The Racer X Podcast Network

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Exhaust #271: What Happened to KTM? Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Since the second quarter of 2024, the industry has been filled with rumors of Pierer Mobility, the parent company of the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas brands, running into slowing sales, an overstock of product and ultimately major financial troubles. The strong boost in powersports, bicycle, and overall outdoor recreation sales seen after the pandemic have slowed, and aggressive sales targets have suddenly become difficult to meet. While none of those dealings behind the scenes had yet impacted what the consumer sees with products—the brands continue to innovate with quite a few new machines for 2025—or on the race track, it's becoming more and more clear the company will need major changes to continue into the future. Jason Weigandt explains the "never waste a good crisis" mode the company was in after the pandemic, the boom that followed, and the struggle today that led the company to declare itself insolvent in Europe. It won't impact racing or motorcycle availability here in America, yet, at least beyond the cuts that were already put into motion over the last few weeks and months. But these are tough roads ahead. Is it a sign of bigger trouble in the industry, or is this just a KTM-specific issue? The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #270: Jorge Prado On Monster Energy Kawasaki Deal Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

A nail-biting quest for the 2024 MXGP World Championship was only part of Jorge Prado's whirlwind year, as he was also shopping for a ride in America with plans to race full-time SMX in 2025. After racing the first four rounds of Monster Energy Supercross in '24, he actually signed with Monster Energy Kawasaki before he headed back to Europe to pursue another MXGP crown. After that the full focus went to motocross back home, until now, when he can finally reveal his plans for 2025 and beyond. Jason Weigandt caught up with Prado to learn about what it took to get here, and what he hopes to accomplish. The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #269: Arenacross Tries Electric Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

"All of your guys were around when four-strokes came out," said the AMA's Mike Burkeen in Thursday night's AMA Arenacross press conference. "The rules were made and it turns out they weren't very good. They basically killed off the two-strokes. Once it happened we couldn't put the genie back in the bottle. With the electric bikes we didn't want to go full-bore and then just cut it off if we find out it doesn't work. Because everyone has made purchasing decisions already, then we'll have all these guys that they bought under what they would say were bad pretenses. So we want to walk before we run, but we definitely want to run. What that looks like? Nobody knows?"

Arenacross can serve as the testing ground to see where electric could fit, so a new stand-alone class for Stark Varg electric bikes has will fit into the Arenacross structure for 2024-2025. Have a listen to last night's press conference as the series explains the new class, and hear from riders like Josh Hill and Justin Bogle. Don't worry, the traditional AMA Arenacross class for 250s and 450s remains, with Kyle Peters trying to hold off riders like Ryan Breece and Vince Friese to notch a record sixth-straight championship. But in the Dash for Cash, it will be electric versus combustion! All the stars are here to talk about their prospects before tonight's season opener in Reno, Nevada.

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #268: Jordon Smith is Here to Stay Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

Few remember that in 2019, when Austin Forkner was ascending in the sport and threatening a perfect season in 250SX East Region, that Jordon Smith was actually the closest rider to him. Forkner's eventual ACL injury and a title for a young Chase Sexton later become the story. By then, Smith had hurt his wrist, and struggled for years to solve that injury. In fact, he thought his career might be over.

After missing major chunks of racing over the next few seasons, including two frustrating seasons with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki, he took the pressure off during a brief run with Firepower Honda.

Then Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing called, and Jordon's career rebuild was really taking shape. Now he's got a new deal with Triumph that could stretch to three years and the 450 Class. Jason Weigandt rings him up for this podcast.

The Racer X Exhaust is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #267: Silly Season and Scuba Steve from Triumph Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

New team deals are getting announced later than ever, as we still await Monster Energy Kawasaki announcing its new deal with Jorge Prado for the 450 class in 2025. But Triumph just announced its 2025 team, featuring Austin Forkner, Stilez Robertson, Jordon Smith and the returning Jalek Swoll. We also have seen Pierce Brown on his new Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine, and know that Star is signing new amateur talent like Caden Dudney. Plus GasGas moves away from Troy Lee Designs and into the same program as Rockstar Husqvarna, including Rockstar sponsorship. Jason Weigandt talks about all of these moves, and then talks to Triumph U.S. Team Manager "Scuba" Steve Westfall to hear how Year 1 went for the new brand. Scuba doesn't hold back!

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X brand.

Exhaust #266: What Happened to Max Vohland? Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

Maximus Vohland is a second-generation rider, the son of former AMA National and Supercross winner Tallon Vohland. That would make it seem like his path to the pros has been easy, but you'll find that is absolutely not the case.

Jason Weigandt catches up with Max, who is just getting back on the bike after a hip injury ruined his 2024 season. The injury left Max with extreme nerve pain, and fighting to fight off the potential of getting addicted to pain medication. That's not all. In this podcast Max will explain how his plan to race EMX in Europe as an amateur that washed away with COVID. He'll also talk about his sister's traumatic brain injury suffered while riding a horse, and how her own comeback trail has inspired him to keep fighting. Max's goal? Get to the podium, make some money and buy his sister a horse!

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura. Also, subscribe to Racer X Illustrated and get our new 2025 calendar coming soon!

Exhaust #265: Latest MXoN Wrap Up Ever Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

The 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations was an awesome event, but even the incredible emotional highs of that day have begun to fade nearly two weeks later. But Jason Weigandt isn't done talking about it -- or talking about anything, ever -- so now that he's home he logs this wrap up for the MXoN weekend.

From the team and race results, to the atmopshere of the race, to the MXGP team set ups and even some cultural observations, Weege wraps up an unforgettable event that pretty much marked the 100th year of motorcycle scrambles racing in England.

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #264: Weigandt's Motocross of Nations Preview Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

We all know the trials and tribulations of Team USA for this year's Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, but what other teams are worth a look? Jason Weigandt runs down the rosters and breaks the event down to its strongest squads. Things are looking good for teams like France, Australia, and the Netherlands, plus Spain and the USA, but what will it take to win? Can the home country make some noise? Will Tim Gajser's squad get in and set up an all-time final moto with one of the most stacked starting gates ever seen at a motocross race? So much on the line. Here's what you need to know. The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #263: Stew, RC, Pulp, Gypsy, JT, Weege Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

The SMX Playoffs host an awesome hour-long podcast mashup show each Friday night at 5 p.m., with James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael, Steve Matthes of PulpMX, and Jase Macalpine from Gypsy Tales, hosted by Jason Weigandt and Jason Thomas. The fans even get to ask questions! Enjoy the best hour of bench racing you'll ever hear in this podcast. The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura, On Track School, and Racer X Brand.

Exhaust #262: SMX Preview Show Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

Jason Weigandt, Steve Matthes, and Jason Thomas preview the 2024 SuperMotocross Playoffs and World Championship in the audio version of our video. This is year two of a new format of racing for professional racing in the U.S. Chase Sexton and Haiden Deegan enter off of Pro Motocross Championships, while Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champions Jett Lawrence (450SX), RJ Hampshire (250SX West Region), and Tom Vialle (250SX East Region) would love to get more #1 plates. They're not the only players, too! Come bench race and argue with the boys before the playoffs begin this Saturday in Concord, North Carolina.

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura, On Track School, and Racer X Brand.

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