Washougal MX Park Nationals

[sandblaster]

I went to the nationals at Washougal yesterday.
I met Ted Devol.
Didn't know that was who I was talking to until about 3/4 of the way through the conversation.
Super down to earth guy.
So was his family.
More on that later...

I only took one picture...
Mike Alessi's 06 RM250



Also met Mitch Payton.. Nice guy

[Foxx4Beaver]

cool!...the 250 and 450 races were pretty exciting to watch this weekend...good up front battles!
is that an old GSXR behind the RM, or a trick pit bike?

[sandblaster]

It was a scooter of some sort.
I didn't pay much attention to it.

There was one KTM two stroke racing in the 250f class.
It sounded like a smaller bike... maybe a 150?
He finished about mid pack but considering the competition he did real well..

[Foxx4Beaver]

There was one KTM two stroke racing in the 250f class.

I heard it on the TV...when it was about at the 6min 30second mark left to go in the race...but I never actually saw it.

[sandblaster]

I recorded it so I could watch it tonight...
Spoiler alert.... I know who won 

[umberto]

There was one KTM two stroke racing in the 250f class.
It sounded like a smaller bike... maybe a 150?
He finished about mid pack but considering the competition he did real well..

i love that guys are still carrying the two stroke torch.  I just wish KTM or Yamaha would sponsor some factory two stroke riders.  I think both KTM and Husqvarna provided bikes for some guys at the two stroke nationals. They could just keep that program going through the national series.

[sandblaster]

That would be cool.... but not yet.... 

[Foxx4Beaver]

It was a scooter of some sort.
I didn't pay much attention to it.

now that I look at it more closely...it looks similar to the scooter John Force uses...the dual headlights fooled me...

I know who won  

I know who won too...I meant I didn't actually see the 2T on the track.

[umberto]

That would be cool.... but not yet.... 

I think interest is growing. Hopefully the 17 KTMs will crack the injection barrier and start the ball rolling. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this four stroke nightmare will eventually end. 

[sandblaster]

When I was at the Kawasaki booth/semi/whatever I asked where all the KX500's were...
One of the mechanics (who generally ignore the public) Turns and says, "There all in a museum."
I laughed and said, "Just like me."

[umberto]

You should have said, "So are your best sales days!".   

[Foxx4Beaver]

That would be cool.... but not yet....  

I think interest is growing. Hopefully the 17 KTMs will crack the injection barrier and start the ball rolling. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this four stroke nightmare will eventually end.  

never gonna happen unless EVERY manufacturer gets on board...
the main reason they did away with the 500 class was because Yamaha and Suzuki didn't make a competitive open class bike...it was all Honda and Kawasaki, and KTM hung in there for a brief moment.
won't happen unless every one starts producing 2T's, so that everyone has the same even advantages/disadvantages, as far as seeing all the brands in full swing on 2T's in the AMA Pro races again.

[umberto]

This is when umberto dreams, but here's what I hope happens. KTM producing a clean 2T makes the racing bodies reconsider banishing them. They went with the four strokes because they were more environmentally conscious.  Unfortunately they are heavy, expensive to maintain, and complicated.  This has hurt sales badly.  A clean 2T could be presented to the fans and racers as a step forward in technology.  They would still be easier to maintain, and cheaper to run for a season. Umberto heads to his Kawasaki dealership and buys a new KX 250 DI. All is right with the world.