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Kawasaki is making a big push in the motocross market right now, rolling out race wins on the pro and amateur side along with an all-new 2012 KX450F. These are supposed to be lean times for the sport (and economics) but Kawi is still coming after things with aggression.

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Ron Lechien is a big part of KX history.
Photo: Paul Buckley

As proof of Kawasaki's success, the company is backing a new feature here on Racer X Online. Over the next few weeks, we'll dive into the archives of Kawasaki's U.S. motocross and supercross history, weaving stories of the great days of the past--Weinert, Wardy, The Dogger, KIPS and Uni-Trak--with the great rides of today, and some great rides in between--Fro, RC, Bubba, and Team Pro Circuit--all mixed in. It will be a fun tour down memory lane. Are we trying too hard if say we'll be letting the good times roll?

Photo: Andrew Fredrickson

Today's Kawi factory lineup includes Jake Weimer and Ryan Villopoto, as well as the super-strong Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki 250 team.
Photo: Simon Cudby

We'll also dive into 30 years worth of archives from Kawasaki's ground-breaking Team Green amateur program. Pick your favorite rider--there's a good chance they once rode a Kawasaki.

Tim Ferry is one of many superstars to roll through Kawasaki's Team Green amateur program.
Photo: Thom Veety

All together, this should be a fun and informative look at Kawasaki's race efforts. Look for debut features here this week!

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The Conversation

Insuranceman227 wrote: 4:16pm August 9, 2011

Wardy!!

kawasaki? two words wrote: 4:51pm August 9, 2011

JEFF WARD

thinkmx wrote: 5:25pm August 9, 2011

omg Ferry looks so young there! Go green or go home

jairtime wrote: 6:38pm August 9, 2011

I was one of the lucky riders who raced the Kawasaki prototype before the first KX250. That bike was the only bike I've ever ridden that would do a 4th gear start with one pop of the clutch and would not bog! Some of my friends would make fun of me for riding a Kawasaki, calling it "Kawasuckme" and "Kawadsuckwad," but it didn't take long to take over the #1 position in points on that bad ass rocketship. It's nice to see how far and how fast Kawasaki made a dent in motocross, led by guys like Lackey and Weinert.

Carlsbad wrote: 6:55pm August 9, 2011

Weege, I'm kinda busting your balls here but, aren't there enough oppotunities to see Tim Ferry worked into any number of Matthes' articles? We have to see them from you now, as well? Did you lose a bet? Of the 17 gazillion-odd racers to pass through the Team Green program we gotta see 'ole #15 again? I like him well enough and (obviously) Ginger is in right now but, really? Are you aware he beat Jeremy McGrath at Summercross??????

BLEED GREEN wrote: 8:26pm August 9, 2011

I have had 12 KX250 two strokes,5 KX250 four strokes and 1 KX450f and loved them all.This will be a nice trip down memory lane.

New Sheriff in Town wrote: 9:33pm August 9, 2011

Right here airtime ......... be a good boy .

TImmer wrote: 4:36am August 10, 2011

LaRocco!

Michael James wrote: 4:43pm August 11, 2011

Bleed Green, WOW man, Im blown away. I was a loyal Kawboy for many year. Starting thusly. My bike thru the years. 1980 KX125 A6, 1980 KX250 A6, YZ250, 1984 KX125, Cagiva 125WMX, 1987 KX500, 1986 KX500 (the 87 fell off a trailer and was never recovered), 1989 KX500, 2nd 1989 KX500, 1989 RM250, 1994 KX250, 1997 KX250 (won track championship and missed top 3 District by 1 point) 2003 KTM 250SX two strokes all. Did the Sebastien Tortelli graphics off his works bike. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1529176587752&set=a.1101755902502.2017577.1184839135&type=1&theater;

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