The following is from X Games 16…X Games 16 returns to Los Angeles this week with a host of motorized mayhem set to go off July 29-31. Everything from Best Whip and Best Trick to all out Rally Car racing is on tap for the summer bash. Moto X Super X competition is also set to return with classes for men, women and adaptive athletes. Don’t miss Super X Adaptive along with Moto X Freestyle and Skateboard Big Air starting at the Historic LA Coliseum on Thursday, July 29. Tickets are only $16 and available at www.ticketmaster.com/xgames.
The big news from X-16 is not so much what is happening, but who is going to be going off. X Games legend and perennial crowd favorite Travis Pastrana is in and competing in multiple disciplines, while Supercross superstar Jeremy McGrath is out (well, out of the competition and into the broadcast booth this year instead). MC brings his insight straight from the track last year to the microphone for X Games 16. Unfortunately the first story Jeremy will have to confirm is that James Stewart will not be bringing Bubba’s World to the Best Whip, Moto Super X and Speed & Style competition in LA.
In other late breaking news, a broken femur suffered by Stewart’s L&M Yamaha teammate Josh Hill puts him out of the field for X Games 16. Last Thursday Hill had been practicing his back flip for the Speed & Style competition when he crashed hard. “Broken femur, broken shoulder and a couple of fractures on his pelvis,” was the word from L&M team manager Larry Brooks. “Yes, I know he is a kid and doesn’t always make the best decisions, but he is a really good kid and has a huge talent racing motorcycles,” says an obviously disappointed Brooks. “He was just trying to do something spectacular for you guys – the fans.”In better news for freestyle fans, look for a little thunder from downunder as Australia’s Jarryd McNeil is in for Best Whip. Although this will be the 18-year old’s first appearance at X Games, he is familiar with the FMX competition, having been part of the recent Nitro Circus Live tour of Australia where McNeil was seen throwing down some of the biggest whips anyone has ever seen! “It has always been a dream of mine to compete on the big stage,” says the affable Aussie. “I am also very grateful that Travis Pastrana put a good word to the organizers to help me gain an invite, and for having me on the Nitro tour.”Speaking of sick tricks… although not officially part of the FMX competition inside the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the street stunters from the XDL Championship series will be putting on a free “Xhibition” at X Games 16. Check out the show-stopping stunts of series regulars like Scorpion’s Eric “E-Brake” Petit (pictured) and Josh Borne for the freestyle street machines. The XDL program will run from Noon to 3:30 p.m. on Lot 4 at the south side of the stadium. An all-star cast of athletes from the XDL series has been invited, including the ever-popular Teach McNeil and Josh Borne and they will be showing off stunts like Freestyle Burnout, the Circle Challenge and the aptly named “Sickest Trick” throughout the afternoon. “Being a welcome part of the X Games in any capacity is the culmination of a dozen years of blood, sweat and tears,” explains XDL founder Randy Grube. “I’m excited to let the athletes show off their skills for the X Games crowd… should be a great time!” In addition to the two-wheeled Stunts and Moto X Super X competition, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will also host the Rally Car SuperRally racing. Easily the fastest event of X Games 16, SuperRally will be held in, and around, the historic stadium… including the infamous “peristyle jump” launching competitors from the top of the entrance all the way down to the stadium floor! Above and beyond the high-flying motorized action, BMX Freestyle Big Air, Skateboard Big Air and Skateboard Big Air Rail Jam competition will also be housed at the same facility. The human-powered flights of fancy should rival the MX bikes as the athletes will be launching over massive 50- and 70-foot gaps into a 27-foot quarterpipe that has been specially constructed for X Games 16.
X Games 16 Competition Schedule:
The X Games makes its eight appearance in Los Angeles July 29-August 1 with events staged at the STAPLES Center, the Nokia Theatre (across the street from the STAPLES Center), and the Event Deck at LA Live. To purchase X Games 16 tickets ( Click). Ticket prices range from $9 – $40, depending on the venue, with seats for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum costing a flat $16 for the Moto X Super X Men’s, Women’s and Adaptive Racing, BMX Freestyle Big Air, Skateboard Big Air, Skateboard Big Air Rail Jam and Rally Car Racing.
