Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
Good day and welcome to the scariest Monday Gate Drop of the year. With Halloween only one day away we cannot wait to see all of the cool costumes that our kids will be wearing. Another scary item that I found out last week was how good the all-new 2018 Honda CRF250R is. A few of us media types from Canada headed down to California last week to test ride this new red machine. The 2018 CRF250R is new from the ground up with a new chassis, new suspension, electric start, and a completely redesigned engine. This next generation CRF250R is a massive step forward for Honda in the MX2 class, and we will be sure to be seeing this bike on the top step of the podium in 2018.
The all-new 2018 CRF250R handled like a dream on the challenging Zaca Station track. Photo by Jason Zindroski
Last week, MXP Magazine had the opportunity to travel to the Zaca Station MX track in California to ride the all-new 2018 CRF250R. It was very cool experience to say the least as the new Honda and the Zaca Station track were incredible. Honda also had Dylan Wright come down so he could be one of the first pro riders to try out this new red rocket. Former Canadian pro Doug DeHaan was also with us on this trip as he was writing a story for another media outlet. Finally, past Women’s TransCan Champion Kate McKerroll came out of retirement to travel to California to test ride the 2018 CRF250R. The Canadian crew was strong and we all had a great time both on the track as well as off. Look for a story on how this new Honda works tomorrow on mxpmag.com.
With it being a Honda test ride, there was obviously a large crew of individuals there from Honda USA. During many of our conversations, Ken Roczen’s name was mentioned a few times. I was excited to hear their take on his situation as they’ve been so close to it. After all, we’ve only been privy to videos and social media content. To be able to take to some of the people who have actually been at the test track while Roczen has been riding was very cool. By all accounts Roczen is well on his way to being ready for Anaheim 1 in January. Two weeks ago, he began riding a Supercross track again for the first time since his injuries, and those who were there raved about how good he looked. After a short vacation this week, Roczen will fully submerge himself in preparation for the 2018 Monster Energy SX Series. No one that I spoke to can believe that Ken Roczen is back to where he’s at after breaking and almost losing his arm. His recovery and mental strength has been something that we all should marvel at. If he can come back to the top level of our sport in 2018 and beyond it will be one of the greatest comebacks in all of sport. Everyone at Honda is amazed and cautiously excited for 2018. Training and practicing is one thing, to line up and compete in a SX main event is another. But, as this past year has shown us, Ken Roczen appears to be capable of anything. What an inspirational story this has been and continues to be, I for one cannot wait to see how the next chapter reads.
With the new chassis and redesigned engine, the 2018 CRF250R will no doubt be a championship contender in the MX2 class next year. Photo by Jason Zindroski
Speaking of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Series, what did everyone think of the changes that were announced last week? Of all of the changes announced, I like pretty much all of them, and it’s good to see the top series on the planet admitting that they needed a few alterations to their program. I like that there is going to be one more 250SX East/West Showdown in Indianapolis; this will only add to the excitement of that round. I really like that three of the seventeen rounds are now going to be part of a new Triple Crown segment, complete with a different three main-event format. Riders will qualify during the day and then the three main events will be part of the evening program. This is going to be very exciting as fans will get to see three main events for the price of one. Even though these main events will be shorter than usual, there will still be three separate starts and three separate races. Anything could happen in these shorter main events. We could even see a good starter like Vince Friese finish on the podium for the first time ever. This change is definitely the most exciting one and could really impact the series the most.
The 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Series will see a lot of changes when the gate drops at Angel Stadium in January. Photo by James Lissimore
There is also a different points structure. The semi races have been removed from the program, and there will also be four rounds that will hold full classes of amateur races on the Sunday after the race. This is also very exciting as our young riders will now have a chance to race in a few of the stadiums that we all love. I mean, how cool would it be to line up in Angel Stadium in Anaheim? I’m sure these amateur races won’t be cheap to enter, but it’s never cheap in this sport to have fun. All of these changes really add to the anticipation for 2018. With Roczen’s comeback and Chad Reed apparently racing a Husqvarna, next year can’t come soon enough.
That is it for me this week. I hope everyone has a safe week, and I hope that all of our kids have the safest of Halloween nights. The news reported that Halloween is now only second to Christmas as far as consumer spending goes. I would love to see some of your costumes, so please tag @mxpmag on your social media posts. Also, we will be posting a photo of the best costume in the next issue of MXP Magazine, so please email your photos to us at chris@mxpmag.com. Have a great week and be safe!
Happy Halloween everyone!!
