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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

85cc 12-13

1. Zachary Bell (KAW)

2. Richard Grey (KTM)

3. Kameron Page (YAM)

4. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

5. Ryan Zaveral (HON)

85cc 14-15

1. James Decotis (YAM)

2. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

3. Austin Phelps (KAW)

4. Max Stevey (SUZ)

5. Adam Scicchitano (SUZ)

125 Novice

1. Andrew Homick (SUZ)

2. Dominick Guastella (SUZ)

3. Mike Correa (KAW)

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

125 Amateur

1. Lowell Spangler (KAW)

2. Cody Robbins (KAW)

3. Frank Lettieri (SUZ)

4. Addison Kramer (KAW)

5. Kody Renzland (KAW)

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)

25+ Amateur

1. Jonathan Bronne (HON)

2. Norman Innis (HON)

3. John Ward (HON)

4. Joey Rogers (YAM)

5. Ethan Waybright (HON)

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)

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)

Super Mini

1. AJ Catanzaro (KAW)

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

4. Tyler Hawk (KAW)

5. Ryan Zaveral (HON)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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.

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.

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

Words and photos by Scott Lukaitis
The 2003 KROC saw the return of Jeff Emig to Raceway Park. The former National and Supercross champion was now riding as part of Team Green and put on quite a show for those spectators in attendance.

Check out the photo review below.

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

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.

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

Raceway Park
03/15/2009

Enjoy the following photo report from Sunday 3/15 at Raceway Park. As always all photos are available for sale at Lukaitis Photo. You can click any photo to go to the complete gallery.

Read more

press release from the Warthog Nation

Newbury Park, CA.   The series went from cold to hot as the travelling circus that is the 2009 AMA Monster Energy Supercross series rambled from Indianapolis, Indiana, to the famous Dayton International Speedway in Daytona, Florida.  In what is generally regarded as the toughest SX event of the year, it didn’t disappoint as the MDK/Warthog Racing Academy and the Warthog Nation had both times of success and times of disappointment.

As always, the Daytona International Speedway presented a demanding track; one that would soon separate the best from the rest.  The track was long and sandy and strength sapping.  The weather was just perfect, a complete reversal from last year’s deluge.

The pack of MDK/Warthog riders were there ready to strut their stuff.  Riding for the Warthog Racing Academy (WRA) on big bikes was the lone #71 of Justin Sipes.  Justin is sacking up and racing in the Premier Class, which is stacked to the gills with talent. He certainly isn’t afraid of the steepest competition in the world. In the small engine class, WRA was represented by #336 Dennis Jonan, #374 Cody Gilmore, #96 Tyler Wharton, # 831 Ryan Smith, #198 Jacob Saylor, #566 Logan Martin, and #309 Spencer Dally.  Joining WRA this week is the highly talented #811 Josh Lichtle, beginning what we believe will be a very successful comeback.  Also, old WRA hand #80 Tyler Bright and his Arenacross teammate #445 Chad Wages joined the WRA Sounder for the rest of the year.  Special guest and legend Barry Carsten also rode for MDK/Warthog Racing after DeCal Works turned around graphics in a jiffy (In case you’re wondering, a jiffy is the time it takes for light to travel one fermi, which equals the size of a nucleon; One fermi is 10−15 m, so a jiffy is about 3 × 10−29 seconds).  DeCal Works is that fast.

Plenty of recent and older Warthog Nation graduates were also on hand to do battle in the name of the Warthog and Power to the Privateer racer.  As always, Warthog Racing Team Captain Heath Voss and Leader of the Privateer of the Year race was on hand, as well as our sister team and our #1 Warthog Nation partner MotoConcepts Racing, who represented the Warthog movement with graduates #979 Ben Coisy, #911 Tyler Bowes, #651 Daniel McCoy, and #719 Vince Friese.

A big Warthog hug and kiss to veteran #125 Daniel Blair, who has been an integral part of the Warthog Nation since its very inception.  He was witness to the Warthog Racing equivalent of the Big Bang in 2003. And Daniel’s perseverance, hard work, and talent have finally landed him a factory-supported ride on the Geico Powersports Honda. Daniel, it must feel great to prove all the naysayers wrong and that your supporters were indeed right.

Of the 18 riders of the Warthog Nation, 16 made it through timed qualifying, some just barely.  It wasn’t pretty, but we’ll take it!   Like last week in Indy, there was a deep field of over 60 riders in the Lites class; 10 of 12 riders qualified for the 40 man night show.  For the second week in a row, the Warthog Nation made up 25% of the Lites class, which is mind-boggling in some respects.  In the Supercross class, all five riders made it again to the big show; they ended up comprising 15% of the heat races.  Top qualifying Warthogs included Tyler Bowers, Heath Voss, Josh Lichtle, Daniel Blair, Vince Friese, Spencer Dally, and Jacob Saylor.

Lites heat #1 saw Josh Lichtle lay wood to the tough Daytona track and qualified 4^th in his first race back. Wow!! Dennis Jonon, working on his own comeback, just missed with a 10^th.  The Warthog himself predicts the main for Dennis in New Orleans.  The rest of the gang struggled, thus punching their ticket to the toughest race of the night, the Lites LCQ.

The second Lites heat saw Daniel Blair score an excellent 4^th place finish after battling for awhile with Vince Friese, who finished 7^th.  The rest of the guys from WRA would be relegated to the LCQ.

The first heat for the big bikes didn’t go half bad for the Warthog Nation riders, as Heath Voss finished 6^th and Ben Coisy, who placed 9^th, grabbing the final transfer spot after holding off Timmy Ferry, Davi Millsaps, and Nick Wey. Justin Sipes didn’t have his best race ever so he too was destined to the LCQ.

Heat #2 was stacked with talent, which made qualifying extremely difficult.  17 year-old vunderkind and recent WRA graduate (now on MotoConcepts Racing) Tyler Bowers was more than up to the challenge, as he held off the likes of Broc Hepler and  Mike Brown to qualify 6^th.  The rest of the Warthog riders prepared for loaded LCQ.

It was on to the Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ) for 12 of the modern-day Warthog-inspired Gladiators.  The LCQs turned out to be the Warthog Nation equivalent of Napoleon’s Waterloo, as the guys went 0 for 12.  They’ll have better results next week for sure.

In the Lites main, Daniel Blair finished 11^th, Vince Friese 14^th, and Josh Lichtle 17^th.  Lichtle was well up in the top ten before getting caught up in the Austin Stroupe imbroglio, which saw Josh in last place before he got going again. However, Josh showed us more than flashes of brilliance; he’s the real deal!! The big bike main saw Bowers and Voss get great starts after bypassing the carnage of the now infamous James Stewart crash.  Coisy was not so lucky as he ended up at the back of the pack.  They finished 14^th, 15^th, and 17^th, respectively.  And still a great performance for a bunch of Warthog-loving privateers against factory riders and resources.  ’Taint easy to make the big bike main nowadays, no sir!!

It is with a heavy heart that Warthog Racing announces the retirement of Eric Sorby from full-time racing.  Eric, who answers to the nickname of “Soreballs”, has been a favorite of both Warthog Racing and the fans alike, as he always left everything he had on the track.  Known for his “take no prisoners” riding style, Eric has been racing in the US since 2002, this after winning the French Supercross Championship in 2001.  During his career in the US, he rode for the world-famous Pro Circuit team, he regularly made the podium in the Lites class, and he made more main events in the Supercross class than anyone can count. He even led many laps of main events in the Supercross class, an accomplishment that only a handful of riders can claim.  Eric was always fun to talk to in the pits and wholeheartedly supported the Warthog Racing program from the beginning.  The sport will miss Eric Sorby without a doubt.  A tip of the Warthog’s tusk to Eric “Soreballs” Sorby.  So next time you do a tank slapper and wonder if you can still sire children, remember the French phenomenon named “Soreballs” that gave it all he had to excel in the World’s best motorsport.

Said Scott Kandel, Chief Altruistic Officer, Warthog Racing, “Soreballs” was a breath of fresh air for US motocross.  He definitely did it his way, which is something Warthog Racing has always respected.  It was an honor to help him during his final year.  If he’d ever like to come back, he has a lifetime home with Warthog Racing.  Eric Sorby, we salute you!!”

This season would not be possible without our committed and actively engaged sponsor/partner group.  For 2009, we have teamed up with the following entities: MDK Motorsports, MDK Speed, DeCal Works, Smooth Industries, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), P-LoK, MotoConcepts, Transworld Motocross, LocoMX.com, Vanquish MX, DT1 Air Filters, MXResultz.com, Devol Engineering, Liquid Performance, LongShot Racing, CP Pistons, VP Fuel, Dunlop, The Plumber Inc., MB2 Raceway, Edgile Consulting, MX Sports, Vortex, MotionPro, Dana K Business Parks, The Whitaker Wellness Institute, Atlantic Promotions, NXTAgency, Kardy Photography, Relentless Media, MotoTees, RacerX Illustrated, Dirt Rider Magazine, Motocross Action Magazine, MartialMoto, Honolulu Hills Raceway, L&M Racing, and Fire and Police MX.

With this fine group, anything is possible.  And special thanks to Feld Motor Sports.  Because of their full support, dozens of privateers get the opportunity to live their dreams.

Take care and we’ll see you at the races!!

***********

About Warthog Racing:

Warthog Racing (WR) is a unique company formed to better the sport of motocross.  WR is comprised of two distinct entities: the not for profit Warthog Racing Academy, created to conceptualize, fund, and execute meaningful programs aimed directly at supporting the privateers; and  Warthog Enterprises (WE), which focuses on merchandise and entertainment products. The WR website is at www.WarthogRacing.com

About MDK Motorsports and MDK Speed Equipment:

MDK Motorsports, LLC and MDK Speed Equipment, LLC are privately held companies and part of the MDK brand family of motocross related products and services. With 30 years of experience in Aerospace Engineering and a passion for high performance 4-stroke motocross bikes, MDK Speed Equipment delivers technology and products that have not been previously available to the general public.

AS 9003 aerospace manufacturing protocols are used, along with countless hours of dyno, flow bench, and track testing to enable MDK SE to provide products and services that deliver great performance and durability.  MDK Motorsports and MDK Speed Equipment are located in San Jose, California. For more information go to www.MDKMoto.com or www.MDKSpeed.com

About DeCal Works:

Founded in 1989 by Ron and Janeen Joynt, DeCal Works has been the industry leader in pre-printed backgrounds and custom graphics for over 19 years. With a passion for racing, DeCal Works has since its early days, focused all its attention in supporting amateur and privateers riders.

“DeCal Works, The Original” www.decalmx.com

About Smooth Industries:

Smooth Industries LLC is the leader in Officially Licensed Motocross apparel and accessories using images and the likeness of the sports biggest names including Jeremy McGrath, Travis Pastrana, Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto, Kevin Windham, Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Rockstar Makita Suzuki and more. It is our goal to provide quality motocross themed products for fans of all ages, giving them fresh and innovative designs to express their passion for not only their favorite riders and teams but the sport itself in hopes of continuing to aid in the overall growth of the sport of motocross. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmoothIndustries.com

About Synergy Racing Technologies:

Synergy Racing Technologies is a group of sponsors and individuals whose mission is to: conceptualize, fund, and execute meaningful programs aimed directly at supporting the Privateers thus helping to progress the sport we love. SRT is focused on providing their riders with the best platform to succeed while making optimal use of race team resources to maximize sponsorship value.

About MotoConcepts:

MotoConcepts is a Pacific Northwest Manufacturer of innovative and unique Motorsports accessories designed for the professional and recreational rider.  MotoConcepts is proud to partner with top motocross companies like MDK Speed, Warthog Racing, Smooth Industries, and DeCal Works to help support the MCRMX team.  For more information visit www.MotoConcepts.com

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