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/1305997
IN THE WIND P28 McElrath To Smartop Honda T he Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/ MotoConcepts Racing (MCR) announced its 2021 Supercross and Motocross team and it will be a formidable one, especially with the addition of new riders Shane McElrath and Benny Bloss. McElrath and Bloss will be joining returning riders Justin Hill and Vince Friese. All will be competing in the 450cc class, including motocross, which the team says it is planning to partici- pate in next year. "I look forward to working with Shane as I think MCR's top level- management and bike develop- ment team are going to al- low him to succeed in what can often be a challenging period as a rider transitions from one class to another," said MCR Team Owner, Mike Genova. MCR Team Man- ager Tony Alessi, said, "Benny's display of speed and whoop strength in the final rounds of the 2020 season al- lowed us to see the raw talent he possesses. We feel the MCR program will allow him improved starts, which will help put him up front, and the speed he possess- es will keep him up front." As far as the outdoor Nation- als, the team says it is committed to participating in some or all of the 2021 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Mo- tocross series should rider health and world conditions allow." CN Shane McElrath will move up to the 450cc class and over to the Smartop/ Bullfrog Spas/ Motoconcepts Honda Team for 2021. Stewart To Star Racing Yamaha M alcolm Stewart will join Aaron Plessinger and Dylan Ferrandis on the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team in 2021. The team made the announcement last week. The trio will make up the team's 450SX squad in Supercross and possibly motocross, as well. "I'm really excited to join the team. I've known a lot of the guys before when I was around the team back in 2011," Stewart said. "Gareth Swanepoel is my trainer and he works with their guys, plus I have a few buddies there. So, it isn't a big change for me. It just kind of adds another piece to the puzzle. "I'm definitely happy," he added. "The team has had a lot of success and has dominated the 250 class. They have a phenomenal setup and to be a part of their first year in the 450 class, it makes it more exciting for all of us. I feel like we have some good heavy hitters. Myself, Dylan Ferrandis and Aaron Plessinger, every single one of us has won a 250 title. It should be a really good year. It's only Supercross right now, but hopefully, it goes well, and we can turn it into something in the future." CN Malcolm Stewart is already testing with his new Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha Team.