As the popularity of minimotard racing grows so does the need for quality bikes. The new Conti RX 50cc SR Motard is just that type of bike. The RX 50cc SR is made by one of the finest French motorcycle manufacturers, Conti.

A RX 50cc SR in motard trim was graciously supplied by Pennsylvania’s Miller Cycle Works (Conti’s North American dirt bike importer) for a demo ride at the AMRA Western Canadian Round #3 and will be availble to ride at many other race events this year including OMRRA (Oregon Motorcyle Road Racing Association), NMRRA (Northwest Mini Road Racing Club) and SCminiGP (Southern California Mini Road Racing Club). This was the first time the Conti has been seen in Motard fashion with its 10″ slicks. On the track, the single speed Conti was giving the three speed KLX110’s a run for their money. According to junior racer Devon McDonough of BMS Factory Racing, “It was great to have the power to dice it up with some of the finest racers Canada had to offer.”

Veteran junior AMRA riders Cody Matechuck and Tanner Thiessen each took the bike out for a spin. Both riders have many hours under their belts in mini road racing and dirt bike racing and they both said that the bike was great. The power was unbelievable and they didn’t believe it was a 50cc. Both said that with a few minor clutch modifications and adjustments to make the suspension a bit softer it would be a hard bike to beat.

Ben Taylor of BMS pocketbikes and the North America importer of Conti’s roadracing bikes says, “The bike is very well built and has performed very well in the few races it has been in.” The junior riders that have ridden the bike all took to it very fast. Junior BMS Factory rider, Peter Lenz, rode it in a Super Motard race, racing against adults on 450’s and other junior riders on 65’s. The bike’s performance was outstanding. Peter was able to stick with the pack even having four or five less gears and having the smallest engine in the field.

Taylor says, “Out of the box, the Conti is a performer. With the short wheel base and already supplied upgrades on the Morini motor which include a Pro-Circuit pipe and big carburetor, the bike is ready to go. This is a perfect bike for the young rider needing the speed to be competitive but not quit ready for a manual clutch.”

Give Miller Cycle Works a call (717) 656-8637 or visit their website ~ http://www.contiusamcw.com~ for more stats on the bike because it is a force to be reckoned with. And keep an eye for Ben Taylor and the Conti RX 50cc SR at an event near you, don’t hesitate to ask for a demo ride.

Interested parties please send resume to: USMGP1@AOL.COM

Please state your experience and why you would be good for this position. You will be required to attend all USMGP events held west of the Mississippi. You will also be responsible for setting up the USMGP West Coast 2007 Race Series. Details of this position will be emailed to serious parties only.

Chuck Shorie

USMGP President

Name: Bradley Ray

Nickname: StuntBoy

Age: 9

Birthplace: Ashford Kent U.K.

Bikes: GRC RR 4.2, GRC RR 8.5, CONTI V2, XSPORT

First off, how did you get the nickname stuntboy?

I got the nickname stunt boy because I am always messing about on my scooter and bicycle.

What kind of stunts do you do?

I do wheelies, endo’s, whips, jumps and will try anything.

How did you get into bikes?

I first rode a minimoto when I was four and a half when my brother and I got I to share for christmas.

Has your riding style or approach to racing changed over the years?

Yes my approach has become very competative and I love to win, my style has had to change as I became faster.

Do ride bikes other your road bikes?

I don’t have a road bike, but I do enjoy going on the back of my dad’s Ducati.

Why do you race?

I enjoy the competition and being with all my mates at the meetings.

Did anyone inspire you to race?

Not really started off as a bit of fun then my dad found out about a race series and took me along to see if I enjoyed it and it went from there.

Who is your favorite racer?

Theres only one that is Valentino Rossi.

What is your favorite track?

Haven’t really got a favourite track I just enjoy being out there and racing.

People have said that you go to the track almost everyday after school, is that true?

Not quite, I would like to but my local track is open to minimoto’s every Tuesday and quite a few weekends and I do all of them.

Who are your sponsors? What kind of help do they give you?

My main sponsor is Minimoto Racing who supply me with my minimoto bikes, bike set up and spares I am also helped by Lydd International Raceway (all my track time) Mid Kent Windows, Patio Master, and Newlands Builders my Grand parents also help out and my uncle.

What team are you on?

I am racing for Minimoto Racing this year.

How did you end up on that team?

My dad rang Julian who owns Minimoto Racing and they agreed to take me on.

How does your team help you?

They supply me with my bikes and have a mechanic at every race meet to do the bike set ups his name is Scotty.

Have you traveled much to race?

This year i am doing both the British Championship and the SEMRC championship and have been to Cumbria (twice) Edinburgh, Cardiff, Norfolf, Leicester, Northampton, Newmarket and later in the year will be going to Yorkshire.

What clubs do you race with?

This year it is with the MMRA British Championship and Pheonix SEMRC.

What are your hobbies outside of riding?

My other hobbies would be anything sporty, football, cricket, tennis, golf, swimming.

Does you family support your riding?

My family support me totally if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to do it.

What is the coolest things about racing?

Don’t know really I just enjoy all of it.

One one event really stands out about your racing?

My first race win and beating Danny Kent on my 4.2 earlier in the year.

When you went to Spain this year you were wicked fast, are you that fast everywhere?

I try to be I just enjoy going fast.

How did the 2005 season go?

2005 was ok for my first year at competative racing, had my first race win and at the end of the year I got the most improved rider trophy for the SEMRC.

How have been things going so far in 2006?

Really well I won the 4.2 winter series and runner up in production, so far this summer I am leading the 4.2 in the semrc ad second on production, in the mmra I am leading the 4.2 and I think 3rd or 4th in production.

Have you started thinking about what you are going to do in 2007?

Yes hope to be racing for minimoto racing on the minimoto’s and also to get a ride on a conti v3.

Any plans to travel outside your local clubs?

Would like to have a try in Europe.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Has to be my mum and dad they give up a lot for me to race.

Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

Would like to be riding in the 125 gp.

You have good support from your father, tell folks about him a bit.

My dad is 45 and he is bike mad, will always listen to what I try to tell him and never gets angry with me if I am not riding very well, he will always try to help anybody in the paddock even my nearest rivals.

How has your father helped you in your riding?

Yes, he explains to me about race lines and braking points and always checks with me about the way my bikes are running.

Of all the riders you race with who do you have the most fun with or who do you look forward to racing?

I have a lot of fun with my mates Wayne Ryan and Tom Weedon. I enjoy racing against Josh Brown and Danny Kent.

Who is your strongest competitor?

This year in 4.2 it is Nathan Westwood and on the production bike it is Josh Brown, Harry Cousins, and Danny Kent.

Do you have plans to ride big bikes when you are old enough?

I hope to if I can get some sponsorship.

What is your favorite movie? Why?

My favourite film is Ali G In Da House. It makes me laugh.

What is your favorite song?

I haven’t really got a favourite song my dad makes me listen to lots of old music.

What kind of shoes do you wear?

Trainers all the time.

Who cuts your hair?

Mainly my dad, but sometimes I go to the barbers and have tram lines and my race number cut in my hair.

How often does your family read MiniGPX.com?

Before today I hadn’t heard of MiniGPX before but will be reading it from now on.

Just because the junior riders of the world are small doesn’t mean they don’t need big protection. That is the trouble, we have yet to find a real company offering a product of this type in the United States.

We need your help! We are looking for gloves that would be equal to an XXXS adult glove. If you know of a full leather glove with carbon knuckles that fits the bill, send us the info to EDIT at MINIGPX dot COM.

We will compile the information and share it in an upcoming feature.

The Rocky Mountain Minimoto club got a couple of sentences in the recent article about tiny titans of the tracks by Brandon Meachum of the Denver Post.

While it didn’t focus on pocketbike racing, it does give a pretty good summary of the youth movement in racing.

Mini Roadracing: Fuels the competitive spirit of Calgarian Amateur Athletes

Calgary, Alberta – The Alberta Mini RoadRacing Association (AMRA) is pleased to announce we have been awarded Grant Approval from Parks Foundation Calgary! The AMRA appreciates the assistance of the Parks Foundation and the Calgary Flames for their support with the ‘Advancement and Training program’ in the amateur sport of Mini RoadRacing!

The Alberta Mini RoadRacing Association (AMRA) is based out of Calgary, Alberta (non profit 2003). Purposes of this association are to provide an entry level introduction to 2 wheel motorsports; maintain a high level of competition that will keep the most advanced rider challenged and promote a positive image of motorcycle racing in regards to safety, technique and attitude. Mini roadracing duplicates all the thrills of ‘big bike racing’ without the higher speeds and risks by competing on smaller equipment and on smaller tracks.

With support from the Parks Foundation Calgary, AMRA will purchase: new training equipment including a dB Com Timing System equipped with 15 transponders and a handheld monitor, HP laptop computer to run the system, Hp laser printer to print off moment by moment results, and a Cannon ZR700 Mini DVD Camcorder kit. All will allow our racers to further define and enhance the competitive skills of Calgarian Athletes. Also included are 6 Motorola Racing CP200 VHF 4 channel portable headset radios combined and state of the art safety equipment which will serve to ensure the safety of our competitors as they refine their competitive advantage.

The AMRA is extremely fortunate to be associated with many experienced and successful racers who are willing to contribute there time, experience and skills to the development and education of our athletes. With this new equipment and committed volunteers our athletes will be able to advance to the next level, learning faster and safer than ever before!

Mini RoadRacing is RoadRacing for everyone! A non traditional Sport that allows fathers and sons and mothers and daughters to enjoy head to head competition; a sport in which members learn as much from the youth as from the older members; a sport that empowers the individual in pursuit of personal excellence. The amateur sport of Mini Roadracing extends across all social, cultural and economic boundaries. With a strong focus on safety, camaraderie, good sportsmanship and competition the AMRA meets the fundamental needs of a society dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone!

Walking up to the hot-pit at the last Northwest Mini Road Racing Association (NMRRA) race, I caught a glimpse of an undertail pipe…one that until that moment that I had only seen on the web. It was an interesting angle to first see Honda’s new for 2006, NSF100 – the backside. That tailpipe view was one that quite a few racers got a close up of during the day’s races.

Initially I was surprised to see the little NSF present at the NMRRA race; after all they only started to show up to US dealerships a few days before. The first one I spotted belonged to long time NMRRA racer Steve Littlefield (#65). A veteran NSR racer, Steve opted to go the 4-stroke route and kick down the near $5K (USD) Honda dealers are asking for the NSF.

Don’t expect the price to move much either, according to our local Honda dealer they are getting the bikes for $4,500. With an official list of $4,999 (USD), that doesn’t leave much room to move on the price.

In my opinion, $5K is a pretty hefty investment for what is basically a $2K NSR that Honda simply bolted its tried-and-true XR100/CRF100 air-cooled motor into, although working around the NSR’s excellent chassis enabled them to really create a mini monster. While the NSF’s peak power of 8.7 horsepower at 9500 rpm is only 1.5 ponies above the NSR’s claimed power, its torque numbers are the kickers, enabling the NSF to out motor its screaming sibling. Considering the investment, imagine my surprise when a second brand spanking NSF pulled up Sunday morning, this one from University Honda of Seattle.

Having two of the bikes at the track was too much to ignore. I talked to Steve about getting a ride on his sparkling NSF. After giving it some thought he agreed to let me take his new baby out for a few laps. Not wanting to toss his new baby down the track and ruin his raceday, I agreed to keep my excitement in check until the last race of the day was run.

Race time! The NSFs took to the track, their bright white fiberglass bodywork shining in the morning sun. The NSF by all appearances it is still built like a tank but kept the same Cadillac-smooth handling of its sibling, the NSR. Throughout the day the NSFs held their own with an abundance of torque that carried their adult passengers through the wide power band. In one race the NSF was pit against two motard KX65s each ridden by leather-weight junior riders. While not as fast as the 65s when they were on their pipe, the NSF’s wide power band and extensive torque was able to keep the it out in front of the 65s. Eventually the 65s got around the NSF, but not without a fight. By comparison, when on a NSR, the 65s would simply walk away no matter the caliber of adult rider on the little 50. While not collecting the top spot on the podium, the NSF put on a good show for the weekend.

As the day came to a close, Steve readied his new baby for me to run a few laps on. Having ridden MiniGPX’s sponsored 2004 NSR50 in several prior mini races, I had a baseline to compare the new NSF with. Immediately as I sat on the bike it was apparent that the NSF was not designed to be ridden by anyone close to 5′10″ tall. The NSF’s reach is short and the cockpit cramped. I immediately got the impression that the NSF was developed for those little folks that had difficulty reaching the controls of the NSR.

While not as easy as a push start NSR, the NSF’s kick start made it relatively easy in get life into the motor in comparison to the 125cc motards about the paddock.

First off, I killed the NSF. Yup, right there in front of everyone, popped it into gear and proceeded to kill it. After inspiring folks with my incredible starting skill, I then almost dropped the bike. You see the NSF doesn’t have the same range of steering the NSR does. While this doesn’t do anything on track, in the paddock it made for a brief awkward moment. Steve must have been having a heart attack wondering who this guy was about to destroy his bike.

Having raced Supersport bikes for years, it was a nice surprise to find that the NSF came stock with a GP shift pattern (1 up, 5 down). With the engine braking common to 4-strokes the GP shift made it easier to quickly drop gears.

Being a 4-stroke guy (no jokes please) it was nice to get back to riding a 4-stroke. The bike pulled all the way through the power band – so much so that I found myself getting lazy in my shifting and simply letting the mid-range to do the work that on the NSR would require a shift or two.

Soon as I got the bike into a few tighter corners the compressed cockpit made it awkward to ride. I was unable to scoot back in the seat to get into a proper riding position. This in turn put excessive weight on my wrists. After my ten or so laps my wrists were not happy campers. After pulling in, the cramping wrists were joined by pounding palms, as the blood started to flow back into my hands.

Steve and I talked about the riding position and agreed that to make it really comfortable for anyone above 5′ 7″ you would need to move the seat back. This would be easily accomplished by moving the tail section’s two mounting tabs back about an inch on the sub-frame. $40 at a local welder and the NSF’s single major fault (for someone my size) would be a thing of the past.

The overall finish and sleek lines of the NSF made it appear modern, making the NSR look clunky and dated. Even though the majority of components on the NSF would bolt onto the NSR, the NSF’s modern bodywork and simple lines really make the bike stand out in the paddock. It looks and feels like a mini version of Honda’s CBR600RR.

Beyond that there wasn’t anything remarkable to speak of. The bike looked sharp, it handled well, had good balance and the tried and true power plant delivered good usable power.

I still don’t believe the NSF is the bike to use as a trainer for junior riders, as evident in my lazy riding. A bike like the NSR requires precision shifting to get the most of the bike. The NSF allows riders to be sloppy and gets itself out of trouble with its mid-range. While great for the older guys, not what you would want when trying to get a rider to refine their skills.

Specifications

ENGINE

Engine Type 99cc air-cooled single cylinder four stroke

Bore and Stroke 53.0mm x 45.0mm

Compression Ratio 9.4:1

Carburetion 22mm

Ignition CD

DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission Five-speed

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Tire 100/90-12 48J

Rear Tire 120/80-12 54J

DIMENSIONS

Length 61.62 inches

Width 22.77 inches

Height 35.89 inches

Wheelbase 42.15 inches

Dry Weight 164.9 pounds

OTHER

Product Notes Not street legal

Available Colors White

Model ID NSF100

Well… they aren’t ants, but compared to the ‘big’ bike racing that happens at Portland International Raceway the same weekend, the pocketbikes sure seem small. It was a low turnout this weekend for OMRRA pocketbikes, but the close-knit family of riders and pitcrews all pitched in to setup the track, administer the races and have a great time.

Results

Junior Novice

1st #0 Joshua, CAG

Junior Cag

1st #67 Devon McDonough, CAG

2nd #8 Riley Basher, CAG

3rd #7 Carly Benton, CAG

Junior Production

1st #45 Peter Lenz, BMS

2nd #67 Devon McDonough, BMS

3rd #6 Bennie Taylor, BMS

Junior GP

1st #45 Peter Lenz, BMS

2nd #6 Bennie Taylor, BMS

3rd #67 Devon McDonough, BMS

Junior Open

1st #45 Peter Lenz, BMS

2nd #67 Devon McDonough, BMS

3rd #6 Bennie Taylor, BMS

Senior Super Production

1st #20 Steve Kuhnle, BMS

2nd #87 Shawn Gist Jr, BMS

3rd #65 Brian Benton, ZPF

Senior Open

1st #20 Steve Kuhnle, BMS

2nd #65 Brian Benton, ZPF

3rd #87 Shawn Gist Jr, BMS

Name: Mario Alvarez II

Age: 9

Birthplace: Montana, USA

Bikes: 2005 Thumpstar MiniMotard Racer, 2006 Giannini Production 6.2,

2006 Giannini SuperProduction

How long have you been racing?

I’ve been racing since the age of 4, so 5 years.

Has your riding style or approach to racing changed over the years?

Yes, moving from dirtbikes to road bikes was a bit tough but fun.

How did you get into bikes?

My dad had been racing since I was born and I grew up going to the races. My dad got me my first bike at the age of three and I have been riding ever since then.

Do ride bikes other an pocketbikes?

Yes, motard and dirt track.

Why do you race?

Because I love riding bikes and getting lots of trophies.

Did anyone inspire you to race?

My dad.

What is your favorite track?

BeaveRun for pocketbikes and Laguna Seca for big bikes cause I got to go last year to the MotoGP race.

What team are you on?

Giannini Racing.

How did you end up on that team?

Frank Giannini saw me ride in Arizona (Bob Bondurant) and approached my dad and asked us to join his team.

How do your teammates help you?

Jimmy D helps me out with lines to get me faster at all of the track we race at. Robert helps me get my head in the game and to concentrate on the races.

Who are your sponsors?

Adrenaline Freaks Track Days

Giannini Racing

Studio819 Photography

Who’s Calling, Inc.

Roofing Specialists NW

HJC Helmets USA

Cycle Gear

TGS – Salinas, CA

Xtreme Signs and Graphix

TyxSox Tyre Warmers

Alien Motors

DMD Racing

Desmo NorthWest

Fluid Suspension Science

What clubs do you race with?

USMGP, SMRRC, and OMRRA.

What are your hobbies outside of riding?

video games, reading, playing football with my friends, and drawing.

Does you family support your riding?

Yes they do.

How did the 2005 season go?

Very good, I won three different National Championships with USMGP. I won the National #1 Plate in the 4.2, 6.2, and SuperProduction classes.

How have been things going so far in 2006?

Good, we are not racing as much locally as we are concentrating on defending the USMGP Championships. I’m doing very well in the classes I’m racing in and leading the points in all three classes I’m racing in.

Have you started thinking about what you are going to do in 2007?

Yeah, I won’t be racing pocketbikes. I’ll be racing a MetraKit bike if all goes well in the USMGP championship and a second bike that we are working on and can’t say anything else until we get everything worked out.

Of all the riders you race with who do you have the most fun with or who do you look forward to racing?

I like racing against Hunter Coffin, TJ, and Robert Linse.

Who is your strongest competitor?

Hunter Coffin, he pushes me to ride hard and we have a blast while racing.

Do you have plans to ride big bikes when you are old enough?

Yes, I would like to ride SuperBikes and maybe MotoGP.

Canadian Mini RoadRacing National Title Event

(also happens to be the Western Canadian Mini RoadRacing Series Round #4)

AN INVITATION!

You are invited to a Mini RoadRacing Party!!

August 4-6, 2006 Quesnel, BC – The Central Interior Mini RoadRacing Association (CIMRA) and Fox Family RoadRacing are Hosting Round #4 of the Western Canadian Mini RoadRacing Series (WCMRR) and the Canadian Mini RoadRacing National Title Event in Quesnel, BC August 4,5,6 2006.

This is where it all started in Western Canada only 3 years ago! 8 members from 3 really ‘mini’ clubs traveled to Prince George BC for a street race in 2003. Primarily a Kart Racing event the Roadracers united and formed a small bike haven in a parking lot of the main down town strip! From this unforeseen alliance a friendship was forged from the fun, sportsmanship and competition that inundated every moment of that now auspicious occasion! This hand of friendship forms the background for every mini roadracing event in Canada, but in Quesnel it has its own distinct flavor that must be experienced at least once a year!

Quesnel is located in Central British Columbia (BC), 4 hours north of Kamloops, BC. One of the best kept secrets amongst racers: Caribou Raceway Parks 920 meter course is recognized as one of the top 5 Kart Tracks in North America. There is no away around it- Racing at this phenomenal facility is a reward for the soul!

Traditionally Quesnel has been the only official gathering place for mini RoadRacers in Western Canada: where the masses assembled to compete for the CMA Sanctioned Mini RoadRacing National Title. With the creation of the 5 Round Western Canadian Series, Quesnel is Round #4 of this series but still remains the National Title Event as well. Organizers realize the uniqueness of this situation, but trust that in true Canadian mini roadracing style that the competition will be inspired by the additional titles up for grabs. Be advised the Canadians despite there fun loving; gentle and easy going nature will not easily give these titles up!!

Despite the competition level that you will experience as a competitor at this event, we make ‘no bones’ about it:

This is your invitation to a partyawith racing as the main event!

Sponsored in Part by Honda, Cycle North and Body Balance Naturopathic Medical Clinic

PARTY / Racing SCHEDULE

Activities Include:

Friday, August 4:

Practice 9:00am-noon / 1pm-4pm

Demo Rides 12:00 noon

Qualifying 4:30-7:30 pm DB com transponder system

Red neck Challenge 7:30-9pm new for 2006 clash class including pocketbikes (details to be confirmed)

Saturday, August 5:

Practice 9:00am-10:30am

Racing 10:30am

Awards Dinner & Ceremony 6pm

Sunday, August 6:

AMRA sponsored 3 Hour Endurance Race 11am-2pm

Demo Rides 2pm-3pm

AMRA Endurance Award Ceremony 3pm

Camping is available at the track Thursday August 3 after 5pm.

Early registration strongly suggested, available at www.amra.ca

For more info please contact:

Steve Graham-CIMRA President

1-250-614-1709

1-250-961-8010

Berna or Jay @ Fox Family RoadRacing

(403) 613-2849

~http://www.amra.ca~

~amra@shaw.ca~