Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128127
Kawasaki Race of Champions By FRANK VISONE PHOTOS BY STEVE BRUHN ENGLISHTOWN, N.J., OCT. 6·7 t's hard to imagine, but we're already in the middle of Octoberl For most of us, that means our motocross season has come to an end. If you were lucky, that end came with one last big "BANG" as you let the 2001 MX season fade into the history books. For many, that "bang" came at the 25th annual Kawasaki Race of Champions at Englishtown, New Jersey's own Raceway Park. This race is rich with history, as Factory Kawasaki riders such as Jeff Ward, Jeff Emig, Ryan Hughes, Damon Huffman, John Dowd, Ricky Carmichael, and many others have made trips to this race in the years past. This year, the race would prove to be just as good, if not better, as any previous event. James Stewart made his Pro motocross debut, pitted in the Team Kawasaki big-rig alongside teammate Stephane Roncada, who was looking to cap off a very successful rookie 250cc season. The Fast by Ferracci Husqvarna team semi was also here, with Steve Lamson leading the way. The FMF big-rig was here as well, and the man himself, Danny LaPorte, was on hand, and managed to squeeze in a few practice laps on Sunday morning. Without a doubt, he still goes fast on a motocross bike. Travis Preston was here as well, showing off his new ride for next year. He'll be joining the Amsoil/Dr, Martens Factory Connection Team for 2K2, and he looks ready to do some business. Damien Plotts, Barry Carsten, Ty Wallace, D 48 OeroBER 24, 2001 • cue Paul CarpNlter and Kevin Crine topped the list of National privateers who made their way here for the final weekend of racing in New Jersey. In the 125cc class, James Stewart (Above) Chevy Trucks Kawasaki's James Stewart dominated the 125cc class at Englishtown. The just-turnedPro won both motos. (Bottom) The aocc (10-11) class heads into the first tum. lived up to all the hype by dominating both motos. He got out front early, checked out, and never looked back. He rode his KX125 right to the winner's circle, well ahead of the rest of the field. Paul Veracka took secondoverall honors with 2-2 performances, ahead of local favorite Barry Carsten, who went 3-3 in the class. Stewart was a force to be reckoned with on this particular Sunday. The 250cc class is where the real action was. In the first moto, Steve Lamson grabbed the holeshot, and led wire to wire as he checked out on the number-six Fast by Ferracci Husqvarna. Stephane Roncada got a midpack start, but managed to work his way into second by moto's end. Travis Preston showed why he deserved his new ride by overcoming a first-turn mishap and charging his way up to third place. The fastest rider on the track, however, had to have been the number-BO, KTM- mounted Paul Carpenter. He rode his thumper from dead last (same firstturn melee as Preston) and managed to puU off a seventh place. In the second moto, Carpenter made up for his bad start in moto one and grabbed the holeshot and a quick lead. He would keep that lead for the entire race, grabbing the checkers ahead of Preston, who got a better start and rode a fantastic race. Lamson took third-place honors, giving him first overall. Second overall went to Preston, with 3-2 scores, and a well-earned third overall went to Carpenter, who proved that determination, desire, and a never-say-die attitude can payoff big. As for Roncada, he wound up in a first-turn pile-up that ended his day with what appeared to be a punctured armpit. There was a great turnout, despite the threatening skies on Saturday morning. The Jay Irwin-designed and prepped track was at its absolute best condition for Sunday's event, which allowed for some awesome, wide open racing all day long. Overall, the day was fantastic. CN 118ceway Park Englishtown, New Jersey Results: Octaber &-7,2001 TOP GUN MINI CYCLE SHOOTOUT: I. Kyle Chisholm; w. Nicholas Evennou; 3. Jason Lawrence; 4. Todd Wilcom; 5. Pasquale Marrocco; 6. Maurice Healy; 7. RIcky Renner; 8. Phillip Nicoletti; 9. Scott Edelstein; 10. Anthoney Fontelno. KESSLER CUP: 1. Bailey Cotton: 2. Tyler Bowers; 3. Jon Reber; 4. Frank Lettieri; 5. Jesse Kuzbytij; 6. Chaz Ught; 7. Taylor Chausky; 8. Austin Harvey; 9. Richie Kastle; 10. Kyle Gillispie. IRONI'IAN CLASSIC: I. Nichol.. Adams; 2. Charles Ellis; 3. Ctulrlie Morrison; 4. Gllvin Gracyk; 5. Matt Barnes; 6. Dan Trumlln; 7. Brian M.urphy; 8. Derek Burlew; 9. Ryan Abrigo; 10. Mike Schneck. 125 AM: J. G. Grocyk (Ko.,): 2. N. Adams