By Jason Weigandt and Chase Stallo
- With today’s bikes now equipped with electronic fuel injection, that means on board computers (ECU), and that means teams have plenty of tricks to try as far as mapping and tuning. It’s even possible to hook a GPS up to the ECU, so after the motos, the team can figure out exactly where the bike was on the track as they match data downloaded from the engine. A team could literally, for example, figure out exactly where out of a corner the rear wheel broke loose, and for how long. However, in Monster Energy Supercross, GPS systems are banned—but not so in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. A bunch of teams are running GPS systems now, such as Monster Energy Kawasaki and Rockstar Valli-Star Yamaha, were seen running GPS systems on their bikes in Texas.
- Tough break for Davi Millsaps, who finished a solid second last week in the first 450 moto. A practice crash on Thursday left him with internal injuries—“basically my whole abdomen,” he explained—and after trying things in practice, Millsaps elected not to race.
- Looks like Jeff Ward Racing Kawasaki’s Josh Grant is building towards his old form, logging a solid 6-4 scores for fifth overall in the 450 class—and he was also third-fastest in practice. Grant last won a moto in this series in Lakewood, Colorado two years ago, and that’s where they’re racing next.
- After a solid fourth overall in the 250s last weekend, Ivan Tedesco had a rough time at Freestone. “It was a rough day, I was down in both first corners. The first moto I came from last to 11th, second moto, I was laying there with the wind knocked out of me in the first turn, so I was just too far back. I came back to 22nd, so no points for that one.” Tedesco’s first turn crash in moto two was a big one, and he explained that another bike/rider came into his side and actually pinned his arm down, forcing his throttle to twist wide open on the entrance to turn one!
- Robert Kiniry is running a solid 11th in points after two rounds in the 450 class, but now heads to Canada to compete for their national championship. He’ll be back probably for RedBud.
- Meanwhile, Canada’s own Cole Thompson made his National Motocross debut in Texas, and went 19-13 for 17th overall in the 450s. Thompson will not go back home and race in Canada for the summer—the pro rookie wants to cut his teeth racing here.
- And to continue on related subjects, Jake Canada continued his string of consistent riding going 8-14 for ninth overall.
Simon Cudby photo
- Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle rode well in the first 450 moto, finishing 7th, but electrical problems caused his bike to quit in moto two, relegating him to 40th.
- We’re used to seeing Justin Barcia nail his starts, but he had two terrible ones in Freestone, including getting caught in that hard first-turn crash with Tedesco in moto two. Barcia proved he can stay in title contention even on his bad days by salvaging a fifth overall with 4-5 scores.
- Let’s give credit where it’s due. Tevin Tapia didn’t score points in the motos with 36-28 scores, but he was the first rider to bust out the massive double jump on entrance to the Texas Twelve Pack.
- Heart breaker for Nico Izzi, who led a bit and held on for a solid fourth in moto one. He was running there in moto two and looked set for impressive 4-4 finishes until he ran into a hay bale and crashed. He ended up 25th.
- Derek Anderson’s ninth in moto two marked a career-high for the privateer. The Colorado native, who missed all of last season with a back injury, had little preparation heading into the season but has quickly shown he is ready to contend outdoors. Make sure to check back later this week to hear from Anderson in this weeks Privateer Profile.
- After an eleventh in moto one, HRT Racing’s, and Texas resident, Matt Lemoine was hoping to secure his first 450 top ten overall. But a broken shifter after a first turn crash dashed those hopes. Lemoine would solider on to a 27th, giving him 18th overall on the day, but the Texan was hoping for much more at his home town race.
- Amateur phenomenon, and Texas native, Vann Martin also made his pro debut in front of the home town crowd. Martin overcame a crash to finish 25th on the day via 27-21 scores.
