Joan Mir will not participate in the forthcoming GoPro British Grand Prix, which will take place this Sunday, August 25, at the Silverstone circuit. The Spanish rider suffered an accident at the last test in Brno which forced him to miss the Austrian GP and have a two-week-long period of recovery.
His presence in England has now been ruled out as he was not able to recover 100% from the pulmonary contusion he suffered, as well as a feeling of general weakness due to lack of training since the accident.
This decision has been taken between the rider, the doctors from the Internal Medicine team at the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona lead by Ángel Charte (Medical Director of the MotoGP World Championship), and Team SUZUKI ECSTAR. A new series of checks at the hospital, including a round of radiological tests, were carried out to determine the level of involvement of the afflicted lung.
Although the tests were positive and Mir’s general health is quite good, doctors, as a precaution, advised the rider not to hurry back whilst still in the recovery stages, and to instead start training normally to improve his physical condition and thus be able to attend the next Grand Prix in better physical condition.
Following an assessment of Mir’s physical situation, Dr. Angel Charte said: “After the tests we have done, we detected some remaining residues in the lung, and, for safety reasons, we think the best thing is that he does not return yet, and he first recovers to 100%”.
From now on he will return to his normal activity at home, where he can begin active rehabilitation. “Now he must recover lung capacity and strengthen his overall condition after several weeks of inactivity. To do this he can start walking, running, doing some exercises in the mountains, and some limited motorcycle riding in moderation”, adds the doctor.
Team SUZUKI ECSTAR will replace the Mallorcan rider with Test Rider Sylvain Guintoli, who is currently completing an official test at the Finnish circuit of Kymiring near Kouvola.
Davide Brivio: “It’s a big pity that Joan has to miss the Silverstone race as well, but we feel that it is very important for him to recover fully and get back to being 100% fit. After having discussed with the doctors following his checks today we took the decision together that he will miss the Grand Prix of Great Britain and instead get back on the bike next week. The Misano test will be a great opportunity for him to check his physical condition and get back on the bike in a calm manner so he can regain the ‘MotoGP feeling’. This test will also be a golden opportunity to prepare for the next GP, and then hopefully for the Misano race weekend we will have Joan at 100% fitness and ready to restart his season. For this reason, our test rider, Sylvain Guintoli, currently testing in Finland, will replace Joan and we will try to use this weekend to get very valuable information.”
Joan Mir: “In the end I am not able to be in Silverstone for the next race and it is a real pity, but that’s how things are, and the first priority has to be my health. After the accident I spent several weeks resting, first in the hospital and then at home. I have started to walk, but after the tests it seems that I am still not 100%, so the doctors have determined that it is better to continue with my rehabilitation. I will start doing some more training so I can get to the next race in better physical shape and not have to take too many risks. I would like to thank the people who are beside me and taking care of me, my Suzuki team for their concern and the thousands of fans who have encouraged me during all these days and who have shown me an enormous affection. See you soon!”
The annual Aldi motorcycle gear sale, normally held in the first couple of Saturdays of August, has been delayed this year until 31 August 2019.
Riders who want to snap up one of the many Aldi motorcycle bargains is advised to line up early for the store opening at 8.30am or they risk missing out.
However, we find that after the sale has passed and the gear has been removed from the shelves, riders can still buy some of the gear that has not been sold out.
You simply need to ask the manager if they have any left as it may be stored away. I once bought an $59.99 Aldi Bluetooth unit on behalf of a friend some months after the sale.
Bluetooth Kit – $59.99
2019 Aldi motorcycle sale
The catalogue of motorcycle gear on sale this year will be available tomorrow by clicking here.
But we have a sneak preview of what’s literally in store!
As usual, the range of Aldi motorcycle goods for sale will include jackets, pants, balaclavas, thermals, bike covers and gloves.
Plus, there’s our perennial favourite – $9.99 Aldi motorcycle socks!
New this year are three types of $19.99 locks and chains to secure your bike and/or luggage.
Locks – $19.99
There is also a range of $39.99 tail and tank bags.
They point out that motorcycle retailers offer a lot more product choice and all-year round availability.
However, they do not dispute the standard of gear sold at Aldi which has, in the past, been selected with the help of Neuroscience Research Australia’s Dr Liz de Rome.
Liz, a rider since 1969, also helped develop MotoCAP, motorcycle clothing ratings system. So far, MotoCAP has not tested any Aldi products.
Supporters of the Aldi sale say it promotes the wearing of good quality gear because it makes it affordable to more riders.
In our coverage of the annual Aldi sale, as well as MotoCAP’s testing of products, we find readers claim Aldi products are good quality and value.
We have also tested Aldi gear and find it is up to par, including that cheap Bluetooth unit that is still working just fine after three years.
Taking place across the country from September to October, the four-part RIDE KTM Adventure Day series will this year visit Western Australia on September 8, Queensland on September 15, New South Wales on September 22 and Victoria rounds the tour out on October 13.
RIDE KTM Adventure Days – Image by Danny Wilkinson
RIDE KTM Adventure Days offer riders the chance to experience the KTM Adventure range in the environments for which the models were designed, over the course of 25-minute test loops, plus they will receive a KTM goody bag and have a chance to take part in seminars on a variety of adventure topics.
The days include everything from an introduction to adventure riding with tips on what to pack, what tools and spares to have and the best riding gear options, to riding tips from specialised adventure coaches, a tyre-changing demonstration and information on future KTM events and adventure coaching.
Riders will also get to meet and hang with KTM special guests Motonomad Adam Riemann (in Western Australia and Queensland) and current ISDE World Champion and recent HATTAH Desert Race Champion Daniel Milner (in New South Wales and Victoria).
RIDE KTM Adventure Days – Image by Danny Wilkinson
Demo rides will take place every half hour between 9.00am to 3.00pm at each event and pre-booking through the RIDE KTM website is essential. Information on the seminar schedule can also be found on the RIDE KTM website, so you can plan your day.
Models available for demo will be the MY19 790 Adventure, 790 Adventure R, 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Super Adventure R and 1290 Super Adventure S, enabling riders to define what exact machine suits them best within the KTM Adventure range.
KTM 790 Adventure with luggage
Registrations for the event are $50.00 per person, however non-riding plus-ones are welcome to attend, just advise upon booking your test rides if you would like to bring a friend.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Briar Bauman wins 2019 Peoria TT
Dallas Daniels takes maiden AFT Singles win
Tomac & McElrath top Budds Creek National 2019
Tim Gajser clinches 2019 MXGP Championship title
Glenn Coldenhoff sweeps MXGP of Italy
Courtney Duncan takes double WMX win in Italy
Fredrik Lindgren tops Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand
Courtney Duncan extends Kawasaki and Bike It DRT contract into 2020
Arminas Jasikonis extends Husqvarna contract
2020 Yamaha Factory MXGP effort announced
Briar Bauman wins 2019 Peoria TT
Briar Bauman took another big step toward claiming the 2019 AFT Twins championship by winning Saturday’s 73rd Peoria TT in Peoria, Ill. The victory was Bauman’s fourth triumph of the ‘19 American Flat Track season.
AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
It also just so happened to be the first time any rider other than “the King of Peoria,” Henry Wiles had stood atop the premier-class podium here going all the way back to 2003.
Wiles, who had assembled a truly remarkable 14-race Peoria TT win streak coming into this year’s event, was forced to watch from the fences after undergoing surgery for an injury suffered less than two weeks ago at the Black Hills Half-Mile.
AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
With Wiles out of the running, the race quickly took shape as a battle of brothers. Briar and younger brother Bronson Bauman appeared to be on a collision course in Turn 1 of the opening lap around the Peoria Motorcycle Club’s 5/8-mile TT track.
While they both made it through cleanly, that feeling of an imminent collision wouldn’t go away for the next 10 or so laps. The two went back and forth up front, ripping the lead away from one another multiple times before Briar finally muscled his way back into first in Turn 4 on lap nine.
Bronson again looked to counter, but Briar strung together a few perfect corners to stretch open a small gap. He’d go on to build that advantage up to just over a second before first encountering lapped traffic on lap 13 of 25.
That padding allowed him to be aggressive as he cut his way forward, eventually lapping all the way up to eighth position and backing down to a 2.967-second margin of victory at the checkered flag.
Roger Hayden – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
Briar Bauman
“I was trying to just be as smooth as possible and not hit any of these holes and get too out of shape. It’s a bittersweet win… What could have happened between Henry and I? He owns this place, and I give a lot of respect to him. You don’t do something like that without being the greatest guy to ever race here. Hopefully next year we’re both healthy, and we can give the crowd a show.”
Bronson Bauman cruised to second, taking the position with nearly five seconds in hand on third place. It was a different story for the final spot on the box, however. A titanic final lap showdown ultimately saw JD Beach storm past both Robert Pearson and defending champion Jared Mees in a desperate lunge to the stripe.
Beach had spent nearly the entire race looking for a way around Mees for third before Pearson closed in and displaced him to fifth with a lap-and-a-half remaining. Illinois-native Pearson also attempted to get the better of Mees in a final corner attempt at a home-state podium, but Beach was perfectly positioned to take advantage of their clash.
JD Beach – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
Beach finished 0.049 seconds ahead of Pearson, who in turn bettered Mees by 0.034 seconds. It was a costly double demotion for Mees, who ran in third from the Main Event’s start until the final meters. As a result, he now trails Bauman by 38 points (243-205) with just five races in which to make up the deficit.
AFT Twins Main Event Podium – 2019 Peoria TT
AFT Twins – 2019 Peoria TT Result
1
Briar Bauman
Indian FTR750
0.000
2
Bronson Bauman
Indian FTR750
2.967
3
JD Beach
Yamaha MT-07
7.670
4
Robert Pearson
Indian FTR750
7.720
5
Jared Mees
Indian FTR750
7.754
6
Jarod Vanderkooi
HD XG750R Rev X
8.678
7
Jake Johnson
Yamaha MT-07
11.07
8
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
Indian FTR750
17.878
9
Sammy Halbert
HD XG750R Rev X
+1 lap
10
Kolby Carlile
Yamaha MT-07
+1 lap
AFT Twins Standings
1
Briar Bauman
243
2
Jared Mees
205
3
Bronson Bauman
183
4
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
155
5
Jarod Vanderkooi
146
6
Brandon Robinson
144
7
Henry Wiles
129
8
Jake Johnson
128
9
Robert Pearson
121
10
Sammy Halbert
115
11
JD Beach
104
12
Davis Fisher
101
13
Brandon Price
90
14
Bryan Smith
84
15
Larry Pegram
71
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Dallas Daniels takes maiden AFT Singles win
16-year-old phenomenon Dallas Daniels earned his maiden American Flat Track victory, obliterating a AFT Singles field stacked with TT superstars in Saturday’s 15-lap Main Event.
Daniels got away in fifth but wasted no time in slashing his way through the decorated pack. He drove up the inside of three-time Peoria TT winner Jesse Janisch for third on lap 2, providing an early demonstration of just how serious the youngster’s challenge would be on this day.
Pre-race favorite Janisch responded the next time around, but Daniels immediately criss-crossed him and also overhauled offroad legend Ryan Sipes in one epic maneuver to take control of second. Daniels then proceeded to run down reigning class champion Dan Bromley and dive up the inside of him the next time into Turn 4 to take the lead on lap 4.
AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
Daniels raced off into the distance from that point forward, ultimately sealing his first-career AFT win in the same season he also claimed his first-career MotoAmerica victory.
Dallas Daniels
“The track was pretty treacherous and slick today, so it was really tough. I was just trying to find certain lines, and I think I found a few before the rest of the guys did. My bike was just working so good — it was perfect. I love my team and everything they’ve done for me, and also all the people who have helped get me to this point even before this year. I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life, and to do it so soon… We’re just going to keep going.”
Bromley held on for a solid second, which, when factored in with the sixth-place finish of Dalton Gauthier, sees the two riders sit equal atop the points chase (216-216) with just four races remaining to decide the 2019 AFT Singles crown.
Janisch was heading in the wrong direction midway through the Main, being passed by both James Rispoli and Jacob Lehmann. Despite sitting fifth with just a couple short laps remaining, Janisch dug deep. He fought his way back past ‘14 Peoria TT winner Lehmann, and then snuck past Rispoli – who was nursing a flat tire the last two laps – by a scant 0.003 seconds at the checkered to steal away the final spot on the podium.
Rispoli was forced to accept fourth, followed by Lehmann in fifth and Gauthier in sixth. Buffalo Chip TT winner Sipes finished a further spot back in seventh.
Max Whale and Chad Cose – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
Aussie Max Whale came home in ninth, and currently holds the same position in the overall standings, with 100 championship points.
Dallas Daniels on the podium – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
AFT Singles – 2019 Peoria TT Result
1
Dallas Daniels
Yamaha YZ450F
0.000
2
Dan Bromley
KTM 450 SX-F
2.124
3
Jesse Janisch
Yamaha YZ450F
4.741
4
James Rispoli
Honda CRF450R
4.745
5
Jacob Lehmann
Honda CRF450R
4.893
6
Dalton Gauthier
Husqvarna FC450
6.051
7
Ryan Sipes
KTM 450 SX-F
6.636
8
Morgen Mischler
Yamaha YZ450F
9.314
9
Max Whale
Kawasaki KX450F
10.014
10
Mikey Rush
Honda CRF450R
10.614
AFT Singles Standings
1
Dalton Gauthier
216
2
Dan Bromley
216
3
Mikey Rush
202
4
Jesse Janisch
174
5
Shayna Texter
153
6
Chad Cose
151
7
Ryan Wells
143
8
Morgen Mischler
125
9
Max Whale
100
10
Kevin Stollings
93
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship made its annual visit to Southern Maryland for the 30th running of the Budds Creek National at the historic Budds Creek Motocross Park, with huge crowd filling the hillsides as they watched the racers face challenging conditions throughout the day.
450
It was all about Eli Tomac in the 450 Class, becoming just the fourth rider to clinch a third consecutive title. Tomac proved to be unstoppable en route to a dominant 1-1 performance for a class-leading fifth victory of the season.
Eli Tomac – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
The win marked the 22nd of his career and puts him in a tie with Ricky Johnson for fourth on the all-time 450 Class win list. Jason Anderson used an impressive second moto charge for second overall (4-2), while Marvin Musquin completed the podium in third (3-3).
Eli Tomac – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (1-1)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (4-2)
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (3-3)
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (2-7)
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (5-4)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-5)
Dean Wilson, Scotland, Husqvarna (8-6)
Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha (9-9)
Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM (7-11)
Kyle Cunningham, Willow Park, Texas, Honda (11-8)
450 Class Championship Standings
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 476
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 426
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 421
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 376
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 365
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 324
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 283
Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Suzuki – 218
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 210
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 175
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
250
In the 250 Class Shane McElrath was the surprise winner by sweeping both motos for the second overall victory of his career and first this season. Championship point leader Adam Cianciarulo’s 2-5 moto scores were good enough for second on the day, extending his lead to 30-points with just one round remaining.
Shane McElrath – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
Cianciarulo continues to lead Dylan Ferrandis in the standings, while Ferrandis suffered from poor starts and finished fourth (4-4), with Justin Cooper taking third overall with his 6-2 result.
Shane McElrath – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
Hunter Lawrence was just outside the top 10 overall for the weekend, after claiming a 10-12 result.
Hunter Lawrence (Instagram)
“All you keyboard warriors, I smoked @jettson49 in timed qualy and first moto despite getting caught up in first turn crash! So suck it, big bro still rules the castle, first race back and we went P2 and P4 in qualifying which was good! I was already faced with a tough day ahead after my time off so both motos being involved in the first turn crashes coming from pretty much last both motos wasn’t a great way to start my races, summary of today though, speed is good, working on fitness and strength I lost whilst being out for two and a bit weeks! Thanks to my boy @snyder_50 out here sweating his ring out, it was scorching today! And thank you team @fchonda and everyone else supporting us! We appreciate all of you!”
Hunter Lawrence – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
Recently turned 16-years-old younger brother Jett raced to a 24-30 placing, for 26th overall.
Jett Lawrence (Instagram)
“Had my best qualifying so far with a ninth gate pick and was feeling good. First moto started off with not the best start and was able to come through to 15th and pulled off right before the finish line so I didn’t get any points with the amateur rule. Second moto started off with a pretty good start in 12th and made my way to fifth and was feeling good but then the heat started getting to me and was starting to feel a little light headed and not good round the 20 minute mark, 90% humidity and scorching heat was gnarly! Was really bummed about that cause I was in a really good spot and don’t worry @hunterlawrence this ain’t over bud.”
Jett Lawrence – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (1-1)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (2-5)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (6-2)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 479
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 449
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 419
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 310
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 292
Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 278
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 277
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 260
Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 258
Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 252
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Tim Gajser clinches 2019 MXGP Championship title
Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has won his third world motocross championship of his career (two-times MXGP, one time MX2) after dominating this 2019 MXGP season. Clinching the title with three and a half rounds still remaining, Gajser has been almost unbeatable at stages of the year, including going on a record-breaking seven round win-streak, which is now the longest in Honda’s illustrious history of Grand Prix motocross.
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Starting the season off with solid results in Argentina, Great Britain and the Netherlands, Gajser’s campaign sparked into life after winning an enthralling battle at the MXGP of Trentino. On the tight track nestled in the Alpine region, the Slovenian rider was almost flawless as he fought for almost the entirety of both motos with the early-season leader, eventually coming out victorious with one-one results and ensuring the massive Slovenian fan contingent went home happy.
After a tough round in Mantova, the Honda CRF450RW then went on a run that saw him win overalls in Portugal, France, Russia, Latvia, Germany, Indonesia and Asia (also Indonesia), taking 12 moto wins out of a possible 14 and turning a 40 point deficit into 173 point lead. He powered his way to multiple holeshots and led almost 70% of the laps during that period and fully cemented his place as the man to beat in this 2019 world motocross championship.
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Returning to Europe, he then backed up his title claim by riding to a controlled second place at the Czech GP, extending the point’s gap to 177 with five rounds left to race. A week after Loket, he won his eighth GP in nine rounds but taking victory at the toughest race on the calendar in the deep sand of Lommel, Belgium. This meant he only needed 13 points from the first MXGP moto (or 12 less than his nearest rival), a target he was able to achieve with ease, sparking wild celebrations at the famous racing circuit of Imola, Italy.
After his back-to-back titles in 2015 (MX2) and 2016 (MXGP), the #243 now joins a very select list of riders who have won three world championships on-board a Honda, with Andre Malherbe (1980, 1981, 1984), David Thorpe (1985, 1986, 1989), Georges Jobe (1987, 1991, 1992) and Eric Geboers (1987, 1988, 1990) the only other men to have achieved this feat.
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
He moved to joint-second in the all-time Honda wins list with 24 (after Lommel), sitting level with Stefan Everts (24) and Malherbe who has 27, and with four rounds still remaining (including Imola) there is still a possibility he can move to the top of the list, were he to win-out the rest of the season.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Tim Gajser may have celebrated the MXGP title win, but KTM’s Glenn Coldenhoff was celebrating his own GP win, having taken both race wins for a perfect 50-points, ahead of Jeremy Seewer and third placed Tim Gajser. Gautier Paulin narrowly missed the podium, on 38-points, the same as Gajser, but better placings ensured Gajser took the final step.
Glenn Coldenhoff – Image by Ray Archer
Gajser now holds the lead and title, however Jeremy Seewer sits second on 481-points, with Gautier Paulin on 440 and Arnaud Tonus on 419.
Glenn Coldenhoff
“I won a race and the overall in 2015, but now going 1-1 here it is amazing and I wish to thank my team. We had a tough time and a lot of negatives, but now I’m happy and my boss too. I won my first GP with him and also my third today. It means a lot. I never got 1-1 in the MXGP class and I want to thank everyone for helping me out.”
Glenn Coldenhoff – Image by Ray Archer
Jeremy Seewer
“I had two amazing races, I was consistend and I tried to make zero mistakes. The heat was brutal but we go one step higher every time. I want to thank the team, my fans and my girlfriend.”
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Tim Gajser
“It was crazy. I am super happy, and I couldn’t wish for a better season or a team around me. I didn’t sleep a lot last night but today is a big day and I tried to take this race the same as all the others. I was fast in the first race even if I didn’t have the best start but I got to second and tried to win the race, but I was quite nervous and I couldn’t. Second race was better. I’m really happy to finish on the podium and to get the 2019 MXGP Title. Also, I want to thank my family and my girlfriend, and all the fans who follow me.”
Tim Gajser and the HRC team celebrate the MXGP title win – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
MXGP Round Overall
#
Rider
R1
R2
Total
1
Coldenhoff, Glenn
NED
KTM
25
25
50
2
Seewer, Jeremy
SUI
YAM
22
20
42
3
Gajser, Tim
SLO
HON
16
22
38
4
Paulin, Gautier
FRA
YAM
20
18
38
5
Jonass, Pauls
LAT
HUS
15
16
31
6
Searle, Tommy
GBR
KAW
13
14
27
7
Febvre, Romain
FRA
YAM
11
15
26
8
Lupino, Alessandro
ITA
KAW
12
12
24
9
Tonus, Arnaud
SUI
YAM
18
5
23
10
Tixier, Jordi
FRA
KTM
9
13
22
MXGP Standings (Top 20)
#
Rider
Total
1
Gajser, Tim
664
2
Seewer, Jeremy
481
3
Paulin, G.
440
4
Tonus, Arnaud
419
5
Coldenhoff, G.
399
6
Jasikonis, A.
377
7
Febvre, Romain
362
8
Cairoli, A.
358
9
Jonass, Pauls
352
10
Van Horebeek, J.
347
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
MX2
Jorge Prado’s domination of the MX2 category continued in Italy, with the KTM rider taking both race wins for 50-points, extending his championship lead to 130-points over Thomas Kjer Olsen. Olsen was runner up for the MX2 class going 2-2, with Maxime Renaux claiming the final podium position. Jago Geerts took fourth for the round, and currently sits third in the standings, 117-points behind Olsen.
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Jorge Prado
“It was an amazing day and yesterday it was very good. We are having a fantastic 2019 season. I’m very happy to get the win and next weekend will hopefully be a good one. I’m very happy to get two races wins and I am really excited. In the first race I got a good start, the first lap I was behind Darian and tried to pass and I made it. I just wanted to be safe out of this race and hopefully we can do the same in the second race.”
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Thomas Kjer Olsen
“It was an amazing comeback because Lommel was tough for me. We made some small changes to the bike and I want to thank the team for getting me comfortable. I showed I was back and could push the whole weekend. I want to thank all the people who always support me.”
Thomas Kjer Olsen – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Maxime Renaux
“It is really special getting a podium finish. These last couple of years were though and I hope I’ll keep improving.”
MX2 Round Overall
#
Rider
R1
R2
Total
1
Prado, Jorge
25
25
50
2
Olsen, Thomas Kjer
22
22
44
3
Renaux, Maxime
20
18
38
4
Geerts, Jago
18
16
34
5
Vlaanderen, Calvin
13
20
33
6
Larranaga Olano, Iker
14
14
28
7
Hofer, Rene
15
10
25
8
Jacobi, Henry
8
15
23
9
Boisrame, Mathys
16
6
22
10
Östlund, Alvin
9
12
21
MX2 Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Prado, Jorge
694
2
Olsen, T.
564
3
Geerts, Jago
447
4
Jacobi, Henry
422
5
Vialle, Tom
416
6
Sterry, Adam
320
7
Renaux, Maxime
309
8
Watson, Ben
282
9
Vlaanderen, C.
281
10
Boisrame, M.
255
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Courtney Duncan takes double WMX win in Italy
There’s no stopping Kiwi motocross sensation Courtney Duncan as she hones in on her first Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) title, after notching up her third double set of wins at the MXGP of Italy this weekend.
The Otago-born, Bike It Dixon Racing Team Kawasaki rider has extended her overall lead out to a huge 23-points, with only one round left to run early next month, claiming a 1-1 result. Second overall was Larissa Papenmeier with 2-2 scores and third Nancy Van De Ven with 3-4 scores.
Courtney Duncan – 2019 MXGP of Italy
Duncan didn’t have it easy, as she fought tooth and nail for her two victories at the epic ‘Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ Italian circuit in Imola. After qualifying first – making her debut on the hard-pack slick track – she elbowed her way into the lead early in the hot race, where temperatures soared up over 30degC.
A small fall saw Duncan drop behind Nancy Van De Ven, before she caught and passed the Dutch woman mid-race, leaving her to eventually finish third behind German rider Larissa Papenmeier, who was second. Duncan showed her world-class pedigree, recovering to win by 8.2secs, while not putting undue pressure on herself.
She went out and hit repeat on the second race, notching up her seventh race win and third overall round victory in 2019, leaving her rivals to pick up the podium spots. Papenmeier was again runner-up and Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen was third.
Courtney Duncan – 2019 MXGP of Italy
Courtney Duncan
“It was really difficult for me. The track changed a lot from qualifying to the first moto. It took a while to adapt to the conditions. I wasn’t willing to do anything more than I had to do to protect my championship lead. It’s a good weekend if you can extend your lead in the championship and get two wins. It didn’t come easy for me though. I found the track difficult. It was hard pack and slick, but they put a lot of water down, so I had to be careful not to make too many mistakes because it could catch me out. I didn’t get into that nice rhythm until about halfway through the races. It feels even better when you win like that. I’m in a good position heading into the final round in Turkey in three weeks’ time. The Kawasaki KX250 was super good. I’m really gelling with the bike – like I’ve said all season, its set up really nicely for me. Its good to put the green on top for sure!”
Courtney Duncan – 2019 MXGP of Italy
Duncan will remain in Europe to train with the experienced British Kawasaki squad Bike It DRT, who she has been racing for this season.
WMX – Overall Top Ten
Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 44
Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 38
Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 35
Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 30
Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 29
Emelie Dahl (SWE, YAM), 23
Sandra Karlsson (SWE, KAW), 23
Britt Van Der Werff (NED, HUS), 20
WMX – Championship Top Ten
Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 189 points
Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 166
Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 163
Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 135
Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 122
Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 120
Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 109
Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 82
Line Dam (DEN, HON), 81
Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 65
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Fredrik Lindgren tops Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand
Swedish hero Fredrik Lindgren admits the energy generated by his home fans helped him defy a horror crash to top the Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium in Malilla on Saturday. Lindgren triumphed in the final ahead of new World Championship leader Leon Madsen, Maciej Janowski and Artem Laguta, with Fast Freddie claiming his first SGP success on home shale since his Gothenburg victory in 2012.
Fredrik Lindgren topped the 2019 Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand
It was a moment to savour for Lindgren as the yellow and blue flags flew high at the G&B Arena. Despite sustaining a suspected right knee injury in heat six, Lindgren picked up the pace as the meeting progressed and admits the excitement in the stands only inspired him on the bike.
Fredrik Lindgren
“It’s always great to win, but it’s always extra nice to win in front of your home crowd. I could see the atmosphere building because I think the fans saw my form was picking up going into the semi. I think they had big hopes for the final, as I did, and I think everyone just went crazy as I crossed the line. I was focused all night, especially with the crowd – it helps me and gives me a lot of good energy. I know for a fact they wanted me to win, but I don’t feel any extra pressure. I just went out and performed for them. I enjoy it.”
Lindgren was forced to do it the hard way after being involved in an ugly three-rider spill in heat six, when Patryk Dudek ran out of room as he challenged Mikkel Michelsen for the lead.
2019 Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand
Dudek bounced off the back-straight fence with his bike falling across the path of Lindgren and Max Fricke. Both men jumped the stricken machine motocross-style, barely missing Dudek and careered into the air fence.
Miraculously, all three riders walked away from the crash, but Lindgren is set to be assessed with concerns over his right knee. Lindgren is now fifth in the World Championship on 63 points – 12 behind leader Madsen, but just six adrift of Bartosz Zmarzlik in second.
Runner-up Madsen received a pain-killing injection in his ankle ahead of the meeting and admits it made all the difference as he racked up 14 points to go six points clear at the World Championship summit. The European champion, also defied shoulder and back problems to produce an extraordinary performance.
Fredrik Lindgren topped the 2019 Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand
Third-placed Janowski edged up to seventh in the standings with his 15-point haul. While he was somewhat disappointed not to top the box on his Swedish home track, he was content with a third straight double-figure return.
Next up is the German SGP in Teterow on August 31.
SGP World Championship Standings
Leon Madsen 75
Bartosz Zmarzlik 69
Emil Sayfutdinov 68
Martin Vaculik 68
Fredrik Lindgren 63
Patryk Dudek 61
Maciej Janowski 51
Artem Laguta 50
Janusz Kolodziej 48
Jason Doyle 42
Niels-Kristian Iversen 41
Matej Zagar 37
Max Fricke 36
Antonio Lindback 30
Tai Woffinden 27
Robert Lambert 24
Bartosz Smektala 10
Mikkel Michelsen 9
Oliver Berntzon 7
Vaclav Milik 4
Maksym Drabik 4
Matic Ivacic 2
Jacob Thorssell 2.
2019 Scandinavian SGP Scores
Fredrik Lindgren 16
Leon Madsen 14
Maciej Janowski 15
Artem Laguta 16
Mikkel Michelsen 9
Martin Vaculik 9
Bartosz Zmarzlik 8
Matej Zagar 7
Jason Doyle 7
Niels-Kristian Iversen 7
Emil Sayfutdinov 7
Patryk Dudek 6
Tai Woffinden 6
Max Fricke 5
Janusz Kolodziej 4
Jacob Thorssell 2
Kim Nilsson DNR
Victor Palovaara DNR
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Duncan extends Kawasaki and Bike It DRT contract into 2020
Immediately after celebrating her third consecutive double-moto GP success at Imola Courtney Duncan extended her contract with Kawasaki Motors Europe and the Bike It DRT squad into the 2020 season.
Courtney Duncan extends her partnership with Bike It DRT into 2020 – 2019 MXGP of Italy
The 2019 season has been excellent so far for both Courtney and DRT manager Steve Dixon, who collected the podium honours at each of the last three rounds of the FIM World WMX Women’s Motocross Championship and have led the series since the Portuguese GP in May.
Victorious in every moto bar one at the opening round of the series, the twenty-three-year-old New Zealander quickly adapted to her new bike and team and is now close to her first-ever world title as she leads the series by twenty-three points headed for the final round in Turkey on September 7/8. Successfully racing the new 2020 KX250 to victory in the last two rounds, Courtney was so happy with her new environment that she has already extended her contract for the future.
New Zealander Courtney Duncan has been blazing ahead in the WMX – 2019 MXGP of Italy
Courtney Duncan
“I’m very thankful and excited to announce that I have extended my contract with Kawasaki and DRT through 2020. I really feel at home with the team and feel the KX250 suits me perfectly. This is just the start and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can continue to achieve together in the future.”
Steve Guttridge (Kawasaki Europe Racing Manager)
“Courtney’s arrival this season at Kawasaki and within the DRT set-up was an instant success. She has gelled with both the KX250 and the team and we can see positive proof in her winning performances on the track so far this season. She is a pleasure to work with both on and off the track, so we are very happy that she has committed herself to continue to race with Kawasaki in the future.”
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Arminas Jasikonis extends Husqvarna contract
Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced that Arminas Jasikonis has signed a one-year extension to his current contract with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. This new agreement will see the Lithuanian continue to compete in the MXGP category through to the end of the 2020 season.
Arminas Jasikonis
21-year-old Jasikonis signed to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team at the end of 2018. Marking his third full year of competition in the premier MXGP class in 2019, the Husqvarna FC 450 mounted rider claimed a number of top-five race results including a third-place finish in the first moto at the GP of Lombardia.
Despite a number of small crashes hampering his progress, Arminas sits sixth overall in the FIM MXGP World Championship classification with four rounds left to race. Jasikonis will once again compete alongside Pauls Jonass in 2020, under the expert guidance of team manager Antti Pyrhönen.
Arminas Jasikonis
Arminas Jasikonis
“It means so much to me to be given the opportunity to ride for such a great team. It feels great to know that the team believes in me and what I can achieve. Admittedly, 2019 has not been the best year for me, a few mistakes have affected my results, but I’m happy with my progress on the bike and I’m keen to deliver the results I know I’m capable of. For 2020, remaining with the same team takes a lot of pressure off – we already have a very good set-up for the races and a good atmosphere within the team. I’m really looking forward to continuing to improve and hopefully securing some top results.”
Arminas JasikonisWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
2020 Yamaha Factory MXGP effort announced
Following the announcement of Yamaha Motor Europe’s reformed Racing Strategy that will see the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 take on Factory status in 2020, it is with great pleasure that Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. can confirm that next seasons rider rostrum will consist of Jeremy Seewer, Gautier Paulin, Arnaud Tonus, Jago Geerts and Ben Watson.
2020 Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 rider line-ups announced
Currently making up the top-four in the 2019 MXGP World Championship with four rounds remaining, Seewer, Paulin and Tonus have put in some outstanding performances this season where between them they have accumulated 14 podium finishes in as many rounds.
Seewer has enjoyed a second full season with Yamaha inside the premier class, where he has taken his YZ450FM to four podium finishes and is currently second position in the Championship Standings with a 37-points advantage over Paulin.
Jeremy Seewer – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP
“It feels really good to stay with Yamaha for another season, especially after what happened to me at the end of 2017, I really feel like Yamaha helped me out of that situation and gave me an opportunity to grow into the MXGP class, and also to grow with a Factory team again. I really enjoyed my time with the Rinaldi team where I had a really good relationship with everyone there and we’ve had a good season. Going into 2020, I am happy to remain on the Factory team even though the team will be different. It will be a new chapter and I look forward to building on it.”
Jeremy Seewer
Paulin is currently third and has also accumulated four podium successes onboard his YZ450F, while teammate Tonus is 6-points further adrift in fourth position and has crested the podium on six occasions this season.
Gautier Paulin – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP
“Already this season, Yamaha and I have made some really big goals and have put together a big testing plan that we feel will get me back to the top. We have worked hard to have a good feeling on the motorcycle, which I have, and I am now third position in the championship. There have been many races where my Yamaha has been up front, and I have a lot of confidence in the brand and in my team. It feels really good to continue with Yamaha. One year moves quickly, and it is always a positive feeling to sign another year where we can improve the plan by making it stronger. Yamaha have put in a huge amount of effort to restructure the strategy for 2020, and I am very excited to move in this direction with them, and I am excited for what is yet to come.”
Gautier Paulin
Arnaud Tonus – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP
“It feels amazing to stay with Yamaha. We have been through a lot together, many highs, many lows. Yamaha supported me at my lowest, and this year we were rewarded with many good times and a lot of success too. I am so happy to continue with the team for another season. It feels like home to me. I feel it’s very important to have the Yamaha Family behind me, and with extra support in 2020 as a Factory team. This will mean we have access to even better material, and extra technical support which will help us evolve the bike further. I am super excited for the 2020 season!”
Arnaud Tonus
All three riders will make up the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team where they will line up on YZ450FM machinery determined to challenge the MXGP crown in 2020.
Strengthening Yamaha’s 2020 Strategy, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team has retained its strong contingent of MX2 riders for yet another season, Jago Geerts and Ben Watson.
Widely recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the world, Geerts is one of only three race winners this season. The 19-year-old is in his second full MX2 season and has managed to celebrate five podium finishes this year. He is currently 3-points from securing a place inside the top-three in the 2019 MX2 World Championship with four rounds remaining.
Jago Geerts
Fresh off a maiden podium in 2019, Watson has proven he still has what it takes to challenge the crown despite facing some adversity this season. The 22-year-old is currently seventh in the championship standings after suffering from a broken hand that required surgical repair.
Both riders are looking forward to the 2020 season where they aim to challenge a place on the top step of the podium on Yamaha’s cutting edge YZ250FM.
Jago Geerts – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2
“I am happy to sign with Yamaha for another season. I really look forward to 2020 where we will receive extra support from Yamaha as the Factory MX2 team, which will mean we will receive special material and added technical support. This will make a big difference in the development of the bike. I can’t wait to ride the Factory bike, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve next season.”
Jago Geerts
Ben Watson – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2
“It’s great to sign a new contract with Yamaha for next season, and that they still believe in me. I have always dreamed of being a factory rider, and next year I will have the opportunity. I am already looking forward to 2020 where I hope to achieve what I know I am capable of achieving. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the new deal is that we will have Factory support and I look forward to developing the YZ250FM and taking the bike to the next level. I am really grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to make the most of it.”
Ben WatsonWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Newly-crowned champion Gajser overwhelmed with emotion
Section: Competition
Second premier class title comes after two difficult years in MXGP.
Image: Supplied.
Honda HRC’s Tim Gajser has been overwhelmed with emotion after clinching his second premier class MXGP World Championship at Imola on Sunday, the title coming after enduring two difficult and injury-riddled seasons.
Gajser, who captured the 2016 MXGP crown one year after being crowned the MX2 world champion, remained a dominant force in the 2019 series, stretching out an unbeatable 183-point advantage in the standings following a P3 overall placing in Italy.
“It is just an amazing feeling to have won this third world championship,” Gajser expressed. “To fight back after two really tough years and to even overcome a difficult round earlier in the year, it is just really, really great to have become champion.
“A big thanks to all of Team HRC, both here at the races and back in Japan who have supported me throughout this period, during the good and the bad. It is a real family I have under this awning and I am truly thankful to be riding with them for so long. We have all worked extremely hard this year to improve myself and the Honda CRF450RW but it has worked amazingly well.
“We have had great starts, zero issues, and I just feel really comfortable each time I get on the track, whatever the conditions. I am struggling to say much more but it really has been an incredible experience and I’m so glad that a lot of fans from Slovenia could come out and witness this moment too.
“My previous wins have been in the USA, but now to have so much support here at Imola, and just throughout this year is something I am really appreciative of. Thank you to everyone who has been with me on this journey, fans team members, everyone, it means so much to me.”
Three rounds still remain in the MXGP World Championship, with the next stop – round 16 – scheduled for this weekend at Uddevalla in Sweden.
O’Halloran assessing shoulder injury following Cadwell Park BSB
Section: Competition
McAms Yamaha rider records 7-14 scorecard in challenging weekend.
Image: Supplied.
Australian Jason O’Halloran will have his injured shoulder assessed after it continued to hinder him at Cadwell Park’s eighth round of the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) last weekend.
The McAms Yamaha rider, who initially suffered the injury at Snetterton’s sixth round last month, mustered up a seventh place finish in race one, however after being pushed wide at the beginning of the second encounter, the best he could recover to was P14.
“This morning I had to be happy, we got a good start and got away with the leaders and then I just had to manage the race,” O’Halloran explained. “I could only ride the pace I could ride with my shoulder. The bike was feeling good and we picked up some points.
“In the second race we started on row three and I got another mega start, just like we have all year, but it was probably a little too good as I ended up on the outside in fourth and I got hit from the inside and punted off the track so the race was over at that point.
“I stuck at it as you never know, a couple of points is a couple of points and the safety car could have come out. I managed to finish 14th. I’ve now got three weeks off, so I’m going to get my shoulder looked at as it should be better by now. Hopefully we can find out what the prognosis is and move on to Oulton Park.”
The number 22 is currently ranked 10th in the championship standings as the series heads to Oulton Park on 6-8 September.
Prado on the cusp of successfully defending MX2 World Championship
Section: Competition
Perfect 1-1 scorecard at Imola allows Spaniard to stretch points lead to 130.
Image: Supplied.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado is on the cusp of winning his second consecutive MX2 World Championship after yet another dominant performance at Imola’s MXGP on the weekend.
Prado, who missed the second round with injury, has stretched a 130-point advantage lead after winning each every moto he’s entered, while just 150 points remain on the table at the next three rounds.
“The track was a bit easier and more flowing yesterday and it was harder to find the perfect rhythm today,” said Prado. “It was tough. I was quickly into first in both motos and it was a case of good starts, good riding and moving forwards.
“Sweden [Uddevalla] is a track I really like and I won a moto there and took a podium in my first season in 2017. Hopefully we’ll do a nice race there next weekend and it will be doubly nice to get the title.”
Prado is destined to graduate to the premier class next year at 18 years of ages if he successfully claims the title, the Spaniard already signing a contract extension with KTM that will see him through the 2023 season.
The 2019 Classic TT finally kicked off overnight after bad weather affected the scheduled Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Dean Harrison topped Classic Superbike qualifying, while Kiwi Bruce Anstey celebrated his return to competition in fine style by topping the Lightweight Classic TT class.
The Junior and Senior sessions were also started but a red flag and fading light meant that the second second session was cancelled, while the Newcomers session wasn’t run.
RST Classic TT Superbike
The Superbikes and Lightweight machines were first out on the TT Mountain Course. Harrison, who has won the last two RST Classic TT Superbike Races, was first away on the Silicone Engineering Kawasaki with Michael Rutter alongside him on the Team Winfield Yamaha. The first pair were followed ten seconds later by James Hillier on the Oxford Products Ducati and Jamie Coward on the Prez Racing Kawasaki.
Jamie Coward – 2019 IoM Classic TT
Rain had been reported earlier in the evening, but the cautionary lack of adhesion flags didn’t seem to dampen spirits or lap speeds. Harrison’s standing start opening lap of the meeting (123.42mph) topped the board on the night before the Bradford rider came in at the end of his opening lap, pointing at a loose exhaust.
Horst Saiger & Conor Cummins – 2019 IoM Classic TT
Harrison switched machines and headed straight out on his Lightweight bike – the Laylaw Racing Yamaha – and promptly clocked a lap of 114.28mph, which was second only to Anstey, before coming in with a quickshifter issue.
Dean Harrison
“I’ve come straight from Cadwell and BSB to the Classic TT. The ZXR isn’t such a big jump but riding the 250 is chalk and cheese. I’ve not got much experience of the two-stroke but you’ve got to respect the little thing because it will bite you.”
Dean Harrison – 2019 IoM Classic TT
RST Superbike Classic TT Qualifying (Top 15)
Dean Harrison – 18:20.532 / 123.420
Horst Saiger – 18:25.455 / 122.871
Jamie Coward – 18:45.344 / 120.699
Derek Sheils – 19:07.345 / 118.385
Philip Crowe – 19:08.305 / 118.286
Joey Thompson – 19:14.995 / 117.601
Michael Rutter – 19:18.418 / 117.253
Conor Cummins – 19:23.975 / 116.693
Gary Johnson – 19:30.501 / 116.043
Julian Trummer – 19:35.170 / 115.582
Davey Todd – 19:44.377 / 114.683
Paul Potchy – 19:47.173 / 114.413
Forest Dunn – 19:52.301 / 113.921
Michael Sweeney – 19:55.369 / 113.629
Allan Brodie – 19:58.190 / 113.361
Lightweight Classic TT
Lichtenstein based rider Horst Saiger clocked an average speed of 118mph on his opening lap and then improved this to 122.87mph – the second fastest on the night – while Derek Shiels and Jamie Coward both posted 118mph+ opening laps with Coward improving to 120.70 which put him third on the overall Superbike leaderboard.
Early retirements on the opening lap included Paul Jordan on the Mistral Racing Kawasaki, who stopped at Ballacrye and Lee Johnston on his Lightweight Binch Racing Yamaha at Douglas Road Corner, while Gary Johnson (Team York Suzuki) retired on his second lap of the Superbike session at Quarterbridge.
Anstey put a two year TT Mountain Course absence behind him and blasted to an opening lap of 110.84 on the Padgetts Yamaha, while Daniel Sayle on the John Chapman Racing Honda showed that he had recovered from injuries sustained at last year’s Classic TT with an opening lap of 109.90mph.
Ian Lougher – 2019 IoM Classic TT
Ten-time TT Race winner Ian Lougher also showed his hand with an opening lap of 109.37mph which he improved to 112mph on his second lap, while Harrison’s opening lap of 114.28mph put him at the top of the Lightweight leaderboard.
Dean Harrison – 2019 IoM Classic TT
But Bruce Anstey was not to be overshadowed on his come back and promptly set 116.28mph on his second lap.
Bruce Anstey
“It was great to get out and on the second lap things clicked and it felt like normal and as though I’d never been away.”
Clive Padgett – Padgetts Motorcycles Team Boss
“I’m just over the moon. We said to Bruce before the lap if you’re not feeling it we’ll pick you up at Ballacraine. He’s loving life – it’s incredible. He was smiling from the off and all the fans are so pleased to see him back and we’ve had so many great comments.”
Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT Qualifying (Top 15)
Bruce Anstey – 19:28.139 / 116.277mph
Dean Harrison – 19:48.554 / 114.280
Ian Lougher – 20:06.438 / 112.586
Charles Rhys – 20:20.042 / 111.331
Daniel Sayle – 20:35.957 / 109.897
Gary Vines – 21:03.060 / 107.539
John Barton – 21:11.224 / 106.848
Dominic Herbertson – 21:14.035 / 106.612
Carsten Svendsen – 21:30.144 / 105.281
Tom Snow – 21:50.055 / 103.681
Samuel Grief – 21:59.485 / 102.940
Phil Harvey – 22:02.007 / 102.744
James Ford – 22:15.793 / 101.683
Steven Howard – 22:23.498 / 101.100
Andrew Cowie – 23:26.553 / 96.568
Senior & Junior Sessions cancelled
The Junior and Senior machines were away shortly after ten past seven with Team Winfield rider John McGuinness on the twin-cylinder Paton and Ripley Land Racing’s Michael Rutter on the single-cylinder Matchless jostling for position alongside each other on the start line.
However, shortly after the second session began, the session was red flagged following an incident at the Black Hut. The rider concerned was taken by airmed to Nobles Hospital with a reported leg injury and riders were brought back to the Grandstand in course direction under the direction of Travelling Marshals.
With the lost time and light fading at the Grandstand, the second session for Senior and Junior machines and the scheduled Newcomers session was cancelled.
Roads are to close tomorrow at 1800 with the Lightweight and Superbike Classic TT machines due out at 1820 and Senior and Junior bikes at 1915.
MotoGP test riders sample new KymiRing circuit in Finland
Section: Competition
Maiden day of testing marred by poor weather conditions.
Image: Supplied.
MotoGP has officially landed in Finland, as Monday saw the first track action in a two-day test at the new KymiRing completed by manufacturers’ test riders.
The day was unfortunately wet and there was an immediate change to the program, with the timetable for the MotoGP runners changed, that meant it was the local heroes up first to try out the track, instead of at the end of the day.
That trend of home heroes first continued once the green light was on for the premier class test, with Mika Kallio out first on the KTM RC16 – with the latest chassis – to greet the fans who had flocked to the circuit to witness premier class motorcycle action in Finland for the first time since 1982.
All six test riders eventually got a taste of the circuit though, despite conditions being far from ideal with rain falling throughout the day. Aprilia’s Bradley Smith was the next out on track and the British rider was fastest at lunchtime with the first sub-two-minute lap.
Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Honda’s Stefan Bradl were up next, with Bradl continuing development work on the carbon-reinforced chassis but also making some unwanted history by becoming the first rider to crash at the KymiRing as he went down at the final corner.
The German was also spotted as having a ‘salad box’ fitted to both bikes in his garage, which was last seen at the Sepang official test at the start of 2019.
Suzuki’s Sylvain Guintoli and Yamaha’s Jonas Folger were the last to try out the KymiRing later in the day, getting a taster before more action is expected tomorrow – as well as better conditions.
Lawrence endures luckless return at Budds Creek Pro Motocross
Section: Competition
Australian overcomes a pair of first turn incidents at the penultimate round.
Image: Supplied.
Geico Honda’s Hunter Lawrence endured a luckless return from injury at Budds Creek’s penultimate round of the 2019 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Australian being involved in two first turn pile-ups.
Lawrence, who broke his collarbone in a practice crash last month, overcame the early incidents in both motos, charging to a 10-13 scorecard for 12th overall.
“Gnarly day at Budds,” Lawrence stated. “I was already facing a tough day coming from two weeks of no riding and limited off bike training so the two first turn pile-ups I was involved in really weren’t the cherry on top that I was looking for.
“We did our best and learned a lot for next year about the track. I’m safe and healthy which is good and just building each time I am on the track! Looking forward to ironman. Also, I have to give it up to the team for dealing with the heat and humidity – that was gnarly.”
Despite missing two rounds, Lawrence is ranked 10th in the 250MX championship standings as the Pro Motocross series wraps up this weekend at Ironman.
