National 4 stroke minibike seriesa

The ACU and Europe’s leading minibike specialist, MBP, have been working together for the past 6 months to put together the UK’s first National Minibike Series. Roy Humphrey and his hard working Motocross Committee have been working alongside Tristan Tunstall from MBP, to put together an ACU sanctioned National Minibike Series. At the end of the series, winners in their respective classes will be crowned as ACU National Minibike Champions and will hold the number 1 plate for the next season.

Says Tristan Tunstall from MBP: “We have been involved with organizing minibike racing in the UK for over 5 years now as well as attending races in Europe and the United States since the start of 4 stroke minibike racing in 2000. We have a good idea of what riders want from a race series and the time is now right to lift minibike racing in Europe to a more professional level. We will run a well-organized series of national caliber races, similar to that of the Maxxis British Motocross Championships. Together with the ACU we have produced technical regulations relating to bike classes, minibike track design and rider safety. The minibike scene is very large in the UK but has previously lacked direction, partly due to the fact that it started off as a backyard sport. This is all set to change with the ACU and MBP working together to put British minibike racing firmly on the world minibike map. The aim of the series is to give competitors the best possible race organization and best minibike specific tracks on which to compete. We plan to set a high benchmark for minibike racing with this series, which should encourage the formation of regional minibike clubs holding their own club level races, following the standing regulations we have developed. My co-promoter, Paul Hunt is no stranger to the UK race scene having twice been a national motocross champion. Paul has vast experience of running races and getting things properly organized to a high standard, Paul was one of the first people to organize mountain bike racing in the UK and is no stranger to breaking new ground in emerging sports. Both Paul and I believe in doing things properly, this will be the best race series the UK minibike scene has ever seen. We approached the ACU to help move our plans forward, as they are the most professional and established motorcycle sporting body in the UK. Together we have come up with well thought out regulations, which any race organizers could and should follow. This is a very positive step for 4 stroke minibike racing in the UK”.

Roy Humphrey Chairman of the ACU Motocross Committee commented: “Here at the ACU we have long been aware of the potential of four stroke minibike racing and when approached by Europe’s leading minibike specialists, we decided now was the time for the ACU to become fully involved in raising the level of minibike racing in the UK. There has been a lot of unhelpful press as a result of the media regarding æminibikes,’ but here at the ACU we recognize the need to embrace and encourage new facets of motorcycle sports. The National Minibike Series that Paul and Tristan are organizing is for the serious minibike riders out there, as opposed to offering a solution to social issues associated with cheap æminimotos’ tearing around housing estates causing a public nuisance. The ACU has the Local Authority Support Unit to deal with these types of issue. Using the Standing Regulations we have developed, four-stroke minibike racing will be able to realize its potential in much the same way as modern motocross to date. Racing needs to be well run, organizers trained properly and safety has to be of prime importance in this day and age. We see four stroke minibike racing as a great way of encouraging new riders into motorcycle sports, thanks to its relative inexpensiveness when compared to other motorcycle sport disciplines.”

The 2007 National Minibike Series will be held over 5 rounds in the first year from Spring through to Autumn and will visit tracks around the country. New tracks will be constructed at Doncaster Moto Park and TonyMoto in Winchester. The existing track at Mildenhall will be modified for two of the rounds, with track design input from National Champion Carl Nunn. There will be 6 categories of racing depending on wheel size and engine capacity. There will be 2 æstock control’ classes, which have been formulated to encourage riders to take up the sport. “We realize the importance of encouraging new riders to help grow the minibike race scene while keeping the cost of running a quality machine to a relatively low budget” commented Tristan Tunstall. “These 2 classes will use Japanese machinery allowing only a modest amount of permitted modifications. This will make for a level playing field and skill will be the deciding factor in winning races, not how much money spent on the bike. We will have 4 classes for increasingly, modified bikes too and if riders do well in a stock class they may choose to move up to a class with greater scope for permitted bike modifications”.

The full low down on the race ACU backed national 4 stroke minibike series check out the website, entry details and race classes will be available on the MINI4GB web site that goes live on Friday the 2nd of March û the web address is www.mini4gb.com

For more information about the ACU backed National Minibike Series you can go to ~http://www.mini4gb.com~ for the low down on race classes, entry details and useful information regarding getting started in minibike racing.

Championship Dates:

Round 1 – May13th – Winchester

Round 2 – June 17th – East Anglia

Round 3 – July 22nd – Doncaster

Round 4 – Aug 12th – East Anglia

Round 5 – Sept 2nd – Winchester

Alpinestars’ J.D. Beach And Cameron Beaubier Check-In From Their Red Bull Rookie Cup 2007 Test

American road racer young guns J.D. Beach and Cameron Beaubier concluded their first 2007 test for the Red Bull Rookies Cup in Spain this week. The boys were assigned their bikes for the season and got the opportunity to work with their crews for the first time. The bikes and Alpinestars gear look like they are ready for the big-time. Apparently the test results confirmed that they can do the business on the track, too!

View the Alpinestar Rookie Cup Gallery

AMRA ‘07 season is just around the corner!

First we would like to welcome all our members back, either as a new member, a returning member or a member of old. The AMRA is a fast growing non-profit association driven by you, the members. The AMRA executive works for you and we welcome your suggestions and input as to how the club should be run and the direction it needs to take to insure success. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any other member of the executive team.

We have a lot of changes for the 2007 season that I’m sure will get you excited. We have more track time then ever before with Test and Tunes every Wednesday night (19 in total), Races on Sundays (10 in total), plus a race in Edmonton and of course the five race CMA Nationals in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Quesnel, Saskatoon and possibly Regina). The Calgary National Event in the start of July is going to be sponsored by CJAY92 (Calgary’s #1 Radio Station) and will host riders from all over Canada and the United States and is sure to be even bigger then last years record breaking event for number of riders and classes.

This year the AMRA is also introducing its Youth Program for new riders between the ages 7 to 14. The focus of the course is to learn to ride a motorcycle or pocket bike in a safe and fun environment while maintaining respect, sportsmanship, self discipline, focus and commitment. Class size is limited so sign up right away. Please contact Phil at 403-660-7324 if you are interested or if you know a young person who is.

This will also be the first year the AMRA will be using transponders to point and track the racers. The executive will be arranging to purchase in bulk the transponders at a discount price for the members. Details still to come. The use of transponders will mean you will be able to track your lap times; as well the club will be able to post the fastest lap times.

This season the race days are promising to be even more organized with a race day schedule followed very strictly to reduce any confusion. This system will also allow the riders to know exactly what is going on at all times at a race event.

The 6th Annual AMRA/CMRA Daytona 200 Party at the Rusty Cage (1690 37 Street SW, March 10th, Doors open at 10AM) starts the ‘07 season off. Bring your family and friends (kids are welcome) and come watch the race with us. It’s a great time to get reacquainted with fellow racers and friends and purchase your 2007 AMRA Membership. Gold members this year will see savings starting at $450 and will increase with each additional Gold Member you bring. Returning Gold Members will receive the savings of $450 plus additional discounts.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the AMRA but has never experienced it, we want to welcome you out to the track on a Wednesday Test/Tune to try a bike as a demo. Make sure to call the week before so we can arrange everything for you. We will supply the bike and the leathers and a great night of socializing, meeting members and best of all doing laps on the track. The price is only $30 to cover the insurance costs, how can you go wrong!

The AMRA is a volunteer club so we need your support. Without your support none of this is possible. Thank you for those who volunteered last year. We look forward to another year of great people volunteering; you really are the back bone of the AMRA!

For more information on the AMRA and the ‘07 season please contact myself (Vice President, 403-615-2496), Jay (President, 403-613-2849), Phil (Treasurer, 403-660-7324), Rob (Director) or Russ (Director) or visit ~http://www.amra.ca~. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the track.

Thanks,

Jamie Dingwall

AMRA Vice President

It has been a common thing to see scams on any number of forums and community sites such as CraigsList.org. Generally the person buying wants to send you a fake cashier’s check and cuts it for a larger amount. In turn you wire the balance, they have access to your account and you get stung. When a scammer is selling they have a great bike, usually a $3K 2006 R6 (or equally crazy deal). They usually are a ‘military’ person overseas or recently moved and the bike is with a holding company or their friend.

The days of mini bikes being ignored by scammers are over. Several readers have reported seeing these same scams being applied to mini bikes. The best part? The deals aren’t that crazy this time around. How about a $1,900 NSR, or a completely race prepped 2005 XR100 for $1800. Scammers won’t bother posting a $900 bike, it isn’t worth the effort, the price point of effort for scammers apparently is close to the real market value of the bikes in question.

If the deal doesn’t feel right, skip it. Most mini bikes you would want have been run in a mini race club. Ask for references, which club it ran in, who would know the bike etc. Most clubs have a forum which can be found here: ~http://minigpx.com/resources/organizations/~

Please protect yourself.

Chuck Graves and Tom Aquino, Sr. have entered into an agreement that will help young gun Tommy Aquino achieve his goals to become a professional road racer with the AMA.

With additional support from Sport Tire Services/Dunlop and Shoei helmets, Tommy will focus on racing the 2007 season on a specially prepared 600cc Superstock machine in WERA National and other top-level pro/am events.

Chuck Graves has ridden with Aquino both dirt and street and feels he is a talented rider in a number of disciplines and with guidance, could be ready for professional racing the following year in 2008.

Tommy is very excited to be furthering his relationships with Chuck and working with Graves Motorsports in the coming years.

Aquino’s first race on his 600 will be at Roebling Road Raceway GA. March 18th.

Stay tuned for details as they developaor visit ~http://gravesport.com~

I’ve always said that suspension/geometry is the most important piece in making a fast bike. Here in America we’re always so focused on power. We want MORE, yet rarely do we stop and really think about handling and getting all that power to the ground. Any jaunt to the local “sportbike” hangout will help you realize this quickly. Stock suspension is just as common as exhaust pipes and power commanders. So, when it came time to build my son’s race bike, I knew exactly where the money would be spent.

I sent off an email to Max at Traxxion Dynamics to see if he would be interested in helping out. Max was going to fully sponsor me in my own road racing efforts. However, I had just recently decided to give it all up for my son to make his own start in racing. Max understood this and agreed to take on Caleb’s project bike, a KTM 65sx.

The stock forks on all KTM 65s 2002 and forward are USD Marzocchi 35mm. They’re a good platform, but they have no adjustability. With that, I spent quite some time trying to figure out what base I should start with. I knew we would have to revalve. However, after racing and riding for years, I feel that adjustability is extremely important. In order to get this I would either have to go with an aftermarket cartridge kit or a completely new set of forks. I mulled over the options all winter while saving my money. In the end it was down to 3 options: a full set of shiver forks from Marzocchi, a cartridge kit from Marzocchi or a cartridge kit from BUD racing. I searched everywhere I could. Sadly I could find no information on the BUD racing setup. They LOOK exceptional; of course, they should be with their price tag.

After all was said and done I decided to go all out and purchase the Marzocchi Shiver forks with .50 springs installed. It took nearly 3 weeks to get them to me, but when I got them in I was very excited. While they weren’t FULLY adjustable, they did allow for compression on one fork leg and rebound on the other. After “bouncing” on them, I was a little disappointed. They felt odd, like they would react differently at different areas of the stroke. The rebound adjustments didn’t do much, but the compression did. I figured they’d be getting revalved anyways, so I really didn’t worry much about my initial impressions. Externally they looked beautiful and I’m sure the trick DLC coating would greatly help cut down on stiction. I put them back in the box, added the shock off my son’s ‘02 SX and sent them off to Traxxion Dynamics. Once they got them they would get roughly a week to toy with them. After that Caleb and I would drive down to Traxxion and spend the day getting the bike dialed in for his weight.

A few days after Traxxion received the forks I got a call from Max. He was a little confused as the cartridge on the rebound fork had holes DRILLED thru them. (This explains the odd behavior I experienced in my initial impressions.) For those that don’t understand the basic dynamics of how a cartridge fork works, let me explain. A piston travels up and down a cylinder. This piston has holes in it (also called ports) along with an o-ring around it to seal it in the cylinder. Valve washers (also called “valving” or “shims”) are thin, flexible spring steel washers that are stacked on top of the piston to cover these holes and control just how much fluid passes thru the piston during a stroke. If holes are drilled thru the cylinder, what good does the valving do?!?! All of the fluid will pass thru those holes instead of the valving. For example, go out and drill holes in your engine’s cylinders. How well do you think your engine is going to run? To top it all off, you could look thru the holes and see that the piston was nothing more than a plate. The “valving” and “ports” were essentially the cylinder. There was no adjustability to this design outside of simply adding heavier fork oil. I wasn’t happy.

I called up the vendor who sold me the forks and he said that’s how they’re made straight from Marzocchi. He didn’t know why, but that is their design. At this point I had a very expensive set of junk. Martin, the genius tech who does most of the high end work at Traxxion, had some wheels turning though. We tossed the Marzocchi cartridges all together and he got to work.

As you can imagine, a shop like Traxxion has a large stock of cartridges from different models of bikes on hand. Martin sifted thru several different types and ended up grafting a set of GSXR 1000 cartridges to the new forks. In his words: “I used a “modified” GSXR 1000 cartridge that was machined to fit inside the Marzocchi fork. The valves were Showa with our compression valve holders with our valving spec.” The .50 springs were retained and a few different spacers were made in order to get the correct sag set. The springs were almost perfect considering we’re going for a race setup. We ended up using a 5mm spacer. The cartridge reduced the length of the fork by nearly 2″. However, in typical MX fashion the front was very tall. The reduction in geometry would be beneficial in a road racing application. The compression was set and the adjusters now control rebound damping on both fork legs for fine tuning the rebound.

The stock shock on the KTM is made by WP, and is a very capable unit with compression and rebound adjustability. Not as good as say, an Ohlins or Penske, but definitely well enough for the job. The rebound adjuster was stuck and had to be freed though. Years of dirt riding hadn’t done the shock much justice. Martin completely disassembled and cleaned everything and figured out what the issue was with the rebound adjuster. After thoroughly cleaning all of the internals, Martin came up with a good valving combination and reassembled everything. He put it on the shock dyno and confirmed that his combination would work well.

Now came the hard part, finding the right spring. Traxxion is mostly equipped with springs made for road racing bikes. They’re fat and short compared with the springs for MX bikes which are long and skinny. Even in the case of this mini, the stock spring was longer and skinnier. Martin’s wheels got to turning again and he ended up with another very cool idea. With a homemade collar we were able to adapt a Penske spring to the shock. We tested a few different springs to figure out the right spring rate. Once the shock was installed it just barely cleared the silencer pipe, but it cleared none-the-less. We ended up with a 550# spring where stock was 270. It sounds crazy heavy, but it set us up with the perfect free and rider sag.

After all the work was said and done, the bike has been transformed. Just sitting on the seat allows you to see a perfect balance between the front and rear action. They’re perfectly in tune, the way it should be. Before the change the rear would sink like a couch cushion leaving the front end pointing towards the sky. However, if you were to brake hard the front end would dive towards the ground like a high diver going for the gold. The rebound action was horrid for road racing and would bounce all over the place. The forks are now wonderfully plush and soak up bumps well, yet the bike maintains perfect traction and is not affected.

I would still love to know how the BUD cartridges would handle the task with a revalve. We have another “backup” bike that we might make future work out of. For now though, my son’s suspension ROCKS! Caleb dropped several seconds at his trackday after the change. This setup will work better the faster he goes, so we look forward to the future as his skill grows. I have to give serious props to Max for hooking us up and to Martin for the ingenious work and overtime he put in getting this ready in time.

If anyone is interested in a similar setup for their bike, please contact Max here: motorcycle suspension or by calling 770-592-3823.

The NorthWoods GP series has announced the full schedule for 2007. The season consists of seven event weekends, for a total of nine races. Extended to a 3 hour format for 2007, the late-season IronMan Endurance race has been the season highlight in 2005 and in 2006.

Northwoods GP 2007 Race Schedule

April 22 AM Sprints û PM Endurance

May 19 Sprint races

June 24 Sprint races

August 11 Sprint races

September 8 Sprint races

September 29 Sprint races

September 30 Ironman Endurance race

October 20 Sprint races

double points events (sprints)

The NorthWoods GP is a Mini Roadracing series that is run at USA International Raceway. The track is a very long circuit, at just over one mile in length. Unlike most long courses, USAIR strikes a very strong balance between power and handling requirements of both rider and machine. The long, smooth circuit flows through several elevation and camber changes in a very European style. A few technical braking areas keep things in perspective for those riders with a few “extra” horsepower. Sure, there’s no such thing as “extra” power, but your brakes will let you know their own opinion after a few sessions. This is definitely not a “point and shoot” facility.

NorthWoods GP uses a very simple class structure and offers abundant track time. Logging over 120 laps is normal fare for a day at the races with the NorthWoods GP. Timing and scoring are done using transponders, providing for qualifying based on lap times. Qualifying practice usually means that you are sure to see a flock of leather-clad racers huddling around a magic clipboard trying to see just how much they need to pick up the pace.

To further add to the mix, two separate track configurations are run throughout the series, with two variations on each general layout. Racing is never the same the next day or weekend! Racing is 100% rainûor-shine, with excellent traction available and good drainage. The only difference in the racing is the “humidity”.

Not all participants are hell-bent on results, though. In addition to plenty of laps during the racing program, the track is typically “green” for open practice after the events are completed. As the energy begins to flow back to the brain area for most people, bikes begin to change hands for test rides and the storytelling commences. Tired souls pack up and the ones with a pulse take advantage of the hours until dusk. Open track time is often the reason many racers participate in the series. A full race schedule AND open track time? Absolutely.

USAIR is located in Shawano, Wisconsin, about halfway between Green Bay and Wausau. Several food and lodging options are available within 5 minutes of the track. Track has concessions available for most events. Paved parking lot and pit area are large enough to support well over 100 racers, plus spectators.

2007 NorthWoods GP Class Structure

All bikes are classified by wheel size as produced by the manufacturer- first.

Bikes are further classified by displacement or equipment.

Small Wheel: Max wheel size is 16″ as produced

Small Wheel Super Stock

Up to 88 cc four stroke

Up to 105 cc four stroke w/ centrifugal clutch

Up to 50cc two stroke

Small Wheel Super Sport

Up to 125 c.c. four stroke

Up to 60 cc two stroke

Small Wheel GP

Up to 145 c.c. four stroke

Up to 65 c.c. two stroke

Big Wheel Classes: 16.5″ Wheels and up

Super Stock

Up to 125 c.c. four stroke (XR, CRF, TTR, DRZ, KLX, Skyteam, etc.)

Up to 60 cc two stroke (Derbi, Aprilia, GPR, etc.)

Super Sport

Up to 145 c.c. four stroke

Up to 75 c.c. two stroke

Up to 75 c.c. Derbi and Aprilia RS

GP

Up to 85cc two stroke

Up to 150cc four stroke, liquid cooled

Up to 165cc four stroke, air cooled

Unlimited GP

Up to 120 cc two stroke

Up to 170 cc four stroke, liquid cooled

Up to 230 cc four stroke, air cooled

Modifications are unlimited per class as long as displacement limits are met. Any tire can be used as long as it is intended for pavement use. (No “knobby”, or dirt tires.) NO big wheel bikes can go down in wheel size to race in small wheel classes. No chassis restrictions other than keeping the frame in its correct wheel sized class, i.e.- frame alterations, cradles, bracing, etc. Nothing smaller than a 10″ wheel.

GP is a standard class for Big Wheel bikes, meaning that no special qualifying is required for a Big Wheel bike to enter the class. Small Wheel bikes may enter the GP class if their qualifying time is within 120% of the fastest Unlimited GP qualifier on that day. GP and Unlimited GP are run on the same grid, so the qualifying requirement is in place as a safety measure. Small-wheel machines may only enter the Unlimited GP class if displacement exceeds GP structure and race Marshall approves the individual entry request.

Visit ~http:www.northwoodsgp.com~ for more information, or contact Aaron Gustafson or Chris Labuguen.

Former AMA, CCS and WERA racer and 2002 AMA Superbike Rookie of the year Brian Livengood has moved Livengood Motor Sports into a new and larger location.

With 3000 square feet they will now be doing dyno-tuning along with specialized motor and suspension builds from Supersport to Superbike.

Livengood Motor Sports also does custom builds on all mini road race and motard bikes (Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda) and offers select services on other bikes as well. Call for details.

The new address and phone number:

Livengood Motor Sports

540 Athens Hwy 78, Bldg 1A

Loganville, GA, USA 30052

770-913-8340

livengoodmotors@bellsouth.net

Open: Tues – Fri 10-7 / Sat 10-2

WMMRA to adopt “Young Guns” Racing for 2007.

In the U.S. there has always been a very large gap between youth off road, dirt track, or motocross racing and road racing on full size asphalt circuits. Regardless of talent, experience and background, a young racer must be 16 years of age, on full size machinery to compete on the “big” Road Racing tracks.

Well, that was then and this is now!

The Washington Road Racing Association (WMRRA) has designed a new race class that targets experienced, young, up-and-coming off road racers that wish to make the transition from pocket bikes, motocross, off road or dirt racing to Road Racing. This new class shall allow them the opportunity to get road racing experience and make the transition from dirt to asphalt much earlier. WMRRA has created the “Young Guns” program, where riders, 10 years or older, can get the opportunity to become road racers and compete on a full size road racing circuit.

The Young Guns Racer program will allow these racers to compete aboard existing, readily available and diverse machinery from virtually every major manufacturer. WMRRA decided to allow the use of Motocross as well as GP based chassis in this class. By allowing riders to use existing Motocross framed bikes, the cost of the venture is minimized considerably. Riders will only have to make minimal modifications to run their current off-road bikes compared to having to race very specialized GP style machinery. “We considered this for quite some time because we wanted to make this was as affordable as possible for parents and kids starting out in the sport”, said Young Guns Rider Rep Mario Alvarez, Sr. “As a parent of a Young Guns racer, I know parts availability and cost have a huge impact when it comes to racing.”

Bikes allowed to race in this class must be either 85cc two-strokes or 150cc four-strokes. Bikes may use MX style chassis or GP based chassis. Bike must use 17″ rims and road racing tires. Riders must be a minimum of 10 years of age and must hold a current race license with an approved club. More information can be found on the club’s website by visiting www.wmrra.com.

The Young Guns class will race in conjunction with four WMRRA race weekends where the kids will race on Saturday and Sunday, making a total of four double header weekends and a full 8 race season.

“We are very excited about this class. WMRRA looks forward to seeing these kids compete on the race track and believe that this is the first step to making this class a full fledged contingency based series for the 2008 season. Who knows? We may have the next Nicky Hayden racing out there!” said WMRRA President Allister MacKinnon.

The Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA) was established in 1974 to sanction and promote area road racing. WMRRA is a non-profit, volunteer run organization with over 500 members. WMRRA’s racing events are held at two venues: Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA and Spokane Raceway Park in Spokane, WA. Close racing action can be seen on a variety of bikes. From the wiley little 125 GP machines – to the insanely fast 180+ hp Formula Ultra superbikes. Singles, Twins, Triples, Harleys, Vintage bikes and the occasional sidecar are pushed to the limit on any given WMRRA weekend. The paddock area is a great place to check out bikes. Motorcycles of every make and model appear on race days. The enthusiast and the curious alike converge on this motorcycle Mecca from all over the Northwest. For more information on the Young Guns class, please visit the WMRRA website at ~http://www.wmrra.com~

Name: Vision Hayes

Age: 7

Size: 4′, 53 lbs

Birthstate: California

Bikes: 2003 Kawasaki KX65, 2004 Honda NSR50R, 2001 Polini X3(50cc)

MiniGPX: You’ve had a pretty incredible last couple of months. For the folks that don’t know, tell us about the highlights.

A: Meeting and riding with my sponsor, John Hopkins.

MiniGPX: Al Lyons who runs the CMRRA said that you reminded him quite a bit of John Hopkins when he was a little guy. How does make you feel knowing people like Al see a MotoGP factory rider inside you?

A: Very, very, very, good.

MiniGPX: How has is been leaving your pocketbikes behind and jumping on the NSR?

A: Good and fun.

“He’s always ridden other bikes alongside the pocketbikes, so he’s used to different styles, positions, gears” says Dad, John Hayes.

MiniGPX: Some riders have ridden pocketbikes until they were much older than you are now, what caused you to leave the pocketbikes behind so soon?

A: Because I started at a younger age (“5″ says Dad.) I’m able to step up to bigger bikes sooner.

MiniGPX: What kind of success have you had racing this past year?

A: I had fun racing, it was good racing and I came in 4th overall in both CMRRA and SMRRC.

MiniGPX: We saw in Road Racer X that Hopkins spent some time coaching you. What were a couple of things that John taught you that will help you with your racing?

A: He didn’t coach me. We just rode around and had fun.

MiniGPX: We’ve been told the SMRRA community treats you as an equal on the track dicing and chopping you like they would any other rider. Have you had any close calls with the bigger riders that may have scared you even a little bit?

A: Yes, a couple of times.

MiniGPX: Are you planning on attending any events outside California this year? Possibly a NMRRA event in Oregon.

A: I don’t know.

“We might try to make it up north once this year, nothing set yet. He’ll do a couple of Supermoto events in Nevada in ‘07″ says Dad.

MiniGPX: What is your favorite kind of track?

A: For now, The Streets at Willow because it’s big, fast, and smooth.

MiniGPX: Who are your motorcycle racing heroes?

A: John Hopkins.

MiniGPX: What has been one of your biggest accomplishments to date?

A: Racing my NSR after only being on it a few times.

MiniGPX: Some MX kids think going fast is scary, but you don’t seem to have an issue with it. What is your favorite part of going so fast?

A: When the breeze hits my face it feels so good. It feels like a massage.

MiniGPX: Who is your biggest supporter?

A: My Dad.

MiniGPX: What are your goals for the 2007 season?

A: To step up to an 85cc bike.

MiniGPX: What are your goals for what you grow up?

A: I don’t know, I have no clue.

MiniGPX: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A motorcycle racer.

MiniGPX: Where do you get your hair cut?

A: I can’t remember.

MiniGPX: What pair of shoes are your favorites?

A: Champion sneakers with velcro straps.

MiniGPX: What would you tell a young rider starting out in this sport?

A: Take it easy and have fun.

MiniGPX: Who are your sponsors beside Hopper Racing?

A: CMRRA, Alpinestars, Galfer Brakes, Bike World Motorsports, STKN MOTO, TOP oil products, Fremont Honda Kawasaki, & Airtech.

MiniGPX: Who do you have the most fun racing with?

A: Everybody.

MiniGPX: Why do you think you’re so fast?

A: Because I’ve been practicing.

MiniGPX: Have you ever fallen on the track?

A: Yes I have.

MiniGPX: Have you ever been hurt?

A: Yes, but not bad.

MiniGPX: What do you like better, ice cream or racing motorcycles?

A: Racing Motorcycles.

MiniGPX: Good luck in 2007 Vision!!

A: Thanks.

Keep tabs on Vision throughout the season at his website: ~http://www.visionhayes.com~