2009 Amateur Open

December 1^st,2009-December 6^th, 2009

The week of racing at Arizona Cycle Park was a pretty good week for me. I had solid top 3 finishes throughout the entire week with the exception of one race.

First round of races went pretty well. In Mid Size Intermediate stock, I got a second place start and ran in that position until the 2^nd lap. Noftz made a mistake and I inherited the lead and led the race until the 5^th lap when I stalled my bike in a corner and wasn't able to get moving again until I was in the 9^th position. I wasn't able to salvage any positions so I ended up with 9^th. Mid Size Stock 12-17 I grabbed the holeshot and held onto the early lead until the 3^rd lap before being passed by Burns. I wasn't able to make up any ground so I finished the race in 2^nd place. Modified Mid Size Intermediate Division 2 I got a 2^nd place start and was running strong there until I hit a mud spot in a corner and slid out. I got up in 5^th position and put a charge on to 3^rd place, which is were I finished at the end of the race. Modified Mid Size 12-17 I got a 5^th place start and moved into 3^rd on the second lap and was unable to catch the two front-runners of Politelli and Burns.

Second round of races went a little better than the first round. In Mid Size Stock Intermediate, I got the holeshot and was able to lead the entire race until the checker flag. With finishes of 9-1, it was good enough to salvage a 4^th overall.  Stock Mid Size 12-17 I got another holeshot and was leading the race until Burns passed me on the 2^nd lap. I wasn't able to keep with the pace of Burns so 2^nd is were I finished and with finishes of 2-2 that gave me 2^nd overall. Modified Mid Size Intermediate I got a 2^nd place start behind Burns and wasn't able to mix anything up so I finished that race in 2^nd and with 3-2 finishes that gave me 2^nd overall going into the run off. Modified Mid Size 12-17 I got the holeshot and led until the 3^rd lap before being passed by Burns. I wasn't able to make anything happen so 2^nd place is were I finished and with 3-2 finishes that gave me 2^nd overall. In the Mid Size Intermediate Modified run off, I got a 3^rd place finish behind Burns and Noftz and was working hard to keep up with the front runners but wasn't able to make anything happen so I finished in 3^rd place which with 2-3 finishes that gave me 3^rd overall in that class.

Overall, Amateur Open was a fun week of racing. I learned a lot throughout the week and going to start putting in my homework and preparations for the upcoming nationals as well as local races.

David Meade #92

PODIUM FINISH FOR MEAD ON DEBUT

CAPTION: Whitby's Rory Mead (Yamaha), on the podium on his debut at the Roof of Africa extreme enduro event at the weekend. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

DECEMBER 1, 2009: Wellington's Rory Mead has again stunned the extreme enduro world, this time finishing runner-up on debut at the gruelling Roof of Africa event in mountainous Lesotho.

The event at the weekend was won by fellow Kiwi Chris Birch, the Aucklander making it back-to-back wins after he also won the Roof of Africa last year.

But it was perhaps the 22-year-old Mead, a first-timer at the tough three-day event, who really surprised the race organisers.

Creating an historic New Zealand 1-2 finish, Birch and Mead were the top two of only 23 riders to finish the marathon race. There were 102 starters.

“This is by far the toughest race I have ever done,” said New Zealand enduro champion Mead (Yamaha YZ250) afterwards.

While Birch has much experience racing at this level, Mead is a relative newcomer to the international extreme enduro scene and, ironically, it has been his battling with his friend and sometimes rival Birch that kick-started his recent forays overseas.

Mead beat Birch to win the inaugural Red Bull City Scramble endurance event in downtown Auckland in May this year.

That win appeared to be a springboard for Mead to look for fresher and more difficult challenges because part of the prize for winning in Auckland was a paid trip and entry into the Erzberg Extreme Enduro, deep in the Eisener Alps of Austria, just a week later.

He and his Yamaha YZ250 not only survived his Erzberg debut, he finished a remarkable sixth overall out of more than 1500 starters. Birch was also one of the few finishers at Erzberg, coming home eighth overall.

Mead and Birch are now set to continue their battling, this time on the domestic enduro scene, with the national championships set to kick off near Kawhia on January 30.

Dansby’s Dirt: UFC® 106: Griffin vs. Ortiz 2: Post-fight wrap-up

Heeee’s back…

Forrest Griffin won this Saturday night at UFC® 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2. For those of you that have doubted him, he is still only two fights removed from being the UFC® light heavyweight champion and showed once again why he’s the fighter you love to love. This was once more another tough bout for both men with the same type of result – a split decision – but this time it was in Forrest’s favor. Tito did what was expected; he boxed a little and then took Forrest down. Forrest did what some thought he could no longer do; he got back up every time Tito took him down, and then his kickboxing became even more effective. Griffin methodically fought off the takedowns and ground-and-pound of Ortiz, and in doing so, it seemed to empower him in the mental chess match that is MMA. By the third, Ortiz was gassed. Griffin picked him apart with highly accurate boxing and kicks. Ortiz’s last two attempted takedowns were easily shrugged off by Griffin and it was done. Great fight! Really great fight, and much kudos to both men for their effort and spirit. For Griffin this was a pivotal fight in his career, as the question has to be asked: can a top-name UFC® fighter lose three in a row and still be a top draw? Griffin did what he does best, and he did it on less than a six-week training camp. His timing on his kickboxing was impeccable, and his defense on his back was solid, only getting caught by a few elbows. His ability to stay relaxed, think and pace himself was classic Forrest. Welcome back Mr. Griffin… good to see you at the top of your game.

If you’d like some of Forrest’s own insight into the fight, check out BSN®’s post-fight interview on our site at:   http://www.bsnonline.net/vision/index.php?sec=vision#/Forrest%20Griffin/Videos/jCspmqgIkjY.swf/

Anthony Johnson just got out-experienced. Okay, and the truth is that a poke in each eye doesn’t help any fighter. How much did they affect Johnson… can’t say, and he won’t make excuses. Past that though, Josh Koscheck proved why he is deserving of another shot at Georges “Rush” St-Pierre and the welterweight title. Johnson was out-striking “Kos” and so “Kos” simply took him down. A.J. may have been able to wrestle with Josh if it wasn’t all defensive. This is where the experience came in. “Kos” knew that as good as his stand-up is, he was probably better off mixing it up and then offensively going to the ground. A.J. never tried any takedowns. That was the difference, as you can only hold off an All-American wrestler for so long just being defensive on your back. “Kos’s” strategy worked and A.J. was forced to tap from a deeply embedded choke at the end of the 2^nd round. “Rumble” will be back and be better. This is just the beginning for him, and he is still very much a fast-rising force to reckon with. His attitude, work ethic, athletisicm, and, just as importantly, his ability to learn from mistakes will continue to make a difference in his rise up the rankings.

For more on the fight and an exclusive BSN® post-fight interview with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, check out:  http://www.bsnonline.net/vision/index.php?sec=vision#/AnthonyJohnson/Videos/LN3Y7sSqmZ8.swf/

So, just when you thought the 205-pound division might be thinning out a little… “Rampage” is off making movies, Chuck is dancing, and Wanderlei and Dan Henderson have moved down to 185. Well think again, as a certain Antonio Rogerio “Minotoro” Nogueira has announced his arrival with a bang, making an extremely skilled top-level UFC® fighter in Luiz Cain look harmless with a first-round TKO. I told you this guy could box. This man did not come here to be just another fighter. He’s on a quest for a belt that Mr. Machida certainly isn’t going to give up easily. So who’s next for little Nog? Hmmm… Griffin and Nogueira? Now that sounds intriguing. And no, I don’t have any inside info… I’m just saying… it would be a great fight.

Thanks for reading and supporting.

Have a powerful day!

www.racerxonline.com/article/5-minutes-with-jimmy-albertson.aspx

 

Dansby’s Dirt: November 11, 2009 …

UFC® 105: COUTURE VS. VERA Pre-Fight FORCAST

This Saturday, live from Manchester, England the UFC® comes back at you with a plethora of powerhouse fights that will feature the old Warrior, the questionable warrior and maybe even the wannabe warrior; you can figure out who that one is on your own! This will be UFC 105: COUTURE VS. VERA and as usual, it promises not to disappoint!

Georges “Rush” St. Pierre must feel like the resident gun slinger in an old west movie these days. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is out to allegedly notch their belt with his blood. While “Rush” heals from his groin injury, the rest of the-would be contenders talk and stalk him, and his belt; young knights waiting for the return of Sir St. Pierre to see if they can knock him off his throne. Mike Swick (#5 in the world) waits and wants, as does his opponent Saturday night, one Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy (#13 in the world); and fighting on next week’s UFC® 106 co-main event card are two more young gunslingers looking for a chance at the welterweight title, one Josh “Koz” Koscheck (#4 in the world ) and of course, Team BSN’s very own Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (#22 respectively). They all want what King George has; fitting then that one of the two of the contenders may get his shot by winning a bout in jolly ol’ England!

Mike “Quick” Swick (14-2) versus Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy (22-6-0, 1 NC)

Okay, a lot of trash talking going on here. Both of these men believe they deserve to be St. Pierre’s next opponent, or victim, whichever the case may be. “Quick’s” had a great career derailed with some major injuries, but he’s healthy now and no one lives up to their nickname more than so than he does. He is a blur of fists that seem to consistently overwhelm his opponents, whether standing or on the matt. Hardy is playing the underdog role and claiming he’s not getting enough respect. But with only three UFC® fights (all wins) and no wins over any real big name fighters, this is his chance to at least establish himself. A win here puts “The Outlaw” on the road to contention. Not so fast however. Look for Swick to be his usual intense, fast paced striking machine. Swick is right when he says people underestimate him … and I believe Hardy will come to understand that.

Michael “The Count” Bisping (17-2) against Dennis Kang (31-11) 

The UFC® is pulling more and more quality talent from all over the world. Although this will be Kang’s third UFC® bout, many fans may not know who he is, still. Hardcore MMA aficionados know exactly who this guy is, and that he’s a very formidable opponent for “The Mouth” ….uhmm, I mean “The Count.” Bisping is coming back from a devastating and embarrassing knockout at the hands of Dan Henderson; so his pride and his rise to championship contention both need some shoring up right now. You have to love Bisping’s take on getting knocked out.  Borrowing a line from Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, he said, “I just got caught!” Ya, and if I step in front of a tracker trailer on the interstate then “I just got run over”! That’s how bad he “got caught.” But for fighters, a short memory and minimizing a loss is vital to success, so I don’t blame “The Count.” I also think that this is a respectable fight for him to get back on the winning track with. Although, this will be a tough bout, as Kang is a very capable and a smart cage veteran with 46 fights at only 32 years of age. The difference I think will be Bisping’s speed, and don’t be shocked if it goes to the ground a few times. Bisping is underrated on the matt and can hold his own there. I think Bisping will be hungry. He’ll also be in great shape, and he’ll win. 

Randy “The Natural” Couture (16-10) takes on Brandon “The Truth” Vera (11-3)

So, how many guys with 10 losses and for that matter, two losses in a row, command a main event UFC® fight?  The answer is only Randy Couture, as he has become the deserved Godfather of the modern day sport and an example of what a true MMA super athlete should be, both in and out of the cage. His fights, even when he loses, always reflect heart, preparation, excellent conditioning and top level skill. Dropping back down to 205 from being a highly undersized heavyweight just might be the smartest thing to prolong his career. And if you listen to him speak, it seems as though he has no immediate plans to retire. Why not if he keeps winning and stays healthy? However, this may be a must win situation for him to continue to be a major draw. Three losses in a row do not bode well for anyone’s future in the UFC® … much less a 46 year old. Vera on the other hand has won two in a row, including a highly impressive victory over a very tough Krsystof Soszynski on August 29^th of this year. Yes, the same night that Couture fought Nogueria.  Two and a half months from your last fight is not a lot of time for “The Truth” to prepare for “The Natural.” Couture has the advantage in this department, as he always stays in top shape. “The Truth” has taken some of the same parallel routes Couture has. Starting his career as a heavyweight and then after a meteoric rise and two defeats in a row, he dropped down to 205 where he’s 3 and 1. This fight will be a contrast in styles, like many MMA bouts.  Brandon’s a 6’2” classic Muy Thai style fighter and of course, Randy is known for his world class wrestling. Some have questioned Vera’s desire and commitment. One thing’s for sure though; when he’s on his game, he’s one of the best that the UFC®’s light heavyweight division can offer. And he will be on, and motivated for this fight, in England … main event … against a living legend? Come on, that’s a no brainer! This will be close in my opinion. There will be no knockout, but I think Couture’s experience and conditioning will allow him to out wrestle Vera for a close victory. And that’s  the “The Truth!” 

Thanks for reading and supporting. 

Have a powerful day!

Three weeks ago I had the final event for two championship series. The race on Saturday was the final round for the AMA-XTRM Amateur Championship Finals and the race on Sunday was the Super Moto USA Nor-Cal Final at the San Joaquin Fair grounds in Stockton California. Going into this race  On Friday my mom checked me out of school early to go to practice in the afternoon. I got to ride my new 250 during practice. It was Joey Pascarella’s Troy Lee Designs 250 from last year so it is a fast bike. During practice it took me a while to figure out the track but I learned the pavement pretty well. When they opened the dirt it was so wet and mooshy that it just rutted up right off the bat and I struggled a lot in the deep ruts. I couldn’t get those ruts down. By the end of practice day I felt pretty good on the pavement but I was still struggling with the dirt.

The next day was race day. We got to the track and the dirt looked much better. It was still a little mooshy but it looked ok. I was wrong; when the first practice session went out the dirt started rutting up really bad. I struggled with the ruts a lot. I got out and looked for the best lines. After my first practice session I felt pretty good. My first race was the mini moto 150. I started in first and got the holeshot. I led the race and was in first when we crossed the line. My next race was the 400 AM. I started on the second starting position. I got a bad start and was in fourth in the first corner. On the third lap I got around the rider in front of me and was in third. I caught up to the rider in second but didn’t get close enough to pass him. I finished the race in third.

We had a short lunch break and then I was the third race up. I was really nervous but my dad and Mike kind of helped calm me down a little bit. I was starting on pole and I knew I could win. All I had to do was win, or beat the rider that I had been battling all season with one person between us and I would win the championship. I was on the starting line, and the green flag flew. I got the hole shot. I was in the lead! On the third lap I saw a rider try to go to the outside and try to pass me in the dirt. It was where I was struggling with the ruts. Then on the fourth lap he tried again. Then on the fifth lap he tried again and was right beside me on the rutted up dirt straightaway. We bumped a little and then he out broke me going into the hair pin corner. Now the rider I needed to beat in order to win the championship was right behind me! The next lap I tried to follow the rider in front of me through the line he took but I couldn’t figure out how he went so fast through it. When the checkered flag flew, I was in second. I lost the championship by 1 point. I took second overall in the XTRM/AMA Amateur National Championship in the 150 class.

My next race was the 400 AM main event. I was starting on the third grid position. I got a good start but the 250’s pulled me into the first corner. I was in third in the first corner. On the second lap I got around the rider in front of me. I started to catch up to the rider in front of me but each lap he pulled me down the straight away but I caught back up to him in the tight sections. I finished second in that race and finished third overall in the XTRM/AMA Amateur National Championship in the 400 AM class. Which isn’t bad for riding an 85.

Sunday was the Supermoto USA Nor-Cal Championship Final round. Going into this race me and the rider that I have battling all season were tied in the 150 class. On Sunday I rode the 250 in the 400 AM, and in the 250 class. I rode my 85 in the 150 class. During practice I found a couple of good lines through the dirt. My first race was the 150 heat race. I was starting on pole and when we came out of the first turn I was in third. On the second lap I was trying not to follow people through the dirt and the rider behind got around me. Now I was in fourth and the same thing happened in the dirt again and I got passed for fifth. When we crossed the line I was in fifth. This put me on the second row for the main event which is not where I needed to be to win. My next race was the 250 heat race. It was my first race ever on my 250 and I felt pretty good on it. I was starting on the eighth grid position and was in about tenth in the first corner. I got passed in the dirt and was in eleventh. I was in a pretty good battle with the rider behind me. He passed me once but I got back around on the straight away but when we crossed the line I was in twelfth. My next race was the 400 AM heat race. I was starting on the second grid position. When we came out of the first corner I was in third. The two rider’s in front of me started to pull away a little bit, but as I started to get more comfortable on the bike I started to reel them in a little bit. With only four laps I couldn’t get around them.

My first main event was the 150 main. I was starting on the second row on the fifth grid position. I got a good start off of the second row and was in third coming out of the first corner. I tried to keep up with the riders in front of me, and I did. I learned the fast lines that they were taking through the dirt and I kind of figured it out. I stayed with the riders in front of me but I couldn’t get around the rider in front of me. I finished the race in third and got second overall in the Supermoto USA Nor-Cal championship.

My next main event was the 250 main event. I was starting on the third row on the eleventh grid position. I got a pretty good start and was in about ninth or tenth in the first corner I had a good battle with the same rider as last time, but I was beating him this time and I was keeping up with the rider in front of me. I couldn’t get around him and I came in tenth.

My next race was the 400 AM main event. I was starting on the third grid position and was in third in the first corner. I got around the rider in front of me and started to catch up to the rider in front of me. I couldn’t catch up to the rider in front of me enough to pass him by the end of the race. I finished I second and finished second overall in the Supermoto USA Nor-Cal Championship.

I would like to thank all of my sponsors that have helped me out this year; my mom and dad, Mike Pascarella of MRP Cycle Service and Fab, D&W Images, Supermoto Engineering, Renthal, Regina Chain, Motorex, Utopia Optics, Josh Beaubier at Roseville Yamaha. I am looking forward to riding with you next year. I am also looking forward to riding my new 250 next year and mini road racing my NSR 50 and maybe road racing my RS 125.

See you at the races!

Tucker Lancaster #408

Dansby’s Dirt:  October 26, 2009:  UFC 104 Post Fight Wrap up

Well my predictions were pretty accurate for UFC 104 Machida versus Shogun.  I went 5 of 6 (yes there were more fights than that on the card but I was too lazy to pick them all). The only one that I got wrong was the guy I interviewed right before his fight.  Eric “Red Schafer lost by decisions to Ryan “Darth” Bader.  Helluv a fight though, for both men.  However I’m sure I wasn’t his only prefight interview so I am not taking any “bad luck interview” blame here. 

You all know the results of the fights that were of interest and you probably all know the controversies.   Not everything went as planned this last Saturday.  Well at least not for everyone…

“If he bleeds than he must be human”.   Although like 70% of the MMA community I called the winner of the Machida, Rua fight correctly, but I don’t feel for a moment like I got this one right. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua was all that and a bottle of Endorush as he frustrated, kicked, and punched the undefeated and seemingly on unhittable, unhurtable, Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida.   All three judges scored it as a victory for the still unbeaten champion Machida but no doubt the MMA world was set back on its feet as finally someone has figured out how to hurt this guy and deal with his electrifying speed and deft elusiveness.   This was more than anything, two world class bad-asses in one of the most intriguing chess matches that you’ll ever witness.  Argue, debate, pontificate all you want about who won and who should have won. It doesn’t matter.  Machida is still the champion today and more importantly Dana White who is the ultimate MMA/UFC fan has already declared that both of these men will fight each other again before they fight anyone else.   So look forward to the rematch MMA fans. This will be a true clash of physical titans and master strategist.  Look for Machida to figure out how to combat those so effective leg kicks of Shogun.  Look for Shogun tobe very aware that Machida will adjust his game.  How they figure it out, what they do to adapt to each other’s strength and weakness...well we will have to wait. But I have a feeling it will be more spectacular than the first fight.  Machida will come with much pride and perhaps even emotion as many are saying that that he did not deserve to win.  This pride...this emotion…this quest to prove that he’s worthy of the proclamation “The Machida Era” may prove the inspiration necessary to devastate Shogun or it may prove to be his demise. Wait…just wait…ah hell I can’t wait. Let’s have them fight this Saturday.

Okay and how long are you people going to doubt Cain Velasquez?  He just overwhelmed, trounced, badgered and frustrated a top level and highly experienced MMA heavyweight in Ben Rothwell.  Simply put, Cain made all of Ben’s offensive and defensive look futile.   The only critique I have Mr. Velasquez is that he needs to hit harder because those punches just aren’t Lesnar like.

Anthony Johnson is the real deal!  Okay he didn’t make weight and at 6’2” he may just be too big to fight at 170.  He came in 6 LBS over weight. So if he makes weight does he knock out Yoshiyuki Yoshida in 48 seconds of the first round as opposed to 41 seconds?  This is a guy with an 8-2 record and 4 of his victories are 1^st round knock outs!  Look for the UFC to put a major challenge in front of him next. This guy is just fun to watch…even though it’s for short increments.

Joe Stevenson just keeps getting better and looks to contend for the title once again.  His overall skill level has improved with time and shows no major weakness and his focus is at a peak.  Truly impressive.

Pat Barry just keeps looking like a beast as long as he’s on his feet.  Actually he even had a few moments where he looked good on the ground Saturday night.  He just simply dismantled another excellent striker in the 6’4” Antoni Hardonk by TKO in the second round.  Barry at 5’9” is somewhat of an aberration in the heavyweight division but to me I just love watching a guy with that much skill and that much power as a striker. It’s truly a thing of beauty.

Thanks for reading and supporting.   Have a powerful day.

WORCS Racing's final Fastest 5 minutes in Motorsports from Rnd #10 (Mesquite, Nv)