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/689331
IN THE WIND P34 RED BULL STRAIGHT RHYTHM RETURNS R ed Bull Straight Rhythm will return to Fairplex in Pomona on October 22, 2016, boasting a revised format where practice, qualifying and racing will all take place on the same day. Addition- ally, the finals will take place at night under the lights making for a new spectator experience. The event, in its third year, features head-to-head racing on an "unwound" track, where there are no turns, just a half-mile-long straight rhythm section. Straight Rhythm takes place as part of the Red Bull Signature Series, a collection of progressive and innovative events in action sports. Tickets for the event are on sale now with an "early bird" price available until July 1. The new one-day format will allow fans to watch more rac- ing than ever before, with the single-day ticket giving access to practice, qualifying and the finals. With over 10,000 grandstand seats, plus an infield, spectators will be treated to a one-of-a- kind experience while watching an all-out, head- to-head sprint to the finish line. For those that need a break from the action, spectators will also have access to the race pits, numerous conces- sions and side acts throughout the day, offering something for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at redbull.com/straightrhythm. Red Bull Straight Rhythm will showcase 24 riders broken up into two classes—16 riders in the Open class and eight riders in the Lites class (250cc or less). Red Bull Straight Rhythm debuted in 2014 at the Auto Club Raceway at Fairplex in Pomona, and saw James Stewart win in the Open class, with Marvin Musquin taking home the top spot in the Lites class. In 2015, Stewart defended his title, once again landing on the top of the podium in the Open class, with his brother Malcolm taking first place in the Lites division. Many of the world's top supercross and motocross riders are expect- ed to return to the competition in 2016. Straight Rhythm will also air as part of the Red Bull Signature Series live October 22 on Red Bull TV and as a 90-minute highlight program Novem- ber 27 on NBC. CN END OF THE LINE FOR THE YAMAHA VMAX? T he world's favorite power cruiser, the 1679cc V4 Yamaha VMAX, looks like it'll be ready for the retirement home in 2017 thanks to the introduction of Euro 4 emissions testing. The V4 has been a solid performer for Yamaha since its re- introduction in 2008, however, with the world's appetite for power cruisers diminishing and Yamaha unwilling to invest further in developing a Euro 4 en- gine to keep the VMAX in production, it seems like this is the end of the line. The VMAX originally debuted in 1985 in an 1197cc V4 format, and aside from a minor chassis freshen up in 1993, remained unchanged until the second-generation machine debuted in 2008. CN The Yamaha VMAX's days appear to be numbered. James and Malcolm Stewart will have a chance to defending their titles at the Red Bull Straight Rhythm in October. PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE COX