Freestyle Motocross

Saturday - 8:00 PM

Freestyle Motocross presented by Toyota Trucks at the Wachovia Spectrum-Philadelphia, PA

The Fmx crew rolled in the astro turf for the riders and the result was great traction and action.  Even the Philedelphia Eagles playoff game could not keep the fans away.  The FMX qualifiers saw some close action as the judges made sure the riders gave all their best for a good score.  Philly also saw the addition of two riders who were riding the tour for the first time.  The "rookies", Justin Stoltzfus and James Skiles, were local boys who came out and jumped really well considering the pressure of being in front of the home town crowd.  Two favorites not qualifying for the final were Shawn Connors and Chris Birch, which proved how tough the competition was tonight. 

After qualifying, the fellas from Hell On Wheels came out and sessioned on the sub box.  The crowd went nuts for the backflip-flair, but they really lost it during the front flip.  Next up was Keith Wineland from Extreme Ride Entertainment and his Montesa trials bike.  He flew across the steel obstacles and his rolling toy box- keeping the crowd on their feet. 

The Team FMX was twice the mayhem with Thomas Alves and Chris Birch taking the win by three points.  They put together a very nicely choreographed run considering they had never competed as a team before.  The finals were next and the crowd was so loud, you could swear the Eagles were in the building!  First out was Clint Esposito who put together a solid run and wowed the crowd with the length of time he held his tricks.  Up next came Slade Waltman who teased the crowd with a shout out to the New Orleans Saints who were playing the local Eagles in the playoffs.  His run was good enough to get him into the Toyota Trucks Hotseat and he stayed there through Casey Higgins run.  Casey had time management issues which caused his biggest tricks to not be scored since time had expired.  Last to roll out for the final was Thomas Alves.  He came out with 4 backflip variations and all on a front wheel which snapped a spoke during his qualifying run.  The judges heard the satisfaction of the crowd and gave Alves the win and a spot in the Toyota Trucks Hotseat. Next week there are four FMX shows across the country so go to www.freestylemotocrossonline.com and find one near you!

Thank you Philadelphia!

Final Points

1- 92.5 Thomas Alves

2- 92.0 Slade Waltman

3- 90.5 Casey Higgins

4- 90.0 Clint Esposito  

-Cory Stem