RUMORS, GOSSIP & UNFOUNDED TRUTHS: THE REAL SEASON STARTS ON MAY 19 AT GLEN HELEN
25/04/2025 17:01
• MOTO FEST IS FOUR DAYS OF RACING ACTION—WITH THE PROS TRYING TO BREAK THE BANK ON THURSDAY AND SATURDAY
Saturday’s $70,00 MotoFest purse pays to 20th place in both the 250 and 450 classes. Thursday’s $35,000 “Stopwatch National” is a combined 250/450 event that also pays to 20th place. There are amateur events and practice sessions mixed in on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information and to pre-enter go to www.glenhelen.com.
MOTOFEST 250 PRO SHOWCASE PURSE BREAKDOWN
250 CLASS
1. $10,000
2. $5000
3. $3000
4. $2500
5. $2250
6. $1750
7. $1400
8. $1000
9. $950
10. $900
11. $850
12. $800
13. $750
14. $700
15. $650
16. $600
17. $550
18. $500
19. $450
20. $400
TOTAL $35,000
MOTOFEST 450 PRO SHOWCASE PURSE BREAKDOWN
450 CLASS
1. $10,000
2. $5000
3. $3000
4. $2500
5. $2250
6. $1750
7. $1400
8. $1000
9. $950
10. $900
11. $850
12. $800
13. $750
14. $700
15. $650
16. $600
17. $550
18. $500
19. $450
20. $400
TOTAL $35,000
• DENMARK’SMIKKEL HAARUP TO RACE 2025 AMA 250 NATIONALS FOR TRIUMPH
Danish MXGP rider Mikkel Haarup will fill-in for the injured Jalek Swoll in the AMA 250 Nationals this dummer. He has been in America serving as a test rider for Triumph.
Triumph Factory Racing has announces that Mikkel Haarup will joined the US Triumph race team for the upcoming 2025 AMA 250 Pro Motocross Championship. Haarup has extensive experience racing in the MXGP series and with Jalek Swoll sidelined twith an injury, Mikkel will fill-in for Swoll on the Triumph TF250-X in the 250 Nationals starting on May 24, 2025, this summer.
Thanks to his development role with Triumph, Mikkel Haarup has a lot of experience on the Triumph TF250-X as the team’s test rider. The Dane has been at the U.S. team’s state-of-the-art training facility in Georgia for a number of months. He is now busy preparing for his first assault on the AMA series while familiarizing himself with the US-spec TF 250-X machine.
• EVERY WORLD TWO-STROKE CHAMPION (2010-2025)
2012 2012…Michael Leib (Hon)
2013 …Sean Collier (Yam)
2014 …Sean Collier (Yam)
2015 …Mike Sleeter (KTM)
2017 …Ryan Surratt (Hon)
2019…Robbie Wageman (Yam)
2020…Mike Alessi (Yam)
2021…Robbie Wageman (Yam)
2022…Trevor Stewart (Yam)
2023…Carson Brown (Yam)
• 2025 MXGP WINNERS AT A GLANCE — SIX DOWN, 14 TO GO
Lucas Coenen (6) moved up to the 450 class from the 250 class this year and won his first-ever 450 Grand Prix at his sixth 450 race ever.
Date/Venue 450 250
Mar. 2…Argentina……….Maxime Renaux (Yam)…………………… Kay de Wolf (Hus)
Mar. 16…Spain #1……….Tim Gajser (Hon)……………………………… Liam Everts (Hus)
Mar. 23…France #1…..…Tim Gajser (Hon)………………………………Andrea Adamo (KTM)
Apr. 6…Sardinia…..……….Romain Febvre(Hon)……………………… Kay de Wolf (Hus)
April 13…Italy………………Tim Gajser (Hon)………………………………Thibault Benistant (Yam)
April 21…Switzerland..Lucas Coenen (KTM)……………………….Simon Laegenfelder (KTM)
May 4…Portugal
May 11…Spain #2
May 25…France #2
June 1…Germany
June 8…Latvia
June 22…Great Britain
July 13…Finland
July 27…Czech Republic
Aug. 3…Belgium
Aug. 17…Sweden
Aug 24…Holland
Sept. 7…Turkey
Sept. 14…China
Sept. 21…Australia
450 points leader…Tim Gajser (Hon)
250 points leader...Kay de Wolf (Hus)
• THE2026 DUCATI DESMO 450MX IS COMING TO AMERICA
The Desmodromic Ducati 450MX will make it to the USA in late Summer with an MSRP of $11,450. IT will feature a Desmodromic valve train, Showa Suspension, aluminum perimeter frame, Brembo brakes and a dry weight of 231 pounds.
• WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT A DESMO ENGINE?
Desmodromic-equipped engines are very complicated looking, but their major goal is to eliminate the need to use valve springs.
Back in the 1950s, Fabio Taglioni, the world’s greatest motorcycle engineer, pioneered the Desmo valve train. It was one of the most groundbreaking inventions of the time. Prior to the 1950s, four-stroke engines could not rev above 10,000 rpm. Why not? The valve springs of that era were not strong enough to withstand high rpm and broke as engine rpm soared.
Most modern four-stroke motocross bikes rely on increased rpm to make horsepower, but the valve spring issue stymied the effort. Just as bad as valve-spring breakage, there was the second issue of valve float. “Valve float” referred to the valve springs not being able to keep up with the cam lobes, so the valves floated somewhere in the middle of their opening curve. Manufacturers of the 1950s tried every cure they could think of to keep the valves from breaking or floating, but no matter what they tried, they couldn’t get above 12,000 rpm. That’s when Fabio Taglioni introduced the Desmo valve train and broke the rpm barrier.
“Desmo” is short for “desmodromic,” and it refers to the way that a four-stroke valve inside of an engine is controlled. Every four-stroke motorcycle engine’s valves are opened by the camshaft lobe and closed by the spring pressure of the metal valve spring. It is the dominant system because it works, is inexpensive to build and is simple to work on. A Desmodromic valve train eliminates broken springs and valve float by eliminating the spring. The valves are opened via the cam lobe and closed by an additional cam lobe that operates an L-shaped lever that positively pulls the valve closed.
A Desmo engine doesn’t use valve springs to return the valve to the closed position, instead it employs a second rocker arm and a second cam lobe to pull the valve closed.
It is simple because one cam lobe opens the valve and a second cam lobe closes the valve. Desmodromic valves were the rage in the 1950s. In fact, the famous straight-eight, W196, Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 cars had desmo valve trains. Ducati’s first Desmo engine was the 1956 125cc Grand Prix road race bike.
Today, only Ducati still races with the Desmodromic system, largely because the valve-spring issues have been eliminated by pneumatic valves that work off air pressure to close the valves. Pneumatic valves make it possible to shorten the valve’s open time and increases lift, which enables the engine to rev as high as 20,000 rpm.Now that Ducati has announced that the 2026 Ducati 450MX will be released later this year with its highly developed Desmo system, the 450MX engine’s valves will offer short-duration, higher-lift cam profiles that will produce a torque band that is very wide. But, it won’t be the first desmodromic production motocross bike sold in the United States, because that honor belongs to the 1971 Ducati 450 R/T Desmo (above)—a one-year model that suffered from frame issues that kept its Desmodromic powerplant from living up to its potential.
• A QUICK LOOK AT MXA’S SPOTLIGHTED PRODUCTS
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MOOSE RACING 10W-40 MINERAL OIL
Built to endure, this robust 10W-40 mineral oil is designed to handle the toughest conditions, delivering dependable performance and protection for your Japanese-made motorcycle race after race. Its advanced formula maintains viscosity for optimal lubrication in both two- and four-stroke engines, even in the most demand- ing environments. By minimizing friction and optimizing power delivery, this oil unleashes your engine’s full potential.
$9.95—www.moose-offroad.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ODI FUSION PRO THROTTLE TUBE
The Fusion Pro throttle tube may be the last throttle tube you ever need. Constructed of a hard-an- odized 6061 alloy tube combined with an integrated Teflon sleeve, it’s coupled with the ODI-sealed bearing end to slide into the handlebar for buttery-smooth throttlepull and return. This Fusion billet throttle tube is coupled with the ODI hex Snap-Cam system and integrates with all ODI snap-cam fitments.
$69.95—www.odigrips.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SLACKER SAG SCALE
The Slacker sag scale accurately measures sag and displays real-time readings right from the handle- bars for a simple, fast and precise suspension setup with no assistance required. Easily determine if your suspension is healthy and set up properly before every ride. Slacker makes it quick and easy to check your sag and make fine adjustments for different riding conditions, assuring that your suspension works properly and your bike handles perfectly.
$174.99—www.getslacker.com or (800) 741-7702.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WORKS CONNECTION RADIATOR BRACES
Works Connection’s American-made, aircraft-grade, aluminum, rubber-mounted radiator braces are designed to protect your radiators from crashes and other side impacts. Individually designed per bike for simple bolt-on installation, they provide cheap insurance for your fragile radiators.
$124.95—www.worksconnection.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SIDI CROSSAIR X BOOT
The new Sidi Crossair X boots deliver support, control and protection without any extra weight. With high-density impact protectors covering the entire boot, it is light and flexible. The Materiis-compound sole is ultra-durable. Internally, Sidi’s fiberglass exoskeleton provides support during jump landings, while the three-point anti-hyper-flexion system provides the ultimate protection. —www.helmethouse.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SCAR RACING TITANIUM FOOTPEGS
Made from aerospace-grade grade 5 titanium, these hand-fabricated footpegs offer exceptional strength and durability. At 60mm wide, they are 10mm wider than OEM pegs for increased stability. Weighing just 300 grams per pair, they provide superior grip and added strength for optimal rider confidence.
$323.94—www.scar-racing.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: FXR 6D ATR-3 HELMET
The all-new FXR 6D ATR-3 off-road motorcycle helmet builds upon the legacy of the acclaimed ATR-2. The ATR-3 is designed to provide riders with unprecedented protection and comfort, featuring an upgraded Advanced Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system, improved ventilation and a lighter overall weight.
$849.99.—www.fxrracing.com or (877) 999-9798.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NUETECH’S TUBLISS SYSTEM
Tubliss is a lightweight, 100-psi insert that goes inside your tire and acts like a 360-degree beadlock, helping to stiffen the tire’s sidewalls. It also eliminates pinch flats and provides incredible rim protection. This allows riders to safely run much lower tire pressures for instant, massive traction gains! This all adds up to pure bolt-on talent!.
$99.00—www.tubliss.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: EVS WEB ECLIPSE KNEE BRACES
Whether you’re navigating deeply rutted turns or tackling challenging terrain, rely on the Web Eclipse’s cutting-edge features. The floating knee-cup system, flex wings and 12K carbon fiber frame have you covered.
$949.99—www.evs-sports.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ACERBIS LINEAR HANDGUARDS
This open handguard is designed to provide versatility and compatibility. Constructed from durable polypropylene with a nylon mounting bracket, it’s strong yet lightweight.Its design includes ventilation points to ensure adequate air flow. The loop on the wristbands allows for vertical adjustment, enabling precise positioning of the handguard. The Linear handguards are available in 11 different colors.
$47.95—www.acerbisusa.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ASV F4 SERIES CLUTCH & BRAKE LEVERS
The package includes a brake and clutch lever, both designedto mount seamlessly to yourstock perch or master cylinder.Optional accessories, such as a clutch and brake dust cover and the ASV Rotator clamp, are available for separate purchase. These levers feature an unbreakable pivot design, ensuring durability and reliability.
$175.00—www.asvinventions.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TM DESIGNWORKS OIL FILTER COVER
The TM Designworks oil filter cover is manufactured from billet aluminum for superior strength. You can add American-made bling to your bike with four color options to match the TM Designworks brake tip. The kit includes a new O-ring for the cover and reuses the stock mounting bolts.”
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: WORKS CONNECTION KASHIMA AXLE BLOCKS
The integrated caliper receiver post ensures precise measurement for true chain alignment, providing accuracy and reliability. The reversible design ensures that axle adjustment bolts remain within their service range, enhanc- ing functionality and longevity. Featuring laser-engraved Works Connection logos, these axle blocks are available in anodized finishes, including Kash (new), blue, red, black and silver (raw), and they are proudly made in the USA.$69.95—www.worksconnection.com or your local dealer.
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ACERBIS LINEAR HANDGUARDS
• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SCOTT PROSPECT 2.0 GOGGLE
• THE “STOPWATCH NATIONAL” IS PART OF GLEN HELEN’S $100,000 MOTOFEST ON MAY 15-18, 2025
The $30,000 Stopwatch National is on Thursday, May 15 and the $70,000 MotoFest Pro Showcase race is on Saturday, May 17. Now is the time for amateurs and Pros to sign-up at www.glenhelen.com. If you’re wondering how much purse money the MotoFest is paying, below is the purse breakdown for Thursday’s 250/450 Stopwatch National.
STOPWATCH NATIONAL 250/450 PURSE BREAKDOWN
250/450 COMBINED
1. $10,000
2. $5000
3. $2500
4. $2400
5, $1500
6. $1200
7. $900
8. $800
9. $750
10. $700
11. $650
12. $600
13. $550
14. $500
15. $450
16. $400
17. $350
18. $300
19. $250
20. $200
TOTAL $30,000
The post RUMORS, GOSSIP & UNFOUNDED TRUTHS: THE REAL SEASON STARTS ON MAY 19 AT GLEN HELEN appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.
