Team Pro Circuit

Team Pro Circuit is a Motorcross and Supercross team based in Corona, California. It is owned and operated by Mitch Payton. Team Pro Circuit competes in the AMA Motocross and Supercross championships on Kawasaki 250cc four-stroke motorcycles.

Team Pro Circuit has hosted over 50 riders, winning 30 AMA professional championships and collecting accolades including 150 AMA Supercross wins, over 100 AMA Motocross wins and 6 MXON victories .Pro Circuit has won more championships AMA championships than any of their competitors.^[1][2]

Notable riders who have competed with Team Pro Circuit include; Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, James Stewart Jr., and Ryan Villopoto.

Team Owner Mitch Payton started riding motorcycles when grandparents bought him a Honda C90 Step Through. His passion developed over the years to the point where he was racing motorcycles competitively in the deserts of California. At age 17, Payton was racing in California City, California. Payton fell violently down a steep hill, damaging the nerve passages along his spine, resulting in him losing the use of his legs.^[3]

Following the incident, Payton wanted to stay in the motorcycle racing community and did so by purchasing the motorcycle store that supported him during his racing days " Anaheim Husqvarna " in 1978. Along with selling Motorcycles themselves, Payton designed and produced components such as exhaust pipes and suspension components to improve the performance of the motorcycles. Payton thought it unlikely that other motorcycle shops would stock and sell his performance parts if they were marketed under the business name of his motorcycle shop, which was competing for customers. Payton's solution was the creation of a business name to sell his parts, "Pro Circuit". A Friend of Payton campaigned for him to build parts for other brands of motorcycles, something at the time Payton thought was redundant as those motorcycles seen to have good performance. The first component he produced for a make of motorcycle other than Husqvarna was an exhaust for a 125cc Honda motorcycle. Sales of the exhaust far surpassed Payton's expectations. Payton took this success as a sign he should expand his product line even further to making parts for all makes and models.

Payton's success caught the attention of big name riders and industry people alike, including Motorcross legend Rodger De Coster who was running the Factory Honda professional racing effort at the time. De Coster met with Payton to try his performance parts, specifically his exhaust pipe and modified engine, De Coster was impressed and contracted Payton to supply his team with engines.

At the end of 1990 De Coster approached Payton and asked him if he would be interested in taking over the Factory Honda racing team in a management position. Payton accepted forming what formally became known as a "satellite" style team.^[4]

In 1991 Payton ventured into professional racing with Team Peak / Pro Circuit/ Honda.

The most notable rider to join the team in its first year was Jeremy McGrath. McGrath signed a contract Factory Honda from amateur racing. McGrath was startled when Honda assigned him to Team Pro Circuit as the team was brand we and considered to be a satellite team.

In 1991 Team Pro Circuit won the Supercross lites class in the west division ( rider: Jeremy McGrath) and east division ( rider: Brian Swink). Both Jeremy Beuhl and Steve Lamson finished in podium positions in their respective Supercross lites championships. This represented a monumental achievement for the team. From this point the team established its place as a front runner in the Supercross lites championship.

In 1992 Jeremy McGrath again won the Supercross Lites West championship aboard a Honda, with Buddy Antunez following behind in second place. Team Pro Circuit didn't have the same success in the East division.

Despite a successful two seasons, the end of 1992 saw Honda decide to dissolve their support for the team.

The season of 1993 was Team Pro Circuits first year with sponsorship from Kawasaki motorcycles. This partnership formed late in the 1992 offseason as the team expected continued support from Honda. Honda's withdrawal lead to financial struggles. Payton was forced to search for financial sponsorship as Kawasaki was only able to supply bikes and parts as they had already assigned their sponsorship cash pool to other teams.

Hot Wheels, the popular toy brand came to the team's rescue. However, the sponsorship was not without controversy. The sponsorship came after a dispute over the name of a video game the toy maker was producing. The game used the trademarked title "Pro circuit". Mitch Payton demanded that Hot Wheels pay him royalties or sponsor his racing team. They chose the latter.^[5] The team achieved Supercross championships in the 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000.^[6]

Ricky Carmichael signed with the team in 1997. He won the team an outdoor championship in his rookie season. This was a monumental achievement as it seemed the team had finally been able to translate their success in Supercross ( indoor ) to the Motocross (outdoor) championship. Furthermore, this period represented the formative years of Ricky Carmichael, who would go on to be one of the best riders of all time.

In 2001 the team again experienced a significant change in sponsorship. Hot Wheels withdrew their support for the team and Splitfire spark-plugs where far less prominent on the team's motorcycles. Kawasaki stayed on as the motorcycle sponsor.

During this period team experienced a dry spell in the Supercross series. From 2000 to 2003 no championships were won. The drought was finally broken in 2004 by Ivan Tedesco.^[6]

During the same period Mike Brown won the 2001 Motocross championship

Supercross and Motocross racing changed significantly in this period as teams began to compete almost exclusively on 4 stroke motorcycles. Motorcycle manufacturers, including Kawasaki had invested heavily in 4 stroke technology in the preceding years, primarily focusing on higher displacement motorcycles. In 2004 the first production Kawasaki KX250F was released and as such, Team Pro Circuit changed their development focus from 2 stroke 125cc motorcycles, to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles. The new four-stroke motorcycles were heavier by comparison to the highly-optimised 2-stroke motocycles that had evolved over the years, however also represented significant advantages over the 2 stroke bikes.^[7] Payton tried to avoid racing 4 strokes, however, did not have his way. R&D demands on the team leading up to the 2004 season were sizeable. The team was tasked with optimising much more complicated motorcycles. Payton hired experts to advise him on how to develop his new race machines. The team engaged in rigorous testing to sort the suspension on the new motorcycles and arrived on the start line in 2004 ready to race.

Monster Energy came on as a title sponsor and the team rebranded.^[8]

They experienced success immediately with Ivan Tedesco in the Supercross season of 2004, taking the championship. This marked the start of 9 consecutive championship winning years for Team Pro Circuit.

In the following years, Pro Circuit dominated the 250cc Supercross and Motocross competitions, winning all the championships the team contested in 2005 and 2007.

2006 saw the arrival of Ryan Villopoto who would go on to become one of the most successful riders in recent history. Villopoto dominated the competition, winning championships in each of the three years he competed with Team Pro Circuit before moving on after the 2008 outdoor season.

In 2013, Team Pro Circuit introduced 11 time AMA Amateur National Motocross Champion Adam Cianciarulo to the team.^[9] This came about though Mitch Paytons relationship with "Team Green" , Kawasaki's amateur racing effort which Cinaciarulo was part of. Having been the most winning rider in amateur Motocross history, and also winning his first ever Supercross race, Cianciarulo was forecast to be the sports next big superstar. However, in 2013 Team Pro Circuit failed to earn any championship titles. A championship-less streak lasting 3 years followed. Rider injuries plagued the team. Contracted riders were unable to compete and results were not as good as they had been passed.

Justin Hill won the team's first championship in 4 years in 2017, taking the Supercross Lites West title.

In the years since, Team Pro Circuit has been present in the championship chase.

Notably in 2019, Team Pro Circuit held leading positions in the Supercross lites 250 East and West competitions before injury and mistakes resulted in the team losing both championships.^[10]

Team Pro Circuit currently race the 250 Kawasaki 2024.^[11][12] The motorcycle is modified by Team Pro Circuit subject to the AMA Rule Book.^[13]

In its stock form, the motorcycle has the following technical specifications. ( Sourced from the manufacturers website^[14])

Engine[edit]

• Engine: single cylinder 250cc four stroke engine.^[14]
• It is water cooled and utilises "DOHC" technology.^[14]
• The bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm.^[14]
• Compression ratio: 13.4:1^[14]
• Fuel system: DFI® with 43mm Keihin throttle body, dual injectors^[14]
• Ignition: Digital DC-CDI^[14]
• Transmission: 5-speed^[14]
• Final Drive: Chain^[14]

Suspension[edit]

• Front : 48mm inverted "Showa SFF" telescopic fork featuring preload, rebound and compression adjustment.^[14]
• Rear : "Uni-Trak®" linkage system paired with a Showa shock with high and low speed compression dampening, rebound dampening and preload adjustment.^[14]

Chassis[edit]

•  Frame type: Aluminum perimeter^[14]
• Rake / Trail: 28.4°/4.8 in^[14]
• Overall Length: 85.5 in^[14]
• Overall Width: 32.5 in^[14]
• Overall Height: 50.0 in^[14]
• Ground Clearance: 12.8 in^[14]
• Seat Height: 37.2 in^[14]
• Curb Weight: 230.3 lb^[14]

Features of the Team Pro Circuit racing machine are:^[10]

• Data acquisition hardware mounted on below the handlebars. It stores an SD card that stores data on how the motorcycle is running.
• A custom front brake hose clamp that is stronger than the stock component.
• Light Speed carbon front disc guard and skid plate.
• BRAKING rotors and larger Nissin titanium calipers.
• Dunlop tires and Excel A60 rims.
• Titanium Axels with DLC coating.
• Custom radiators with carbon fibre braces.
• Custom built cams, intake air boots and throttle body designed and manufactured at the Pro Circuit facility in Carona.
• Engine cases are carekoted or hard anodized for added strength.
• Pro Circuit water cover/ impeller and oil pump cover for improved flow.
• Pro circuit Radiator hoses.
• Pro Circuit Ti-6 pro muffler.
• Hinson clutch components.
• Titanium bolts for weight saving.
• Custom titanium footpegs.
• Pro Circuit link arm and knuckle.
• Showa "A Kit" suspension.
• Twin Air air filter.
• Modified sub-frame.
• RK chain.
• Renthal Sprockets.

Team Pro Circuit currently competes in the United States. The team competes in 250cc competitions in both Supercross and Motocross. Team Pro Circuit competes in the following professional series;

• AMA Supercross Championship :

The Indoor motorcycle racing championship in the United States. Competition takes place in the winter months.

• AMA Motocross Championship:

The premiere Motocross racing championship in the United States. Competition takes place in the summer months.

• Mitch Payton

• Zach White
• Iain Southwell
• Jon Primo
• Adam Walters

• Olly Stone
• Colter Ahrens
• Kyle Defoe
• Brandon Zimmerman

• James Shoffner

Notable current and past brand sponsorships and associations.^[15]

Over the years Team Pro Circuit has housed many successful riders. Some notable riders are listed below.

• Jeremy McGrath
• Ricky Carmichael
• Ivan Tedesco
• Grant Langston
• Ben Townley
• Ryan Villopoto
• Adam Cianciarulo
• Mike Brown
• Ryan Hughes
• Dean Wilson
• Blake Baggett

Results for Team Pro Circuit in each year of competition.^[16][17]

Year	Rider	Result	AMA Supercross	AMA Motocross
1991	Brian Swink	1	Supercross Lites East	4
	Jeremy Buehl	2	Supercross Lites East	16
	Jeremy McGrath	1	Supercross Lites West	5
	Steve Lamson	3	Supercross Lites West	6
1992	Buddy Antunez	2	Supercross Lites West	16
	Jeremy Buehl	16	Supercross Lites East	22
	Jeremy McGrath	1	Supercross Lites West	8
	Mike Brown	7	Supercross Lites East	24
1993	James Dobb	9	Supercross Lites West	11
	Jimmy Gaddis	1	Supercross Lites West	22
	Mike Chamberlain	8	Supercross Lites West	22
1994	James Dobb	6	Supercross Lites West	6
	Pedro Gonzalez	2	Supercross Lites West	13
	Ryan Huges	4	Supercross Lites West	4
1995	David Pingree	3	Supercross Lites West	12
	Mickaël Pichon	1	Supercross Lites East	5
	Pedro Gonzalez	9	Supercross Lites West	44
	Ryan Huges	2	Supercross Lites West	2
1996	Casey Johnson	6	Supercross Lites West	17
	Chad Pederson	26	Supercross Lites West	8
	David Pingree	9	Supercross Lites West	28
	Mickael Pichon	1	Supercross Lites East	14
1997	Casey Johnson	3	Supercross Lites West	6
	Craig Decker	6	Supercross Lites West	19
	David Pingree	16	Supercross Lites East	14
	Ricky Carmichael	3	Supercross Lites East	1
1998	Casey Johnson	—	—	3
	Nathan Ramsey	4	Supercross Lites West	10
	Nick Wey	—	—	9
	Ricky Carmichael	1	Supercross Lites East	1
1999	Billy Payne	14	Supercross Lites West	56
	Nathan Ramsey	1	Supercross Lites West	5
	Nick Wey	2	Supercross Lites East	4
	Shea Bentley	18	Supercross Lites East	1
	Scott Sheak	Withdrew	Supercross Lites West	19
2000	Billy Payne	10	Supercross Lites West	—
	Nathan Ramsey	12	Supercross Lites East	21
	Nick Wey	4	Supercross Lites East	9
	Shea Bentley	1	Supercross Lites West	6
	Tallon Vohland	12	Supercross Lites West	—
2001	Bobby Bonds	15	Supercross Lites East	3
	Casey Lytle	20	Supercross Lites West	19
	Mike Brown	3	Supercross Lites East	28
	Shea Bentley	14	Supercross Lites West	1
	Tallon Vohland	5	Supercross Lites East	34
2002	Bobby Bonds	35	Supercross Lites West	24
	Eric Sorby	15	Supercross Lites West	27
	Matt Walker	10	Supercross Lites West	12
	Mike Brown	2	Supercross Lites East	6
2003	Eric Sorby	6	Supercross Lites West	19
	Justin Buckelew	Withdrew	Supercross Lites East	12
	Matt Walker	5	Supercross Lites West	—
	Mike Brown	2	Supercross Lites East	—
2004	Ivan Tedesco	1	Supercross Lites West	4
	Matt Walker	52	Supercross Lites West	6
	Stephane Roncada	3	Supercross Lites West	4
2005	Grant Langston	1	Supercross Lites East	4
	Ivan Tedesco	1	Supercross Lites West	1
	Matt Walker	7	Supercross Lites East	9
	Paul Carpenter	15	Supercross Lites West	11
2006	Ben Townley	Withdrew	Supercross Lites East	24
	Chris Gosselaar	2	Supercross Lites East	20
	Grant Langston	1	Supercross Lites West	26
	Ryan Villopoto	3	Supercross Lites West	1
	Troy Adams	Withdrew	Supercross Lites East	10
2007	Ben Townley	1	Supercross Lites East	2
	Brett Metcalfe	Withdrew	Supercross Lites East	7
	Chris Gosselaar	5	Supercross Lites West	20
	Christophe Pourcel	16	Supercross Lites West	—
	Darcy Lange	3	Supercross Lites East	—
	Ryan Villopoto	1	Supercross Lites West	1
2008	Austin Stroupe	3	Supercross Lites West	16
	Brett Metcalfe	4	Supercross Lites West	3
	Ryan Villopoto	2	Supercross Lites East	1
	Branden Jasseman	4	Supercross Lites East	28
2009	Jake Weimer	2	Supercross Lites West	4
	Austin Stroupe	2	Supercross Lites East	17
	Christophe Pourcel	1	Supercross Lites East	2
	Ryan Morais	3	Supercross Lites West	33
	Tyla Rattray	—	—	28
2010	Jake Weimer	1	Supercross Lites West	11
	Christophe Pourcel	1	Supercross Lites East	3
	Dean Wilson	6	Supercross Lites East	4
	Tyla Rattray	DNR	Supercross Lites East	2
	Josh Hansen	6	Supercross Lites East	DNR
2011	Dean Wilson	2	Supercross Lites East	1
	Broc Tickle	1	Supercross Lites West	7
	Tyla Rattray	7	Supercross Lites West	2
	Blake Baggett	4	Supercross Lites East	3
	Josh Hansen	3	Supercross Lites West	DNR
2012	Dean Wilson	2	Supercross Lites West	DNR
	Broc Tickle	9		5
	Tyla Rattray	15	Supercross Lites West	DNR
	Blake Baggett	4	Supercross Lites East	1
	Darryn Durham	5	Supercross Lites East	DNR
	Ivan Tedesco	DNR	DNR	17
2013	Dean Wilson	7	Supercross Lites East	26
	Martin Davalos	5	Supercross Lites West	15
	Tyla Rattray	8	Supercross Lites West	12
	Blake Baggett	29	Supercross Lites West	4
	Darryn Durham	DNR	DNR	14
	Adam Cianciarulo	—	—	16
	Justin Hill	12	Supercross Lites East	12
	Tyler Bowers	16	Supercross Lites East	—
2014	Blake Baggett	6	Supercross Lites East	2
	Dean Wilson	3	Supercross Lites West	10
	Martin Davalos	2	Supercross Lites East	DNR
	Justin Hill	4	Supercross Lites West	14
	Darryn Durham	21	Supercross Lites West	DNR
	Adam Cianciarulo	5	Supercross Lites East	DNR
	Chris Alldredge	—	—	21
2015	Joey Savagy	4	Supercross Lites East	3
	Adam Cianciarulo	DNR	Supercross Lites East	14
	Chris Alldredge	18	Supercross Lites West	13
	Arnaud Tonus	19	Supercross Lites East	30
	Tyler Bowers	9	Supercross Lites West	DNR
2016	Chris Alldredge	12	Supercross Lites West	26
	Joey Savagy	2	Supercross Lites West	3
	Adam Cianciarulo	DNR	Supercross Lites East	8
	Tyler Bowers	5	Supercross Lites East	DNR
	Arnaud Tonus	21	Supercross Lites East	9
	Austin Forkner	—	—	4
2017	Joey Savagy	3	Supercross Lites East	5
	Austin Forkner	6	Supercross Lites West	13
	Adam Cianciarulo	2	Supercross Lites East	3
	Justin Hill	1	Supercross Lites West	19
2018	Joey Savagy	4	Supercross Lites West	9
	Austin Forkner	4	Supercross Lites East	7
	Adam Cianciarulo	2	Supercross Lites West	DNR
	Martin Davalos	14	Supercross Lites East	DNR
	Garrett Marchbanks	—	—	—
2019	Austin Forkner	3	Supercross Lites East	DNR
	Garrett Marchbanks	10	Supercross Lites West	14
	Martin Davalos	4	Supercross Lites East	18
	Adam Cianciarulo	2	Supercross Lites West	1