Now over a week late (but photos have been online for almost a week), I am finally getting to posting up a feature on the Long Prairie Supercross race. This event was the first 'on the road' event for Motokazie in the Summer supercross series, and personally, begins my favorite time of the year.
As both a rider and photographer, I like the variety that the remote races have over the classic Jordan SX track that has only slowly changed since it's first version in 1997. Don't get me wrong, I like the Jordan track, but for me, Supercross equals a new track every weekend, and at different locations (just like the Pro race series). I don't know why, but I get somewhat bored of taking pictures in the same locations all the time, and with riding the same tracks. I don't blame Motokazie for this, they have limited time, and limited ability to rebuild the track to new configurations.
So for me, the traveling races are a great mix of new scenery, and new track configurations for me to attempt to get unique shots. And with that, the link to the shots taken at this race!
Next up, I had the opportunity to take some video at the June 12th race at Jordan. What I didn't expect was the intense action, and insane crashes that ended up happening before my eyes throughout the evening. Thankfully, only minor injuries were incured by those on the video, and I believe all went home safe and sound!
Now, all I need to do is get the photos from the most recent Jordan race up and posted!
Posted up for over a week now, are the images of Jordan Supercross on the 12th. I ran into some issues on the site with doing homepage updates, so I apologize for those that hadn't been browsing the galleries to actually see the images. With that said, I have to think that this was one of the best nights of racing I have witnessed in a long time.
At the B-Rider level, there was an epic battle between Calvin Knoll out of Hastings MN, and Cody Slark of Chaska MN. Out of the gate it was Cody in the lead with Calvin either right beside, or touching the back wheel from the start. What followed was insanely intense racing with Calvin making somewhat delecate attempts to get by Cody almost every lap in the Whoops section, however not quite making it. This continued for quite a few laps until the following action took place..
Thankfully botk Calvin and Cody get along with each other enough to prevent the usual off track brawl, and actually laughed about the entire thing coining it as great racing, which it was!
Not to be outdone by the B riders, the pro class brought back two riders that are also nutorious for having intense battles on the track. Those riders are Trevor Tuma, and Jade Dungey, whom always been tough competition for eachother. Regretably, because of other distractions I ended up missing most of this race and only got to watch the back half of what was an other great battle between these two riders, and before his unfortuante crash, Ryan Orres. In the end, Jade Dungey ended up capturing first, but even the last lap was too close tell if it would be him or Tuma taking the checkered flag. Remarkably, after crashing, Orres was able to gain back up to 3rd place, a strong finish keeping him well into first in points for the series!
Keep your eyes on the site for further videos from this race, including some other crashes from this event!
It is not often that I get the chance to head up to the Brainerd area, and it is honestly something I regret every year. What makes it interesting for a guy like me based out of the Twin Cites area, is the fact that there are many nice families that are involved in friday night races up in that part of Minnesota. In addition to this, their local promoter is heavily involved in the Motocross industry working as both a vendor, and a dealer for KTM Sport Mororcycles.
While I may be a Die hard KTM fan, I am honestly serious by saying that the track building style put forward by the Racefreex gang is worth the trip up. The track dirt is really sandy (as can be seen by the photos), and is a great place to practice loose conditions that you would see at outdoor MX tracks like Grantsburg. And, despite my being terrable in sand, I actually have a great time riding their tracks.
Racing in that area is also something worth seeing. With the laid back atmosphere, and plenty of places to watch, the KC Races make a great spectating event. Riders at all skill levels are present, and are quick to show us southern riders that they are at a level playing field. This fact is really obvious when you watch the really quick, and highly packed quad classes.
If you get a chance to head up to the Brainerd area on a Friday night, Be sure to look up KC Race Promotions website for directions and scheduling.
Well now that 5-29 is a week away, I am fully accepting the fact that I am late posting up a homepage update. For that, I apologize, however those familiar with my operations have been viewing photos for almost a week. Normally I post photos up remotely into the gallery before I do a homepage update. This is because I want to use some gallery photos to post within the online article. Those who watch the site, keep an eye open for gallery changes, and sometimes view the gallery while I am still posting images! The easiest way to know if I am uploading photos, is to watch my Twitter feed (linked on the menu section).
Jordan II was actually to have been Jordan III, however Motokazie had to cancel the original Jordan II due to rain. Thankfully, 5-29 had nothing but dry weather, and an unfortunate (for a photographer) overcast sky. This didn't reduce the quality of racing, as everything from 50cc Oil Injected to Quad Open, had some awesome racing moments.
Well many of you have commented to me in the form of Email, Facebook notices, and some texts (how did you get my #???) about my absense from the MX Scene. I can honestly say that I have been extremely busy with outside activities and adventures. With heading to Ohio, attending multiple weddings, and other personal buisness finally drawing to a close, I hope to start back up in Motocross Photogaraphy the following weekend.
Sadly this means I have to miss one more weekend of MX racing, so please don't shun me when I finally do return. My KTM has been calling me too, I am glad it didn't give up on me!
After what felt like the longest winter in ages, we are all finally back for an other season full of outdoor racing. Motokazie kicked off the race season earlier on with their Kellog Motocross, one which I had to skip due to weather that was wet enough to make me worry about my trusty old camera equipment. Thankfully, Friday night's Jordan race was far from wet, and offered what is normally great weather for both riders and spectators to fully enjoy.
