The Moto: Inside The Outdoors

We launch into the season with riders Ryan Vilipoto, Chad Reed, Mike Alessi, Justin Barcia, Ryan Dungey, Andrew Short and Tyla Rattray, following their training as they prepare for the grueling competitions ahead. Will they win? Do they have what it takes? Will they make it through free of pain and injury? Some will find answers on Opening Day in the birthplace of American Motocross, the Southern California desert, where the tension’s as thick as the sun is hot.

Episode two showcases the most important ‘team’ in motocross: The Father and Son. We explore two racing families, the Alessi’s and the Wharton’s, who have two completely different approaches to winning. Some may not agree with the different methodologies, but no one can discount their unwavering passion to race. At Hangtown, we find out if their hard work and sacrifice will bear the intended fruit.

Visionary Trainer Dr. Jeff Spencer is introduced and explains the physical demands of the sport of Moto. We visit Andrew Short’s farm as he carries out Dr. Spencer’s unique program. At the race in Texas, we discover that Alessi takes over the series, validating his Father’s own grueling regiment. We introduce Christophe Pourcel, an Enigma in the sport, who has everyone guessing at who he is and how he finds such incredible speed. We visit Pro Circuit to unravel how Mitch’s team has had such success in the sport. The series travels to Mt. Morris, PA where the brutal nature of motocross slashes down some of its prized competitors.

The Alessi’s name is known throughout the industry. Their obsession with winning contrasts the lives of riders such as Chad Reed, Andrew Short and Jake Weimer who balance racing with play and time out. But the Alessi’s are driven, unflinching. To add to their struggle, a freak accident to Mike Alessi requires immediate surgery. They attempt against the odds to make a seemingly impossible comeback to remain in the championship hunt. We introduce Josh Grant in Colorado, where the controversial events between him and the Alessis unfold.

It’s all about the races and the strongest survive. We see who’s in the hunt and who’s fallen off. This grueling mid-season grind is where a champion materializes. From Red Bud to Unadilla, and all the way to Millville, we see the highlights and lowlights of the races. But the life of a rider is not just about the race. It’s a lifestyle, heavy on family support, health management, and commitment. The Barcias live on the road, stuck in a trailer for weeks at a time. The Moto life is not easy and the Barcias fight through hardships. Joe Gibbs Racing is highlighted as one of the premiere teams as its philosophy is taken straight from the NFL and Nascar handbook.

Wrap up of the 2009 MX Nationals. The Contenders arrive. We see who remains, who put in the work, and who it will all pay off for. Chad Reed has the opportunity to wrap up the season early, but Andrew Short looks to get in his way. Dungey and Pourcel (America versus Europe) battle from Budd’s Creek, through Southwick, right up to the Showdown, the last race of the season in Steel City. Who will be crowned? Tune in for all the blood, sweat, and dirt…