250 Words: AC Preps for 250F SX Debut
Monday, October 8, 2012 | 5:00 PM
GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) is Yamaha’s performance and racing accessory brand. GYTR products are developed and tested to the highest standards by Yamaha’s in-house factory engineers. Used extensively by the Yamaha Race Teams, these factory parts are readily available to every Yamaha rider.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
PrintThe Red Bull Amateur National at Loretta Lynn Ranch had just finished, and Adam Cianciarulo was parking his supermini bike for the last time. He'd joined the list of all-time minicycle greats at the Ranch, and with his Florida upbringing and Team Green backing, he has a lot in common with all-time elite performers RIcky Carmichael and James Stewart.
But the similarities are deeper. At that age, all three possessed an uncommon unwillingness to accept anything other than first place, and that's what struck me when I found Cianciarulo in his motorhome, as he and his parents were about to head home. While the transition from two-stroke minicycles to a four-stroke 250 could be a big one, he was not only relishing the change, he was also, deep down, expecting to skip the learning curve and aim straight for the top of the ranks.
Well, he tried not to say so much. During our interview, Adam tried to temper expectations, saying of his big bike, big race debut at the Monster Energy Cup, "So basically I’m going to be just hit the reset button and come out there like I’m a fifth to tenth place guy, and see where I’m at."
Yeah. Loretta's now two months in the rear view, he's been on the 250F for awhile now and by all reports, he's flying. He's dominated a pair of local B class races out in California, and is now deep into testing and practice on a supercross track in California, prepping for the Monster Energy Cup. He's been riding alongside Jake Weimer, as they both share a trainer in Aldon Baker. So AC is learning the supercross ropes on the four stroke. How's that going? Says Monster Energy Team Green Manager Ryan Holliday in an understated fashion: "He'll be fine."
Cianciarulo at the Monster Energy Cup in 2011 where he competed in the Super Mini class.
Simon Cudby photo
Of course he will. No one expects him to struggle. But will he be able to win right off the bat? The Amateur All-Star format at the Monster Energy Cup might just create the deepest, most talented field of amateurs ever gathered on the same starting gate. Seriously. Ever.
Cianciarulo will rejoin old mini cycle rivals like Matt Bisceglia and Cooper Webb (three Loretta's titles this year between them), Anthony Rodriguez (also a Loretta's B-Class champ in '12), upstart Shane McElrath, Yamaha prospect Chris Alldredge, new GEICO Honda recruit Jordon Smith, JDR KTM's Chase Bell, fast Aussie Luke Clout, fast Englishman Paul Coats, Team Green standout Thomas Covington, Suzuki's Daniel Baker ... listen, we could go on forever here.
Rare is it that the fastest A and B riders get together in one race, rarer still that you get minicycle grads jumping into the pack at the same exact time. Back in the day, the amateur game was often based around teams ducking and hiding from each other, assigning riders to specific classes so everyone could dominate separately. But at the Monster Energy Cup, there's only one class--and, the races are live on TV, so it promises huge exposure. You gotta' go for it.
And then, at Loretta's, when I was talking to Cianciarulo in his motorhome, the kid couldn't help himself. I've seen AC celebrate wins and suffer through losses--win or lose, he wears his emotion on his sleeve, and takes nothing for granted. He often flips out if he doesn't win, which is not unlike Carmichael at that age (or any other). Would Cianciarulo really be happy with a top five?
"You know me," he said, and he started to smile.
Did you like this article?
Check out CAUGHT OUTSIDE
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
One of the most successful—and controversial—team managers of all time, Larry Brooks is looking to return to the races. Page 146.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
They say if you want success, surround your self with the right people...Baker, Villopoto, Payton.. mmmm.. I would say he is on the right track!!! Good luck to little AC on his debut aboard the PC prepped KXF 250...
At 87 pounds he should fly!! LOL
Like bees on honey or was that stink on shit..........Time will tell I think it will be like honey on puntag myself...LOL
Soooooooo..... Supercross testing? What does this mean? I don't think he's old enough to show up at A1. But if he did? Guaranteed!!!!!! Top 5 right out of the gate. This kid is THE real deal man. I love his drive, passion and heart. Kudo's to his mom and dad for supporting his dream, yet keeping him grounded, respectful, professional and overall, a good kid. Monster energy pro circuit Kawasaki has a HUGE fan favorite as well as a great role model for up and coming mxer's! Well done.
This kid is going to smoke alot of seasoned pros, and hurt some feelingsin the process. Hmmmmmm, it might be time for some "established pros to contemplate retirement???!!!!! We'll see.
Just sayin..........
I think it is now only the time as it is, with the competition and all. It is called sink or swim, that is how my dad learned to swim, My Grampa just threw him into the pond! True story. Nowdays I dont think that would work in our reclusive society I hope he makes it!
Good luck to AC, keep it real and keep it humble!
@Welker- where have you been and how are you doing?
Allot of us here in FL have seen Adam at local tracks and races, very humble, always takes the time for pictures and talk MOTO with anybody, back in August he was aboard PC 250F machine flying over this table single that is very intimidating makes me whats to drop my boots, best of wishes for him and he's family FL VERY WELL REPRESENTED!
My reading of several poster's comments would lead me to believe people are confused and do not understand this article. AC is not racing against the pros at the MEC, nor does he have stated intentions of racing supercross in 2013. He will be racing the amateur class at MEC.
In other words, he will not be "embarrasing" pros, nor should anyone consider retirement just because he is racing the amateur class at the same event. Comical stuff. LOL.
Deeg Your right AC will be racing amateur at the MEC, but Adam turns 16 on the 20th of October and will be eligible to turn pro. I do not know if the decision has been made one way or the other on when he will unleash his talent as a pro, but it could be as soon as the 2013 supercross series...I am sure that would make Mitch very happy!!
I realize that this kid is already a franchise, and I am supposed to be already getting in line to get his autograph, but he is just a little kid riding the "B" class. If he were ready to make some waves, I would suggest that he start by switching to the "A" class as a sign of pure sportsmanship, and perhaps a bit of intimidation given the current rule structures.
Far too many kids farmed out of the "B" class to the pros - making cherry-picking seem even more mainstream. If I were the AMA, I would push to make a rule that a kid needs to have competed for a year in the A class prior to being eligible to ride in the Pro 250F class. This would give notice that generating buzz (by hammering lesser opponents) is less important to generating results against worthy competition. It is not a cost issue, but one of sportsmanship and honor.
Victory over a lesser opponent is a disgrace. Learning to compete well against your peers leads to both honor and integrity. Victory over a superior opponent is worthy of praise.
@BD25
In other interviews AC has indicated he will not be racing supercross in 2013, but I suppose anything is possible. It also sounds like AC and those working with him would like him to get some race experience on the big bike prior to his pro debut. I also wonder if they want him to bulk up a bit. Either way, it will be exciting for us to watch. :)
i never really understood the fastest kids in the b class thing either? seems ridonkulus
what pisses me off is how they say this will be on live tv when the reality is they will only show a few minutes of a great race. Or maybe since theres no freestyle nonsense this year they will have more tv time for the amateur races
Deeg...Yes, he may want to run a few more amateur races like Oak Hill and turn pro when the outdoors rolls around..unless of course, he sets some spectacular lap times at the MEC... that could effect when his pro debut will be, things are about to get interesting for the young man...and it will be exciting to see as you mention..Best of luck to him, as that could be a lot of pressure to deal with...
@ BD25 I'm so curious to see what this kids lap times are going to be compared to the big boys!! I believe they will be VERY close, since he's been riding at the Kawi test track for years.
I hope he's mentally tough because the pressure is coming very, very fast. I think he'll handle it personally
Hope he lives up to the hype.
Aged 15 Roczen finished inside the top ten in both his moto's at the 2009 MXdN in Italy, beating the likes of Weimer, Rattray, Metcalfe, Guaneri, Frossard, Goncalves, Searle & Roelants.
Last I heard was desicding on A or B for next year...but ya never know. I think with his size It would be best to not go pro this year but who knows.
I read these comments all the time about AC posted on hear,I can tell you first hand in all my years of racing and riding he is the real deal for many reason's, I'm lucky enough to get to practice with Adam and Zac alot in Florida . He has the heart of a lion the passion he show's even in practice is awesome to see , The dedication to his training program is amazing to watch, as a vet rider who was a back of the pack pro years ago I've learned of all the things I did wrong in my career that he is doing right in his.Bottom line is a lot of young kids can learn by example from AC is you get out of it what you put into it.He's a awesome kid with great parents and a cool sister.
Yeah, the "B" class thing sounds a little absurd. He should be racing against the fastest amateurs he can find. If he beats them, then he might be ready to try the pro ranks.
Knobbywan_Kawnobi True but sadly many times the "B" class is the fastest!!
Last I saw an 'offical' post stating he was riding for Team Green in the A class and working towards two more Lorretta Lynn titles before turning pro. But things do change, a la Jessy Nelson.
These kids don't usually go from 80's to the "A" class, just like you don't go from beginner to pro. Almost all of the greatest amateurs have raced "B" class at sometime in their career to get time to adjust to the bigger bike in racing conditions. Windham, Reynard, Carmichael, Stewart....and so on, all raced "B" class. Remember they are now jumping from 80cc 2 stroke machine to a 250 four stroke, a little different than a 80cc to a 125cc, transition may need time for some of the riders before going to the "A" class or turning pro.
Guys he hasnt even raced one race against the top riders in either A or B class, how can you say he is going to do any of the above?? The top 10 in both A and B have either 1 or 2 years of big bike seat time on him in just those classes, not to mention if they rode a 125 in schoolboy before that, 90% of them are bigger stronger and im sure they would have no problem parking him! He hasnt even proved himself on a big bike yet, he did on a little bike but thats a lot different then what he is going to face now!
He isn't turning Pro coming off an Supermini, what would be the point? He has very little seat time on the big bike and from what they said only 2 races on it, he is far from being ready for the Pro's. Maybe see what he can do first on the big bike, but i think he is going to have a hard dominating big bikes right away!
Him racing the B class is a little bit of a joke. He's got all this hype, a little bit a fame, a lot of legendary support and I'm sure theres some money in there somewhere too. All of this and he is racing the intermediate class... really?
When I was 15 I was racing the B class on a 250f and I was/am nowhere near his talent and speed. If the AMA won't let you run the A class even locally until you are 16 then I can understand that but its a little comical how spread the B class is.
I couldnt agree more 731 Chopper. I've ridden with him at Bithlo Motorsports in Orlando and in my opinion he comes off as another little kid that things because he is fast that rules dont apply to him. He has personally cut me off by cutting the track and has no qualms about it.
AC is not ready for the pro's he needs more seat time on the 250f and needs to put on some weight.I hope they don't rush him.
Dungey never got out of the B class either, he has done ok for himself.
@ Claxton Roger actually got Ryan when he was a B rider !!!!!! Obviously knows his hidden talents !
If he does in fact turn 16 on 10/20/12, he should be lining up @ A1 or Atlanta. All the previous phenoms were put into pro competition A.S.A.P. why is he any different?
Carlsbad I thought it was an odd coincidence that the 20th would be his birthday so I doubled checked before I posted and his Google bio says he was born October 20, 1996, which unless they changed things with this new math, would make him 16 on the day of the MEC. I agree with you, usually they cant wait to get them into action...I think they did hold off on Barcia till the outdoors started though so you never know...
If a 16 year could win the first supercross ever held, a 16 year old could win the last one too.
Just saying
Remember people we are talking about a kid that weights 118 lbs, just got off super mini's, & has 2 months on a big bike. If he was your son wouldn't you want him to take the steps to the big bike everybody else has taken , Cooper, Smith, Baker, Biscegla A-rod this are all great riders that will have spent 1-2 yrs on a big bike before turning pro,forgot both Bell brothers .I just don't understand why everybody has to put AC to a higher standard than all the rest. The fact he is debuting in this size venue speaks volumes to me .
kid is crazy fast. he will perform well