Swapmoto Live Podcast

Presented by 6D Helmets The latest news to hit the scene is that Feld is kicking the idea around of completing the final seven rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship in May at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Our man on the scene Michael Antonovich did some digging this weekend and we discuss the potential of getting back to racing next month!

Presented by 6D Helmets Last week was the most miserable on the California quarantine thus far, as heavy rain fell throughout the week and prevented us from even stepping outside. All was not lost, however, as some of us were able to head to the hills for some 2020 Husqvarna off-road bike testing. Join swap, Anton, Dommer, and ARay as we have a great time discussing the state of racing, quarantine life, and more!

Presented by Fox Racing Jordon Smith's season came to a halt just a few days before everyone else. A crash on the opening lap of the 250 Main Event left the Smith with torn ligaments in his right knee, which Smith revealed was already weakened by an off-season incident. Surgery was deemed necessary to repair the damage and the recovery timeline means that Smith will spend most of his first year with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki squad on the sidelines.Back home in Southern Georgia, Smith's focus is now on getting back to full strength through therapy with sports specialists in Tallahassee so that he can make the most of 2021, plus plenty of time playing XBOX (JSmitty62 is his gamertag).

Presented by FLY Racing It was a quiet Monday afternoon at the SML headquarters until we got a surprise visit from our buddy Connor Ericsson, AKA Buttery Films. Buttery was running around town doing errands that most people with a brand-new dirt bike do; picking up parts, dropping off suspension, etc. We thought we'd follow up on our SML Show visit with Buttery, and just so happened to have our podcast equipment handy. As always, chatting with our social media superstar friend was a great time. Enjoy!

Presented by 6D Helmets A lot has gone on in our SoCal locale in the past week...two more of our motocross tracks have been closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some teams are losing sponsors, more events are being canceled, and motocross brands are coming together to support our country's frontline healthcare workers. And you know what else happened? Swapmoto Live turned one! Thanks to all of our advertisers, friends, listeners, viewers, and readers for your support. You make it possible and all worthwhile!

Presented by 6D Helmets Last week, Feld announced that "It's. Not. Over." and that the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series would wrap up in the Fall after the summertime MX Nationals. This was encouraging news for race fans around the world, as the thought of the amazing 2020 series coming to a premature end was heartbreaking. In addition to this, we've spent some time on the phone with Feld officials to get the scoop on what might be in store. Kill some time with the SML staff and guest co-host Alex Ray this week on the 6D Helmets Kickstart Podcast. If you're in the market for a new helmet, remember that motocross is a dangerous sport and equipping yourself with the best protection possible is a must. 6D Helmets changed the way we all think about helmets with their patented omnidirectional suspension system that helps guard against rotational impact brain injuries. Choose 6D Helmets.

Presented by 6D HelmetsThe COVID-19 crisis has had a major impact on the Monster Energy Supercross Series and over the last few weeks we've seen announcements of cancelled rounds and intentions for makeup dates at a later time in the year. Dave Prater is the Senior Director of Operations for Two Wheel activity at Feld Entertainment and has been one of the key people working out possible solutions, including the current plan to resume completion in September, after the conclusion of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. But as you'll hear in our conversation, there are a lot of factors that must be taken into consideration, mostly what venues will be available and when, and what will happen with the mainstream sport that are going for similar dates.During our conversation, Prater explained the chain of events that led to the Indy Supercross cancellation and then the other dates, plus the current plan for the Fall races.

Presented by FasthouseThe lack of racing is starting to get to us. Sure, we've made the most of the time away from airports and stadiums, yet there's something missing from our weekend routine. With that, Anton and Dommer decided that now would be a good time to rewatch the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series from the beginning, starting with the 2020 Anaheim One Supercross. That night in January feels like forever ago, but when relive the moment and know the outcome, everything hits a little different. On Friday night we sat down at our couches (1800 miles apart for safe social distancing) and had bench racing sessions with 250 Main Event and 450 Main Event playing in the background through the NBC Sports Gold Pass. We encourage you to fire up the TV, grab a drink, and listen along! To be in sync with what we see, fast-forward to 1:58.00 mark in the NBC broadcast for the 250 Main Event and the 2:36.00 mark for the 450 Main Event.

Presented by FLY Racing Earlier this afternoon, motocross and Supercross legend Rick Johnson announced on his Instagram account (@therickyjohnson) that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Already on the backside of the virus, RJ shared some insight about what the illness was like in his post. As the first person we actually know who has been infected with Coronavirus, we thought it would be a great opportunity to gain some insight into the pandemic from someone who has first-hand experience. And of course, since it's always a thrill to chat with RJ, we continued on to talk about dirt bikes, adventure bikes, and bandanas!

Presented by Fly RacingWhat is a normal practice day like for a high-level racer? Do they show up to the track with a set agenda of what they will work on, be it the bike or technique, or is there more importance on laps and lap times? We have so many questions about the weekly grind and testing parts, many of which were answered by Zach Osborne in an hour-long phone call. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider is one of the most detail-minded guys in the pit area and there's a reason for every action that he takes. During our conversation, Osborne explained what a day at the Baker's Factory is like, his relationship with riding partner Cooper Webb, and how he works with the team to perfect the feeling of his Husqvarna FC 450. Press play and learn why it's important when riders make mention of their bike changes when they're on the podium.

Presented by 6D Helmets This is the first Monday since California has been under Stay at Home orders, and the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive effect on our sport. With the seeming cancellation of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Championship Series, racers and teams have been left in limbo. The announcement of the amended 11-race MX National Championship Series was a bright spot last week, but who knows if the worst will have passed by the proposed June 13 start date in Jacksonville, Florida. This morning, we responsibly gathered at the Swapmoto Live offices and maintained a distance from each other to knock out this week's Kickstart Podcast, presented by 6D Helmets. In these strange and scary times, it was nice to enjoy a laugh or twenty with friends.

Presented by 6D Helmets In line with the COVID-19 pandemic that the world is undergoing, our sport is on hold indefinitely and racers, race teams, and race fans have suddenly found themselves empty-handed, so to speak. The last-minute cancelation of last weekend's Indianapolis round of the Monster Energy Supercross Series was a big wake up call about just how serious the spread of the infection is and on today's 6D Helmets Kickstart Podcast, we discuss the effects that the shut down is, and might have, on the industry and our sport in general. SGB Racing/Maxis Tires/Babbitt's Kawasaki rider Alex Ray joins us in the studio as co-host of today's episode. Have an idea for podcast subject matter? Drop us a comment on this podcast's post on swapmotolive.com

Presented by Fox Racing Ideally, we'd be chatting with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Garrett Marchbanks while doing track walk at the Indy Supercross, but with the cancellation of the event due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we caught up with the racer from Utah on the phone on this rainy SoCal Saturday morning. Having earned the first 250 Supercross win of his career last weekend at the Daytona Supercross by Honda, Marchbanks is understandably still on cloud nine and had plenty to talk about in this week's Fox Feature.

Presented by Fly Racing One of the important behind-the-scenes guys in our sport, O'Neal Racing's President Frank Kashare is also one of the coolest guys in moto. Today, we ventured to the new Camarillo, California, headquarters of O'Neal Racing and sat down with Kashare and Rider Support Manager Mark Shear for a fun episode of the Fly Racing Swapmoto Podcast. Enjoy!

Presented by OGIO Powersports and FMF Racing Genki Watanabe is a freestyle motocross rider from Osaka, Japan, and he followed in the footsteps of his friend Taka Higashino by coming to America to escape the pressures of racing and make a name for himself in freestyle. Known for his insane whips and super-clean style on and off the bike, “Wanky” has been accepted with open arms by all of America’s top freestyle riders. With Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg as his personal English teacher, you can only imagine the words that will come out of Wanky’s mouth in this episode of the SML Show. Enjoy! Thanks to Ogio Powersports, FMF Racing, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, FXR Racing, Scott Motorsports, and FLY Racing.

Presented by 6D Helmets The 50th Daytona Supercross by Honda was as rough and challenging as always, and two Kawasaki racers emerged with the 250- and 450-class wins. While Eli Tomac's fourth Daytona victory came as no surprise to anyone, the fantastic ride turned in my Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Garrett Marchbanks in the 250 class caught everyone off guard. On today's 6D Helmets Kickstart Podcast, the staff of SML reviews the race and picks apart all of the fun details.

Presented by Fox Racing Monster Energy Kawasaki's Adam Cianciarulo is almost two weeks post-surgery on his collarbone that he broke at the Arlington Supercross Triple Crown, so we thought it was time to track him down and get his thoughts on his otherwise excellent rookie 450 Supercross season. AC has long been one of the best interviews in the sport, and we were able to chat about everything from his injury, to his race results, to pickup kits, to e-bikes and training. Enjoy!

Presented by 6D Helmets As always, the Battle of Atlanta proved to be a barnburner and aside from Honda HRC's Ken Roczen running away with his third win of the season, the action behind the leader was amazing with some aggressive passes and gritty performances. Monster Energy Yamaha's Justin Barcia overcame a terrible start to return to the podium while defending Supercross Champion Cooper Webb shocked everyone by fighting to third place in extreme pain after his horrific crash last weekend in Arlington. In the 250 class, Chase Sexton earned his second win of the season and took sole possession of the red plate, leading RJ Hampshire and title rival Shane McElrath home in third. We had a lot to chat about in today's 6D Helmets recap of the race - and last week - so sit back and enjoy! Thanks for listening!

Presented by Fly RacingWhile the track crew put the final touches on the 2020 Arlington Supercross, we sat down with Mike Muye, Feld Entertainment's Director of Supercross Operations. One of the executives of the Monster Energy Supercross Series, Muye is responsible for a number of details to each race weekend, including logistics of getting the staff in the right place at the right time, the creation each layout, and the overall infrastructure.During our 40 minute conversation, Muye explained how things are transported around the country for all 17 rounds, the importance of the Supercross Futures program, how the tracks for this year were designed, and what the future holds for the series. One very telling detail Muye shared was that the FIM will continue to be involved in Supercross and that the series aims to branch out into international markets with races in the near future, while still keeping a 17-round schedule.

Presented by 6D Helmets The second Triple Crown of the Monster Energy Supercross Series went down last weekend in Arlington, Texas, and there was plenty of on-track action to talk about in today's 6D Helmets recap! Swap had the Martian Death Flu all last week and is lacking much of a voice, so big boy Dommer stepped in to cover for him with Anton and Chase in this week's episode. Enjoy!

Presented by Fox Racing Simply put, Manuel Lettenbichler is one of the most talented riders on two wheels today. The German off-road star earned the 2019 World Enduro Super Series Championship, topped the Red Bull Romaniacs event, and is the uncontested Ultimate Enduro World Champion. SML was fortunate enough to come into contact with Lettenbichler while he was in Southern California visiting some sponsors. If you've never heard of Manuel - do yourself a favor and look him up on YouTube!

Audio version of our in-studio talk show. Presented by OGIO Powersports and FMF Racing Thus far into the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series, Malcolm Stewart has finished inside the top 10 at every round aboard his SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/Motoconcepts/Honda, and the former Western Regional 250 Supercross Champion is gaining confidence with each passing race. Last year, Stewart's season was cut short after only one-and-a-half races when he suffered a broken femur, but he spent the time since rebuilding his fitness and has made an impressive comeback from such a horrific injury. Stewart was one of the first guests to ever appear on the SML Show, and this is his second visit. And what a good time it was! Thanks to Ogio Powersports, FMF Racing, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, FXR Racing, ODI Grips, Scott Motorsports, and FLY Racing.

Presented by 6D Helmets What a race the Tampa Supercross was! In addition to kicking off the Eastern Regional 250 Supercross Championship, the Raymon James Stadium event also marked the return to racing for Josh Hill, Jeremy Martin and Broc Tickle, as well as Jo Shimoda's rookie debut...and the return of James Stewart to the races! Join the staff of SML for a little bench racing about the happenings at last weekend's race!

Presented by Fly Racing The Monster Energy Supercross Series is on the East Coast this weekend and Tampa's Raymond James Stadium will host round seven of the 450 championship and the Eastern Regional 250 Supercross Series kickoff. The excitement for tomorrow's race is high, as we will finally get to see many racers on the track for the first time. During today's press day function, we caught up with Alex Ray, Justin Barcia, Jordon Smith, Jo Shimoda, Shane McElrath, Cooper Webb, Broc Tickle, Zach Osborne, and Aaron Plessinger. Enjoy!

Tomorrow night in Tampa, Florida, will mark the start of the Eastern Regional 250 Supercross Championship and while much of the hype surrounds defending champion Chase Sexton of the GEICO Honda team and his rivals like RJ Hampshire, Shane McElrath, Jordon Smith and more, one rider who is rather quietly making a return to competition is Josh Hill. The 30-year-old from the Yoncalla, Oregon, will contest the entire series aboard a Yamaha YZ250F with support from the Club MX Race Team, after several years away from full-time racing. Hill, who is best remembered as a factory Yamaha racer, has spent the past few years earning a living as a freerider and social influencer, but when the opportunity to line up again presented itself, he got in shape, trained at Club MX, and is coming into this series, "fit and ready to race for wins." For this edition of the Fox Feature, we phoned Hill up for an insightful and entertaining podcast. Be sure to keep your eyes out for the number-175 Yamaha YZ250F on Saturday night!

Presented by OGIO Powersports and FMF Racing With seven X Games medals to his credit, Colby Raha has certainly made his mark on the sport of freestyle motocross, but it wasn't all fun and games for the new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider. Once one of the many aspiring mini racers who travel the country in pursuit of amateur motocross glory, Raha's racing career took a radical detour when he was in his early teens and he thought his chances of being a professional racer were over. Through hard work and dedication, he found a way to express himself on two wheels without starting gates and checkered flags, and his story is one of the most interesting we've heard. Colby Raha is a lot more than a gnarly freestyle rider...he's one of the coolest guys we've had on the SML Show, too! Enjoy!

Presented by 6D Helmets Round six of the Monster Energy Supercross Series visited San Diego's Petco Park last weekend and the pits were filled with special graphic kits and gearsets for the Military Appreciation theme. Dylan Ferrandis earned his third win of the season and further extended his championship points lead heading into the six-week break in West Coast racing while Supercross Champion Cooper Webb broke the seal on his title defense with his first win of the season. A lot more went down than the results column reveals, though, and we discuss all of the things we saw and heard at Petco Park in this week's installment of the 6D Helmets Kickstart podcast. Enjoy.

Presented by Fly Racing Broc Tickle's FIM suspension for his failed drug test at the 2018 San Diego Supercross ends next week, February 10, 2020, and the former Western Regional 250 Supercross Champion will make his return to racing at the February 15 Tampa Supercross. In preparation for his comeback, Tickle had assembled an impressive Husqvarna FC 450 race bike with help from AEO Powersports, Twisted Development Racing, and REP Suspension but as luck would have it, a fill-in ride with the JGRMX Suzuki team presented itself and it looks like we'll see a yellow number 20 bike next weekend in Florida. We phoned Broc up this evening to get an update on how things are progressing, and to chat about the excellent team he had assembled before he was presented with a factory fill in.

Presented by Fly Racing SGD Racing/Maxxis Tires/Babbitt's Kawasaki rider Alex Ray has been enjoying a solid season aboard his new Kawasaki KX450 and save for the Anaheim One season opener he has been a regular contender in the 450 mains. The likable privateer had a great showing at last weekend's Oakland Supercross, and we invited him to join us in the SML offices for this installment of the Fly Racing Swapmoto Podcast.

Presented by 6D Helmets Round five of the Monster Energy Supercross Series visited Oakland, California's RingCentral Coliseum last weekend, and the SML crew was on hand to capture all of the action. Great racing developed in both classes and there was plenty for us to bench race about today on this installment of the 6D Helmets Kickstart Podcast.

Presented by OGIO Powersports and FMF Racing In the four decades that the Dakar Rally has been held, no American racer has ever stood atop the podium in the motorcycle division until now. California's Ricky Brabec broke KTM's 18-year stranglehold on the event this month by winning "The Most Prestigious Off-Road Race in the World" aboard his Monster Energy Honda, and we were super excited to get him on this week's show! Thanks to Ogio Powersports, FMF Racing, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmet, FXR Racing, ODI Grips, Scott Motorsports, and FLY Racing.

Presented 6D Helmets The first Triple Crown of the season went down last weekend at the Glendale, Arizona, round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship Series and lots went down, literally and figuratively. While Honda HRC's Ken Roczen pulled a clean sweep in the 450 class, it was not without incident as there was plenty of carnage on the track around him. In the 250s, Austin Forkner rebounded with a win after his poor Anaheim Two showing and closed his points deficit to ten.

Presented by Fly Racing GEICO Honda's Jett Lawrence made a huge impression on Supercross fans around the world last Saturday with his spirited ride in the Anaheim Two 250 Supercross main event. The 16-year-old came within two straightaways of winning his first Supercross and had the crowd on its feet as he did his best to hold off a hard-charging Dylan Ferrandis. Sadly, the rookie's near-win ended with a spectacular crash only seconds away from the finish line that left him with a minor concussion and a broken collarbone. But make no mistake: Jett Lawrence is for real and he will be back. We caught up with the popular Australian this morning to see how he's doing and learn a bit more about him in this installment of the Fly Racing Swapmoto Podcast. Enjoy!

Presented by OGIO Powersports and FMF Racing Save for a forgettable 2019 season in the United States, Thomas Covington has spent his entire professional racing career abroad, chasing glory on the FIM World Championship Motocross circuit. The likable racer from Alabama has tasted victory four times on the GP circuit and has given American race fans someone to cheer for in the World Championships. After struggling with injuries and a bout with the Epstein Barr virus in '19 when he was lured back to his home country by a ride with the Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna team, Covington has elected to return to the more familiar World Championship circuit in '20 and beyond. Always one of our favorite racers to chat with, Covington joined us on the SML Show set just before heading overseas to prepare for his first assault on the MXGP class with the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha team. We really enjoyed our conversation with Big Air Tom, and we think you will, too! Thanks to Ogio Powersports, FMF Racing, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets, FXR Racing, ODI Grips, Scott Motorsports, and FLY Racing.

Presented by Fly Racing It's always great to have new race teams entering the sport and the new FXR Chaparral Honda team is especially interesting as it is owned one of our friends and former moto-journalist, Michael Lindsay. Known affectionately by the SML team as "Talking Boy," Lindsay is one of the good guys and he is fielding his own team to both check off a line on his personal bucket list and also to help several privateer racers make it to the races. We convinced TB to swing by the Swapmoto Live offices for a quick interview in between unloading his team semi and helping his mechanics rebuild race bikes. Enjoy!

Presented by 6D Helmets What a wild night we had at the Anaheim Two Supercross! The racing was unreal and there was plenty for us to talk about and dissect, from Jett Lawrence's amazing and heartbreaking ride to the controversial Dylan Ferrandis and Christian Craig collision, to Eli Tomac's first win of the season and more! If the first three rounds of the Monster Energy Supercross series are any indication of what we can expect all season long, man are we pumped!

We're trying something different and posting the audio from our in-studio video SML Show. Let us know if you'd like us to continue to share the audio via podcast format. Presented by OGIO Powersports and FMF Racing Jordan Troxell has always been one of the coolest guys in the pits and one of the mechanics who we really enjoy visiting with at the races. From his early days as Tarah Geiger's mechanic at the Troy Lee Designs Honda team, to his current role as Ken Roczen's factory mechanic at Team Honda HRC, Troxell has always had a smile on his face and it is obvious that he takes pride in his job. We had never had a mechanic on the SML Show before, and Troxell was our first choice to invite on for a chat. It took a while, but it was well worth it! Enjoy! Thanks to Ogio Powersports, FMF Racing, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets, FXR Racing, ODI Grips, Scott Motorsports, and FLY Racing.

Presented by 6D Helmets The Monster Energy Supercross Championship headed west last weekend to St. Louis, and though it was snowing outside, the action inside the Dome at America's Center was hot and heavy. In addition to Ken Roczen earning his first win after three years of injury and illness, we saw Austin Forkner earn his first win since dropping out of last year's 250 championship with a blown-out knee. Join the SML edit staff as we dissect the whos, whats, and whys of round two of this year's Supercross series.

Presented by 6D Helmets Last weekend's Anaheim One Supercross was everything we had hoped it'd be and more! The capacity crowd on hand at Angels Stadium of Anaheim was treated to great racing in both classes, one first-time winner, and the beginning of what could be a couple of new rider rivalries. On this installment of the 6D Helmets Kickstart Podcast, we review what went down at A1, as well as discuss some interesting developments, as well as look ahead to this weekend's St. Louis SX.

Presented by Fly Racing A few weeks ago, we introduced Bernard Kerr to our listeners. A world-class mountain bike racer from the UK, Kerr spent several weeks in SoCal in an attempt to try and qualify for the night show in the 450 class at last weekend's Anaheim One Supercross. With support from Maxxis and Fly Racing, Kerr was able to live out 90% of his dream as he was loaned a Kawasaki KX450 race bike by Jeremy McGrath and received track side coaching from McGrath and Weston Peick. Kerr's learning curve was steep, and during the time he was in California he was quite impressive. Sadly, Kerr was denied entry into the event on the Thursday before Anaheim One, and his #Pray1 campaign came to a heart-breaking end. Was he fast enough to qualify for the 40-rider night show? We'll never know for sure, but we can say with certainty that he would have been quicker then many of the riders in the C practice sessions. Kerr joined us for a quick wrap-up before heading home to begin training for the 2020 World Cup Downhill series. Follow him on Instagram @bernard_kerr

Presented by Fly Racing Instagram @justincooper_32 Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha's Justin Cooper had a big night this weekend as he earned his first-ever 250 Supercross win at the Angels Stadium of Anaheim Monster Energy Supercross Series kickoff. Known for his cool-as-ice demeanor, it was cool to see how emotional Cooper got after scoring the big win aboard his Yamaha YZ250F. We got the New Yorker to come onto the Swapmoto Podcast this evening, while his emotions were still high over last night's victory.

Presented by Fly Racing Unless you've been living in a cave for a couple of years now, you already know that CBD has become one of the most popular products and sponsorships in our sport. Dean Wilson gained a ton of attention last year when he landed Dan Bilzerian's Ignite CBD brand as a personal sponsor, then was told by Feld that he could not run logos due to NBC broadcast regulations. Chad Reed was next to land a CBD sponsor with CBDMD, but he was told the same. Flash forward to a few days before the start of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series, and CBDMD is the Official CBD of Supercross. Funny how that works... But what the heck is CBD, and does it really work? Most people know that it is derived from the hemp plant, and most immediately assume CBD gets you high. We've been in contact with no less than eight CBD manufacturers since the product first came into prominence, but Sean Miller from Pure Kana is the first representative who has been able to answer all of our ignorant questions. If you're interested in CBD products for health, wellness, or recovery, listen in...we learned a lot during our 45-minute chat with Sean! Learn more at purekana.com

With swap in Japan, Anton called Dommer up and bench raced for an hour about the upcoming 2020 Anaheim One Supercross and Monster Energy Supercross season. This year's seventeen round series should be one of the best in history, as it will see a list of accomplished riders, past champions, and determined competitors in both classes. This is just a quick conversation, but we will have another in-depth installment just ahead of the opening round next week.

Presented by OGIO Powersports In just a few weeks, Adam Cianciarulo will make his proper, long-awaited debut in the 450 class at the 2020 Anaheim One Supercross. That's not to discredit the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider's big win at the 2019 Monster Energy Cup, but as you'll hear in this chat, he knows the October race is much different than what he'll face over the course of seventeen weeks. For how popular and acclaimed AC is, he's done a very good job staying under the radar this offseason. The majority of his time was spent in Southern California, which allowed him to test parts and setup on the KX450 alongside the team, and he continued his work with riding coach Nick Wey. This will be a big year for Cianciarulo, as he is widely expected to be in the mix for good finishes in every Main Event, with hopes for a win should things go his way. Impressive results will be key, as he has signed just a one-year contract with Monster Energy Kawasaki and sees the season as his chance to prove to the sport why he's worthy of a long-time spot from 2021.

Presented by FLY RacingWhen the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series kicks off in a few weeks at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Michael Mosiman will be on the starting line in the 250 class. Back with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team for another two years, the 20-year-old is expected to take the next steps forward in his career during the 250 West Coast region races, with the initial goal being a career-first podium finish.If you follow Mosiman on Instagram, then you know there's much more to him than just motorcycles. An analytical and spiritual person who is always looking for something new to learn, Mosiman's outlook on life developed a bit different than most racers and it's obvious that he's put a lot of thought into what he does and says.

Presented by OGIO Powersports The last few weeks have been busy for Benny Bloss. There was the news that he would not be offered a contract extension by Rocky Mountain ATV-MC/WPS/KTM for 2020, a last hurrah with the team at the 2019 Monster Energy Cup in October, lots of phone calls to put secure a ride for 2020, an offseason race in Spain, and now confirmation that he will take on the full Monster Energy Supercross Series and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in the 450 class with support from Rock River Yamaha. For this week's episode of the OGIO Powersports How Was Your Weekend Podcast, we rang up Bloss and discussed his return to Rock River (the Midwest dealership was a long-time sponsor), how he has adapted to the YZ450F, and what he expects of himself in the looming race season.

Presented by 6D Helmets There're only 19 days until the gates drop on the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season, and a lot has happened in recent weeks. Editor Michael Antonovich relocated to his hometown of St. Louis, IL, recently, so he and swap had a great time catching up and bench racing a little in this week's Kickstart Podcast.

Martin Davalos made the trip to Switzerland last weekend for his first-ever run at the Geneva Supercross. Aboard a Kawasaki KX450 and with his riding coach doing double-duty as his mechanic, Davalos swept Friday night's format (Heat Race, Head-To-Head bracket battles, Main Event) and was consistently quick through Saturday (top qualifier, second in his Heat Race, second in the Head-To-Head, third in the Main Event after laps led and a crash) In the end, Davalos technically tied on points with Justin Brayton was technically ranked second overall, due to Saturday night's Main Event tie-breaker.Once Davalos made it back to the United States, we rang him up to talk on this installment of the OGIO Powersports How Was Your Weekend Podcast. For a half-hour, Davalos discusses the race in Switzerland, his new SX-only deal with Team Tedder on a KTM 450 SX-F, and the possibility of going to the factory team in place of Marvin Musquin.

Presented by 6D Helmets A "freak accident" during practice at the 2019 AUS-X Open Supercross event in Australia put Joey Savatgy in a precarious situation a few weeks ago. Thousands of miles away from home and with multiple fractures to the bones in his heel and ankle, the JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing rider had to undergo a surgery to stabilize the injury, fly 14 hours from Melbourne to Los Angeles, and then go through a second separate procedure to help with the recovery and future range of motion.Now in the United States, Savatgy's recovery period that fill the early months of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series. Despite the setback, he is hopeful that the entire process will go smoothly and there's a chance to be back on the starting line as early as late spring. On this week's episode of the 6D Helmets Kickstart podcast, Savatgy explained the entire injury, return home, and expected recovery.

Presented by Fly Racing One of the best downhill mountain bikers in the world, Bernard Kerr is in the United States to try and qualify for the night show at the Anaheim One Supercross. Spawned from a bet made with his mates during a night on the town, Kerr bought a new Kawasaki KX450 at home in the UK, built a Supercross track at a friend's place, and has been counting the days until January 4, 2020. Though Kerr has only raced motocross a handful of times, much of his skill on a mountain bikes transfers over and he is actually quite skilled on a motocrosser. With help from his "personal sponsor" Jeremy McGrath who is loaning him a bike to race and hopefully offering some tips at the track, Kerr hopes to be among the fast 40 in the 450 class at Angel's Stadium. By chance we bumped into Kerr and his buddies this morning as he pulled into Jeremy McGrath Motorsports to pick up his motorcycle, and we cornered him for a quick chat. Enjoy!