2019 Hangtown Motocross | Kickstart

Eli Tomac debuted a new Alpinestars kit at Hangtown and it was money. For the past coupe of seasons, ET3's custom kit has looked much the same with its green, black and white colorway with contrasting red Astars logos. The new steel blue color is said to be in the 2020 Alpinestars lineup.

Eli Tomac's Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450 is a work of art, and with Jason Anderson's absence throughout most of the Supercross series, Tomac's red-plate number one was eye catching at Hangtown. It will be white come Fox Raceway next weekend, though.

Last year's All Japan National 250 Champion Taiki Koga passed on his chance to run the number-one plate in his home country and instead moved to the United States to contest this summer's 450 Nationals aboard a Kawasaki KX450. Koga struggled in the first moto but excelled in the muddy second moto and finished 15th for 17th overall. Before the day's racing began, he told us that his goal was to finish inside the top 15, and he checked that off the list at his first event.

Once again, a third rider is pitted beneath the Team Honda HRC awning. 2016 All Japan 250 National Champion Toshiki Tomita finished 14th overall in last year's 450 National Championship, and he's back in 2019 with his sights set on a top 10 finish by the year's end.

It was good to see Jason Anderson back in action at Hangtown, and his mechanic Chris Loredo certainly looked pumped to be working with his usual rider again. Last year before he was injured early in the National season, El Hombre told us that it was his goal to become "a gnarly motocross racer," who could contend for overall wins. Looks like he's used the time off during Supercross to work hard toward that goal!

We know that the oil cooler on the factory Kawasakis are nothing new, but we still drool over them a little bit at the start of every outdoor series.

The longer motos and deeper conditions of the MX Nationals also require teams to utilize larger capacity fuel tanks. These carbon fiber units have been used for years by the team and are made in Italy by CRM Composites.

Fresh off his Western Regional 250 Supercross Championship, Dylan Ferrandis was not pleased with his fourth-overall showing at Hangtown. Ferrandis told us that his bike had a mechanical problem in the second moto that robbed his bike of power, and that it was frustrating trying to race with a lack of power in the muddy conditions.

Thomas Covington's National debut did not go the way anyone expected. Crashes in both motos kept him from showing the speed that propelled him to two MX2 GP wins during his time abroad. Expect a lot more from the Alabaman.

Did you know that riders are prohibited from jumping obstacles on the first lap of the first practice session? In stark contrast to the mind-blowing first-lap air at a Supercross event, riders are encouraged to become familiar with the track at Nationals before taking to the skies.

Chase Sexton's fifth overall at Hangtown might have been satisfactory for the GEICO Honda rider in the past, but with the Eastern Regional 250 Championship under his belt now, he says that he is looking for much, much more this summer. "My first Supercross win felt great, and I want to do the same outdoors this year, too," he said.

Shane McElrath made his return to action after sitting out the closing rounds of Supercross with a strained lower back. McElrath told us that he was hoping for a mud race at Hangtown because he didn't have his bike set up completely perfect, and the messy conditions would help hide the shortcomings. He got what he wanted, and he was satisfied with his ninth-place showing after so much time off.

"I crashed in both motos and just couldn't get comfortable out there," said Thomas Covington on Monday, following his 27-22 moto scores. "We've got a game plan for Fox Raceway though, so Saturday can't come soon enough!"

We've all been looking forward to Hunter Lawrence's National debut, but things didn't go the GEICO Honda rider's way. 11-12 for 11th overall is not what Lawrence was expecting, as he posted on his Instagram account that night, "It was an embarrassment of a day today."

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM racer Mitchell Falk suffered a broken collarbone when he clipped one of the large yellow plastic track markers with his handlebar and was pitched off his bike in the opening moto. Falk will undergo surgery to repair the break, but will miss several rounds as he recuperates. Get well soon Mitchell!

A big crash during practice detuned Marvin Musquin for the rest of the day, but the Red Bull KTM racer still finished sixth after being attended to by Doctor G before and in between the motos.

New Zealander Cody Cooper finished 19th aboard a privateer Honda at Hangtown. We were especially pumped on his number and riding kit...

Tyler Bowers will contest the entire 450 National Championship aboard a

GEICO Honda's Christian Craig is the first official motocross athlete sponsored by ARMA Sport, a new sports nutrition and supplement brand that is set to officially launch soon. We've been using the supplements for a few weeks now and are pumped on their performance and taste.

It was good to see Christian Craig back in action. After breaking his thumb early in the year, CC has been chomping at the bit to get back to racing. Tenth overall at Hangtown was not spectacular, but it was a solid base for him to build upon.

Media personality Kris Keefer came up short in his attempt to qualify for the 450 National at the age of 42. The former Dirt Rider editor will try again at Fox Raceway this weekend and can be found under the SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/Honda semi. Best of luck, Queef!

Jason Anderson's third overall at the season opener was a pleasant surprise, and we hope that the former Supercross Champion emerges as a title threat as the season wears on. "Man I haven't been doing shit on the weekends, so it feels great to be back at the races and doing something I love again," he said. "A 205 for second overall at my first race back? I'll take it!"

Taiki Koga just missed points with a 23rd in the first 450 moto, but when the skies opened up and muddied the track he knew his chances in race two would be much better. "It's just like Japan," he said. "Lots of rain in Japan." Koga looked right at home in the conditions as he raced to 15th in race two.

Chase Sexton told us that he was mentally prepared for the muddy conditions and that approaching them with a good attitude is the best way to make the best of the situation. "Everyone has to race in the same mud," he said. "The best attitude to have is to go out there and have fun."

A suspension swap and gas refill at the same time? That's why they're factory, folks...

Bleeding a hydraulic clutch system is much more involved than bleeding a hydraulic brake. Luckily for Team Honda HRC's Jordon Troxell, the team has all the trick tools.

Always classy, that Justin Bogle.

The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM team came together with 5150 Energy at Hangtown to support the Carlos Viere Foundation and spread Autism Awareness.

In addition to the sidepanel graphics, the front of the seat covers on the team race bikes also sported a patch in support of the foundation.

Notice the PAK EMH logo at the front of Bogle's header tube...

We ran into this guy in the pits, and he had several copies of TransWorld Motocross with him to have signed. RIP TransWorld Motocross...

Legendary JGR tuner Ben Schiermeyer has taken over the wrenching duties for Justin Hill this summer. We think he might be smiling under that beard, but can't be sure.

That's one way to straighten out a crooked front fender. Veteran mechanic Lee McCollum knows all the factory tricks.

David Vuillemin has a watchful eye on his riders Dylan Ferrandis and Marvin Musquin throughout the day, but especially so during the morning practice sessions so that he can point out better lines, etc.

"This was my first National in a while and I was just way too timid," said Kyle Peters of his 18th place showing. "I struggled out there and had some issues with a few crashes, but I'm happy to leave with some points."

Now in his second season in the United States, 2017 All Japan 250 National Champion Yusuke Watanabe won the 250 consolation race aboard his Cycle Trader/Rock River Yamaha YZ250F, but failed to score points in either moto. A blown motor in the second moto while running inside the top 20 was especially heartbreaking.

JGRMX/Yopshimura/Suzuki's Alex Martin had a forgettable first moto, but turned in a great second-place finish in the muddy second race. "A 23-2 for eighth overall? he said with a laugh. "I'll take it!"

A solid ninth in the first moto was overshadowed by a big, end-over-end crash in the muddy second race for Martin Davalos. "I have some bone bruises and some cartilage damage in my ribcage," Davalos said on Monday. "Luckily nothing broken but ribs suck. They hurt like shit!" Davalos did add that he would try his best to race this weekend at Fox Raceway.

Crowd favorite Gared Steinke raced a KTM 125 in the 250 class at Hangtown, but barely missed the cut with a sixth-place finish in the consolation race. "The All-Stars 125 race? Come on man," he said. "I'm here to race the big boys!"

GEICO Honda's RJ Hampshire struggled in the conditions at Hangtown but still turned in a great sixth-overall result. The father-to-be had a spectacular crash during practice but it didn't seem to faze him later in the day.

The aftermath of RJ Hampshire's practice crash.

Justin Cooper came out with both guns blazing in the first 250 National moto of the year and led from start to finish aboard his Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha. Adam Cianciarulo did all he could to find his way around the Yamaha pilot, but Cooper held tough and extended a bit of a lead at the finish. A poor start in the second moto forced Cooper to work through traffic in the muddy conditions. Fourth at the flag was enough to lock down second overall. Cooper's first National win should come soon.

Kudos to rookie Ty Masterpool on his 14th-place finish in his first 250 National. Masterpool has been on the Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha team for a couple seasons now, but was a last-minute addition to the pro team.

Lorenzo Locurcio is another International racer who is doing time on the AMA circuit. Hailing from Venezuela, Locurcio was offered a spot on the BUD Racing Kawasaki team for this year's MX2 World Championship, but civil unrest in his home country prevented him from obtaining a visa to make the trip overseas. The Kissimmee Motosports-backed racer was 24th in Sacramento.

JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing's Justin Hill struggled to find his groove at Hangtown and turned in 16-21 moto scores for 21st overall. With his contract up at the end of the year, Hill hopes to turn his luck around to earn another ride. Word has it he has returned to the Pacific Northwest for a few weeks to ride with big brother Josh and refresh and reset.

Toshiki Tomita turned in 26-14 scores for 16th overall at Hangtown. This was actually the Japanese racer's second National of the year, as he contested the opening opening round of the All Japan IA1 Championship prior to Hangtown. At the Kyusu kickoff in Japan, Tomita completed a Team Honda HRC sweep behind winner Kei Yamamoto and Akira Narita.

Our buddy RJ Wageman competed in the 450 class aboard a Honda CRF450R WE and finished 11th in the consolation race. No matter where he finishes, it's always good to see RJ out there.

Watching the racers carefully plan where to rejoin the traffic after an adjustment during timed qualifying is always interesting. You want room to be able to lay down a heater but can't pull on knowing that there will be slower riders to work past, and out of courtesy don't want to pull on right in front of someone who is on his own fast lap...

Team Honda HRC's Cole Seely had a solid first moto, but crashed multiple times in the mud. "I feel like I am equal in the categories of speed, strength and fitness, and am clawing my way back up to where I should be," he said. "We've got work to do this summer but I am up to the task."

Ryan Villopoto topped the first round of the 125 All Stars series aboard a Pro Circuit-tuned Yamaha YZ125. "It was a grueling four laps, but we pulled it off," joked RV2, who led from start to finish and enjoyed a comfortable lead over runner-up Robbie Wageman. Stay tuned for video of RV's race later this week!

The entire Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha team trims the right side panel on their Yamaha YZ250Fs, and FMF Racing adds this special heat shield to the mid-pipe to prevent burns on the riders' boots.

Dylan Ferrandis' mechanic Alex Campbell also trims the left side panel for his rider, as his boot has a tendency to become snagged on the lower portion. "I want to remove the threaded rivet and weld the hole shut so it looks a little cleaner," said Campbell. "Next week!"

Colt Nichols and the rest of the Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha team train and warm up at the races on bicycles from Intense Cycles. The Temecula, California-based brand has deep roots in motocross, and their bikes are badass!

A gaggle of goggles and helmets.

Billy Hartle will wrench for Dean Ferris all summer. Ferris was initially recruited to fill in for Aaron Plessinger for a few rounds, but the Australian told us after the race that he would be on the team throughout the entire series.

After the race, Adam Cianciarulo gave us a great interview about his most recent win, and he also opened up about the disappointment of losing the Supercross championship. "Oh you want to ask me this while I am all stoked about winning," he said. Stay tuned later this week!

Check out the TwinAir air filter cover used to protect the air filter from standing water splashes on the track.

Rain races are a goggle guy's worst nightmare.

Nick Way is so cool, he wears shades in overcast conditions. All joking aside, NYK has been a big factor in Adam Cianciarulo's success. The former racer possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience for AC to draw from.

There's nothing like grabbing the holeshot in your first National moto of the year. How'd that feel, Chase Sexton?

Hunter Lawrence crashed at the bottom of the long rough downhill in the center of the track and his GEICO Honda teammate RJ Hampshire was too close to avoid him. The fork lug on Hampshire's bike drilled Lawrence in the butt. "It was so painful!" Lawrence told us. "It took me a bit to get going again. I'm sorry for anyone who had to see my bloody crack!"

Australian Wilson Todd finished a quiet 12th in the 250 class aboard a KTM 250 SX-F that he borrowed from Troy Lee's son, Max. The reigning MX2 Champ in Australia will also race Fox Raceway with support from KTM and TLD. "We have a big break and it will be so hard to keep motivated with weeks of no racing," he said. "Staying racing is the best way and this is the best way to get noticed."

Justin Cooper rode flawlessly in the first 250 moto of the season and was obviously pumped about it as he took the checkers.

A split second after this photo was snapped, Justin Barcia's rear end broke loose and it looked like Silky was going to suffer a massive highside in front of 21 other racers. He saved it, though, and went on to finish seventh overall on the day.

Dean Ferris had a solid day on the Monster Energy Yamaha, finishing eighth with only a few days to prepare for his assault on the American Nationals.

Cooper Webb had a Bogle-esque moment in the first 450 moto when his boot caught a rut on the face of a small jump before the mechanics' area.

Ken Roczen looked fantastic in the opening 450 moto and enjoyed a massive margin of victory. "It was a little unexpected, this win today," said Roczen. "But we were fastest in both qualifiers and everything went right. It feels great, man."

South African Caleb Tennant is another international racer chasing glory on the MX Nationals circuit. We met Tennant at our very own Swapmoto Race Series, where he has been tuning up for the Nationals. Keep your eye on the 444, who finished 31st at Hangtown.

Eli Tomac stormed through the pack and passed Jason Anderson for third mid-way through the first moto, but the Husqvarna rider retaliated quickly and caught the defending champ off guard. After a few more pass attempts, Tomac seemed to lose steam and eventually dropped to fourth while Anderson went on to climb to second.

We thought those Segways were supposed to be virtually impossible to crash on?

Colt Nichols led the way at the start of the second moto and held on for his first podium of the season. Third overall with 5-3 moto scores was a nice start to the Oklahoman's season.

Decked out with foam on his helmet to prevent mud buildup atop his helmet, Adam Cianciarulo led every lap of the final moto en route to what was unbelievably only his second career National win.

"I made some big mistakes with bike setup for the second moto and I almost crashed about 20 times out there," said Anderson. "But, I had a lot of fun and am looking forward to the rest of the summer!'

Three years ago, Taiki Koga attempted to qualify for the Hangtown and Glen Helen Nationals in the 250 class and came up short both times. We'd say that 17th overall in the 450 class last weekend was a huge improvement.

Cooper Webb's fifth overall at Hangtown was not without incident. He was quick to point out that he also finished fifth in the mud at the Supercross series opener. Oh snap!

After an off opening moto, Eli Tomac led the last 10 laps in the final 450 moto and looked like he was riding a dry track aboard his KX450.

To be honest, we expected more emotion from Ken Roczen when he crossed the finish line with his first race win since 2016. He was, however, much more animated on the podium! Congrats, Kenny!