XSBA Breaking News:
April 12, 2003 (Glenwood, Iowa) - 2002 XSBA National Champion "Thew" Blankstrom broke the previous World Record for the Longest Endo on a motorcycle at Mid-America Motorplex in Glenwood, Iowa (located near Omaha, Nebraska) by rolling 749 feet on the front wheel of his Suzuki GSXR-750! Definition of an Endo: When the front brake is applied with force strong enough to lift the rear wheel off of the ground. Only the distance traveled on the front wheel is measured. It took some time building on his distance throughout the day. Once over 500 ft, the distance was increased to 680 ft, 695 ft, then 731 ft, and finally the World Record distance of 749 feet.
The World Record attempt was sponsored by Tim O'Neill Motorsports, a Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Polaris dealership located at the intersection of I-29 & I-80 in Coucil Bluff, Iowa along with Moturis Motorhome and Motorcycle Rentals in Aurora Illinois, Ferodo Brakes, Teknic Leathers, Pirelli Tires and Stuntlife.com. Blankstrom set his sites on breaking the World Record for the Longest Endo previously set at just over 738 feet after Craig Jones on a Buell XB-9R claimed the record held by Kevin Carmichael of 668 feet on a Suzuki 1000. Both riders have accomplished their respective records by modifying their stock handlebars to a Moto-Cross bar set-up. (Visit StuntLife.com for video footage.) Blankstrom's machine remains relatively stock, with only aftermarket clip-on handlebars mounted in their original location.
On this stock-like set-up, Blankstrom had been consistently rolling endos over 680 feet, with his longest measured at just over 725 feet with a limited approach. "Given the room to catch another gear, I was sure that I could get another 75 feet", stated Blankstrom on his way home from Florida. Adding, "My goal is 800."
This attempt will also act as a promotion for Round 1 of the XSBA National Championship Series, and the 1st Nat'l Point Round at the Mid-America Motorplex May 23-25. We expect to see another World Record attempt from TenNinety6 team member Matt Gorka who is already practicing to keep the record in the United States. We expect over 900 feet from Gorka, you won't want to miss it! The XSBA Show will be held in conjunction with the "Mid-America Cyclefest" and Motorcycle Rally co-promoted and produced by Formula USA and the Mid-America Motorplex. The weekend will include regional and national road race competition, street freestyle competitions / demos by the top XSBA teams, drag racing, a motorcycle rally, a mechanical bull, bands Friday through Sunday nights, and much more. "Tim O'Neil Motorsports will be the official sponsor of the event May 23-25, and we are expecting more than 5,000 enthusiasts to be a part of the Motorcycle Rally over the weekend", stated Brian Stickle of Mid-America Motorplex. Adding, "that doesn't even include the Road Race, Drag Race, Freestyle, or concert fans. There should be something for everyone, and we are really looking forward to the event."
For more in formation on Thew Blankstrom and the entire TenNinety6 Freestyle team, visit their web site at http://www.TenNinety6.com, or visit the XSBA links page.
For photos, schedule of events, and current news visit: http://www.XSBA.com |