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Monster Energy MXoN

An MXoN Preview: Puerto Rico

Additional thoughts on Team Puerto Rico.

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15% Discount on 24MX. Code: MXVICE15

Team Puerto Rico will consist of Kevin Windham, Ryan Sipes and Travis Pastrana at the MXoN this weekend. It has been two months since that news first broke at a Lucas Oil Pro Motocross round, so most have grown accustomed to that baffling information, but the debate about whether a novelty team should be allowed to race continues to rage on. This is obviously the biggest race in motocross and must be treated as such.

The reason for this odd team is to raise money for Puerto Rico, as they are still struggling after a devastating hurricane tore through the area last year. Everyone involved deserves props for not only coming up with this idea, but not shying away from implementing it in such a public domain. Things could go sideways and those across the globe will be well aware. There has actually already been a problem! Ronnie Mac had to be removed from the team a month ago, for reasons that have not been released but are undoubtedly wild, and that has really changed everything.

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Ronnie Mac was supposed to be a part of Team Puerto Rico.

Red Bull Content Pool/Chris Tedesco

Fans across the world adore Travis Pastrana and Kevin Windham, but Ronnie Mac is a polarising character. Now that he is not a part of the event in any form, not even on social media or for publicity purposes, there has been nothing but positivity though. There is just no place for a fictional character at a race as prestigious as this. There were complaints when Team Puerto Rico was first announced, but that really had nothing to do with the real guys. The difference is that Travis Pastrana and Ryan Sipes, as well as Kevin Windham, will be nothing but respectful. If they finish thirtieth and get lapped, then the first thing that they will do after the race is pull off their helmets and give props to the current stars.

Ronnie Mac, on the other hand, would have attempted to be funny and chucked insults around. It would have been hilarious in a setting like Red Bull Straight Rhythm, but not at the Motocross of Nations. This is not the place or the time. It is non-issue now anyway, because he is not involved at all as mentioned above. Team Puerto Rico have certainly added something significant to the MXoN, but it may not be possible to truly measure that until the hype begins to build for the next edition. All involved in the promotion process certainly have a reason to be thankful to those who generated such an amazing idea, something that a lot of people would have labelled as too ambitious.

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Kevin Windham has had a little more than a month to prepare for RedBud.

ConwayMX

Will Travis Pastrana, Ryan Sipes and Kevin Windham actually transfer into the main motos on Sunday? It is an interesting question that has not really been tackled in bench-racing discussions too much. A move has now been made that could really be a game changer. Ryan Sipes will not ride a TC 125, like he was originally pegged to, because he has opted for an FC 250. Sipes is a great rider and that will make him competitive in the MX2 qualifying race on Saturday afternoon. If he can finish eighth or ninth, which is extremely realistic, and then Kevin Windham ends twelfth in the Open race, they should slide through.

It is likely that the supporters will be relying on those two in the qualification races, because Travis Pastrana is an unknown quantity. Pastrana would have been labelled as that when the squad was announced, for obvious reasons, but has not ridden for a few weeks. After putting in a reasonable amount of time aboard his trusty RM250, his knees began to swell and that has kept him off of the bike for quite a while. Will they hold up in the races? It does not really matter, because the end result is not the goal, but it would be awful if a guy on Team Puerto Rico exits with an injury. It is fair to say that is something that most can universally agree on.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX

Monster Energy MXoN

Joel Roelants appointed new Team Manager for Belgium

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I (Joel Roelants) am delighted to announce my appointment as the new Team Manager for Belgium. It is a tremendous honour to lead this team and collaborate with a highly talented generation of riders. My commitment is to elevate Team Belgium’s performance and strive for podium success in the years ahead.


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Bavo Swijgers


While I acknowledge my relative youth in this position, I am driven and motivated to guide this collective effort to new heights. I extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated individuals behind the scenes who volunteer their time to support our team, as well as our valued sponsors for their unwavering commitment.

I express my appreciation to the Belgian supporters and acknowledge the tireless efforts of the teams working diligently to ensure our riders represent our country with utmost pride. Together, let us embark on this journey towards excellence.

Best regards,
Joel Roelants

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Monster Energy MXoN

The MX Vice Show Episode #155 with Zach Osborne

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In the latest MX Vice Show, Zach Osborne talks to Ed Stratmann and Brad Wheeler about his brilliant career in Europe and America, some of his awesome stories from his time in the GP paddock, his inspirational journey to the top, his future plans, training Jack Chambers, Steve Dixon, launching his new training service, the upcoming 2024 AMA Supercross season and more.

The MX Vice Show is as always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Parts Europe, Scott, Acerbis, Fly Racing, AS3 Performance, ARMA nutrition, Holeshot Motorhomes and Even Strokes for their support of The MX Vice Show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Find out more about Holeshot Motorhomes including the Commander motorhome for motorsports HERE!

Lead Image: AMA Supercross

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Australian Motocross

The MX Vice Show Episode #152 with Lee Hogan

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In the latest MX Vice Show, former Aussie motocross star Lee Hogan talks to MX Vice Editor Ed Stratmann about his commentary and media work, his role as Factory Honda Junior Team Manager, the state of play in Aussie moto and supercross, training young riders, his excellent career, MXoN memories, how thankful he is for all those who support him and much more.

The MX Vice Show is as always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Parts Europe, Scott, Acerbis, Fly Racing, AS3 Performance, ARMA nutrition, Holeshot Motorhomes and Even Strokes for their support of The MX Vice Show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Find out more about Holeshot Motorhomes including the Commander motorhome for motorsports HERE!

Lead Image: Lee Hogan

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