E-Racer Motorcycle have introduced two new specials, the Edge and Rugged Mark2, which are based on the Zero SR/F Café Racer and FXS models respectively, due to arrive in Spring of 2020 and offering a cafer racer and lower performance dual-sport style machine.
Both are available for 6000 Euros plus the cost of the base bikes, while in America the Zero FXS starts at $8,995 + ORC (USD), and the top spec SR/F on the other hand comes in at $19,495 RRP + ORC (USD).
Zero Motorcycles withdrew from consumer sales in Australia in 2017, citing that they were unable to build an economically sustainable retail business as the reason, partly due to exchange rates and taxes.
E-Racer Edge
The E-Racer Edge customises the SR/F offering a different headlight, side-tank and tail design, while bodywork is reversible and mounted to the SR/F with no modification, ensuring the bike can be returned to standard trim.
E-Racer Edge
The Edge is also lighter than the original, with a full LED headlight, clip-on handlebars, a handmade stitched saddle and CNC machined triples.
E-Racer Edge
The minimalist headlight in particular looks like it would be a popular standalone item in the custom scene, incorporating a position light, low beam and high beam into a single headlight, and produced in Germany. Two LED daytime running lights are also featured.
E-Racer Edge
The Edge also features a special ex-military armour paint in areas, designed to ensure high levels of scratch resistance.
E-Racer Edge
E-Racer have also created an Audio-Forceback (E-RAF) system, which fills two roles, the first being to provide audible warning to pedestrians and other road users of the electric vehicles presence, using low frequency for high audibility, as well as trebles for closer proximity warnings that help ensure the sound created offers a clear source.
E-Racer Edge
The second part of the system is in providing feedback to the rider, with vibrations that vary according to speed, helping to provide that motorcycle-like feel, if perhaps not a real exhaust note.
E-Racer Edge
The Edge is due to be delivered in Spring 2020, for the first five units which are built to individual customer specifications, and are priced at 6000 Euro plus the base cost of the Zero SR/F motorcycle.
E-Racer Edge
The Edge’s claimed performance figures are quoted as being 110hp, with 190Nm of max torque, with a max speed of 200km/h. Charging time is an hour to reach 95 per cent, with a range of 259km in the city, or 132km at highway speeds of approximately 113km/h.
E-Racer Edge
The overall weight is 220kg, with a Z-Force 75;10 permanent magnet AC motor, clutchless direct drive and 14.4kWh battery.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
The Rugged Mark2 is based on the Zero FXS and features an auxiliary aluminium frame with side-rings designed for towing or hoisting, with the FXS originally a purpose built military motorcycle.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
On the Rugged you get full LED lights, with two polyellipsoidal micro units on the front as headlights.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
Underseat storage has also been added, with double USB socket and room for a rain jacket, or a 15-metre charging cable (for the bike) that allows it to be charged where a nearby outlet is not available.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
The seat is also apparently designed to allow carrying up to three people, with the Rugged intended as an option for large boats, being easily winched on board and offering increased passenger and carrying capacity.
The bike is also finished with Line X, a resistant armour paint, and features the same E-RAF system as the Edge.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
The Rugged will also be available in Spring 2020 for the first few units, and is 6000 Euros plus the base cost of the Zero FXS.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
The Rugged also offers reduced range and power in comparison to the Edge, with 46hp and 106Nm of max torque. Top speed is still 137km/h, with a range of 161km, or 64km on the highway at 113km/h.
E-Racer Rugged Mark2
Charging time is 1.3 hours to 95 per cent, and the Rugged Mark2 weighs in at 136kg, with 17in wheels front and rear.
Toprak Razgatlioglu believes he’s completely adapted to the Pata Yamaha R1 after two days of WorldSBK testing at Jerez last week.
The newly-signed Turkish rider expressed his feeling with the bike is positive, and that he was able to make big improvements throughout his time on-track in Spain.
Razgatlioglu was pipped by five-time reigning champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) for the fastest time on the opening day, while he was seventh on the timesheets during day two.
“It’s been a solid two days for me aboard the Yamaha R1 here in Jerez,” Razgatlioglu commented. “The conditions meant we were able to complete a lot of laps and test a lot of new parts on the bike, with very positive results.
“The focus here was on evaluating new components rather than chasing a fast lap, but my lap times have been consistently quick, so I’m happy about that. We had some issues with the rear spinning up out of the turns, which was losing me some time, but we managed to make a big improvement in this area this afternoon ahead of my race simulation.
“I think I’ve adapted now to the Yamaha, as my feeling with the bike is good. I leave Jerez a little bit tired after such an intensive test program, but happy with second place on the timesheet and with the progress we’ve made.”
The next test for the WorldSBK series will take place back at the Jerez circuit before moving immediately on to Portimao, from the 21-26 January.
Husqvarna have announced updates to the 2020 701 Supermoto and 701 Enduro models, including new switchable ride modes, a Bosch cornering ABS system, “Easy Shift” function and lean sensitive motorcycle traction control, alongside the existing features which have made the model a favourite amongst owners.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
For the first time, each model also has their own unique new graphics.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto & Enduro features
New switchable Ride Modes
New Bosch cornering ABS
New Easy Shift function
New lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control
New graphics and slim bodywork
Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
Aluminium swingarm
Polyamide rear subframe with integrated fuel tank
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
The Australian market saw the 2019 701 Supermoto launched earlier in the year, arriving for $15,995 RRP. Australian pricing and availability of the 2020 models yet to be announced.
The Husqvarna 701 models feature a 692.7cc single-cylinder engine with Ride-by-Wire and producing 72 hp at 5000rpm. A Keihin EFI system includes a 50mm throttle-body controlled by the EMS.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
A lightweight trellis frame is manufactured with chomium-molybdenum steel, with a self supporting rear subframe including an integrated 13 litre fuel tank in polyamide thermoplastic. A light-weight aluminium swingarm maximises traction and stability.
Suspension is provided by WP Performance Systems, with Brembo brakes and spoked wheels, with the Supermoto featuring 17-inch wheels, and the Enduro running a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear with 250 mm suspension travel at each end.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
On the Supermoto suspension is WP USD split-function 48mm forks matched to a WP monoshock fitted with Pro-Lever linkage. A single 320mm rotor is matched to a Brembo four-piston caliper while a 250mm rear rotor is joined by a single-piston Brembo floating caliper.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Also joining the 701 line-up in 2020 is the brand new 701 Enduro LR (Long Range), which shares the same electronics as the 701 Enduro but offers additional touring capabilities for riders wanting to travel further.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR (Long Range)
Remaining a lightweight and nimble machine, the additional 12-litre auxiliary fuel tank increases the total fuel capacity to 25 litres, meaning a significantly bigger fuel range for more enduro capability. 701 Enduro LR availability is yet to be confirmed for Australia.
Raceline KTM Thor’s Josh Osby has described the 2019 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne as one of the hardest nights of his career after losing the SX2 title in the Australian Supercross Championship.
The American’s bid for the crown started to unravel in his heat race, where he was forced to recover from a heavy crash on the opening lap, only just managing a transfer spot through to the triple crown main event.
Entering the night with a four-point advantage, Osby’s woes continued across the three mains, claiming fifth in race one before being demoted to seventh in race two following a three-position penalty for jumping on yellow flags.
It was main event three that sealed his fate when contact with another rider cracked the oil filler cap of his KTM 250 SX-F, which later led to a crash in the closing stages of the encounter, where finished in 12th position for seventh overall.
“Tonight was one of the hardest nights of my career,” Osby admitted. “I put myself in good positions like I have all season, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out.
“It seemed like nothing went my way from the beginning of the heat race on and although we tried, it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I want to thank the entire team – we came so close and they gave me everything I needed to get the job done. But that’s racing and hopefully I’ll be back for redemption next year.”
Osby closed out the season with runner-up honours, as compatriot Chris Blose (Penrite Honda Racing) put in a flawless night to claim the title.
Former SX2 champion Jay Wilson regrets not having the same mentality he had for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne as he did for the duration of the Australian Supercross Championship, which saw him reach the podium for the first time in his title defence at the season-finale.
The Yamalube Yamaha Racing contender admits he entered Marvel Stadium with a ‘nothing to lose’ approach, leading to a stellar third place result in front of 35,000 fans.
Wilson came close to podium success on a number of occasions throughout the five-round championship, although a selection of unfortunate circumstances saw him unable to challenge for the title in the end.
“Tonight my mentality was that I had nothing to lose,” said Wilson. “I was fifth coming into the final round and even if I had a shocker, it wouldn’t have done much for the overall result, so I just laid it all on the line and see what happened.
“I didn’t get great starts all night and that was my fault, my reaction time at the gate was terrible, but I managed to make some passes only to get near the front but run out of time. But, I feel pretty good with how I raced tonight and just wished I had of taken that mentality in from round one.
“The team did a great job as always and the bike was perfect. The Yamalube Yamaha Racing team put in a big effort and it was frustrating not to be able to get them on the podium until now in this series. Thanks to my mechanic, Mike Ward, his dedication and passion is unrivalled and while we didn’t get the championship back, we gave it a good shake.”
The Queenslander is now set to race the opening five rounds of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West Championship.
If you plan on speeding in Abu Dhabi, you better be riding something special.
Abu Dhabi police department has just added eight Ducati Panigale V4 motorcycles to its already impressive fleet of supercars that include a Bugatti Veyron and Lamborghini Aventador.
They need the high-speed bike, too, because many in the rich United Arab Emirates own supercars and exotic motorcycles.
And the speed limits are high. Abu Dhabi last year set its highest speed limit of 160km/h on the new four-lane highway running into the capital.
160km/h highway
They set the speed cameras at 161km/h, rather than the 20km/h buffer elsewhere, but rich drivers don’t care about copping fines as they can afford them.
Fines for exceeding the speed limit by more than 60km/h are only about $A400.
Mind you, speeding by more than 60km/h attracts 12 “black points” (demerit points) and your licence is confiscated for 30 days. If you accumulate 24 points, you lose your licence for three months.
The Abu Dhabi police department has had some exotic high-speed pursuit vehicles over the yearsto catch super-speedsters.
They include: Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT, BMW i8 hybrid sports car, Brabus 700, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, Lykan HyperSport, Mercedes-Benz SLS-AMG, Nissan GT-R and Porsche Panamera.
Now they have added the Ducati to not only pursue at high speed, but split through traffic snarls.
And not just your run-of-the-mill 214hp V4, either.
No, they have gone for the 10kg lighter V4R with 221hp (165kW).
Ducati Panigale V4R
It also features racing carbon-fibre winglets, electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension, dry clutch, adjustable swingarm, up/down quickshift, wheelie and slide control, etc.
If you fancy your chances getting away from that, good luck!
Popular American Josh Hill has voiced his interest in racing the full 2020 Australian Supercross Championship after making three guest appearances with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy this season.
The former AMA Supercross regular broke through for an incredible podium at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne last Saturday night, where Hill lodged a 4-3-2 scorecard across the trio of main events for third overall.
The podium comes after falling just shy at the Wollongong and Auckland rounds, the number 75 rising to the occasion against a number of international heavyweights.
“Everything about this trip has been so much fun,” Hill reflected. “And if the opportunity comes up again I would love to do it as my time here as been amazing.
“It was also good to get on the podium at the biggest race of the season and reward the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team. We have been close at the other two rounds and I was desperate to give them some decent results for everything they have done.
“I hope to come back next year and do a full supercross season as I can see the sport is growing here. I can see why Justin [Brayton] does it every year – you Aussie people are cool, so hopefully we can work out a deal that will enable me to do it again as I think I have more to give in racing and enjoy my time here so much.”
With just three rounds under his belt, Hill landed an eighth place ranking in the SX1 standings, while he was fifth in the Monster Energy S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Tai Woffinden to race in Perth this weekend
Rossi and Marini win 100km dei Campioni
Anderson, Brayton, Blose crowned at Aus-X Open in Melbourne
CDR Yamaha’s Clout & Reardon go 2-3 in SX1
Josh Osby claims SX2 runner-up for Raceline KTM Thor
Jay Wilson closes out SX2 season in fourth at Marvel Stadium
Dunlop the tyre of choice for Supercross winners
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450 sold for $18,000
FIM versus WESS stalemate continues
FIM and FIA fail to reach agreements over SSV racing
Discovery/Eurosport named FIM Speedway GP promoters
Full 2020 AORC calendar announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP
2020 Australian Dirt Track
2020 Australian Track
Tai Woffinden racing in Perth
Graeme Sinden has informed us that two-times British Champion, three-times World Champion, twice winner of The Rob Woffinden Classic and current Western Australian Speedway Solo Champion Tai Woffinden is in town and booked to race at the fabulous Perth Motorplex on Saturday 7th December.
Tai Woffinden – Image by Warwick Hemy
Tai Woffinden will also race the following week at the Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway in Neerubup the following Saturday night for the running of the Rob Woffinden Classic. He has previously won the title twice and is the defending RWC Champion.
Joining Tai Woffinden at Perth Motorplex will be three other British riders who together form a British Team who will contest a series of events against a strong West Australian side.
Team GB
Jack Smith, son of former British Champ, Andy Smith.
Leon Flint, the 16 year old Berwick Bandits flyer
Drew Kemp 2019 British under 19 CHAMPION.
Headlining the Team WA will be former International rider, Frank Smart, the in form Dan Winchester and Matt Marson.
Tai is down under in the Southern hemisphere for some R & R to recover from a bruising European season and his World Grand Prix commitments. He will head back to the UK in the new year, however while in Perth he gives of his time to perform in a couple of shows for his WA fans.
Tai Woffinden – Image Colin Rosewarne
Tai set the Pinjar Park track on fire last January winning the RWC and the WA State Championship and was responsible for some of the largest crowds the new track has seen in its relatively short existence.
This is a great opportunity to see Tai Woffinden and his fellow British team mates perform, an opportunity we don’t get to see often in Perth, and I urge you not to miss either of these two huge speedway meetings.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini win 100km dei Campioni
Brothers claim victory ahead of Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Migno in the sixth edition of the event held at Rossi’s VR46 Ranch while despite suffering falls on the unfamiliar surface American duo JD Beach and Sammy Halbert rounded out the podium.
The race started in ‘endurance’ style with riders running towards their bikes. Elia Bartolini entered the first corner ahead of the group followed by Rossi, Migno and Stefano Manzi.
The first laps of the race stages some thrilling moments, Manzi crashed and Rossi managed to overtake Bartolini. During the first bike swap Marini, teaming up with his brother Valentino, gained the head of the group chased by Morbidelli and Lorenzo Baldassarri.
During the fifty laps of the race with riders swapping bikes every five laps, exciting head to head battles are staged.
Marini’s bike stopped and Morbidelli took advantage of Luca’s mistake to gain the lead of the race. On the other hand, some grip issues for Bartolini allow American pairing JD Beach and Sammy Halbert to comeback to fight for third position.
In the last few laps of the race, Rossi succeeded in his attempt to reduce the gap with Migno, getting very close to the Academy rider and setting the last laps of the most exciting edition of the 100km dei Campioni on fire.
The last bike swap marks the beginning of the last five laps which decide the podium positions. Marini took the chequered flag first followed by Morbidelli a few tenths behind and JD Beach fighting with Baldassari until the last corners.
Morbidelli made a mistake and a cone got stuck into his bike. This allowed Marini to overtake Franco and gain the lead of the race which he manages to keep util the finish line winning the 100km dei Campioni together with his brother Rossi. Second place went to Morbidelli and Migno following six seconds behind. The American pair of Beach and Halbert gained the third step of the podium ahead of Bartolini and Baldassarri with a gap of just over a second.
Fifth position went the way of Mattia Pasini and Stefano Manzi, sixth was claimed by Celestino Vietti and Marco Bezzecchi.
The Monster Energy AUS-X Open rocked Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium over the weekend as American Jason Anderson claimed the prestigious S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, while Justin Brayton and Chris Blose claimed the Australian Supercross SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
An on-form Luke Clout started off the night in perfect fashion, as he laid down the fastest lap in Superpole, clocking faster than Anderson, Brayton and Chad Reed to name a few.
When the SX1 Finals kicked off Justin Brayton made a positive start to claim the first win of the night, as his title rival Clout ran into dramas, going down multiple times and finishing well down the order.
Justin Brayton – Image by AM
Anderson claimed the race two victory over Brayton, and put in a repeat performance in the third final, earning the S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship title, while Brayton claimed the Australian Supercross SX1 Championship.
Justin Brayton – SX1 Champion
“I’m stoked I got the win – the last few weeks have been so tough, so to get this championship means a lot. I love this country, thank you so much for welcoming me, and I hope that I’ve done your country proud coming over here and winning four straight.”
Justin Brayton – Image by AM
For Anderson, claiming the FIM Oceania Championship is a big tick off the list.
Jason Anderson – FIM Oceania Champion
“This title is sweet, it’s rad I was able to get it done. The track was slick, racing was tight, but my Rockstar Husky was locked in. Thanks to all the AME boys for putting this on. I love coming Down Under, and really plan on doing it for sometime to come.”
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
2019 Australian Supercross SX1 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
PTS
1
Justin BRAYTON
25
25
20
18
25
113
2
Luke CLOUT
20
22
25
22
14
103
3
Daniel REARDON
22
20
22
16
15
95
4
Brett METCALFE
18
18
16
20
18
90
5
Dylan LONG
16
11
15
13
12
67
6
Richie EVANS
13
16
10
8
13
60
7
Joel WIGHTMAN
10
15
9
9
11
54
8
Josh HILL
18
15
20
53
9
Todd WATERS
15
13
12
7
4
51
10
Jason ANDERSON
25
22
47
11
Jayden RYKERS
12
10
8
5
7
42
12
Lawson BOPPING
14
13
11
3
41
13
Jackson RICHARDSON
12
1
14
9
36
14
Cody DYCE
5
5
14
4
5
33
15
Dylan WOOD
8
6
6
3
6
29
16
Jesse DOBSON
7
14
7
28
17
Henry MILLER
11
12
23
18
Gradie FEATHERSTONE
11
7
2
2
22
19
Justin CARAFA
9
4
8
21
20
Caleb WARD
9
8
17
21
Chad REED
16
16
22
Jesse MADDEN
5
10
15
23
Joey SAVATGY
10
10
24
Lochie LATIMER
6
4
10
25
Cody COOPER
6
6
26
Blake COBBIN
4
4
27
Jamie HARVEY
3
3
28
Joel CIGLIANO
3
3
29
Jono KRUSIC
1
1
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
SX2
The SX2 Class was once again full of insane racing, with the Triple Crown offering up some incredible action that resulted in Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg taking the overall victory. In P4 was Australian prodigy Jett Lawrence, who claimed two Knobby Holeshots, as he demonstrated why he has secured a long-term contract with Geico Honda.
2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM
The star of the show however in SX2 was American Chris Blose; as he brought home the 2019 Australian Supercross SX2 Championship.
Chris Blose – SX2 Champion
“Oh man; I can’t explain this. I’m so pumped, the Penrite Honda team worked so hard for this, I did too, and we walk out of here with a number one plate. Thanks to everyone involved, it’s a dream come true to be crowned champion.”
Chris Blose – Image by AM
Collingwood F.C superstar Jordan De Goey took out the Yamaha Celebrity Challenge, as he put his previous motocross skills to the test and eventually stretched his lead to five seconds in the two-lap affair. His AFL rival, Jack Riewoldt, finished in second to last, with 2019 Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin claiming the wooden spoon.
The Polyflor International showdown was taken out by the Australian Team, with Dan Reardon, Luke Clout and Chad Reed taking out the USA trio of Jason Anderson, Josh Hill and Ricky Carmichael.
Chad Reed – Image by AM
The Monster Energy Best Trick contest saw Melbourne young gun Jayo Archer stomp his first ever Double Backflip in competition, and subsequently, the crowd decided he deserved the gold by popular demand. For Boost Mobile Best Whip, Tyler Wakeford beat some heavy hitters to take gold.
That’s a wrap for supercross action in the Southern Hemisphere for 2019, with 2020 already in the works to become bigger and better than ever, as riders continue to strive for supercross stardom.
2019 Australian Supercross SX2 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
PTS
1
Chris BLOSE
20
16
25
22
22
105
2
Joshua OSBY
18
22
22
25
14
101
3
Mitchell OLDENBURG
13
25
20
16
25
99
4
Jay WILSON
16
18
15
18
20
87
5
Aaron TANTI
22
20
18
20
4
84
6
Connor TIERNEY
14
14
15
15
58
7
Regan DUFFY
15
12
14
16
57
8
Bradley TAFT
15
12
13
5
12
57
9
Dylan WILLS
12
10
16
12
50
10
Rhys BUDD
11
8
8
13
40
11
Geran STAPLETON
9
7
11
11
38
12
Ricky LATIMER
8
8
9
10
1
36
13
Tomas RAVENHORST
13
10
9
32
14
Morgan FOGARTY
9
3
9
8
29
15
Kyle WEBSTER
11
11
6
28
16
Jayce COSFORD
10
6
4
6
26
17
Jacob HAYES
25
25
18
Darian SANAYEI
13
10
23
19
Kaleb BARHAM
7
7
5
2
21
20
Jett LAWRENCE
18
18
21
Hugh McKAY
6
7
5
18
22
Wilson TODD
14
14
23
Jaxon HADLOW
6
7
13
24
Jack KUKAS
5
4
9
25
Chandler BURNS
5
5
26
Madison LATTA
4
4
27
Alex LARWOOD
3
3
28
McKenzie O’BREE
2
2
29
Caleb GOULLET
1
1
CDR Yamaha’s Clout & Reardon go 2-3 in SX1
US guest Josh Hill made his first trip to the podium in 2019 taking a third place over the weekend at the Aus-X Open, while Luke Clout and Dan Reardon claimed the two – three finish in the premier SX1 championship despite a challenging final round.
Luke Clout carried the championship leader’s red plate into the final round with a slender one point lead over Justin Brayton. Clout looked on point all day posting the fastest laps in qualifying and in Superpole, but when the three back to back main events rolled on, his luck deserted him. He took a 10-3-7 result, crashing in the first and last race.
Luke Clout
“Look, it’s a bit of a disappointing way to finish the championship but overall, I still see it as a very positive series for me and one that I made gains on as a rider. Myself and the team put in a lot of work both in the lead up and during the championship and it was rewarded with good results all the way through and a second championship behind Justin is still something both the team and myself can be very proud of. Thank you to Craig and everyone on the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team as well as my brother Aaron for the amazing job they do. And to race in this venue tonight, in front of so many people is such a huge moment for our sport. Walking out for race one and seeing the crowd and venue gave me chills.”
Luke Clout – Image by AM
Dan Reardon finished up third in the SX1 championship after another solid season, matching his 2018 result, and was sixth overall for Round 5 with a consistent 5-5-7 result. A crash in his heat race, left him a little battered and bruised, while he had to transfer through to the main event via the LCQ but once on the start line it was business as usual for the Queenslander.
Dan Reardon
“I made things difficult for myself when I crashed in the heat race. Instead of having an early pick of the start gate with a direct transfer spot, I had 17th pick of the gate and as a result wasn’t in a good position in the first turn on every start. I would love to have done better here tonight as it was a big stage for our sport in a venue like this and with the biggest crowd we have had for supercross, but still happy to finish third in the championship and be racing at this level. Last year I finished the season with an injury in Auckland that took months to rehab. It took a lot of work to come back and get full strength back in my foot and ankle, but I am glad I did it as I still love racing supercross. It was also great to hook up with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team again and re-ignite a successful working relationship. We won in 2015 and here we are four years later still going for championships.”
Dan Reardon – Image by AM
With his three race stint here in Australia as a guest of Monster Energy and CDR Yamaha, Josh Hill broke through for his first podium in 2019, charging to a 3-4-2 result in a hectic night of racing. He was up the front in all thee races and challenging the likes of Justin Brayton and Jason Anderson. In only three round appearances, Hill made his way to eighth overall in the championship.
Josh Hill
“I had such a great time here in Australia and can’t thank everyone from Monster and Yamaha for their support and enthusiasm in having my race down here. Everything about this trip has been so much fun and if the opportunity comes up again I would love to do it as my time here as been amazing. “It was also good to get on the podium at the biggest race of the season and reward the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team. We have been close at the other two rounds and I was desperate to give them some decent results for everything they have done. I hope to come back next year and do a full supercross season as I can see the sport is growing here. I can see why Justin does it every year, you Aussie people are cool, so hopefully we can work out a deal that will enable me to do it again as I think I have more to give in racing and enjoy my time here so much.”
Josh Hill and Justin Brayton – Image by AMWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Josh Osby claims SX2 runner-up for Raceline KTM Thor
The Aus-X Open started well for Osby, who qualified as the fastest rider of the day’s timed qualifying sessions and went into the nights heat race feeling confident. The night took a turn for the worse in the very first lap of the heat race however, as Osby was landed on by another rider at the conclusion of lap one, hitting the ground hard.
Making the direct transfer to the main, he went on to claim a 5-7-12, despite a penalty in race two and a ruptured oil filler cap in race three. The result left him seventh overall for the round, and relegated Osby to runner-up in the SX2 championship.
Josh Osby
“Tonight was one of the hardest nights of my career. I put myself in good positions like I have all season, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out. It seemed like nothing went my way from the beginning of the heat race on and although we tried, it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I want to thank the entire team, we came so close and they gave me everything I needed to get the job done. But that’s racing and hopefully I’ll be back for redemption next year.”
Josh Osby smoking due to damage to an oil filler cap – Image by AM
In a fantastic showing rookie Regan Duffy finished a very impressive fifth overall with 9-5-6 results respectively in the three SX2 main events. A fifth overall culminates a fantastic rookie Supercross season, leading to seventh overall in the SX2 Championship standings.
Regan Duffy
“Tonight was intense for me, the track here at Marvel Stadium was unreal. I had to figure out a few rhythm sections after the days timed sessions, but we worked it out for the main events and it made a big difference come race time. I had some close calls out there tonight, the racing was incredible to be a part of and I had a great time. I can’t thank the team and everyone in my corner enough, 2019 has been a solid start to my Professional career.”
Regan Duffy – Image by AM
In an unfortunate incident, SX1 rider Henry Miller would crash in the timed qualifying session during the day and be forced to retire from the event with minor injuries, following a collision with another rider.
Jay Wilson closes out SX2 season in fourth at Marvel Stadium
Jay Wilson, defending SX2 champion, has had a frustrating 2019 season just missing the podium at the opening four rounds, despite winning races and being in contention throughout. But he put all that behind him over the weekend, where the Triple Crown format was again is use, with Wilson carding a 3-2-3 result to take third on the night and move to fourth in the final championship standings.
Jay Wilson
“Tonight my mentality was that I had nothing to lose. I was fifth coming into the final round and even if I had a shocker, it wouldn’t have done much for the overall result, so I just laid it all on the line and see what happened. I didn’t get great starts all night and that was my fault, my reaction time at the gate was terrible but I managed to make some passes only to get near the front but run out of time. But, I feel pretty good with how I raced tonight and just wished I had of taken that mentality in from round one. The team did a great job as always and the bike was perfect. The Yamalube Yamaha Racing team put in a big effort and it was frustrating not to be able to get them on the podium until now in this series. Thanks to my mechanic, Mike Ward, his dedication and passion is unrivalled and while we didn’t get the championship back, we gave it a good shake.”
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
The Aus-X Open also saw Richie Evans complete his first series in supercross, claiming sixth overall in the SX1 championship. The north Queenslander had only competed in a few supercross events prior to the 2019 season and never on a 450, making sixth place a worthy achievement, alongside taking eighth overall for the round with a 6-9-8 result.
Richie Evans
“Sometimes I look at who is alongside me on the start line and think its pretty amazing that I am on the same track as them. I started next to Jason Anderson in all six main events in Auckland and Melbourne- the guy was the 2018 world champion, and I’m just a dude riding a dirt bike from Cairns. I think he must be over me as I got a few starts on him as well. But its been a good supercross series for me. I came in injured at round one, got a top five in Adelaide, had a couple of tough races in Wollongong and Auckland before finishing strongly here in Melbourne. The team have been great and having Michael work with me has been good as he has so much experience. Thank you to everyone on the team and I have had a great time racing supercross.”
Richie Evans – Image by AM
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Dunlop the tyre of choice for Supercross winners
In front of 35,000 race fans, Dunlop racers took a clean sweep of not only the final-round podium, but also the championship. The Dunlop Geomax MX33 pattern once again proved to be the tyre of choice inside Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, taking the win in every SX1 track outing.
Justin Brayton – Image by AM
Justin Brayton opened the night with the win in heat one, while Jason Anderson took the top spot in heat two. Superpole saw Clout set the fastest lap, before the triple-crown race format saw the SX1 class line up for three eight-lap races.
It was Brayton’s consistent 1-2-3 results that earned the overall win, ahead of Anderson’s 7-1-1 and Josh Hill’s 3-4-2 to round out the podium, and it was a 2019 Australian Supercross Championship podium lockout with all riders choosing to race with Dunlop.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
In the SX2 class Yamalube Yamaha’s Jay Wilson took third for the night, securing fourth in the championship. Title contender Aaron Tanti, went down hard, earning just four points for the round and settling for fifth overall in the championship. All eyes were on 16-year-old Jett Lawrence as he made his supercross debut, taking a 4-3-2 race results for fourth in the round, and showing many why he is not just a future star of the sport, but a star already.
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
Robbie Bugden – Dunlop Motorsport Manager
“Just like that, the Australian Supercross Championship is over. What an amazing atmosphere, with 35,000 people watching a world-class field on a world-class track. I’m obviously ecstatic about not only securing the round and championship win in SX1, but to lock out the podium is just amazing, and a credit to both the riders and the Geomax product range. Congratulations to Justin Brayton on his fourth SX1 championship, but also to CDR Yamaha Monster Energy for securing second and third overall with Luke (Clout) and Dan (Reardon), along with Josh Hill taking eighth after missing the first two rounds! It was great to watch Jay Wilson take it to the Americans all night in SX2. He’s a class rider and it’s great to see him up front, once more showing that consistency gets you everywhere. 2019 has been a year of change, but also a great year. We’re proud to work with some incredible teams and riders, and supporting the sport in so many ways, and I’m really looking forward to what 2020 has in store.”
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450 sold for $18,000!
Suzuki Australia recently announced the opportunity to own the RM-Z450 ridden by Ricky Carmichael at the 2019 SX-Open Supercross event just run in Melbourne, with the bike passing reserve and selling for $18,000, with all proceeds past the reserve going to the Starlight Foundation.
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450
Ricky Carmichael’s one-off 2019 Suzuki RM-Z450 featured the following modifications from standard.
Yoshimura RS-4 full titanium exhaust system
Hinson complete clutch assembly and factory Suzuki clutch cover
Unique to SX-Open event custom RC graphics kit
ODI Ricky Carmichael signature handlebars and lock-on grips
DID gold race chain
Personally signed by the G.O.A.T himself
A set of FOX riding gear as worn by Ricky Carmichael at the SX-Open event=
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450
Carmichael, the most successful AMA motocross racer of all-time is a seven time AMA Motocross premier class champion and five time AMA Supercross Champion. His unrivalled successes in the sport of motocross have given him the nickname ‘The G.O.A.T’ by his peers; standing for the Greatest of All Time.
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FIM versus WESS stalemate continues
Talks have been taking place since the beginning of the year as the FIM have sought to bring WESS under their umbrella.
The FIM have made statements such as, “The FIM will not be flexible in environmental rules, safety conditions, protection of our riders and controlling the sport.” Using such statements to indicate that competitors are at more risk in non FIM events due to riders not being covered under the FIM insurance scheme while competing in WESS events.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
For their part WESS organisers seem determined to go their own way. The WESS was set-up largely by Red Bull and KTM/Husqarna immediately joined the competition and had their star contracted riders concentrate on the WESS series.
From the outside looking in, WESS certainly seems to be much more professional than World Enduro/Enduro GP. The media and promotion efforts surrounding WESS make EnduroGP look very amateur indeed.
This week the FIM stated that; “The FIM stays firm with regards to environmental rules, safety conditions, protection of riders and controlling the sport. A new meeting will take place in February 2020, where all parties hope to reach an agreement.”
“Two different tenders were launched: one for the promotion of the FIM Enduro World Championship 2021-2030 and another for a new FIM Enduro Extreme World Cup 2020-2029, with the objective of bringing together the Enduro family. The FIM hopes to receive interesting offers.
FIM and FIA fail to reach agreements over SSV racing
SSV (Side by Side Vehicles): Despite their best efforts, an agreement was not possible between the FIM and the FIA on the matter of SSV Classes. The FIM will proceed with its own production category of light vehicles.
Discovery/Eurosport named FIM Speedway GP promoters
Speedway: A tender was launched during the third trimester of 2019 for the promotion of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship for 2022-2031.
2019 SGP of Poland
Various offers were submitted to the FIM Board of Directors, who chose after much consideration to sign with Discovery / Eurosport Events as their proposal was the most interesting and innovative from a sports, development and TV coverage point of view. The FIM would like to thank BSI for its dedication and hard work and hopes to collaborate with them again in the future.
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Kiwi world champs receive medals at FIM Awards in Monaco
In an historic first for Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ), two Kiwi world champion riders Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald were officially presented with their 2019 FIM World Championship medals at a glittering ceremony in Monaco, on Sunday night.
Since MNZ became affiliated with the FIM in 1986, New Zealand has never had two riders win world championship events in a single season.
Dunedin-based 23-year-old Duncan (Kawasaki) dominantly won the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship in 2019, after three years of near misses, since bursting onto the scene as a race-winning rookie in 2016.
While 20-year-old MacDonald (Sherco), of Christchurch, claimed the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Championship – New Zealand’s first title in the discipline, thanks to an impressive second season at this level.
Duncan says it was “definately a proud moment receiving my world championship medal among all the other winners.”
Courtney Duncan
Her victorious season started with a win in the opening moto of the season at Valkenswaard, The Netherlands. Although she slipped to fourth in the second moto and allowed Dutch rider Nancy van der Ven (Yamaha) to claim the top spot, that would prove to be the only moment she would let her guard down all season.
Consecutive doubles in Portugal, the Czech Republic and Italy, set up a title shot at the final round in Turkey, where she wasted no time in wrapping things up with a dominant 12-second victory in the first moto. Duncan signed-off her 2019 assault with a second race win, making it nine from ten for the season, as she followed in the footsteps of fellow Kiwi Katherine Oberlin-Brown (nee Prumm), who won the Women’s World Cup in 2006 and 2007, before the class was elevated to FIM World Motocross Championship status.
MacDonald showed the world how it was done this year too, by scoring a podium in every single race that he finished in the seven-round season. The first Kiwi rider to compete at world level in over fifteen years, he also showed no shortage of grit and determination to come back after breaking his shoulder at the third round in Spain, where he missed out on the points completely after back-to-back double victories in Germany and Portugal.
His only other no-score after that was on the second day in Italy and despite having conceded the championship lead to Italy’s Claudio Spanu (Husqvarna), MacDonald gradually fought back to make sure of the title with a pair of third places at the final round in Ambert, France.
He and Duncan were treated to all the super-star treatment in Monaco – complete with a helicopter transfer into Monte Carlo and Duncan was dressed for the awards night by Kiwi fashion label Company of Strangers, from her hometown of Dunedin.
“It was a huge honour to be representing New Zealand at these awards and to have Hamish alongside – another Kiwi – is pretty special for our country. I will enjoy this moment before I get back to work towards next season,” Duncan says.
MacDonald was blown away by the hillside district of Monte Carlo, describing it as “amazing and so beautiful.”
“It was great to represent New Zealand on a world stage – not just myself too which is pretty crazy because New Zealand has never had two world champion riders in one year!” Hamish says.
Canterbury’s Hamish MacDonald celebrates wining the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Championship and becoming the first New Zealander to become victorious in this discipline – Image by MAastorgne Photography and Dario Agrati
Like Duncan, he will start increasing his hours on the bike and cross-training, as he prepares for the up-coming season, where he moves up to the junior enduro category.
“It will be tough, but I like a challenge and I’m excited to see what it brings, and hopefully I can come back to Monaco next year! Summer will be hard training for me. I don’t know if I’ll race any events in New Zealand yet. I’ll also be doing lots of riding, running and cycling preparing for my return back to Europe in January 2020.” MacDonald says.
Duncan also heads back to Europe around the same time, as her first round is in Britain at the end of February, where she will begin her title defence.
“I’ll start to build for the season when I’m return to New Zealand at the end of the week. It’ll be another big year, which I’m looking forward to.” Duncan says.
Kiwi riders Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald with their world championship medals at the glittering Monte-Carlo-hosted FIM Awards ceremony on Sunday
2020 AORC round 1-3 locations announced
The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have released race weekend locations for the first six of 12 rounds of the 2020 national championship series.
The AORC kick starts the 2020 season off returning to Toowoomba featuring a new Cooby Dam venue for rounds 1 and 2 on February 22 and 23.
2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2, Toowoomba – Image by John Pearson Media
The championship then heads south to Dungog, NSW on March 14 and 15 for rounds 3 and 4 and a new venue at Nowra for rounds 5 and 6 on April 18 and 19.
The 2020 Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up twelve rounds of the AORC for 2020.
Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager
“With the recently crowned World Champion Junior Team and overall second placed Australian ISDE team returning for action in 2020, we will have the best riders in the world competing in the Yamaha AORC. We are very excited for the 2020 Yamaha AORC to be returning to Toowoomba, Dungog and Nowra, where we have held successful events in the past. With new exciting venues in the 2020 AORC we are sure to again field upwards of 200 plus riders for each event in every state.”
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC
AORC reveal the second half of the year’s locations for the twelve round 2020 championship once relevant planning approvals have been met.
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD – 22–23 February 2020
Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW – 14–15 March 2020
Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW – 18–19 April 2020
Round 7 & 8: SA – 1–2 August 2020
Round 9 & 10: VIC – 19–20 September 2020
Round 11 & 12: TBC – 17–18 October 2020
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
Way more discrete than a GoPro, the Cambox Mecca (and select accessories) are now 50% off – half price! – as part of the company’s Black Friday sales special. If you don’t know about the Cambox Mecca, it’s a thin HD camera that mounts to the top of the eyeport of your helmet, providing a truly first-person POV of all the action ahead. More than just being discrete, its positioning inside the helmet means there’s nothing protruding from the exterior of the helmet, which could cause potential safety issues if it were to catch onto something in a fall.
Personally, I’ve been using the Cambox nearly every time I hit the track to capture all my riding footage (review and video to come at a later date) and love how simple it is to use compared to other cameras out there. And now you can get one for half price by following this link.
Geico Honda has announced multiple AMA supercross and motocross champion Ryan Dungey has become a part-owner of the powerhouse squad.
Dungey, a long-time Red Bull KTM Factory Racing athlete, will directly contribute to the operation of Honda’s satellite supercross and motocross team and its elite amateur motocross race effort, where he will provide invaluable mentoring and coaching for riders.
“After I stopped racing, there were a couple years of waiting for the right thing that made the most sense for me and my family,” Dungey commented. “This came along, and it’s a huge opportunity that checks all the right boxes.
“Factory Connection Racing is a premier team that has had a lot of success and has a great lineup of talented riders. I’ll be able to apply my experience and knowledge to the next generation and future generations of riders and, because I’m a part-owner, it’s something long-term that I can help to build and grow for the future.
“Between all that and being involved with the Honda organisation, there area lot of positives, and I’m excited to get to work.”
Factory Connection Racing owner Richard Zielfelder added: “We’re so pleased to have a champion of Ryan’s stature join our organisation. His racing record speaks for itself, but he has also always been known as a professional off the track as well.
“We’re very confident that his involvement with the team will help us to continue growing and improving, and we look forward to a successful future together.”
The Geico Honda squad fields youthful Australian duo Hunter and Jett Lawrence, along with Christian Craig, Chase Sexton, Jeremy Martin and Jo Shimoda.
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