On the face of it, it’s good news for the field that Binder beat Marquez. But Binder is seventh in the Championship and 72 points off the number 73, so in some ways Marquez can afford to control that risk and play the long game. With his advantage, though, that’s almost true of every race…although things can change quickly if momentum swings.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Home hero John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) is one of those. The Scotsman has already shown some serious speed this season, and won a race, and he’ll be gunning for glory on home turf. The men he fought for the podium in Austria will likely be in the mix too: Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers) and his teammate and eventual winner Romano Fenati, who could be an interesting equation now he’s been back on the top step. Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) needs to make up some ground in the standings, and Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) will want to consolidate his position in the top five.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
For those riders that favour a non European option in the enduro marketplace the options are few and far between. Yamaha are giving Aussies riders a Japanese alternative for the bush with the 2020 iteration of their YZ250X arriving into the Australian market at $12,299 including GST.
Offering Yamaha’s trademark reliability and durability, the 2020 YZ250X delivers classic two-stroke performance for the enduro racer, alongside a lightweight aluminium double-cradle frame and swingarm, fully-adjustable KYB closed chamber USD forks and a fully-adjustable high-performance KYB rear shock absorber.
The 2020 YZ2250X has been specifically tuned for cross-country racing to deliver performance, alongside light, nimble and precise handling.
The two-stroke enduro racer is powered by the same 249cc, reed-valve inducted engine as Yamaha’s legendary YZ250X motocross machine, with a compact exhaust system for clearance on tight technical trails, and a wide-ratio five-speed transmission.
Compression ratio, exhaust port, power valve timing, and model-specific CDI unit are all designed for improved trail performance, with a focus on delivering a wider and more controllable power delivery in comparison to its more highly strung motocross cousin.
Australian-delivered YZ250X models are fitted with an off-road kit that makes the bike eligible for the recreational registration scheme that is available in some states. The kit includes front and rear lights, handguards, horn, mirror, braided steel front brake line and number plate hanger.
Braking duties are handled by a 270mm/245mm hydraulic disc braking package in combination with high-performance pad material for exceptional stopping power and controllability in tight wooded trails.
Enduro-specific Dunlop Geomax AT81 tyres are fitted, offering an 18-inch rear with a taller sidewall for improved comfort and helping reduce pinch flats. The 2020 YZ250X is available now at Yamaha dealers for $12,299 incl GST.
| 2020 Yamaha YZ250X Specifications | |
| Engine type: | Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, reed valve induction |
| Displacement: | 249cc |
| Bore x stroke: | 66.4 x 72.0 |
| Compression ratio: | 7.9 – 9.4 : 1 |
| Fuel delivery: | PWK38S Keihin |
| Starter system: | Kick |
| Transmission system: | Constant mesh five-speed |
| Final Transmission: | Chain |
| Frame: | Aluminium control filled semi double cradle |
| Front suspension: | Telescopic forks, 300 mm travel |
| Rear suspension: | Swingarm (link suspension), 315mm travel |
| Front brake: | Hydraulic single disc, |
| 270 mm | |
| Rear brake: | Hydraulic single disc, |
| 245 mm | |
| Front tyre: | 90/90-21 54M Tube type |
| Rear tyre: | 110/100-18 64M Tube type |
| Overall length: | 2180 mm |
| Overall width: | 825 mm |
| Overall height: | 1285 mm |
| Seat height: | 970 mm |
| Wheel base: | 1480 mm |
| Ground Clearance: | 355 mm |
| Wet weight: | 104 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 8.0L |
| Colour: | Team Yamaha Blue and White |
| Price: | $12,299 incl GST |
Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
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Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
Yamaha YZX
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Yamaha YZX
Source: MCNews.com.au
MXoN entry list nears completion as Team Australia announcement looms.
Image: Foremost Media.
New Zealand and Great Britain are the latest countries to reveal their teams for the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Assen, The Netherlands, on 28-29 November.
New Zealand will field an incredibly youthful team in an effort to develop the nation’s future stars, which will see world championship regular Dylan Walsh (Revo Husqvarna) take on the MX2 category, as Wyatt Chase (Honda Racing) and MX Nationals MXD challenger Maximus Purvis (WBR Yamaha) fulfill the MXGP and Open positions respectively.
Team Great Britain initially announced Max Anstie (Standing Construct KTM), Ben Watson (Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 Official) and Shaun Simpson (RFX KTM) in MXGP, MX2 and Open, however an injury cloud as swept the team as both Anstie and Watson were hospitalised at Imola’s grand prix last weekend.
Watson, who suffered a broken radius, has already confirmed he’ll withdraw from the MXoN, while Anstie’s position is still surrounded with doubt. Team Australia is still yet to make its three-rider squad public.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
News 19 Aug 2019
Section: Competition
Paulin, Tonus and Seewer to make up three-rider squad next year.
Image: Supplied.
A restructure in Yamaha’s racing efforts for the 2020 MXGP World Championship will see the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha team become the official factory outfit next season while fielding three riders, the move calling an end to Michele Rinaldi’s 28-year-long term as team owner and manager of Yamaha Factory Racing in the grand prix series.
In 2020, Rinaldi and his highly skilled team will focus on the research and development of Yamaha’s Factory YZ450FM and YZ250FM motorcycles from the team’s headquarters in Parma, Italy.
The Wilvo team will retain its current contingent of riders, Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus, and will be bolstered by a third rider in the form of Jeremy Seewer. All four riders currently make up the top-four in the 2019 MXGP standings, with Seewer leading the way in second position, 37-points clear of Paulin in third, and a further 43-points clear of Tonus in fourth.
Strengthening Yamaha’s upgraded racing strategy, the Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 Team owned by Hans Corvers will be morphed into the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. The team will line-up in 2020 with the same talented riders from this season, Jago Geerts and Ben Watson.
“Changing a structure that has proven to work is always a challenge, however the only way to remain competitive and to be capable to evolve is to maximise the potential of all available resources,” explained Yamaha Motor Europe marketing and motorsport manager Paolo Pavesio.
“The experience Michele and his crew have developed in those decades, together with the growth of support from Yamaha Motor Company in Japan, will secure our new factory team riders in MXGP and MX2 the best Yamaha MX racing package. I therefore would like to thank him, Louis and Hans for the energy they are already putting in the new organization… while of course we are all concentrated on finishing the current season as protagonists.”
Rinaldi added: “We’re starting a new chapter of what has been an amazing tale that started a long time ago. When I first started out, my ambition was to start my own team, and I did this, with Yamaha since 1992. Since around 1998, I started to work directly with the manufacturer and with the development of Yamaha’s YZ motorcycles, while managing my own team.
“Over the years, my relationship with Yamaha in Japan and in Europe has developed to the point that I have been able to represent the manufacturer more than before, providing a service and support to the company. So, the story has gone from running my own team to starting our own development, and now it’s the time for the next chapter.
“A time for change where we will represent the manufacturer more than ever before with a focus more on being a support network and stepping away from running my own team. This is certainly a big change, also for my staff who have made all of our achievements over the years possible, but I am optimistic for the future where together we will make the most from this new adventure.”
Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha team owner, Louis Vosters, spoke of the outfit’s appointment as the official factory team, stating he always endeavoured to build a long-term strategy with the Japanese manufacturer.
“Since the beginning, I had the intention to build a long-term relationship with Yamaha as they have a strong strategy and a great racing philosophy that fits perfectly with our team,” Voster commented. “Like us, they also look to build strong long-term relationships, which I like.
“For my team to reach Factory status is an incredible feeling. I really look forward to the future, to working with the Factory bikes, and with Michele [Rinaldi] and with the Japanese technicians as well. For me, it’s like a dream come true and an enormous step for us as a team.”
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Irishman to return to the Shaun Muir Motorsport operation.
Image: Supplied.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team has signed Eugene Laverty for the 2020 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), confirming the Irishman will take the position vacated by Markus Reiterberger.
Laverty, who’s currently racing for the Go Eleven Ducati team, will join Tom Sykes next year, racing aboard the factory BMW S 1000 RR.
“First of all, we have got to thank Markus Reiterberger for his commitment and efforts,” said team principal Shaun Muir. “Equally, I’m delighted to welcome Eugene Laverty into the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2020, and also to welcome him back to the SMR team. Eugene joins the team and brings with him a wealth of experience.
“We strongly believe that he can be a strong challenger for the podium. We are hopeful that as soon as he hits the track at pre-season testing in November, the bike will be on another level and I think that the combination of his experience and his speed will be a welcome addition to the WorldSBK project.”
BMW Motorrad motorsport director Marc Bongers added: “In Eugene Laverty, we welcome a very experienced rider onboard – someone who is also very familiar with Shaun Muir’s team. At the same time, we would like to say a big thank you to Markus Reiterberger.
“He was closely involved in the development of the racing version of the new RR from the word go, and has thus been instrumental in the success we have enjoyed. We will do everything we can, in the remaining races we have together in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, to ensure that we have a successful end to the season with Markus.”
Laverty raced aboard Shaun Muir Motorsport-prepared Aprilia machines in the 2017 and 2018 seasons under Milwaukee Racing. He currently sits 16th in the championship standings after an injury-riddled campaign.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
Imola in Italy welcomed the 15th round of the MXGP Championship, with Tim Gajser coming away with the 2019 MXGP Championship title following a 5-2 result that just landed him on the overall podium, with Gautier Pualin on equal points having to settle for fourth. Gajser leaves Imola on 664-points – enough to have won the championship rounds early, with the next nearest rider being Jeremy Seewer on 481, while Gautier Paulin in third holds 440-points.
It was an exciting weekend for KTM’s Glenn Coldenhoff as well, taking two wins from two races for a perfect 50-points and his first GP win since 2015. Jeremy Seewer was second overall with 2-3 finishes.
New Zealand’s Dylan Walsh also went 17-12 for the weekend in the MXGP class, while Australian Mitch Evans record a 23-24 result.
In MX2 it was Jorge Prado once again dominating the proceeding with 50-points to his name, with Thomas Kjer Olsen second and Maxime Renaux third overall. The result sees Prado extend hi lead to 130-points from Olsen, with Jago Geerts third overall in the standings.
Arnaud Tonus led the opening MXGP race early, followed by Gautier Paulin, Glenn Coldenhoff, Tim Gajser and Jeremy Seewer in fifth position, before Paulin moved into the lead and Gajser rode into third place.
Gajser did not take the easy route as he was pushing hard to get past the two Yamaha’s in front and moving alongside Tonus, he then lost a spot as they collided, with Tonus letting Paulin charge into first and Coldenhoff into second place, while Pauls Jonass was third and Gajser found himself fourth.
Gajser pushed his way past Jonass and was back into third, while Coldenhoff was all over Paulin for the lead until he took a wild ride and nearly crashed, Gajser managing to take second place and Coldenhoff moving into first place.
Jonass then passed Gajser and the drama continued as Gajser crashed and dropped into eighth. Despite the crash the Slovenian was still pushing 100 per cent, trying to close out the championship early.
After eight laps Coldenhoff held a lead of nearly eight seconds ahead of Paulin, then came Seewer, Jonass, and Romain Febvre in fifth place. Febvre moved past Jonass, but then the Latvian made a mistake and Tonus and Gajser also passed the Husqvarna rider. Gajser moved into sixth and started hunting down Tonus and Febvre.
Gajser nearly crashed again as he slipped a little, while Febvre went down hard and Paulin, Tonus, and Gajser all passed as Febvre dropped back to 11th place.
Coldenhoff won the race from Seewer, Paulin and Tonus as Gajser settled for his fifth but it was enough to win his third Motocross World Championship in the opening race of the MXGP of Italy.
Coldenhoff was again in front of the second MXGP race, taking the FOX Holeshot ahead of Seewer, Jonass, Tommy Searle, Gajser, Paulin, Febvre, Tonus, Arminas Jasikonis and Alessandro Lupino.
Coldenhoff controlled the race up front as he created a three-second gap after just three laps. Behind him Seewer was a further two seconds ahead of Jonass and Gajser, while Paulin rounded out the top five.
Four laps in and Coldenhoff was five seconds in front, and Shaun Simpson made his first appearance in the top ten as he moved into tenth place just behind Lupino. Gajser moved past Jonass, and the top five was Coldenhoff, Seewer, Gajser, Jonass and Paulin.
Seven laps in saw Coldenhoff extend his lead to seven seconds, then came Seewer, Gajser, Jonass, Paulin and Febvre in sixth place. Simpson suffered some issued as he dropped to 24th and Brian Bogers was forced out of the race after a crash.
Gajser moved into second place and both him and Seewer were closing down the lead of Coldenhoff. Seewer was quickly back past Gajser for second, but then Seewer made a mistake and Gajser was relegated the Yamaha rider back to third.
Coldenhoff made some great laps and made his lead nearly 10 seconds on lap 12, with Gajser still second, then Seewer, Jonass and Paulin. In the closing stages of the race Paulin passed Jonass for fourth place and Coldenhoff won race 2 from Gajser and Seewer.
Glenn Coldenhoff walked away with the perfect 1-1 result and took the Grand Prix victory. It is the third time the Dutchman has won a Grand Prix, adding to his MX2 win in 2013 and his MXGP win in 2015. Second overall was Jeremy Seewer with 2-3 scores.
While Tim Gajser didn’t win the MXGP of Italy at the Imola facility, it was the big picture that counted, and his 5-2 results were enough to secure third overall and more importantly the 2019 MXGP championship.
“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.”
“First of all I want to congratulate Tim Gajser on winning the championship. And for myself, I am happy with how the weekend went. I put in two consistent rides, and made another small step, but it is the consistency that I am most happy about. I am looking forward to the next few GP’s where I will continue to take it race by race and keep the consistency going.”
In a season filled with records, Gajser continued his podium streak which now stands at 10 and with three rounds left, he can still become the joint most successful Honda rider in world championship history if were to win those remaining rounds.
“It is just an amazing feeling to have won this third world championship. 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.”
“I am so proud and happy for Tim to have won this MXGP championship. It certainly hasn’t been easy these past couple of years but he never gave up and this title is a reward for all the effort he has put in. From his first victory at Trentino, we knew it was going to be a special year and he just kept up that level of riding which allowed him to win this title with so many rounds left to race. He has now joined an extremely special group of riders in Honda history, winning his third championship with the brand and he fully deserves it. He is a very special talent. Unfortunately Brian wasn’t able to finish the second moto and he will get checked out as quickly as possible in order to determine the next course of action.”
“I am happy. I changed my training program after Lommel and it has paid off. I am really enjoying riding. In the first moto, I took the lead and was really happy to finish third. I am really happy with my entire crew at Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha. The way they worked on my bike this weekend made the difference with this track being really sketchy and square edged. The track is also very tight, so to handle the 450cc bike in these conditions is tough, so the bike has to be good. I felt good, but came up short of the podium. But that is how it is, I didn’t have enough today. I would just like to congratulate Tim Gajser on winning the championship. Well earned.”
“Overall the weekend went well for me, I’m happy with fifth but felt we could have gone a little better. I got good starts in both races so that is really positive and then I was able to run near the front too. We were able to identify a few places where I was losing a little time and I know I still need to work on my strength for riding the 450, especially on a technical surface like today. The track was heavy going and quite slippery in places, like on the take off to the jumps – a lot of the time you had to fire out the corners really hard to clear them and that was pretty tricky. We had good pace today and a good set up – just need to work on bringing it all together and keeping smooth for the whole race. It’s Sweden next, which is one of my favourite circuits, so I’m looking forward to that.”
“I’m really happy with sixth place as the past eight weeks have been really difficult for me; I’ve been really downcast, being unable to practice due to my injuries when I got this opportunity to ride the factory bike. It’s been difficult and I had no expectations coming into this race; I just wanted to do my job as best I could and give the team a presence. Once I get into the rhythm I don’t feel too much pain but I miss the intensity of racing at this level as I can’t train between the races. The bike made it easy for me; it is so good and makes a big difference.”
“I had an up and down weekend. I struggled on the track to find the flow. It kept getting better, I felt much better today than yesterday. I didn’t get the best start in the first race but I came back to third, but I had a big crash downhill and hurt my neck. I felt stiff in the second race, but I could pass some guys, but I touched the radiator and I could not turn really well. My results weren’t where I want them to be, but it is what is. On to the next GP.”
“Finally I had a good feeling again this weekend; I had fun on the bike and that’s so important. When I tested the latest evolution of our bike on Friday I was already confident for the weekend. There’s now four races to go with the MX of Nations; we’ll take it race after race as the championship ranking was over due to my injury. It was really tough to recover from the injury in Russia, and in the second moto I felt some pain; I had pushed a lot in the first one and got cramp in my right leg towards the end. The doctor told me that it will take time as a nerve has probably been affected in the crash, but I’m just happy to be back on the bike again and enjoying life.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
News 19 Aug 2019
Section: Competition
Lithuanian to remain alongside Jonass next year in the world championship.
Image: Supplied.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has extended its contract with Arminas Jasikonis for the 2020 MXGP World Championship, the Lithuanian set to continue alongside Pauls Jonass.
Marking his third full year of competition in the premier MXGP class in 2019, the Husqvarna FC 450 mounted rider has shown great potential, claiming a number of top five race results including a third place finish in the first moto at the GP of Lombardia.
“It means so much to me to be given the opportunity to ride for such a great team,” said Jasikonis. “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.”
Team manager Antti Pyrhonen added: “Overall, we’re very happy with the progress and consistency Arminas has demonstrated this season. In the races where he has been able to show his real speed and potential, the results have been excellent.
“We have learned a lot this year in terms of both his weaker points and his strengths and we can put in place a strategy to work on these points and challenge for the top three places in the championship next year. Both Arminas and Pauls work very well together – they work hard and are improving all the time. We hope to bring home some good results in the last four rounds of this season and then plan to work hard to prepare for 2020.”
Jasikonis currently sits sixth in the championship standings after finishing 11th at Imola’s 15th round on Sunday.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
More than three years after a Darwin rider died in a roadworks crash (photo above), the court has dished out cheap justice for the life of the rider.
Queensland company BMD Constructions had faced fines of up to $1.5m for failing to comply with work health and safety obligations over the death of Darwin musician Peter “Pedro” Bonnell.
Instead, NT Worksafe has accepted an enforceable undertaking from the company to spend just $305,000 in activities to improve motorist as well as worker safety.
However, it seems most of the money will be spent on staff awareness of silicosis and mental health issues, rather than motorist safety.
Only $20,000 will be spent on bringing workers up to the Work Zone Traffic Controller (WZ2) qualification standard.
An undisclosed sum will also be spent on creating an “e-learning training package for general awareness of traffic management for the NT construction industry”.
It seems like cheap justice for the life of a rider and does little to make other roadworks companies liable for shoddy roadworks and traffic management procedures.
Pedro died on April 20, 2016, when his motorbike crashed into a traffic diversion set up as part of the Tiger Brennan Drive duplication roadworks.
NT Worksafe alleged the traffic diversion set-up was not in accordance with an approved traffic control diagram and not compliant with Australian Standards.
They also alleged BMD Constructions used interlocking crash barriers without reflective bollards that were not compliant with Australian Standards, and failed in other safety areas.
NT WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Mel Garde said it was appropriate to accept the enforceable undertaking as the traffic diversion set-up was not the sole contributing factor to the incident.
She says several of the activities in the sanction will up-skill the construction industry on traffic management, creating a safer environment for workers and the wider community.
“Traffic management is an important factor in maintaining a safe workplace,” she says.
“There is an obligation to not only protect workers from the hazards of oncoming traffic, but also to protect road users from potential hazards created by the worksite.
“The driving skill and experience of road users will vary widely so it is critical that traffic management plans and traffic diversions are compliant with Australian Standards, so that all road users can safely navigate them.”
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Youthful contender indicates plans to race remainder of 2019 ASBK season.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Maxima BMW has cited ‘budget issues’ are what led the Next Gen Motorsports-operated squad to part ways with Ted Collins despite three rounds still remaining in the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Collins, who captured the 2017 Australian Supersport crown with the outfit before graduating the premier class last year, has endured a luckless year, crashing heavily at both Wakefield Park and The Bend, which prompted him to sit out Morgan Park’s fourth round last month.
“First of all, the team and I have got to thank Ted for his commitment and efforts over the last two and a half years,” said team manager Wayne Hepburn.
“It has been great working with Ted. Being able to help and guide him to his first Australian Supersport championship in 2017 was a really big achievement for both Ted and the team. However, just [due] to budget issues, we are unable to continue supporting Ted at this stage. I personally wish Ted the best fortune in moving forward.”
Collins issued his own statement via social media on Sunday afternoon, confirming his departure from Maxima BMW while indicating he’ll still be on the grid at Winton’s fifth round, scheduled for 6-8 September.
“It’s quite sad to announce that I won’t be with the Next Gen team for the remainder of the 2019 ASBK season,” Collins commented. “Next Gen Motorsports has been a vital part of my racing career and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I would like to personally say thank you to Wayne, Shane and Nathan for all of their support over the last three years.
“With this news coming so late in the season, it will be difficult to finish the year in a competitive way. However, I have some great people behind me and I am happy to confirm that I will still be on the grid come round five of ASBK at Winton Raceway in three weeks time.
“We are keeping a positive outlook on the situation at hand, and we are certain we will be making something happen for the 2020 championship. We just have to keep looking forward, and not lose sight of our overall goal.”
Collins is currently ranked 17th in the championship standings with 49 points to his name. Maxima BMW will continue to field former three-time ASBK champion Glenn Allerton.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
