Category Archives: Motocross

Motocross

Grand prix veteran Desalle to retire at conclusion of 2020 season

News 14 Oct 2020

Grand prix veteran Desalle to retire at conclusion of 2020 season

Contract not to be renewed at Monster Energy Kawasaki team.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle will retire at the conclusion of the 2020 MXGP World Championship, the grand prix veteran has confirmed with six rounds remaining this season.

The 31-year-old Belgian currently sits eighth in the championship standings and was fifth overall in the Spanish GP last weekend, but says he is losing his enjoyment of competing at the world championship level.

“After 15 seasons of GP, 11 as factory rider, I’ll stop the grand prix of motocross at the end of this year,” Desalle said. “I’m thankful for what it has brought to me and I’m really happy I could be a professionel motocross rider in the world championship on a good level – a dream when I was little boy.

“This decision now because of a package of reasons, but I respect the rules I gave myself a long time ago. And to be honest, it’s coming more and more difficult to enjoy the riding and life in GP for me. The sure thing is that I’ll love forever riding a motocross bike. I could not achieve one dream to be world champion, but it’s like that – big thanks to everyone who supported me.”

According to MX Vice, the factory Kawasaki team had decided not to re-sign Desalle for 2021, which may have led to his decision to retire. He has achieved 23 grand prix victories over the span of a decade, finishing runner-up on three occasions in 2010, 2012 and 2013.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Geico Honda releases statement to formally close team

News 14 Oct 2020

Geico Honda releases statement to formally close team

Two decades at the top levels of the sport come to an unexpected end.

Image: Supplied.

Geico Honda’s closure has been formally announced in a statement released by the Factory Connection-operated team, ending its run of over two decades competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Insurance giant Geico, which had been title sponsor of the factory Honda 250 program for 13 years, advised Factory Connection on August that it would be departing after pulling out of all motorsport team sponsorships.

“We definitely didn’t see this announcement coming and the term ‘all good things must come to an end, just doesn’t seem fitting,” a statement released by the team said. “After 22 years and 12 championships, we were forced to make the decision of closing down our race team.

“We were thrown a curveball in August by losing our title sponsor. We have worked tirelessly to try and find a replacement but given this unpredictable year, we ran out of time to get something put together.

“We would like to thank our staff and riders for being as understanding as they can be in this situation. Being forced to close our team doesn’t mean we lose the family we created and no matter where our next chapters take us, our bond will not be broke.

“Thank you to every team member, rider and their families who have come through our operation – we truly could not have done it without you. This sport requires a lot of sacrifices from more than just the rider and we have been lucky to have some amazing support systems behind our guys.

“A huge thank you to our fans! We feel extremely blessed to have so many people stand behind our team and riders through the good and the bad. The dedication and love we have been shown through the years is second to none. Although we all are going our separate ways, please stop and say hi when you see us!

“Last, but not least, so many great sponsors have supported us through the years. American Honda and Factory Connection have been there from the beginning and we couldn’t have done this without them! Our hope is that you continue to support those who supported us through the years to come. Thanks for the memories everyone. To say we will miss you all is an understatement.”

It’s a shock moment to see one of the most high-profile teams in all of motocross close its doors following such a successful 20-plus years, leaving the future of existing team riders Jeremy Martin, Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence, Jo Shimoda and Carson Mumford up in the air.

It’s understood that Christian Craig – who rode with Team Honda HRC outdoors – had already completed a deal with Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha, while the Lawrence brothers will be almost certain to be remaining at Honda in a newfound factory program. Martin has confirmed he is switching brands, however, Shimoda and Mumford are still thought to be in discussions.

On the same day the team announced it will not return to racing in 2021, it also enjoyed an incredible performance in the final outing as Jett Lawrence scored his first-ever Lucas Oil Pro Motocross overall with 1-2 moto scores and was part of a poetic podium sweep in the team’s final race, with Martin, Lawrence and Shimoda going 1-2-3 to cap-off the year.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Extent of Hunter Lawrence shoulder injury to require surgery

News 14 Oct 2020

Extent of Hunter Lawrence shoulder injury to require surgery

Sights now set on a strong recovery heading into 2021 season.

Image: Octopi Media.

The extent of Hunter Lawrence’s shoulder injury will require surgery after he suffered a dislocation again in Fox Raceway’s Lucas Oil Pro Motocross finals.

Lawrence was fourth overall at Thunder Valley’s penultimate round, however, the 20-year-old was injured in the second qualifier at the Pala circuit.

His shoulder initially popped out at Loretta Lynn’s 2 and this is another disappointing injury blow for the highly-capable Geico Honda rider, who has vowed to return stronger next year once his shoulder is repaired during the off-season.

“Unfortunately my shoulder popped out in second qualification at Fox Raceway, which wasn’t ideal, but after the first shoulder injury back at Loretta Lynn’s we knew there was a chance it could be good and a chance it could happen again,” he explained.

“We rolled the dice and gambled on building my shoulder stronger even more, which did help me get through the rest of the races, but it could not handle my 100 percent, which I felt like I was coming into full form these past two weekends.

“[I’m] going to take a few weeks after the small surgery to tidy it up and be ready for a great 2021. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and to [Geico Honda] for giving me the chance to come to the country of opportunity and chase my dreams – will never be forgotten.”

With Geico Honda closing its doors after losing its longtime title sponsor, Lawrence is understood to be remaining with Honda to ride a factory CRF250R alongside younger brother Jett from the 2021 season.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Australian Motocross Championship adopts ‘ProMX’ brand

News 13 Oct 2020

Australian Motocross Championship adopts ‘ProMX’ brand

New era of national series to be operated under MA leadership from 2021.

Image: Foremost Media.

The Australian Motocross Championship will be branded as ‘ProMX’ from 2021 as Motorcycling Australia (MA) has officially confirmed that it will take the national series management in-house.

Expressions of interest were invited in May for potential promoters to take over the series following the exit of Williams Event Management (WEM), that had previously used the MX Nationals brand.

The ProMX label appears to be inspired by the American-based Pro Motocross championship, rather than the acronyms that MA currently uses for its other primary series, the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

According to the governing body, ‘ProMX will bring new initiatives, fresh opportunities and revitalised branding for the next era of motocross in Australia. ProMX aims to raise the profile of the Australian Motocross Championship and its riders, delivering strong exposure for sponsors and partners. Bringing the MX fans to the trackside, whilst creating new audiences via dynamic media and TV platforms in planning for 2021’.

A ProMX Management Team has been announced, led by MA CEO Peter Doyle and joined by Martin Port (MA operations director), Matthew Falvo (MA events manager), Pip Harrison (MA national technical manager), Mark Hancock (ProMX race director and chair MA motocross commission), Simon Maas (Racesafe director and FIM Oceania representative) and Mark Luksich (AMG representative and MA motocross commission member).

“Planning for the 2021 ProMX is well underway and we know teams, riders and fans are extremely keen to go racing after the interruption of this year.” commented Doyle. “ProMX will showcase an international-standard championship, not only for our Australian riders and teams, but also our MX fans in Australia and throughout the world.

“We now see many people watching the talent coming out of Australia to take on the world in MXGP and USA and ProMX will continue to be a crucial breeding ground towards other international championships. We have developed the ProMX Management Team to ensure we have representatives with a wealth of experience from racing, industry, teams, technical, safety, event management and promotion to ensure we can grow the sport of motocross in Australia into the future.”

The introduction of television coverage will be dependent on broad support from the industry, which Doyle said once again is the target from next year if backing can be gained: “With the right support from industry, partners and sponsors we hope to be able to showcase a scintillating championship via television broadcast next year that will be an exciting addition to the 2021 ProMX championship.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

New opportunity beckons for Fox Raceway winner Lawrence

News 13 Oct 2020

New opportunity beckons for Fox Raceway winner Lawrence

Fitting send-off to Geico Honda organisation with first victory.

Image: Octopi Media.

The future of Jett Lawrence has been secured despite the collapse of Geico Honda, widely expected to remain on red after winning Fox Raceway’s 250MX overall.

Lawrence, 17, confirmed that a deal has been completed for him to race-on in 2021, however, he stopped short of giving away any details.

Speculation mounting in Pala over the weekend has continually linked both Jett and brother Hunter to being aboard factory CRF250Rs next year as the powerhouse manufacturer looks to hold onto the pair that were signed to long-term deals with Factory Connection back in 2017 while competing in Europe.

That contract of the Lawrence brothers is understood to have originally been signed through the 2021 season with Geico Honda, which could make for a direct transition into Team Honda HRC should American Honda opt to take its downscaled 250 program in that direction.

“I’m not sure when, but we’ll obviously release something soon,” Lawrence confirmed. “I’m not gonna give you guys any details. I’ll let you wait till then and give you a bit of a surprise, but yeah, I’ll give you one hint… basically, it’s gonna have two wheels.”

Lawrence said on Saturday night that he will start Supercross testing on Tuesday in a quick turnaround toward 2021, which indicates that confirmation in regards to his future will be imminent over the coming weeks.

The Factory Connection-led Geico Honda team lost its title sponsorship with the insurance giant late this season and has been unable to lock in a replacement in time to commit to 2021. It brings to an end the world-class team that was initially formed in 1998.

It was a fitting send-off for Lawrence to not only win the final round of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, but also for outgoing teammate Jeremy Martin to win moto two ahead of Lawrence and Jo Shimoda in a Geico Honda 1-2-3. The teenager said the team – co-owned by Rick ‘Ziggy’ Zielfelder and Jeff Majkrzak – will remain close to his heart in future.

“It sucks for the team cos there’s a lot of good guys behind the scenes,” he continued. “It sucks to see a truck leave the paddock, as most people said, and it definitely felt good to go 1-2-3 in that last moto. Jeff and Ziggy have been in this industry for so long and it’s a bummer to see them leave. They’re like a family to me, so will always stay in my heart for the rest of my career.”

It’s been an exceptional first full season in the professional ranks for Lawrence, claiming a podium in Monster Energy Supercross at Salt Lake City 5 and then delivering a consistent 250MX campaign for fourth in the final standings.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

First turn fall denies Beaton podium challenge in Spain

News 12 Oct 2020

First turn fall denies Beaton podium challenge in Spain

Solid results continue with a podium in the opening moto at Arroyomolinos.

Image: Supplied.

A heavy fall in the first turn of MX2 moto two denied Jed Beaton of an overall podium challenge in Spain after he managed to finish third in the opening encounter.

Beaton was in the frame for victory throughout race one after mounting an attack on title-leader Tom Vialle, but later falling into the clutches of Husqvarna teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen.

That ride resulted in third position and had set him up for a chance of the round podium, however, he was instead fortunate to escape injury in a high-speed collision off the start and upon entry into the first corner of the second moto.

“The day started off really well,” Beaton recalled. “I felt great in the first moto, track was fast, but it was coming around. I was in second and briefly led the race, which was good, but I just wasn’t able to make another pass.

“I was confident going into race two. My speed and fitness are on point, but going into the first turn a few of us came together and I had a pretty big crash. I was lucky to not be injured and it was disappointing.”

Beaton was quick to remount and began a race long charge that saw him move into 10th place by the halfway stage of the moto and, unable to make any further impression, he ended the race in 10th, placing him sixth overall to maintain third in the standings.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Injury woes of Team HRC’s Evans continue with broken wrist

News 12 Oct 2020

Injury woes of Team HRC’s Evans continue with broken wrist

Season now potentially over for impressive premier class newcomer.

Image: Supplied.

Australian rising talent Mitch Evans has been sidelined with injury woes again after breaking his wrist at the MXGP of Spain in Arroyomolinos.

The Team HRC rider already underwent shoulder surgery earlier in 2020 during the coronavirus stoppage, but will now take further time to recover.

It was shaping up to be another strong showing from the 21-year-old after he qualified third and started inside the top three during the opening encounter before an awkward landing off a jump caused the fracture of his left wrist.

“Unfortunately Mitch suffered a wrist injury in the first moto, when he was riding exceedingly well,” explained HRC MXGP general manager Marcus Pereira de Freitas. “He looked good in qualification and had started the race well, almost passing for the lead before settling into fourth place.

“We must wait until he sees a doctor in Italy before we know the timeframe for his return, but it is a real shame because he was really showing some good speed and we truly believed he could have challenged for podium today and in future rounds.”

With six rounds – a pair of triple-headers at Lommel and Pietramurata – remaining in 2020 over the next month, it’s uncertain if Evans will be able to return prior to the end of the season. He’s currently 11th in the world championship standings.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Prado completes Spanish MXGP double at home round

News 12 Oct 2020

Prado completes Spanish MXGP double at home round

MX2 championship leader Vialle and Geerts trade moto wins again.

Image: Supplied.

Spanish MXGP rookie Jorge Prado has completed a double win in his home round of the 2020 world championship on a weekend where Red Bull KTM teammate Tom Vialle also won MX2.

Prado took moto one ahead of Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and world champion Tim Gasjer (Team HRC), then led home Gajser and Febvre in moto two.

It was a convincing result from the 19-year-old to claim his first premier class sweep, joined on the podium by Gajser and Febvre.

Gajser has a 24-point advantage in the standings ahead of Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM), who was sixth overall on Sunday. Prado is current fourth in points.

Image: Supplied.

The MX2 standings continue to be controlled by red plate-holder Vialle, extending his lead to 52 points following 12 rounds.

In moto one, Vialle led Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammates Thomas Kjer Olsen and Jed Beaton, before in the second outing it was Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) who topped Vialle and Roan Van De Moosdijk (F&H Kawasaki Racing).

Overall, Vialle stood atop the podium ahead of Geerts – who was fifth in moto one – and Olsen, despite him scoring seventh in the second outing. Beaton was sixth overall for the round due to a 10th in moto two after a first turn fall.

Of the other Australians, Team HRC MXGP rider Mitch Evans qualified third quickest, before sustaining a broken left wrist in race one. The MX2 category saw Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) go 23-15 for 19th overall.

Next on the MXGP World Championship schedule will be a triple-header at Lommel in Belgium, the first of those three rounds set to take place this Sunday, 18 October.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Osborne clinches 450MX championship at Fox Raceway finals

News 11 Oct 2020

Osborne clinches 450MX championship at Fox Raceway finals

Final round victory of the season belongs to rookie standout Sexton.

Image: Octopi Media.

A new 450MX champion has been crowned in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne brought home the 2020 title at Fox Raceway this afternoon.

Osborne, 31, won Husqvarna’s first premier class crown in the US and the first of his career in a spectacular result for the pairing.

Today’s final round of the season in Pala was won by rookie Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) in a breakout result, going 3-1 for his maiden moto win and overall wins in the top ranks.

The late-season surge of defending champion Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) continued in moto one as he put on a charge to pass teammate Adam Cianciarulo in the closing minutes.

It was Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM) who led his share of laps at the beginning before Cianciarulo took over at the front, on track to win the race until Tomac stormed by. It was a Kawasaki 1-2 in the end, split by 3.416s, and Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) completed the podium after fending off an attack from teammate Christian Craig.

After scoring the hole-shot, points-leader Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) was fifth to maintain his title lead, with the top 10 filled by Musquin, Justin Bogle (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS), Broc Tickle (Monster Energy Yamaha), Max Anstie (Twisted Tea HEP Motorsports Suzuki) and Jake Masterpool (Invictus Speed Crew Husqvarna).

Moto two was all about the championship and a conservative Osborne did what he had to do to make it his and Husqvarna’s first 450MX title. While Sexton charged to breakthrough moto and overall wins at the front, Osborne crossed the line in seventh to seal the crown.

It was a Honda 1-2 at the front as Sexton topped Craig, while longtime leader Cianciarulo made a mistake and went down with seven minutes remaining as he was put under pressure by Sexton and costing him any chance of the overall.

Fourth this time out was earlier winner Tomac, trailed by Musquin, Anstie, Osborne, Bogle, Tickle and Coty Schock (FXR Chaparral Honda), debuting the 2021 CRF450R.

For the round, Sexton was the winner ahead of Tomac and Cianciarulo, but it was all Osborne for the championship, carrying a 12-point advantage over Cianciarulo, with Tomac third at season’s end.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Ferrandis crowned 250MX champion as Lawrence wins Pala

News 11 Oct 2020

Ferrandis crowned 250MX champion as Lawrence wins Pala

Championship double for Monster Energy Star Yamaha rider in 2020.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha’s Dylan Ferrandis is the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250MX champion, as Jett Lawrence earned his maiden victory in the Fox Raceway finals.

Lawrence won moto one in another career-first, then scored P2 in moto two for a breakout overall. Fifth was enough for Ferrandis to seal to title.

It’s been a remarkable final year aboard the YZ250F for French star Ferrandis, already defending the 250SX West crown in Monster Energy Supercross earlier this season and now adding his first outdoor championship to achieve the double.

Moto two was won by Jeremy Martin (Geico Honda), but it wasn’t enough, claiming second in the final point-standings as his Factory Connection-run team appears certain to be departing the sport after losing its title sponsor.

The opening 250MX moto was a thriller, with Geico Honda rookie Lawrence able to break through for his first moto win. The opening six laps were led by top qualifier Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) before Lawrence took charge, but it wasn’t over yet.

Red plate-holder Ferrandis and title rival Martin quickly closed on the leaders and, with just five laps to go, Ferrandis made his way into second and stalked Lawrence all the way to the end. It wasn’t to be though, the teenager remaining composed and forcing Ferrandis to wait until the final moto if he’s to clinch this year’s crown.

So in the end, it was Lawrence ahead of Ferrandis by 3.584s, followed by Cooper, Martin and Shane McElrath (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha). Sixth through 10th were Mitchell Harrison (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki), Jarrett Frye (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha), Jo Shimoda (Geico Honda), Cameron McAdoo (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) – racing with broken fingers – and Carson Mumford (Geico Honda).

It was a commanding performance from Martin in the second 250MX moto to cap-off the season, winning by 18.337s, however, fifth was enough for Ferrandis to clinch his first outdoor crown and a runner-up result handed Lawrence the overall.

In a fairytale send-off for the departing Geico Honda team, Martin, Lawrence and Shimoda made it a Factory Connection 1-2-3 in the final encounter, followed by McElrath and Ferrandis. Sixth was another strong showing for Frye, followed by Hartranft, Mumford, Harrison and Nate Thrasher (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha).

Overall for the round it was Lawrence on the top step of the podium with Martin and Ferrandis, while in terms of the championship, Ferrandis ended 13 points clear of Martin, as McElrath claimed third and Lawrence climbed the order into P4.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au