X Games Event Spotlights: Freestyle Moto X & Super X

If you have lived in Southern California, you know that motocross isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle for many. Whether it’s the lifted trucks hauling around bikes or quick trips in the Weekend Warrior to Glamis or Ocotillo Wells, people have made it an excuse to get them through their crappy work weeks. It’s also a great way to spend time with family and friends.

The motocross events usually draw the largest crowds at X Games, as people gather to witness the most famous riders in the world compete for the most coveted action sports prize, an X Games gold medal. And it’s not just the freestyle events that draw a crowd, the Super X (Supercross) events draw a large number of fans as well. There’s a reason the AMA Supercross Series goes through Anaheim three times each season, it’s because us SoCal people love our racing action and fill up the seats.

Click more to learn about Freestyle Moto X & Super X competitions, and find out which riders you need to know and when you can watch them.

*

Moto X has several different disciplines at X Games, including  FMX, Best Whip, Best Trick, Speed & Style, Step Up, Super X and Super X Adaptive. We’ll only touch on FMX and Super X in this post, while the rest will be featured in a later post.

FREESTYLE MOTO X  (FMX)

The late Jeremy Lusk at X Games 14

Event Description:

It all goes down at the infamous LA Coliseum. The best riders on the planet will gather there, bringing the newest and most innovative tricks to the table. Huge ramps and huge gaps make this event extremely dangerous, but also REALLY exciting. Riders will combine a number of traditional and innovative tricks that will blow your mind, including several backflip variations.

Past Winners:

Blake Williams (’09), Jeremy Lusk (’08), Travis Pastrana (’99, ’00, ’01, ’03, ’05, ’06)

Athletes You Need To Know:

Blake “Bilko” Williams: This Aussie innovator throws the best 360 in the business. The winner of the 2008 Baltimore Dew Tour, Bilko is a creative rider who was the first to land the Cliffhanger backflip — which he used to grab bronze in XG ’06 Best Trick and the Ruler backflip. Has the best 360 going and loves to use it despite its lack of love from the judges. Blake won an X Games gold last year and is looking to go back-to-back.

UPDATE: Blake Williams will NOT be participating in this year’s X Games due to a previous injury. Story here.

*

Jeremy Stenberg: One of the most naturally talented riders on the Freestyle roster, 2010 marks the 11th year that Jeremy Stenberg has competed at X. Stenberg is a contender every time he gets on a bike. After riding with a severely injured right thumb at XG 2008 and still finishing 3rd in Speed & Style and 4th in Freestyle, Stenberg had the thumb operated on shortly after X. In 2009, Stenberg took silver in FMX at XG15.

*

Travis Pastrana: A double backflip in Best Trick at XG ’06 sealed Pastrana’s rep as the best freestyler ever. The popular innovator has focused on rally in recent years, and, like everything he does, he’s been excellent at that, too: He’s the three-time defending Rally America Champion. The most decorated athlete in the history of XG MTX has 11 MTX medals and 3 RCR medals, including gold in ’06 and ’08. Pastrana long ago transcended action sports: His “Nitro Circus” stunt/action/comedy series is currently shooting its third season for MTV, and Travis is also a featured athlete in “X Games 3D: The Movie.” Pastrana returns to FMX this year in hopes of reclaiming his title.

Other Athletes:

Nate Adams, Taka Higashino, Adam Jones, Robbie Maddison, Mike Mason, Todd Potter, Mat Rebeaud, Eigo Sato, Levi Sherwood, Jackson Strong, Dany Torres, Andre Villa, Brody Wilson

*

*

*

SUPER X

Riders crossing the finish line at XG15

Event Description:

Supercross is a motocross race that runs on man-made tracks, mostly in major stadium venues. The races are shorter, with many big jumps and crowd pleasing obstacles, making it about timing and precision rather than just top speed. Highly competitive riders make this one of the most exciting disciplines to watch while here at X, and it’s also one of the few events that also has a women’s category. James “Bubba” Stewart was set to participate in this year’s games, but he’s currently recovering from an injury and will not compete.

Past Winners:

Men: Josh Hansen (’08, ’09)

Women: Ashley Fiolek (’09)

Athletes You Need To Know:

Josh Hansen: Josh was the unexpected gold medalist in MTX Racing in 2008 after entering the comp as an alternate. Naturally talented, he has yet to reach his full potential despite the big XG win in ’08 and again in 2009. In his last few years of competition, he’s ridden for a half dozen teams including Joe Gibbs Racing, Troy Lee Designs and Hart & Huntington.  He only qualified for four SX main events in 2009. He is competing at XG on a private Kawasaki. Hansen returns as two-time defending champion.

*

Jolene Van Vugt: At the young age of 28 Jolene Van Vugt has established herself as one of the most accomplished female athletes in action sports today. Her incredible and ongoing lists of accomplishments include becoming the first CMRC Women’s Canadian Motocross National Champion, first female to backflip a full-sized dirt bike, holder of multiple Guinness World Records, and co-star of many motocross/stunt videos. Jolene is easily recognizable by her large smile, colorful personality and cheerfully positive outlook on life. While many of her peers have chosen a more straightforward, safe and comfortable approach to life. Jolene continues to sacrifice many things to travel the world and make a living riding her dirt bike. She’s also one of the stars on Travis Pastrana’s “Nitro Circus” TV show.

Other Athletes:

Men: Max Anstie, Chris Blose, Justin Brayton, Ben Evans, Josh Hill, Kevin Johnson, Cole Seely, Ivan Tedesco, Broc Tickle, Nick Wey, Kyle Regal

Women: Elizabeth Bash, Sherri Cruse, Ashley Fiolek, Tarah Gieger, Vicki Golden, Jessica Patterson, Sara Price, Tatum Sik, Jacqueline Strong

*

• The FMX Eliminations will take place on Thursday at the Coliseum from 5:00-5:45pm
• The FMX Finals will take place later that day from 6:30-6:45pm
• The Super X Eliminations will take place at the Coliseum on Thursday from 4:00-4:30pm
• The Super X Finals will take place later that day from 5:45-6:30pm
• All FMX and Super X will air on ESPN beginning at 8pm on Thursday
• Get your tickets to X Games here