Features 6 Jun 2012

MotoInsider: 22

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Hello and welcome to the 22nd edition of MotoOnline.com.au’s MotoInsider column, presented by Oakley Australia.

This week’s Insider comes to you from the skies above The Great Barrier Reef following a few days in Hamilton Island, which was a good way to wind down during the mid-point of the Monster Energy MX Nationals.

It’s an important time right now in the series for many because while it seems relatively quiet at this stage of the season, time off is when the homework really begins in the pro ranks. You work from event to event, but right now is the time when major changes will be made for all.

In fact, a number of guys who endured a tough first five rounds said to me that they were anxious for time off, not to rest up and get away from the sport, but more because they can make some changes, take some extra risks and revamp their program.

To draw the line, some guys are in a make or break position right now and a strong second half is crucial.

For those that did enjoy a strong start, right now is a vital time to maintain that form without flattening off. Those guys too will be ironing out any potential kinks and right here at MotoOnline, we’ve got a few minor revisions to incorporate during 2012’s remainder – it’s ever evolving whatever you’re involved in when it comes to motocross.

Brad Anderson won the prestigious Manjimup 15,000 race on Sunday in a dominant performance, heading home fellow Honda man Jake Moss and local privateer Dean Porter.

With Hervey Bay less than a month away, that extra sand practice will come in handy for these guys whose priority are the nationals.

Next week MotoOnline will attend the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F launch at Appin on the race track, which will be awesome.

The annual Manjimup 15,000 was on in WA on Sunday. Image: John Innes.

Kade Mosig and Troy Carroll have been in Sydney making a film for that bike and the early word (as expected) is that it’s a real step forward. There are a heap of fresh new models on the market that I’m eager for and we’ll be there to test them each step along the way.

Speaking of Kawasaki, Jay Marmont confirmed in the interview Adam Spence posted yesterday that he’s undergone ‘corrective surgery’ in the last couple of weeks and is well on the road to recovery.

A lot of people have questioned Jay’s move to Team Green after a difficult start, but I’m still of the belief that his outright speed seems more explosive on the KX. These next five rounds are his to shine.

Another interesting thing from the defending four-time champ is that he admitted his title chances are all but over outdoors. So what’s he doing?

Building a supercross track already and making sure he keeps that number one in the stadiums at least. He won’t be riding SX until after MX, but as soon as Coolum’s final flag falls, he’s hit the ground running.

For those who were at Super X last year, you’d be silly to rule out Marmont at this stage. He was so strong toward the end of last year, so if new promoter International Entertainment Group keeps 20-lap mains all year long, season 2012 won’t be a write off for Marmont after all.

Expect Billy Mackenzie to be on hand at Hervey Bay whether he’s racing or not, because he’s mostly been MIA since injuring himself at Coonabarabran.

There’s an energy that comes from Mackenzie, kind of an intimidating one for some, but one that makes his presence positive at these races.

He’s unique in an intense way, but once you scratch beneath the surface he’s a top guy. I for one am excited to see the former GP winner back on track before the year’s out.

Billy Mackenzie will likely be back before the end of this MXN season. Image: Alex Gobert.

We posted a news story last week about Craig Dack’s disapproval of many things in the sport right now as he tries to lock in sponsorship ahead of the season’s second half.

There’s been mixed responses about his comments from within the industry, but check back hopefully tomorrow as I put a full interview together with Dack and allow him to voice his opinion and concerns further.

One of Dack’s main concerns was the lack of any concrete supercross updates including a calendar, since we are now in June.

Well, following a confusing couple of weeks where the MotoGP event was on and then off, now it seems to be on again if sources are reliable – and I believe they are.

Expect more info next week, but venues are being locked in as we speak and track design has commenced in house at IEG.

We spoke to Kevin Williams last Thursday for an Industry Insight interview regarding the MX Nationals series and he said he couldn’t put his finger on it, but the collective growth that the series has enjoyed this year has been a real boost for WEM.

Media coverage is high, teams are first class and riders are world class, so it’s very understandable why he’s so happy as we speak.

I’m a huge fan of the MXN series, which is why we put so much of this site’s emphasis on it, and it’s a credit to all involved at this point. WEM is already in the initial planning stages for 2013, which bodes well for long term growth. The ball is rolling and we’re dead set on helping it build momentum.

That’s it for now from this Virgin airplane, thank you for reading and of course, check back next week for more.

By the way, our partner superbike and sportsbike website CycleOnline.com.au is back up and running, so be sure to head over and check that out. It’s like MotoOnline, but different! Thanks for stopping by.

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