Photo Flashback…Jim McIlvaine 2003

PHOTO FLASHBACK 2003

Jim McIlvaine, Raceway Park, August 2003

JimMcIlvaine

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 9:49 am
Filed under 2003, Photos · Tagged with jim mcilvaine, photo, photography, scott lukaitis

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2008

Words and Photos by Scott Lukaitis

Well the 2009 KROC begins tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Please if you enjoyed it let us know by commenting below on the website or on our Facebook page. Stay tuned all year long and NJ motocross explores motocross and other forms of racing in the Garden State, past, present and future.

Below is an article that ran in Cycle News as well as some photos.

Enjoy.

Futrell and Nicoletti Split KROC Green

Old Bridge Township’s Raceway Park

Englishtown, NJ

October 3-4, 2008

Words and photos by Scott Lukaitis

When a couple of friends laid out a motocross track in an empty New Jersey field thirty-three years ago little did they know what their track would one day become. The staff of Raceway Park ran a couple of races that first years and it their second yer of operation the Race of Champions was born. Originally sponsored by a local country club it was in the early 80’s that Kawasaki motors stepped in as the title sponsor. Team Green was in it’s infancy and so was the little track in New Jersey. Well time has served both well as Team Green and Raceway Park have grown to the professional organizations that we now know.

The Kawasaki Race of Champions or KROC is often a stepping stone to a successful racing career and over the years virtually every Team Green racer has made the annual pilgrimage to KROC. Guys like Billy Liles, Donny Schmidt, Eddie Warren, Ron Tichenor, Denny Stephenson, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart all made their mark in the Jersey soil. What would 2008 hold? With the current state of the economy and high fuel prices one would wonder how the turnout would be. With over 750 racers on Saturday and qualifiers in Sunday’s pro classes the racers showed that the KROC is a must attend in Northeast motocross.

Saturday is amateur and Vet day at the KROC. Full gates were the order of the day and winning a class at KROC is surely a notch on your resume. Completing the full program as the sun set below the trees the Raceway Park staff was on the move. Saturday’s big winners included Chris Duymich (250 and Open Novice), Keith Johnson (25+ and 30+ Expert), and Jacob Hayes (85cc 12-15 and Schoolboy 4-stroke). Perennial NJ fast guy Barry Carsten was the 40+ expert winner and former Quad National Champion Travis Spader shed 2 wheels and won the 25+ “B” class.

Barry Carsten

Sunday’s schedule would consist of the Pro Expert classes (250 and Open) as well as 3 special intermission races for amateur and mini bike riders.

Serious Racewear Honda rider Taylor Futrell jumped out to the early lead in the first Open Expert moto of the day with Rockstar Suzuki rider Justin Weeks, track local Adam Blessing and Phil Nicoletti in tow. As the pack came back into view Team Green rider Lowell Spangler it was Weeks in the lead followed by Blessing, Nicoletti, Jay Weller and Team Green rider Lowell Spangler. Futrell had bobbled in the back of the track and would be forced to work through the pack. Nicoletti would make quick work of Blessing and jumped by Weeks in the front grandstand section of the track. Spangler too got by Blessing and then around Weeks. The Kawasaki pilot set off after Nicoletti who was rapidly disappearing. Behind the lead duo the positions started to settle in with Weeks in third, track points champion Dakota Kessler in fourth and working his way through the pack was Futrell for fifth. At the moto’s end Spangler closed up slightly but not enough to pressure Nicoletti who went on to win. Spangler was second and Weeks third. Nicoletti thanked his friend Vic Palmieri for lending him the bike to use and former mechanic Paul Bruno for stying up late the night before getting the bike ready. When asked about riding the unfamiliar Honda, Nicoletti mentioned that next season he would be on the Red machines as part of Team Solitare.

Taylor Futrell

In the first 250 Expert moto Futrell was once again the man in the gas grabbing the holeshot and early lead. Nicoletti, riding his more familiar Kawasaki, Team Green rider Keith Johnson and Dakota Kessler were close behind. Futrell and Nicoletti battled until the track reached up and grabbed Nicoletti throwing him to the ground and out of the moto. Banged up and bruised it was questionable if Nicoletti would be out for the rest of the afternoon. Futrell moved out up front and began to stretch his lead, meanwhile Paul Lamb worked his way past Kessler and Johnson and was second behind Futrell. Spangler too worked his way through the pack and settled into third at the motos end.

Lowell Spangler

Many were surprised when Nicoletti lined up for the second Open Expert moto but working with his trainer Greg Direnzo in between motos he felt well enough to tough it out. When the gate fell it was Nicoletti this time grabbing the holeshot with Spangler, Futrell and Kessler hot on his heels. When Futrell went down in the tricky front section of the track it gave Nicoletti the breathing room he needed to go on and take the moto and overall win. Behind Nicoletti Spangler had settled into second and Saturday’s Vet class standout showed the kids a thing or two and came across the line in third. Spanglers 2-2 motos gave him the second step on the podium and a sixth in moto number two gave Justin Weeks the final spot on the podium with 3-6 motos.

Phil Nicoletti

After witnessing Futrell’s Open class crash it was a surprise to see him on the line for the final moto of the day. Futrell got the early jump on the field but it was two-stroke mounted Brian Mulcahy leading the pack up the staircase. Futrell wasn’t showing any ill effects of his early crash and quickly went into the way. Mulcahy, Spangler and Ryan Blizzard gave chase but it wasn’t to be. Futrell was a man on a mission and pulled away from the pack. Behind him Spangler was the first man out with a DNF as his rear wheel went away. First moto second place rider Paul Lamb had worked his was past Mulcahy and Blizzard and ws again in second place. With a couple laps to go NJ hero Barry Carsten was in third place but was under attack from James Decotis. Carsten, who won the 40+ Expert class on Saturday, held on for third despite a last straight attack from the young Suzuki rider. In the end it was Futrell going 1-1 for first overall followed by Lamb in second with 2-2 motos and the consistent 5-5 motos of Jay Weller for third overall.

Along with the four exciting Pro motos three special intermission motos were run. In the Ironman Classic race, for amateur racers, Cody Robbins survived a last lap charge from Nick Desiderio to take the win and a brand new bike courtesy of Pennsylvania dealer Can Do Powersports. The Top Gun Minicycle Shootout was won by Zachary Bell and the Kessler Cup was won by Alexander Frye. In the latter two races local dealers Mt Holly Kawasaki and Town and Country Cycle Center gave away brand new KX85’s to a lucky random participant.

2009 Monster Energy Kawasaki team riders Tim Ferry and Ryan Villopoto put on a riding exhibition aboard brand new out of the crate machines and signed autographs for their fans.

As the sun set, and fans were on their way home, I can’t help but look forward to next October for another exciting KROC.

Zachary Bell

Please help Justin Weeks...www.jw381.com

Do you have a KROC memory? Let us know by commenting below.

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 8:48 am
Filed under 2008, Race Reports · Tagged with adam blessing, American Motorcyclist Association, barry carsten, dakota kessler, e fitness academy, Facebook, justin weeks, kawasaki race of champions, kroc, motocross, Motorcycle Racing, Motorsports, new jersey, nj, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Race of Champions, Sports, taylor futrell

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2007

Words and Photos by Scott Lukaitis

KROC Results

Saturday October 6, 2007

65cc 7-9

1. Damian Thompson (KTM)

2. Alexander Frye (KTM)

3. Chase Bell (KAW)

4. Miguel Correla (KTM)

5. Kade Walker (OTH)

65cc 10-11

1. Jon Borrello (KTM)

2. Austin Littler (KTM)

3. Kevin Tompkins (KTM)

4. Aaron Ziefelder (KAW)

5. Trevor Shaffer (KTM)

85cc 7-11

1. Robert Piazza (KAW)

2. Damon Fiore (KAW)

3. Miles Schellenberger (SUZ)
4. James Coen (SUZ)
5. Alexander Frye (KTM)

Zachary Bell

85cc 12-13

1. Zachary Bell (KAW)

2. Richard Grey (KTM)

3. Kameron Page (YAM)

4. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

5. Ryan Zaveral (HON)

Jimmy Decotis

85cc 14-15

1. James Decotis (YAM)

2. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

3. Austin Phelps (KAW)

4. Max Stevey (SUZ)

5. Adam Scicchitano (SUZ)

Andrew Homick

125 Novice

1. Andrew Homick (SUZ)

2. Dominick Guastella (SUZ)

3. Mike Correa (KAW)

4. Christopher Duymich (HON)
5. JT Milne (HON)

Lowell Spangler

125 Amateur

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Cody Robbins (KAW)

3. Frank Lettieri (SUZ)

4. Addison Kramer (KAW)

5. Kody Renzland (KAW)

Michael Sowa

250 Novice

1. Michael Sowa (SUZ)
2. Billy Hauser (KAW)

3. Mike Correa (HON)

4. Michael Cox (HON)

5. Alex Stavola (SUZ)

250 Amateur

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Cody Robbins (KAW)

3. Frank Letieri (SUZ)

4. Tyler Sanderson (KAW)
5. Joshua Gottshall (YAM)

Jonathan Bronne

25+ Amateur

1. Jonathan Bronne (HON)

2. Norman Innis (HON)

3. John Ward (HON)

4. Joey Rogers (YAM)

5. Ethan Waybright (HON)

Damian Plotts

25+ Expert

1. Damien Plotts (KAW)

2. Barry Carsten (SUZ)

3. Ty Wallace (SUZ)

4. Mark Waldele (KAW)

5. Daniel Grimm (KTM)

30+ Novice

1. Jose Romero (KAW)

2. Edward Lokerson (SUZ)

3. Neal Kitson (YAM)

4. Chuck Schellhardt (KTM)

5. Gerald Ricciardelli (YAM)

30+ Amateur

1. Norman Innis (HON)

2. Victor Palmieri (HON)
3. Carl Herrforth (HON)
4. Ethan Waybright (HON)
5. James Sanders (KAW)

Barry Carsten

30+ Expert

1. Barry Carsten (SUZ)

2. Damien Plotts (KAW)

3. Kurt McMillen (KAW)

4. Carlo Coen (KAW)

5. Ty Wallace (SUZ)

40+ Amateur

1. Doug Kitchell (HON)

2. Chris Sudyam (HON)

3. George Gilmour (Hon)

4. Dean Mauro (KAW)

5. Joseph Dublas (YAM)

40+ Expert

1.Barry Carsten (SUZ)

2. Kurt McMillen (KAW)

3. Gaylon Dickson (KAW)

4. James McIlvaine (HON)
5. Carlo Coen (KAW)

Junior Mini

1. Alexander Frye (KTM)
2. Jake Scott (YAM)

3. Robert Piazza (KAW)

4. Alec Ethier (KAW)

5. Miles Schellenberger (SUZ)

AJ Catanzaro

Super Mini

1. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

2. James Decotis (YAM)
3. Zachary Bell (KAW)

4. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

5. Ryan Zaveral (HON)

Frank Lettieri

Schoolboy

1. Frank Lettieri (SUZ)

2. Charles Sherby (HON)

3. Sal Calamita (HON)

4. Seth Rarick (KTM)

5. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

Collegeboy

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Colton Bailey (HON)

3. Darryn Durham (SUZ)
4. William Duffy (SUZ)

5. William Shatrau (KAW)

Open 4-Stroke

1. PJ Larsen (KAW)

2. Ryan Blizzard (KAW)

3. Charles Sherby (HON)
4. Shane Durham (KAW)

5. Colton Bailey (HON)

Women

Marissa Markelon (HON)

Brianna Mahon (KAW)

Samantha Fritz (HON)

Nikki Stewart (KAW)

Krisa Sweeney (KAW)

KROC results Sunday October 7, 2007

Kessler Cup 65cc

1. Jon Borello (KTM)

2. Alexander Frye (KTM)

3. Kevin Tompkins (KTM)

4. Aaron Ziefelder (KAW)

5. Trevor Shaffer (SUZ)

Town and Country Cycle Center KX85 Drawing Winner

Justin Tompkins

Fox Mt Holly Top Gun Mini Cycle Shootout

1. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

2. Zachary Bell (KAW)

3. James Decotis (YAM)

4. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

5. Austin Phelps (KAW)

Mt Holly Top Gun Mini Cycle Shootout KX85 Drawing Winner

James Decotis

Monmouth Cycles Ironman Classic

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)
2. William Shatrau (KAW)

3. Cody Robbins (KAW)

4. Frank Lettieri (SUZ)

5. Kody Renzland (KAW)

Robby Marshall

125 Pro Expert Class

1. Robby Marshall (KAW)

2. Darryn Durham (SUZ)

3. Taylor Futrell (HON)

4. Barry Carsten (SUZ)

5. Adam Blessing (HON)

6. Michael Sattile (KAW)

7. Jay Weller (SUZ)

8. Kyle Willis (HON)
9. Ben Ritter (SUZ)

10. Damien Plotts (KAW)

PJ Larsen

250 Pro Expert class

1. PJ Larsen (KAW)

2. Taylor Futrell (HON)

3. Roby Marshall (KAW)

4. Jay Weller (SUZ)

5. Barry Carsten (SUZ)
6. William Duffy (SUZ)

7. Shane Durham (KAW)

8. Ben Ritter (SUZ)

9. Thomas Addy (HON)

10. Kenny Day (HON)

Here is an article that was written for Mini Rider Magazine covering the event:

Mini Rider

By Scott Lukaitis

Photos by Scott Lukaitis

October for New Jersey motocross fans as meant one thing. The KROC! For the past 31 years Kawasaki Team Green and their participating local Kawasaki dealers have presented the Kawasaki Race of Champions.

Over the years the entry list has read like a who’s who of famous motocross racers. Most recent competitors have included many of today’s famous factory riders including Jason Lawrence, Ryan Villopoto, Zach Osborne, and Kyle Chisholm. Nearly 650 riders signed up on Saturday with the hope of adding their name to the list.

Once the early morning fog lifted on Saturday morning unseasonably warm temperatures in the high eighties and a brand new track layout courtesy of track designer Micky Kessler greeted the packed classes.

In 65cc racing Damian Thompson and Jon Borello took the wins on their respective classes while in 85cc racing Robert Piazza, Zachary Bell, and James Decotis took their class wins. Alexander Frye was the Junior Mini winner and AJ Catanzaro took the Supermini class win.

In addition to the premier expert classes on Sunday two special exhibition races were held for Saturday’s top finishers. Each class also had a great grand prize, a brand new KX85 given away by local dealers. Each rider would be given a raffle ticket and a lucky winner in each class would take home a great surprise. The Kessler Cup for 65cc racers was won by Jon Borello followed by Alexander Frye and Kevin Tompkins and Tompkins brother Justin was the happy winner of the new KX85 courtesy of local dealer Town and Country Cycle Center. The Mt Holly Kawasaki/Fox Mini Cycle Shootout was won by AJ Catanzaro with Zach Bell in second and James Decotis in third. Decotis’ podium finish was especially sweet as he went home with the new KX85 as the lucky winner of the new bike drawing. Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory riders Tim Ferry and James Stewart even flew in from Florida to show the Northeast fans their skills in an afternoon demonstration.

The 31^st annual Kawasaki Race of Champions was a great weekend of racing for everyone. Ask your parents to start planning now for a trip to New Jersey next October for the 32^nd annual Race of Champions.

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:49 am
Filed under 2007, Race Reports · Tagged with adam blessing, American Motorcyclist Association, barry carsten, cody robbins, Damien Plotts, frank lettieri, KAW, kawasaki race of champions, new jersey, nj, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, zachary bell

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2006

Words and Photos by Scott Lukaitis

2006 KROC Results

30th Annual Kawasaki Team Green Race of Champions

Saturday Results:

65cc 7-9: 1.Darian Robinson (KTM), 2. Damon Fiore (KAW), 3. Trevor Shaffer (KTM), 4. Robert Allen (KAW), 5. Jacob Hartranft (KAW)

Darian Robinson

65cc 10-11: 1. Nick Desiderio (KTM) 2. Zachary Bell (KAW) 3. Chris Canning (KTM) 4. Rowland Papp (KAW) 5. Taylor Perry (KAW)

85cc 7-11: 1. Nick Desiderio (SUZ), 2. Joey Peters (KAW), 3. Luke Renzland (KAW), 4. Zachary Bell (KAW), 5. Chris Canning (KAW)

Nick Desiderio

85cc 12-13: 1. Cody Robbins (KAW), 2. James Justice (KTM), 3. Frank Lettieri (SUZ), 4. Tyler Hawk (KAW), 5. Jake Abbott (KAW)

85cc 14-15: 1. James Decotis (YAM), 2. Ray Leybovich (HON), 3. Andrew Johns (KAW), 4. Billy Allen Jr. (SUZ), 5. Aaron Houser (YAM)

Junior Mini: 1. James Justice (KTM), 2. Nick Desiderio (SUZ), 3. Joey Peters (KAW), 4. Luke Renzland (KAW), 5. Kyle Peters (HON)

Supermini: 1. Cody Robbins (KAW), 2. Frank Lettieri (SUZ), 3. Kyle Peters (HON), 4. Tyler Hawk (KAW), 5. James Justice (KTM)

Womens: 1. Jessye Davis (HON), 2. Haley Burke (SUZ), 3. Katelyn Crowley (SUZ), 4. Nikki Stewart (YAM), 5. Virginia Roma (HON)

125 Novice: 1. Dustin Bailey (KAW), 2. Douglas Zee (HON), 3. Kevin Hudson (YAM), 4. Arthur Stryker (HON), 5. Vincent Cianci (KTM)

125 Amateur: 1. Michael Hall (KAW), 2. Derek Rogers (KTM), 3. Lowell Spangler (KAW), 4. Brad Keister (KAW), 5. Ryan Gainey (HON)

Michael Hall

250 Novice: 1.Travis Ferry (HON), 2. Douglas Zee (HON), 3. Jeff Mesler (HON), 4. Arthur Stryker (YAM), 5. Doug McHenry (HON)

250 Amateur: 1. Ryan Gainey (HON), 2. Kyle Whritenour (KAW), 3. Ryan Blizzard (KAW), 4. Dakota Kessler (KAW), 5. Alex Hotchkiss (KAW)

Schoolboy: 1. Lowell Spangler (KAW), 2. Malcolm Stewart (KAW), 3. Michael Stryker (SUZ), 4. Matt Babbitt (KAW), 5. Kyle Peters (HON)

Collegeboy: 1. Kyle Chisholm (KAW), 2. Ben Ritter (KAW), 3. Ryan Gainey (HON), 4. Roy Holt (KAW), 5. Paul Lamb (YAM)

25+ Amateur: 1. Chris Brice (HON), 2. Sean Gillies (HON), 3. Johnny Palmieri Jr (KAW), 4. Victor Palmieri (HON), 5. Peter Occonnell (HON)

25+ Expert: 1 Barry Carsten (SUZ), 2. Damien Plotts (KAW), 3. Greg Pamart (HON), 4. Mark Waldele (KAW), 5. Darren Edsall (KAW)

Barry Carsten

30+ Novice: 1. John Ward (HON), 2. Neal Kitson (YAM), 3. Bill Ostlin (HON), 4. Bill Mazzucco (HON), 5. George Greenaway (KAW)

30+ Amateur: Johnny Palmieri Jr (KAW), 2. Sean Gillies (HON), 3. Victor Palmieri (HON), 4. Michael Lewis (HON), 5. Michael Yonkowski (HON)

30+ Expert: 1. Barry Carsten (SUZ), 2. Damien Plotts (KAW), 3. Greg Pamart (HON), 4. Pat Barton (SUZ), 5. Kurt McMillen (SUZ)

40+ Amateur: 1. Jeffrey Mesler (HON), 2. Edward Rapp (KAW), 3. Phil Spagnola (HON), 4. Ted Howell (HON), 5. Doug Kitchell (KAW)

40+ Expert: 1. Barry Carsten (SUZ), 2. Pat Barton (SUZ), 3. Kurt McMillen (SUZ), 4. Jerry Seip (HON), 5. Jim Kapitan (HON)

Sunday Results:

125 Expert: 1. Kyle Chisholm (KAW), 2. Robby Marshall (KAW), 3. Barry Carsten (SUZ), 4. Ben Ritter (KAW), 5. Paul Lamb (YAM)

Kyle Chisholm

250 Expert: 1. Phil Nicoletti (HON), 2. Barry Carsten (SUZ), 3. Damien Plotts (KAW), 4. Ben Ritter (KAW), 5. Robby Marshall (KAW)

Phil Nicoletti

Town and Country Cycle Center/ Kessler Cup: 1. Zachary Bell (KAW), 2. Nick Desiderio (KTM), 3. Chris Canning (KAW), 4. Darian Robinson (KTM), 5. Rowland Papp (KAW)

Mt Holly/ Fox Top Gun mini shootout: 1. Frank Lettieri (SUZ), 2. Nick Desiderio (SUZ), 3. James Justice (KTM), 4. Zachary Bell (KAW), 5. Cody Robbins (KAW)

Frank Lettieri

Monmouth Cycles Ironman Classic: 1. Michael Hall (KAW), 2. Ryan Gainey (HON), 3. Ryan Blizzard (KAW), 4. Alex Hotchkiss (KAW), 5. Malcolm Stewart (KAW)

.Do you have a KROC memory? Let us know by commenting below.

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 8:50 am
Filed under 2006, Archives, Race Reports · Tagged with American Motorcyclist Association, barry carsten, james stewart, kawasaki race of champions, motocross, new jersey, nick desiderio, nj, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, photo, photography, Photos, Race of Champions, raceway park

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2005

Words and Photos by Scott Lukaitis

The 29th annual KROC took place over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of October in 2005. Some notable class winners included Justin Barcia in the 85cc 12-13, Lowell Spangler in the 85cc 14-15 and Supermini, Zach Osborne in the 125″B” and Phil Nicoletti in the Schoolboy class. Team Green rider Kyle Chisholm was the big winner of the weekend taking Saturday’s Collegeboy class as well as both Expert classes on Sunday. Sunday’s 125 Expert and 250 Expert classes has the same podium with Chisholm taking the victories followed by Robbie Marshall in second and Barry Carsten in third. The special intermission races on Sunday were won by Barcia for the Top Gun Mini Shootout, Nick Desiderio for the Kessler cup and Sean Hackley was the “Ironman Classic” winner.

Check out some photo highlights below.

Amateur MX Magazine Article

Justin Barcia

Zach Osborne

James Stewart and Michale Byrne before Sunday's demo ride

Kyle Chisholm

Robbie Marshall

Do you have a KROC memory? Let us know by commenting below.

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:34 am
Filed under 2005, Race Reports · Tagged with American Motorcyclist Association, barry carsten, james stewart, kawasaki race of champions, kroc, motocross, new jersey, nj, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, raceway park

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2004

Words by Scott Lukaitis

Photos by Scott Lukaitis

The 28th annual Kawasaki Race of Champions took place in 2004. Some of today’s current motocross stars were in attendance including the big bike debut of future National Champion Ryan Villopoto. Villopoto would win the Schoolboy class while Team Green teammate Matt Boni would class the Amateur field by winning both the 125 and 250 “B” classes. Justin Barcia won both the 65cc 10-11 and 85cc 7-11 classes. PJ Larsen was the 85cc 12-13 class winner and Zach Osborne was the Super Mini winner. Adam Blessing was the winner of both the 125 and 250 Novice class. In Expert class racing Kyle Chisholm defeated Damian PLotts and Pierce Chamberlain in the 125 class while Ryan Sipes was followed by Chisholm and Gavin Gracyk in 250 class racing. Check out some photo highlights below.

Amateur MX Magazine Article

Justin Barcia

Zach Osborne

Ryan Villopoto

Gavin Gracyk

Ryan Sipes

Matt Boni

RacerX's Davey Coombs and Chris Tedesco

To see more photos from the event click over to Lukaitis Photo 2004 KROC or Chris Tedesco’s 2004 KROC images.
Do you have a KROC memory? Let us know by commenting below.

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 9:34 am
Filed under 2004, Race Reports · Tagged with adam blessing, justin barcia, kawasaki race of champions, kyle chisholm, Matt Boni, motocross, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Pierce Chamberlain, ryan villopoto, zach osborne

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2002

Words by Scott Lukaitis

Photos courtesy Raceway News
The 26th annual KROC was held on October 5th and 6th 2002 and again featured some of the nations best racers in attendance. The 125 Expert class saw Josh Woods take the victory followed by Barry Carsten and Ryan Sipes rounded out the podium. The 250 Expert class was won by Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki racer Ezra Lusk with Damian PLotts in second and Sipes again in third. Other notable names in teh results include Jason Lawrence winning both the 80cc 14/15 and Super Mini classes while in 80cc 10-11 racing Nico Izzi was the winner followed by Tyler Bowers and Trey Canard. 2009 Rockie of the year Justin Barcia was the 65cc7-9 class winner.

Check out some photo highlights below.

Courtesy Raceway News

Do you have a KROC memory? Let us know by commenting below.

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 9:05 am
Filed under 2002, Race Reports · Tagged with barry carsten, jason lawrence, Josh Woods, kawasaki race of champions, new jersey, nj, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, raceway park

Countdown to KROC…Flashback 2001

Photos by Scott Lukaitis

Rich Trevelise interviews Steve Lamson after a 250 class moto

Husqvarna Factory Rider Steve Lamson

Travis Preston competred on a bike borrowed from Mt Holly Suzuki

James Stewart made his big bike debut

Posted by Scott Lukaitis on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 9:17 am
Filed under 2001, Race Reports · Tagged with james stewart, kawasaki race of champions, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, steve lamson, travis preston

NJ Motocross History…2007

JANUARY

With the supercross season in full swing New Jersey rider Jason Lawrence has shown that 2007 could be his year. The Yamaha of Troy sponsored rider has shown the speed that won him multiple amateur championships. For the month of January, Jason has shown consistent finishes and sites in second in the Lites West Coast Points standings.

January 6
Angel Stadium – Anaheim- 3rd place
January 13
Chase Field – Phoenix- 8th place
January 20
Angel Stadium – Anaheim- 2nd place
January 27
AT&T Park – San Francisco- 5th place

February

02/17/07: NJ native Jason Lawrence again proved that this is his year by once again finishing 2nd. This time was the San Diego sx.

02/15/07: Getting ready for Indy. The largest industry trade show in America and perhaps the world is this weekend. Stay tuned for photos of new products and famous faces next week.

02/12/07: NJ native Yamaha of Troy rider Jason Lawrence has shown that this is his season by finishing on the podium in this months first 2 races. He finished 3rd at Anaheim 3 on the third of February and 2nd in Houston on the 10th. He now sits in second place in the series points behind Ryan Villopoto. Jason was also feature in this mornings Monday Morning conversation on RacerX illustrated’s website. Click HERE for the link.

Results from the BooKoo US Open of Arenacross. NJ Riders.
125/250 Novice
9th #139 EDDIE MCKERNAN – SUZ
WOOLWICH TWP, NJ
125/250 Schoolboy 12-15
2nd #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ
6th #139 EDDIE MCKERNAN – SUZ
WOOLWICH TWP, NJ
250/450 Intermediate
6th #4 CHRIS TIERNEY – HON
MANAHAWKIN, NJ
250/450 Novice
2nd #320 JEFF MESLER – HON
MANAHAWKIN, NJ
50cc 4-6 Stock
3rd #99 JOSEPH MANCICI – COB
COLTS NECK, NJ
50cc 7-8 Stock
8th #118 CORY CARSTEN – KTM
BAYVILLE, NJ
50cc Open 4-8
10th #118 CORY CARSTEN – KTM
BAYVILLE, NJ
85cc 12-15
1st #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ
8th #35 JOEY PETERS – KAW
ASBURY, NJ
85cc Super Mini 7-15
2nd #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ
9th #35 JOEY PETERS – KAW
ASBURY, NJ
Amateur Pitbike
4th #518 SCOTT KALNAS – KAW
GIBBSTOWN, NJ
Open Over 25
1st #92 BARRY CARSTEN – SUZ
BAYVILLE, NJ
Open Over 30
1st #92 BARRY CARSTEN – SUZ
BAYVILLE, NJ
Youth Pitbike
2nd #461 FRANK LETTIERI – SUZ
BRICK, NJ

March 30: Check out this feature on Rocket Exhaust from Transworld MX. The company’s owner Don Leib is a former NJ resident.

MARCH 27: Photos and wallpapers from Raceway Park on 3/25/07 can be found HERE

Cycle News Online story from Raceway Park Opening Day HERE

March 21: MSR Signs Nick Desiderio
MSR is pleased to announce the signing of American Suzuki’s Nick Desiderio. Desiderio, who has also recently signed with MXSponsor’s rider management division, following fellow amateur standout Phil Nicoletti and a list of many top privateers. “I am very excited to be wearing the new MSR gear”. “ I have been training very hard this winter at Millsaps Training Facility and the winter series in Florida, I cant wait to show the new gear off at the upcoming amateur nationals..” Sais Nick.

Desiderio, who had a very strong year at the amateur nationals last year, including four top 5 moto finishes at Loretta Lynns, should be a front runner in many classes.
MSR’s amateur support manager Randy Valade adds, “ We are very happy and excited to have Nick on board with MSR”. “ We have had our eye on him for quite some time, he has a great work ethic and an awesome personality to represent MSR 100%”

For more info on MSR please visit www.msrmx.com or join the team at MXSponsor.com

March 17: The NJ motocross community lost one of it’s own this morning as Rich Zupko Sr of Dunellen passed away after having a heart attack. Mr. Zupko was the former owner of Powerline Motocross park in New Egypt NJ. Services for Mr. Zupko are as follows:

Viewing will be Tuesday, March 20th
2pm – 4pm
7 pm – 9pm.
Sheenan Funeral Home
233 Dunellen Ave.
Dunellen, NJ 08812
(732) 968 – 4227

Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations can be made to The American Heart Association

March 17: AMA supermoto national event to be held at Raceway Park.

The following is from the AMA…

AMA Racing announced today that four supermoto venues have been added to the upcoming race season schedule, bringing to a total of ten rounds that will make up the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship Series.

Beginning with the new season opener on May 19 at St. Louis’ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, an event in which AMA Racing’s Supercross Series partner Live Nation will promote, the AMA Supermoto Championship will also feature new events at Raceway Park (Englishtown, N.J.) and MotoTown USA (New England), along with the series’ return to Denver, Colo.

“From top to bottom this is for sure the most solid AMA Supermoto Championship schedule we’ve put together in the five-year history of the series,” said Joel Grover, director of supermoto for AMA Racing. “St. Louis is a very motorsports-friendly region, the east coast will get its first AMA Supermoto round in New Jersey, the strong New England motocross and road race contingent will be excited about the Connecticut round, and we’re very pleased to be returning to Denver for another double header– located in the heart of action sports central Colorado.”

Here’s a quick breakdown on the new events for the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship schedule:

• The St. Louis opener at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (May 19) will include a first-ever Friday night concert to kick off the weekend race event, which includes pro racing on Saturday and amateur racing on Sunday.

• Raceway Park (Englishtown, N.J.), home of the popular “Kawasaki Race of Champions” motocross event and only 30 minutes from Manhattan, will bring AMA championship supermoto to its established facility for the first time. The combination motorcycle/auto complex, already boasting an established amateur supermoto race scene, is sure to be one of the highest-attended events of the season.

• New England’s MotoTown USA (Hartford, Conn.) is another state-of-the-art facility that includes an interesting hitch: For the first time ever AMA Supermoto will race a portion of the event indoors, cutting through the 120,000 square foot building’s motocross track floor.

• Denver, Colo., returns to the AMA Supermoto Championship Series with a double header scheduled for July 14 and 15. The downtown race will be part of the Suzuki CycleFest this year and will offer impressive motorcycle displays and even exciting street demo rides for the bold race fan.

Note: Previously announced events in Columbus, Ohio, Syracuse, N.Y., and Monterey, Calif., have been removed from the schedule, and the Seattle event has been moved up a week.

With the four new rounds the 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship schedule is as follows:

5/19 – St. Louis, Mo. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

6/3 – Englishtown, N.J. Raceway Park

6/23 – Salt Lake City, Utah Miller Motorsports Park

7/8 – Detroit, Mich. Waterford Hills Road Race Course

7/14-15 – Denver, Colo. Downtown (Doubleheader)

8/18 – Hartford, Conn. MotoTown USA

9/1 – Nashville, Tenn. Music City Motorplex

9/15 – Seattle, Wash. Pacific Grand Prix

11/11 – Long Beach, Calif. Queen Mary

March 15: Check out the newest issue of Transworld MX for an interview with Jason Lawrence including a test on his bike as well. He is also on the cover.

March 13: Raceway Park Opening day photos are up at www’lukaitisphoto.com

March 11: 13th annual Parts Unlimited Spring Classic, Lake Whitney TX. Nick Desiderio, 85cc 12-13 Mod 6-3 for 5th overall and 12-13 stock 9-DNF for 34th overall. Frank Lettieri 125 12-15 stock 15-13 for 19th overall, 85-150f supermini 12-15 10-15 for 16th overall and schoolboy 14-16 12-25 for 27th overall.

March 7: Want to see more NJ action? Check out Matt Wozney’s new video Moto Xposure

March 5: Barry Carsten was featured in the Monday morning kickstart at www.transworldmx.com see the photo HERE and HERE

March 5: Check out Matt Wozney’s latest video. This one is of Henry Rojas and was taken this past weekend at Raceway Park’s practice track. Click HERE for the video

April 25: Cycle News online stories from the Loretta Lynn’s Qualifier at Raceway Park as well as Atco from 4/7 are posted at www.CycleNews.com . Atco Story by Mike Pierson Raceway Park Story by Scott Lukaitis Also check out www.lukaitisphoto.com for the latest photos from Raceway Park’s Northeast Classic event.

April 17: You want photos….we have photos. Check out photos from this past weekend’s race at Raceway Park HERE and photos from Atco on Saturday night HERE The Raceway Park photos are by Lukaitis Photo and the Atco photos are by MP Pics. Also check out this great video from the weekends event at AerialMX.com

April 11: The Cycle News story from Raceway Park’s March 25th race is posted HERE. Check out the latest issue of Raceway News HERE

Matt Wozney of HG Films is running daily update videos from The World Mini Grand Prix in Las Vegas Check them out HERE

April 4: Special thanks to Andy @ Mx Sports for his help in compiling some Loretta Lynn’s data. Look back at the various years and you’ll see every rider from New Jersey who ever competed at the Amateur Nationals at Loretta Lynn’s. Take a trip down memory lane and see how many names you recognize.

May 28: Jason Lawrence interview on amamotocross.com HERE

Results from Mt Morris national.

MX Lites: Jason Lawrence 3-6 for 5th overall

MX Class: Barry Carsten 22-17 for 19th overall

Adam Blessing 33-33 for 34th overall

Photos from this weekend race at Raceway Park are posted at Lukaitis Photo.

Click here for pit bike racing

Click here for Sunday’s regular race day.

May 24: NJ’s own Jason Lawrence was featured on the Transworld MX Thursday Theater. Check out the video here : http://www.transworldmotocross.com/mx/slideshow/videos/0,27654,1371259_1625321,00.html

May 23: After Saturday’s incidents here is a film put together by RacerX Films going over the whole thing.

http://www.racerxfilms.com/jlawapology/

National Trials champion Geoff Aaron is coming to Raceway Park to put on demos during the AMA National Supermoto race being held June 2nd and 3rd. 3 shows on Saturday and 3 shows on Sunday. The demo is being held at the AMA Supermoto National at Raceway Park
Check out this video for a peak.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=82VuV-I4fOs
Other Hangtown News: Pt Pleasant NJ’s Todd Stavac made the long trip out west for the opening national of the year. Unfortunately Todd didn’t make the final cut for Sunday’s pro National motos.

May 21: The AMA National series kicked off this past weekend with some drama surrounding NJ’s own Jason Lawrence and his rival Ryan Villopoto. Here is the press release regarding the actions that took place on Saturday afternoon in California.

May 20, 2007

AMA Racing news

AMA Racing announced today that Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto have been penalized at the Honda Hangtown Motocross Classic from Sacramento, Calif., the opening round of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF.

According to AMA Racing SX/MX Director Steve Whitelock, for actions detrimental to the sport, Lawrence has been fined $7,500 and placed on probation for one year beginning May 18, 2007. Additionally, as part of the penalty, Lawrence loses his earned gate pick for both motos of Sunday’s Motocross Lites event and will now pick 40th out of the 40-rider field.

Villopoto has been fined $2,500.

The penalties stem from a series of instances that occurred during Saturday’s two practice sessions which culminated in a scuffle between the two riders late in session two.

According to Whitelock the severity of the penalties is relative to each riders’ actions. “Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto both share in the blame for what happened today,” said Whitelock. “However, the penalty is harsher for Lawrence because he was the instigator and has demonstrated a pattern of questionable behavior.” Whitelock confirmed that Lawrence had received a verbal warning regarding his actions after the first practice session.

The final decision on the penalties was reached Saturday evening after meeting with both riders and their teams, reviewing photos and considering the reports of AMA race officials.

Yamaha of Troy rider Jason Lawrence was forced to have the 40th pick on the gate for each moto due to Saturday’s events but proved the heart on speed he has by coming through the pack to take 5th in each moto, good enough for 6th overall. He was the only NJ rider in attendance.

5/19/07 Atco: Mike Pierson’s atco story from Cycle News online can be found here

Be sure to check for the August issue of RacerX illustrated with Jason Lawrence on the cover. Inside is an interview with the New Jersey native

The photographer for the cover was yet another New Jersey native. Chris Tedesco shot the photo of Lawrence.

June 14: Check out Matt Wozney’s latest video. HERE This one is of Frank Lettieri

Results from Southwick:

Southwick Mass June 9-10, 2007
Lites
Jason Lawrence 5-4 4th overall
Also trying to qualify for the Fast 40 in the Motocross class at Southwick were Onorino Fascelli and Chris Prenderville. Both missed making the cut.
Southwick photo gallery by Scott Lukaitis can be found HERE

Results from Budd’s Creek
June 16-17, 2007
Budd’s Creek
Motocross class
Adam Blessing 35-30 for 34th overall
Onorino Fascell and Todd Stavac missedthe fast 40

Lites
Jason Lawrence 3-3 for 3rd overall

Looking for photos from Budd’s Creek?

Check out Chris Tedesco’s gallery HERE

Ponca City 2007 results

NMA

PONCA CITY, OK. GRAND NATIONALS

/2007

250 4-Stroke Non-Pro

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

14 461 Suz Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 8 10

85 Stk 12-13

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

9 57 Suz Nick Desiderio Washington, NJ 4 11

17 35 Kaw Joey Peters Asbury, NJ 5 18

250 Stk Nov

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

1 461 Suz Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 1 1

125/250 Sclboy Thru 16 NonPro

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

15 461 Suz Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 6 15

85 Open Mod 9-16

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2 s

9 57 Suz Nick Desiderio Washington, NJ 8 7

11 35 Kaw Joey Peters Asbury, NJ 4 14

250 Mod Nov

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

1 461 Suz Frank Lettieri Brick, NJ 1 1

85 Mod 12-13

Finish Number Brand Cancel Name City,State Moto 1 Moto 2

14 57 Suz Nick Desiderio Washington, NJ 7 14

18 35 Kaw Joey Peters Asbury, NJ 7 18

Below is a list of riders who have made the final cut to race for a National Championship this August in Tennessee. Good Luck to all

01. MX Lites A