UP AND COMER: DILLAN EPSTEIN
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Dillan after putting in a bunch of sprints on a hot day.
After all the big amateur races have been held during the summer and there are a few rounds of nationals remaining is the perfect time to turn pro for many up and comers. What better time to get your feet wet than immediately following a successful amateur season? Dillan Epstein did just that, turning pro for the last round at Lake Elsinore. From what we saw there and his sprints at local tracks on practice days, Dillan’s got real potential. We decided to talk with him about turning pro.
MXA: It looks like you have a pretty tough training program, what’s your system?
Dillan: I am from Thousand Oaks California, which is a two-hour drive from here [Competitive Edge, Hesperia, Ca.] But it’s only about a five minute drive when I stay with my trainer Casey Johnson. I stay with him during the week, train and go to all the tracks. On the track we do a lot of sprints. He feels that it gets you more comfortable on the bike, faster. The first lap of a race, you’re in awide open sprint. After we do sprints, we do some motos, of course, to condition for all that. Back in the gym we do a lot of cycling, running and circuit training. It’s been working out really well.
Dillan's training with Casey Johnson looks like it's paying off.
Tell us about your amateur career.
In amateurs I was never really dominant. This last year I wasn’t really dominant, but I won more than I ever have. I won three out of four titles at World Mini. I know there wasn’t as much competition there, but Jeremy Martin was there. I missed the Oak Hill and Alabama races. I had a torn rotator cuff and a stretched labrum. After that I went to Mammoth and won, then I went to Loretta’s and finished second. That’s about it.
Tell us about going pro.
There was a lot of talk about me going pro at Hangtown, but that wasn’t ever set in stone, I was just talk and rumors. I raced the last round of outdoors. The goal was to have a learning experience, have fun with it and be ready to jump into Supercross next year.
Dillan in his debut pro race at Lake Elsinore.
How did your race go at Lake Elsinore?
It went alright. It didn’t go exactly as I wanted it to, but I had fun. I was happy with the my results, but at the same time I wasn’t happy. When I went out for my first moto I was nervous. I guess that’s how everyone gets when they’re turning pro. I don’t know, I can’t talk for everybody. But for me, I was tight and didn’t ride how I normally ride. I crashed the first lap and ended up 17th. It just wasn’t a good moto. In the second moto I got an okay start. Around the third lap I think I was in about 11th position when I got T-boned and went off the track. By the end of the moto I caught back up to 12th and got 15th overall. I was definitely a good learning experience. Starts are definitely the key and I need to get good starts in my upcoming races.
What are you plans for the future? Do you have any potential rides lined up?
I am going to start training for Supercross here pretty soon. As far as a ride, I have no idea. I don’t know any more than you do.
DESTRY ABBOTT ON KAWASAKI PULLING OUT OF OFFROAD RACING
Destry Abbott on green. Photo: Destry Abbott.com
“As many of you have already heard, based on the number of emails and phone calls I’ve received today, Kawasaki has made the tough decision to dissolve their Team Green Offroad program. I was extremely heartbroken when I heard the news yesterday, not only for myself, but for my Team Green family and fellow teammates as well! I’ve considered everyone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting at Kawasaki like family for the last 15 years, and I’m extremely sad to see this amazing program come to an end.
“At this point I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do or what direction I’m going to go, but no matter what I plan on staying in this industry. I’m sure you’ll continue to see me on a Kawasaki no matter what happens. They’re a great company and a great group of people, and I’ll always consider myself a Kawasaki guy. I’m still planning on racing next year, and of course I’ll be doing a lot of riding schools to help out with the cost. I’m also working on a few other things, but don’t quite know where that’s going to go yet. Thanks for everyone’s support and I’m looking for sponsors if your interested in helping me out." Destry Abbott.
FRANCE’S UP-AND-COMING HEROES: DYLAN FERRANDIS & DAVID HERBRETEAU ARE BEING GROOMED BY JACKY VIMOND FOR THE FUTURE
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DR.D NS-4 EXHAUST:
Dubach Racing Development (DR.D) is pleased to announce the launch of their all new NS-4 exhaust systems. The NS-4 leads the exhaust market by using the latest in technology to improve performance and durability. Throughout the course of the last eighteen months, Doug Dubach has worked alongside DR.D supported MX/SX/ATV teams putting the final touches on the NS-4. Doug states, “We have been riding/racing on the NS-4 system all year, putting it through the paces. It’s passed all our tests, now it’s ready for yours.” Mufflers are available in Aluminum, Titanium, and Carbon Fiber. Full systems starting at $579.95.
Features:
- New riveted end cap for increased durability
- New Internal design for increased performance
- Roll style packing improves packing life by 50%
- Spark Arrestor can be installed by one simple bolt
- Lighter weight (reduced more than half a pound)
- Manufactured in the USA
- For more information visit: www.dubachracing.com or call (951) 808-1114.
SEE THE VIDEO: HONDA TO TACKLE THE DAKAR RALLY WITH A HIGHLY MODIFIED CRF450X
Honda CRF450 Rally.
UP AND COMERS: CHRIS PLOUFFE
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Chris won't be taking an off-season, he's going down-under.
Injuries plagued what was supposed to be Chris Plouffe’s first full year as a pro, but he has bounced back and scheduled as much racing a possible for the near future. Chirs will be doing the Australian Supercross series, West Coast 250 AMA Supercross series, some 450 Supercross during the East Coast rounds and whatever 2013 outdoor Nationals he can get to. We caught up with Chris before he goes down-under to find out what he learned this year and what he’s doing next year.
Tell us about your career so far?
I raced amateur nationals for about nine or ten years. I went to Loretta’s a bunch of times. I didn’t really do too well until my last three years as an amateur, I got a lot of top fives and top threes. The last two years at Loretta’s I won one class each year. I moved up to the pros for the last few Nationals in 2011. I got a 16th in one moto and a 19th overall and that was it for that year.
How about Supercross this year?
In Supercross, 2012, I came in a little unprepared. It wasn’t what I expected it to be. I made it to Phoenix and got hurt in practice. I came back for the last three rounds. I made the last two mains and finished 11th and 16th in the mains. I was just a huge learning year, although being hurt for most of the rounds didn’t help.
Which Nationals did you do?
I did the Hangtown and Elsinore Nationals. I did Hangtown on a 250 and had a lot of problems, bike related and other problems. In the first moto my goggle lens popped out. In the second moto my knee brace fell apart. Just crazy things happened. I raced Lake Elsinore on a 450. I felt good in the first moto. I was running up there, but I tightened up a bit and finished 19th. The first moto kind of took everything out of me and I didn’t do very well in the second moto. It’s a lot harder to only ride two rounds of twelve and just jump in for one of them. You can train and ride, which I was, but you’re still not ready.
Look for Chris in the 250 West Cost Supercross series next year.
Do you prefer the 250 class or the 450 class?
I would rather ride a 250, but if you have to do it on your own – I had 51-50 helping me out – it’s more expensive to build a competitive 250F. It wouldn’t be worth it, building the bike to do only one race. So I chose a 450 for the last round. I felt good, but I needed a little more time and racing.
Are you going to do the Monster Energy Cup again this year?
No, I’m leaving pretty soon to go to Australia to their Supercross series. I’ll be riding a Husqvarna TC250, so I am going over there to get ready for round one of the series and get some testing in. I’ll be back with 51-50 Energy Drink Powered by Naveen to do 250 West Coast races and a select few East Coast rounds on a 450. We don’t have a deal worked out for outdoors yet. Hopefully we can do the whole series, but maybe we can do six or something like that. We still figuring everything out a little bit.
GARY JONES MOTOCROSS SCHOOL: LEARN FROM A HALL OF FAME NATIONAL CHAMPION
For more info write to garyjonesmxschool@yahoo.com or call (951) 751-6527
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 2013 ATLAS BRACES
CHASE ALESSANDRO MEMORIAL RIDE DAY SATURDAY AT CAHUILLA CREEK MX PARK
GALFER USA IS ACCEPTING SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONS
Galfer USA is a proud sponsor of racers in almost every discipline. From road racing to motocross, cross country to stunt riding, Galfer supports athletes in an effort to advance the sport. A sponsorship with Galfer USA truly is a partnership. Galfer expects that sponsored riders will utilize their own social networking and promotional channels to promote the brand, and in turn Galfer will use their extensive promotional consumer resources to promote their sponsored athletes. Interested parties should submit their race resume via email to jj@galferusa.com. Submissions should also consist of information on the rider’s promotional efforts, including number of Facebook fans, number of Twitter followers, and any other outlets utilized by the rider. The application deadline is December 10, 2012. For more information on Galfer USA products, visit www.galferusa.com
WHAT KEN ROCZEN DID WHEN HE FOUND OUT THAT TEAM GERMANY HAD WON THE MXDN
YOSHIMURA 2013 HONDA HOP-UP PREVIEW
While the MXA wrecking was out at Glen Helen testing Dunlop tires, Yoshimura happened to be out testing prototype camshafts for the 2013 Honda and running their finalized twin exhaust system. Just for fun, the Yosh guys let us do a back-to-back moto with our bone-stock 2013 Honda CRF450 for comparison. MXA would never base a full-test on a quick joyride (the cam was just a prototype anyway), but we couldn’t resist the opportunity to preview some of the later power mods for the horsepower underdog in the 450 class.
Want power? Pay the piper.
What did they go for with the exhaust?
With their twin Honda exhausts, Yoshimura basically used their new RS-9 design with a couple of minor tweaks for wheel clearance and fitment. In developing baffles for a twin, Yosh paid particular attention to packing durability. Yosh felt that twins usually create broad, linear power, and wanted to get a little more hit out of powerband. Also, Yoshimura claims that twin pipes can lose efficiency due to unequal flow out of the two mufflers. So with their twin pipes they worked to achieve perfect balance.
Yosh had at least a dozen camshafts. We only tried one prototype.
What’s the camshaft story?
In their testing, Yoshimura was comparing their 2012 cam profile with other cams that Yoshimura Japan sent over. Yoshimura’s 2012 cam keeps the same low-to-mid power of the stock CRF and boosts mid-and-up power. The goal is to find a cam profile that boosts power everywhere. So the cam MXA got to ride was a prototype cam that was similar the 2012 with a revised low-to-mid.
What’s our initial, seat-of-the-pants impression?
In a test, we would isolate the pipe and cam to feel what each does respectively. With the exhaust and prototype cam we rode together, the style of power was very similar to stock, only there was more of it everywhere. If Yosh can achieve a little more hit with their final product, they’ll have an excellent package to offer. For more info visit www.yoshimura-rd.com
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: HOT RODS STROKER CRANKS EXPLAINED
DUBYA PROMO:20% OFF TSUNAMI WITH WHEEL KIT PURCHASE
Dubya is offering an additional 20% off of Galfer USA’s Tsunami Superlight Oversized Brake Kits, the same brakes used by top teams like Rockstar Suzuki, Jeff Ward Racing, JGR Racing Red Bull Factory KTM/Canada and Motoconcepts Suzuki, with the purchase of any Dubya wheel kit during the month of October.
Galfer’s Tsunami Superlight Oversized Brake Kit utilizes the same two-piece rotor design as the original Tsunami rotor, but replaces the stainless steel carrier of the original design with a lightweight 6061-TK aluminum carrier. The result is a braking system capable of delivering dramatically improved stopping power, brake feel, and lower lap times. To take advantage of this offer, contact Dubya’s sales department at sales@dubyausa.com, or by calling (714) 279-0200. For more info visit www.dubyausa.com
YAMAHA’S REALLY WEIRD TAIWANESE AD FOR THE BW’S 125 SCOOTER...EVEN THE PUNCTUATION IS WEIRD
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MATRIX CONCEPTS MP1 FOOT PUMP
Matrix Concepts new lightweight compact MP1 Foot Pump with built in gauge. The MP1 Foot Pump is more efficient than a hand pump, delivering high pressure capability while working with Schrader or Presta type valves and includes a needle for inflating sports equipment. Compact size requires very little room featuring a foot brace that folds away to compress the pump. The MP1 Foot Pump is now available in Red, Blue, and Grey at www.MatrixRacingProducts.com
VISIT BOYESEN'S NEW WEBSITE AND ENTER TO WIN A FREE SUPERCOOLER
Boyesen Engineering is excited to announce the launch of their newly designed www.boyesen.com website! Visit their Special programs area for a chance to win free Boyesen Factory Racing hard parts like their SuperCooler waterpump cover and Rad Valve intake tract. You can also browse Boyesen’s ongoing inventory overstock area to find great deals on everything from Honda CR125 Power Reeds from the 90’s, to Factory Racing Clutch Covers and SuperCoolers for modern 4-stroke machines. To browse their overstock inventory and find products for your MX/Offroad bike, or ATV CLICK HERE.
Boyesen Performance Contest: 1 Winner Every Month for a Year!
To celebrate Boyesen’s 40th year serving the global MX community, they will be holding a year-long MX /Offroad Performance Contest and invite you to signup for a chance to win a Boyesen SuperCooler, or a Boyesen Rad Valve each month for a year.
To Win a Supercooler CLICK HERE
To Win a RAD Valve CLICK HERE
MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: RIDE 5 HELMET DOG TAG (HDT)
Most of the time we keep the rubber side down, but in the event of a serious get-off and medical attention is needed, HDT ‘s got you covered. HDT is a custom decal that is placed under your helmet visor containing the Riders Name, Date of Birth, Emergency Contacts and other important information that can be immediately accessed by a medic in the event of an emergency. $12.00 for 3-pack. For more info visit www.ride5.com
DID YOU MISS THE 2012 MXDN? CATCH THE TELEVISION RE-AIR ON SUNDAY NIGHT
There will be an exclusive Monster Energy Motocross of Nations encore this Sunday night on CBS Sports Network! Following the first ever same-day domestic telecast of the 66th Annual Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations last Sunday, CBS Sports Network has confirmed a re-air of the most prestigious event in motocross. This Sunday, October 7, fans who missed Germany claim its inaugural victory at the Motocross of Nations from Lommel, Belgium, will get another chance with an exclusive encore presentation at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. Tune in, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT Sunday, October 7 on CBS Sports Network to watch.
WORLD VETERAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ONE MONTH AWAY...NOVEMBER 3-4
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