayPal only. Questions regarding JWR team gear and/or any purchases made through the online store can be directed to JWR’s office manager Stacy Guzman at stacy@jeffwardracing.com or at 951-696-5665.

Red Bull X-Fighters Jam Soars above Jindabyne

The Red Bull X-Fighters Jam will be injecting the energy and excitement of freestyle motocross with a jaw-dropping demonstration at Lake Jindabyne Hotel this Saturday the 1st of September.

A handful of the best Aussie riders will satisfy the appetite for action with a show as anticipation builds ahead of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour finale at Sydney’s Cockatoo Island on October 6.

Backflips, whips, seat-grabs, supermans and more of the biggest tricks in the business will be thrown down by professional FMX pilots including NSW local Truman Carroll. Keep watch for the riders flying high from 2-5pm.

The Red Bull X-Fighters Jams will offer a sample of the tricks and talent set to be showcased to the world on October 6 in Sydney.


Ticket packages for the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour finale at Cockatoo Island start at $69.00 (plus booking fee) including ferry transfers. For a full range of ticket options visit www.ticketek.com.au/xfighters.

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