Category Archives: Competition

Competition, Motocross, News

Scheduled commencement of Pro Motocross postponed

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News 2 Jul 2020

Scheduled commencement of Pro Motocross postponed

Section: Competition

Coronavirus spike results in further delays to 2020 championship.

Image: Supplied.

The scheduled beginning to the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship has been delayed, with the series now looking to take-off in August.

MX Sports had planned to launch the series on 18 July with the Ironman National in Indiana, followed by Florida’s WW Ranch a week later on 25 July.

However, due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, notably recent spikes of positive cases in a significant number of states, series managers deem it necessary to push back the start of the series once more.

“From the moment we were forced to delay the original start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in May, we have diligently worked towards developing as complete a championship-caliber calendar as possible for both our athletes and our fans,” said Carrie Russell, CEO of MX Sports Pro Racing.

“In tandem with our event organisers, we have been in constant communication with local officials from the government, health department, and department of public safety for each respective venue to ensure every National is operated in accordance with social distancing measures established by each county and the CDC.

“Following the recent spike in positive cases around the country, a pause is warranted as we evaluate the impact of the stall in state-issued reopening phases and newly-implemented travel quarantines. Our manufacturers are the lifeblood of American motocross and we stand by them with our support in times of need.

“As a result of recent developments, MX Sports Pro Racing needs to take the definitive and proactive step of postponing the start of the season temporarily, which will allow us to work through the current challenges we face.”

In response to this latest decision, MX Sports Pro Racing and event organisers will continue to maintain extensive communication with local officials.

The evolution of the pandemic has included dramatic changes from one week to the next and, as states and counties take necessary action to confront the latest concerns of the coronavirus spread, MX Sports Pro Racing will be in a position to take immediate action when the opportunity arises to confirm events at a future date.

“It is our sole focus to host a successful season that will not only allow us to crown a pair of AMA national champions, but will also allow our incredibly loyal fanbase to celebrate the return of racing by cheering on their favorite riders,” added Russell.

“These are extraordinary times that have had a significant impact on our industry and that has called for us to take unprecedented action on behalf of the well-being of our community. This sport is a family, and we will not be deterred from accomplishing our goal, despite this adversity.

“We remain steadfast in bringing everyone the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship they deserve. Our event organisers have put in far too much effort, while our broadcast partners, series sponsors, manufacturers, participants and fans have all shown tremendous patience.

“We owe it to all of them to bring this season to fruition and we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.”

Online tickets previously purchased for the Ironman and WW Ranch nationals will be honoured at to be announced rescheduled dates. Refund requests can be completed by contacting the respective event organisers.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Rounds five and six of AORC at Murray Bridge cancelled

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News 1 Jul 2020

Rounds five and six of AORC at Murray Bridge cancelled

Section: Competition

National championship instead scheduled to restart in Nowra next month.

Image: Foremost Media.

South Australia’s rounds of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have been cancelled due to ongoing coronavirus complications.

The Murray Bridge event has been removed from this year’s national schedule, however, the state championship round on the same weekend will still be held.

“We are bitterly disappointed that we are unable to proceed with the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, as we know riders and fans were excited to see racing get back under way,” said Motorcycling Australia off-road events manager Matthew Falvo.

“Like all major sporting codes, AORC and MA had developed a comprehensive COVID-Safe Championship Plan to ensure the safety of riders, teams, officials and staff. We had received strong support from Murray Bridge Council and the Velocette Motorcycle Club had done a significant amount of work to ensure the round could go ahead.

“However, with South Australia and Queensland government restrictions on travel and border closures, it made it impossible for interstate riders to make the Murray Bridge round.”

The AORC is now scheduled to start on 29-30 August at Nowra in New South Wales, which will take place as planned pending government restrictions.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Phillip Island postponed as Morgan Park returns to ASBK calendar

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News 1 Jul 2020

Phillip Island postponed as Morgan Park returns to ASBK calendar

Section: Competition

Adjusted six-round schedule released following further complications.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Victoria’s coronavirus spike has caused the Phillip Island round of the 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) to be rescheduled, with Morgan Park also now confirmed on the revised calendar.

ASBK was set to resume at Phillip Island on 25-26 July, however, elevated COVID-19 cases will now see the event shifted to being round four on 2-4 October.

With multiple hotspots in Victoria going back into lockdown and state travel restrictions in place, it has become increasingly evident that the July restart of this season wouldn’t be possible under those circumstances.

“The ASBK Management Team does not take these decisions easily, but we feel the best decision for the health, safety and success of the ASBK championship is to adjust the calendar to ensure that everyone from the ASBK paddock can attend and that they are safe when at an ASBK event,” commented ASBK sporting director Simon Maas.

“We have been very clear with the competitors and teams that the COVID-19 environment is ever-changing and flexibility will be required in 2020 whilst we live with these developments. We thank the competitors, teams and officials for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Instead, the ASBK season is now scheduled to resume at Morgan Park in Queensland on 21-23 August, the Warwick circuit finally confirmed on the calendar after being absent from Motorcycling Australia’s (MA) initial schedule.

“These requirements are highly complex and ever-changing, which creates many challenges for MA on a daily basis,” MA CEO Peter Doyle said. “We are all adjusting to the constant developments to our plans, which effect motorcycle sport at all levels, from club, state and of course the MA national championships.

“In fact, they effect the wider motorsport community which includes cars, bikes and karting as we all seek dates and venues on short notice – we are all in this together. I am pleased that the ASBK Management Team have been able to find a strong solution to getting ASBK back on track and it will be a great 2020 ASBK championship.

“I am also proud to see that a majority of the MA members have been understanding, patient and supportive during this difficult period. I look forward to seeing bikes back on track soon.”

The remainder of the 2020 ASBK calendar will stay unchanged with visits to Winton in September, Phillip Island in early October, Wakefield Park in mid-October and the finals at The Bend Motorsport Park for International MotoFest in November.

2020 ASBK championship calendar (revised):
Rd1 – 27 February-1 March – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd2 – 21-23 August – Morgan Park, QLD
Rd3 – 11-13 September – Winton, VIC
Rd4 – 2-4 October – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd5 – 16-18 October – Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd6 – 20-22 November – The Bend, SA

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Van der Mark parting ways with Yamaha next season

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News 1 Jul 2020

Van der Mark parting ways with Yamaha next season

Section: Competition

New challenge beckons for Dutchman in WorldSBK championship.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Yamaha and Michael van der Mark will part ways at the end of the 2020 Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) season.

The 27-year-old Dutch rider has opted to take on a new challenge next year, heavily linked to the factory BMW Motorrad team.

Van der Mark’s departure brings to a close a four-year partnership that has so far brought three WorldSBK race wins and two victories at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hour race.

The Pata Yamaha rider was a contender for the win in all three races at the opening round of the 2020 season in Australia, but was unfortunate to miss out on the chance to add to his podium tally.

Since the Phillip Island round, racing has been suspended due the coronavirus pandemic, but Van der Mark will return to action next month, with the WorldSBK season set to resume with back-to-back races in Jerez and Portimao.

Both Yamaha and Van der Mark head into the rescheduled 2020 season determined to end their collaboration on a high note, by battling for race wins and, ultimately, challenging for the world championship title.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Nichols undergoes successful surgery on injured hand

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News 1 Jul 2020

Nichols undergoes successful surgery on injured hand

Section: Competition

Monster Energy Star Yamaha rider to sit out start of outdoor season.

Image: Octopi Media.

A broken hand sustained in the Monster Energy Supercross finals will see Colt Nichols likely to sit out the scheduled opening two rounds of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

Nichols clashed with 250SX East champion Chase Sexton in the heat race, unable to return for the Showdown main event in Salt Lake City.

The Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha rider underwent surgery on Friday in order to repair the damage in his right hand, now on the road to recovery in a bit to be fit for the outdoors.

“I’m very disappointed, to say the least,” said Nichols. “I was really enjoying being back to racing in Salt Lake City and I was happy with the way I was riding. It was good to get back on the podium and run up front, and I was looking forward to carrying that momentum into the MX nationals.

“I knew that something was broken at the track, but I waited to get back to SoCal with my regular physician to learn the extent of the injury. I broke the third metacarpal bone in my hand – not a horrible injury – but it required a small plate and a few screws to expedite the healing.

“I originally wanted to try and make it to the first national, but doctors say it needs four-to-six weeks to heal. We’ll play it by ear.”

Nichols said that he misjudged where Sexton was when he chose to go to the inside as the Geico Honda rider was already committed to tripling into the turn. He was able to cross the finish and qualify, but couldn’t make the start for the final.

“Initially I was thinking ‘how did that just happen?’, but after reviewing the footage of the crash, I realise that I misjudged how close he was to me when I went double-single and cut to the inside,” he explained. “I did look over my shoulder, but I simply didn’t see him – it was a racing incident.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Cairoli re-signs with KTM through 2021 MXGP season

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News 30 Jun 2020

Cairoli re-signs with KTM through 2021 MXGP season

Section: Competition

Italian legend to race-on for another year in the world championship.

Image: Supplied.

Nine-time world champion Antonio Cairoli has re-signed with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2021 MXGP World Championship, set to remain aboard the works 450 SX-F.

The 34-year-old will contest his 18th year in grands prix and aim for a first crown since he won the 2017 championship with KTM, which he first joined for the 2010 season.

“I’m really motivated for another good season next year, so I’m really happy with the renewal of my riding contract,” Cairoli said. “We’ll see what 2020 has in store, but my goal is to aim for the championship and again in 2021. I’m very proud to have been so long with this factory team and I still want to write some pages in the history of KTM motocross.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports director, commented: “It says a lot for Tony as a rider and a person and an athlete that he is still so competitive when MXGP is at a top level. He could have walked into other teams when it was clear he wanted to continue in 2021, but it was important for us to extend his story with KTM and that couldn’t make us any happier.

“We have no doubt that he has the desire to go for a 10th title either in the season we will eventually have in 2020 or in 2021. It makes us all very proud to have a team with the caliber of Tony, Jeffrey [Herlings] and Jorge [Prado].”

Cairoli, who has delivered six titles with KTM in the past decade, will once again be partnered with Herlings and Prado in the premier class for the new season next year. Combined, the trio boast a total of 15 world championships.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Australian Supercross organisers pay tribute to WEM

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News 29 Jun 2020

Australian Supercross organisers pay tribute to WEM

Section: Competition

Williams Event Management to retain SX motorsport management role.

Image: Foremost Media.

Australian Supercross Championship commercial rights-holder AUS SX Holdings has penned an open letter paying tribute to outgoing MX Nationals promoter Williams Event Management (WEM), which will almost certainly continue as motorsports manager in supercross.

WEM director Kevin Williams confirmed on Friday that WEM would be stepping down from its position operating the Australian Motocross Championship following over two decades leading the sport.

Williams has also been instrumental in assisting AUS SX Holdings in the operations of AUS Supercross, with WEM responsible for the race amanagement of the series in addition to the high-profile S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship.

“On behalf of myself, Ryan [Sanderson] and the team at AME and AUS SX Holdings, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Kevin Williams and his family for their contribution to motorcycle racing in Australia for the past 20-plus years,” AME Management and AUS SX Holdings co-founder Adam Bailey stated.

“Like many, my first interactions with Kev, were as a racer competing in his events. Like many also I was guilty of being critical of ‘the promoter’ of any events I competed or was involved with. Not intentionally, but just out of innocent ignorance.

“Having graduated into being a promoter myself since 2015 alongside Sando and our team, of course now, I have the benefit of a completely different perspective. Promoting events is an incredibly taxing and sometimes thankless task. Those involved do it out of passion and love for the sport first with financial gain a far from guaranteed byproduct if everything falls into line for you, which sometimes they do not.

“In these situations the workload, stress and commitment does not decrease. The reality is, it is possible in events to work an entire year in planning, execution and operations, only to finish with further bills to pay rather than a chunk of cash in your pocket as per the outsiders’ perception.

“Anyone that has promoted events can vouch for this and have spoken about it openly including Phil Christensen, Mike Porra and Yarrive Konsky, to name a few that have invested huge amounts of time (and money) into Australian motocross/supercross events our of passion and will to see them succeed.

“With this in mind, I think it remiss of us not to appreciate and respect a person and family, who can survive in this environment for an extended period of time like WEM have. With the current global challenges facing events, sport, entertainment and business in general, I can fully appreciate Kevin’s decision to step down from promoting the MX Nationals series and hope that we as an industry can show him and his family the gratitude they deserve for many years of commitment and sacrifice to the sport they love as much as we do. It is an extremely tough gig.

“Kevin and Christine have always been incredibly supportive of my personal career, even long before assisting Ryan and I in our supercross ventures, which I’d like to thank them both for, once again. From commentary to TV hosting at their events, they supported me despite the little experience I had at the time. I know I’m one of many that have benefited from such opportunities over the last couple of decades.

“Since 2015, Kevin and his family have worked hard with us to establish the AUS-X Open in the first place and more recently events in Auckland and our involvement as the series promoter for the Australian Supercross Championship. Kevin completely opened his archives and has been incredibly generous with his knowledge both in events and in life as a promoter in our industry.

“I have leaned on him personally as a councillor of sorts when times have been tough/frustrating and he has mentored both Ryan and I continuously as we continue to chase our dreams and passion for promoting dirt bike events in Australia. He has had our backs when others have not and he has stood by us through amazing success and significant stress of potential failure to the level on few could ever understand.

“He and his family have literally put their own blood sweat and tears into ensuring our events and our businesses are a great success. For this we are eternally grateful. I sincerely hope others will join us in saying a huge thank you to Kevin for 20-plus years at the helm of Australian motocross. We look forward to a continued relationship moving forward with regards to the Australian Supercross Championship and have no doubt that with his input and side-by-side, we can achieve great things together in the future.”

Plans are still in the works for AUS Supercross to be staged later this year, however, it remains uncertain if the annual AUS-X Open Melbourne or S-X Open Auckland events will be able to take place, pending international travel and ongoing government restrictions that are currently in place.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Dovizioso undergoes surgery on broken collarbone

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News 29 Jun 2020

Dovizioso undergoes surgery on broken collarbone

Section: Competition

Italian in bid to be fit for MotoGP opener following motocross incident.

Image: Supplied.

Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship opener after breaking his collarbone in a motocross event over the weekend.

Dovizioso was competing in Faenza, Italy, when the incident occurred. The 34-year-old has since opted to undergo surgery to have a plate inserted in a bid to be fit for the season restart next month.

“After suffering a crash during a motocross race in Faenza, Andrea Dovizioso has sustained a left collarbone injury,” the statement read. “After consultation with Prof. Porcellini, Dovi has decided to proceed with surgery this evening in Modena to be fit in time for the start of the 2020 MotoGP season.”

The 2020 MotoGP World Championship is due to commence at Jerez on 19 July, the first of two-consecutive weekends at the Spanish circuit and marking the beginning of a reduced 13-round season as the sport works its way through the COVID-19 postponement.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Pace-setting Redding beneath WorldSBK record at Misano

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News 26 Jun 2020

Pace-setting Redding beneath WorldSBK record at Misano

Section: Competition

Two-day test completed as teams prepare for return to racing.

Image: Supplied.

A two-day Motul Superbike World Championship test at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli saw Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Scott Redding set a record-breaking pace atop the time-sheets.

Redding’s time of a 1m33.067s put him at the top of the charts, going almost a second faster than his fastest time of day one and a time that was faster than Tom Sykes’ qualifying record.

“These were three very positive days as it was important to regain the feeling with the bike,” Redding commented. “We have worked a lot especially with used tyres and we have tried new solutions that have given positive feedback.

“I’ve been working out a lot these months with the goal of losing weight. In the end, I also managed to set a good chrono, but this is not important. It was great to get back to work with the guys and I can’t wait to get back on track.”

World champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was second fastest on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR as he bounced back from a heavy crash on day one to post a time of 1m33.206s, followed by Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team GoEleven) in P3.

Fourth overall was championship leader Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), with Redding’s teammate Chaz Davies in fifth. Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) was sixth after a day focussing on race simulations.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Petrucci to Tech3 as Oliveira moves into factory KTM team

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News 26 Jun 2020

Petrucci to Tech3 as Oliveira moves into factory KTM team

Section: Competition

Current factory Ducati rider’s future confirmed from 2021.

Image: Russell Colvin.

KTM has signed Danilo Petrucci to join Red Bull KTM Tech3 for the 2021 MotoGP World Championship after elevating Miguel Oliveira into the official Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team from next season.

Former Moto2 and Moto3 teammates Brad Binder and Oliveira will be aboard RC16 machinery in the official team, as Iker Lecuona will be partnered by current factory Ducati Team rider Petrucci also on-board works bikes.

“It gives me great pleasure to stick these four hungry guys together for our MotoGP program,” commented Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport director. “Brad and Miguel have a productive working relationship and have shown the talent and the desire to win races through all stages of grand prix. We believe they have the determination necessary to push our MotoGP project forward.

“The same goes for Red Bull KTM Tech3 where we’re happy to bring Danilo into the family. His experience counts for a lot, but we’re also banking on a rider that is committed and with the right attitude. We believe he still has something to show in MotoGP. On one side we are investing in MotoGP front-runners of the future, but they could easily become stars already in 2021 and that would be exciting to see.

“We have two set-ups, but really it is one big team with all four athletes on the same bikes and with the same possibilities. Our riders’ development and success will be a great KTM story and it will taste even sweeter to take these guys to new heights in such a tough competition.”

Oliveira moves into the factory set-up alongside Binder for what will be his third term in MotoGP and his sixth in total with KTM. The 25-year-old will have completed two campaigns as part of Red Bull KTM Tech3, even if 2019 was curtailed with a blameless shoulder problem and 2020 has so far been blighted by repercussions of the COVID-19 virus.

“I’m really happy about this opportunity that KTM have given me for the next two years,” Oliveira said. “I feel that they trust me to show my value as a rider in this project. Since day one I have given my best to the bike and believed in its potential to achieve good results and this is what we want to deliver in the near future. I think we are in the right place to do it and for me to develop as a rider. It’s a great, great opportunity.”

Red Bull KTM Tech3 will count on the knowledge and wisdom of nine seasons of MotoGP experience accumulated by 29-year-old Petrucci. He has gathered nine podium finishes so far in the class and has steered three different bikes since entering GPs in 2012.

Herve Poncharal, Red Bull KTM Tech3 team principal said: “Danilo is a man I respect a lot. He is a normal guy who always say hello to everyone, who has a lot of charisma and a great sense of humour. On top of that – and maybe even more important – he is also a team player and a MotoGP winner.

“There are four factory Red Bull KTM riders on the grid with the same support, the same equipment and this shows us the support that KTM is giving to the team. I would like to thank Stefan Pierer, Hubert Trunkenpolz and Pit Beirer – these are exciting news and it is an exciting program.”

This announcement all but confirms Pol Espargaro will ride alongside world champion Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda for the 2021 season, set to replace Alex Marquez despite the latter not yet having the opportunity to compete in the premier class in his rookie campaign.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au