Alpinestars: Shut Up And Take My Money!

Yes, we know its a great big advert for Alpinestars, with a voiceover from some bloke who sounds like he is more used to calling people 'Facking Slaaags' before crushing their head in a car door. But dammit if it hasn't stopped us flicking through the current Alpinestars range of clothing and race wear like some sort of amphetamine-fuelled Stig. 

If you prefer a description of the video in the words of Alpinestars: 'It's an examination of Alpinestars' nearly 50-year commitment to racing and action sports. Capturing Alpinestars' philosophy, its athletes and their spectacular achievements, this short video symbolises everything that is Alpinestars' One Goal One Vision mantra.' 

This clip really has got it all; Superbikes, Motocross, Drifting, Le Mans, Surfing, BMX, Formula One, Wakeboarding, FMX - you get the idea... 

It even managed to get the hairs on the back of our neck up, the manipulative bastards. Well played, Alpinestars. Well played...

FSX's Damien Smith Secures 3rd At The Bulldog Challenge Rally!

Silsden’s rally ace Damien Smith took a hard earned podium on last weekends Bulldog Challenge Rally which was the second round of the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge and support event to the International Rally of Wales which was the second round of MSA British Rally Championship.

Damien had teamed up with co - driver Paula Swinscoe from Rallytech Composites and the pair took to the classic Welsh stages in their Skipton/Keighley/Ocean Ford, Ford Fiesta ST. The pair had gained valued new sponsorship for 2012 from Freestyle Xtreme.

Smith and Swinscoe had missed the opening round of the championship, the Sunseeker Challenge, but started their BRC Challenge campaign in their Sykespeed prepared Fiesta on the  forests roads around Welshpool.

They hit the ground running, setting the fastest time on the first stage, Big Ray, but struggled to get into a rhythm on stage 2, Dyfi Main, dropping back to 2^nd overall.

“I felt I drove terribly in there” exclaimed Damien at the arrival control for stage 3 “I just couldn’t get in to a rhythm and I don’t feel comfortable in the car”.

As the Fiesta ST launched off the start line in to the 15 miles of the Gartheiniog stage Damien decided to push hard in an effort to catch the time lost on stage 2, but this was to become impossible as the car developed a large vibration on a very fast and loose downhill section less than halfway through what was the longest stage of the rally, this plagued the handling of the Keighley Ford Fiesta for the remainder of the stage and cost the crew around 40 seconds.

A trip to the service park in Dolgellau allowed the service crew the time they needed to diagnose the fault, they discovered that the ball joint had failed and they set to making a rapid change. “our service crew worked wonders on the car” said a rather hot and dusty Damien as he exited service “we’ve overcome the mechanical fault only for disaster to strike as we went to the refuel zone, the first refuel rig they used developed a generator failure, to make matters worse the back up also failed meaning we were late out of service and we’ve incurred a 40 second penalty in the process”

The remaining crews of the Bulldog Challenge rally headed to the final 3 stages of the event near Lake Bala. “The car doesn’t feel it usual self” exclaimed Smith at the finish of the penultimate stage “some thing doesn’t feel right and I lose confidence on these high speed stages but we’re determined to battle for a podium”

The pair continued onwards to the last stage of the day in Dyfnant Forest and a string of 3^rd & 4^th fastest times over the final stages plus the 40 second penalty the received earlier in the day scrubbed by the organisers the pair were delighted to finish in a very creditable 3^rd overall and 1^st Fiesta over the finish line back in the market town of Welshpool.

“It’s been a really tough event” said Damien at the ceremonial finish in Welshpool “I struggled for pace over the earlier stages and with the problems we incurred on the longest stage I thought we’d really struggle. The fuel rig problem summed up our luck but our never say die attitude saw us bounce back and take the podium”

Damien heads to round 3 of the BRC Challenge the Pirelli rally based in Carlisle in late April and occupies 8^th position in the championship.

“We just missed out on the win on last years Pirelli” said Damien ”If we can go one better this year and take the victory then we really can push for championship honours”

Kevin Windham: The Truth Behind The Transfer Jumps?

We love posting videos of Kevin Windham's mega transfer jumps. The opening of a supercross race just wouldn't be the same without DVS rider K-Dub risking his neck. But why does he do it? Well, we'll take a quote from two of the guys in this video, filmed on the media day before the Supercross race at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas:

Dude 1 [to K-Dub]: "Why don't you just do something easier?"

Dude 2 [to Dude 1]: "Because people get a boner when they watch it, man."

So, there you have it.

Enjoy. And, uh, we're not gonna judge - but maybe you might want to wait a few minutes before you stand up....

DiRT Showdown: Go Hard Or Go Home!

This is the latest movie for Codemasters' forthcoming game, DiRT: Showdown. This particular short focuses on the hard-hitting competition modes featured in this spin-off from the DiRT series. 

Rampage Mode is a straight-up Demolition Derby arena race. Be the last man standing and cause the most amount of damage to your opponent.

Knock Out Mode is Car Sumo; ramp into the ring and smash your enemies out of it without falling off yourself. But don't worry if you do, you can just ramp back in!

Hard Target Mode is a spin on the Demolition Derby. But this time, every other driver is out to get you and you alone! 

Oh and as a bonus - who spotted the FreestyleXtreme banners in the sections of gameplay? Take another look at the video, around the 1:39 and 1:57 points. Pretty sick, huh?

Insane Downhill Run With Alejandro Paz!

This insane POV GoPro footage filmed by Peruvian National Downhill Champion mountain bike rider Alejandro Paz 10,500 foot above sea level near the tiny town of San Pedro de Casta in Peru.

He's clearly eaten an extra large bowl of Brave Flakes that morning because this video is NUTS. Has the footage been sped up? We don't think so. Would we want to risk our own necks riding a bike that fast down a tiny, perilous, boulder-strewn path? We definitely don't think so. There must be at least a dozen moments where Paz looks like he has cheated death.

Good job he spend the whole time standing up. With balls that big he wouldn't be comfortable in the saddle...

Trike Drifting: 3-Wheelers Gone Wild!

People are always looking for new ways to live life to the extreme. While we originally thought that Trike Drifting was the creation of mad genius or bored adrenaline junkies, we've since discovered that US bike retailers Huffy have been selling just a thing to children for years...

The craze for extreme Trike Drifting is said to have originated in New Zealand and we've found videos dating back to 2006 (although it could have started much early) with guys taking a kid's Huffy Slider Bike to it's limits round some of their enviously smooth and quiet roads.

The Huffy Slider: The Trike that started it all?

However, it wasn't until this viral video from Devin Graham - aka devinsupertramp - that Trike Drifting really started to gain the attention of the world.

Drift Trikes have since evolved to be faster and more drift happy. Customisers have fitted larger front wheels (such as Skyway Tuffs), altered the pedals and changed the rear wheels with wider PVC sleeves (watch the how to video here). Some are building them from scratch in a rapidly growing custom scene - others are even goind so far to fit hydraulic airbag rear suspension!

The recently founded American Drift Trike Association has started holding events for budding Trike drifters,while d-trikes.com shows the ever-growing popularity of the sport and the size of the community.

Photos courtesy of d-trikes.com

Go on, admit it - you fancy a go too, don't you?

Ben Townley Joins TwoTwo Motorsports for 2012 Lucas Oil Motocross Championships

With Chad Reed sidelined  from motocross potentially until 2013 after his accident at Dallas last month, his newly formed team, TwoTwo Motorsports looked to have been halted before it could continue the momentum that Reed has already gathered.

With sponsor obligations and vital team development brought to a standstill, a solution was needed. Step forward New Zealander Ben Townley. Currently riding for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing inthe 2012 Australian SX and MX season, Townley has been signed to TwoTwo Motorsports to contest the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship campaign in the US.

“After the injury, surgery and the initial realisation that I would be sidelined from competition for some time, I needed to consider the team’s ongoing development and if there was a rider that could step in and be competitive in the role,” said Reed.

“We believe in Ben's talent and work ethic, and combined with the great crew we have at TwoTwo Motorsports, I feel we have the formula to not only represent our sponsors but also challenge, win races and compete for the number 1 plate."

“Our core sponsors - Bel-Ray, Honda Motorcycles, Shift, Etnies, Skullcandy and Fox - have stood behind us from the beginning and have been a big part of our success on and off track,” Reed continued.

The twelve-round Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship begins in Sacramento on May 19.

FreestyleXtreme At Masters Of Dirt 2012!

British MX and FMX fans have been desperate for a show the size and scale of those seen in America and the rest of Europe to come to the UK. Masters of Dirt, in Britain for the first time, gave us our first taste when we went to the Manchester date on the 16^th March. And it was a blast.

True, we could tell that Masters of Dirt and the M.E.N arena were still getting to grips with each other – there was no actual dirt for a start and the BMXers had to be pulled up the ramps by a motocross rider with a rope gaffer taped to the back of his bike – but that didn’t stop it from being a phenomenal success and a fantastic show, performed from some of the best freestyle riders on the planet. 

We also got the chance to sneak backstage, get up close and personal with some of the athletes and find out a bit about what it’s like taking part. We caught up with FMX/MTB loony Andreu Lacondeguy, got our pictures taken with Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams and even convinced Edgar Torronteras to put a FreestyleXtreme sticker on the front of his bike before he went out and performed!

 

We also chatted with UK Freestyle rider Chris Birch, who told us a bit about what Jorstein Stenberg needed to do to his snowmobile before back flipping it. Apparently, although the weight and length actually make it relatively easy to back flip (if you can call flipping a 240kg skidoo in the air ‘easy’), the snowmobile itself needed to be modified so the engine could still run while upside down. Why? Because the rear tracks act as a propeller while airborne and if they stopped it would drop out the sky. Yikes! 

Masters of Dirt in the UK was amazing and will be even bigger and better next year. Plus, we’ve also been promised some real dirt – we can’t wait!

Honda (UK) Announces Samsung as Title Sponsor of Honda Racing British Superbike Team

Honda (UK) is pleased to announce Samsung Mobile as the title sponsor for its Honda Racing British Superbike (BSB) team with a two year deal for 2012 and 2013, with the all-new Samsung Honda liveried CBR1000RR Fireblades mounting their charge on the British Superbike and British Superstock Championships in just a few weeks’ time at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.

The Samsung Honda team will field the two rider line-up pairing of Michael Laverty and Jon Kirkham in the British Superbike Championship, alongside the two rider line-up of Jason O’Halloran and Gary Johnson in the Superstock 1000 series. All four riders will be contesting their respective British championships on the new-for-2012 and iconic CBR1000RR Fireblade which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Samsung’s partnership with Honda will enable them to build on their previous involvement with the British Superbike Championship, by now being allied with the most successful two-wheeled racing team and motorcycle manufacturer in the UK. This high profile partnership will provide Samsung with even greater exclusive content and opportunities to share with customers across its extensive range of mobile devices, including the Galaxy Note.

Honda Racing (UK) has an unrivalled history in motorcycle racing, having won no less than three British Superbike Championships from its eleven British titles in total, four World Championship titles and taken 57 TT wins in its illustrious twenty three year history. 2012 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Honda UK Racing’s history with the emergence of the new Samsung Honda team.

Simon Stanford, Vice President, Samsung UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division commented, “We are extremely excited to be taking our existing relationship with both Jon Kirkham and British Superbikes to the next level with the sponsorship of the Honda Racing (UK) team. As world champions four times over and with numerous British titles under their belts, we are thrilled to be coming on board as title sponsor of this team and continuing to take our leading and innovative mobile technology brand to the receptive and diverse motorsport audience.”

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles said, “From a commercial and team perspective we are delighted to forge this new relationship with Samsung Mobile, a brand that shares much of our own company philosophy for providing quality and innovative products for our customers. We look forward to sharing with Samsung even further racing successes that Honda Racing has enjoyed over the years.” 

The Samsung Honda team will be taking to the track at the first round of the British Superbike Championship over Easter weekend (7-9 April).

Alastair Sayer: The Lone Jackal

Alastair Sayer was ranked the top African FMX Rider 2010. We originally scoffed that such a title probably didn't come with much competition. Then we saw him perform for real at this year's Masters of Dirt Tour in Manchester and came to a conclusion - this guy is one of the top FMX riders on the planet!

Even after taking part in the 2006 Night of the Jumps and picking up a bronze medal for Best Whip at the 2007 X-Games in Dubai, chances are you still haven't heard of Alastair 'Jackalas' Sayer.

Perhaps this documentary, first screened at the City Culture Collective in Johannesburg, South Africa, might convince you to take an interest.

The Lone Jackal, directed by Grant Wheeler, sees Monster Energy Alastair return to his native African homeland and an extensive FMX tour of Europe. It documents a major turning point in his life where he blazes a new path in his career to seal his legacy as one of Africa's most stylish FMX riders.

We're yet to find our whether The Lone Jackal will be shown outside of film festivals but it's recently updated Facebook page suggests something is on its way. Worth checking out!

Enduro Champ Graham Jarvis: Spanish Training

UK Extreme Enduro and Trials rider Graham Jarvis is no stranger to success. Although he has been competing in events since 1995, 2011 was clearly his year; 1st place in The Tough One in the UK, 1st place in Hell's Gate in Italy, 1st place in the Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania, 1st place in the Red Bull Sea to Sky in Turkey, 1st place in Roof of Africa in South Africa. The list goes on. However, being arguably today's best Enduro rider means that Jarvis just doesn't understand the concept of 'down time'...

While most of us would be sipping Sangrias and catching some sun, even a recent trip to the South of Spain means the chance for more training. And the chance again to prove that laws of gravity and physics don't really apply to him...

Life Is Good For Lance Coury

Lance Coury seems like a guy who has really got his head screwed on. Not only did he pick up a couple of wins at the 2011 Dew Tour (Best Whip, Speed & Style) and take part in a number of Red Bull X Fighter competitions, he's already got his business brain engaged with his own Moto-Gate pick-up truck tailgate extender. Oh, and he also rides for fun with Carey Hart who insisted that he join his Hart and Huntington motocross team. No biggie.

This video, from Racer X Online see Lance put some of his skills to the test and finds out how he is getting on behind the handlebars of his new 2012 Dodge/Hart & Huntington/Sycuan Kawasaki 450.

Rich Kearns: A FMX'ers Life On The Road

It's often though that success doesn't come without a degree of sacrifice and FMX rider Rich Kearns would no doubt agree. Despite entering not starting to ride Freestyle Motocross until he was 18, Rich is clearly prepared  to do whatever it takes to live the life of a professional FMX star - even if that means travelling the country in the same van that he lives in. Or practising his riding with the inconvenience of a finger that had recently been surgically re-attached after an accident

Still, his determination and dedication has clearly paid off. Sponsored by the likes of Troy Lee Designs and a new member of the Famous Stars and Straps family, Kearns hasn't looked back since his invite to the 2010 X-games.

This short documentary, filmed by VurbMoto, gives us a little insight about what a life on the road is like...

DiRT Showdown - Massive Damage Gameplay!

It's been a long time that we've seen and played a really excellent demolition derby videogame. And I mean a proper one - not one with silly rocket launcher ice cream trucks. In fact, it is probably only Destruction Derby for the PS1 or FlatOut on the original Xbox that stand out. And both of those are ancient.

Good job we've got DiRT: Showdown, then. Sure it's enough to send most fans of rally driving running for the hills screaming but Codemasters' latest 'Massive Damage' video shows plenty of work-in-progress gameplay footage of demolition events that hark back quite nicely to the aforementioned games of my youth. The footage shows gameplay from two destruction-focussed game modes:

Rampage - eight racers in a ' take no prisoners gladiatorial automotive audotorium'. Basically, in an areana smashing the crap out of your mates in the most spectacular fashion possible.

Knock Out - Use your car as a weapon to force opponents off a raised platform. Car sumo meets a Royal Rumble, effectively, but with knocked out players being able to ramp back into the ring.

To be honest, if this is an enchancement of the EGO software engine Codemasters have used for DiRT 2 & 3 as well as Race Driver: GRID, we're suprised the damage that appears on the cars isn't more substantial but, as is the case with work-in-progress footage, there is always time for changes.

Offering over 50 events around the world in sun, snow and rainy conditions and pyrotechnic events, DiRT: Showdown will be a driving experience like few others. It will be released on May 25th for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Mistakes Mar Lanes Kawasaki British Championship Season Debut

FatCat Motoparc near Doncaster is arguably known as Britain's premier sand track. With a dyed-in-the-wool sand expert in the awning, Lanes Kawasaki was looking forward to making a great impression at the Maxxis British Motocross Championship season opener. With bright sunshine out, qualifying got underway; MX2 rider Sunny Thompson going on to score a great fifteenth place, followed shortly after by MX1 rider Marc de Reuver taking seventh place after the super-pole session.

Buoyed by his qualifying result, Thompson got off to a good first race start just inside the top twenty. Although some small mistakes early on pushed him down the pack, he soon picked up pace and, picking off rivals two at a time, found himself in the top fifteen with the finish timer ticking to zero. Thompson's second race got off to a bad start. A crash in the first corner dropped him all the way to the back of the pack, a position that took him a fair while to fight back from. Undeterred, Thompson again leapfrogged rivals every lap, entering the top twenty with three laps to go. Some last minute passes promoted him to seventeenth at the chequered flag.

The final race of the day ended before it really started. After a start just outside the top twenty, a nasty crash left Thompson in last with an injured hand that forced retirement from the race. All was not lost however, he still scored an eighteenth place overall on the day.

Although De Reuver showed that his reputation as an awesome sand rider is very much deserved, small mistakes throughout the day meant that the results did not reflect the hard work put in. A brilliant first race start that made him a serious contender for the lead ended a lap later when a crash dropped him to the bottom end of the top ten. After remounting in tenth, De Reuver's steady progress up the ever-thinning front of the pack ended in fifth at the chequered flag. The second race again showed early promise. A battle with rivals Karro and Krestinov ended with a crash that relegated De Reuver to ninth. After this setback, he set his sights on rivals Dougan and Parker, passing them in the closing minutes of the race to end in seventh.

The final race seemed to finally have the bugs ironed out. Giving kinsman Kevin Strijbos a hard time in the lead brought some world championship glamour to Yorkshire, but again, things went awry. Halfway into the race, De Reuver's front end washed out yet again, putting him down hard and injuring his hand. Although he remounted in fourteenth, De Reuver felt it would be safer to retire from the race and have his injury seen to. The overall day's end result would be an eleventh place.

Team principal Dean Lane commented on the day: "We're a bit upset because we didn't get the result we wanted today, but hey, there you go. Sunny's qualifying was good; he qualified 15th. Until now we've been struggling in qualifying, so to get a 15th with him was really good. We've made some changes which obviously worked. In the races, Sunny didn't get the best of starts, but he worked his way to 15th in the first race, and 17th in the second. In the last race he came off; we think he may have done something to his hand, so he's having it checked.

"Marc's qualifying was ok. In the super-pole he made mistakes in several corners and ended up 7th, which is still good. In the first race he was running in a good 3rd behind Strijbos and Karro. He went down but got going again and came back up to 5th, which was real good from where he came from. In the second race he was running up there with the front riders again, and again crashed, but this time didn't get going quite as good as we were hoping. He ended up in 8th. In the last race he got another sensible start, got up to second and was running really well, but then slipped off. He picked the bike up but then pulled in because he'd already hurt his hand."

Sunny Thompson: "Today I had a good qualifying in 15th; normally I'm not that good in qualifying, so that was good. In the first race I had a 15th, second race I had a crash and came back from the back to 17th, and in the third race I had a big crash and hurt my thumb. So in the end, it's been an alright day."

Marc de Reuver: "There were a lot of expectations here today, you know, I ride good in the sand. But yeah, I put a little bit of pressure on myself and I made silly little mistakes all day. I kept losing my front end all day, but that's my mistake. So it's a day best to forget." 

2012 Toronto BMX Jam - Pro Rider Final Heat

This year's recent International Bicycle Show in Toronto was home to several spectacular pedal-powered events but the competition that caught our eye was the Toronto BMX Jam. 

Returning for its 13th year, the community-created TBJ attracted some of the best Professional Street Course BMX riders in the world to perform for the crowd and they didn't disappoint.

This video, filmed from within the crowd, captures the final heat for the pro division. Homegrown Canadian rider Drew Bezanson emerged the eventual winner thanks to his sick tricks off the wall, while record tail-whipper Daniel Sandoval picked up 2nd place.


PRO RESULTS
1. Drew Bezanson, 96.67
2. Daniel Sandoval, 95.67
3. Brett Banasiewicz, 92.67
4. Vince Byron, 91.33
5. Pat Casey, 89.67

LADIES FINAL
1. Peta Shepherd, 92.67
2. Angie Marino, 89.67
3. Kiera Bonifacio, 82.00

Ricky Carmichael Turns Up For Practise At Daytona Supercross

If your first thought when you watch this vid is "Why has retired MX rider and current NASCAR driver Ricky Carmichael turned up for practise for the 2012 Supercross at Daytona?" the answer is simple. When you are the Greatest Of All Time, you can do what the hell you like. Besides, who exactly is going to complain?

However, if you prefer a more serious response, it is more likely because Daytona is actually a Carmichael Signature Design circuit...

So, if you ever wondered how well RC would fare against the current crop of riders then this video, courtesy of GoPro, should give you a little taster. Clue: he's still the man!

Oh, and add us to the chorus of YouTube commenters who cry: "Why cut the video when Villopoto turns up? We want to see until the end!"

Friday Fun: Metal Mulisha World Domination Game!

It's Friday and we want to bring on the weekend as quickly as possible. So, we've just found a great way to waste some time right here - the Metal Mulisha World Domination game! 

You can play this game in your web browser, pick from three Metal Mulisha riders (Brian Deegan, Larry Linkogle and Jacko Strong) and four different tracks. Then simply start pulling some freestyle tricks! Better turn down the speakers if you don't want the boss to realise, though...

Darryn Durham: Ready For Daytona

Currently sitting in third place in the Supercross Lites East Class, the chance for Volcom-sponsored Darryn Durham to snatch an even higher position before the end of the championship isn't out of his reach.

Durham has performed consistently this season (snatching the holeshot and podium place in Dallas) and in this video from Racer X Online, the latest member of the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team is putting in some outdoors practise for the next event at Daytona.

Masters Of Dirt 2012: Vienna Review and Save 10% On Tickets For The UK Dates!

The start of this video comes with a warning - Do not try this at home. To be honest, if you've got firebreathing Fuel girls, backflipping snowmobiles, caravan ramps and some of the most exciting FMX, BMX, MTB and ATV riders on the planet leaping around your back garden then we want to party at your place!

Yes, Masters of Dirt, the world's most exciting freestyle show, is back and has already unleashed several sellout performances in Vienna to an audience of more than 20,000 people. Looked pretty awesome, didn't it?

Well, if you live in the UK and want to experience the pyrotechnic freestyle extravaganza first hand, we've got a little treat for you - 10% off the ticket price for the dates in London and Manchester! Just take a look here:

Wembley Arena, Wednesday 14th March

Manchester Arena, Friday 16th March 

What are you waiting for?

Night Of The Jumps 2012: Massimo Bianconcini Breaks Step Up World Record

Who needs to wait until the Olympics to see some incredible feats of athletic and gymnastic achievement? The crowds of Turin for this years' Night of the Jumps FMX Championships certainly didn't!

In 2010, the World Record for a Step Up Jump (like an athletic High Jump event) was set at an impressive 11 meters (just over 36 feet, for those who prefer it in metric). In the first round of NOTJ, both Italian rider Massimo Bianconcini and Czech Libor Podmol managed to match that record.

Although Podmol eventually went on to win the competition, Bianconcini still managed to take home something special - the new World Record, at 11.50 meters. Check out the video, and the rather lovely looking cake a friend made for the DC sponsored rider to help celebrate...

West Coast Customs Build The 'Ultimate Motocross Truck' For DC Shoes

If you asked a bunch of Motocross athletes what would make the 'Ultimate Motocross Truck', what do you think the result might be? Well, you need wonder no longer because DC Shoes and legendary car pimpers West Coast Customs teamed up to do exactly that. Just about anyone can sling a bike into the back of an old pick-up truck but only the very rich or the extremely privileged will be able to put together something like this...

The base for the project was a Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 with a powerful 5.7 litre V8 engine and from there, WCC went to work. A suspension lift and Fox Racing shocks means it can deal with the bumps, while 18in KMC wheels with all-terrain tyres allow it to negotiate even the roughest of off-road tracks.

Externally, it features a roof rack that doubles as a viewing deck, a suicide-hinged tailgate panel and a series of goodies hidden within the flatbed; a gas pump, air compressor and pressure washer to keep bikes clean, fuelled and fully inflated as well as a winch and retractable ramp to easily load them into the back. Matt black paintwork finishes off its aggressively practical appearance.

Inside, the Tundra is far more luxurious and boasts a classy leather interior with embroidered DC logos and pounding in-car entertainment courtesy of Pioneer and Diamond.

All too often, these custom cars have plenty to show but no go - this DC Tundra looks ready for business and will be proving its worth as it tours the USA for the 2012 Supercross series. Jealous.

Events 22 Acquires British Supercross Championship from Future West Promotions

The future of British Supercross has taken a huge leap forward since the season ending finale at the NEC’s LG Arena in Birmingham earlier this month, as Red Bull Pro Nationals & MC Federation owners, Events 22, have acquired the rights from Future West to take over the ownership of Supercross in the UK as of immediate effect.

“John Hellam and I have been discussing for quite some time now about what is the next most obvious move for the British indoor scene and after sitting in the crowd with my family at the LG Arena, I couldn’t help but get the bug back” – explained Events 22 owner and former Supercross promoter, Matt Bates. “And I’m really pleased to be able to announce that we’re back in the game of running indoor events!”

“Ten years ago we staged a total of eighteen indoor events across venues such as London Arena, the NEC Arena, Exeter’s Westpoint and Belfast’ Odyssey Arena. We also continued to run the very successful Belfast International Supercross until 2007. The series also attracted an eight part Channel 4 series of programmes and introduced the likes of Ford, Aiwa, Samsung, Animal and Red Bull to our amazing sport – I’m more positive than ever that we can take indoor to the next level here in the UK, that most importantly follows the successful path of the Red Bull Pro Nationals, by introducing thousands of new fans to Motocross” continued Bates.

Events 22 have been busy visiting the entire leading Arena’s across the UK over the past seven days and plan to announce a series of dates, venues and partners very soon. The series will be open to Youth and Pro riders and will be naturally sanctioned through the forward thinking MC Federation.

“When the MCF stepped in to help Future West stage the final round at the LG Arena following the difficult insurance issues with the former sanctioning body, we all realised that the sport in the UK needs a professionally organised indoor series with a clear and stable direction – I’m absolutely thrilled that indoor will be part of our ever increasing list of events”, explained MCF General Manager Roy Barton.

The MCF have are continuing to grow at an incredible rate since their launch 3yrs ago, with over 40 off road clubs and 2,500 licenses, this friendly organisation prides itself on helping clubs develop at a practical and affordable level . For more information about joining the MCF or registering your interest to take part in the MCF sanctioned Indoor series, please contact secretary@mcfederation.com

Chris 'Bomber' Harris: Strike Me Down And I Shall Come Back Stronger Than You Ever Imagine...

With a maximum of six riders and an oval dirt track, it would be easy to assume that motorcycle Speedway couldn't offer the thrills and spills of a 20-rider MX race. But you'd be wrong. Oh, so wrong. 

Case in point, three times British Speedway Champion Chris 'Bomber' Harris. The Cornish-born rider, currently riding for the Coventry Bees put in this spectacular performance back in 2010. We guarantee this is the most exciting Speedway video you'll see for a long time. How many times will you see a guy snatch such a thrilling victory just moments after being run over?

Bomber's consistent performance has also recently gained the attention and support of Californian bike builders and lifestyle brand West Coast Choppers, stating "He personalizes courage, resistance and authenticity and therefore matches the WCC family perfectly."

Chaz Davies Interview: Broken Wrist But Ready For Imola!

FreestyleXtreme's Chaz Davies didn't get off to the start he'd been looking for at the first round of the World Superbike Championship down under, breaking his wrist in superpole.

Now back in the UK and getting ready for the second round at Imola, which takes place on April 1st.

We’re gutted to hear about your wrist injury at Phillip Island. For those that don’t know already, how did it happen?

It happened in the last minute of final qualifying when I was pushing to make superpole. Everything was going to plan and I was safely into Superpole. I strung a few good laps together to see what I could get out of a fresh tyre and then highsided out of turn 2. It was a pretty simple crash but I came off the bike quite awkwardly which snapped my wrist.

We can’t imagine how disappointed you must be to have to postpone your official WSBK debut. Will you have enough time to recover before Imola?

It was a big blow to go all that way and not to race but there is always that risk. The goal is now to be as close to 100% fit as I can be before Imola. I had surgery within 5 hours of the crash where a plate, 3 screws, bone graft and wire were fitted but it's feeling decent and I have 4 weeks of intensive rehab.

All things aside, how were you getting to grips with your new ParkinGO Aprilia?

Everything was going great up until the crash and even so I'm really happy with our early progress. We missed out on a bit of testing over winter so we played catch up in Phillip Island. After a steady start at the test I picked up the pace and got more comfortable on the bike over the race weekend. I was expecting to be somewhere between 6th - 10th on race day but obviously didn't get to prove that! 

You were going to be riding a Ducati. Are you able to tell us exactly why you made the switch to Aprilia?

There are a few reasons but the main was that Aprilia were able to offer a really competitive support package. Ducati was also an option but there are eight of their bikes on the grid which takes a lot of effort on Ducati's part. For that reason my team owner, Giuliano Rovelli, decided it would be better to go with Aprilia and have a more 'focused' effort.

What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed with the step up to WSBK from the World Supersport Championship?

So far I'd say the power and chassis rigidity. The bike has a lot of power to try and put to the ground and after riding 600cc bikes for the last 5 years I have to adapt to play with the throttle more rather than just screwing it on. Also, compared to production 600cc bikes, the Aprilia chassis is a lot stiffer. It makes the bike more precise but also gives less margin for error. 

Are you feeling confident for the next round of the WSBK?

Yeah I'm really looking forward to getting back racing in Europe and confident we can continue to improve. The only question mark is my injury but if I'm close to 100% then I think we can have some fun at Imola!

We know that your standards are sky high but what are your expectations for the rest of the Championship?

Actually my expectations are pretty modest for the moment. I've never been the kind of guy to tell everyone how much I'm going to kick ass! I'm lucky to have a team built around me that are not putting pressure on me. It's a one rider team so I'm the only guy who can pull a result but at this stage it's all about learning and taking everything in. After we lay the foundations I am confident that results will follow. The second half of the season is where I expect to step up my game and try to challenge for podiums.

Have you got any tips for any young, aspiring riders who want to follow in your footsteps?

Kenny Roberts Jr told me one thing at Donington Park when I was 12 years old and that was to never give up. He told me to stick at it and I remember it well. It's paid off for me because I had a few years without great results but I kept the belief and now have a World Championship to show for it.

Top Five Videos For February!

February might be the shortest month of the year, but that hasn't prevented it being packed full of action! Check out our round-up of some of the most exciting videos from the month in one handy place...

#5 - Myles Richmond 180 Whips With New Shift Gear
If you're pro FMX rider Myles Richmond, one of the perks of the job is access to the latest gear from Shift! Here he, quite literally, whips you into a frenzy to get you all excited about the 2012 Shift range!
 

#4 - Ken Block Testing for the 100 Acre Wood

Ken Block and the Monster Rally Team have won the 100 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri every year since 2006. This year, he nailed it again, a cool 29 seconds ahead of everyone else. Is it any wonder when he practises this hard?

#3 - Malcolm Stewart and Justin Bogle Tangle Up In Dallas!
The 2012 Supercross Championships haven't been the greatest for either of the Stewart brothers. Although, while you could certain put Malcolm to blame for this takedown, Bogle can only blame himself after busting his hand trying to punch someone in the head wearing a motorcycle helmet...

#2 - Mikael Dupont Backflips a Granny bike!

You don't need an expensive, tricked out BMX or Mountain bike in order to pull off some awesome stunts. Or do you? Intrepid investigator and French Trials Rider Mikael Dupont puts a creaky, vintage ladies bike through its paces with hilarious results!

#1 - Nitro Circus 2012 Live Tour Teaser Video!
You think you've seen a freestyle show. You might think you've seen the best the world can offer. Then the likes of Travis Pastrana's travelling Nitro Circus Tour of mayhem and spectacular stunts comes along and blows everything else out of the water! Watch this video and we guarantee you'll want to be there...

Kjeldy's FMX Diary - Night of The Jumps, King of Xtreme and Daboot!

Prolific German action sports filmmaker and photographer Lars-Kjeld Riedel always seems to be on the scene when something awesome is happening. Of course, it helps that 'Kjedly' is prepared to travel Europe to get to all the major FMX events!

This video diary follows Kjeldy as he travels to the King of Xtreme event in Leipzig, Germany via the Night of the Jumps world tour in Linz, Austria and the Daboot FMX superpark in Italy. Clearly he is good buddies with some of the riders, as we can also see some of the fun that happens backstage too!

Featuring the likes of Clinton Moore, Remi Bizouard, Javier Villegas and many more this is certain to get you looking for your own tickets for the next spectacular FMX show...