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/128376
W ho is the best? That's a question that all sport enthusiasts want to know. The best way to get the answer when it comes to amateur motocross is to line up the best of the best from across the country and the world and let them go at it. One of the biggest stages in the world for amateur motocross racers is the PPGsponsored World Mini Gran Prix. The crown jewel of the NMA calendar, and now in its 34th year, the World Mini traditionally draws one of the largest numbers of entries for a single motocross event. Racers such as Jeff Ward, Ivan Tedesco, Travis Pastrana, Ricky Carmichael, Bubba Stewart, Davi Millsaps and Mike Alessi have all passed through the World Mini Gran Prix en route to their fame and fortune in the professional ranks. They, and many others, 44 MAY 4,2005 • CYCLE NEWS have combined to make this event "the race to attend" for serious amateurs. The World Mini Gran Prix is a true international event, with thousands of participants from all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as riders from several foreign countries. Australia sent two five-man teams this year (as well as several dozen supporters) to contest this event. Great Britain, Canada, and many other countries were also represented. So, who will be the next superstar to win at the World Minis? Early tests showed pre-race favorites such as Pro Jason Lawrence and 8Scc ace Nico Izzi doing well, but others were also showing an inclination to perform on the big stage. As usual, most of the intensity, attention and hype at the World Mini centered on the Intermediate classes. Oregon racer Josh Hill dominated these events, beating the best Intermediate riders the world had to offer. After being surprised by Minnesota Suzuki pilot Ryan Dungey in his first main-event try, he settled for a close second to Dungey in the 12Scc Stock Intermediate class. Hill ripped off victories in four main events, leaving only the 2S0cc Modified Intermediate title for Jarred "Jet" Browne to claim. Little Adam Cianciarulo from Port Orange, Florida, did Hill one better, raking in fIVe titles (three in the Pee Wee divisions and two in the 6Scc classes). He also was voted to receive the first-ever Most Outstanding Rider trophy. Zachary Com mans, Ty Siminoe and Connor Pearson each took a second to Cianciarulo in the Pee Wee races, while Darian Robinson chased him home in both 6Scc Modified and Stock (6-8) classes. A brand-new addition to the World Mini lineup this year was the 12Scc TwoStroke Non-Pro class. Ryan Dungey beat Kawasaki-mounted Sean Hackley to earn his second title of the week. The littlest racers (Pee Wee up to 6 years old) were dominated by Mark Worth from Queen Creek, Arizona. He won both divisions, topping Rookie White in one and besting Michael Young in the other. The Pro races at the World Mini are always fast and unpredictable. Joshua Lichtle, racing in his last Pro race at the Amateur level, started things off by edging fellow Suzuki rider Jason Lawrence for the 12Scc Stock Pro crown. Lawrence jumped right back with a win over Rupert, Idaho's Jake Weimer in the 12Scc Modified Pro class. Weimer, one of the pre-race contenders, ran off with the