Thursday, June 30, 2011

2011 Mugello MotoGP Press Release Previews From Pramac And Marlboro Ducati

Press releases from the Marlboro and Pramac Ducati squads. The factory Ducati press release includes news that Valentino Rossi’s crew chief Jeremy Burgess will not be at Mugello. The veteran Australian engineer’s wife has been diagnosed with a serious illness, and is undergoing tests and possible surgery in Australia. Burgess has returned to Australia to be with his wife in this difficult time. Our thoughts are with him and his wife, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Below are the press releases from Marlboro and Pramac:


DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM READY FOR HOME RACE AT MUGELLO

The Ducati Marlboro Team is making the short trip to the newly renovated Mugello circuit, where its first of two home Grand Prix rounds will take place on Sunday.

Valentino Rossi won’t be joined by Jeremy Burgess. The crew chief has returned to Australia to be with his wife, who must undergo a series of medical exams and a possible urgent surgical procedure. The team and the Ducati technicians extend their best wishes to Burgess and his family, and they look forward to welcoming him back for Round 9 at Germany’s Sachsenring in three weeks. In the meantime, Burgess’s crew chief role will be filled by Max Bartolini, who normally works as Team Technical Manager on the Ducati Marlboro Team. Fabiano Sterlacchini will fill that role this week.

Ducati thanks Team Pramac, which always works very closely with the manufacturer, for making Sterlacchini available. He normally works as Team Technical Manager and Track Engineer for Loris Capirossi, who will miss the Italian GP due to injury.

The Mugello track is one of Valentino’s favorites, as the Italian has won there no fewer than nine times in the various classes. Nicky Hayden earned a Mugello podium in 2006 and is also very fond of the circuit. As always, the team will be supported by thousands of ducatisti, who will be cheering from two beautiful grandstands at the Correntaio corner.

VALENTINO ROSSI, Ducati Marlboro Team

“First of all I’d like to wish good luck to Jeremy, who won’t be able to join us this weekend due to very important personal reasons. We’ll miss him very much in the garage, but we look forward to seeing him at the Sachsenring. In the meantime, we must try to do well at Mugello. We’ve ridden there with the GP12, but because our bike is an 800, it responds a little differently to adjustments, and it’s also in its first phase of development. It will be vital to quickly find the right path for the setup, as it’s important that we improve in every session in order to qualify in a good position. The track is one of my favorites, and I’ve always done pretty well there. Returning after last year’s accident is no problem for me, because I enjoyed riding there during the recent tests, as I always do. I hope there will be a big crowd and that I’ll be able to do better than we’ve managed until now, because this is a very important race.”

NICKY HAYDEN, Ducati Marlboro Team

“Even though we’re probably not at our finest moment, Mugello is going to be special for the team. I know the fans are going to come there and support us, especially now with an Italian rider. I love the track, although it’s not one where I’ve had great results, so I’m not planning on an easy weekend. I know I’m going to have to come out there on Friday and get going. We’re going to have plenty of expectations, and it should be a busy weekend with all the hype going on. I’m really looking forward to it.

VITTORIANO GUARESCHI, Team Manager

“We’re very sorry not to have Jeremy with us at Mugello for our home race, where we’ll have many fans in the grandstands. We’re with him in spirit, and we’re awaiting his prompt return. In the meantime, we’ve revised the working structure in the box with the addition of Fabiano Sterlacchini, a very experienced Ducati engineer who normally looks after Loris, who is unfortunately injured. We thank Paolo Campinoti and the Pramac Team for making Fabiano available to us so that we can fully support Valentino for a very important race. As for Nicky, we’ll continue working on the step 2 frame, which we didn’t use in the race at Assen, where the inconsistent weather conditions prevented us from carrying out the necessary comparative tests.”

MUGELLO CIRCUIT RECORDS

Circuit Record: Dani Pedrosa (Honda ? 2010), 1:49.531 ? 172.389 Km/h
Best Pole: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha ? 2008), 1:48.130 ? 174.623 Km/h
Circuit Length: 5.245 km
MotoGP Race 2011: 23 laps (120.635 km)
MotoGP Schedule 2011: 14:00 Local Time
Number of laps: 23
Total race distance: 120.635 km
2010 PODIUM: 1st Dani Pedrosa, 2nd Jorge Lorenzo, 3rd Andrea Dovizioso
2010 POLE: Dani Pedrosa (Honda ? 2010) 1:48.819 ? 173.517 km/h

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM’S BEST RESULTS AT MUGELLO

2010: 4th (Stoner)
2009: 1st (Stoner)
2008: 2nd (Stoner)
2007: 4th (Stoner)
2006: 2nd (Capirossi)
2005: 3rd (Capirossi)
2004: 4th (Bayliss)
2003: 2nd (Capirossi)

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM ? RIDER INFO

VALENTINO ROSSI
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP11
Race number: 46
Age: 32 (born in Pesaro 16 February 1979)
Residence: Tavullia (Pesaro, Italy)
GPs: 248 (188 x MotoGP, 30 x 250cc, 30 x 125cc)
First GP: Malaysian GP, 1996 (125cc)
Number of Wins: 105 (79 x MotoGP, 14 x 250cc, 12 x 125cc)
First GP win: Czech Republic GP, 1996 (125cc)
Poles: 59 (49 x MotoGP, 5 x 250cc, 5 x 125cc)
First Pole: Czech Republic GP, 1996 (125cc)
World Titles: 9 (6 x MotoGP, 1 x 500cc, 1 x 250cc, 1 x 125cc)

Rossi’s MotoGP track record at Mugello
2010: Grid: DNS; Race: DNS
2009: Grid: 4th; Race: 3rd
2008: Grid: 1st; Race: 1st
2007: Grid: 3rd; Race: 1st
2006: Grid: 3rd; Race: 1st
2005: Grid: 1st; Race: 1st
2004: Grid: 3rd; Race: 1st
2003: Grid: 1st; Race: 1st
2002: Grid: 1st; Race: 1st
2001: Grid: 1st; Race: DNF
2000: Grid: 3rd; Race: 12th

Rossi’s 250 track record at Mugello
1999: Grid: 6th; Race: 1st
1998: Grid: 4th; Race: 2nd

Rossi’s 125 track record at Mugello
1997: Grid: 3rd; Race: 1st
1996: Grid: 8th; Race: 4th

NICKY HAYDEN

Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP11
Race number: 69
Age: 29 (born 30 July 1981 in Owensboro, Kentucky, USA)
Residence: Owensboro, Kentucky, USA
Number of GPs: 141 (141 x MotoGP)
First GP: Japanese GP, 2003 (MotoGP)
Number of wins: 3 (3 x MotoGP)
First GP win: USA GP, 2005 (MotoGP)
Poles: 5 (5 x MotoGP)
First Pole: USA GP, 2005 (MotoGP)
World Titles: 1 (MotoGP, 2006)

Hayden’s MotoGP track record at Mugello
2010: Grid: 4th; Race: DNF
2009: Grid: 16th; Race: 12th
2008: Grid: 6th; Race: 13th
2007: Grid: 13th; Race: 10th
2006: Grid: 4th; Race: 3rd
2005: Grid: 4th; Race: 6th
2004: Grid: 2nd; Race: DNS
2003: Grid: 17th; Race: 12th


CAPIROSSI TO MISS ‘HIS’ MUGELLO, DE PUNIET WILL TRY FOR REDEMPTION AT MUGELLO

The eighth stage of the MotoGP World Championship arrives in Italy, at the Mugello circuit. It would not been a race like the other for Loris Capirossi, but yesterday the medical check up have confirmed the fracture of ninth tenth ribs and distorted the AC joint in his shoulder. His presence at Mugello is to be excluded. There is much sorrow inside the box of Italian, which will give the most important race of the season.

After the Assen fall, Randy de Puniet will be presented to the grand prize Tuscan awareness of wanting to get a positive result on the track of Ducati.

The Pramac Racing Team has always had a good relationship with this track, having finished three times on the third step of the podium, the Italian race, with Barros last to conquer it in 2007. Mugello circuit is one of the most demanding pilots and technicians. Since 1991 is an unmissable event in the calendar of the world. Famous for the difficulties in its track, for its security and beauty of the surrounding areas. Since 1991 is an unmissable event in the calendar of the world.

Fabiano Sterlacchini ? Pramac Racing Technical Director

“The doctors we have in a sense illusory, because after visiting the hospital in Assen seemed that things were not so serious. In recent investigations have however found two fractures pretty serious one, above all, that would put at serious risk health of the driver if he decides to get on track. There is, in fact, the risk that the bone can come into contact with the organs and cause serious damage to Loris, for all these reasons we decided to forfeit the match. Unfortunately, Loris this was the most important race of the season.

We hope that Randy takes the flag of our team. Our bike has been developed at Mugello so we hope in a weekend fairly simple. It starts from zero, cerchermo get to the end of the championship with no goals. What has happened should serve to build a season finale lived up to our possibilities.”

Loris Capirossi – Pilota Pramac Racing Team Rider

“I’m obviously very disappointed and angry. I was hoping I could do to get on track for this race, but the double fracture of the ninth and tenth ribs and distorting the AC joint injury forced me to raise the white flag for the first time in my career for Mugello. I’m sorry for the many fans who will be at Mugello, the track to which they are emotionally closest. I have many fond memories of this track, I wanted to turn my season in this circuit. Now I will have to rest, sit still for at least two weeks and try to get back on track as soon as possible”.

Randy De Puniet – Pilota Pramac Racing Team Rider

“As I said after Assen, We have to reset everything, from Mugello a new season is beginning for us. Ducati fans will help us. I don’t do predictions. My team has my confidence, I want to repay them with a good result and Mugello is the best opportunity that could happen.”


DUCATI, LIKE A FAMILY

Paolo Campinoti ? Team Principal Pramac Racing

“We are extremely sad regarding what happened to Loris in Assen. It’s such a pity, especially before such an important race, for him and for us, at the Mugello. It is our home Grand Prix and his absence will be felt. We tried to look for some alternative riders for this race, but in such a short time it was impossible. In this way, as part of our technical staff doesn’t have a rider to manage we gladly accepted Ducati’s request to use our Technical Engineer, Fabiano Sterlacchini, in support of Valentino Rossi’s as to the absence of his official Chief Technician, Jeremy Burgess, due to personal matters. We confide that also thanks to this Valentino and Ducati will gain some benefits. Our relationship with the Ducati family is very strong and this particular situation can surely prove it.”


MotoMatters.com | Kropotkin Thinks

Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi Joel Robert Ken Roczen

Les �quipes de la Coupe du Monde connues

Les �quipes pour la Coupe du Monde FIM de Speedway ont �t� r�v�l�es. L’Australien Jason Crump est de retour dans le but de mener son pays � la victoire. La premi�re manche se d�roulera samedi sur la circuit danois de Vojens.La composition des �quipes pour VojensArbitre : Mick Bates (GB) Allemagne (Rouge) 1. Kevin Wolbert 2. max Dilger 3. Tobias Busch 4. Mathias Schultz 5. Kroner Tobias Team Manager: Ren� Schafer Su�de (Bleu) 1. Andreas Jonsson 2. Fredrik Lindgren 3. Antonio Lindback 4. Jonas Davidsson 5. Thomas H Jonasson Team Manager: Wirebrand Bo Australie (Blanc) 1. Jason Crump 2. Darcy Ward 3. Troy Batchelor 4. Rory Schlein 5. titulaire Chris Team Manager: Craig Boyce Danemark (Jaune) 1. Nicki Pedersen 2. Bjarne Pedersen 3. Kenneth Bjerre 4. Niels-Kristian Iversen 5. Mads Korneliussen Team Manager: Anders Secher  La composition des �quipes pour King’s Lynn (2e manche) Arbitre: Krister Gardell (Su�de) Russie (Rouge) 1. Roman Povazhny 2. Artem Laguta 3. Emil Sayfutdinov 4. Renat Gafurov 5. Grigori Laguta Team Manager: Andrey Savin Grande-Bretagne (Bleu) 1. Chris Harris 2. Nicholls Scott 3. Tai Woffinden 4. Edward Kennett 5. Ben Barker Team Manager: Neil Middleditch Pologne (Blanc) 1. Tomasz Gollob 2. Jaroslaw Hampel 3. Janusz Kolodziej 4. Piotr Protasiewicz 5. Krzysztof Kasprzak Team Manager: Marek Cieslak R�publique tch�que (Jaune) 1. Ales Dryml 2. Matej Kus 3. Lukas Dryml 4. Tomas Topinka 5. Filip Sitera Team Manager: Milan Spinka
F�d�ration Internationale de Motocyclisme : News EN

Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio Connor McGechan

NBA Commissioner David Stern Is Not Scared Of NBA Lockout

Earlier today, reports surfaced that the NBA collective bargaining agreement would expire and send the league into lockout mode.

NBA commissioner David Stern at a press conference regarding this situation commented that he was not scared of the lockout but resigned to the possible issues that come from it:

Back to business in Sweden for Honda

amb goncalvesbrobryshev 5856 220x146 Back to business in Sweden for Honda

Following a short break, the MX1 World Championship swings back into action in Uddevalla, Sweden this weekend (2-3 July) for the 8th round of what is developing into a fascinating championship season. The Grand Prix of Sweden marks the middle round of the championship and provides an opportunity to look back at the first half of the season and take stock of how things have un-folded so far.

For both Bobryshev and Gon�alves, new to the official Honda squad in 2011, a top-five positioning in the overall standings was the priority target. The secondary objective was to achieve podium positions and to fight for race wins and overall GP victories on a consistent basis. With the season only seven GP?s old, both team riders are well on their way to meeting these goals.

Bobryshev has already stepped onto the podium on two occasions, with fantastic displays in Glen Helen and Agueda. He also currently sits in 5th place in the overall standings. Although Gon�alves has yet to taste the glory of the podium, he has impressed with several strong race results. His best also coming in Agueda and Glen Helen, where he scored a 3rd and 4th place moto finish respectively. He currently sits 7th in the overall standings but is well within touch of a target top-five positioning.

Udevalla is favoured territory for Bobryshev and Gon�alves, who have both gone well there in past seasons. Its technical, stony layout seems to suit the style of both CRF450R pilots and the enthusiastic Swedish crowd helps give an added boost to all.

On the Friday before the GP weekend commences, both Bobryshev and Gon�alves will be on-hand to offer expert advice and riding tuition to young racers as part of the Honda Xtreme Academy Training Camp, held at a nearby Blixas track. The Xtreme Academy is designed to equip the next generation of riders with the skills and knowledge to com pete at the highest level of the sport.

We also offer you a video preview of the Grand Prix. The video contains an interview with Team Manager Lorenzo Resta, who offers a technical perspective, while riders Evgeny Bobryshev and Rui Gon�alves give their own personal views of the track. The video also contains footage from last year?s event, where Antonio Cairoli took the overall.

Please click on the video link to view on You Tube, where you can also find the embed code should you wish to place it within your own website.

Evgeny Bobryshev, Honda World Motocross
?Uddevalla is a strong track for me, one of my favourites! I rode well there last year, despite a few problems. My bike is very strong and has good power this season. I think if I can get a holeshot then I can run at the front. This season has started really strongly for me, I try always to be at the top. I didn?t really set myself a target at the start and wanted to take it race by race but to be top-five in the championship at half-way is where I want to be.?

Rui Gon�alves, Honda World Motocross
?Uddevalla is a great track and again I have good memories of it from the past. I won the GP there in 2009 when I was fighting for the MX2 championship. The crowd there is really special, and they all climb the hill to watch the race, which makes for a special atmosphere. The first half of the season has gone well but I still feel I have a lot to achieve. I have done a lot of hard work getting used to a new team and to a new bike; having to change my style a bit to get the best out of it. I feel comfortable with the package and in the second half of the season, I want to push for more good results.?

Lorenzo Resta, Team Manager, Honda World Motocross
?For sure I cannot be disappointed with how the first half of the season has gone. Everyone has been improving steadily throughout, both riders and team members, and it is really important to keep working this way. We did have a blip in Spain at the last round but we are now moving into a run of tracks that is perhaps better suited to our riders and we will be looking for strong results. At the start of the season our target was to have one rider in the top-five and we are close to having this with two riders. This is very positive!?

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PGA Tour's Rickey Fowler Is a Golfing Artist, Literally

The below video features PGA tour professional Ricky Fowler at a recent PUMA promotional events using golf balls to paint a canvas.

I dare say, it's something that Rembrandt might have used if he could:



(Courtesy of Sportress of Blogitude)

Chad Ochocinco's Next Athletic Endeavour: NASCAR

Previously on Outside the Boxscore, we have featured the athletic endeavours of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco from bull-riding to racing horses.

Well, Ocho has decided to take on the world of NASCAR as he was seen riding along with NASCAR great, Jeff Burton:



(Courtesy of Fox Sports)

Ducati Hypermotard 796 | Quick Shift

Click the images below for bigger versions:

2011 Ducati Hypermotard

Ducati’s Hypermotard 796 is about serious riding. It takes about a nanosecond after sliding a leg over the 32.5-inch high seat and reaching for the controls to tell what this bike is about; something so light, well-balanced and comfortably arranged could not be built for anything other than a throttle twisting good time.

Fire up the 803cc Desmodue engine, click into gear and – mindful of the late-engaging clutch – you’re off to adventure. It is easy to find oneself riding fast very quickly on the 796, as the engine feels lumpy in response to short-shifting.

At 366 pounds (claimed dry), the Ducati Hypermotard feels ridiculously light and easy to handle. With a 24-degree rake and 57.3-inch wheelbase, the 796 eagerly turns as soon as the thought crosses your mind, making a romp on twisting roads a complete blast.

Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires keep the Hypermotard asphalt-connected during those turn-ins, so scraping a footpeg is in the picture despite the Ducati’s tall stance. Suspension by Marzocchi (front) and Sachs (rear) is racing-firm, dealing with the rough-and-tumble real-world conditions at speed without much finesse.

In tight quarters on urban byways, the Hypermotard is a real show off. Tuck in the bar end-mounted mirrors and slip through the narrowest gaps with a shift of your hips. The bike’s slender physique and agile handling make it a commuter’s BFF-even the steering stops allow tighter low-speed turns than you can usually accomplish on a Ducati.

Though the initial bite on the dual 305mm front discs is mild, there is plenty of stopping power available in the radially mounted Brembos to slow this featherweight as you add pressure. The single rear rotor is similarly laid back at first actuation, but shows little aptitude even with the coaxing of a firm boot.

Relative to its beefier classmate, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750, there is a somewhat insubstantial feel to the Ducati Hypermotard 796, and a nervousness that comes from the steep forks and shorter wheelbase.

Interestingly, it never occurred to me to slow down or not aggressively attack turns-the willowy feel does not translate into an insecure ride, the Ducati Hypermotard 796 just feels rather toy-like, and who doesn’t know how to have fun with toys?

Riding Style

  • Helmet: Arai RX-Q Urban
  • Eyewear: TAG Heuer Curve 7
  • Jacket: Ducati Women’s Meccanica 11
  • Gloves: Alpinestars Stella SP-8
  • Pants: Dainese SF Pelle Lady
  • Boots: Alpinestars Stella S-MX 5

Photography by Don Williams

Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans

Racer X Open Mic: Chad Reed

Chad Reed Racer X Open Mic

Chad came out 3rd overall at Thunder Valley and had this to say to Racer X:

For me, I?m happy to be honest. It?s a tough race track for me. I enjoy I I like it and I really like ruts, I just felt a little off. I threw down one fast lap in practice, but I just struggled to do that consistently in the races. I ripped a holeshot in the alttitude, and I think Hondas have ripped every start here since like ?09. Obviously my bike is fast enough, we just need someone good enough to ride it! I truly feel you learn more on the days when you get your ass kicked. When you?re winning, you don?t want to reinvent the wheel. Today I know there were improvements that we need to make, and I think we can make them. But I?m excited to get after it and try some things this week and come back to Red Bud.

I was the third place guy, those guys had a great pace going, and I wasn?t that comfortable going that fast in these ruts. That?s an area I have to work on. In practice they were soft and wet, and in the race they kind of dried up. I think I got caught off guard by that.

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Jeff Emig Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici

Scott Jones On Wednesday: When Bad Things Happen


Whenever you’ve heard people use the term “highside”, this is what they mean


Spot what’s wrong with this picture


Assen’s GT chicane gets a lot of traffic in the gravel


The aftermath, emotional and physical


“Don’t let go of the clutch, don’t let go of the clutch, don’t let go of the clutch…”


At least they’re only breaking fiberglass in Moto2

MotoMatters.com | Kropotkin Thinks

Torlief Hansen Marcus Hansson Doug Henry Broc Hepler Rob Herring

Terrell Owens’ Injury Just A Twenty Second TO For His Career

A whistle for a short timeout has been blown for one of the NFL’s greatest superstars.

Known for his incredible physique and necessity to be the center of attention, 37-year-old Terrell Owens is again the hottest, current headliner in the NFL, even as the league has put up its “out of service” sign.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the wideout had surgery to repair a torn ACL in one of his knees. The article goes on to say that he could be ready to step onto the field within six months (mid-to-late November at the latest).

Along with this new revelation, there are also other stories popping up from all over speculating whether or not the star receiver has played his last downs with the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2010 season. Whenever a superstar has to decide on whether or not to attempt a comeback after incurring such a debilitating injury at his age, the decision usually leans towards accepting father time and calling it quits.

The only problem is that this is Owens.

This is not just your average football player or even a great star in the sport who accepts what he is given and taking it. The former third round choice of the San Francisco 49ers in 1996 is one of the most stubborn players of all time. Acknowledgement and acceptance are words that are not in his vocabulary when it comes to his football career.

That being said, take the recent rumors of Owens’ contemplating retirement with a grain of salt. Fans should have learned their lesson with another stubborn football star who kept the public on the edge of their seats during the off-season of his last few years just because he yearned for their attention and admiration (he was that quarterback from those Wrangler Jeans commercials who played for the Vikings last year). Owens will now take over the mantle of leading the public on a summer fiasco of teetering between ending or resuming his career.

Leaving at this point in his career wouldn’t make a great deal of sense for one of the league’s most productive WR last season. The former Tennessee-Chattanooga college standout was the Bengals best receiving threat (and, arguably, their best player) and was on pace for an All-Pro like season before getting injured in week 14. If anything, 2010 was a bounce back year, which helped erased his disturbing 2009 campaign in Buffalo.

With such an impressive showing and illustrating to all the haters that he still has it, why would he bail when he could strike while the iron is hot?

Owens can also thank the league in presenting a favorable forecast for a return in the near future.

The league remains at a standstill with the impending lockout between the players and owners still intact. This has stalled free agency, which has halted players without a team to secure a residence upon a roster. It has also prevented new rookies from being introduced to a team’s philosophy and many players are not getting into shape with teams incapable of holding camps and workouts.

For Owens, that will mean that the longer the lockout is still active for the league, the more enticing of an option he becomes on a team that is in need of a wideout.

He may be injured and recovering from surgery, but there is no player who will work as hard to morph his body back into the chiseled, magazine cover-style Adonis he once was. He’s also a player that’s been in the league for over fifteen years and wouldn’t need extensive time being acclimated to a team’s playbook and goals. He will also look at this upcoming year as a season of redemption as others seriously doubt his effectiveness due to his injury and age, which means he will most likely be affordable for many franchises.

Even though he may be a self-absorbed, narcissistic prima donna who is more intrigued by the number of followers he has on Twitter and the television ratings for his reality show on VH1, he’s a top-notch, star receiver who can make a difference on any team.

Aside from his ability and ego playing into how is future will end up, continuing another year or two would help to wrap up his career with a stronger sense of where he falls in regards to his legacy in the NFL.

It’s hard to root or boo Owens, who has essentially been the biggest anti-hero in the NFL since he started becoming recognized as one of the top receivers in the league. There are times when his antics can be viewed as both self-centered and entertaining. A big reflection of those moments is each opportunity he has when he crosses the end zone.

The six foot, three inch, 225 pound star always keeps the public’s eyes glued to their HD television screens whenever he approaches the white finish line to score six points. His celebrations have always been egotistical, but it has bolstered a great following with fans and fellow NFL stars who try to top Owens’ famous touchdown moments.

This showcase of enjoyment is just one of the many ways summarizing his career is conflicting. Although there are moments where he can be a head case for his team, concentrates more on being a star off the field, and is extremely arrogant believing he’s the most exceptional human being in the world; there is no denying his greatness as a wide receiver and his influence in the NFL since he’s been here.

Playing another season or two would help to summarize what he was to the NFL: the villain or the hero?

Surgery is usually a crippling procedure that would end any football player’s career if they are older than 35. Yet, this is a Terrell Owens discussion, which means that this is no ordinary NFL player. A star with such adulation and self-perception of himself will not allow one little operation to his knee end his stellar career. This is merely a periodical break before he returns to the NFL next season.

Consider this more of a 20-second TO for TO’s career, and not just a full timeout that ends it.

Final Call for ANQ participants 2011 Amateur GNC motocross Walton Raceway August 15-20

If you, or someone you know, wants to participate in the 2011 Amateur

Grand National Championship make sure that entry is submitted – so act

NOW! www.motoregistry.ca�

If you have already entered skip down for some important info below

…. FYI – we are working diligently to get the participant

confirmations out for current entries, this should be done in a matter

of days.

After June 30th entries for the Wiseco Amateur Grand National

Championship will be taken on an as received basis.�

Up until June 30th the CMRC regional Amateur National Qualifiers

(ANQs) participants have preference to pre-enter on an as received

basis. (ANQ standing no longer counts after June 19)

IF

there are still gate positions available, otherwise they are added to

the standby list.

Classes accepting standby entries only

80 (7-11)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1333&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

80 (12-16)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1334&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Super Mini

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1335&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

School Boy (12-16)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1336&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

MX3 GP Junior

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1340&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

MX2 125 Junior

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1341&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

MX2 125 Intermediate

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1344&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Classes that have very limited entries available at this time

Ladies

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1339&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

MX3 GP Intermediate

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1343&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Vet Junior

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1346&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Classes that have entries available at this time

50 Pee Wee (4-6)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1329&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

50 Pee Wee (7-8)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1330&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

60 Pee wee (7-9)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1331&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

60 Pee Wee (10-11)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1332&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Youth (14-24)

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1337&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

+25

MX1 250 Junior

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1342&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

MX1 250 Intermediate

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1345&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Vet Master

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1347&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

+40

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/index.php?option=com_moto_registry&task=reports&subtask=view&method=get&mr_event_id=75&mr_class_id=1348&mr_report_id=class_listing&mr_report_style=html&orderby=mr_entry_id>

Enter now at www.motoregistry.ca <http://www.motoregistry.ca/>

Got questions? Check out the FAQs at

http://www.partscanadatranscan.ca/event-faq.html

If you have already entered we encourage you to do the following to

ensure you get the gate position you earned …

1. ***VERY IMPORTANT*** Go to http://www.cmrcracing.com/results

and make sure you show up on your regional ANQ series results and

that the results are ALL correct and complete. If not correct contact

your regional CMRC representative immediately. Check

www.cmrcracing.com <http://www.cmrcracing.com/>

for your local ANQ events and regional reps

2. Log into your account at www.motoregistry.ca

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/>

and make sure the information is ALL correct and complete. i.e race

#, email address, mail address, phone #, etc. Your email receipt is

also a record of what you submit.

3. Now relax and for fun go to http://www.facebook.com/TransCan

and give us a ?Like?, see who else to going to Walton Raceway and/or

follow us on twitter http://twitter.com/TransCan

… so what happens once my entry goes in ? ….

All entries received by June 19th will be ranked based on the ANQ

entry list and results. As soon as ALL regional ANQ results are

received, checked for accuracy and entered for each rider and then

double checked we will email to each entry a confirmation of the entry

status. This will be followed by a snail mail package to everyone with

details of the 2011 Parts Canada TransCan and the Wiseco Amateur Grand

National Championship.

… Will you be there? …

If you are considering, in even the most remote way, that you might

compete in the GNC or are not sure if you qualified then go to

www.motoregistry.ca <http://www.motoregistry.ca/>

anyway and sign up now. If for any reason you can?t make it you can

cancel your entry and get a refund. You wouldn?t believe the painful

emails and phone calls we get each year after the deadline that start

with ?I wish I hadda …?

… How will your region be represented?… If you know someone who

SHOULD represent their region at the GNC make sure they get this

information, be a buddy, encourage them and help them if they need it!

See you in Walton Raceway August 15-21 2011!

TransCan info here … www.partscanadatranscan.ca

<http://www.partscanadatranscan.ca/>

TransCan registration here … www.motoregistry.ca

<http://www.motoregistry.ca/>

CMRC membership, rules, race results and ANQ series results are

here… www.cmrcracing.com <http://www.cmrcracing.com/>

Canadian motocross news here … www.motocrosscanada.ca

<http://www.motocrosscanada.ca/>

www.mxpmag.com <http://www.mxpmag.com/>

http://www.directmotocross.com/

And a word from some of our key sponsors here …

www.scott-sports.com <http://www.scott-sports.com/>

www.wiseco.com <http://www.wiseco.com/>

www.battlefieldequipment.ca <http://www.battlefieldequipment.ca/>

Chris Lee

Walton Ontario Canada

(H) 519-887-6735 <tel:519-887-6735>

(C) 519-902-2946 <tel:519-902-2946>

http://www.facebook.com/chrislee991

http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislee991

http://twitter.com/clee991

BB PIN:209428b8

Direct Motocross News

Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon

Herman Edwards Goes All Herm Edwards During NFL Rookie Symposium

Yesterday, the NFLPA decided to host the NFL Rookie Symposium which was a replacement one for the cancelled NFL one due to the lockout.

Former Jets/Chiefs head coach and current ESPN NFL analyst Herman Edwards was one of the public speakers and let's give Herm the floor now:



(Courtesy of Cosby Sweaters)

Andy Murray Impressive Trick Shot Winner At Wimbledon

Earlier in the week, British tennis star Andy Murray faced off against Ivan Ljubicic to chance move onto the next round of play.

Murray went onto win the match and one of his highlights was this between the legs shot to steal a point in the fourth set of the match:



(Courtesy of The Huffington Post)

Rutted Corners

There are two obstacles you will always have to face on the track: ruts and corners.� Combine the two and traversing themcan be frustrating.� The power and torque that modern four strokes produce is pretty incredible and lines get dug out quickly.� Corners are the backbone of speed which makes it essential to be extremely proficient in riding at any situation.

One thing that has always helped me is to concentrate on one corner that is giving me problems.� Try to get to the track later in the day when it is rougher and not as many people are there.� Find your corner and enter the track safely in the section before, then hit the corner and go back to the previous section to repeat.� If there aren?t many people, this will allow you plenty of time to find what you need to work on.

The first aspect you need to look at is your entrance technique.� You want to be in the attack position all the way through the chop.� Braking should be gradual; do not lock the back tire up or the rear end can sway side to side.� For inside ruts, putting more emphasis on the front brake will get your front forks to squat lower so you can carve harder.� As for outside lines, it is better to use the back to keep more momentum up.

When it comes time to sit, the process from standing to sitting should be one, fluid motion.� You sit, put the inside leg up, and apply the throttle smoothly.� Some have a tendency to blip the throttle and it bounces them around.� The suspension throws the rider from the flow of the turn as leaning and steering become out of sync.� A simple way to help with this is to just look ahead!� When you approach the corner, look at the apex.� As you get closer to the apex, begin looking further and further ahead to the next obstacle.� You go wherever you look.

One overlooked method is to stay relaxed.� Ride with the turn and don?t try to blast through it.� Don?t tighten up so much and worry about messing up.� You know how to ride a bike so have confidence in your abilities. �Take some time to get this down and you will be making up time on every one.

Motocross Training Blog � Riding Techniques

Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi Jaromir Cizek Guy Cooper Paul Cooper

Ducati Hypermotard 796 | Quick Shift

Click the images below for bigger versions:

2011 Ducati Hypermotard

Ducati’s Hypermotard 796 is about serious riding. It takes about a nanosecond after sliding a leg over the 32.5-inch high seat and reaching for the controls to tell what this bike is about; something so light, well-balanced and comfortably arranged could not be built for anything other than a throttle twisting good time.

Fire up the 803cc Desmodue engine, click into gear and – mindful of the late-engaging clutch – you’re off to adventure. It is easy to find oneself riding fast very quickly on the 796, as the engine feels lumpy in response to short-shifting.

At 366 pounds (claimed dry), the Ducati Hypermotard feels ridiculously light and easy to handle. With a 24-degree rake and 57.3-inch wheelbase, the 796 eagerly turns as soon as the thought crosses your mind, making a romp on twisting roads a complete blast.

Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires keep the Hypermotard asphalt-connected during those turn-ins, so scraping a footpeg is in the picture despite the Ducati’s tall stance. Suspension by Marzocchi (front) and Sachs (rear) is racing-firm, dealing with the rough-and-tumble real-world conditions at speed without much finesse.

In tight quarters on urban byways, the Hypermotard is a real show off. Tuck in the bar end-mounted mirrors and slip through the narrowest gaps with a shift of your hips. The bike’s slender physique and agile handling make it a commuter’s BFF-even the steering stops allow tighter low-speed turns than you can usually accomplish on a Ducati.

Though the initial bite on the dual 305mm front discs is mild, there is plenty of stopping power available in the radially mounted Brembos to slow this featherweight as you add pressure. The single rear rotor is similarly laid back at first actuation, but shows little aptitude even with the coaxing of a firm boot.

Relative to its beefier classmate, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750, there is a somewhat insubstantial feel to the Ducati Hypermotard 796, and a nervousness that comes from the steep forks and shorter wheelbase.

Interestingly, it never occurred to me to slow down or not aggressively attack turns-the willowy feel does not translate into an insecure ride, the Ducati Hypermotard 796 just feels rather toy-like, and who doesn’t know how to have fun with toys?

Riding Style

  • Helmet: Arai RX-Q Urban
  • Eyewear: TAG Heuer Curve 7
  • Jacket: Ducati Women’s Meccanica 11
  • Gloves: Alpinestars Stella SP-8
  • Pants: Dainese SF Pelle Lady
  • Boots: Alpinestars Stella S-MX 5

Photography by Don Williams

Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara

Joe Rocket | UFO Solid Jacket

Click the images below for bigger versions:

JR Motorcycle Jacket Review

Sometimes a motorcycle jacket just feels right, and that’s the case with Joe Rocket’s new textile UFO Solid. The cut agrees with my fairly standard built, with just the right lengths for my body and arms.

Fit customization on the Joe Rocket UFO Solid is very good, with snaps on the wrists to supplement the forearm zippers and hook-and-loop wrist closures. Additional three-position forearm snaps allows you to choose between a snug or loose fit.

Wide and long hook-and-loop straps give you the same broad range of fit at the waist. The plush collar is nice, but there is only one snapping position.

Inside the UFO Solid, there is a traditional warming quilted removable vest. A very cool(ing) feature is an interior zipper sewn to mesh that allows you to unzip the outer zipper for ventilation without the jacket flopping around-excellent. There is also zippered venting in the elbows and the sides of your back.

Storage is at a premium in this sport jacket, with just a single interior pocket to go with the two outer pockets. I do like that the outer-pocket zippers zip down to close, as there’s no chance of them accidently opening during a ride.

For safety, the Joe Rocket UFO Solid has the usual array of CE protection and a spine pad; you can add an optional CE spine protector, if desired.

Joe Rocket UFO Solid Jacket MSRP: $ 199.99 – $ 214.99

For additional, information click here.

Guy Cooper Paul Cooper Josh Coppins Cody Copper Gordon Crockard

Thundersport Mallory: Weekend race review

29/06/2011
Action from the bsn.com Superstock 600 class

By Steve Day
Image by Steve Gough

After two years without a winner, the famous Race of the Year returned to Mallory Park this weekend with Thundersport GB as a heat wave failed to disturb the biggest event on the circuit?s calendar.

On Saturday with two qualifying sessions to set their grid positions, there was a mass scramble to collect pole position after a rain hit first 25 minutes was followed by a damp second period with a drying circuit rewarding the bravest of the brave.

With Lowes and Ellison both hitting the top spot at various points of qualifying, it was clear that the first to gamble on dry tyres could prove successful and with just minutes left, the experienced John Ingram snatched pole position away from Luke Stapleford on the line, whilst Christian Iddon improved his time in the final seconds, to lift himself up to third ahead of Lowes and Ellison.

On the second row, Billy McConnell looked a danger in sixth, whilst Joel Morris had a solid qualifying to take seventh ahead of Paul Young, Field, Robertson, Littler and Crowe.

As Sunday arrived, the temperature started to rise and all eyes were on favourites Sam Lowes and James Ellison, who on Friday in similar conditions, looked tough to catch. However once the lights went out, the pair of them struggled away from the line as the team mates were swallowed into turn one amongst a full grid on hungry riders.

It looked like being a classic with the two World Supersport boys having to work hard to keep chase on the leading three but unfortunately, the race was short lived after pole sitter John Ingram lost control of his BMW on the exit of Gerrard?s, taking Iddon with him, resulting in red flags to stop the event.

Once re-started, Lowes and Ellison were hardly going to make the same mistake twice and after pouncing on early leader Luke Stapleford, the two PTR riders headed the pack to tackle a shortened 18 lap race.

With Ellison leading and Lowes not far behind, the duo struggled to shake off Stapleford in the early stages as McConnell looked to tag onto the Profile Logistics Kawasaki rider in fourth, but on lap seven, any chances of a three or four way battle for the lead were shattered after Stapleford was forced to retire and leave McConnell in a very lonely third.

Lowes didn?t leave it too long to make his move and after delivering the fastest lap of the race with a 51.527, he maintained enough of an advantage at the front to frustrate Ellison and eventually take the illustrious crown that has previously been won by legends such as Surtees, Hailwood, Agostini and Sheene.

McConnell took third spot ahead of team mate Paul Young for the Oxford TAG Triumph team, whilst Joel Morris collected fifth ahead of Phil Crowe, who would have no doubt been far quicker were it not for a heavy fall in Q1.
Both Sam and James admitted that they were dealt a good hand to get a second shot at the start after the race was stopped, but both were highly concerned at the health of both riders involved, with Iddon walking away unhurt but Ingram sustaining a dislocated shoulder in what was as bigger crash you?re likely to see.

The Race of the Year wasn?t the only event of the weekend though as Thundersport GB?s Championship filled the rest of the timetable on Saturday and Sunday.

In the Aprilia Superteens, series leader Tom Oliver shared the victories with newcomer Joe Francis, whilst Ben Luxton returned to form to collect four solid podiums. Oliver?s retirement from the final race of the day was his first of the season to leave Francis closing in at the rate of 18 points for the weekend, whilst there were other visits to the podium for Ross Twyman, Bradley Jones and Harry Coomber.

Twelve-year-old Ryan Vickers, who qualified in a career best fourth, struggled to get the 125cc machine away from the line though, and with other bike issues, an eighth place finish was the best he could manage.
In the LMB Streetfighters, Barry Utting, Keith Smith and Tony Hughes started the weekend with the usual victories in the ?A?, ?B? and ?C? classes on Saturday, but with different weather conditions on Sunday, came different results , and after Utting?s weekend came to a premature end in race three, we saw new winners.
?A? class newcomer Chris Dixon did the double ahead of series leader Keith Smith, whilst Mick Riddle returned to the class after being away on duty, to collect the ?B? wins in Utting?s absence.

In the ?C? class meanwhile, Brad Davey took the opening win on Sunday, only to be knocked down to second again in the fourth race, with Hughes making it three from four. After injuring himself at the friendly circuit during pre-season testing, James Webb, brother of Moto GP star Danny, came back with a bang this weekend in the MAL Formula 600 class, with three impressive wins against some strong opposition.

Climbing through the field in the wet on Saturday, Webb saw off Field, Oliver and eventually passed series leader McNeill to take the first win of the weekend before blitzing the solid looking Field in both races on Sunday to collect 75 points.

Field?s strong performances were rewarded with the new Championship lead after McNeill struggled to cope with his hand injuries in the hot conditions, and Chris Mort and Craig Sproston kept themselves in the championship hunt overall with podiums on Sunday.

Despite a fantastic race win for Adam Palfreman in the first race on Sunday, Alto Digital Thundersport GP2 Championship leader Connor Tagg found a new level in races two, three and four to obliterate his opponents and extend his overall advantage.

Adam Palfreman, his brother Dave, their new team mate Curtis Rothwell and Ian Popplewell all tried their best to keep with the Aprilia 450 rider but it was to no avail as the Reading rider looked in the form of his life.
Rothwell and Dave Palfreman?s efforts didn?t go un-noticed though as they racked up a few wins ahead of Popplewell in the Minitwin Cup and with the Nitro GP3 class also out with the GP2 crew, Aaron Hay wasn?t at all phased by competitors Winfield, Raybon, Robinson and Butler, as the Cowling rider won four from four.
With Ricardo Ballerini out due to injury, we looked like we may have another casualty in the GP2 class in race four after Josh Daley took a nasty tumble, luckily for Josh though, he only suffered heavy bruising and should be back for Snetterton.

Bikesport News Superstock 600 series leader Nick Anderson got his weekend off to the perfect start with a fine win on Saturday ahead of Dan Chappell and Matthew Shellcock but only picked up 16 points on Sunday as fellow former Superteen Joe Collier, seemed to enjoy the uber hot conditions to do the double on TV day.
Cool Cow rider Tommy Mountain made a podium visit and racked up enough points to lift himself up to fourth overall and Scotsman Paul Wishart took full advantage of Anderson?s DNF in race three to remain in second overall, 21 points behind Nick.

With the exception of race two where series leader Andy Lawson won from Adam Shelton, Mallory Park veteran Steve Tomes won three races in style as the Bridgestone Thundersport 500?s took to the Leicestershire circuit.
Shelton and Tomes have proved that they could well have been serious title contenders had they attended every round so far and with Harrison and McCabe struggling to rack up the wins, it?s difficult to believe anyone will overhaul Andy Lawson between now and the end of the season.

Jake Dixon shared the wins with Connor Tagg in the Aprilia RRV450 Challenge at Mallory to take the lead of the championship overall after James Folkard failed to visit the top two steps this weekend.
Dixon?s recent run of form will have Folkard worried heading into Snetterton as he?s now found the podium in every single event bar the second race of the season at Donington Park and to make matters more concerning for the Minards Pavlou rider, Tagg?s supreme efforts on Sunday has left us with a tasty three way battle for the title.

Phil Canessa and Sam Cox were the best of the rest with Canessa collecting his highest ever finish in the opening encounter and the pair both visiting the rostrum to lift themselves right up into the fight for the top five.

Bike Sport News RSS Feed

Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk Victor Leloup Aigar Leok Tanel Leok

Spy Antonio Cairoli Video

$ 1.41 AN ISSUE + FREE GIFT

BEHIND THE COVER: Only days after wrapping up the sport’s most prestigious championship, we met up with Ryan Villopoto at his house in Menifee, California, to shoot this issue’s cover. Since his last TransWorld Motocross cover was a berm shot, RV insisted on getting his bike whipped out for our cameras. It is the first time that anyone has seen RV’s bike complete with the big red number one plates.
cover photo: Brendan Lutes
MORE INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Transworld Motocross� | Transworld Motocross

Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs Paul Friedrichs Steven Frossard

Minor League Baseball Manager Gets Ejected, Autographs First Base For Fan

Earlier in the week, we featured a clip of Detroit Tiger manager Jim Leyland freaking out after a bad call during a Blue Jays/Tigers game.

However it might have been topped by minor league manager, Butch Hobson of the Lancaster Barnstormers.

After getting ejected from the game, Butch decided to take first base with him and decided to autograph it for a lucky fan:



(Courtesy of It's Always Sunny in Detroit)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Repsol Honda Team returns to action with Dani Pedrosa

His team mates Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso, in MotoGP, as well as Marc M�rquez in Moto2, will try to keep in Italy the good level he showed in the last races     The third of the for rounds of the Championship in this intense month of June will take place this weekend at the Mugello track. The Repsol riders arrive to Italian soil with the aim to repeat the podiums achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix. With them will be Dani Pedrosa, who will be in the MotoGP round after recovering from the injure that kept him away from the circuits in the last three races.The Repsol Honda Team set a very high level last year at the Tuscan track. With a great performance from the first laps of the race, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso signed the first and third position, respectively. The Spaniard won it all ?’pole position’, fastest lap and victory?, and together with his team mate received the ovation of the tifosi.Casey Stoner, current leader of the World Championship, will ride the Honda RC212V for the first time in the beautiful Tuscan track, well known for being very technical due to its combination of slow corners and fast bends. The Australian will try to keep the great level shown at the beginning of the Championship that allowed him to take the lead of the classification with a 28-point advantage. With 6 podiums in the 7 races already held ?four victories, a second and a third place?, the Repsol rider has become a referent in the premiere category.Winner last Sunday in the intermediate class, Marc M�rquez arrives at Mugello in very good form, that allowed him to achieve two victories and a second position in the last four races, rising up to the second place of the Championship. The Repsol rider will also have the additional experience of the test he did two weeks ago at the Italian track, where he had two days of training in which he rode under the 2010 pole position time and was able to keep a good pace with his Moto2. For Emilio Alzamora’s pupil will be a very special round, as this is the setting where he achieved last year his first victory in the World Championship in a memorable season where he won the 125cc World title.    Dani Pedrosa"After missing three races, I’m happy to be back in Mugello. During this period I’ve been very focused on my recovery and after the second operation I have improved a lot.I’m really looking forward to riding the bike, getting into the groove again and to be as competitive as I was before the injury.It’s been difficult being out of competition, but that was the situation and I couldn’t do more.I have been in contact with my team during this time and I know they also look forward to getting back to normal. Together we will work to regain the highest level and fight to win races again.Mugello is a difficult circuit, very technical and demanding, and I know it will not be easy for us, but last year we scored our first win of the season there and we would like to get a good result".
F�d�ration Internationale de Motocyclisme : News EN

Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll

El�as takes positives from Assen top-ten result

In Friday?s tough qualifying session El�as was not able to make the most of the softer rear tyre, qualifying 16th on the grid, but the Spaniard made another strong start from the last row and despite the slippery conditions of the Dutch asphalt the Moto2 World Champion kept his steady rhythm until the end of the race. Now El�as and his squad will move on directly to Italy for the crowded Mugello GP this weekend.

Toni El�as:
?As I said many times already this is not the position I was dreaming of, but considering the rear grip issues and these difficult asphalt conditions I am very satisfied about this race. I took another good start from the last row finishing the first lap in 9th position. Suddenly Abraham crashed in front of me and I risked crashing into him, so I lost a couple of seconds there. If the race would have been wet I could have fought for a better position but I cannot complain now. We still have many things to adjust in the dry and we will see what the weather is going to be in Mugello.?

LCR Honda press release

news RSS on motogp.com – The Official MotoGP Website

Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed

CFL Player Stu Foord Got Jacked Up!

It's preseason time for the Canadian Football League and for those of you in football withdrawal, this might be the best thing you'll see in awhile.

It happened during the BC Lions/Saskatchewan Roughriders game and the victim is Stu Foord of the Roughriders as he separated from his helmet by BC's David Hyland:



(Courtesy of The Nosebleeds)

Harold Reynolds Gets Jacked Up By Eric Byrnes

If you are not watching the MLB Network, then you're clearly missing some of the more interesting sports television on digital cable.

The MLB Network studio team was discussing an incident that occurred during the Rockies/Cubs affair and sent it over to Harold Reynolds chilling in the field area.

Then Eric Byrnes decided to join him and by join him, I mean run him over:

Willy Mo Pena's Spit Causes MLB Network Talking Heads To Laugh

Last night, the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cleveland Indians on walk-off homer by Willy Mo Pena.

Harold Reynolds of MLB Network however decided to take note of Willy Mo's spitting into his helmet before the home run and the hilarity was unbearable on the MLB Network set:



(Courtesy of Off the Bench and Awful Announcing)

etnies PAS Skate House at Public Domaine

Leeper skates La Gaite

Tomorrow starts etnies Week at La Gaite Lyrique’s Public Domaine! The etnies PAS Skate House is already being put to good use. See more on La Gaite from Skateboarder Magazine.

etnies Blog Feed

Steve Lamson Grant Langston Danny LaPorte Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence

XSprint Full Throttle ? July 24, 2011

For Immediate Release – June 27, 2011

If your an off road motorcycle racer, or a fan who lives anywhere close to Ontario, the place to be on�July 24th�will be�the first�Full Throttle XSprint race�at the Welland County Motorcycle Club.

So what is a Full Throttle XSprint?

Full Throttle Format:

The XSprint Full Throttle is a bar-to-bar version of the standard XSprint. [b]Full Throttle uses the same tests as a standard XSprint however the tests are much shorter and the entire lap is timed rather than each individual test.[/b] All competitors ride multiple laps in a moto and multiple motos at each FT race.� The total time of all laps is used to determine placement.

Riders simply go from the pit area to the start area and line up by class. There may be several classes in a moto, however racers only race against their class as there will be staggered starts (ie if Pro and Vet Pro race the same moto Pro starts first and after a set time interval Vet Pro class will start). Depending on the number of entrants, racers will have between 30-60mins between motos.

The number of laps will be depending on the course length. Typically there will be between 3-5 laps per moto with 15-20mins for the full moto. There will be 4-5 motos each event.

Course:

Every XSprint course is made up of three special tests (Extreme, Enduro and Cross).

Extreme Test: Is designed to test the technical and physical dexterity of the riders and will be carried out on areas with sufficiently wide technical obstacles in order not to create a traffic jam. Terrain may be either man made, natural or a combination of both.

Enduro Test: typically a ?woods? setting with single/double track and may also include open terrain such as rolling hills, grass land etc.

Cross Test: MX type terrain that may be natural or manmade (ie MX track).

Costs:

License: All XSprint races require a WEC CMRC XC race license to compete (a full CMRC MX license is also accepted). The license ($ 70 +HST) can be purchased online or at the event.�NOTE: FOR THE WELLAND EVENT ONLY THERE WILL BE A $ 30 DAY LICENSE AVAILABLE��������������http://www.worldendurocanada.com/cross_country.htm

Transponder:� Every XSprint event is electronically scored and thus requires each racer to have a transponder. These transponders can be purchased at the event for $ 40 or rented for $ 20(with $ 40 deposit).�NOTE: FOR THE WELLAND EVENT ONLY THERE WILL BE NO RENTAL CHARGE FOR THE TRANSPONDER

Entry Fees: Each event organizer sets the entry fee but the cost will typically be $ 45.

So if you do not have a WEC/CMRC license it will cost you $ 75 to race for the day. If you do have a license then it only costs $ 45 to race. That is the best bang for your buck in Ontario off road racing.

For more information please contact Matthew McAnanama at�info@dirtybikes.ca�or 519-362-7314

Direct Motocross News

Mike Alessi Thomas Allier Hוkan Andersson Victor Arbekov Les Archer

The Repsol Honda Team returns to action with Dani Pedrosa

His team mates Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso, in MotoGP, as well as Marc M�rquez in Moto2, will try to keep in Italy the good level he showed in the last races     The third of the for rounds of the Championship in this intense month of June will take place this weekend at the Mugello track. The Repsol riders arrive to Italian soil with the aim to repeat the podiums achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix. With them will be Dani Pedrosa, who will be in the MotoGP round after recovering from the injure that kept him away from the circuits in the last three races.The Repsol Honda Team set a very high level last year at the Tuscan track. With a great performance from the first laps of the race, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso signed the first and third position, respectively. The Spaniard won it all ?’pole position’, fastest lap and victory?, and together with his team mate received the ovation of the tifosi.Casey Stoner, current leader of the World Championship, will ride the Honda RC212V for the first time in the beautiful Tuscan track, well known for being very technical due to its combination of slow corners and fast bends. The Australian will try to keep the great level shown at the beginning of the Championship that allowed him to take the lead of the classification with a 28-point advantage. With 6 podiums in the 7 races already held ?four victories, a second and a third place?, the Repsol rider has become a referent in the premiere category.Winner last Sunday in the intermediate class, Marc M�rquez arrives at Mugello in very good form, that allowed him to achieve two victories and a second position in the last four races, rising up to the second place of the Championship. The Repsol rider will also have the additional experience of the test he did two weeks ago at the Italian track, where he had two days of training in which he rode under the 2010 pole position time and was able to keep a good pace with his Moto2. For Emilio Alzamora’s pupil will be a very special round, as this is the setting where he achieved last year his first victory in the World Championship in a memorable season where he won the 125cc World title.    Dani Pedrosa"After missing three races, I’m happy to be back in Mugello. During this period I’ve been very focused on my recovery and after the second operation I have improved a lot.I’m really looking forward to riding the bike, getting into the groove again and to be as competitive as I was before the injury.It’s been difficult being out of competition, but that was the situation and I couldn’t do more.I have been in contact with my team during this time and I know they also look forward to getting back to normal. Together we will work to regain the highest level and fight to win races again.Mugello is a difficult circuit, very technical and demanding, and I know it will not be easy for us, but last year we scored our first win of the season there and we would like to get a good result".
F�d�ration Internationale de Motocyclisme : News EN

Josh Grant Billy Grossi Davide Guarneri Thomas Hahn Torsten Hallman

Non-stop MotoGP schedule moves on to Mugello

2011-06-28 09:10
The second wave of back-to-back rounds will be completed this weekend as the eighth instalment of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship takes place at the Mugello circuit. The Gran Premio d?Italia TIM takes place immediately after the Assen outing, as the campaign maintains its intense pace.

Having stretched his Championship lead to 28 points after seven rounds, Casey Stoner?s position at the head of the standings continues to look ever stronger and the Repsol Honda rider will aim to continue his impressive form in Italy. Second place at Assen was Stoner?s 49th premier class podium, and the Australian will become only the 12th rider of all time to make 50 the next time he steps onto the rostrum.

The man in pursuit of Stoner is Jorge Lorenzo, and the Yamaha Factory Racing rider is already contemplating a sizeable gap to his rival. The reigning World Champion managed to salvage sixth place in Assen having crashed on the opening lap through no fault of his own, and a timely first premier class win at Mugello would boost Lorenzo?s challenge. Aiming to impress a home crowd however will be Andrea Dovizioso, and the Repsol Honda rider has finished the last two rounds on the podium to close the gap to Lorenzo in second to just nine points.

Sharp focus will fall on Valentino Rossi and his Ducati Team this weekend as the Borgo Panigale factory and Italian rider approach a hugely significant home race together. Having finished 30 seconds off race winner at Assen Ben Spies, there is still plenty of work to do, but Mugello is a track at which Rossi has an unparalleled record ? between 2002 and 2008 he won for seven successive years. Last year?s Mugello GP was the site of the leg injury which brought to an end Rossi?s 230-race starting run, and the scene is set for a special weekend for the Italian.

Another major point of interest at Mugello will be the return to action of Dani Pedrosa. The Repsol Honda rider, who fractured a collarbone at Le Mans and who has subsequently missed the previous three rounds, confirmed on Monday that he would ride in Italy and Mugello was the scene of the first of his four wins in 2010 as he took a flag-to-flag victory from pole position.

Ben Spies arrives in Italy fresh from celebrating his first MotoGP win at Assen, a victory which marked a number of milestones, one of them being that he became the first American to win a race since Nicky Hayden did so at Laguna Seca in 2006. The Yamaha Factory Racing rider also became the first rider to take a maiden MotoGP win since Dovizioso (Donington, 2009).
Spies? compatriot Nicky Hayden will aim for a strong home display for Ducati, whilst Hiroshi Aoyama returns to the San Carlo Honda Gresini garage after filling in for Pedrosa at Repsol Honda in Assen. Aoyama?s team-mate Marco Simoncelli will be desperate for a first premier class podium in front of a fervent home crowd (for both rider and team), a result that has so far eluded him despite having started from the front row for the past five races (including poles at Catalunya and Assen).

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 pair Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow have both been in impressive form, the latter will be riding at Mugello for the first time in his rookie season, whilst Toni El�as? LCR Honda team are preparing for their home race. H�ctor Barber� (Mapfre Aspar), �lvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) and rookie Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) will all seek improvements in fortunes and results after Assen, whilst for Pramac Racing pair Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet the emphasis will be on a strong home result for their team ? Capirossi?s participation is awaiting confirmation after he missed the Assen race following a heavy fall in qualifying.

Moto2

Stefan Bradl remains the man to catch in Moto2 as the intermediate category prepares for the Gran Premio d?Italia TIM this weekend, despite the German?s first DNF of the season at Assen in the previous round.

A crash with four laps remaining at the Cathedral registered the first non-scoring round of the 2011 campaign for the Viessmann Kiefer Racing rider, who nevertheless holds a 57-point lead at the top of the standings going into Round 8 this weekend. His closest pursuant is Marc M�rquez (Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol), race winner at Assen and leader of the closely-bunched chasing pack.

One of a plethora of Italian riders in the class hoping for a strong home result (and still in search of his first Moto2 win) will be Simone Corsi, the Ioda Racing rider who sits just three points behind M�rquez and who won the 125 Mugello race in 2008, whilst Bradley Smith (Tech 3) is a man in form. With third place at Assen ? his second successive podium ? Smith became the first British rider to take back-to-back podiums in the intermediate class since Tom Herron in 1978.

Level on points in fifth and sixth positions respectively are Yuki Takahashi (Gresini Racing) and Thomas L�thi (Interwetten Paddock Moto2), with Italians Andrea Iannone (Speed Master) and Michele Pirro (Gresini Racing) and San Marinese Alex de Angelis (JiR Moto2) all inside the top ten and hoping to capitalise on strong support this weekend. Kenan Sofuoglu (Technomag-CIP) became the first Turkish rider to stand on a Grand Prix podium at Assen and will expect the result to have laid the way for more of the same.

Juli�n Sim�n (Mapfre Aspar) continues to be an absentee as he recovers from a broken leg with Jordi Torres lined up as a potential substitute for the Spaniard, as was the case at Silverstone.

There will also be a wild card addition to the field in the shape of Italian rider Mattia Tarozzi (Faenza Racing), who will be on a Suter machine.

125cc

What appeared to be an ever-increasing gulf between Nico Terol and the rest of the 125cc field has been narrowed down considerably in the past two rounds of the 2011 campaign, with the Championship leader having finished eighth at Silverstone and having missed the Assen race due to injury. After the Catalunya round Terol had held a substantial 48-point lead at the summit of the standings ? that now stands at 27 points.

A crash in the qualifying session at Assen resulted in a damaged tendon in the right hand for Terol, an injury that required surgery and which forced him to miss the race. The successful operation means that the Spaniard will be back in action this weekend at Mugello, where the opening free practice session will give a clearer indication of his level of fitness. He has finished second in the 125cc race at Mugello for the past two years.

In his absence second-placed Jonas Folger (Red Bull Ajo Motorsport) was unable to capitalise greatly on the opportunity, placing eighth in the shortened Assen race, with Sandro Cortese (Intact Racing Team Germany) and Johann Zarco (Avant-AirAsia-Ajo) now level on 94 points each in the standings having finished fourth and fifth respectively in the Netherlands.

Moving up to fifth place in the Championship after victory at Assen, rookie Maverick Vi�ales continues to be the sensation of the category in his debut season. The Blusens by Paris Hilton Racing rider, aged just 16, took his second GP win in only his seventh race, becoming the youngest rider ever to complete the clean sweep of pole position, race win and fastest lap.

Luis Salom (RW Racing) took his first GP podium in his 35th start at Assen, moving up the Championship in the process, and Efr�n V�zquez (Avant-AirAsia-Ajo) and H�ctor Faubel (Bankia Aspar) will both want to add to the solitary podium finishes they have each achieved this year. Sergio Gadea (Blusens by Paris Hilton Racing) stood on the podium at Mugello in the Moto2 class last season, and comes into this round off the back of a rostrum finish at Assen ? his second of the season. Danny Kent meanwhile continues his impressive debut campaign for the Red Bull Ajo Motorsport team.

Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira (Team Andaluc�a Banca C�vica) is set to make his return from injury after missing the last two rounds through injury, whilst Norwegian rider Sturla Fagerhaug continues in place of the injured Sarath Kumar on the WTR-Ten10 Racing Team.

There will also be three wild card riders; Italian duo Kevin Calia (MGP Racing) and Massimo Parziani (Faenza Racing) and Czech youngster Miroslav Popov (Ellegi Racing).

The Gran Premio d?Italia TIM gets underway at 9.15am local time on Friday morning, when the 125cc category commences its first free practice session.

Source: MotoGP

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Bikeland :: News

George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes

Mary Carillo Claims Pippa Middleton is "Not A Homewrecker"

Early in the quarterfinal match between Andy Murray and Feliciano Lopez, the Wimbledon cameras panned to Pippa Middleton who was in attendance and NBC's Mary Carillo commented that Pippa has been seen watching Murray play in the past couple of months.

Then, NBC's John McEnroe commented that Murray had a girlfriend and Mary decided to snap back with a rather amusing quip:

The Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Victory Dance After Beating Roger Federer

For those of you that aren't tennis fans, you're going to need to learn the name of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after he ousted Roger Federer from the quarterfinal round at Wimbledon.

Tsonga came back from two sets down and handed Federer's his first loss after winning the first two sets.

After the victory, Tsonga got his dance on:

Last chance to buy discounted tickets for the Brands Hatch Historic Superprix

Richard Randle

28/06/2011 – Discounted tickets for this weekend’s Brands Hatch Historic Superprix are still available until midday on Wednesday (29 June).

For the first time, the Historic Superprix has been extended to a three-day event and includes the following races:

- The FIA Historic Formula One Championship
- Group C Sports Cars
- Historic Formula 2
- 2 Litre Sports Cars
- Derek Bell Trophy
- Jaguar E-Type Challenge – 50th anniversary celebration
- Historic Touring Cars
- Historic Road Sports

The 20-race programme features more than 400 cars on track, and qualifying starts on Friday morning for the first time.

Tickets for the Historic Superprix at Brands Hatch are available in advance from �17 for adults with free entry for children aged 12 and under. Book now by calling 0843 453 9000 or clicking the link below.


�Click here for further information

MotorSport Vision News

David Strijbos Kevin Strijbos Bengto Berg Greg Albertyn Jeff Alessi

Tennis Legend Boris Becker Knows Who Jay-Z Is

You know your a pretty big deal when tennis legend Boris Becker is giving you a shout-out during a Wimbledon telecasts.

Rapper Jay-Z was taking in the Del Potro/Nadal match when the BBC2 camera panned to him and Boris Becker informed the home viewers of the attendance of H.O.V.A:



(Courtesy of No Guts, No Glory)

Jose Canseco and His Brother Get Ejected From Minor League Baseball Game

It's been awhile since Jose Canseco has been in the news and I think it's the perfect time to get another rather awesome managerial freak out as well.

Canseco is currently managing the Yuma Scorpions and was none too pleased with a call an umpire made during a game against the Edmonton Capitals which sent him into tirade mode.

His brother, Ozzie who is on his coaching staff got into the mix as well and both got ejected:



(Courtesy of Total Pro Sports)

Juan Martin Del Potro Screws With A Ball Boy

Earlier in the week, Juan Martin Del Potro lost to Rafael Nadal in their quarterfinals match at Wimbledon.

During the first set, Del Potro appeared to be returning a ball to a ball boy but Del Potro had a little fun with the kid first:



(Courtesy of Cosby Sweaters)

Official VIHSS Press Release

For immediate posting

It is with great appreciation that the promoters of the Vancouver Island Hare Scramble series announce REKLUSE Motor Sports as a series supporter. Rekluse has graciously offered to gift one of their new clutch kits to the race class of our choice. (Racers, stay tuned to see if we draw your class) Racers will also be competing for gift certificates for Rekluse product that can be redeemed at your local Rekluse dealer, such as GASGAS PACIFIC (Vancouver Island) and GNARLEY PARTS (Chilliwack,�BC).

Rekluse Motor Sports was formed by people that have a passion for Motor Sports, Engineering and Customer Service. Rekluse Motor Sports is committed to bringing you innovative, quality products that enhance your Motor Sports experience.

Based in�Boise,�Idaho, Rekluse Motor Sports utilizes the latest in Solid Modeling and Finite Element Analysis technology to develop unique and innovative products for the motorcycle industry.

Rekluse Motor Sports delivers unique and innovative products for the motorcycle industry with a focus on performance engineering and exceptional customer service. Founded in 2002 in�Boise,�Idaho, Rekluse Motor Sports utilizes the unique and varied terrain for extensive testing and further innovation for the motorcycle industry.

Awards:

Dirt Rider magazine Product of the Year
Dirt Bike magazine Product of the Year
Motocross Action magazine 5 star rating
National and World Championships

www.rekluse.com

Click to view Schedule Poster PDF.

Direct Motocross News

Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson

Thunder Valley Motocross: Honda Report

Click the images below for bigger versions:

2011 AMA Motocross

Colorado native Eli Tomac collected a pair of third-place finishes Saturday at the Thunder Valley National, Round five of the 2011 AMA Motocross Championship, to earn another overall podium finish in the 250cc class for the GEICO Honda race team.

Teammate Kevin Windham, subbing for injured American Honda Racing rider Trey Canard, also rode well on his CRF450R, almost mirroring last weekend’s results with back-to-back, fourth-place finishes in the day’s two motos for an overall fourth-place Motocross ranking.

Tomac, who hails from Cortez, Colo., rode two solid motos and kept his energy up in the mile-high climes to ascend the podium for the second time this season. He went 6-3 at High Point Motocross on June 11 for another overall third.

Eli Tomac (GEICO Honda CRF250R Motocross) says: “I grew up in Colorado so I felt extremely comfortable racing here today. I needed better starts because the two guys that finished in front of me got too far out in both motos so I just concentrated on maintaining my position and keeping everyone else behind me.

“I’m pleased with the way I’m riding and it’s always good to be on the podium at the end of the day for GEICO and Honda. I had a good day, and I’m happy.”

Windham announced he was sitting out several Motocross races after last weekend’s event in Budds Creek, Md., but his third-place overall finish there prompted him to try another race. After a similar day in Denver, the 33-year-old legend says he’s got a little more in the tank.

Kevin Windham (Honda CRF450R) says: “It gets harder to get out here and race every year at my age, but its also hard to stay away and miss out on the fun and the fans. Every time the gate drops and you’re not apart of it, it feels like you are missing apart of yourself.

“I really thought Budds Creek was going to be my last one but I’m excited to be out here, especially with the way the bike is running, and we’ve already decided we are going to race next weekend. It’s fun being out here for the fans and riding with their support and the whole GEICO team’s support. Its like a win without even winning.”

Reigning Supercross Lites East champion Justin Barcia got the Meterman Holeshot in both motos and led five early laps, but he came off his bike a few times navigating the course’s deeper-than-normal ruts and finished 9-12 for an overall ranking of ninth.

Justin Barcia (GEICO Honda CRF250R Motocross) says: “I started great in the first moto, got the holeshot, and was leading the race. But I got caught up with some guys and crashed. That messed me up for the rest of the race.

“In the second moto I got the holeshot again and led the race for a while then I got passed by some guys, crashed three times, and that was it. My day was filled with lots of crashing. It just wasn’t a good day.”

Tomac and Barcia are fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship points.

Rookie team rider Lance Vincent finished 22nd in the first moto and was unable to finish Moto 2 after his bike suffered a mechanical issue.

Lance Vince (GEIOCO Honda CRF250R Motocross) says: “In the first moto my rear brake went out around the halfway mark and I just couldn’t get it back. Moto 2, I got a great start and was second until (Dean) Wilson passed me. We battled for a little while back and forth and then something happened with my bike. I finally had a great moto and then my bike just stopped working.

“This was the first time I have competed at this track and it seemed more technical than other motocross tracks I’ve raced. The ruts were like four feet deep and there were different lines everywhere. It was a challenge.”

Up next is the Red Bud AMA Motocross National, July 2, in Michigan.

Rick Burgett Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli Trey Canard