LA Times Looks Forward to Super X at the X Games

Check out this LA Times article, where reporter Baxter Holmes gives the scoop on what's so special about X Games 16. This year's games will feature two new events, and also set the stage for Supercross' LA comeback. How appropriate, since Josh Hansen just wrapped up what many have called his comeback season, and is ready to defend the gold!

At X Games 16 there's something new-- and something old, revisited.

by Baxter Holmes

Boil the history of action sports down to its essence, and a single phrase emerges: Can you top this?

That concept has driven the sport's growth for decades, and the X Games does the same, adding new events or twists to old ones seemingly every year.


For example, the X Games added the big air skateboarding event in 2004 after Danny Way, the event's pioneer, pushed for it. Another change came in 2009 when X Games officials heeded the request of skaters and created a concrete skate park for a different skateboarding competition, switching from the wooden park used the year before.

This year, at X Games 16, which begins Thursday in downtown Los Angeles, there are two new events, plus an old event that returns to its iconic birthplace. Here's a look at what's new:

Real Street

In a nod to the growing skateboard filming industry, the X Games allowed 12 top street skaters to each submit a one-minute, trick-loaded video for a shot at a gold medal and a $50,000 first prize.

"There's a huge segment of skaters and all they want to do is film," said Tim Reed, ESPN senior director of sports and competition. "It's great to give them a board platform to show what they can do."

The videos are available online and will be telecast Sunday. A panel of professional skaters will decide the winner. Fans can vote online for their own favorite; the winner there gets $2,500.

Johnny Layton, a street skater from Long Beach, agreed to enter the competition because making videos is a daily routine for him, as it is with many other skaters. "It's crazy — every day you can go online and there's another person with another video," he said. (read more...)

Josh Hansen Gears Ups for X Games 16!

EKC client, motocross champ, and "Hills" heartthrob Josh Hansen has been crazy busy the past couple weeks prepping for what he hopes will be his THIRD consecutive win at the Summer X Games. Now, the heat is on, with the Games only two days away.

Josh will be competing in three events this year: Supercross, Speed & Style, and Best Whip. We can't wait to cheer him on this Thursday as he goes for yet another gold medal!

To help encourage Josh, we're trying to get him up to 7,000 followers on Twitter. Whoever follows him (@JoshHansen100) or retweets our tweet between now and the X Games will have the chance to win a Jersey signed by the champ himself! Show your support & happy Tweeting : )

::HOT from Koch:: Josh Hansen Revs Up for Another Win at AMA Supercross Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS– Trailing his recent victory in Salt Lake City and concluding what many have called his comeback season, X Games champion Josh Hansen plans to give his all at the Monster Energy AMA Las Vegas Supercross on Saturday, May 8 at 7 p.m., at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Following his 2009 hiatus from racing due to the tragic loss of two close friends, Josh’s January return to the track aroused anticipation among motocross buffs who wondered what the 26-year-old would bring to the Monster Energy Team this season. However, aided by the guidance of Mitch Payton, Hansen re-emerged just as his fans remembered him: a rider with smooth, effortless style, undeniable speed, and a down-to-earth persona that hardly hints at the fact that he’s been making a name for himself in the racing world since high school.

The son of champion rider Donnie Hansen, Josh surprised everyone when he won X Games 14 in 2008 as the underdog. But when he took home the gold again the following year, it became clear that Josh Hansen was a force to be reckoned with.

Now, Hansen concludes his comeback AMA Supercross season triumphantly, ending with that elusive win under his belt, along with other top-five finishes. The icing on the cake would be to surprise his fans with a another win at the East/West Shootout – right before taking home his third consecutive X Games medal in August.

Tomorrow- Josh Hansen Makes His Return at the Seattle SX!

EKC's favorite bad boy, Josh Hansen, is in Seattle right now gearing up for his big Supercross race tomorrow!

He's spent the season break working really hard to get in top shape for this race, and we know he'll blow everyone away. Best of luck, Josh!

::HOT from Koch:: Monster Energy's No. 100 Prepares to Give 100 Percent at Seattle Supercross

Top motocross rider and two-time X Games champion Josh Hansen is poised to make a long-awaited comeback when he rides the Monster Energy AMA Seattle Supercross, April 24, at Qwest Field.

Following the tragic loss of two close friends, Hansen elected to put his career on hold in 2009, choosing only four AMA races to compete in for the year. Needless to say, fans were excited when it was announced in January that Mitch Payton had selected Josh to ride the West Region for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki for the 2010 season. Acknowledged to be among the handful of riders with the ability to win a West Regional race, Josh is off to a top-ten start this season.

The son of champion rider Donnie Hansen, Josh rocked the motocross world when he took home the gold at X Games 14 in 2008 as the underdog. When he won again the following year, it became clear that Josh’s success was no fluke. The 26-year-old has since become regarded as the bad boy of motocross, boasting a smooth style inherited from his famous dad, and possessing a laidback attitude that hardly hints at the fact that he’s been racing professionally since high school.

Now, having spent the season break training harder than ever under Payton’s mentorship, Josh is expected to appear in top form at the Main Event in Seattle.

Josh Hansen Tears Up the Track With Transworld Motocross

While most SoCal residents were kicking back at Coachella this past weekend, Josh Hansen was busy practicing hard than ever. The X-Games champ and EKC client hit the dirt at Dave Castillo's ranch, where Transworld Motocross watched him prepare for the upcoming Seattle Supercross. The guys talked racing and shot guns (?!), and Josh showed off the speed and signature smooth style he's famous for in the MX world. Check out the video:

EKC Welcomes X Games Champ Josh Hansen

EKC is thrilled to welcome star Supercross rider Josh Hansen as a new client! Josh took home the gold for Super X at the Summer X Games last year and the year before. We can't wait to support him as he preps for this year's games at the Home Depot Center-- and hopefully more wins!

Check out Josh's interview with Racer X Online at SX Phoenix: