FIRST LOOK AT $16,000 STARK VARG FACTORY EDITION

Stark has introduced their 2027 Varg MX Factory Edition (FE) this past week and it’s designed for riders looking for the closest production interpretation of Stark Future’s race-developed motocross setup. According to Stark the suspension, reduced weight, and increased rider contact area work together to provide greater precision entering corners, improved stability through braking bumps, and more confidence when getting back on the power.

Finished in exclusive Stark Red Factory Edition graphics, it combines the latest 7.2 kWh VARG platform with the full KYB Factory A-Kit, lightweight titanium components (which reduces the weight by more than 1 kg (2.2 pounds), and Dunlop MX34 tires. Only 200 Stark Varg MX model will be produced, while every other Factory Edition has to have 400 bike production runs. The retail price will be $15,990.

WHAT WE WANT: ARC FACTORY RIGID FRONT BRAKE LEVER

The ARC AC-RG-355 is a Factory Rigid Series non-folding front brake lever for select Ducati, GasGas, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Sherco, TM and Triumph motorcycles. It is precision CNC-machined from 6061 billet aluminum, it provides adjustable reach, a direct factory-style control feel, and multiple lever blade profile options. The retail price is$119.99 at www.arclevers.com or call (909) 987-4213.

WHAT WE WANT: MX-TECH’S EXTERNAL HUCK VALVE KIT

The HuckValve has been part of MX-Tech’s unique design since 2008. Both the Blackjack and Raven closed cartridges utilize the HuckValve, which is a speed and position sensitive bottoming control system. Thanks to it larger piston the new External Huck valve offers Greater bottoming control: External HuckValves have a larger work volume that allows for a larger piston and cylinder size. This produces a stronger and more consistent damping rate that improves the feel in both low and high speed bottoming loads. The external HuckValve update is compatible with all previous versions of the Blackjack and Raven cartridges with a 12.5mm rod. Sold as a kit with updated base valves included. The new base valve optimizes pressure balance in a cartridge. This update requires factory Installation, or by an authorized MX-Tech dealer. The price is $275.

WHERE’S THAT LEASH LAW WHEN YOU NEED IT?

Glen Helen Raceway has lots of hilly land and most of it is wild and untamed, with a lot of wildlife roaming around. It is not unusual to see deer, rattlesnakes and packs of coyotes on the three racetracks. The best time to see coyotes is early in the morning when the leader of the pack will cautiously stroll out onto the track to look around. The coyote coyote in the photo above thought about jumping the finish line tabletop, but decided not to do it. Once the leader of the pack was satisfied, three or four more coyotes came out of the brush to join him. They wandered back into one of the canyons and did not make another appearance until dusk. The track crew sees them more than anyone else (except for the MXA test riders who show up very early in the morning). You would think that the most dangerous animals at Glen Helen are rattle snakes, but the only injuries to riders have come from deer that often try to jump the track only to collide with an unsuspecting rider passing by.

THE 2026 WASHOUGAL NATIONAL IS HERE NOW — SATURDAY, JULY 25

The 2026 AMA National Motocross Championship returns to the West Coast for Round 8 of the 11-race season. Washougal MX Park, sits just across the Washington/Oregon border and will host their annual “Military Appreciation Race” with support from FLY Racing on the 45th running of the FLY Racing Washougal National Presented by Peterson CAT.

THE LAST FOUR 250/450 NATIONALS YET TO HAPPEN

July 25…Washougal, WA
Aug. 15…Unadilla, NY
Aug. 22…Budds Creek, MD
Aug. 29…Crawfordsville, IN

2026 BIG BEAR MX GRAND PRIX STARTS ON AUGUST 19!

Motocross history is being made! The second annual Big Bear MX Grand Prix (BBMXGP) is happening again August 19th-23rd at Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear Lake, California. After a successful inaugural year, the team at Swapmoto Race series is back with updated sections on the track, concerts, access to the chairlift, and the ability to get on the mountain and watch the action up close and personal!

THE TRACK CHANGES

This year’s track will see some updates for the racers and spectators alike. You can expect another half mile added to “Fout’s Forest”, a slowed-down start for safety, and big updates to the base area with a shipping container riders will go over, as well as a trickier pro section for the spectators to watch. Like last year, the course will get plenty of water as there is snowmaking equipment every 100′ so visibility will be prime.  Races will be timed around 40 minutes, and custom trophies will be awarded to top finishers, and there will be unique collector apparel merchandise for the event made by O’Neal.

MXA VIDEO! LAST YEAR’S BIG BEAR GRAND PRIX

CURRENT AMA 250/450 NATIONAL POINT STANDINGS AFTER THE FIRST 7 ROUNDS

Hunter and Jett  have jumbled up the point standings by playing games in every moto.

TOP TEN 450 POINT STANDINGS (HEADING TO WASHOUGAL)

1. Hunter Lawrence…320
2. Jett Lawrence….310
3. Haiden Deegan…258
4. Jorge Prado …231
5. R.J. Hampshire…221
6. Garrett Marchbanks…206
7. Dylan Ferrandis….180
8. Cooper Webb….153
9. Mikkel Haarup….149
10. Jordon Smith…126

Levi Kitchens hustled to capture the 250 points lead with four races left.

Julien Beaumer proved that he has recovered from his injuries by winning his first-ever AMA 250 National AT Millville.

TOP TEN 250 POINT STANDINGS (HEADING TO WASHOUGAL)

1. Levi Kitchen…261
2. Julien Beaumer…237
3. Cole Davies….236
4. Kayden Minear….199
5. Jo Shimoda….194
6. Ryder DiFrancesco….194
7. Chance Hymas…190
8. Carson Mumford….53
9. Seth Hammaker…134
10. Michael Mosiman…122