HILLSDALE, Mich., (April 17, 2012) – The most dominant performance by a motorcycle manufacturer to date this season was recorded by Cobra Mini Cycle racers this past weekend at the 41^st running of the World Mini GPs in Mesquite, Nevada, as kids on Cobras swept not only the entire 50cc class podiums (five separate podiums), they also locked down all TOP TEN spots and, in numerous cases, ran the Cobra brand up the charts into the top 20 – without a single other brand figuring in the top 15/20 scoring!

Georgia’s Gage Linville (1^st place 50cc 7-8 Mod & Super Pee Wee 6-9) and California’s Ryder Di Francesco (1^st place 50cc Stock through 6 & Mod through 6) led the way with multiple class titles on the Cobra 50cc bikes while Cobra CX65 racers continued to shake things up with Cobra getting three podium finishes out of Utah’s Pierce Brown (65 Jr. Stock 9-11, Mod 9-11 and Open 6-11) and another podium from local Nevada racer Robert Hailey (65 Jr. Stock 6-8).

“It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Cobra President Sean Hilbert. “Always nice to see our Michigan-made bikes – sourced with almost entirely American-made parts – being ridden by so many West Coast and western States-based racers. This in addition to all the kids who cut their teeth racing Cobras that are now making up the podiums in the other classes.”

California’s Jett Reynolds also had an awesome weekend, winning the 50cc 7-8 Stock class and placing 2^nd in the Super Pee Wee 6-9 clash. Reynolds also stepped ‘er up on the Cobra CX65 and placed a solid 4^th in the 65cc Jr. Mod 6-8 class, making the podium in the first moto.

Some newer faces on Cobras receiving some podium time included California’s Max Vohland (3^rd 50cc Stock 7-8, 2^nd 50cc Mod 7-8 and 3^rd Super Pee Wee 7-9), son of MX great Tallon Vohland, Colorado’s Wade Huffman (3^rd 50cc Mod 7-8) and Hunter Yoder (Calif.) with some individual race podiums in the 7-8 classes. On the 50cc Jr. bikes it was Washington’s Evan Slosser and Nevada’s Nathan Von Miller, along with California’s Reed Vogan all making the podium with Di Francesco (and Slosser did it twice!).

Cobra World Mini GP results:

Stock 50cc through 6                                                Mod 50cc through 6

1^st – Ryder Di Francesco (Calif.)                                1^st – Ryder Di Francesco (Calif.)

2^nd – Nathan Von Miller (Nevada)                             2^nd – Evan Slosser (Wash.)

3^rd – Evan Slosser (Wash.)                                          3^rd – Reed Vogan (Calif.)

Stock 50cc 7-8                                                            Mod 50cc 7-8

1^st – Jett Reynolds (Calif.)                                          1^st – Gage Linville (Ga.)

2^nd – Gage Linville (Ga.)                                             2^nd – Max Vohland (Calif.)

3^rd – Max Vohland (Calif.)                                         3^rd – Wade Huffman (Colo.)

Super Pee Wee 6-9                                                    65cc Jr. Stock 6-8

1^st – Gage Linville (Ga.)                                             2^nd – Robert Hailey (Nevada)

2^nd – Jett Reynolds (Calif.)

3^rd – Max Vohland (Calif.)

65cc Jr. Mod 6-8                                                        65cc Jr. Stock 9-11

4^th – Jett Reynolds (Calif.)                                          3^rd – Pierce Brown (Utah)

10^th – Robert Hailey (Nevada)

65cc Mod 9-11                                                           65cc Open 9-11

2^nd – Pierce Brown (Utah)                                          3^rd – Pierce Brown (Utah)

Next up for the Cobra Kids – besides a ton of schoolwork – is the upcoming Monster Energy Mammoth Mountain Motocross, June 22-July 1^st, at Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

Photos courtesy of: Gabriella Santos

HILLSDALE, Mich., (March 21, 2012) – Right after dominating the 2012’s opening amateur MX National at Oak Hill, Texas, the American-made Cobra racers kept ‘er on the main jet for the season’s second big amateur race – MillCreek Motocross Park’s 2012 Thor/Parts Unlimited Spring Classic – again sweeping all of the 50cc 1^st place hardware, along with furthering the podium heritage of Cobra’s new CX65.

Cobra was led in the 50cc class by Georgia’s Gage Linville, who swept 1^st place honors in both the 7-8 Stock and Mod classes on his Cobra King 50s. Linville won eight of the nine 50cc motos he contested and earned a cool Hyperlite wakeboard for being “The Best of The Best” champion for all 50cc racers.

The one moto Linville didn’t win was possibly the most important – the final moto of the 4-8 50cc Stock Open class. Michigan’s Jaiden Taylor would step up and take that victory, notching his first-ever national title while racing his Cobra King 50.

Other Cobra racers scoring podium finishes in the 7-8 50cc classes at MillCreek included North Carolina’s Daniel Scott and New York’s Reed Cooper.

The little guys (and gal) (4-6) 50cc class featured Cobra’s Nicholas Romano (New York) and Canada’s Ryder McNabb going at it all weekend, with McNabb sweeping both the Mod and Stock class championships. Romano added the 50cc 4-6 Shaft title to his credit at MillCreek. Indiana’s Greg Stewart was also running well on his Cobra CXJR all weekend, but didn’t quite put ‘er up on top of the podium, placing 3^rd twice behind his fellow aforementioned Cobra racers.

On the 65s for Cobra Wyoming’s Brayden Bruce, having only been on his bike a few times this winter, railed his CX65 to a couple impressive 3^rd place podium finishes in the 65cc 7-9 Stock and Mod classes. Florida’s Tommy Rios and Maryland’s Jack Rogers also ran well in the 10-11 65cc classes. Rios locked down top ten finishes in all three (Stock, Mod & Open) races and Rogers rallying back from a couple tough motos to score a final moto podium in the Stock class.

Cobra’s 2012 Mill Creek National results

50cc 4-6 Shaft                                                                        50cc 4-6 Stock

1^st – Nicholas Romano, New York                             1^st – Ryder McNabb, Canada

3^rd – Maddox Owens, Tennessee                              2^nd – Nicholas Romano, N.Y.

3^rd – Greg Stewart, Indiana

50cc 4-6 Mod                                                             50cc 7-8 Stock

1^st – Ryder McNabb, Canada                                     1^st – Gage Linville, Georgia

2^nd – Nicholas Romano, N.Y.                                    2^nd – Jaiden Taylor, Michigan

3^rd – Greg Stewart, Indiana                                        3^rd – Daniel Scott, N.C.

50cc 7-8 Mod                                                             50cc 4-8 Open Stock

1^st – Gage Linville, Georgia                                        1^st – Jaiden Taylor, Michigan

3^rd – Reed Cooper, New York                                    2^nd – Daniel Scott, N.C.

3^rd – Gage Linville, Georgia

65cc 7-9 Stock                                                            65cc 7-9 Mod

3^rd – Brayden Bruce, Wyoming                                  3^rd – Brayden Bruce, Wyoming

65cc 10-11 Stock                                                        65cc 10-11 Mod

7^th – Tommy Rios, Florida                                          5^th – Tommy Rios, Florida

8^th – Jack Rogers, Maryland

65cc 7-11 Open Mod

6^th – Tommy Rios, Florida

7^th – Brayden Bruce, Wyoming

Photo courtesy of: Vurb Moto

HILLSDALE, Mich., (March 15, 2012) – American-made Cobra Motorcycles blasted out of the 2012 amateur MX National competition season gate this past weekend at the 36^th annual One Industries GNC International Motocross Final at Texas’ Oak Hill Raceway, again sweeping all of the 50cc titles as well as capturing Cobra’s first-ever stock class National title on the CX65.

In addition to the spectacular results at Oak Hill a number of other Cobra racers put up some great numbers at the 3^rd annual Monster Energy Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway.

Oak Hill National

The big MX industry news this past weekend out of Oak Hill was the performance of Cobra factory racer Pierce Brown in the 65cc 7-9 Stock class. Up against the nation’s best 65cc riders, Utah’s Brown was victorious in two-moto event, going 1^st/2^nd for 1^st overall.

“Pierce’s 65cc championship at Oak Hill is huge for us. This is our first amateur MX National title in Texas – and the first of what we feel will be more for Pierce and the Cobra CX65 this season,” said Cobra President Sean Hilbert. “Congrats from everyone at Cobra and, especially, our engineering team that has spent their days, nights and weekends developing our all new world-class CX65 engine.”

Brown was by no means alone on the top of the podium as Cobra racers flat out dominated the 50cc class action at Oak Hill. Texas local Brock Walker was on fire in the 4-6 Stock and Modified classes, leading Cobra podium sweeps with the little guys. And in the 50cc 7-8 class Cobra’s Gage Linville (Georgia) and Jett Reynolds (California) led Cobra podium sweeps in the Modified and Stock classes, respectively.

Then, when they lined ‘em all up for the 50cc 4-9 Open Championship it was Linville who stole the show, coming out on top of a close battle with Reynolds with a 1^st/2^nd two-moto finish (to Reynolds’ 3^rd/1^st). Also noteworthy was the fact that Cobra racers swept all ten spots in the premier 4-9 Open Championship!

Cobra’s 2012 Oak Hill National results

50cc 4-6 Mod                                                             50cc 4-6 Stock

1^st – Brock Walker, Texas                                           1^st – Brock Walker, Texas

2^nd – Ryder McNabb, Canada                                    2^nd – Nicholas Romano, N.Y.

3^rd – Wryder Huffman, Colorado                               3^rd – Ryder McNabb, Canada

50cc 7-8 Mod                                                             50cc 7-8 Stock

1^st – Gage Linville, Georgia                                        1^st – Jett Reynolds, California

2^nd – Cade Britt, Colorado                                          2^nd – Gage Linville, Georgia

3^rd – Wade Huffman, Colorado                                  3^rd – Brock Bennett, California

50cc 4-9 Open                                                            65cc 7-9 Stock

1^st – Gage Linville, Georgia                                        1^st – Pierce Brown, Utah

2^nd – Jett Reynolds, California

3^rd – Chandler Baker, Oklahoma

Monster/RC Amateur SX highlights

A muddy night for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross race didn’t deter the guys racing Monster/Ricky Carmichael’s Amateur Supercross – especially the Cobra racers. Top performances on Daytona International Speedway’s infield were put in by Cobra’s Corey Passieu, who won the 50cc 7-8 Stock class and Reed Cooper, who placed 2^nd behind Passieu. In the 65cc 10-11 Stock class Cobra got a 2^nd place podium finish from Jack Rogers.

This weekend finds many of the top Cobra racers at the year’s second big amateur national MX event – the 2012 AMA Spring Classic Championship at Alabama’s Mill Creek MX Park.

Photo courtesy of: MotoPlayground.com

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Feb. 16, 2012) – Big news out of Cobra’s headquarters today as well-known automobile spark plug manufacturer – Autolite® – has partnered with the industry-leading mini cycle manufacturer to fire Cobra’s award-winning 50cc and 65cc two-stroke engines for the upcoming 2012 amateur MX competition season and beyond.

Engineering its Xtreme Sport iridium Finewire plug specifically to fit Cobra’s needs, Autolite® will include Cobra’s all-new 2012 electronic power valve CX65 in their booth at Indy this week (Booth # 1735B).

“Cobra is confident the legacy and heritage of Autolite’s involvement in the auto industry will lend itself to improving the spark ignition in both our 50cc and 65cc two-stroke engines,” said Cobra’s Sean Hilbert. “Autolite’s premium small engine spark plug design will no doubt offer the same quality and reliability the company’s been known for in motorsports since 1967.”

Autolite^® Xtreme Sport^™ Iridium Enhanced Small Engine Spark Plugs
Based on the success of the Autolite XP Xtreme Performance^™ spark plug design in the automotive market, the Autolite team is bringing the same high performance design to the growing small engine applications of motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs. This new plug design will feature:

• An iridium-enhanced 0.6mm finewire design for improved ignitability and longer life.
• More focused ignition versus standard plugs for faster fuel combustion to help prevent fouling.
• Engineered to last longer.

About Autolite®

Since its inception, the Autolite^® brand has provided the automotive aftermarket and Original Equipment Manufacturers the highest quality ignition products. As a leading supplier of spark plugs, ignition wire sets and Coil-on-Plug boots, the Autolite^® brand has the right ignition products for you, regardless of your vehicle make or model.

There is no question that Cobra’s patented CFD (or ‘slipper’ as most call it) plays are large role in driveline durability. For years prior to its introduction, the sights broken transmission gears or a snapped chains were relatively commonplace at the race track. The device’s operating principal is relatively simple: The CFD adds some ‘give’ to the driveline system. Unlike other types of motorcycle transmissions, when a centrifugal clutch (used on all 50cc motocrossers) is locked up, the entire powertrain…everything from the rear wheel to the piston…is also locked. Now imagine landing off a big jump with the throttle pinned. The engine is spinning at close to 15,000rpm, and then SLAM, the rear wheel comes to almost a dead stop as it hits the ground. With very little give in the system, this results in brutal wear and tear on many components such as the crankshaft, clutch basket, clutch shoes, transmission gears, transmission bearings, chain, sprockets, and rear wheel.

So how does the CFD work? It’s very simple, actually. The primary gear, instead of being one solid part, has been replaced by a clutch that is set to disengage at a pre-determined torque level. This break-away torque is several times the maximum engine torque (so it doesn’t slip when the engine is driving it), however, when it receives a high load in the other direction it spins providing a cushioning effect on many expensive engine and driveline components.

So what does this mean on and off the racetrack?

• More time riding and less time doing maintenance!
• Durability improvements in all driveline components.
• Longer clutch shoe life.
• Reduced weight and friction in the engine’s final drive and more power to the ground.
• The freedom to aggressively throttle away from heavy landings without having to worry about things breaking.
• Overall reduced cost of ownership!
• and Last but not Least…Improved rear suspension performance because the driveline can now absorb some of the impacts from hitting square edged obstacles rather than kicking the rear wheel.

So, all that’s left is to make sure that owners can properly maintain their CFD, and that’s why we created this video. Pay particular attention to this practice when you have a new bike or install a refresh kit as it takes a few rides for the system to take a set.

Including the 2011 Cobra All-Star Team!

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Dec. 30, 2011) – In the corporate equivalent of clearing a 100-foot triple on 50cc bike, Cobra Moto won maybe its – and mini cycle racing’s in general – most important race of all time … the race to defeat the ominous CPSIA “Lead Law” that cast a shadow over the entire youth motocross industry the past two years.

Battling in suits and ties on one front, Cobra Moto was backed by some incredible young talent on the other – racers who were victorious in the vast majority of 50cc races at the major American amateur MX Nationals – from Oak Hill, Texas, to Mill Creek, Ala., Mesquite, Nev.’s Mini GPs, Ponca City (Okla.), Loretta’s (Tenn.), Branson, Mo., and the Florida Mini Os. Cobra Moto racers also won big at the annual MX Masters Kids in Europe and well as a number of Canadian MX championships.

“2011 will certainly go down in Cobra Moto’s heritage as a turning point year not only for the company, but the sport of mini cycle racing in general,” said Cobra Moto President Sean Hilbert. “Along with the principles at MX Sports, the AMA and the Motorcycle Industry Council, the biggest race Cobra Moto won this year was in Washington D.C.’s halls of Congress. Outside that it was the Cobra Moto kids that stepped up and made us proud, as they have since the company’s inception, at every major amateur MX National-caliber race throughout North America and Europe.” 

A number of factory-backed racers stood out for Cobra Moto in 2011. And most importantly, a number of them return for the 2012 competition season as senior members of their respective classes. Here’s a look at Cobra Moto’s 2011 All-Star Team!

Stilez Robertson (California) – Racing his final Loretta’s on a Cobra, Robertson set a 50cc class wins record that’s going to be tough to beat. Recording his 26th win at the big one – Loretta’s – Robertson broke the record previously held by former Cobra racer Adam Cianciarulo. Robertson went 1st/1st/1st to win out in the 51cc (7-8) AMA 1 Stock Senior class to become the winningest AMA amateur racer ever on 50cc bikes.

Pierce Brown (Utah) – Brown threw down at the season opener in Oak Hill, racing to victory in all three 50cc classes he entered on his Cobra CX50SR, aka the “King Cobra.” This included the 7-8 Stock, 7-8 Modified and the hotly-contested 4-9 Open class. In all Brown went 6-0 in six motos – the best results of any Cobra racer, setting the stage for excellent 2011 competition year for Brown and Cobra Moto. Brown also put the Cobra CX65 on a number of major amateur MX National podiums.
Ryder Di Francesco (California) – Stepping up big at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., Di Francesco became the first five-year old in the storied history of the event to win the 51cc (4-6) AMA 2 Stock Junior class. He gave up the first moto to his Cobra Moto-backed central Cal riding buddy Jett Reynolds, then went on to win the next two motos. Prior to Loretta’s Reynolds and Di Francesco had gone 1st/2nd, respectively, at Ponca – leading a Cobra Moto charge that would see the King 50 capture nine of the top ten spots in Ponca’s 50cc through 6 Mod class.
Jett Reynolds (California) – Wherever you found Di Francesco on the podium, Reynolds was sure to be there as well. From Ponca to Loretta’s, Cobra Moto’s Bakersfield Boyz – joined by New York’s Reed Cooper – also made up the entire 7-8 50cc class Olympiad podium at the Mini Os, the first time in memory which that’s occurred with one brand – Cobra Moto!
Brock Bennett (California) – The third Cobra Moto kid out of Bakersfield won big against his riding buddies at the World Mini GPs (50cc through 6 Mod class) and was a consistent high podium finisher at Ponca and Oak Hill.
Gage Linville (Georgia) – Although he got off to a bit of a slow start in 2011, Linville closed out the year on a high note, winning the coveted Olympiad title (MX/SX combined) in the 50cc 7-8 class at the Mini Os. Linville, 7, a longtime Cobra Moto-backed racer, will return to contest the 7-8 class again next year at all the major amateur MX Nationals.
Reed Cooper (New York) – Making the overall 50cc 7-8 podium with two Cobra Moto Bakersfield racers, Cooper blasted big at the Mini Os – winning the coveted 4-6 50cc Olympiad title. Reed also opened the season on a sweet note, sweeping top honors in both the 4-6 Stock and 4-6 Multi-Speed classes at Mill Creek.

Cobra Moto would also like to recognize its 2011 “Honorable Mention” racers: Tommy Rios (Florida), Tanner Ward (Canada), Jack Rogers (Maryland), Vance Stiers (Texas), Brayden Bruce (Wyoming), Dylan Woodcock (UK), Jayden Taylor (Michigan), Branden Walther (Texas), Hunter Budd (AX Champ, Texas), Cameron Davis (Pennsylvania), Kruz Sampson (Tennessee), Tanner Kemp (Ohio), Hunter Scott (Canada), Ryan Smith (Oklahoma), Cade Britt (Colorado), Alex Mann (Washington), Ramon Rusche (Oklahoma), Chase Yentzer (Pennsylvania), Seth Milam (Texas), Max Miller (Oregon), Chandler Baker (Oklahoma), Jeremy McKie (Canada), Tyler Archambault (Michigan), Dilan Schwartz (California) and Harry Wichmann (UK), along with a special Honorable Mention to Cobra’s top female racer – New Jersey’s Jordan “JJ” Jarvis!

Photos by Rodney Webb

• Increased seal life
• Enhanced water and dirt protection capability
• Low and constant friction in operation
• Reduced wear and air suction

The bottom line is that they really work! Right off the bat the two things we noticed were reduced stiction and much less pump-up during the course of a moto. These seals and swipers are now sold only as kits under part number KKC60002 (one seal, one swiper).

Sizes: YS – XXL
$13.88 (XL sizes $1 more)
Order Here

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Dec. 2, 2011) – The annual Thanksgiving trek down to Gainesville, Fla., for the nation’s top amateur motocross racers again paid big-time dividends for the world’s leading manufacturer of podium-driven competition mini cycles – Michigan-based Cobra Motorcycles.

The 40^th annual Thor Winter National Olympics, presented by Pro Circuit – better known as the “Mini Os” – crowned two 50cc class Cobra Nation riders with the coveted “Olympiad” title for their combined MX/SX efforts at Gatorback Cycle Park. Georgia’s Gage Linville (7-8 class) and Nevada’s Reed Cooper (4-6 class), names certainly destine to be reckoned with in the future (see Cobra’s: Millsaps, Alessi, Canard, Bowers, Stroupe, Izzi & Cianciarulo), raced to overall combined class victories on one of America’s key proving grounds for competition mini cycle brands.

In addition, the overall 2011 Loretta Lynn’s 50cc class 7-8 podium, including Reed and two of Cobra’s Bakersfield (Calif.) Boyz – Ryder Di Francesco and Jett Reynolds – made up the entire 7-8 50cc class Olympiad podium at the Mini Os, the first time in memory that that’s occurred.

“Just a great competition week down in Florida. Cobra kids showed up in full force and again had a decided impact on the 50cc class championships, while Cobra Nation racers continued to make successful inroads into the 65cc class’ top five overall results with our American-made CX65,” said Sean Hilbert, President of Cobra Motorcycles. “Congrats to Gage and ‘Reedy’ on their Olympiad titles, and to all the other Cobra Nation members that made the trip this year to Gatorback.”

Standing out amongst the usual titles for Cobra at the Mini Os was the fact that a high number of Cobra-backed riders will return to contest their same class for 2012. Linville, Di Francesco and 65cc class chargers Pierce Brown (Utah) and Tommy Rios (Florida) will all return as favorites in their respective classes beginning with the Amateur MX Nationals’ season-openers this March.

Also noteworthy from Cobra at the Mini Os …

· Maryland’s Jack Rogers was on it in the 65cc 7-9 class, piloting his Cobra CX 65 to a 2^nd place podium finish in the SX division.

· Both Brown & Rogers raced pre-production 2012 CX65s with Cobra’s new, industry-exclusive electronic power valve. And how’d it perform? “Really, really – REALLY – well,” beamed Hilbert.

· Other Cobra Nation podium performances at the Mini Os were scored by: Pennsylvania’s Cameron Davis (2^nd, 50cc SX 4-8 Stock) and Ohio’s Tanner Kemp (3^rd, 50cc SX 4-8 Stock).

· 50cc class racer Branden Walther (Texas) won his first-ever major Amateur MX National overall, taking the 4-8 MX class championship at Gainesville.

· The UK’s Dylan Woodcock won the opening moto in the 10-11 65cc Stock class – and was poised for an overall podium finish – when he slowed up a bit to remove a tear-off and was plowed into by another racer, costing him that probable podium.

2011 Cobra Mini Os photos by Rodney Webb

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Nov. 7, 2011) – It’s not surprising that the competition Cobra mini cycles that dominate the amateur motocross circuits around the world are also being piloted to championships in other areas. Cobras have shown up and set land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, won numerous junior class supermoto races and Cobra motors have powered ATVs to class championships as recently as the 2011 GNCCs.

So the latest note into Cobra HQ from a seven-year-old named Bodee O’Neil was just some more great news for Cobra’s stellar racing heritage as Bodee announced he’d just won the 2011 AMA Devil’s Staircase National Hillclimb Championship on his Cobra King 50.

“I began hillclimbing at the age of four and have loved it ever since,” said Bodee. “This past year my dad (Corey) purchased a King Cobra 50cc for me – and the bike has proven itself over and over during my racing season.”

Not only did Bodee win the National Championships in his age division, he also swept Minnesota’s District 23 and Wisconsin’s District 16 50cc AMA Amateur Hillclimbing Series titles, while also moving up to the 65cc class and did “quite well” on his Cobra King 50. And if that wasn’t cool enough, Bodee also won District 23’s ‘High Point’ award given to the top rider – all classes included – with the most points on the season!

“Everyone at Cobra HQ was fired up to hear from Bodee and his family – and our engineering team was thrilled to see the photographs of how Corey O’Neil modified Bodee’s swing arm for his Cobra to go hillclimbing,” said Cobra President Sean Hilbert. “So again, congrats from Cobra, Bodee, on a great AMA competition hillclimb season this year and we look forward to following your efforts on a Cobra CX65 in 2012!”

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Nov. 3, 2011) – Cobra-powered Hunter Hart was “The Man” in the 2011 Can-Am GNCC Series’ Youth ATV 90cc Open class, guiding his ECX chassis to an impressive string of ten victories – despite suffering a broken arm midway through the season – to become the youngest-ever GNCC youth overall champion!

The 11-year-old sixth grader from Newfield, N.Y., opened with a win in Week 1 of the GNCCs at River Ranch (Fla.) and never looked back, winning every round he started – the only DNS on the season being his home state race at Unadilla when his arm was on the mend (the result of a practice crash).

Hart reeled off victory after victory, racking up ten class wins in total throughout the spring/summer/fall GNCC season – and an equally impressive eight overall wins and two 2^nd place overall youth finishes.

All-White: TKC60001W

All-Black: TKC60001B

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Oct. 25, 2011) – We see it in their faces … that “No freakin’ way” look when a mini dad shows up to the MX track for the first time and his kid – sad to say on another brand - has to face a gate full of Cobras.

Humbling and unsettling at the same time. We truly feel for the kid. But there’s certainly a way around it … We’d love to sell you a Cobra!

For 2012 the already fast, amateur MX national-title dominating Cobra lineup receives improvements in a number of areas – ranging from the CX65’s all-new, game-changing computer controlled electronic power valve 65cc engine to Cobra’s new and improved patented Cobra Friction Drive® – destine to change the competition mini playing field even more in favor of kids on new Cobras. And don’t forget Cobra’s CNC machined mag wheels that set the standard for maintenance-free service – all features that evolved from the Cobra engineering staff taking the time to show at the races with the legions of dads (and moms and grandpas) who keep the Cobra Generation™ running and getting their valuable input on how to improve our bikes.

“Cobra engineers and technicians have been working very hard toward the launch of these models — fender to fender, top to bottom, engine to chassis. We are very pumped to show off the improvements to the 2012 Cobra lineup,” said Phil McDowell, Cobra’s Chief Engineer. “From the CX50 Junior to the CX50 Senior (“King” Cobra) and the CX65, 2012 enhancements will further the lineage of the world’s most successful competition mini cycle line, making them even stronger, faster and more reliable.”

Here’s a look at the changes in store for the 2012 Cobra mini cycle lineup, beginning with the CX65.

CX65

· All-new engine featuring Cobra’s direct-acting electronic power valve. More torque, more power = winning performance.

· All new shift mechanism provides smooth power-shifting even in the deepest loamy conditions.

· CARD piggyback rear shock with adjustable rebound, adjustable high speed compression, and adjustable low speed compression – more features than most of the big bike shocks!

· Class-leading twin spar High-Strength Low-Alloy oval tube frame – super-strong, outstanding lateral strength with just the right amount of torsional rigidity.

· X-Track aluminium swingarm: Aerospace construction technology delivers light weight and improved rear wheel tracking.

· Largest air box in its class featuring the largest filter surface area of any 65cc bike out there. The result: More power under the worst of conditions.

· Improved Steering Head – Double-sealed steering head design improves bearing life and steering performance.

· All-new CARD front brake system. Super adjustable for all sized hands, progressive feel for excellent control, and a tight package for minimal weight and excellent ground clearance.

· Billet triple clamps with adjustable bar mounts.

· Scott soft compound grips.

· Dunlop MX51 rubber.

Cobra CX50 Sr., aka the “King” Cobra

· Revolutionary MXT front fork – Cobra’s new Velocity Sensitive Traction Control fork will revolutionize the competition minicycle market. Our exclusive-to-Cobra 30mm USD architecture is designed specifically for the 50cc application. It’s not just a shortened version of a fork meant for a larger bike! Furthermore, its action is very supple over small bumps, yet the fork is highly progressive for excellent control through the biggest of hits. Couple these improvements in damping with drastically reduced friction, and lap times will drop!

· Patented Cobra Friction Drive® – no one else has anything close. Cobra’s all new CFD design is much easier to maintain, and it offers reduced gear drag and lower rotating inertia. Of course, the benefits of a well-protected driveline and improved traction and suspension action are retained from our previous design.

· CARD piggyback rear shock with adjustable rebound, adjustable high speed compression, and adjustable low speed compression – more features than most of the big bike shocks!

· The King Cobra’s world-class engine features an improved exhaust port, reduced friction, V-force reeds, and a transmission gear set designed for the world’s toughest competition.

· Class-leading twin spar high strength low alloy oval tube frame – super-strong, outstanding lateral strength with just the right amount of torsional rigidity.

· New super-protective fork guards.

· Largest air box in its class with a real air filter featuring the largest filter surface area that is vertically mounted for optimal engine protection and maximum power.

· Improved Steering Head – Double-sealed steering head design improves bearing life and steering performance.

· Highly-tuned off-plane stamped pipe = more power, more ground clearance and less prone to damage.

· Cobra exclusive 2012 “Mag” wheels are lighter weight, stronger and, as always, maintenance-free! The new rear wheel is more than 25% lighter than last year.

· Billet triple clamps with adjustable bar mounts.

· Scott soft compound grips.

· Dunlop MX51 rubber.

CX50 Jr.

· An all-new piggyback CARD rear shock with high and low speed adjustable dampening control.

· An optimal combination of bodywork design, chassis layout, and suspension geometry that lets the CX50 Jr. squeeze out 25mm more suspension travel (front and rear) than our competitors.

· New enhanced frame design soaks up even more punishment for 2012.

· All-New Radiator Shrouds – Not only do the 2012 shrouds give the bike a much needed facelift, but they fit and perform better as well! Count on increased air flow over the radiator, improved radiator protection, and more comfortable ergonomics.

· Cobra exclusive 30mm USD forks feature more supple action for 2012.

· New cylinder head design for easier maintenance and improved torque.

· Cobra’s 2012 “Mag” wheels are lighter weight, stronger, and as always, maintenance-free! The new rear wheel is more than 25% lighter weight than last year.

· Improved Steering Head – Double-sealed steering head design improves bearing life and steering performance.

· Billet triple clamps with adjustable bar mounts.

· Scott soft compound grips.

· Dunlop MX51 rubber.

Last year’s 50cc champ stepped up big-time and recorded a total of eight podium finishes and three overall wins this season culminating in the championship. His hometown newspaper even put him on the front page!

Great job Eli!

Full white plastic kits are now available for the King and JR. CX65 kits will be available soon, and we’ll also be adding black to the lineup. Pictures and part numbers below:

King 50 (2010-2012): TKCS0001W

CX50JR (2004-2012): TKCJ0002W

A huge congrats goes out to DJ Bassani (Sussex, NJ) for putting it all together in this year’s 70cc Mod title chase at the ATVA Nationals. DJ did it on a Cobra 70cc powered ECX Quad prepared by Wiley Mods. Paul at Wiley Mods has been working hard on making the Cobra 70cc engine platform the one to beat, and it appears he was successful! Congratulations to DJ and Wiley Mods!

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Aug. 29, 2011) – Canada recently hosted its answer to the States’ Loretta Lynn’s amateur MX championships with the annual running of the Parts Unlimited TransCan GNC held at the historic Walton Raceway in Ontario.

With more than 1,000 motocross racers and their families in attendance, Canada’s annual “Celebration of Motocross” is the culmination of CMRC (Canada’s FIM affiliate) regional qualifiers across each of Canada’s provinces from coast-to-coast. Four days of racing culminate with racers in their respective divisions being crowned as the country’s top amateur racer.

As it has in the United States, Cobra was well-represented on top of the Parts TransCan podiums as Cobra racers on the CX50 Junior, CX50 Senior and CX65 all won championships at the 20^th anniversary of the inception of the TransCan MX.

Cobra champions at Parts TransCan

50cc Junior

1^st – Scott Hunter, Orillia, Ont.

50cc Senior

1^st – Jeremy McKie, Beloeil, Quebec

65cc 10-11

1^st – Tanner Ward, Beachville, Ont.

“Cobra recognizes this major event north of our border and would like to congratulate our racers – Scott, Hunter and Tanner – on a job well done in being named Canadian National MX Champions,” said Sean Hilbert, President of Cobra Motorcycles.

Robertson & Di Francesco photos courtesy of Rodney Webb

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Aug. 11, 2011) – A couple young rippers from Bakersfield, Calif. – Stilez Robertson and Ryder Di Francesco – wrote a historic new chapter into the ongoing heritage of the American-made Cobra competition mini cycles as the two swept the 50cc classes at the 30^th annual Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by AMSOIL.

Held at country singing legend Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., Di Francesco became the first five-year old in the storied history of the event to win the 51cc (4-6) AMA 2 Stock Junior class. He gave up the first moto to his central Cal riding buddy, Jett Reynolds, then went on to win the next two motos. New York’s Reed Cooper got progressively better as the week went on, going 5^th/4^th/2^nd and placing on the Stock Junior class in 3^rd behind Jett and Robertson.

Overall Cobra took eight out of the top ten spots in the Stock Junior class – including 1^st through 7^th place, and 16 out of the top 20 places!

Racing his final Loretta’s on a Cobra, Robertson set a 50cc class wins record that’s going to be tough to beat. Recording his 26^th win, Robertson broke the record previously held by former Cobra racer Adam Cianciarulo. Robertson went 1^st/1^st/1^st to win out in the 51cc (7-8) AMA 1 Stock Senior class to become the winningest AMA amateur racer ever on 50cc bikes.

Robertson led a Cobra charge in the Stock Senior class that included a 1^st through 6^th place sweep on the legendary Cobra King 50 bikes, joined on the podium by California’s Dilan Schwartz (2^nd) and Utah’s Pierce Brown (3^rd).

“Everyone at Cobra is thrilled for the effort put forth not only by our Stock Junior and Stock Senior class podium placers, but also for the efforts by their families backing these young racers,” said Sean Hilbert, President of Cobra Motorcycles. “Stilez and Ryder’s record-setting efforts highlighted another epic year for Cobra at Loretta’s. And while we certainly wish Stilez all the best as he moves forward with the Team Green program, we’re equally pumped to have such solid group of kids returning to the Cobra program for 2012.”

In the 65cc (7-9) Stock class Cobra’s Brown – on the American-made CX65 – raced to a 6^th place finish, which was the second-best finish in the class for an eight-year old.

Ponca City update: In the 50 Pee Wee Stock through 6 class Reynolds and Di Francesco went 1^st/2^nd – with Cobra bikes taking nine out of the top ten spots! Similar results would follow in Ponca’s 50 Pee Wee Modified through 6 class as Reynolds was again unstoppable, joined on the podium by fellow Bakersfield, Calif., native Brock Bennett in 2^nd place. Again, Cobra would capture nine out of the top ten places in the 50 Pee Wee Modified through 6 class – including 1^st and 2^nd place!

In the 50 Pee Wee Stock 7-8 class Cobra’s Ethan Mann, Brown and Robertson swept the podium with a 1^st/2^nd/3^rd showing in the massive 57-rider class. Oregon’s Max Miller would step up and take top honors on his King 50 in the 50 Pee Wee Modified 7-8 class, with Robertson and Brown rounding out the podium.

The Super Pee Wee Modified 6-9 class would bring all the class champs together for one big race – all brands included – and Cobra racers would again sweep the podium with Brown, Miller and Robertson going 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd.

All totaled the Cobra Nation swept every 50 class victory at Ponca. Way to go, guys!

On the 65s at Ponca Brown made the transition from his King 50 to the Cobra CX65 nicely, winning the first 65 Junior Stock 6-8 moto and placing 2^nd overall behind his Cobra 50 class teammate, Robertson. And in the 65 Junior Modified 6-8 class Brown scored another Ponca podium, placing 3^rd overall.

For more information on the 2011 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Championships – including up-to-date scoring, link to the Loretta’s website at: http://www.mxsports.com

For Ponca City info link to: www.nmamx.com

HILLSDALE, Mich., (Aug. 1, 2011) – Hosting some 72 of the nation’s top young amateur motocross racers arriving from all points on the map, American-made Cobra Motorcycles has landed in balmy Hurricane Mills, Tenn. – the proving grounds for the world’s top amateur racers at the 30^th annual Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by AMSOIL.

An illustrious friend to motocross, country singer Loretta Lynn has opened the gates to her sprawling ranch every August since 1981 for the top amateur racers and their families – those that have met all the standards for the strict qualifying process over the past several months to arrive at this great race. And “great” in that just the phrase Qualifying for Loretta’s has become part of the MX industry’s lexicon, relating to excellence not only in racing, but product engineering as well. And this is precisely why, year after year, the Made-in-Michigan Cobra Motorcycles continue to showcase Loretta Lynn’s as title chapters in the company’s amazing heritage, with racing lineage centered at Loretta’s while spanning the globe with its legendary competition mini cycles.

Sean Hilbert, President of Cobra, is one of the nation’s leading advocates in the AMA’s “Kids just want to ride” campaign to save the sport of mini bike racing as we now know it. Hilbert has both feet planted firmly on the rich, loamy Loretta’s Ranch soil – there for each and every Cobra Kid competing at the Ranch and pleased to talk about the new 2012 Cobra CX 50 Senior and Junior and the revolutionary CX65 flagship models with those whose kids wish to follow in the “Cobra Generation’s” footsteps.

“Loretta’s is our Super Bowl, all rolled into one week of the best amateur racing we’ll see all year,” said Hilbert. “This is the one, with some big time bragging rights on the line. Our kids are pumped. Their dads and families are pumped. And this is what makes all those sleepless nights brainstorming on how to make one of a thousand parts on the Cobra bikes -built here in our Michigan factory – lighter, stronger and better.

“We want the Cobra brand and the great riders – and families behind them – to have every possible advantage out there. And one week in August at Loretta’s Ranch is what it’s all about for us at Cobra.”

2011 Cobra/Loretta’s Preview

51cc (4-6) AMA 1 Stock Junior class … aka “The little guys”

2010 class champ: Gage Linville (Cobra)

Led by Cobra’s “Bakersfield Boyz,” the 4-6 class should see a lot of Jett Reynolds, Brock Bennett and Ryder Di Francesco – both out front and on the overall podium. Champions of the highly competitive NMA U.S. Mini GPs held earlier this year in Mesquite, Nevada, Reynolds, Bennett & Di Francesco come from the same town – Bakersfield, Calif. – that produced Cobra’s top 51cc senior class racer, Stilez Robertson. Also keep an eye on Texas’ Seth Milam, Missouri’s Brock Lassiter, Pennsylvania’s Callin Kauffman, Washington’s Alex Mann and New York’s Reed Cooper.

51cc (7-8) AMA 2 Stock Senior class … “The King Cobras”

2010 class champ: Jackson Turpin (Cobra)

Last year, as a seven-year-old, Robertson won the opening 7-8 AMA 2 moto and was poised to take the overall when he wrecked on the start straight and was only able to make it back to 11^th in the third and deciding moto, settling on 4^th overall. Robertson returns this year on his King Cobra as the odds-on favorite to win the class, having dominated his division both here – sweeping both the 7-8 Stock and Modified classes at the Mini GPs – and winning the MX Masters Kids in France already this summer.

Joining Robertson as a number of other Cobra front-running favorites in the 7-8 AMA 2 class are Utah’s Pierce Brown, Oregon’s Max Miller, Washington’s Ethan Mann – who just converted to Cobra, Pennsylvania’s Chase Yentzer and last year’s 4-6 AMA 1 class champion at Loretta’s, Georgia’s Linville.

Also with solid top ten shots at Loretta’s on their King Cobras are: Riley Allen, Braden Bruce, Cade Britt, Vance Stiers, Branden Walther, Dylan Schwartz, Jace Kessler, Gauge Keith, Jayden Taylor, Cole Harkins, Keith Davis and Lawson Hardwick.

65cc (7-9) Stock, (10-11) Stock & (7-11) Modified … “The 65s”

2010 top Cobra: Chase Sexton (Cobra), 3^rd, (7-11) Modified

Last year Illinois’ Chase Sexton scored Cobra’s first podium in the brief history of the new CX65. In 2011 Cobra 65cc racers will continue to expand upon the American-made competition mini cycle’s race heritage, looking to add an overall class victory at Loretta’s like Sexton did at the first major MX Amateur National last year – the 2010 Mini Os in Gainesville, Fla.

In the 65cc (7-9) Stock class Cobra has more entries in 2011 than ever before. Cobra’s Brown will line up his CX65 in hopes of replicating the success he met at the NMA Mini GPs – a podium 3^rd place finish in the Stock 7-8 class in Mesquite this year. Other top Cobra riders in that class include Jack Rogers, Jordan Jarvis – the only girl to qualify for the 7-9 65cc Stock class since its inception – Tyler Archambault, Bruce, Tres Campbell and Kruz Sampson. And in the Stock (10-11) class Cobra’s best shot at a trophy looks to be with Canada’s Tanner Ward and Missouri’s Michael Hicks.

For more information on the 2011 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Championships – including up-to-date scoring, link to the Loretta’s website at: http://www.mxsports.com

That’s how Grant Parsons of the AMA worded his headline in the August 2011 issue of American Motorcyclist. It’s a great article, and if you haven’t read it, head to the AMA Website to check out the full text and pictures. To top it all off, Chase Yentzer (Cobra Team Rider) and his Cobra made the cover!

Dylan Woodcock photo courtesy of Ian Roxburgh

HILLSDALE, Mich., (July 13, 2011) – Chalk up two more impressive victories for Cobra competition mini cycles on the global stage as California’s Stilez Robertson and the UK’s Dylan Woodcock scored overall victories in their respective 50cc and 65cc classes at the eighth annual MX Master Kids held at France’s Commercy MX track.

Robertson opened the competition by dominating the 50cc 9-and-under qualifiers on his Cobra CX50 Sr., aka the “King 50.” The skies would open up a bit prior to the start of Robertson’s main event and, on a greasy track, he had to come from behind to catch the leaders. Passing for the lead versus a KTM-mounted Estonian racer, Robertson looked to be into the clear around the third lap – only to get punted in a corner by the same racer.

With the No. 1 and No. 2 riders on the ground, Robertson was able to get back up and mount an attack on the new lead racer – who he’d passed en route to his initial moto lead position. Committed, Robertson pinned his King 50 and passed for the lead, eventually opening up a 30-second margin at the checkers. And all that with a flat rear tire!

And equaling the excitement of Robertson’s 50cc class finals run was Woodcock in the 65cc class. Held up in the first turn, Woodcock was back in 14^th place in the full-gate 65 class finals moto. Picking off rider after rider the UK’s top mini cycle racer – on his Cobra CX65 – finally caught the lead rider and passed him with four corners remaining. The two battled to the end and Woodcock won ‘er at the checkers!

“It was one of those races where, at the start, you were saying to yourself ‘Never, not going to happen,’” said Cobra’s European operative Neil McClelland of Woodcock’s perceived chances to win. “And then it did. Definitely the weekend’s most thrilling race out of all the classes.”

Also running well on his Cobra CX65 was the UK’s Harry Wichmann, who placed 5^th in the 65cc class at the MX Master Kids.

Jordan, piloting the American-made Cobra CX65, returns to the 30^th annual Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National MX Championships for the second time

HILLSDALE, Mich., (June 9, 2011) – A big shout out from everyone at Cobra Motorcycles to New Jersey’s Jordan “JJ” Jarvis for qualifying for the 30^th annual Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National MX Championships, presented by AMSOIL.

A 2010 Loretta’s qualifier in the 50cc 7-8 class – the first girl to qualify for that class in the sport’s history – Jarvis, now ten years old, made the transition to the Cobra CX65 this year and has been on it! This past weekend she qualified for Loretta’s out of the Spring Creek MX regional in Athens, Ohio.

“We couldn’t be happier for Jordan and her dad, Rich, and mom, Kathi,” said Cobra President Sean Hilbert. “We’ve scanned the records several times and believe that Jordan’s also the first girl to qualify for the Loretta’s 65cc 7-9 class – at least since the early 1980s, if not ever.

“And she’s certainly the first girl in Cobra’s history to qualify for Loretta’s in the 65 class.”

Jordan’s tore up the east coast versus some of the top amateur boy motocross competitors in the United States since starting racing as a five-year-old. And though humble regarding her successes, she’s definitely focused on the work it takes in order to qualify for the sport’s biggest amateur event in August in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

“I’m really looking forward to racing Loretta’s again. Last year was a lot of fun and I like beating the boys,” said Jordan.

This summer Jordan will also be able to contest the new Girls 9-11 85cc class at Loretta’s, although her father thinks she’s better off racing against the boys – like she always has.

“It’ll be important for her to race against the girls – and we’re confident she’ll do well,” said Rich Jarvis. “But she pushes so much harder against the boys. And that’s where JJ’s at her best.”

Next up for Jordan on the national scene will be the Aug. 1^st – 6^th AMA Amateur National MX Championships at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.