Loco X is proud to be an official sponsor of FMX East. The FMX East group puts on amateur events that give up and coming riders the chance to compete in judged FMX events. It's not that hard to get out on a weekend and find a motocross event to enter and race in, but finding a freestyle motocross event to compete in can be pretty challenging. We feel like these guys are doing a really good thing for the FMX community as a whole by setting these events up. They are also helping to show the rest of the country (and world) that there are in fact freestyle riders outside of the western half of the United States. It's true,I've seen them, and they are good. FMX East also spends a lot of their time out on the road putting on demos. For the right price you could even have them come out to your house party and absolutely blow the roof off of that sucker! If you do decide to have them perform at your party, be sure to invite us as well.

We've been growing more and more fond of these guys and are proud to be helping them out with some free motocross gear, parts, and public support so that they can keep doing what they do. Now, for your reading pleasure, here is my interview with Clint Esposito the founder and general ambassador of FMX East.

Loco X: Do you consider FMX East to be an official team or more of a network of FMX riders?

Clint: It's definitely more of a network of riders/friends right now. However I'm working towards making it moreof a full on team. I'd like to be able to help my guys out more.

Loco X: Are most of your events done in conjunction with the AFMXA or do you tend to do them as solely FMX East events?

Clint: This past summer was the first time we teamed up with the AFMXA. I had been doing amateur events on my own for the past couple years. I was asked to be part of their series and I realized it would be an opportunity to give back on a bigger scale. The contests are a very small portion of our schedule. Most of our events are demos and things like that.

Loco X: When did you start FMX East and what made you decide to do it?

Clint: I started the team in2001. I realized that with the industry so far away and the lack of press over here in the East that it would make more sense for a group of riders to promote themselves as a team than it would for them to try and promote themselves individually.

Loco X: Have you thought about trying to get an FMX park going in Georgia that would be open to the public? It could be a good spot for the amateur riders who compete in your events to practice.

Clint: Funny you should ask that. I am in the midst of setting up a riding facility at a motocross track near my house for that very reason. We are working on the logistics and red tape now. Once it's set up I will be doing FMX lessons and camps there. Plus of course we will have a round of the FMX East Challenge series there!

Loco X: It's pretty much impossible to do anything really fun in the US without dealing with a lot ofred tape. I believe that is why we have the red stripes on our flag. They are a warning to potential fun seekers that they will be able their fun, but not without filling out tons of paperwork first. Also, I can't wait to see the place once you get it up and running.

Loco X: What are you most looking forward to in 2011? Keep in mind that if the Mayans are right then this is your last year to accomplish your life's goals. Time to go for broke.

Clint: Haha I'm looking forward to progressing in life and business. I don't feel the Mayan time crunch. I have always felt like the clock was ticking and that I better make stuff happen. The last 30 years of my life weren't promised to me. You never know which will be your last day so I try to make them all count.

Loco X: I've been told that you and Chuck Carothers are working together in the near future. Do you have any specific projects in mind that you would like to work on with Chuck?

Clint: Yea Chuck and I work together to promote our amateur freestyle contests. We worked with the AFMXA this year to put on the whole series. Plus Chuck will be riding with me at some of my shows first quarter.

Loco X: What made you decide to head down south to Georgia from New Jersey?

Clint: Long story short,weather, location and the acceptance of motorsports. Haha I can ride more of the year. I drive a lot so it's centrally located to the entire eastern half of the country. Lastly Motorsports and mainly Motocross have a way bigger following here.

Loco X: On a side note, I've been watching a lot of Monster Quest on The History Channel and there was an episode called "Devils In New Jersey." How do you feel about the New JerseyDevil? Have you ever had a potential sighting/encounter? Do the Pine Barrens suck as bad as they look like they do on TV?

Clint: Hahaha I have heard stories for a long time about the NJ Devil. Never seen him myself though. Guess I didn't hang out in the Pine Barrens that much, just went riding there when I was younger. I would compare it to being deep in the swamps of GA, desolate and a bit creepy. The difference is instead of rednecks we have white trash. Haha they are slightly different.

Loco X: How do you feel about becoming part of the LocoX.com family? Did Dave explain all of the rules that go with joining the family?

Clint: I'm very excited to join the fam! They are my type of people, a little messed up by "society's standards." Haha Yea he explained everything, in fact I have already been beaten in and gotten my Sanchez tattoo. I just have to switch to a strict tequila and dos XX diet.

Loco X: It takes a few weeks to get acclimated to the diet. Expect it to look and feel exactly the same on the way out as it does on the way in.

Loco X: Did Dave attempt to purchase your soul during the contract negotiations? He's been known to do that. You may want to re-read your contract and see if he slipped that in the fine print.

Clint: It was never brought up,however he did try to get me to sign in blood... I thought that was odd.

Loco X: Well Clint, it is odd.But, that's how he likes to do things. If it doesn't hurt at least a little bit, it must not be that important.

Loco X: Why don't you ever come visit us? Our sponsored Street Bike Freestyle rider Rodney Sargent of Anger Management in Atlanta visits us pretty often. Have you already decided that you are too good for us?

Clint: Aww man, don't make me feel bad. I missed the Christmas party because I was in good old NJ at my parents, where I am still stuck because of the snow. Speaking of Rodney I'm trying to figure out where he gets all this gas money...

Loco X: As best as I can tell Rodney's Tundra runs off of hopes, dreams, and good intentions. Either that or he pedals it around.

For more info on FMX East events and booking info make sure you check out their website FMX East.com. Also, don't forget that it you are in need of some new motocross gear, dirt bike parts, or motocross casual wear come hit us up at LocoX.com!

Collective Licensing International (CLI) is pleased to announce the addition of Ronnie Renner, professional Freestyle Motocross (FMX) athlete, to the Airwalk pro team. Under the agreement, Renner will endorse Airwalk footwear as the first Freestyle Motocross athlete on the roster. As one of the hardest working athletes in FMX, Renner has the skills and attitude to be the perfect ambassador to introduce Airwalk to the Moto world.

"Ronnie is one of the most respected athletes in motocross with a long future ahead of him; we're proud to support him and make him a part of the Airwalk team," said Bruce Pettet, President and CEO of Collective Licensing International.

An 11-year FMX veteran, Renner brings a full resume of achievements, as well as a competitive spirit to Airwalk. Last year the 32-year-old took home the gold in the X Games Step-Up and has been a consistent top performer in prior competitions. In 2008, Renner set a World Record for the highest Motorcycle jump on a quarter pipe at a staggering 59 feet 2 inches on California's Santa Monica pier only to break it one year later at 63 feet 5 inches.

Renner has appeared on MTV's Nitro Circus and Fuel TV's The Great Ride Open and has earned podium positions in X Games, Red Bull X-Fighters and many others. Renner is also working on his own "Freeride Tour," a venture that allows budding FMX riders to spend a week at a time at riding locations across the country.

"I am thrilled to be part of the Airwalk team, I have been a fan of the brand since I was a teenager," said Renner. "It's exciting to have Airwalk recognize Moto, I'm looking forward to a great year ahead."

Renner joins world-class athletes on the Airwalk roster including skateboarders Andy Macdonald and Tulio de Oliveira, surfers Anastasia Ashley and Warren Metcalfe, and Snowboarders Lindsey Jacobellis and Erich Dummer. For more information about Airwalk products and the Airwalk team, visit the official web site at www.airwalk.com.

Jgermeister, the brand known for consumer level innovative marketing programs and promotions, will once again be recognized as the official and exclusive spirit sponsor world's premiere stadium off-road motorcycle circuit: the 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Jgermeister is the first distilled spirit to sponsor AMA Supercross.

Monster Energy Supercross fans will experience "Jager World" through the brand's various initiatives on the 17-stop racing circuit. In addition to sponsoring the 2010 supercross season, Jgermeister will sponsor the Freestyle Motocross Jump Team to perform at supercross races, which includes top riders from around the world, including - Mike Metzger and "Cowboy" Kenny Bartram. The state-of-the-art Jgermeister Mobile Stage will be setup in the pit area of the stadiums* and will feature live music and DJs throughout the day. Jgermeister also plans to host riders and VIPs 21 years of age or older in the Jgermeister Dome, complete with the world renowned Jgerettes and various interactive games. At select Monster Energy Supercross races throughout the 2010 season, Jgermeister will be conducting a text to win sweepstakes. Prizes include a brand new KTM/Jgermeister motorcycle and Jgermeister Tap Machines.

"Monster Energy Supercross has proven to be a great platform for Jgermeister and we look forward to increasing our presence in the 2010 season," stated Bill Henderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. "We are excited to continue building momentum in the supercross arena with the best in the industry, Feld Motor Sports and top FMX riders Metzger and Bartram."

"We are looking forward to another successful season with the Jgermeister supercross partnership," said Todd Jendro, Senior Director of Operations, Feld Motor Sports. "Their global brand awareness and on-site activation will continue to enhance the overall supercross experience."

"I am looking forward to getting back to my roots of supercross again," says Bartram. "Even though I am not racing in the race, I feel like I am a big part of supercross again with the Jgermeister FMX team." Mike Metzger adds, "I'm excited to be at the Supercross and Outdoor Nationals and ride with Cowboy Kenny Bartram and the MOB Syndicate riders Rob Distler & Thomas Alves."

Activation of the Jgermeister supercross sponsorship begins with the season opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on January 9, 2010 and will take place in 15 markets throughout the country. The 2010 Monster Energy Supercross schedule is located on Jgermeister's newly redesigned website, www.jager.com.

THQ Inc. today announced that the MX vs. ATVTM ReflexTM demo is now available for download from Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION Store. Featuring one outdoor national event, one high-flying freestyle event and six tutorial lessons, the MX vs. ATV Reflex demo offers gamers an early chance to experience the revolutionary Rider Reflex control scheme and real-time terrain deformation on a motocross bike or all-terrain vehicle.

MX vs. ATV Reflex is the fourth iteration of the multi-million unit selling franchise, and is scheduled to be released for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system and Nintendo DS on December 1, 2009. Fast action calls for fast reaction.

About MX vs. ATV Reflex

MX vs. ATV Reflex marks the highly anticipated return of the best-selling off-road racing franchise and features the all-new Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine, Rider Reflex control system and real-time terrain deformation. The Rider Reflex control system provides unparalleled precision and fluidity by separating machine steering from body positioning, which allows the independently controlled rider to shift his weight, perform death-defying stunts and avoid potentially devastating wrecks. Unprecedented terrain deformation creates ever-changing courses as off-road vehicles carve lines and deep ruts that have a real-time impact on gameplay and remain persistent through the full length of each race. For more information on MX vs. ATV Reflex, please visit www.mxvsatv.com.

Words and Photos: Kristen Beat

After X-Games you are most likely to find your favorite athletes in state of comatose, completely exhausted and more than willing to hibernate for the following weeks. Todd Potter is no such creature. After succeeding to bring home a gold medal in Best Whip, and a bronze in Freestyle, you may dare say Potter is the new king of the jungle and he's ready for more.

I had the chance to briefly catch up with him and hear all about what's going on in the life of Todd (which by the way would be an extremely entertaining reality show- trust me, are you listening MTV? ).

Can you describe your experience at X-Games this year?
My experience was really good. I think getting two medals out of three events went over really well. I'm pretty stoked I put in the hard work and it came out good for me.

How much time do you spend preparing for an event like X-Games?
Before X-Games I'll ride twice a day every day about two or three months before. I do other cross training stuff like bicycle riding, a little but of gym action, just stay on top of my game.

Do you think the judging was valid in placing Kyle Loza higher than Bilko in best trick?
I think Loza had a really good performance and everything but if you're going off the innovation of the trick, Bilko should have won.

Do you think Travis Pastrana's Rodeo 720 is possible for any athlete?
I think it's a little bit before it's time, but you'll definitely see some good crashes from guys trying to go for it.

What can we expect for next year?
I plan on competing in every event that I did this year, but add step up & truck racing.

Truck racing eh, could you elaborate on that?
I have a '98 F-150 with suspension, I'm going to build a track and get good, then come out and find a ride.

Is there anything you're working on now?
I'm going to be working on stuff all year long. I really want to get a 360 down and get it a little more like a bmx 360. Bilko's are pretty good. I also am going to try some other stuff too, but that's top secret okay?

Got it, ok thanks for your time Todd!
Thanks

Editor's Note: Think only heros get their own action figures? Damn straight they do! Keep an eye out for a Todd Potter figurine at a store near you.

About the Author:
Kristen Beat has been grinding away as a member of the moto press for a number of years now. While the staff here at Motocross.com call her "The Intern", she works hard and deserves an additional bit of recognition for all that she has done for us. When she's not running around the campus of her college (no, we won't tell you where she goes to school) and writing articles for Motocross.com, she's doin' work over at Fuel TV. The next Erin Bates? We think so.