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May 01
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Freestyle Motocross Icon Jeremy Stenberg on UNLEASHED Podcast

By General Posts

Monster Energy’s UNLEASHED Podcast Welcomes Freestyle Motocross Icon Jeremy Stenberg

41-Year-Old Pioneer and 17-Time X Games Medalist Joins Episode 09 of Season 03 of Sports Podcast

 CORONA, California – May 1, 2023 – One of the Founding Fathers of freestyle motocross joins the podcast! Monster Energy is proud to welcome Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg on Episode 9 of Season 3 of the sports and pop culture podcast UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny. In the exclusive interview, the 41-year-old Moto X pioneer and 17-time X Games medalist shares his lifelong passion for freestyle dirt bike riding.

Recorded at Studio M inside Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California, the one-hour episode was initially broadcast live on the Twitch platform on April 18, 2023. Today, fans have the chance to tune in to the official recording of the episode featuring the freestyle motocross veteran who left his mark on the sport as a top competitor and trick innovator.

“Dirt bikes are no joke. If you crash, you crash hard! It is what it is. It’s my job and the path I chose. I want to ride a dirt bike for the rest of my life. No matter how many of my friends get taken from me. I would rather die doing something I love than getting hit in a car accident,” said Stenberg on UNLEASHED.

For the full conversation with the influential FMX trailblazer, fans can now tune in to Episode 09, Season 03 of UNLEASHED. Released today, the new podcast is streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

In the world of freestyle motocross, Jeremy Stenberg needs no introduction. Raised on a steady diet of BMX and dirt bike riding, the California native found an outlet for his Tourette’s Syndrome in spectacular stunts. After turning pro in 1998, “Twitch” became a driving force in the progression of freestyle motocross and a figurehead for the young sport. After winning every notable Moto X competition in his day, including a staggering 17 X Games medals (including 6 gold), Stenberg paved a new way by filming influential video parts on real-life dirt terrain. Stop, look, and listen as the motocross trailblazer gives a first-hand account from the sport’s early days all the way to FMX becoming a billion-dollar industry and global spectacle – exclusively on UNLEASHED!

Hear the inside story in conversation with the two podcast hosts, Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Also joining the interview is acclaimed painter, model, and UFC ambassador Brittney Palmer. Tune in right here.

Getting into trouble was inevitable when Stenberg grew up in Southern California. Diagnosed with Tourette’s at age 8 and regularly taunted by his peers, he found an outlet in riding BMX bikes on dirt tracks. “I always tend to do it more when I get nervous or excited. I never thought about it on my bike,” said Stenberg on UNLEASHED.

In the days of VHS videos, one particular video series left a deep mark on young Stenberg: The ‘Crusty Demons Of Dirt’ franchise showed the new and exciting world of ‘freestyle’ motocross. “Crusty, for me, was one of the movies I would come home every day from school… pop it in and watch. Every video made me want to go out and ride BMX and ride dirt bikes.”

His proficiency for hoisting jumps on dirt bikes caught the eye of his first sponsor; a company partaking in the push to establish ‘freestyle’ motocross as its own sport. “I told my dad these guys want to pay me money to jump my bike, and he said: ‘No one’s going to pay you to jump your bike. You need to race to make money!” But when the first paycheck arrived, Stenberg’s father was convinced: “My dad went home and tore the race track down and built jumps. And I rode them every day!”

The rest is history: While still in school, Stenberg competed in pro events as the sport kept growing. But at some point, traveling to competitions interfered with Stenberg’s high school career, so he made a choice. “When I told my dad I quit school because they weren’t going to let me ride in a contest, he said: ‘I can’t tell you that you can’t quit. But if you quit, you better be the damn best at what you do!’ And that has stuck with me ever since.”

As part of a generation that expanded the physical limits of motocross tricks, Stenberg pioneered new maneuvers on dirt tracks without the aid of foam pits and other safety measures. The consequences were always tangible: “When you hit the ground, you hit the ground hard. You’re 35 feet in the air. And you have a 250-pound bike chasing you to tackle you if you don’t do the trick right.”

From 1998 onwards, Stenberg dominated the contest circuit alongside trailblazers Travis Pastrana, Mike Metzger, and Mad Mike Jones. Stenberg won every single top-shelf competition, racking up 17 X Games medals in the process. “Style always mattered. No matter what it is. Your street clothes. Everything you’re doing, it better be good,” said Twitch about the keys to his success. Speaking on his style, he said: “I want to say a lot of it was from riding BMX. I notice a lot of guys who ride BMX and ride Moto all have similar styles. You got to be smooth, you got to hit your marks perfect.”

At the height of his career, Twitch decided to step away from the contest arena. With support from Monster Energy as his sponsor, he continued to maintain his relevancy in the sport by filming groundbreaking videos and pushing the evolution of the sport. And like that, Twitch opened a path for future generations to build pro careers without contest results. “I feel good seeing guys like [Colby] Raha and Axell [Hodges] benefit from what I helped start,” said Stenberg.

Filmed in open terrain on dirt jumps built solely using shovels, video parts such as “Hillside O.G.” have become classics of the sport. “I think the longest I ever built a jump for was seven hours. And then we rode it,” said Stenberg, adding: “We always have to hide from the cops out there. We hide behind mountains.”

For a chance to see Twitch catch air, viewers can head to current tour stops of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The veteran enjoys showcasing his tricks alongside the new generation of FMX talent, including Monster Energy teammate Axell Hodges. “Whenever I ride, I gotta show these little bastards I still got it!”

Hungry for the full story? Visit the landing page to access Episode 09, Season 03 of the UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny Podcast featuring motocross icon Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg.

Episodes of UNLEASHED are filmed on a special set inside Studio M at Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California. The podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Known for their deep roots in action sports culture, the two starred in the beloved cult TV show ‘The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo’ on Fuel TV for five action-packed seasons in the early 2010s. Both hosts have walked the walk as pro snowboarders and possess the interview skills to find common ground with guests from any background – sports and pop culture. Always look out for new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Mondays.

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Jan 20
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Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing Strengthen Global Partnership

By General Posts

Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing celebrate partnership with a new global race team livery for the 2023 MotoGP, AMA Supercross and Motocross, and MXGP seasons

MARIETTA, Ga. – January 20, 2023 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS) is pleased to announce a renewal with Monster Energy, and a strengthened global partnership celebrated with a new Monster Energy Yamaha race team livery for 2023. Breaking cover today at a global race team celebration in San Diego, California, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 team’s YZ race machines will sport the same exciting new look as the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s YZR-M1’s.

Ahead of tomorrow’s San Diego Supercross, the worlds of Supercross, MotoGP, and MXGP were brought together for the unveiling of the YZs. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis were on hand to reveal the new look of their YZ450Fs for the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross seasons, which are part of the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship series. MXGP rider Jeremy Seewer was there for the presentation of his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory YZ450FM, which he will race for top honors in the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo also attended to share his YZR-M1, which was revealed earlier this week at the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s livery launch in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ready for battle, the new look features camouflage and blends Yamaha and Monster Energy’s colors with the addition of gray for a refreshed, younger look. Designed by renowned Italian designer Aldo Drudi, the new global livery symbolizes Monster Energy and Yamaha’s combined passion for motorsports and a strong relationship between the brands. Together, Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing have enjoyed multiple championships and race wins at the highest levels of the sport.

Monster Energy and YMUS have a history of success in the AMA Supercross and Motocross Championships, with 39 premier class victories, including three 450 class titles in the past two years and topping the manufacturers’ points standings in the 450MX Pro Motocross Championship for two years running. In the 250 class, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team has amassed an impressive eight titles, four 250MX Pro Motocross Manufacturer Championships, and 79 victories. More recently, defending 450SX Champion Tomac got off to a flying start, taking a thrilling victory aboard the all-new YZ450F at the opening round in Anaheim, California.

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Dave Gowland – VP Motorsports Marketing, Monster Energy

“Monster Energy is all about winning, and we’re enthused to enter the 2023 global racing season with Yamaha Racing. Monster Energy competes and excels in motor racing disciplines and championships the world over, and when we go racing, we go to win. We couldn’t be happier than to enter the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Championship with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, the MXGP World Championship with the Monster Energy Factory MXGP and MX2 teams, and the MotoGP World Championship with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. Powering into 2023 with Yamaha and our collective new global livery for 2023 puts us in a position to fight for race wins and championships, and that’s exactly what we’re about. Bring on 2023. We’re here to win.”

Steve Nessl – Motorsports Marketing Manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

“Monster Energy and Yamaha have a history of success here in the U.S. and overseas. Together we have enjoyed multiple championships and race wins in Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross, including three premier class titles over the past two years and eight 250-class titles. It’s truly a global collaboration between the two brands, and we’re thrilled to celebrate our strengthened partnership with this exciting new livery that will be shared in MotoGP, MXGP, and AMA Supercross and Motocross Championships. We look to keep building on our success and have already got the 2023 season off to a great start with Eli Tomac’s thrilling victory aboard the all-new YZ450F at Anaheim 1. I’d like to thank Monster Energy for their continued support and look forward to more race wins and championships in the future!”

Paolo Pavesio – Marketing & Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.

“Monster Energy and Yamaha have enjoyed a long and successful partnership in MXGP, with the two brands enjoying a huge amount of success together. Over the past seven years, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 riders have secured 81 race wins, the 2021 MX2 World Championship title with Maxime Renaux, and four manufacturer titles across both classes. During this time, the collaboration between Monster Energy and Yamaha has evolved into a truly global partnership, with the two brands mutually supporting each other worldwide. This is illustrated very clearly by the consistency of the Monster Energy livery in MotoGP, MXGP, and AMA for 2023, which features an exciting new design that will better appeal to a younger audience. I am very proud of what we have achieved together. I would like to thank Monster Energy for their continued trust in Yamaha, and I look forward to making our partnership even more successful in the future.”

Jan 07
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Answer Racing Partnership with BarX Suzuki 250

By General Posts

Answer Announces Partnership with BarX Suzuki 250 Team for 2023 Season

Fort Worth TX – January 5, 2023 – Answer Racing today announced its sponsorship of the BarX Suzuki racing team for the 250cc class in the 2023 Supercross and motocross seasons.

The BarX Suzuki team, which features riders Derek Drake, Carson Mumford, Robbie Wageman and Ty Masterpool, will sport Answer Racing jerseys, pants and gloves for their races in 2023. Team jerseys and pants will be from the company’s Elite product line and each race will feature a different color scheme, including an All-American design for Military Appreciation Day at the race in San Diego.

“Everyone at Answer Racing is thrilled to return to Supercross and motocross racing in 2023, this partnership with BarX Suzuki makes it really special. We are confident this will be a breakout year for these motivated young riders,” says Brent Ash, Brand Manager for Answer Racing.

“BarX is a great addition to Answer Racing’s support of elite amateurs and grass roots marketing efforts. Their young team will be exciting to watch,” says Nick Wey, Brand Ambassador for Answer Racing.

“We are thankful to have the support of Answer, with the style and quality they bring, our riders’ confidence is over the top,” said Myron Short, managing partner of Team BarX. “BarX Suzuki has very big goals for this year, and we strive to achieve them. Our riders and crew are working very hard leading into the 2023 season.”

“Wearing our top-of-the-line Elite gear, with a dynamic set of BarX and Answer Racing colors and graphics, will give the athletes a look that will stand out from the rest of the class,” Ash continued.

Answer Racing apparel products have long been the standard for high performance racing and off-road riding gear. The 2023 Supercross season will kick off at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on January 7, 2023.

About Answer Racing: Answer Racing was started in 1976 with a goal of providing hardcore motocross enthusiasts with products they could trust. Decades of champions were forged in the hearts and minds of Answer Racing’s creative engine. Fast forward to today and Answer Racing has not lost sight of the original vision, putting its nearly five decades of experience behind bars into every product. More information can be found at answerracing.com.

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Nov 24
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Moto X Phenomenon Axell “Slay” Hodges on UNLEASHED Podcast

By General Posts

  • Monster Energy’s UNLEASHED Podcast Welcomes Moto X Phenomenon Axell “Slay” Hodges for Episode 45
  • Broadcast Live on Twitch, Episode 45 of Sports Podcast Interviews 12-Time X Games Medalist /
  • Episode Now Available for Streaming on Major Podcast Platforms Including YouTube and Spotify

CORONA, California – November 22, 2022 – Get inside the mind of the most creative and progressive motocross athlete on the planet! Monster Energy is proud to welcome freestyle motocross innovator and 12-time X Games medalist Axell Hodges from Encinitas, California on Episode 45 of the sports and pop culture podcast UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny.

Recorded inside Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California, the special episode was initially broadcast live on the Twitch platform on November 18th. As of today, fans can tune in to the official recording of Episode 45 of UNLEASHED on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

Episode 45 also features special guest Ash “Dirt Shark” Hodges, Axell’s brother and creative collaborator, as well as their father, Phillip Hodges.

In the episode, the 26-year-old athlete shares his creative process behind record-setting jumps and boundary-breaking tricks. “I always snowboarded and skated a bit. I had a lot of friends who skated and were better than me and had good style. I never really had that in skateboarding, so that’s where I kind of wanted to be a skater on my dirt bike and flow and have good style. So, skating and all that helped a lot on how I ride my dirt bike,” said Hodges on UNLEASHED.

Axell Hodges is a motocross rider with no need for introductions. Despite his young age, Hodges already holds twelve X Games medals, including four gold. The prodigy not only dominates competitions such as Best Whip and High Air but raises the bar with innovative freestyle tricks recorded in viral videos. His trilogy of “Slayground” motocross videos has garnered more than 14 million combined views… and counting. In the episode, Hodges dives deep into the high-stakes world of competitive freestyle motocross at the highest level.

Hear “Slay” tell the full story in conversation with the two podcast hosts, Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass on Episode 45 of UNLEASHED. Also joining the interview, acclaimed painter, model, and UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer contributes questions and background information to the episode. Tune in right here.

Raised in a motocross family, Hodges discovered dirt bikes at a young age. Initially, the native of Southern California pursued a career as a racer. “I wanted to be a dirt bike racer and thought that was the only way when I was a kid. Like, you gotta race! And I did not want to do freestyle when I was younger.” But ultimately, his freestyle tricks would garner Hodges worldwide attention: “I raced from 14 to 18, and then filmed the first ‘Slayground’ video. That’s when I came out of racing and into more freeriding and social media,” said Hodges.

While also making his mark in motocross competitions such as the X Games, Hodges discovered the power of social media platforms to document his boundary-pushing tricks in his own online videos. “I never thought I would be able to call what I do my job, just post videos, and ride my bike. Just make up stuff on the regular,” said Hodges on UNLEASHED.

Fast-forward to today and the “Slayground” video series – filmed with brother and filmmaker Ash Hodges – has generated over 14 million views on YouTube. “I started the ‘Slayground’ series in 2015 at my parents’ house in Encinitas,” said Hodges. “That was my first video and what I was doing every day. Riding in my backyard and had my brother come film a sick line going through my parents’ house, and that’s where the ‘Slayground’ originated.”

In 2020, Hodges took the dream to the next level by building his own 40-acre “Slayground” facility in Ramona, California, as a place to practice and film the third installment of the video series. “This is what we did through Covid. Bought some property and built and tweaked all the jumps until we got it right then we filmed the video,” said Hodges.

For X Games 2021 and 2022, Hodges opened his legendary “Slayground” compound for competitions across five Moto X competitions as well as BMX Dirt. Aside from hosting the world elite of the sport, Hodges also pocketed one gold and two silver medals at X Games 2022, bringing his total count in the world’s biggest competition to 12 medals.

For his biggest moment of mainstream fame, Hodges attempted to set the long-distance jump record for the Guinness Book in 2019 for the ‘Evel Live 2’ event – hitting the ramp at 106 miles per hour – but suffered a life-threatening crash during practice. “I went 396 feet from ramp to ramp, but the next day I went there and ended up going down around 400 feet. I don’t really know if I hold the record or not. All I know is I went pretty far on my bike, and I’m satisfied with that.”

As his next challenge, Hodges has his eyes on more video projects. “I have a couple of things I want to check off,” the Moto X phenom said on UNLEASHED. But let’s hear it from “Slay” himself! Visit the landing page to access Episode 45 of the UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny Podcast featuring motocross trailblazer Axell Hodges.

Episodes of UNLEASHED are filmed on a special set inside Studio M at Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California. The podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Known for their deep roots in action sports culture, the two starred in the beloved cult TV show ‘The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo’ on Fuel TV for five action-packed seasons in the early 2010s. Both hosts have walked the walk as pro snowboarders and possess the interview skills to find common ground with guests from any type of background – sports and pop culture. Always look out for new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Mondays.

The UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny Podcast is here to celebrate the personalities behind the Monster Energy lifestyle. With each episode dedicated to a unique guest or topic, listeners learn about living on the edge and advancing the state of the art in the world of high-energy sports as well as music, games, and pop culture from individuals at the top of their game. More than a drink, Monster Energy is a way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers, and fans – and the podcast is an extension of this unique DNA.

For more on Monster Energy and the UNLEASHED Podcast, visit www.monsterenergy.com. Also follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for exclusive content and athlete features.

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Jul 04
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Jo Shimoda Makes History with First Pro Motocross Overall Win at RedBud

By General Posts

Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda Makes History with First Pro Motocross Overall Win at RedBud

July 2, 2022 | RedBud MX | Buchanan, Mich.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (July 3, 2022) – The AMA Pro Motocross Championship headed north to Buchanan, Michigan for Round 5, ‘America’s National’ at the iconic RedBud MX. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Jo Shimoda proved himself to be a fan favorite by animating the notoriously lively crowd with 1-3 moto scores en route to carving his name in the history books as the first Japanese rider to earn an AMA Pro Motocross overall win. Fellow Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Seth Hammaker overcame second moto adversity for 11th overall (5-15), while Ryder DiFrancesco scored 14-12 for 13th overall in his Pro Motocross debut. In the 450 Class, Jason Anderson secured fourth overall (7-4) and Joey Savatgy finished sixth overall after a personal best third place in Moto 1 (3-9).

The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team quickly set the tone for the day as all three riders charged through the opening qualification sessions. Shimoda was clearly in tune with both track and machine as he logged the fastest lap (2:03.742) of the 250 Class to claim his first pole qualification. Meanwhile, Hammaker ranked ninth with a 2:06.226 and DiFrancesco showed his readiness to compete with the Pro Motocross elite by qualifying 11th (2:06.297).

At the start of 250 Moto 1, the rising Team Green star DiFrancesco was narrowly edged out for the holeshot with both of his teammates close in flank. A push of the front end in Turn 2, however, placed DiFrancesco on the ground and shuffled him to the bottom of the running order; the young rider had his work cut out for him in the race ahead. Meanwhile, Shimoda and Hammaker established themselves inside the top five with decisive moves on the opening lap. Shimoda raised the intensity to a fever pitch as he swiftly became the driving force in a three-way battle for the lead position. The No.30 KX™250 rider kept his main championship rivals under heavy pressure for the lion’s share of the race until he finally took command of the top spot with six laps remaining. Shimoda held true to form by maintaining his pace through the finish to claim his first moto win with more than a 20-second margin over second place. Hammaker logged consistent laps to hold onto a fifth-place finish while DiFrancesco turned heads with an impressive race from 32nd on the opening lap to 14th at the checkered flag.

The second 250 Class moto hosted green at the front again when DiFrancesco grabbed his first Pro Motocross holeshot in just his second start. A quick pass by Hammaker in the opening section of Lap 1 allowed the No.47 rider to take control of the lead from DiFrancesco before he lost traction accelerating out of Turn 4 and crashed. Further back, Shimoda found himself in 25th at the end of the first lap after a non-optimal start was worsened by a collision with another rider. DiFrancesco persisted with his sights on the leaders as the rookie held his own in the top five for more than half the race. While DiFrancesco gained vital experience at the front of the field, the crowd’s attention turned to Shimoda who was racing his way back into overall contention. The roars of the crowd followed Shimoda around the track while he passed multiple riders per lap, using creative line selection and relentlessly carrying his momentum through the pack. Despite his early race adversity, Shimoda clawed his way up to a heroic third place position to secure his first career overall win and made his mark in the history books as the first Japanese rider to grace the top step of the AMA Pro Motocross podium. After visiting the mechanic’s area to regroup from his crash, Hammaker made his way to 15th to salvage 11th overall (5-15) on the day and DiFrancesco finished the race with a respectable 12th place finish for 13th overall (14-12).

“In the first moto, I started up front and had a fast pace going as I pressured the Lawrence brothers for the top-two positions. I was able to make a good pass into the lead and finished strong for the moto win. In Moto 2, my start wasn’t great and then I got caught up with some riders on the first lap which put me outside the top 20. I pushed hard the whole race to fight my way to third and earned my first overall victory. I had to race really hard in both motos, and it paid off for a great day.”
– Jo Shimoda

“I made it a little tougher on myself than I needed to today but, my starts are improving and I just need to clean up a few things. In Moto 1, I had a pretty steady race all the way through to come away with a fifth but, I was looking to better that and get into the podium battle in Moto 2. Unfortunately, I lost traction at the bottom of the hill and fell just after passing into the lead so, I had to race forward from the back of the pack. It’s frustrating of course but, I will keep putting myself up there in the mix and keep improving to iron out those small mistakes.”
– Seth Hammaker

“I had a great start in the first moto but, a crash in the second corner put me way down the running order. I raced forward and made a bunch of passes to finish 14th. In Moto 2, I grabbed the holeshot which felt awesome, and I did my best to keep pace with the leaders for as long as I could. My goal for the day was to do exactly what I did for the first half of that second moto, I matched the speed of the guys at the front for as long as I could before getting tight and settling back a bit. I’m looking forward to Millville where I’ll try my best to stay up there even longer.”
– Ryder DiFrancesco

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The RedBud National featured the second reverse moto schedule of the season which meant a smoother track and higher speeds for the 450 Class qualifying sessions as they took to the course first. Never shying away from a high speeds, the Monster Energy Kawasaki duo of Anderson and Savatgy put the power of their KX™450SR machines on display by qualifying at the front in both timed sessions. When qualification concluded, Anderson had the second-fastest lap of the morning (2:03.505) and Savatgy was hot on his tail with the third-best lap time (2:03.698).

In 450 Class Moto 1, Savatgy was narrowly beaten out for the holeshot as he jockeyed for position with several of the top championship contenders. At the completion of Lap 1, Savatgy had taken a firm hold on second place with his pace in lockstep with the race leader. Unfortunately, Anderson was collected in a first turn crash and the No.21 KX™450SR rider crossed the green flag in 31st position. As the race progressed, Savatgy fortified his spot at the front by extending a gap over the riders behind and keeping in close tow of the rider out front. Unphased by the pressure of battling among several premier class champions while maintaining a smooth intensity to his speed, Savatgy held onto second place until Lap 14 when he was overtaken. A brief battle ensued when Savatgy launched himself back into second by skying out Larocco’s Leap but, he soon settled into third for the final laps of the moto. Savatgy crossed the checkered in third to secure his first 450 Class podium result and proved his recent progress with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team is affirming his place among the best in the world. Not to be overshadowed, Anderson thrilled fans as he charged through the field for the full 30-minute plus two lap race, passing over 25 riders, to secure eighth place at the finish.

The second 450 Class moto saw both Monster Energy Kawasaki KX™450SR riders emerge from Turn 1 inside the top-10. Anderson looked to fight toward a podium position as he moved forward from fifth on the opening lap to take control of fourth on Lap 4. A brief crash in the turn prior to the mechanic’s area, however, set the New Mexican back to eighth place and forced him to race his way up the running order again. A benefactor of Anderson’s crash, Savatgy moved into contention for the overall podium as he pressed forward to sixth by Lap 5. Savatgy continued to push himself forward until a swap through the sand turn after Larocco’s Leap caused him to crash and drop to ninth place on Lap 6. Anderson quickly found his form again as he maneuvered through the competition to reach fifth place by the checkered flag; his 7-5 moto scores earned him fourth overall. Savatgy finished out Moto 2 in ninth to earn sixth overall (3-9) and, more importantly, proved himself as a legitimate podium contender.

“Minor crashes in each moto cost me valuable time and positions early so, I felt like I was playing catch up all day. My speed was solid, and the bike felt great but, a couple of miscues are all it takes to put the podium out of reach. Overall, I made a lot of passes out there and managed to salvage a fourth overall so, we’ll just keep moving forward with the goal of getting another win here soon.”
– Jason Anderson

“It’s been almost four years since the last time I was on the podium and there have been plenty of highs and lows along the way. Finally getting myself back up on the box in the first moto felt amazing. Thank you to the Monster Energy Kawasaki team for this opportunity to be racing and improving each weekend. I was set back a bit overall by the crash in Moto 2 but, we took major steps in the right direction today and look forward to more progress ahead.”
– Joey Savatgy

Apr 19
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Arizona Bike Week 2022: All the Action

By General Posts

The Desert Comes Alive with Roar of Engines, Thundering Wild Parties

by Cycle Source Magazine

Cycle Source reports from ground zero as custom bikes roll in, homemade moonshine flow down, people bond over grease and live music.

After two challenging years, like most of us in the motorcycle industry, Arizona Bike Week got the green flag to have its annual rally at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Unlike the last event, where tiny corrals would be installed to keep people separated, it would be wide open.

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Feb 08
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Six Ways to Sunday project reaches its final discipline for racing

By General Posts

The Garage Fridge saves the day
by Kyle Smith from Hagerty.com

The garage fridge is not a tool. It does not actively assist in the completion of a project. If anything, the cooler in the corner often conspires to defeat productivity. For me, recently, it did just the opposite.

Taking the one motorcycle out to compete in cross country, motocross, flat track, road racing, trials, and finally on ice requires a lot of time in the garage.

So much that I was getting burnt out. Luckily this final conversion only required three items: studded tires, over fenders, and a tether kill-switch.

Simple, right? I thought so, too.

CLICK HERE To Read Kyle’s adventure in Racing at 6 Different AMA Race Categories

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Jan 21
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ProTaper Reveals its Industry First Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Handlebar

By General Posts

ProTaper Reveals its Industry First Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Handlebar Offering Greater Strength, Lower Weight for MX Riders

Fort Worth TX — January 19, 2022 — ProTaper, the industry leader in motorcycle handlebars and controls, today announced an industry first, a revolutionary carbon fiber-reinforced, aluminum handlebar designed specifically to meet the needs of motocross riders. The ProTaper ACF Handlebar uses a revolutionary Carbon Core system to maintain strength while creating the lightest 1 1/8-inch handlebar in the industry.

The use of unidirectional, unwoven carbon fiber creates a core for the bar with a maximum longitudinal tensile strength that is twice the strength of a traditional carbon fiber weave. This carbon fiber core allows ProTaper to reduce the thickness of the strong, 7000 series aluminum alloy walls in key areas, decreasing weight by up to 20% and producing unrivaled impact absorbing flex.

In addition, the ACF Handlebar uses ProTaper’s Control+ design, which creates 220 millimeters of space, an increase of up to 40 millimeters, for mounting controls such as hydraulic clutches, ignition mapping switches and electric starters. The Control+ design creates this additional space without ergonomic changes for the rider.

“The handlebar is the most critical element in a rider’s control of the bike,” said Randy Valade, brand director for ProTaper. “This innovation in design offers greater control, greater comfort, increased ability to mount crucial controls and reduces weight by up to 20%. Riders have been seeking this advantage for years and now ProTaper will deliver it to them.”

The ACF Handlebar is available in four bends to allow rider the fit that they prefer on their motocross bike. The CR High, Carmichael, Henry/Reed and SX Race bends are available in black and retails for $139.99.

About ProTaper
Since 1991, ProTaper has led the way in premium control components. The brand delivers an exciting, innovative, and complete product line that fulfills the needs of professional racers and weekend riders alike. Through revolutionary ideas like the oversized 1⅛” handlebar and the Micro Handlebar Kit—the only control system purpose-built for youth riders, ProTaper transforms how riders experience their motorcycles. It’s no wonder that ProTaper has long list of pro and amateur athletes relying on its products to help them win races.

Jan 11
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Motocross Champion Adam Cianciarulo on Monster Energy’s Podcast

By General Posts

Monster Energy’s UNLEASHED Podcast Welcomes Motocross Champion Adam Cianciarulo
Episode 22 Interviews 25-Year-Old Dirt Bike Racing Prodigy and Team Monster Energy Kawasaki Rider

CORONA, California – January 10, 2022 – Kicking off the 2022 Supercross season with a special treat! Monster Energy is proud to host 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Series Champion and dirt bike racing prodigy Adam Cianciarulo on Episode 22 of the sports and pop culture podcast UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny.

Released today across Monster Energy’s social media channels, this latest one-hour episode interviews the 25-year-old Team Monster Energy Kawasaki rider from Montverde, Florida.

“I’m glad that I’ve reached this point that I’m able to go out there on Saturday nights and live my dream. Sports are always going to be up or down with results or injuries. But at the end of the day, there is nothing in my life that I would rather be doing. It has been a crazy journey,” said Monster Energy’s Cianciarulo on the new edition of the UNLEASHED podcast.

Fans can now get the inside story of Cianciarulo’s pro motocross journey in this latest episode of UNLEASHED. Released today, the new podcast starring Adam Cianciarulo and special guest interviewer “Dirt Shark” Ash Hodges is streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

Cianciarulo has been riding dirt bikes for as long as he can remember. He started on his first minibike at age 3 and began racing one year later. His natural talent earned the native Floridian eleven AMA Amateur Motocross National Championships – still an unsurpassed record! As a pro, the Team Monster Energy Kawasaki rider kept collecting trophies, including the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Series Championship and the coveted AMA Pro Motocross Rookie of the Year award.

Speaking to the two UNLEASHED podcast hosts, Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass, Cianciarulo shares his perfectionist mindset as a pro racer and endless passion for motocross.

Raised in Port Orange near Daytona Beach, Florida, Cianciarulo was born with a need for speed. “My whole existence is really around dirt bikes. I got a bike when I was three years old and just started shredding around on it. I started racing locally when I was four and was pretty naturally gifted at it right away. So my parents were always super supportive and did everything to help me,” he said on the episode.

Soon enough, Cianciarulo’s natural talent allowed him to dominate far beyond local races and attract sponsors at a young age. “It kind of snowballed and became my life, I guess,” said Cianciarulo, who decided to pursue a career as a professional early on. “At age ten, I knew that’s all I wanted to do. I kind of understood the gravity as I get older. But in the moment, I just wanted to win! I just had that drive for it.”

In an unparalleled reign as an amateur racer, Cianciarulo became the winningest minibike rider in amateur motocross history. He clinched eleven AMA Amateur National Championships at Loretta Lynn, considered the Super Bowl of amateur motocross racing. But he always had his eyes set on fulfilling his lifelong dream of turning pro: “Any accomplishment in amateur racing was always about, how can I be a good pro? I wasn’t counting championships or counting checks. I was always like, how can I be one of those guys racing Supercross every Saturday night? I was just so focused on the process that success came naturally.”

In 2013, Cianciarulo turned pro for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and soon became a force to be reckoned with in the 250 division. After years of battling for the top spot and a heated rivalry with Frenchman Dylan Ferrandis, he finally earned the national AMA championship in 2019. “I just have this desire to win dirt bike races. There is just something about me that I’m obsessed with it. I enjoy that feeling. I wake up every day, how the hell am I going to win?”

Since joining the 450 division in 2020, Cianciarulo has overcome injuries and worked tirelessly to perfect his racing skills. Speaking on the ultra-competitive league, he said on UNLEASHED: “The one thing about the 450 class is that the top fifteen guys have all won championships on 250s. So your margin for error is just so small. The races are a little bit longer, the tracks are rougher. All the little things you don’t do well show ten times more!”

Heading into the 2022 season alongside teammate Jason Anderson, the prodigy is laser-focused on perfecting his skillset through daily training. “I figured out along the way that the joy is in the doing. To fall in love with the process of what you’re doing every day. And the results will come.” Asked what he most looks forward to in the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross season, Cianciarulo replied: “Winning!”

But better hear the full story yourself! Head over to the landing page to access Episode 22 of the UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny Podcast featuring Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo.

Episodes of UNLEASHED are filmed on a special set inside Studio M at Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California. The podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Known for their deep roots in action sports culture, the two starred in the beloved cult TV show ‘The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo’ on Fuel TV for five action-packed seasons in the early 2010s. Both hosts have walked the walk as pro snowboarders and possess the interview skills to find common ground with guests from any type of background – sports and pop culture. Always look out for new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Mondays.

The UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny Podcast is here to celebrate the personalities behind the Monster Energy lifestyle. With each episode dedicated to a unique guest or topic, listeners learn about living on the edge and advancing the state of the art in the world of high-energy sports as well as music, games, and pop culture from individuals at the top of their game. More than a drink, Monster Energy is a way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers, and fans – and the podcast is an extension of this unique DNA.

For more on Adam Cianciarulo and our team of motocross athletes visit www.monsterenergy.com. Also follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for exclusive content and athlete features.

About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.