Jake Ashcraft Photo - Photo Journal of Southern California Action Sports

The Tattoo Show in Murrieta California with owner and tattoo artist Jake Wells

2009-01-26T01:05:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine, Jake Wells, opened a new Tattoo shop (The Tattoo Show formerly Sideshow Artworks) in Old Town Murrieta a few months ago. I have been meaning to get over there and check it out but just been so busy. Jake has been wanting to shoot some photos at the shop and get some shots of the crew. Luckilly this morning, I was on a way to a shoot and all loaded up with all my camera and lighting equipment when I get a call from my client saying they wanted to postpone the shoot until next weekend. I was kind of bummed but I figured I would take advantage of the situation so I gave Jake a call and told him I would be by in a bit to shoot some photos.

Check out some of the rad photos we shot today.

Monster Energy Supercross - Anaheim Two 2009

2009-01-22T22:24:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to Anaheim 1, we had a wedding to shoot and you know how that goes, gotta make that cheddar!

With so much excitement that came out of A1, I couldn't wait to get to A2. All in all, the race was good but I was hoping that Josh Grant or Josh Hill would pull something out of their ass. However, it was nice to see Whindham up on the podium. Bubba won as he usually does. And surprisingly, Chad Reed was up on game! At one point, his lap time was 2 seconds faster than anyone else.

I put together a little gallery with some photos. Click Here to view them.

Answer Racing party in Corona

2009-01-16T02:39:00.000-08:00

Last night I headed up to Corona to check out the Answer Racing party. The party was goin off! They had Wahoos's throwing down some mean fish and chicken tacos, plus the had some of their athletes signing autographs for some fans. Athletes included, Bubba Stewart, Nick Wey, Kevin Windham, Ronnie Faisst, Grant Langston, Nate Adams, Ernesto Fonseca and a few others that I can't think of at the moment. Even Malcolm Smith was hanging out!

Of course the Red Bull Vodka's were flowing because you know how Red Bull does it. And best of all, I got to see some friends I hadn't seen in a while.

I managed to snap some photos as well. Click Here to check out the complete gallery of photos from the party.

Pat Lopez from Transworld MX

Me and Ernesto Fonseca

Nick Wey and Ronnie Faisst

Nate Adams

James Stewart

Malcolm Smith and Michele Johnson

Robbie Maddison Jumps 120 feet to the top of the Arc de Triomphe in front of Paris Las Vegas

2008-12-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

Robbie Maddison rings in 2009 with another world-first motorcycle jump. Captured on ESPN's live 'Red Bull: New Year. No Limits' special and syndicated on my flip camera, this superstar will attempt to jump his bike more than 120 feet high, landing on top of the 96-foot-high and 40-foot-deep replica Arc de Triomphe in front of Paris Las Vegas, and then jump off of it in an acute showing of skill and bravery.

The Mysterious Beau Manley (By: Ryan Leyba)

2008-12-21T02:12:00.000-08:00

Read on Ryan Leyba's blog on EXPN

There is no doubt in my mind that Beau Manley is the most mysterious, weird, creepy, yet incredibly cool and friendly dude I have ever met. I can't remember the first time I met him, but I remember shredding a mini ramp with him at Real Ride skatepark in beautiful Perris, California. I was a bit intimidated by the guy at first because he looked like a byproduct of Charles Manson and Courtney Love on smack (and acted like it too), but the more I started vibing out with him, the more I realized that he was a really cool dude with a rad and horribly rude sense of humor.

I kind of lost touch with Beau, but I ran into him at a Fuel TV
M80
end-of-production party in Hollywood. After catching up for a little, I learned that he had been living in Los Angeles (Burbank to be exact) for the past couple years. I didn't really ask him what he'd been up to, but I knew that he wasn't still riding FMX because I hadn't really heard anything from him or seen him in any mags.

This photo would lead me to think that Beau Manley is a model... or is he an actor?

A couple years later (more like 3 or 4) I ran into him at Twitch's house in Temecula. His look had kind of changed a little bit, but he was still keeping it OG and dirty. Everyone was gearing up to go ride in the hills and freakin' Beau threw on some bright blue Alpinestars, kicked over his CR250 and went riding with the boys. It was rad to see Beau back on a bike and surprising to see him rocking bright colored motocross gear — I hadn't seen him ride in anything except for black baggies.

We caught up after the sesh and he told me that he was living back in Temecula. I was kind of wondering why the hell someone like Beau would move from L.A. back to the Temek, but I didn't really say anything. Just like before, I took off and lost touch with the dude. Then, a couple weeks ago, MJ sent me a video interview that she did with him out at Perris Raceway. I thought to myself "What the hell does Beau do?" "Why does he always pop up in the most random places and how the hell does he even make money?" I couldn't figure it out. Is he riding? Is he making his money from the Mulisha? Is he slanging dope? Is he an actor or a model? What is his deal?

So, I sent MJ to get the skinny on Beau and find out what the hell he's been up to for the past year. She tracked him down, whipped out her infamous hot pink Dell laptop and proceeded to grill him. The funny thing is, that even after watching this interview I still have no idea what it is that Beau does. But I'm almost thinking that I don't need to know — he seems to be doing well for himself... especially with the ladies.

If you still have some time to kill, check out

this interview

Malcolm McCassy did with him at the US Open of SX in Vegas - effin' classic.

Leyba love you long time

2008-11-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

I am pretty pumped to have another one of my photos featured on the home page of EXPN! Ryan Leyba, former FMX athlete, turned photographer, and now runs the sickest moto blog on the planet, Barap Haps, knows sick shots when he sees them. I got some insane shots of Myles Richmond, Julian D'usseau, and Taka out at Julian's the other day and sent them right over. Ryan was stoked on the photos and said things like, "I love those photos, they're $!#@ing DIIIZZZZOOOPPPPEEEE!!!!!" and "Dude, you're so $!#@ing awesome. Leyba love you long time...". But I think the question remains...Leyba can love you long time but can Leyba Sucky, Sucky!

Ha-ha, Leyba you're the man! Thanks for hookin a brotha up!

Check out the screen shot and head on over to EXPN for more action.

My Photo in Inked Magazine - November 2008

2008-10-07T23:29:00.001-07:00

If you are a tattoo enthusiast, chances are you have picked up a copy of Inked Magazine. Inked isn't your typical tattoo magazine filled with gay photos of some sweaty guys arm or leg. Instead, Inked Magazine is a lifestyle magazine featuring edgy and artist photos of musicians, athletes, movie stars, etc. I love the magazine and on my monthly trip to the local Barnes & Noble, I always pick up a copy!

In the latest issue of Inked, they did a feature on the Metal Mulisha. They hit me up to get an interview and a photo of Mike Metzger. As difficult as it is to track down the Godfather of Freestyle Motocross, I got the interview lined up and supplied them with a photo.

When you get a chance, head down to your local book store and pick up a copy. The issue featuring my photo of Metzger will be on news stands until November 24th.

Check it...

EXPN Shoot with Vanessa Florentino

2008-09-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Between building websites, designing wedding albums, processing photos, and shooting wedding after wedding, I got the opportunity to do a shoot for EXPN. I got a request from EXPN to do a shoot with Pro WMA (Women's Motocross Association) motocross racer, Vanessa Florentino. The photos were to be used in a feature on credible women in Action Sports. They needed one action shot and one lifestyle shot.

When the request came in, I thought, this is a great opportunity to do something really cool. So I gave Vanessa a call to discuss some ideas I had. I wanted to do something classy and a little sexy but showcase her as a woman that means business. So I rallied the troops and called in my set coordinator, Michele Johnson of MX Girls to help out! It was a huge help having Michele assist and organize the outfits, fix Vanessa's makeup, adjust her hair, etc. I could not have done it without her...Thanks Michele!

Also want to give a shout out to Ryan Leyba for hooking me up with Micah Abrams at EXPN to do the shoot! Word-em-up Ryan!

Vanessa is 20 years old and recently competed in the 2008 X Games 14. Not only is Vanessa smokin hot, she also rips on the track.

Here are some of the photos from our shoot.

Kevin Johnson takes Gold at X Games 14 - Moto X Speed & Style Final

2008-08-04T02:43:00.000-07:00

Kevin Johnson busts out a cliff hanger at the X Games 14 - Moto X Speed & Style Final...what! Kevin Johnson wins with a score of 90.70 over Ronnie Renner's score of 87.75.

As they say, anything can happen at X Games. Travis Pastrana took himself out in his first heat leaving the door wide open for the rest of the field and Nate Adams took a pretty big spill on his parade lap.

Speed & Style Results

Gold-Kevin Johnson
Silver-Ronnie Renner
Bronze-Jeremy Stenberg

For results, head on over to EXPN's website by clicking here.

Once again, Jamie Bestwick takes gold at ESPN X Games 14

2008-08-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

At X Games, it is difficult to see every event. If you are into Skate, you have to plan each day around where the event is going to take place. If you are into Moto, you end up at Staples Center on Thursday and Friday, and Home Depot Center on Saturday. Every event overlaps one another so it is difficult to get around to see the different competitions. Luckilly I was able to whitness first hand an unreal session by Jamie Bestwick. After winning Gold last year, Jamie steps up this year with one of the sickest runs ever. Busting out tricks like an opposite flair downside whips, no handed 540's, and a olley-oop barspin to turndown, downside whips to X and a never-before-seen olley-oop turndown flair!

To see results, visit EXPN's website by clicking here.

Josh Hansen takes Gold at ESPN X Games 14

2008-08-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

If you didn't get a chance to watch the Men's Moto X Racing, you missed out. Metal Mulisha Team rider Josh Hansen, is back in action...and this kid is Fast.

Josh Hansen took the lead early with Jeremy McGrath in the number two spot and Josh Hill nipping at his back tire. Josh Hill took a spill which left it wide open for Josh Grant to sneak up and take 3rd.

Seeing McGrath out racing again was awesome. At 37 years old, this guy proves that he can still keep up with these young cats like Josh Hill, Josh Hansen, and Josh Grant...Josh must be a popular name!

Here are the final scores.

To see results from the race, click here.

Jeremy Lusk takes Gold at X Games 14

2008-08-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

I was pretty pumped last night to see my boy Jeremy Lusk take Gold at X Games 14. In the end, it came down to Lusk vs. Rebeaud. Both athletes were riding extremely well. But during Rebeaud's run, he gave the gold medal away by dead sailoring one of his jump attempts.

Twitch would have been in the top but during his run, he either had an issue with his bike or his thumb as he was riding with a hurt thumb. Not sure at this point but twitch got pissed and threw his bike down and walked off the course. This left it up to Mason, Rebeaud and Lusk!

Congratulations Jeremy!

Fun Fact: This was the first time Jeremy Lusk has ever smiled!

Too tired to blog

2008-08-03T02:03:00.000-07:00

I am beat! Today was a long day out at the Home Depot Center for Day 3 of the ESPN X Games 14. I have downloaded all my photos so tomorrow I will get them posted. I had to post this photo though. Travis Pastrana during Speed and Style! So sick!

ESPN X Games 14 is here again

2008-07-30T19:43:00.001-07:00

The countdown is on...X Games 14 is here. There is a lot of anticipation in the air with all the newcomers and new tricks that will be unveiled, it is pretty exciting to see what is in store for us.

Today was Media Day so I headed on down to the Home Depot center with my sidekick, Michele Johnson of MX Girls. One of the benefits of Media Day is that they always have some cool swag for everyone. From packs of 50 blank DVD's and T-Shirts to X Games branded skateboard memory sticks. Schick being one of the sponsors, they always have free razors. Are they trying to tell us something? Maybe so, I caught Ryan Leyba using his new razor/beard trimmer earlier today.

Of course, how can you shave without shaving cream right? Well, Edge is another sponsor of X Games and to help promote their product with the younger generation, the have come up with clever catch phrases! You be the judge.

After having fun with our new swag, we headed on over to catch a glimpse of some of the BMX practice. Here are some photos of what was going on at practice.

So stay tuned for more X Games coverage over the next couple days.

Beau Manley out at Starwest

2008-07-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Metal Mulisha Team Rider, Beau Manley, hit me up to head out to Starwest for a little moto session and get some shots.

I got some shots of him ripping the track but I also got some cool shots of him hanging out by his truck, reppin Mulisha! Check em out.

Have you had your dose of Metzger Brand yet?

2008-05-03T02:19:00.000-07:00

If you haven't done so yet, you have to check out Metzger Brand! Metzger Brand is an artistic apparel line by none other than Mike Metzger, the Godfather of Fabrics!

Extremey Awards! The Extreme Sports Video Party of the Year

2008-05-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, April 27th, my wife Tobie an I went and hung out at the Extremey Awards, held at the luxurious OC Pavilion. Prior to the ceremony was cocktail hour where they were serving Kettle One Martini's and Cosmos along with all kinds of very scrumptious appetizers!

The award show was a little long but I still had fun. After the award ceremony, they had an after party downstairs at the Vault night club. Pretty much everyone in that place was hammered except for me! All in all, it was a good night. Here are some photos from the event.

Portrait Session with Ciera

2008-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working with a very beautiful young lady named Ciera. The shoot was a lot of fun and she definitely made my job easy. She has the perfect look and she knows how to pose for the camera, which is a big plus. Check out the photos below to see how the shoot went.

Catching Up With...Mike Metzger - Transworld Motocross

2008-04-18T01:05:00.001-07:00

Catching Up With...Mike Metzger, a recent feature that Transworld Motocross did on Mike.

Click Here to view Catching up with Mike

Travis Pastrana pulls the shortest backflip in history

2008-04-14T02:52:00.000-07:00

Just after Travis Pastrana's qualifier race during the Moto-X Finals, Travis having fun as usual, busted out a backflip off the edge of a whoop on the Moto-X course. This guy is truly insane.

Ronnie Renner flips out over coin toss

2008-04-14T02:42:00.001-07:00

It is too bad that they didn't air the after math of the Navy Moto-X Finals Step Up competition. What had happened was that Ricky Carmichael crashed on his attempt at 35' and Matt Buyten and Ronnie Renner both hit the bar the competition went to sudden death, which means that the first one to clear the bar wins. In order to decide who would go first, they did a coin toss. Well, Matt Buyten won the coin toss so he got to go first. In his first attempt he cleared 35'. So the win automatically went to Matt Buyten. Ronnie Renner wasn't happy with this decision and went on a rampage. He first rode over to a line of EXPN hay bails and pulled his pants down and imitated taking a dump on it. Then he proceeded to ride around the track kicking the hay bails off the track. He pulled into the tunnel and started shouting obcentities about EXPN and what had happened.

You may be wondering why he was so upset. Well, he basically just lost $50K to Matt Buyten over a coin toss. Sucks for Renner...

Navy Moto X World Championships - Moto X Freestyle Final Results

2008-04-14T02:19:00.001-07:00

April 13, 2008

Navy Moto X World Championships
Moto X Freestyle Final Results

Final standings from ESPN's Navy Moto X World Championships held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. on April 13, 2008.

Name / Overall / Hometown

1. Nate Adams / 93.80 / Glendale, Ariz.
2. Jeremy Stenberg / 92.00 / Winchester, Calif.
3. Jeremy Lusk / 90.00 / San Diego, Calif.
4. Mat Rebeaud / 88.40 / Payerne, Switzerland

For Moto X World Championships media information, including press releases, logos and additional images, log on to www.espneventmedia.com.

Navy Moto X World Championships - Moto X Racing Final

2008-04-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

April 13, 2008

Navy Moto X World Championships
Moto X Racing Final
Results from San Diego on Saturday, April 13, 2008

Name / Bib No. / Hometown

1. Broc Hepler / 60 / Kittanning, Pa.
2. Nick Wey / 27 / Dewitt, Mich.
3. Justin Brayton / 114 / Murrieta, Calif.
4. Josh Hansen / 100 / Murrieta, Calif.
5. Travis Pastrana / 199 / Annapolis, Md.
6. Gavin Gracyk / 273 / Coshocton, Ohio
7. Kevin Johnson / 72 / Albuquerque, N.M.
8. Jiri Dostal / 124 / Murrieta, Calif.
9. Jason Lawrence / 338 / Summers Point, N.J.
10. Eric Sorby / 917 / Corona, Calif.

For Moto X World Championships media information, including press releases, logos and additional images, log on to www.espneventmedia.com.

Navy Moto X World Championships - Step Up Final (Part 2) Results

2008-04-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

April 13, 2008

Navy Moto X World Championships
Step Up Final (Part 2) Results

Final standings from ESPN's Navy Moto X World Championships held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. on April 13, 2008.

Name / Height cleared / Hometown

1. Matt Buyten / 35' / Minden, Nevada

2. Ricky Carmichael / 33' / Havana, Florida

3. Ronnie Renner / 33' / Fallbrook, Calif.

4. Tommy Clowers / 29' / Ramona, Calif.

5. Jeremy Stenberg / Failed first attempt (26') / Winchester, Calif.

For Moto X World Championships media information, including press releases, logos and additional images, log on to http://www.espneventmedia.com/.

2008-04-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Nate Adams, Mark Burkhart and Scott Murray Win Gold at the Navy Moto X World Championships

The Inaugural Event Kicks Off with Speed, Style & the Return of the Double Backflip

The inaugural Navy Moto X World Championships began today with live competition in Best Trick, SuperMoto and Speed & Style where some of the world's best motocross stars competed at Qualcomm Stadium at day one of the two-day event. This marks the first time that a weekend is dedicated to a single X Games sport where six motocross disciplines are celebrated. ESPN and ESPN2 will air eight hours of live coverage of the Moto X World Championships April 12 and 13 - all available in high definition on ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD. Extensive additional coverage will be provided via ESPN360.com and EXPN.com.

Best Trick
The day belonged to Scott Murray as he stuck a near flawless double backflip, redeeming himself after his failed attempt at last summer's X Games - his first professional competition. Despite all the buzz and two unsuccessful attempts from Kyle Loza with his new trick, "Electric Death," it was Murray - only the second rider to successfully land a double backflip on dirt - who won gold with the high score of 95.08. "Everybody was bringing such big tricks," said Murray. "The double backflip is two years old now, so I wanted to show everyone that I could do it. I first landed it on dirt in November 2007 and today was the second. I'm happy to have it over with."

Thomas Pages of Biarritz, France took home the silver with a score of 92.60, while Todd Potter of Temecula, Calif. finished third with a 91.80.

SuperMoto
The reigning X Games 13 gold medalist and 2007 AMA SuperMoto champion, Mark Burkhart, continued his domination of the SuperMoto discipline as he charged through the field from a ninth place start to win gold. After a less than ideal start, Burkhart began to pick riders off, making up ground with triples and focusing on the asphalt. Burkhart eventually surpassed Troy Herfoss who ended up with silver and Jeff Ward with bronze.

"I tried concentrating on the asphalt, because I felt I could make up time there," said Burkhart. "The triples also helped me gain a lot and I made sure to make good passes."

Speed & Style
With a field loaded with top freestyle and racing talent, it was anybody's game. At the end of the day, it was seven-time X Games medalist Nate Adams who stood on top of the podium. Beating out Ronnie Renner with a final score of 94.50, Adams a dominant freestyle rider, surprised even himself with his racing ability. "I can't believe it. I had no expectations going in and got lucky a bit," said Adams. "It's so important for us to use racing and freestyle together and we should continue to make it one big industry. It was an awesome event."

Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg beat out Kevin Johnson, predominantly known as a racer, to round out the podium with a bronze.

Step Up Final (Part 1)
Defending X Games 13 Moto X Racing gold medalist and 10-time AMA Motocross Champion, Ricky Carmichael, showcased his versatility by excelling in the Step Up competition clearing the bar with a height of 29 feet. Carmichael once again demonstrated why he is one of the greatest riders, as he and Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg advanced to the Step Up Final (Part 2) competition scheduled for tomorrow, April 13, where winner will take all.

ESPN and ESPN2 will continue its live coverage of the Moto X World Championships, tomorrow, April 13 - all available in high definition on ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD.

Day two tickets, featuring Moto X Freestyle, Step Up Final (Part 2) and Moto X Racing are available for $10, $20 and $25, with free pit access included in the $20 and $25 tickets. A military discount will be offered - $5 discount from a $25 ticket and $3 discount from a $20 ticket.

For Moto X World Championships media information, including press releases, logos and additional images, log on to http://www.espneventmedia.com/.