The Champs Bike Sits Silent, the #7 Returns, and the Injured have healed!

It has begun Saturday practice signified the return of the AMA Motocross Nationals. For all of you that love long motos and that up close personal feel of the nationals get ready they are coming to a track near you. It was really great to see all the freshly prepped outdoor bikes, all the time, the testing, the polishing, and works, aftermarket, and custom parts makes for eye candy galore.

One thing I personally like about the nationals is the up close and personal feel. When your in the pits your favorite rider is walking around, riding a pit bike or hanging under the race canopy. There is a real connection that is completely different than the disconnect of a Supercross. Supercross feels like an event whereas the outdoors feels like your at the races. Everyone was cold but in good spirits and excited to see who was charging and going fast on the tough Glen Helen track. They made some cool and smart changes this year, looks like it was good for the riders and I thought it was great for viewing. Fridays rain damage was unnoticed, the track was groomed and perfect.

It should be a great race on Sunday, it looks like everyone is prepped and ready. I saw some surprise riders out in practice, Kyle Lewis was riding. I guess he is trying to keep the #23 and it’s somewhat a home or close race for him. Juss Laansoo is back from Estonia and Sean Hamblin is back from Europe. Watch for Cody Cooper of New Zealand looks like he has good equipment and support, he was going good. 

Being the first race of the year and in Southern California everyone in the industry showed up. Watch the Racer X Motocross Show, they should have some good webisodes, and all the magazines were out in full force getting photos for upcoming issues. 

Cudby was shooting away, Mathis was photographing his Observations, Weege was prepping for his next segment and Zap was looking for his next shot for MXA. 

I personally enjoy checking our the up and coming privateers, it was cool to see the Wonder Warthog Canopy in the pits and Toyota continues to help the privateers with their own bike wash and hospitality tent were you can get food and drinks for rider and mechanic.

Predictions

Look for Alessi to holeshot, Townley to be strong, Milsaps to pick up were he left off and look out for Stewart because he is back and he looks fast.

See ya at the races, definitely check out a national in your area, then write about it and your experience.

The End.....