Grip-N-Rip Motorsports

Raced in the Vegas to Reno 500 “The Other Way” in 2026. We used one rear wheel for all 505 miles. Took the tire off and Michelin Bib Mousse out, after the race, to discover what had become of the mousse. Anyone ever seen this or what caused it?
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Michelin Michelin Motorcycle

The 32-hour trip back home to Tampa is officially complete, and we’re finally getting a chance to look back on a special 30th Anniversary of the Vegas to Reno — The Other Way.

Starting 97th, Calvin Smith took the bike for the first 178 miles and battled through the field, passing a ton of riders and getting us to Pit 5 in Mina 2nd overall in class before handing the bike off to csmith_11

csmith_11 took over for the next 211 miles and kept charging. By Race Mile 250, around the halfway point, we had taken the class lead. It was a battle all day between the top three teams, with all three trading positions throughout the day and never giving an inch.

csmith_11 handed the bike back to Calvin Smith at Race Mile 389 third in class, and Calvin Smith put together an impressive 116 miles, closing the gap and bringing us home 3rd overall in class and on the podium within 15 minutes of 1st.

After five years of competing in Vegas to Reno, this marks our first class podium.

Huge shoutout to Carson NightDiver Smith for the critical technical and logistical support all race long, and to our crew chief Kaitee DeBlasio for making critical calls with the chase van that may have ultimately saved our race and kept us in the fight. This was a complete team effort from start to finish.

To paraphrase President Kennedy: We don’t do it because it’s easy. We do it because it’s hard.

Massive thanks to Dubya Wheels, IMS, Factory Connection, and 100% Goggles for the rider support and for helping make this race possible. We couldn’t do it without you!

DUBYA USA® IMS Products Factory Connection 100% Moto 100%