Two Stroke Motocross » Press Release

Cobra riders roll into Ponca City as the favorites in the mini bike classes

JohnNicholas — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:36:41 +0000

Cobra’s all-star lineup on the 50s & 65s features Linville, Milam, Mumford, Rogers, Kobush, Robertson and Smith.

HILLSDALE, Mich., (July 27, 2010) – The NMA’s biggest race of the season – the 2010 Ponca City Grand National – kicks off today with Cobra racers representing in full force in both the JR & SR (50cc) and 65cc classes on their American-made King 50s and CX65s.

Cobra King 50 rider Lance Kobush (#99) - photo courtesy of Motoplayground

The “Stars of Tomorrow” as they’ve become to be known, factory-backed Cobra racers to keep an eye on in the 50cc and 65cc classes include:

# Rider Hometown 2010 Accolades

420 Gage Linville Cordele, GA Vegas GP, Oak Hill & Lake Whitney titles (4-6)

306 Seth Milam Deberry, TX Oak Hill podium, top five Lake Whitney

122 Carson Mumford Simi Valley, CA Oak Hill titles (7-9 Stock & Mod), Vegas podium

351 Jack Rogers Brookville, MD Oak Hill podium (7-9 Stock)

99 Lance Kobush New Florence, MO Lake Whitney title (7-8 Stock)

325 Stilez Robertson Bakersfield, CA Lake Whitney title (4-8 Open), 3 titles at Vegas GP

117 Brandon Smith Aztec, N.M. Oak Hill, Lake Whitney & Vegas top ten (9-11 65cc)

“Ponca City is an outstanding race” said Sean Hilbert, President of Cobra. “There is just a ton of history there going back many decades. All of the top pros to come out of the U.S. rode at Ponca at one time or another. Cobra’s factory and support racers will be out in full force at Ponca City this week and we look forward to hearing the stories of hard-fought battles and Cobra titles won – and defended – at this long-standing event.”

Other Cobra racers to keep an eye on in the 50cc classes include: Nevada’s Robert Hailey in the JR class; Jackson Turpin (Georgia), Chase Yentzer (Pennsylvania), Pierce Brown (Utah), Grant Harlan (Hawaii), Darrian Davis (New Mexico) and Larry Reyes Jr. (Texas) in the SR classes. In the 65cc classes Cobra’s Aaden Veazie (Colorado) has a good shot at the overall 6-8 podium on his CX65. Also keep an eye on Cole Bailey (California) in the 65cc 6-8 class and Hunter Budd (Texas) in the 9-11 class.

For more information on the 2010 Ponca City Grand National – including up-to-date scoring, link to the NMA’s website at: http://www.nmamx.com/

High Profile Public Relations (HPPR), LLC, is a multi-faceted communications agency specializing in strategic media relations – both industry and mainstream – for the powersports and action sports communities. Dialed in with all forms of power and action sports, its participants, manufacturers and live event promoters, HPPR’s Pat Schutte can be reached at (734) 369-2170 and pat@highprofilepr.com

British made Maico linked to F.1. engineering company as all new engine line-up is announced for 2011

JohnNicholas — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:07:06 +0000

Catching the imagination of the global motocross community earlier this year with the release of the 2010 Maico M.M.X., manufacturers, Maico International are believed to be on course to produce the most British made motocrosser for over a decade with the 2011 model, which features a new U.K manufactured engine and frame following a unique tie up with a leading engineering manufacturer for F.1.

Spending the last six months focusing on major development and working closely with the managing director of the Surrey based company who engineer and manufacture gears and various other exotic mechanical parts for many of the front running Formula One teams, Maico International will be unleashing a range of 5 new two stroke engines in, 250cc, 320cc, 380cc, 500cc and 700cc capacity, all manufactured to the highest standard along with an equally comprehensive range of high end optional upgrades which have been designed to outstrip the competition in terms of power, performance, durability and reliability.

Maico Billet Clutch assembly

With the standard 250 expected to top 50hp and the monster 700cc closing in on the 100hp figure an all new frame has been designed to get the best from the new power-plants. Replacing the rather tired mild steel frame which has not been updated since 1999 the new Chrome Moly version produces cleaner lines and a more slender lighter figure and will play host to the well publicized (although slightly modified for 2011) 7020 aircraft ally Swing-arm and sub-frame whilst still retaining the superb handling characteristics the brand is so famed for. Opting for a nickel plated finish as standard the new metal-work will also be available with a regular painted finish in a selection of obvious colours.

Maintaining their position as standard equipment will be Talon wheels and the Kehin air striker carb which has proved to be a major improvement since its introduction on the 2010 range, along with the silicone hoses and all new H.G.S. exhaust announced earlier this season, several other products are also expected to be announced very soon.

Factory H.G.S. Silencer

Maico International co-chief Lesley White said “Since the launch of the 2010 bike the response has been solid and steady from around the globe and now we are producing the bikes ourselves entirely in the U.K. we have worked tirelessly to ensure the standard models exceeds expectations and are a cut above the regular mass produced market that everyone has become acclimatized too and with yet more weight-saving introduced for 2011 the new 500 is likely to weigh in at a comparative weight to several other manufacturers 250 two strokes. We have combined this with a list of options, which is likely to read like a who’s who in engineering terms ranging from billet ally engine casings, and other ancillary ally parts to a wide selection of beautifully engineered titanium pieces for both inside and outside the engine, all designed to provide the same level of performance and quality that is delivered to the Formula one Teams.”

Lesley also commented: “For those who may be wondering at our reluctance to name names, due to confidentially agreements which are in place between our Engineering Company and numerous Formula One teams who naturally want to protect any information regarding the design and development on their cars we feel it’s very un-ethical to release any further information regarding their identity at this time”.

Test Rider Neil Berry has spent many hours torture testing every single update and change on the new Maico machines.

Pictures and full spec of the full range of 2011 M.M.X Maicos are expected to be released In September.

With lead times expected to be up to nine weeks those interested in securing one of the first 2011 bikes should contact your distributor or e-mail info@maicointernational.com

Well and Truly Framed

JohnNicholas — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:18:29 +0000

An all new frame is the latest addition to the trick range of new products now advancing the spec list for the 2011 M.M.X. Sporting a cleaner and more detailed line than the previous model it is also expected to be lighter nimbler and produce even better handling characteristics than its well proven predecessor.

Resisting the temptation to follow the Japanese fashion gurus and go with large angular chunks of ally, Maico International have stuck to the more traditional chrome moly material as they firmly believe that any weight gains that may be achieved by using aluminium (please consider that this years 250 Maico M.M.X. weighed in at one kilo lighter than the latest ally framed Yamaha 250 two stroke) are easily offset by the far superior handling provided by a chrome moly chassis.

Hand made in the U.K. the new frame features an interesting new design and will be available in several colours as well as a nickel plated option which is set to match the mirror style finish of the swing-arm and sub-frame.

Maico Internationals Lesley White commented “ It would have been very easy to go down the ally-frame route and use statements like, we wanted to update the looks of the bike, but our first criteria is based on overall performance of the material not looks, and in our opinion chrome moly is better suited to the job”.

The new chassis is expected to make its debut in the next few weeks as Maico Internationals Dunlop Maxima rider Neil Berry rolls in to Europe for a vigorous schedule of testing with yet more development parts all destined to be included on the 2011 bike.

2011 M.M.X. Shocker set to be a Stunner

JohnNicholas — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:36:43 +0000

When the 2010 Maico M.M.X. broke cover in January this year, editors from media formats around the world sported a gentle smile of enthusiasm for the fresh faced Maico which was almost certainly combined with the inevitable reservation of how far this will go…..

Hardly surprising really given the outrageous success of the original company, followed by an almost heartbreaking failure, which following the bankruptcy of 1987 fell into the hands of various firms and individuals whose uphill battle to revive the name left conspiracy theorists forming their own opinions as each one fell by the wayside.

The phenomenal interest generated by the M.M.X. has left the British Manufacturers in no doubt as to there commitment to the ongoing development and although sticking firmly to the more traditional approach of releasing details and pictures of next years model in the autumn, enthusiasts can be rest assured that the 2011 M.M.X. will be following in the lines of the 2010 model with almost every new part being a retro fit and available as an individual purchase.

Already confirmed for 2011 is a major advancement in the suspension department with an all high tech new rear shock which has been designed specifically for the new bike by a legendary name in the suspension business, shaving one and half kilos off of the previous unit used. The recently announced all new H.G.S. factory exhaust and silencer system will be standard equipment on all models as will the red silicone rad hoses, with many more major changes expected to be announced in the coming months, and full details of the lighter faster and more agile 2011 M.M.X are expected in October.

Moving the M.M.X. generation Maico forward with alarming speed, Maico International are pleased to announce that the latest addition to the bikes is an all new factory exhaust pipe and silencer courtesy of H.G.S.

JohnNicholas — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:38:29 +0000

Redesigned using a blank canvas, Maico Internationals Dunlop Maxima rider Neil Berry made his way to the Den Dungen circuit in Holland for testing on Wednesday afternoon before receiving an exclusive invitation to a private sand circuit on Saturday.

Returning to the scene of his first European title where he took victory in the Benelux cup last September Berry arrived at the popular Dutch circuit to pound the dirt and get his first taste of the pipe.

Speaking on Wednesday evening at a local Hotel Berry said, “Given the recent bout of glorious weather we couldn’t have picked a worse day to arrive at Den Dungen but I have to say that the new pipe has transformed what was already an already good motor into an absolute scorcher, with blistering yet smooth acceleration right through the midrange into a substantially faster the top end without loosing any of the bottom end pull and smoothness that the brand is renowned for”.

With meetings arranged in Germany, Berry and Maico International co-Chief Vincent Page Returned to Holland on Saturday at the invitation of a private track owner and spent four hours on a powder like sand track that pushed the baby Maico to its limits.

“Appearing to have had a smile on his face for nearly four days Berry said “This is probably the most gruelling sand I have ever ridden on and we are very grateful to the owner of the venue, who has asked not to be named. We have a stock 250 motor in the bike and I would have no problem pulling up to the gate against any stock 450 four strokes with this baby”.

With yet more products under test and evaluation in the U.K. more news on the 2011 bike is expected soon.

2011 KTM Two Strokes Released

JohnNicholas — Thu, 20 May 2010 02:13:31 +0000

KTM sent out a media blitz about their new 2011 model line-up. Yes there are changes to the two-stroke line-up and they look really good, but we have some photos of the 250SX from the National Motocross race in Czechoslovakia. Extra special thanks to Jiri Tyrk for taking these photos.

The bike in the photos is one of the 2011 250SX prototypes and was raced by Stefan Zieglers.

250 SX
For years KTM has committed to the development of 2-stroke engines which are an advantage against 4 strokes in many aspect. Unbeatable is the power-to-weight ratio, lower cost of acquisition and maintenance, and simple to service and rebuild, which allows a piston change without having studied engineering.

News MY 2011:
•    new chassis (PDS)
•    new airbox
•    air flow optimised intake boot between filter and carburettor
•    new exhaust (new shape, bigger diameter at connection pipe)
•    new two component rear silencer (better connection, bigger inner diameter)
•    newly developed cylinder (lower exhaust port, new timings, optimised exhaust control)
•    noticeable increase in power performance
•    higher torque
•    better rideability
Bodywork
According to KTMs philosophy Design follows function, the engineers put highest priority on rider ergonomics. And in this respect Stefan Everts took a key roll during the entire development process. Who could know the needs of a motocrosser better than a 10 time MX world champion? From the first clay model till the final product Stefan was heavily involved with each step of the development and he really pushed the design team of Kiska until every single detail was addressed in order to get the ideal shape of a future champions bike. The results are super slim ergonomics and a bodywork with excellent contact points between rider and machine. He also insisted on having a wider and 50 mm longer rear fender. And not to forget features like the no-tools access to the air filter or the incorporated lift handle in the outer rear fender, which is well protected against dirt from the rear wheel.

Why PDS for the 2-strokes?
The directly linked PDS shock has turned out to be the best solution for the 2-strokes. 2-Strokes have a totally different engine characteristic than 4-strokes and also a different centre of gravity. Many tests have proven that the PDS rear suspension fits better to the lighter and more nervous characteristics of the 2-strokes. With the lighter PDS system, the 2-strokes will keep a major weight benefit, also in the future.

KTM 150 SX

KTM 250SX

KTM 105SX

KTM 125SX

2011 KTM 150SX

2011 KTM 250SX

KTM 250SX

New Spokes and Rim.

KTM 250SX Piston & Rings

Successful silicone now standard

JohnNicholas — Sat, 15 May 2010 14:06:53 +0000

Working closely with the company producing the silicone hoses for the M.M.X. range Neil Berry has given the thumbs up to the product which will now be fitted as standard equipment to the 2011 bike and will be added to this year’s options list.

Talking to an overseas journalist earlier this week Berry commented, “The hoses have been on the bike for a month now in all conditions and we have had no problems with them at all, combined with the new H.C.R. high performance radiator’s there appears to be a reduction in the running temperature which can only be contusive to better overall performance from the motor.”

With several other products currently on test in the U.K. and Europe, fans of the new M.M.X. can expect some exciting development news in the coming months.

Maico International

Berry draws First Blood on standard 250 M.M.X.

JohnNicholas — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:52:30 +0000

Whilst a family bereavement has caused its fair share of emotional turmoil for Vincent Page and Lesley White over the last week their hard-core Dunlop Maxima rider Neil Berry brought smiles to their faces over the bank holiday weekend taking a very credible 4^th place overall in the O.R.P.A. two day British Championship.

The annual two day event takes which place at the Horsham circuit on the Sunday moving to Northchapel for the second days racing on the Monday provided a contrasting mix in terms of weather conditions this year with rider’s capabilities being seriously challenged on Sunday with pounding rain and heavy mud. Twenty miles down the road twenty four hours later and the Northchapel paddock awoke to sunshine and superb racing which eventually started throwing up dust. (Typical British weather)

Most people only saw this view of the M.M.X.

Having hit the score sheet with a 5^th place in the open class last year at the 2 day event the dedicated Berry opted for the highly competitive 250 two stroke class this year in a bid to showcase the potential of the quarter litre Maico in the most popular two stroke class. Turning down the offer of a tuned powerhouse he opted for a completely standard motor determined to prove the potential of an “out of the crate” bike running against what he knew would be some very well prepared machinery.

As racing got underway at Horsham, his biggest competitor was the weather, but the baby M.M.X. fired out of the gate to hit the first bend in 7^th and wasting no-time he dived round the outside of one and then the inside of two to secure 4^th place which he held until the end of the moto.

By the second outing the track was sorting the men from the boys and again Berry launched out of the gate and rode with his head (not his ego) moving up into third by time the chequered flag was shown.

As the gate dropped for the third and final time on Sunday he headed for the holeshot but got pushed wide with the pursuing field charging relentlessly through the mud behind him. As the anger at his predicament started to set in, so the throttle opened, and the Maicos amazing cornering ability saw the young protagonist storm past three riders on one bend before turning hard and heading off after the leading trio. Calculating his best opportunities for overtaking on the next few laps Berry moved into second place as the last lap board was shown and despite closing down the leader had to settle for second a lap later.

Rolling into the early mourning sky, the big orange thing we commonly refer to as the sun decided to show itself on Monday producing ideal conditions and as racing got underway it was more of the same but minus the rain.

Team tactics in the paddock.

Keeping the score sheet real in the first two moto’s with a 5^th and a 4^th Berry knew a top five place beckoned and found himself 4th after the first lap of the last race. Not happy, he worked the Maico harder claiming the third spot before storming into second a lap later. With two laps left frustration set in as the pre-season injury started to show itself leaving him unable to hold on to second spot and the early race hard work slowly drifted by as he was pushed back to fourth by time the race drew to a close.

Speaking afterwards Neil said. “Having spent the last year racing a 320 I am really enjoying the new 250 and its been a fantastic, if wet weekend. I am a little annoyed that I couldn’t hold onto second spot in the last race but I feel it was great to show a standard bike and get this sort of result against what is inevitably some well tuned equipment. A big thanks to Dunlop whose rubber helped me get as much grip as was physically possible and to all our other sponsors who have shown their continued support this year”.

Big thanks to Caroline Horan who struggled with her camera all weekend against appalling weather and light levels.

Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross announces FMF Racing as the official exhaust of the mountain and the FMF 2-Stroke Challenge

JohnNicholas — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:04:31 +0000

For over 20 years FMF Racing has been part of one of the best motocross events in the country Mammoth Motocross. This year FMF has stepped up to not only be named the official exhaust of the Monster Energy Mammoth Motocross as well the Road to Mammoth qualifiers, but the title sponsor for the FMF Mini Days as well as the FMF 2-stroke Challenge.

“We are very excited to have FMF involved and I can’t wait to hear that many 2 strokes roaring through the mountain again” stated Mike Colbert Director of Mammoth MX. “ 2010 has been a great year for FMF Racing and we are really excited to grow with Mammoth Motocross for 2010 and beyond. This event is one of our favorite events of the season and we look forward to offering all the riders our first class support and even throwing some legs over the bikes to conquer the hill for ourselves” Donny Emler Jr FMF Marketing Director www.fmfracing.com

The FMF 2-Stroke Challenge will be first come first serve so if you are interested the event will be an open class for 125cc, 250cc and 500cc 2-stroke motorcycles. FMF will be offering some great prizes and trophies for this event as well. If you are interested in an entry please email myron@2xpromotions.com

For more info on Mammoth Motocross please visit www.mammothmotocross.com

Cobras sizzle at the Mini GPs – sweep entire 50cc podiums, add two more podos on 65s

JohnNicholas — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:17:37 +0000

Led by California’s Robertson, Georgia’s Linville and Missouri’s Forkner, Cobra’s again the top mini factory @ NMA GP event

HILLSDALE, Mich., (April 19, 2010) – In sweeping both the 50cc PW Through 6 and PW 7-8 stock and modified podiums, along with placing a rider on the podium in the 9-11 Jr. Cycle (65cc) modified and Open Through 11 classes and atop the podium in the 6-9 Super Pee Wee class, the American-made Cobra Motorcycles again laid claim to the top mini cycle manufacturer at the NMA’s Mini World Grand Prix held this past weekend in Mesquite, Nev. (formerly the Vegas Mini GPs).

Led by California’s Stilez Robertson with championships in the PW 7-8 classes (stock & modified) and 6-9 Super Pee Wee class, along with Georgia’s Gage Linville winning both the PW Through 6 classes, Cobra-mounted racers swept not only every 50cc championship trophy at the long-running event, but also captured all the podium spots in the aforementioned classes.

Gage Linville

Here’s a fun interview with Gage earlier this year: http://www.motoplayground.com/main/mpg-todays-everyone-lake-whitney/thursday-3-11/51-4-6-stk

“The NMA’s Mini GPs was another opportunity for Cobra racers to make a statement versus our competition on a national stage – and our kids did just that,” said Sean Hilbert, President of Cobra Motorcycles. “We’re all really proud of Stilez, Gage and the rest of the gang in the 50cc classes, along with Austin (Forkner) and Brandon (Smith) on the Cobra CX65s. Great going guys!”

Brandon Smith

As Hilbert mentioned, both Missouri’s Forkner and New Mexico’s Smith were again solid on their CX65s with Forkner locking down a 2nd place finish in the Open Through 11 class and a 3rd place podium finish in the 9-11 Jr. Cycle modified class. Smith, only a nine-year-old in the 9-11 Jr. Cycle class, scored top ten finishes in all three classes (stock, modified and Open). Note: Smith was the highest-placing nine-year-old in the class.

Joining Robertson and Linville on the box in the 50cc classes were:

PW Through 6 stock PW Through 6 modified

2 – Robert Hailey III, Nev. 2 – Hailey

3 – Tyler Nicholson, Calif. 3 – Luke Kalaitzian, Calif.

PW 7-8 stock PW 7-8 modified

2 – Carson Mumford, Calif. 2 – Mumford

3 – Chris Nunes, Calif. 3 – Pierce Brown, Utah

Next up on the amateur national level for Cobra is the July 26-31 Ponca City (Okla.) MX National.

Cobra, founded in 1993, produces the most successful line of competition mini cycles and mini quads in the United States with more than 200 national titles in the last decade. Based out of Hillsdale, Mich., Cobra’s mission is to build premium products for the serious racer. For more information on Cobra products, please visit our website at www.cobramotorcycle.com.

High Profile Public Relations (HPPR), LLC, is a multi-faceted communications agency specializing in strategic media relations – both industry and mainstream – for the powersports and action sports communities. Dialed in with all forms of power and action sports, its participants, manufacturers and live event promoters, HPPR’s Pat Schutte can be reached at (734) 369-2170 and pat@highprofilepr.com.

Photos of Gage Linville (#402) & Brandon Smith (#117) courtesy of Motoplayground