Ashley continues to train for the start of her season which begins at the Women’s World Motocross Championship round in Bulgaria on April 4. She’ll race the first four Grands Prix before spending the last few days of April on a media tour in New York City. She then begins her title defense of the AMA Women’s Motocross Championship in California on May 22. Here at Alpinestars, we are excited to see Ashley progress and will continue to support her throughout her 2010 season.

Dan Jackson competed in the 2010 US Open Stunt wars and sent us a couple photo’s and some words about his experience.

“I’m stoked with my results considering the winter down time and really love the new Kawasaki ZX6R and setup for the 2010 season. What should have been a clean sweep, winning 1st in all events, I fell just short of due to a) brake fade in the stunt cross losing by inches, b)encountering a simple slide out in the stoppie course kept me from gaining any points on my first obstacle, losing by 1 point, and c) a 3rd place freestyle finish in the judges eyes which I felt it was one of my best 5 minute performances ever. I put everything I had into my run falling short to Yamaha factory rider Bill D and New England native Luke Duke. I’m really looking forward to carrying this momentum into XDL’s Round 1 season opener in Daytona during bike week and confident of putting my sponsors back up on the podium yet once again! “

WW: What’s your height and weight?
JW: I’m 5′7″ and 175 pounds.

WW: Single, married, committed or just out there?
JW: I’m just doing my thing. I’m single.

WW: How long have you been wakeboarding and how much of that time have you been doing it professionally?
JW: I grew up surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and skurfing during the summertime when it was flat. Guess I first strapped a wakeboard on when I was about 14, but I didn’t really get the bug or take it seriously until I was 17. I came to the USA when I was 19 and pursued it full time since then. I guess my first paycheck came about 2003, so about six years pro. I consider being pro as meaning full time wakeboarding and getting paid! Seems like there’s a lot of people out there claiming pro these days, but if you ain’t getting a check, you ain’t pro…so check yourself before you throw pro around.

WW: How many of those years have you been chasing summer between the U.S. and down under?
JW: All of them have been chasing the eternal summer much like Daniel, Ike and Josh. It’s what we do. We are committed to our sport and in the USA we come to push the boundaries and test ourselves against the world’s best, and then we come home to Australia and do it for the love and for the future kids coming up. It’s about having a supportive scene and grooming the next generation so that they can push the level far past what we could ever imagine.

WW: What are some of the highlights of your career?
JW: As far as contests are concerned, winning the New Zealand national championships seven times, the Australian Pro Tour Series, two WWC World titles and loads of memorable podiums, made that way by the awesome battles I’ve had against certain guys in my career. Especially Daniel Watkins over the years. We have had a fair few good battles that taught me a lot. I think he’s probably beat me more times than the other way round, but damn, in hindsight they’ve been fun.

Also, the battle I had with Brad Smeele this past year was one of the best battles. He laid it down in front of a fairly large New Zealand crowd at the Nationals and for us to win in front of the home crowd is a big deal. He laid it down hard and I almost choked with the pressure, but somehow managed to put it all on the line and it paid off. At the time, I hate the way it feels, but once it’s done and you’ve made it, it feels so good. And you know the crowd was so stoked ’cause they got to see a real battle. The ones you have to work the hardest for always mean the most.

Other career highlights have been all the perks that have come along with wakeboarding. Getting to ride motocross and flip with Pastrana and Maddo. Spending time surfing with Darin Shapiro over the years in Hawaii and Mexico. Going on crazy trips, filming for vids with super fun crews in places like Tahiti and Mexico and also getting to bring a string of pros down to show them the beautiful land of New Zealand. It’s an honor to be a guide to such a beautiful country that I’m so proud of. I know everyone that’s come has had an amazing time, even if they did get the odd dead eel stuck in their boot (sorry Rathy) or have their passport messed with on the way through customs (yeah, JD you still owe me). It’s just all the good times with killer people that make it such a damn amazing ride!

WW: I hear that you’ve been doing a lot of surfing on Oahu’s North Shore this off-season. Can you tell us about that?
JW: You know that surfing has always been a huge passion and part of my life. Well, each year between the U.S. and Aussie seasons we get a couple months off to chill and do our own thing. Some people party in Orlando, some snowboard. Everyone does something to have a good time and relax a bit before the following season. Well, I usually head to Hawaii for November/December, which just happens to coincide with the best surf that the North Shore usually sees. This year was my fifth year there and, as usual, it didn’t disappoint. I’ve been dreaming my whole life of surfing Pipe, Sunset and Wiamea, so over the past years spent there and in Kauai with Darin Shapiro, I’ve been making those dreams a reality. Christmas day this year was no exception with a 20-30 foot Christmas swell. It’s the real deal and I swear nothing makes you feel more alive than feeling like you could die. Some don’t like that, but for me it’s fun, it’s a challenge and I definitely live for those days.

WW: When we spoke recently, you said, “Wakeboarding is not my life.” Can you explain what you mean by that?
JW: A while ago a magazine cover came out with the caption “Wakeboarding is my life” and I thought about it. To me, it seemed like a strange thing to say. Wakeboarding is a huge part of who I am, what I do and where I’m going, but it’s not my entire life. For some pros it is their life and that’s it, but it’s so one-dimensional. If you stripped wakeboarding away for whatever reason, what would be left? And that’s what I was saying. There is so much more to me and what I do and why I’m motivated to be here there and everywhere around the globe chasing dreams. In fact, it’s all the other things that I get involved with that make wakeboarding so great. It’s the crossing over that gets me so amped when I’m on my board. Meeting people from other scenes because I’m involved in them, like the MX or the surfing, and finding people within those areas that are just super stoked on wakeboarding. It’s awesome to see that stoke!

WW: What else do you do for fun?
JW: Anything that’s fun, I’m into! But for a quick go to list, it would have to be surfing, skating vert and mini ramps, riding MX, snowboarding and skydiving.

WW: I know you’re sponsored by Alpine Stars, but did you really pull a back flip on a dirt bike?
JW: Yeah, Alpinestars has been one of my best sponsors. They have supported me in all that I do and they are just such a great company to ride for. When Malcolm Macassy got me on the team years ago, he signed me up and also got me a brand new Honda CRF 250 as a part of my contract and since then I’ve spent a lot of time on my bike when I have free time…thanks Malc.

So a few years ago when the first back flips were being done, I looked at it and thought, I could do that. So I got to hang out with Pastrana, Andy Bell and Robbie Maddison a fair bit and the boys helped me learn to flip. It took a little while and a few good crashes, but I got a few down to dirt at the Ogio spot in Salt Lake City. If you want to see it and a really good crash, check out my section in Updog.

WW: What other sport helps the most with your wakeboarding?
JW: They all do in different ways. Snowboarding, skating and surfing help me with my balance, fitness and the way I perceive style and certain tricks. Moto is just all about the fitness. If you can ride a bike hard around the moto track, it makes cruising behind the boat pretty damn easy.

WW: Name the top three spots you’ve ever wakeboarded.
JW: Tahiti, New Zealand and Mulwala in Australia through the dead trees with Scotty, Dean, Chris O and the Aussie boys. Always good sessions there.

WW: You’ve got a brand new Jstar pro model board. Can you tell us about that?
JW: Yep, it’s the Jstar Brigade. It comes as a super thin, but strong set up. A flat top deck that looks kind of like a snowboard, rolled up rails, so that you can’t split or delam the edges smashing it on rails. It’s such a killer rail or cable board and I’ve had a really good response from it so far. It’s got molded side fins and a continuous rocker set up as I like a fast ride. Some people think it looks like a flex board, but it’s not! It’s as stiff as I can get it.

WW: What’s the coolest invention in wakeboarding that didn’t come from one of your sponsors?
JW: Closed-toe bindings are hands down the best. Having so much more control on your board and not having to use binding lube is a Godsend!

WW: What bindings and boat do you use?
JW: I have Brigade boots from Jstar that go with my pro model board. I ride every day behind my Epic 23V down at Carlsbad Lagoon.

WW: How fast do you ride and how long is your line?
JW: I ride between 80-85 and about 25 miles per hour.

WW: Your diet is pretty much crap from what I’ve seen, with a heavy emphasis on Skittles. How do you keep in shape?
JW: HAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, anyone close to me will tell you I’m a bit of a candy kid! It’s definitely my vice. When I’m at home I try to eat as healthy as I can and that’s been helped along a lot by living with two pro snowboarders. We are all pretty conscious of what we eat and try our best to keep each other motivated, but, man, when you’re on the road traveling it’s just such a mission, especially in the USA. Eating out of gas stations is never really gonna be healthy, so, as you’ve seen, at that point I pretty much don’t fight it!

WW: At the Brostock 2009 double up comp, you went out with a board that had one binding and wax where the other binding would go and you had a shoe on one foot. It looked like you were going for some kind of old school Eric Schmaltz one-footer. What’s that all about?
JW: Yeah, that’s exactly what it was. I hit the first couple of double ups and then I just wanted throw something a little different in there. A lot of peeps where busy throwing 7’s and 9’s and, yeah, I guess they win comps, but the same old gets a bit boring after a while. It’s nice to spice it up. I had been experimenting with it for a little bit of double ups and it’s such a fun comp and format that it just seemed like the right time to pull it out. It’s such a great comp ’cause win or lose people are out there trying new stuff that looks amazing.

WW: What’s your take on the current state of wakeboarding comps?
JW: The Pro Tour is boring as hell! The same as it’s been for so long. Same obstacles set up the same way just set in a different city each week with sh*$%y water conditions. The money is pathetic and is a poor representation of how a professional sport should be. The pro surfers complain about the money they get paid, but at least everyone in the top 40 gets
their expenses covered. 40 Or so guys show up for the Pro Tour and only three actually cover their expenses to even get there. It’s a joke! I guess the Pro Tour is lucky there’s a lot of kids with rich parents to fund them going along. Otherwise they’d not have a quarter of the participants.

On the other hand, comps like Brostock are off the hook! A fun environment with a progressive atmosphere leading the sport where it should go. Everyone has an amazing time and the sport is pushed with so many people trying so many different things. Instead of the same 7, 7, 9, mobe five s*%$ that is the Pro Tour.

The Aussie Pro Tour has always been fun because there has always been an emphasis on trying new formats and different set ups. Coming to a comp each week and wondering what new rails will be there or maybe we get to hit more double ups just adds something extra fun and exciting to the mix.

And, of course, there is The Carnival, the most legit rail comp in the world. Every rider in the world would love to have that title more than anything I think! It’s the real deal.

WW: What happened with the Aussie Pro Tour this year?
JW: Because of the recession and sponsors pulling out a lot of marketing dollars, there just wasn’t the funds this year to be able to run the tour. It’s sad because so many people have poured so much heart and soul into making it happen and it really has been a stepping stone to the U.S. tour. I mean, look at what Harley did this past year. If it wasn’t for the years of experience he had gained over all the past Aussie tours down under, perhaps he wouldn’t be the U.S. Pro Tour champ. But because it was around and because he has had that, I think it’s helped his competitive game a lot. Same with the other up and coming Aussie juniors, Sam Thompson for example.

Hopefully things will get back on track and running smooth again next year. It’s important for our future generation of riders down under. In the meantime though, there are still two
very major events, Wake Wars in Adelaide and the Australian Open, so not all is lost.

WW: What do you think about the progression of the sport as a whole? What would you like to see change?
JW: I love where Danny is taking things with the wrapped grabbed double ups. Super style and super snowboardesque. Also, Chad with his grabbed double is sick. I hope Bob ends up being able to grab his new double. That would be off the hook as well.

The only thing I want to see change is the economy so that the wake industry can get back on its feet and keep moving forward.

WW: What new tricks are you working on right now?
JW: That would be telling. When you see something new, you’ll know what I’ve been working on. If you don’t, it means I’ve probably been busy surfing or riding my bike. Hahaha. It’s the off-season you know, so I’m enjoying it.

WW: Are there any tricks that you just don’t do? Why?
JW: If you can’t grab it and poke it, I don’t wanna know about it. Style is much more important, I think, than ‘hucking’ just to land gymnastic-style tricks. That’s why Chad’s indy double backroll is so legit. Style, balls and commitment! I like that.

WW: What are your goals for your wakeboarding career? How would you like to be remembered?
JW: My goals have never changed from the day I started, and that is to ride with style, be progressive, put 100% in and most of all to have fun.

As far as being remembered, everyone has their own opinions on people and you can never please everyone. I’m in it for me, for the good times and to spread the stoke. You can make your own mind up on me. Good or bad, I ain’t gonna lose any sleep over it.

WW: What are your plans for 2010?
JW: My plans for 2010…spend some time in Australia promoting the sport we love and spreading the stoke. Then the Ultimate Boarder comp in March and back based on the west coast. I’ll be doing as much events as I can this summer and be involved in as many projects as I can that will benefit wakeboarding and growth. And, of course, I’ll be promoting my sponsors as hard as I can for all the support and love they give me to be able to have this good life. And if I have any spare time, I’m gonna hit a few of the WQS surf comps around the globe while I’m at it.

WW: You just had a section in Global Warning. Tell us what the experience was like.
JW: I’ve known both Ronnie and Dave over the past few years and had the awesome opportunities to work with them before, so when they decided to collaborate on this one together, I was super pumped that they wanted me to be a part of the film. So many people put a lot into this film. We took our time, went to some amazing spots and all the riders in the
film rode their asses off for their sections and it shows. They put together a super rad crew of riders that are also all good mates and I think at the end of the day that translates in the film as well. It’s not just about what was done on the water, but it’s the entire experience, and you can tell we had fun doing it. I think people like to see that. We are out here selling the dream, you know. For the average guy that works a desk job and dreams of wakeboarding, watching this is gonna get him stoked on getting out there with his mates and living it. You don’t have to go to exotic places to enjoy wakeboarding, but damn, dreaming of it while you’re passing time at work sure does help.

The week of filming the intro was especially funny. Everyone was kind of nervous about how it would turn out. No one wanted it to be a flop, but once we got started and had some fun with it, it was a really fun time. Nothing quite like wearing top hats and singing in downtown Orlando in the park. You know we were getting a lot of funny looks. It was a total laugh.

WW: You recently appeared on Fuel’s Daily Habit. How was that?
JW: I moved out of Orlando and out to the west coast last year. I was looking for a change of pace and something different. A lot of riders thought I was crazy for leaving the bubble, but I’m stoked on it! I recently moved to Oceanside, California and moved in with pro snowboarders Maruis Otterstad and Chanelle Sladics and, damn, it’s been fun living with them. We have had all sorts of projects going on, but our biggest and most recent one has been the Movember cause.

So I was up late one night and was thinking wakeboarding has given me a lot over the years and I kind of thought it was high time to use my profile to give back in some way. And I came across Movember! Mo-vember is a word play being that it’s held in the month of November and you spend the entire month growing a mo-stache. It started in Australia and is promoting
awareness and raising funds for research for a cure for prostate and testicular cancer, which at the present time is the number one killer of men worldwide!

So I made a plan, got the roommates on board with me and we set out to raise as much funds as possible and get as many people as we can in and behind this worthy cause. Pat Parnell and the crew on the Daily Habit were stoked to have us come on and help us spread the word. It was a really good time and I’m stoked we got such a great response from people. Next year is looking to be bigger and better as we are planning on a huge kick off party/demo night down at the Wave House in San Diego just to start raising more funds We’ll let you know more when the time comes around.

WW: Whom do you usually ride with?
JW: Moving out to the west coast took a lot of the comforts I’d been used to away. Endless lakes, boats, people and, of course, the cable. So I’ve only had a small crew, but that’s fine with me. Long time friend and photographer Steven Hahn and I ride a lot, as well as Mat, who is one of the engineers from Epic boats, and, of course, my roomies Maruis and Chanelle are stoked to ride all the time as it’s their off season.

WW: Where do you usually ride?
JW: I’m usually riding at Carlsbad Lagoon or Lake Elsinore.

WW: Which riders do you look up to?
JW: I don’t really look up to anyone, but I do admire and respect Danny Harf the most. He is hands down the most talented rider in the world. He is everything a rider could hope to be; driven, stylish, progressive both as a freerider and a competitive rider. And so humble, nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

WW: What question were you hoping we’d ask you, but we didn’t, and what is the answer?
JW: I thought you were going to ask me how my porn career was taking off ’cause after Movember’s dirty ’stache you could be forgiven for thinking that maybe that’s what I was turning too during the economic crisis. Hahahaha.

WW: Whom would you like to thank?
JW: I’d like to thank my parents for all the support, all my close mates around the world that have always supported me and helped me through tough times. And, of course, all my sponsors for allowing me to be a full time athlete and living out my dreams. They are Jstar, Alpinestars, Epic Boats, Kicker, Ballistics Snow and Wake New Zealand, Performance Ski & Surf Orlando and Hairy Situation Salon. And my trainer Sam Barnett at VisionPT.com.au and Brad Beer at Mybacksphysio.com.au down here in Australia for trying to keep me in one piece when all I do is tear myself apart.

Congratulations Nathan!

Stay tuned for more contest winners!

Here is a recent photo of Mike Montgomery hitting some dirt jumps over the weekend. Check out his new, white, Bionic Neck Support..

The big Ride Day to benefit Enzo Racing boss and all-around-good-guy Ross Maeda is coming up on December 6 at Perris Raceway, in Perris, CA. The event will last from 9 to 3 p.m., include open riding, as well as a freestyle performance by Ross’ friends at the Metal Mulisha. All proceeds will go to Ross, who suffered a serious back injury a few weeks back, and his family. With many on the SoCal motocross community turning out to help Ross, it should be a good time for everyone, and for a great cause.

For updates on Ross and more info on the Ride Day, please check out www.rossiproject.com.

Announcing the opening of the Alpinestars Holiday Store at the Westminster Mall on Monday, November 23rd.
Be sure to come by for great prices on men’s, women’s and youth clothing.

For those of you that do not know yet, I have sold my KTM’s and switched Yamaha. Last weekend the AFMXA held the first ever amateur contest at Pala Casino Raceway. I got the call to compete in the PRO/AM class just days before the contest. I showed up, the course looked awesome and I ended up getting 2nd place out of 10 PRO/AMs. I am really happy about that and I cant thank my sponsors enough. Also Thanks a lot to the AFMXA for all the work putting on an event like this on. I hope to see more of these in the future www.afmxa.org

Thanks for everything guys

Destin Cantrell
www.cantrellfmx.com

The funds we raise during our Moustache journey go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG).

What many people don’t know is that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and that testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 18-35. Facts like these have convinced me I should get involved.

To join my Movember team called MO SHRED go to http://us.movember.com/register/42999 .

Once registered you’ll be sent all the information needed to get donations and get growing as part of my Movember team.

Learn more about Movember by watching the Intro Video at http://us.movember.com

Together we can change the face of men’s health.

JEFF WEATHERALL

Frame:

Mirraco Blackpearl (guettlers signature frame)

Fork:

offical colony ( guettlers signature range)

Handlebar:

offical colony ( guettlers signature range)

Stem:

offical colony ( guettlers signature range)

Headset:

colony

Grips:

Anamal Edwin

Seat:

Colony

Seatpost:

colony

Seatclamp:

mirraco

Crank:

colony 2 peice

Chainwheel:

offical colony (guettler signature range)

Pedals:

colony plastic

Chain:

kmc

Bottom Bracket:

colony

Tires:

khe

Front Wheel:

Colony

Back Wheel:

Colony

Brakes:

fly

Lever:

colony

Detangler:

snafu

Pegs:

none

Bike Weight: 21bls

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car the pair utilized for the segment was prepared by Vermont SportsCar and features the same specifications as the cars both drivers compete with in the Rally America National Championship driving for Subaru Rally Team USA.  Between filming his popular Nitro Circus TV show  this year Travis Pastrana has secured his fourth consecutive Rally America National Championship, winning five of eight events run thus far in 2009.  Parts of the Nitro Circus segment were filmed by Mad Media, the same production crew that has filmed Ken Block’s popular Gymkhana videos.

Come out and get a signed poster from Kyle Loza at the Chino Tilly’s location!
Date: Saturday Oct 10th 2009
Time: 1-3pm
Location: Tilly’s
Chino Hills Spectrum Towne Center
3865 Grand ave. Chino 91710
Phone 909 627 6060

Airing Tuesday, October 6 at 9:00pm Eastern Time (6:00pm Pacific Time) and telecast three additional times, James “Bubba” Stewart will appear on “The Daily Habit.” Be sure to check in!

“I had to change my driving style to adjust for the power difference between the SP and my usual Open Class car, staying much smoother and less sideways,” explained Block.  “I thought it would take a  few stages to get used to it and get up to speed but we won the first stage of the rally which was really surprising, that gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the event. It was satisfying that we were able to challenge for a podium position with the top Open Class competitors.”

The Super Production (SP) class, a new category in the 2009 Rally America series, features minimally modified, production-based cars. The budget-minded SP class features much more restrictive regulations on modifications than the Open Class, where Block has been driving for the past three seasons. The SP Subaru Impreza WRX STI features a stock engine, stock gearbox and very limited body shell modifications.  Block crashed his Open Class Subaru heavily at the previous event, The Ojibwe Forests Rally, he and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino walked away unharmed but their Subaru rally car was terminally damaged. With insufficient time to prepare a spare rally car, SRT USA opted to provide Block with the team’s Super Production class Subaru in Mirra’s absence at Rally Colorado.

“Ken drove well in Colorado and further displayed the performance potential of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI in SP trim,” mentioned James Han, motorsports marketing manager for Subaru of America, Inc.  “By creating the competitive Super Production class, Rally America has established an attractive and more economical alternative to fielding an Open class-specification car for the privateer entrant.”

Block crashed his Open Class Subaru heavily at the previous event, The Ojibwe Forests Rally.  Although Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino walked away unharmed their Subaru rally car was terminally damaged.   With insufficient time to prepare a spare rally car, SRT USA has opted to provide Block with the team’s Super Production class Subaru in Mirra’s absence at Rally Colorado.

The Super Production (SP) class, a new category in the 2009 Rally America series, features minimally modified, production-based cars.   The SP class features much more restrictive regulations on modifications than the Open Class, where Block has been driving for the past three seasons.   The SP Subaru features a stock engine, stock gearbox and very limited body shell modifications.

“It will be a big challenge to just get in and drive that car, the handling and power will be different and I won’t be able to be as aggressive with it,” explained Block.  “But with Travis [Pastrana] having locked-up the Rally America Championship already, I have no pressure to win.  We can treat this outing as an extended testing and development session for the SP car,  but of course I’ll be trying my best to keep up with my usual Open class competitors!”

Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana mathematically secured his 4th consecutive Rally America National Championship with a win at last month’s Ojibwe Forests Rally.  Pastrana and his co-driver Christian Edstrom will enter Rally Colorado  with no pressure and have vowed to drive flat-out to put on a show for their fans this weekend.  Rally Colorado is based in the picturesque resort town of Steamboat Springs, just 150 miles into the mountains west of Denver. The rally includes over 100 miles of fast, high-altitude gravel roads that are dusty when dry and notoriously slick when wet.   The action starts Saturday morning and runs through Sunday afternoon. 

“It is game-on for the next two rallies,” said Pastrana at podium. “It’s great to drive without any pressure. A lot of the other drivers have had hard a season and bad luck, but things have just gone my way.  My Subaru Impreza WRX STI has been perfect all year.  It just works for me at every rally, it’s easy to drive and lets me focus on winning.”

“Travis really has transitioned into rally like fish to water ever since his first event with Subaru in 2004,” said James Han, motorsports marketing manager at Subaru of America, Inc.  “To think that he has earned four consecutive national titles under Subaru Rally Team USA is all testament to Travis’ skills as a rally driver, thorough preparation by our team partner Vermont SportsCar, and consistent performance capability of the Impreza WRX STI regardless of terrain or driving condition.”

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Steve Lawrence (Down the Barrel) and narrated by Emile Hirsch, the film uses groundbreaking digital 3D techniques to immerse sports fans into the world of action sports.

“ESPN is extremely proud to join Disney in bringing the 3D experience to action sports fans,” said Ron Semiao, senior vice president, ESPN Films. “The proximity of the cameras to the action combined with the amazing performances by the athletes provides a jaw-dropping, storytelling encounter for fans of all ages.

TransWorld Motocross and Red Bull Energy Drink are partnering up, and spicing up, the Dirt Days Festival by adding the first annual TransWorld SLAM to the end of Sunday’s schedule. On Sunday, September 13, 2009, 16 racers will compete head-to-head in two lap heat races. Heat winners will advance up the bracket, finishing with two finalists competing for a winner takes all prize purse of $5,000 and the inaugural TransWorld Slam Belt.

“This type of racing is always a crowd-pleaser and the competitors always bring their A game. Our staff thought it would be a great way to cap off our Dirt Days Festival,” said Publisher, Marc Fiore.

“We wanted to put on a race that doesn’t have the normal pressures of professional racing and is fun for both the competitors and spectators,” said Editor in Chief, Donn Maeda. “With $5,000 and the Slam Belt on the line, this is good off-season fun for the racers.”

Up until September 4, the TransWorld Motocross staff will be selecting 16 riders who will compete. For riders who are interested in entering the event please contact Marc Fiore at marc.fiore@transworld.net

“Our goal going into the event was to have a good finish and hopefully add a few points to our championship lead,” said NOS Energy Drink Team Owner and Driver Chris Forsberg. “We are could not be happier the way the event went.”

The Team started the event off great qualifying seventh overall. After qualifying, and mid way through the tandem practice, things took a turn for the worse as the NOS Energy Drink 350Z broke a rear axle coming off the high speed bank. Crew chief Kevin Wells and Sergio Ramirez leaped into action and promptly replaced the broken axle. While the crew managed to get the 350Z back together in record time, the practice session had finished, prematurely ending Forsberg’s tandem testing.

“Through all of our years running the 350Z, we’ve never broken an axle,” recalled Forsberg. “With the extreme amounts of load we put on our drivetrain, that says a lot for our Drive Shaft Shop Axles.”

Race day came and Forsberg didn’t skip a beat. Forsberg and the team went straight into the final practice leaving right where they left off the night before, setting some of their fastest speeds of the week.

Forsberg defeated Calvin Wong in the Top 32 to be paired up against championship contender Darren McNamara. “I knew this battle was extremely important for the championship,” said Forsberg. “Darren has been consistent and very fast this year and if I didn’t beat him, he definitely could have gone on to win the event giving him maximum championship points.”

Utilizing all of his Maxxis MA-Z1 Drift Tires, Forsberg was able to set his fastest entry speed of the weekend and lay down 2 near perfect runs beating out McNamara to move on to the “Great 8”. The NOS Energy Drink Drift team was able to continue its winning streak beating out Ross Petty and Tyler McQuarrie to get to the final round. Formula Drift rookie Eric O’Sullivan won his heated battle with Vaughn Gittin but his car was wrecked beyond repair handing the overall win to Forsberg and the NOS Energy Drink Drift Team.

Forsberg is able to extend his Championship points lead to 47 going into the final 2 events. The next round in the Formula Drift Pro Championship will be held at the infamous Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA on August 20th – 22nd

Guettler proved that he is the man to beat when he became the only rider to secure two ASA BMX Triples titles, first being in April’s Minneapolis event. The Australian dominated the preliminary rounds by landing such tricks as a double flip. Guettler will compete next at the Wendy’s Invitational, the third stop of the Dew Tour, August 13th-16th in Portland, Oregon.

“I won Minneapolis and I wanted to come to Friday’s event and win after I had to miss the Chicago stop. I feel fortunate to have won each of the triples events I have competed in. I wanted to be there to try and win again, so I am really excited,” said Guettler on his recent win.

Kagy wowed the Staples Center crowd when he landed a flip whip and huge flair in the BMX Freestyle Big Air competition earning him the silver medal with a final score of 90.33. The State College resident also took home the bronze medal in Saturday’s BMX Vert competition after stomping a flat spin 540 tailship to opposite tailwhip flare. This brings his X Games medal count to 11. Kagy will compete next at the Wendy’s Invitational, the third stop of the Dew Tour, August 13th-16th in Portland, Oregon.

“Mega ramp is always an event I look forward to riding. Every year the competition is more aggressive in both big air and vert. I will come back next year and get the gold,” said Kagy on his recent medal win.

Bestwick’s talent and precision led him to capture the gold medal while dazzling the X Games crowd with some of the most perfectly executed runs. His first two runs were flawless, scoring 49 out of a possible 50 points. Bestwick was a dominant force throughout the contest despite a fall while coming down from a huge 540 tailwhip in his last run. The perfection in his first two runs soared Bestwick into the gold medal position, earning him his third consecutive gold and eighth X Games gold medal.

“This win means the world to me. I gave it my all and a three-peat is something very few riders have accomplished, so I feel like I am part of an elite group. This is an X Games first for me and the other riders were killing it so I am really stoked on this win,” said Bestwick.

As the reigning champion of Skateboard Big Air, Burnquist showed why he is one of the best mega ramp skaters in the world. He raised the competition bar in his opening run with a score of 91.00 after launching himself off the 70-foot ramp. After an impressive display of talent and precision, he captured the silver medal in Big Air with a score of 89.00. Burnquist, a competitor since 1996, now has 16 X Games medals including six gold, five silver and six bronze.

“The Rail Jam was really exciting since it was the first year it has been incorporated into X Games. I have been competing in X Games a long time so it’s nice to see everyone step up and honor the sport and it feels great to win two more medals,” said Burnquist on his amazing weekend.

This weekend also marked a special moment for Lorifice when he seized his first X Games medal since he began competing in 2005. Lorifice captured the bronze medal in both the Skateboard Big Air and Big Air Rail Jam. The Southern Californian was focused on obtaining his first medal and wasn’t ready to leave X Games without it. He battled back and forth for the podium finish in the rail jam ultimately seizing a final score of 88.30 and his second medal of the weekend.

“I am so stoked to finally get a medal. It has been a long time coming and it feels amazing. I was focused coming into X Games and it paid off,” said Lorifice on his new achievement.

Burnquist and Lorifice will compete next at the Wendy’s Invitational, the third stop of the Dew Tour, August 13th-16th in Portland, Oregon.

Time: 10AM-4PM

Location: 2780 W. 237th Street Torrance, CA 90505

Pastrana, an X Games competitor since 1999, kept it a airtight race with his competitor, Kenny Brack, until the very end when his car hit the wall upon reentry into the Home Depot Center pinning his car sideways. Showing great sportsmanship, Pastrana graciously acknowledged the crash was a result of trying to keep up with his competitor. Pastrana’s X Games medals now include nine gold, four silver and two bronze. Four of the 15 medals were awarded in the Rally competition.

“If Kenny wasn’t so fast it would have never happened. I was really impressed by him! It’s always a good time when you can come out here, have fun and take home a medal. I will be back next year to take the gold. It was a great race,” Pastrana said regarding his new silver medal.

Rockstar Energy Drink Rally Team driver, Tanner Foust, won the Bronze medal at the X Games 15 Rally Super Special in an Olsbergs MSE prepared 2010 Ford Fiesta. His Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta teammate, Indy Champion Kenny Brack, beat him in a close fought semi-final to go onto win the Gold. Freestyle motocross star, Brian Deegan, also driving for Rockstar Energy Drink in another Olsberg MSE prepared Ford Fiesta placed fourth in his first ever X Games rally event.

The X Games Rally Super Special is the pinnacle of the race season for US rally as it shines the spotlight on rally cars with a made for TV, head-to-head format, including a mid-stadium 70 foot crossover jump, all broadcast live on ABC.

Tanner Foust heads to Seattle for round five of the Formula Drift Championship at Evergreen Raceway, Monroe, WA on August 7th and 8th. The Rockstar Energy Drink Rally team’s next outing is at Rallye Defi in Ste Agathe, Quebec for the fifth round of the Canadian Rally Championship with Antoine L’Estage at the wheel of the Libra Racing prepared Mitsubishi EVO X on September 11th and 12th.

This past weekend marked the finale of the 15th X-Games. The best of the best from around the world came out to compete against one another. Alpinestars athletes once again took top spots in almost every discipline. Here is a couple shots of some of our athletes at the event. Be sure to check your local TV listings for repeats of all the action.

Alpinestars is proud to be a part of the unique CELERITAS show, uniting
motorcycle culture and art. Raising money and awareness for the Riders for
Health organization, over seventeen artists contributed beautiful works of
art, using motorcycle helmets, Alpinestars’ suits and a Suzuki Hayabusa as
canvases. Curated by Nip Tuck’s John Hensley and Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn,
CELERITAS (Latin for speed) is a show that communicates their passion for
motorcycle culture as well as fine art and street art. Hahn and Hensley
tapped the resources of world-class artists and motorcycle industry leaders
to support the efforts of Riders for Health.

In addition to participating as a sponsor, Alpinestars worked in conjunction
with artist Dr. Romanelli by providing technical motorcycle apparel as a
canvas for his contribution to the show. Using an Alpinestars racing suit,
gloves and boots as a template and Mad Max as inspiration, Dr. Romanelli has
deconstructed and reinterpreted the motorcycle suit.

Works of art themselves, the racing suits of Alpinestars’ own team riders
will also be on display including those of Casey Stoner, Ben Spies, Nicky
Hayden and Troy Corser.

Other legendary artists participating in the show include Barry McGee, Joe
Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Mark Dean Veca, Audrey Kawasaki, Jim Lee, James Jean,
Stash, Futura, Jesse James, Jeff McMillan, Alex Pardee, Troy Lee, Usugrow,
Estevan Oriol and Nathan Cabrera. CELERITAS opened on July 11th and will be
up for viewing at the Suru store until Aug. 13th. All proceeds from sales of
the art will go directly to the Riders for Health foundation.

Happy monday to all our frontline fans! Check out wakeboardingmag.com for a chance to win an awesome Jeff Weatherall prize pack!
As you can see from the photo there are all sorts of goodies to win…Check back to frontline for updates on all things action sports.

When did you get the idea to do rally?
I thought about rally last year, when I was watching X Games. I thought, “I’d really like to do that,” but I didn’t really think it was feasible—mostly because I’ve been busy racing trucks and having a lot of fun doing that. But, the best way to be at X Games on four wheels is rally.

Are you still racing trucks?
Well, since CORR got canceled, there are two new series that have started, I do Lucas Oil Off Road Series, which has been really good with a lot of good coverage, so, I raced a few of those and am 3rd in the points. I am doing pretty good at it—so that’s been my main focus. It’s also been good practice for me in four wheel action. Now for rally, I ended up going to Team O’Neil Rally School, plus I’ve actually learned a lot about car driving and all the technical stuff that goes into it. It’s more different from racing trucks than you’d think.

Are you still actively riding, too?
Yeah, since I have the compound at my new house on 21 acres, I ride freestyle about 2 or 3 days a week. And all the guys are still here practicing so that helps. It’s hard because there aren’t a lot of places left to ride, but still easier than finding any place to practice for truck and car stuff. For X Games I’ll probably just do step up and rally car, that’s what I am looking at.
Is that something we can let out of the bag?
Well, it’s pretty much like if I do STPR then I’ll be in to X Games, so, if they say yes, I’ll definitely be on Rockstar Energy team with Tanner [Foust]. Is that out yet—who cares —that’s the plan anyway.

So, we know you are the boss in the Metal Mulisha, can you give us a quick run through of the Mulisha Compound and how you got there?
I’ve always run the team, and kinda been the head dude, but now we’ve been around for10 years, this year. 2009 is our 10 anniversary of the company. It just started as a group of friends riding together, then we broke into the clothing brand, and it got huge and it keeps growing.

Can rally fit within the Metal Mulisha brand?
Most people know Metal Mulisha as dirt bikes, the last few years I’ve been racing offroad trucks and getting a new fan base of four-wheel people. It’s good. I’ve always been into growing, taking new chances, setting new goals, and going on new adventures has been my whole life – ever since I left home in Nebraska. I think it is good for Mulisha to venture out and do new things and get new fans and even new customers. Mulisha pretty much owns freestyle motocross world already, so we can try out new stuff.

What about other brands?
I’ve always been a firm believer in bringing in new companies and new support, so I am glad I am able to bring in Makita as a sponsor as well. Their nail gun makes a good weapon and their cordless impact takes off wheels really well, too.

What are you driving at STPR?
Funny thing is I haven’t actually haven’t seen my car, but Graham Evans—”Whiskers”—is running it. I am guessing it’s Subaru blue, but it will have Rockstar Energy graphics. At X Games I’ll have an all black Rockstar car matching Tanner Foust’s car.


Do you plan to put a bigger season together in 2010?
Rally at this point has been an experiment. I am already spending way too much money on truck racing, so to add another sport could be tough. But, we’ll see how it goes. I might get hooked! At this point my main focus is X Games.

What would you say your greatest accomplishment is?
Greatest accomplishment would be doing the first 360 at X Games and winning best trick. It’s just tough coming into these sports, because I am getting a good chance, obviously, to race the best guys, by coming in as a crossover athlete from another sport. It’ll take some time to beat the good guys, but Pastrana did it [laughs]. My first race is to feel it out and go from there.

Do you think you have a weakness?
Maybe a couple that I can see. One is going from truck racing to rally cars is that the trucks are rear wheel drive so we do most of our steering with the throttle. Rally is more 4 wheel and it’s a different style of turn. But, coming in from another 4 wheel motorsport is much more helpful than starting blind. The other is not ever racing with a co-driver giving me notes!

Are you ready to hang w Ken Block in the film making dept?
Who’s that again? Oh right… they asked me if I wanted to film, but I’ve got my own program going on. We’ll cover my rally at STPR with in car and some before and after stuff. Two or three filmers that film for me are coming down and will cover my experience for briandeegan.com

Red Bull X-Fighters Calgary Final Results:
1. Robbie Maddison — Australia
2. Eigo Sato — Japan
3. Mat Rebeaud — Switzerland
4. Jeremy Stenberg — USA
5. Nate Adams — USA
6. Thomas Pages — France
7. Levi Sherwood — New Zealand
8. Taka Higashino — Japan
9. Jeff Fehr — Canada
10. Ben Milot — Canada

Pastrana and Edstrom maintained a furious pace throughout the 100 mile race leading them to secure the win with an early lead in the Open Class on Day 2. This weekend’s win marked the third win of four races in the series for the defending champion and Edstrom in their Subaru WRX STi. The hilly terrain along with the dry and dusty road conditions proved to be challenging throughout the race for the drivers, however the sunny weather provided a great weekend for race spectators.
“It was an amazing rally. We have three wins so far this season so we are doing really well,” said an enthusiastic Pastrana who is looking for his fourth straight Rally America Championship win this year.
Round 5 of the 2009 Rally America National Championship takes place in Pennsylvania at Susquehannock Trail Rally in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, June 5th-6th.

BMX legend, Mirra, and Ringer kept their driving clean and focused on the 100 mile race through forest and farm roads leading them to not only the win, but a remarkable 6th place finish overall. Mount Hood’s hilly terrain provided numerous elevation changes while also presenting visibility challenges due to the dusty and dry conditions. The weekends beautiful sunny weather brought the fans to the race and offered amazing competition all weekend. The Super Production or SP class is new for 2009 and features minimally modified production based cars.
“A lot of it is just trying to find a pace,” said Mirra. “It’s great to be in this class with so many competitive drivers.”

Time: 10AM-4PM

Location: 2780 W. 237th Street Torrance, CA 90505