New Ducati V4 R hits track for the first time alongside WSBK competitors
Reigning WSBK champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has put in a strong opening day on track around MotorLand Aragon, ending the first day of winter testing fastest as unofficial times were recorded at the Spanish circuit. But it was Ducati stealing the headlines, with the debut of the V4 R.
Beginning 2019 with an all new ZX-10RR, Rea was able to use the opening day to work on different settings as he looks at which direction to take for what is set to be a competitive season, putting in 72 laps and the fastest unofficial time.
New team-mate Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) prepares for his debut with the Provec squad, and has been working on getting the first kilometres under his sliders. With 67 laps put in on his opening day, it has been about working on set-up of the championship winning machine.
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made his all-important first steps with the Panigale V4 R, taking to the track in the morning he began to understand his new beast. The Welshman completed 61 laps in total, with a personal best of 1:51.180. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will resume action tomorrow with Davies for another day of testing ahead of its first collective outing, with Alvaro Bautista alongside Davies, at Jerez (Spain) on November 26 and 27.
Chaz Davies – Panigale V4 R
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7) – 1:51.180
“It was really exciting to take the Panigale V4 R out on track for the first time, it felt like Christmas, when you get a wonderful new toy to play with. Usually it takes me a bit of time to learn and understand a new bike, but honestly it felt the opposite today. I was really comfortable straight away, after the first out lap I felt like I wanted to push immediately, which is pretty cool. Overall, it was a really positive day, we’ve made a lot of steps forward and finished most of the work on the ergonomics. We have plenty of new things to evaluate and lots of data to process. The main goal today was to get progressively more comfortable with the bike and start tailoring it to our needs. Tomorrow, we’ll keep the same approach, working on the basics and refining little things before we start to push harder and understand the full potential of the bike a little bit better.”
Chaz Davies – Panigale V4 R
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team had their duo of Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes out on track, as they spent day one of 2019 evaluating some key components in the chassis, working on suspension with Ohlins and working with some new electronics hardware. Lowes set the second unofficial fastest lap time, and with 76 laps recorded he wasn’t wasting the track time he was offered. Whilst van der Mark recorded 72 laps throughout day one.
It wasn’t only Davies who got the first test of the V4 R, as Michael Ruben Rinaldi (BARNI Racing Team) was out on track with the powerful beast. Getting used to the sensational new bike, he spent his day working with the Aruba.it Ducati squad as well as his new BARNI team and put in 74 laps around MotorLand.
The second day of competition in the 2018 FIM ISDE saw competitors repeat the same dusty course as day one. However, with the dry conditions deteriorating it was a physically tough and demanding day for all competitors.
ISDE 2018
At the head of the field, the leading riders were able to avoid the majority of the heavy dust kicked up by the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from the twenty-five competing nations. Those competing towards the rear of the entry certainly had a tough time during day two of the ninety-third edition of the FIM ISDE.
Daniel Sanders
Finishing a close second to the United States on day one, Australia upped their pace considerably on day two. Fastest in the majority of the tests, they turned their four-second deficit into a ninety-one second advantage by the end of the day’s sixth and final special test.
However, there was little reason to celebrate as the team also saw Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM) drop out of the competition. With all remaining rider’s scores counting, Australia can no longer afford another mistake as overall day two winner Daniel Milner (KTM) explains.
Daniel Milner
“It’s been a great day for Australia by taking the overall lead in the FIM ISDE, but we weren’t without trouble either as Lyndon dropped out. With all our scores now to count, we can’t afford another mistake for the next four days.”
Daniel Milner
“Personally, today was my day and I’m happy to take the win,” continued Milner. “I was one of the first riders to start, so that made the tests a little bit easier with no dust and or slower guys to overtake. Tomorrow the plan is to remain smooth and consistent, but most importantly trouble free.”
Daniel Milner
Unable to find an answer to Australia’s relentless pace, the United States were forced to play second fiddle to their close rivals on day two. With day three offering a new course and a fresh set of special tests, they aim to regroup and continue pushing hard.
Josh Strang
Putting in a consistently strong day, Italy moved up one position in the overall standings to third, but are almost two minutes behind the Unites States, with defending champions France yet to find their form in fourth. It was not a good day for Spain as they slipped from third to fifth, while host nation Chile maintain their position of sixth in the overall classification.
In the FIM Junior World Trophy class there was no stopping Italy as they powered their way to another day win. Setting the pace in this year’s race, both Andrea Verona (TM) and Matteo Cavallo (Beta) placed inside the top ten overall, with Verona an impressive fifth.
“Fifth today is a really big result for me,” confirmed Verona. “I pushed hard from the first special test and was able to improve my speed over the previous day. Now, with the team we’ve also increased our lead in the standings and we look forward to what day three will bring.”
The United States hold onto the runner-up result, but are almost three minutes behind the Italians. Nearly a further three minutes back, France end day two in third, while Australia and Chile complete the top five.
Feeling at home in the dry and dusty conditions, Australia were able to build on their lead in the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition. The trio of Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) – fastest overall – Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) and Mackenzie Tricker (KTM) now enjoy a three-minute and fourteen-second advantage over the United States as they approach the midway point in this year’s race. Spain maintain third overall but slip six minutes behind the United States, while France and Sweden round out the top five.
Tayla Jones
In the individual classification, Taylor Robert (KTM) from the USA maintains his overall lead in the FIM ISDE by three seconds from Milner. Claiming his second consecutive Enduro 2 day win, Taylor is one-minute and fifty-two seconds ahead of Italy’s Alex Salvini (Husqvarna), with Grant Baylor (USA-KTM) thirteen seconds behind Salvini in third.
With his winning ride on day two, Milner also moves to the top of the Enduro 3 category. He holds a seventeen-second advantage over teammate Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna), while Cavallo is third.
Daniel Sanders
The Enduro 1 class is hotly contested with Italy’s Davide Guarneri (Honda) taking a seven-tenth of a second win over compatriot Verona. Guarneri now leads the category by fourteen seconds from American Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna), with Verona third.
Day three of the FIM ISDE will take competitors inland on a new course offering a mixture of hard packed and rocky, mountainous terrain. The proposed two laps and six special tests will total three-hundred kilometres of riding.
Josh Hook to ride MotoE with Pramac and defend World Endurance Title with F.C.C. TSR Honda
Josh Hook
“I’m thrilled to be with Alma Pramac Racing on this new MotoE adventure. The 2019 season will be the first of many years for this new category and represents a great opportunity for me. I am very grateful to the team for believing in my ability and I am sure that we can get great satisfaction. MotoE is something new for everyone, so it will be great to work on the development of the bike and I’m sure we can have some great races. We have a few days of testing next week in Jerez and I am looking forward to working with the team on this new project so that we can have a real understanding of the bike. I would like to thank the Alma Pramac Racing team once again for making this possible”.
Josh Hook (centre) and F.C.C. TSR Honda after winning the 2018 8H of Oschersleben
After the MotoGP official test in Valencia next week, the team will fly to Jerez de la Frontera where the MotoE test will take place on the weekend of 23-25 November.
There is great expectation in seeing on track the 18 prototypes of Energica that will give life to the 2019 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, with five European Grand Prix (Jerez, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Spielberg and Misano).
Alma Pramac Racing will be on the starting grids of this fascinating adventure with former MotoGP rider Alex De Angelis, and 25-year-old 2018 FIM Endurance World Champion Josh Hook.
Alex De Angelis
“It’s going to be “electrifying”. It may sound like a pun, but it’s not. I’m excited to be part of this project and I’m very pleased to be back on this team with which I’ve already had a very happy experience in Laguna Seca in 2013. It’s a very professional team and I’m sure they can give me that extra help to do well. I’ve been off the track for a year now and that’s why I’m so keen to get back on track at Jerez: it’s going to be a good break-in for me and for the new bike. I would like to thank Paolo Campinoti and Francesco Guidotti for giving me this opportunity. I know the team’s deep competition spirit and I will do my best to achieve great results”.
Alex De Angelis seen here after winning the Moto2 race at Phillilp Island in 2011
Casey Stoner and Ducati conclude their collaboration
Ducati and Casey Stoner will not continue the collaboration agreement that has seen them work together since 2016.
Casey Stoner
“I want to thank Ducati for the great memories and especially the support and enthusiasm of the Ducati fans for our shared passion for racing and motorcycling, I’ll always remember this. Over the past three years I have really enjoyed doing my job with the test team, the engineers and technicians, as we worked towards improving the Desmosedici GP package and I sincerely want to wish the team all the very best for their future endeavours.”
Casey Stoner – Sepang Test 2017 – Image: Andrew Northcott
The accord had been stipulated on a three-year basis (2016-2018) and in these three years, thanks also to Casey’s important contribution, Ducati has constantly improved the performance of the Desmosedici GP, which is now considered to be one of the most competitive bikes in the MotoGP World Championship.
Casey Stoner at Phillip Island 2007 – Image by AJRN
The collaboration between Ducati and Stoner also contributed to the final development of the Panigale V4, as well as offering important suggestions for the development of other bikes currently in the Ducati range. In his role as Ducati ‘brand ambassador’, Casey was one of the undisputed stars of the last two editions of WDW (World Ducati Week) in 2016 and 2018, in which the Australian champion actively took part, and where he was greeted with incredible signs of affection by Ducatisti from all over the world.
Casey Stoner – Phillip Island 2010 – Image by AJRN
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
“Casey is and will always remain in the hearts of Ducatisti and it is also on their behalf that we wish to thank him for the important collaboration he has offered us over the last three years. His technical indications and suggestions, together with the work and the feedback of the factory riders and Michele Pirro, have helped to make the Desmosedici GP one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and his advice for the development of our production bikes has been just as precious and useful. Ducati and its many fans wish to offer their sincere thanks and their best wishes to Casey and his family for a serene and happy future.”
The 2018 edition of the FIM International Six Day Enduro has gotten underway in Viña del Mar, with an early start to the day, as the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from twenty-five nations tentatively rolled off the start line to begin six days of world-class Enduro racing.
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by G2F Media
The opening day’s course took riders north of the city, offering breathtaking views along the Pacific Ocean. On a route known as the Pacific Challenge, competitors completed two demanding laps and a total of six sandy and technical special tests, traveling a total of 284km.
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by Dario Agrati
Day one saw Team Australia remain a strong and dominant force in all classes, with the Aussie World Trophy Team finishing the day in second overall, behind the USA. In the Women’s class, the trio of Gardiner, Jones and Tricker taking a clear lead. The Australian Juniors also finished Day 1 in fifth position overall.
World Trophy Team
At the conclusion of day one the Australian World Trophy Team has finished an undeniable high, sitting in second position overall in the World Trophy Class underneath Team USA who have taken out top position, with less than five seconds separating the two teams.
Joshua Strang – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Day one also saw Team Australia score three positions in the top 15 with Daniel Sanders finishing the day with a fastest time of 54:42.00, winning the first test of the event which earned him second place overall. Sanders sits just under 22 seconds behind the current leader, Robert Taylor from Team USA.
Teammate Daniel Milner took out the third and last podium position, with a fastest time of 54:49.82 and winning the second and fourth test of the day. Milner sits just over seven seconds behind Sanders and will no doubt use tomorrow to put the heat on Team USA and close in on the current time different.
Team Australia at 2018 ISDE Day 1 in Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Rounding the top 15 was Joshua Strang, who locked in a fastest time of 55:42.62. Lyndon Snodgrass came up against challenges throughout day one, earning 26th position overall with a fastest time of 56:03.17.
Daniel Sanders
“I started off day one really well, getting the first overall test win. Personally, I did some good test times but struggled in the dust especially with it being the first day and there being a lot of traffic. Milner and I fought through that though, and the two of us rode really well individually as well, leading the team to second position. We have a clean run tomorrow so hopefully we can make up some time on the Americans!”
Unofficial Day 1 – World Trophy Classification
Team USA – 2:45:10.30
Team Australia – 2:45:14.44
Team Spain – 2:46:17.90
Team Italy – 2:46:42.93
Team France – 2:47:07.06
Women’s World Trophy Team
Making a resounding mark on the competition was the Australian Women’s World Trophy Team, who dominated throughout the day to maintain a stronghold on first place overall.
Australia is followed by Team USA, but thanks to the three riders Australia has produced a substantial 90 second lead. Fastest time for the team and the class was Tayla Jones, who clocked in the fastest time of 1:01:11.25 winning five out of the six tests.
Mackenzie Tricker – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Coming in hot on Jones’ heels was debutant Mackenzie Tricker, who scored third place overall, clocking in a fastest time of 1:02:17.17 and coming in second in four of the six tests. Jessica Gardiner scored 8th position overall in the class, with a fastest time of 1:04:08.46.
Tayla Jones
“I had a pretty good day overall! The tracks are very dry and dusty and they dug out really quick – a lot quicker than I thought – so it made it really challenging. Today I crashed and lost a fair bit of time but all in all it went pretty well! Overall I’m pretty happy to hold the lead and hopefully we can stay upright tomorrow!”
Unofficial Day 1 – Women’s World Trophy Classification
Team Australia – 2:03:28.42
Team USA – 2:04:39.38
Team Spain – 2:06:54.93
Team France – 2:08:45.50
Team Sweden – 2:14:57.15
Junior World Trophy Team
The Australian Junior World Trophy Team proved that they can hold their own, with all three team members scoring a place in the top 50 which has scored Australia fifth place.
Australia now sits roughly three seconds off fourth position, which is currently held by the hosting nation, Chile. Australia’s juniors will use day two to diminish the distance with Chile, and work to climb the leader board currently held by Italy, France and USA respectively.
Fraser Higlett – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Fraser Higlett leads the charge for the Juniors, clocking a fastest time of 56:26.19 and scoring 41st position overall. Tom Mason earnt 43rd position overall with a fastest time of 57:11.96, and Andrew Wilksch rounding out the team’s efforts with a fastest time of 57:07.31 and landing 47th position.
Fraser Higlett
“It was a pretty good day today but the tracks were super dusty. It was tough starting back behind other riders but I made up some positions and the team came home strong by the end of the day. We’re all really consistent, so we’re hoping to maintain it over the remaining five days. Tomorrow should be easier – with hopefully less dust – and I shouldn’t have to pass as many riders to climb the leader board!”
Unofficial Day 1 – Junior World Trophy Classification
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What Went Down Last Weekend?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race
AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Primm, NV
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
2019 AORC Dates Announced
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
What Racing is Left for 2018?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
From all accounts Sydney’s fourth annual Monster Energy AUS-X Open was a cracker with current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson taking the SX1 class win while fellow Yank Cameron McAdoo won the SX2 class overall on the same night that Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson wrapped up there SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.
AUS-X Open
Anderson was in a class of his own to dominate the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty for using the Joker lane twice.
Jason Anderson
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come.”
Dean Wilson late inclusion bore fruit with the likeable Scotsman finishing a more than credible second overall ahead of Dan Reardon, Brayton, Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.
SX1 Overall Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
SX1 Final 1
Jason Anderson
Justin Brayton +3.724
Dean Wilson +7.364
Dan Reardon +11.788
Luke Clout +11.887
Brett Metcalfe +13.134
Chad Reed +20.359
Jace Owen +25.250
Lawson Bopping +28.480
Dylan Long +30.505
SX1 Final 2
Jason Anderson
Dan Reardon +3.353
Dean Wilson +4.015
Chad Reed +8.670
Brett Metcalfe +14.420
Justin Brayton +16.270
Luke Clout +19.227
Lawson Bopping +23.333
Jace Owen +23.776
Dylan Long +25.272
SX1 Final 3
Jason Anderson
Dean Wilson +2.014
Dan Reardon +9.058
Dylan Long +14.071
Justin Brayton +18.705
Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
Jace Owen +21.064
Brett Metcalfe +22.203
Luke Clout +36.894
Robbie Marshall +1 lap
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderson – 75
Dean Wilson – 62
Daniel Reardon – 60
Justin Brayton – 53
Chad Reed – 47
Brett Metcalfe – 44
Luke Clout – 42
Dylan Long – 40
Jace Owen – 39
Lawson Bopping – 35
SX1 Australian Supercross Championship
The SX1 Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship this time ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon on his privateer Yamaha.
Justin Brayton
“I’m stoked to win this championship, I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium
Final SX1 Championship Points
Justin Brayton – 115
Brett Metcalfe – 106
Dan Reardon – 90
Jace Owen – 84
Dylan Long – 77
Luke Clout – 72
Robbie Marshall – 57
Lawson Bopping – 53
Jesse Dobson – 41
Nicholas Sutherland – 39
AUS-X Open – SX2
The AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night with three second places to take the overall ahead of defending champion Jackson Richardson who won the final two races after finishing sixth in the opening final while Hayden Mellross ended the night in third to end up just 6 points shy of championship winner Jay Wilson who overcame a heavy crash to come home in 6th overall.
SX2 Final 1
Jy Roberts
Cameron McAdoo +0.837
Dylan Wills +2.506
Jacob Hayes +3.404
Hayden Mellross +4.526
Jay Wilson
SX2 Final 2
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +3.821
Hayden Mellross +5.505
Dylan Wills +7.762
Jay Wilson +8.879
SX2 Final 3
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +0.534
Hayden Mellross +1.435
Josh Osby +2.681
Jacob Hayes +3.510
SX2 Overall
Cameron McAdoo – 66
Jackson Richardson – 65
Hayden Mellross – 56
Dylan Wills – 53
Jacob Hayes – 45
Jay Wilson – 43
Josh Osby – 42
Aaron Tanti – 39
Tomas Ravenhorst – 37
Kaleb Barham – 36
SX2 Australian Supercross Championship
Jay Wilson has won the 2018 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship after a nail-biting weekend thanks to a heavy crash during Saturday’s qualifying that saw the former Australian Motocross Champion almost miss the final before battling tooth and nail to win the championship by just six points over Hayden Mellross.
The Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider carried an 11 point lead in the championship over Mellross and only 13 points separated the top four riders but with the final round in the tight confines of Qudos Bank Arena and the triple final format, it was anything but a foregone conclusion as it went all the way down to the wire in an epic nights’ racing.
Aaron Tanti – SX2
Despite a poor grid pick in each final Wilson went 8-5-7 over the three moto format to earn 6th overall while his championship rival in Mellross managed 5-3-3 finishes for third overall.
Jay Wilson
“I’m not going to lie, that was just terrible riding and the worst I have raced for in so long, but we got through the night, got the championship done and I just couldn’t be happier. I was nervous all weekend and then that crash yesterday really took it out of me but I was determined to be strong and win my first supercross championship. Last year at the same venue was where I got my career back on track so it’s awesome that I was able to win a championship here and I have so many people to thank that have helped me get back to this point. Everyone at Yamaha who supported in me and believed in me when I was down and out, our team that does an amazing job each week, especially Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, who always have my back and have always played a part in my success. Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughter for allowing me to do this and my family who were here tonight. It feels amazing to finally win this championship and it’s something I will remember for a long time. It was a stressful weekend and things got heated at times. but it was great racing with Hayden, Jacob and Wilson Todd and I want to also congratulate them on some great racing over the five rounds. I have really enjoyed racing them and we have kept it clean at each round and it’s been a lot of fun.”
SX2 Final Championship Points
Jay Wilson 103
Hayden Mellross 97
Jacob Hayes 91
Wilson Todd 75
Jackson Richardson 74
Josh Osby 68
Aaron Tanti 62
Dakota Alix 61
Dylan Wills 60
Bradley Taft 50
The Junior Lites 250cc Class was taken out by Jake Cuka, who put in a consistent season to claim the championship while in the 85cc Class it was Brad West who rode a calculated and conservative ride at the final round in Sydney, coming home in fourth place overall to seal the championship.
The two-stroke cup class was taken out by Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney as the two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini while in Best Trick Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans while in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliff-hanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks’ time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands
History has been made as Billy Bolt is crowned the inaugural World Enduro Super Series at the eighth and final round, Red Bull Knock Out in The Netherlands which was won by Nathan Watson who got the better of MXGP star Glen Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
The Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race saw 1000 competitors taking to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier which was won by Watson before 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.
In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned champion.
Billy Bolt
“To become the ultimate enduro champion is huge – I can’t believe it yet and it’s going to take a while for this moment to sink in. The race itself was crazy. I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes everywhere. Also, the track conditions changed so much every lap and then the tide came in on the start straight, reducing it to half its width. I knew I needed to stay out of trouble as much as possible. And despite two crashes of my own making I pretty much did that. Overall, it’s been such a long season, with so many different races. Winning round one at Extreme XL Lagares feels a life time ago. To race everything from Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and now Beach Racing and come out of it all as the ultimate enduro champion is amazing.”
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media
Results – Red Bull Knock Out, WESS Round 8
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.56
WESS Championship Podium – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 4800 points
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4470 points
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 4103 points
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4010 points
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3675 points
Paul Bolton (KTM – GBR) 3377 points
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220 points
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 3010 points
Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 2900 points
Lars Enockl 2272 points
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Cole Martinez has been crowned the “King of Stuttgart” at the 36th ADAC Stuttgart Supercross after winning the main event on Friday and took out the overall victory with a fourth place in the second race on Saturday while last year’s winner Cédric Soubeyras of France won Saturday’s main event ahead of compatriot Gregory Aranda, who also finished second in the overall standings ahead Soubeyras.
Cole Martinez, the 26-year-old Suzuki rider from Rimrock, Arizona, was overjoyed at the award ceremony: “After much bad luck in recent years, I am grateful that I was able to come back to Stuttgart and that it has worked so well this year. ”
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
Ryan Villopoto elected to withdraw from last weekend’s AUS-X Open after his father, Dan passed away last week while riding with friends at Cahulla Creek in Southern California. Ryan wrote a heartfelt message on his social media account explaining the decision.
Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto
‘I just want to share a note with the @sxopensupercross fans to sincerely apologize as I will not be there today. As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years. I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realize a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon’
Yamaha AORC 2019 Calendar Released
The 2019 calendar for the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has been officially revealed, confirming dates, locations and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.
Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for Round 7 as the series will return to Broken Hill NSW, for a 4-hour desert Cross Country.
AORC Dungog
Kicking off the season will be Rounds 1 & 2 in Gympie QLD, taking place 9 – 10 March 2019. The Championship will then move to NSW for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April. Round 5 & 6 will see the series then return to Kyogle, NSW after a successful event in 2017, NSW on July 20-21. Broken Hill, NSW will again feature on 10-11 August and, then it’s off to SA from 31 August – 1 September. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016 on 14-15 September. Specific locations of the South Australian rounds will be released in due time.
2018 saw a number of firsts for the Championship with a Desert Cross Country along with several new support classes with the Amateur 125 cup, Vintage Cup and Pony Express. AORC will reveal what will be in store for 2019 in the coming weeks.
2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD; 9 – 10 March 2019
Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW; 6 – 7 April 2019
Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW; 20 – 21 July 2019
Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW; 10 – 11 August 2019
Round 8 & 9: SA; 31 August – 1 September 2019
Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC; 14 –15 September 2019
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
At the time of writing Australia is taking to the track for day one of the 93rd FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and Australia’s World, Junior and Women’s Trophy Teams are in good stead after spending time in reconnaissance over the past week to prepare for a hot and dusty six days ahead.
Australia 2018 ISDE riders
Located two hours west of the Chile’s capital, Santiago, the city of Vina del Mar will play home to the world’s best Enduro riders over six days of adrenaline pulsing action. Organisers have planned three unique and challenging routes to test this year’s competitors, with the opening two days seeing riders tackle the aptly named ‘Pacific Challenge’.
Days three and four move our riders inland to see how well they handle rocky terrains, alongside dust and high heat. The second last day will find riders navigate a forestry course at Penuelas Lake and Wood, before competitors head into the sixth and final day with traditional a Motocross test in front of the Pacific Ocean in Vina del Mar.
Leading Australia out down the streets along Vina del Mar beach as the Flag Bearer was Australia’s World Trophy Team member, Josh Strang while Australia’s Women’s World Trophy Team received a very warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony, as they bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win.
Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker
Scoring their first trophy back in 2013 in Sardinia, Italy, Australia’s three ladies, Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, are set to once again bring the fire to their international counterparts, serving unstoppable and unrivalled skills. Reflecting on arriving in Chile and the past week of testing and familiarising with the tracks.
Jessica Gardiner
“We’ve done a lot of walking here in Chile. It’s been quite hilly and therefore quite difficult to walk. It’s also been quite hot, and even though the metre says its only 22 degrees it really feels like 32! We’ve learnt that it’s going to be far more technical than the standard fast and flowing grass tracks usually seen at the ISDE. So there’s going to be more technique involved, which should make it interesting to decipher all the riders quickly! It’s been great to be with the girls in our Women’s World Trophy Team! We’ve found a new teammate in Mackenzie Tricker, so hopefully us Aussie girls can keep the ball rolling and stay strong. We’re preparing for a long, hot event, so we are going to have to really rely on our air filters changes and keeping our coolers up to date. So, fingers crossed for a good event!”
Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Joshua Strang
The class with arguably the most intense competition is the World Trophy, and Team Australia has already been coined as a strong and dominant force for 2018, with the potential to take out the trophy. Strang reflected on the team’s hunger and drive.
Josh Strang
“The conditions and terrain here in Chile are somewhat different to what I’m used to. But I think once the race starts today, I’ll no doubt just on into it and be good to go! The next six days should be pretty great, and all the Aussies are in good spirits!”
Fraser Higlett, Tom Mason and Andrew Wilksch
Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team member, Tom Mason, wrapped up the team’s experience so far in the lead up to today’s first race.
Tom Mason
“We’ve just finished up walking and testing out the tacks, and it’s been an awesome couple of days! The tracks here are the same as back home in Australia so we’re feeling pretty comfortable. All the bikes are ready and tested, and everyone feels ready! What we’ve found out from testing the tracks is that we just need to survive it, so the next six days will be pretty rough, but we’ll see how we go!”
World Trophy Team
Daniel Milner
Daniel Sanders
Lyndon Snodgrass
Joshua Strang
Women’s World Trophy Team
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
Junior World Trophy Team
Fraser Higlett
Tom Mason
Andrew Wilksch
Team Manager – Don Atkins
There will be a full report on the ISDE in next week’s Moto News.
What Racing is Left for 2018?
Last weekend’s AUS-X was a dead-set cracker as was the final rounds of the WESS and we can look forward to seeing how our Aussie team fare at the ISDE next week – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:
Australasia
New Zealand Supercross Championships
24 – SX Open – Auckland
1 – South Waikato
15 – Southland
America
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Nov. 17 – Hamilton
2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
Europe
ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
Justin Brayton claims the 2018 Australian Supercross crown
Brett Metcalfe 2018 runner-up
Images by AME Management
Justin Brayton has wrapped up the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship, with Penrite Honda teammate Brett Metcalfe claiming second overall, ending a highly successful season for the team.
Justin Brayton – Australian Supercross 2018
For Justin Brayton the victory marks his third consecutive Championship for the team and a successful first season with Honda. Brayton won three out of five rounds in the Australian Supercross season this year, although appearing in fine riding form, he admitted this was his hardest victory yet.
Justin Brayton – Australian Supercross 2018
Justin Brayton
“I am so happy to win three in a row. It’s what I came here to do and I am glad we got the job done. It wasn’t without its difficulties though, first my family got sick, then I got sick and I never fully recovered. I have battled pneumonia for most of the time I’ve been over here so it was tough for sure but it made the overall victory so much more gratifying. I feel lucky, I get to see the world and ride dirt bikes. I have met some amazing people through racing and it’s a bonus to win. I can’t thank Honda, Penrite and all of our sponsors enough but we aren’t done just yet. We still have a few races to finish this year as we head to New Zealand in a few weeks. My plan is to come back next year and defend my title. I want to keep doing this for as long as I can. If I am competitive and I am enjoying it then I want to race.”
Justin Brayton and Penrite Honda teammate Brett Metcalfe – Australian Supercross 2018
This year marked Brayton’s fourth time in Australia and he hopes to return next year to defend his Championship.
Penrite Honda’s Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe
Brett Metcalfe finished second overall in the Championship and shared he couldn’t be happier, having been pleased to have his family watching as he took to the podium for the overall second position.
Brett Metcalfe
“Everyone wants to win but this is the next best thing and I am really pleased to be the first placing Australian too! The season has been strong; winning round 4 was certainly a highlight and gave me a solid confidence boost. It was important for us to get 1-2 in the title so we had our plans in place to ensure it was locked up. I’m so pleased for Justin to take the triple and for Honda to have this 1-2 finish, it’s amazing. Now we are focused on New Zealand, to wrap up the year on top.”
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe
Honda’s Brand and Motorsport Manager Glyn Griffiths was complementary of the result, something very few teams achieve., while Team Director Yarrive Konsky was likewise proud of his team’s results.
Glyn Griffiths – Honda Brand and Motorsport Manager
“Going 1-2 is a remarkable feat, something that many don’t ever achieve throughout their careers. Our team have different abilities, experiences and backgrounds, including our riders and we came together for a shared purpose and this is something we will all treasure.”
Yarrive Konsky – Team Director
“It’s still surreal, I didn’t know where we would finish and this is a dream many don’t achieve and I am grateful of everyone’s efforts. We will now turn our attention to our final race then on to testing for next year. We want to be prepared for the Motocross Championship and preparation begins now.”
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium
Round 2 of the Oceanic Supercross Championship will be held in New Zealand on the 24th Novemeber in Aukland. For more information on Penrite Factory Honda Racing go to www.hondamx.com.au
Ducati’s V4 R & BMW’s new S 1000 RR to feature in 2019
The 2019 WorldSBK season is shaping up to be one to remember with the year to kick off at Phillip Island’s season opener in Victoria, Australia, with a massive grid that will boast the return of the Honda Racing Corporation, as well as Ducati with the new V4 R, and BMW championing the new S 1000 RR.
WSBK Superbikes at Phillip Island
World champion Jonathan Rea beware! That’s the message ahead of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship opener at Victoria’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from February 22-24 following a massive week of grid-strengthening announcements for the production-based series.
Ducati and BMW unveiled their new V4 R and S 1000 RR four-cylinder machines at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan on November 5 and 6 respectively.
The 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R will spearhead the brand’s WSBK efforts
In Ducati’s case it’s the most powerful motorcycle to ever leave its factory, and the company – which has the most amount of WorldSBK titles with 14 – has already announced that current MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista will join Chaz Davies in its line-up for 2019. Bautista finished a superb fourth in the recent MotoGP round at Phillip Island filling in for the injured Jorge Lorenzo, which will give the Spaniard added confidence when he returns to Australia.
The revamped 2019 BMW S 1000 RR will be on track with the Shaun Muir Racing team
BMW also announced in Milan that it will be collaborating with Shaun Muir Racing (which ran the Milwaukee Aprilia squad in 2018) for a major tilt at the 2019 WorldSBK title. The riders will be Rea’s erstwhile Kawasaki teammate and 2013 world champion Tom Sykes, as well as German Marcus Reiterberger who is returning to the championship after a two-year break.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport will be responsible for the development of engine, electronics, chassis and aerodynamics on the new S 1000 RR.
Leon Camier will be joined by Ryuichi Kiyonari in 2019
Meanwhile, HRC will return to WorldSBK competition in 2019 alongside Althea Racing and Japanese high-performance firm Moriwaki Engineering, with Leon Camier and Ryuichi Kiyonari the two riders. Camier has already been campaigning the Honda CBR1000RR SP2 in 2018, while Kiyonari will be returning to the series for the first time since 2009.
HRC was once a regular on the WorldSBK trail and won three titles with John Kocinski in 1997 and Colin Edwards in 2000 and 2002.
Jonathan Rea will also be returning to defend his title in 2019 – Image TBG
The gifted Rea, who is based in Australia during the summer with his Phillip Island-raised wife Tatia and their two sons, will certainly be keeping a keen eye on recent proceedings as he prepares to campaign alongside a new teammate in 2019: current British superbike champion Leon Haslam.
Other confirmed riders for next year include factory Yamaha pair Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes, while the GRT Yamaha satellite team will field recently crowned world supersport champion Sandro Cortese and Italian Marco Melandri.
Michael van der Mark is another confirmed rider for 2019 for GRT Yamaha
Italian Michael Ruben Rinaldi will also ride a Panigale V4 R for this year’s leading independent team, Barni Racing.
WorldSBK observers will be able to get an early feel for the 2019 form guide when pre-season testing begins in Spain in November, ahead of more official outings in Europe next January.
The WorldSBK teams will make their way to Australia for a final hitout at Phillip Island before round one commences – and the debut of the new ‘triple treat’ format where an extra sprint race will be held on Sunday morning in between the two longer hitouts on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
WorldSBK at Phillip Island
Grab your season opener tickets for Phillip Island now
A three-day general admission is $120 if secured in advance, or $230 when you add camping to your purchase.
WorldSBK at Phillip Island 2019
If you feel like splashing out, step up to a Bar SBK ticket at $265 (with camping $375) and enjoy undercover facilities at Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights. World Superbikes is free for kids 15 and under, and so is your bike.
As an extra bonus at WorldSBK, all three-day ticket holders are gifted free paddock access. For all ticket and racing information, visit www.worldsbk.com.au or Ticketek.
KTM’s Nathan Watson wins season finale from Coldenhoof & Martens
Billy Bolt has been crowned 2018’s Ultimate Enduro Champion at the eighth and final round of the World Enduro Super Series – the Red Bull Knock Out held in The Netherlands.
Billy Bolt – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider claimed the top step of the championship podium ahead of Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and round winner Nathan Watson.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Bolt is well-known for his Hard Enduro ability, while runner-up Lettenbichler was the championship’s best placed privateer, with motocross turned enduro racer Nathan Watson claiming the final position and representing the championship’s diversity and enduro spirit.
Nathan Watson – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Billy Bolt – 2018 Champion
“I can’t believe it, this is going to take some time to sink in. To be the first World Enduro Super Series champion is awesome. The race was crazy, I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes abandoned everywhere. The track changes every lap – there’s hardly a start straight now the tide has come in so much. It was frustrating at times when you got stuck or lost time due to someone else’s mistake, but that’s the nature of the race and generally the whole event went well for me. It’s been such a long season, with so many different races – to finish at the top when it’s all come to a close – it feels unreal. It’s been a real rollercoaster season for me with some challenges and then my knee surgery, to stand here now having won WESS is brilliant. It’s been a real team effort. The Rockstar Husky guys have really done everything and more to allow me to win this championship. It’s been a real team effort.”
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media
The sixth edition of the Dutch Beach Race saw Watson stormed his way to a debut win on the Scheveningen shoreline, taking victory over home favourite Glenn Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.
After seven rounds of Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro and Cross-Country racing, the first season of the multi-discipline Enduro series drew to a spectacular close at the infamous Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race. 1000 competitors took to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier – won by Watson and 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Eager to impress in front of his home crowd, Coldenhoff set the early race pace, with Watson, Martens, Camille Chapeliere and Britain’s Todd Kellet in tow. During the opening half of the race, Coldenhoff set a blisteringly fast pace and appeared to have all under control.
However, the opening of the extreme X-Loop for the final hour dramatically changed the flow of the race and Watson – putting his Enduro skills to good use – fought his way into the lead. Continuing his fast pace during the final laps, and with the track at its roughest, Watson stormed ahead to claim a 90-second margin of victory over Coldenhoff, with Martens coming through for third.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Nathan Watson – 3rd overall & Red Bull Knock Out winner
“I am so happy, I have been looking forward to this race all year. To take the win feels amazing, especially after finishing runner-up the last two times. I put myself under a lot of pressure coming here, everyone had me down as the favourite but anything can happen, especially in beach racing. I was ill last week and I didn’t expect to be so strong, but the whole race went perfectly. Glenn got away really fast at the beginning but I knew if I held on, I should come strong at the end. I can’t thank the team enough, it’s been a seriously tough year for me – I’ve experienced a lot of new events and learned a lot. To jump up to take third overall in the WESS championship is incredible.”
Nathan Watson – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Ydwer van der Heide
Glenn Coldenhoff – 2nd at Red Bull Knock Out
“That was a tough race, I am happy with second but it’s disappointing not to take the win. I started off really well and took the joker lane twice and was still leading at the halfway point. I was close to running out of fuel at the pitstop and lost a bit of time there but still felt good and had about a minute lead. When they opened up the X-Loop it was ok at first but on the second time through there were a lot of riders already stuck. I wanted to make sure I completed it properly but in the end the organisers were directing everyone up the side. I put in a lot of training for the event after the Motocross of Nations and I’m glad to take the runner-up, I just wish it was one step further up the podium.”
Glenn Coldenhoff – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.
However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned Ultimate Enduro Champion.
Billy Bolt – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Despite giving his best effort, Lettenbichler was unable to get the better of Bolt in the deep Dutch sand, finishing a creditable 15th to take the runner-up result in the 2018 World Enduro Super Series. In the fight for the final step of the championship podium, Watson’s round eight victory saw him leap past teammate Josep Garcia who placed 16th – to secure third overall.
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2018 runner-up
“It’s been an amazing year and to end it as the championship runner-up is beyond my pre-season expectations. I knew Billy was good in the sand, so my plan here was to try and keep him behind me and do my best to claim as many points as possible. I wasn’t sure how things would be after hurting my thumb at the Gotland Grand National. But the adrenalin has kept the pain away today and I’m really happy with my ride. Overall, I have had some strong podiums and I really feel like I have come into my form and that I’m riding at the top of my game. To end WESS as the series’ runner-up is amazing, but now I have to come back even stronger next year and take Billy’s title. Congratulations to him, it’s been a great year battling with him.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
In becoming the Ultimate Enduro Champion of 2018, Billy Bolt claimed the World Enduro Super Series prize of a KTM X-Bow.
Billy Bolt won a KTM X-Bow – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
Red Bull Knock Out – WESS Round 8 Results
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.561
WESS Championship Podium – Lettenbichler, Bolt, Watson – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings
Justin Brayton wins Australian Supercross Championship
The fourth instalment of the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney has concluded in front of a sell-out crowd, with current World Champion Jason Anderson taking the win in all three final heat races.
The American dominated the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty of five-position being handed to the Aussie legend for using the Shannons Shortcut Lane a second time.
Chad Reed was penalised five positions in the third final
Jason Anderson
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come,” commented Anderson.
Scotland’s Dean Wilson made a successful return to racing in position two, with Gold Coaster Dan Reardon putting in a solid ride for position three to finalise the podium at the 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.
SX1 Overall Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
Both domestic class champions were crowned under the bright lights of Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday night. Each championship was a hard-fought affair this year, with both coming down to the very final race putting immense stress on the riders.
Honda 1-2 in Australian Supercross Championship
The Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship. Brayton was followed home in P2 by teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon.
Justin Brayton
“I’m stoked to win this championship,” commented Brayton. “I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Justin Brayton
AUS-X Open Results
SX1 Final 1
Jason Anderson
Justin Brayton +3.724
Dean Wilson +7.364
Dan Reardon +11.788
Luke Clout +11.887
Brett Metcalfe +13.134
Chad Reed +20.359
Jace Owen +25.250
Lawson Bopping +28.480
Dylan Long +30.505
SX1 Final 2
Jason Anderson
Dan Reardon +3.353
Dean Wilson +4.015
Chad Reed +8.670
Brett Metcalfe +14.420
Justin Brayton +16.270
Luke Clout +19.227
Lawson Bopping +23.333
Jace Owen +23.776
Dylan Long +25.272
SX1 Final 3
Jason Anderson
Dean Wilson +2.014
Dan Reardon +9.058
Dylan Long +14.071
Justin Brayton +18.705
Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
Jace Owen +21.064
Brett Metcalfe +22.203
Luke Clout +36.894
Robbie Marshall +1 lap
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderon 75
Dean Wilson 62
Daniel Reardon 60
Justin Brayton 53
Chad Reed 47
Brett Metcalfe 44
Luke Clout 42
Dylan Long 40
Jace Owen 39
Lawson Bopping 35
Final SX1 Championship Points
Justin Brayton 115
Brett Metcalfe 106
Dan Reardon 90
Jace Owen 84
Dylan Long 77
Luke Clout 72
Robbie Marshall 57
Lawson Bopping 53
Jesse Dobson 41
Nicholas Sutherland 39
Jay Wilson SX2 Champion
Yamaha’s Jay Wilson completed the ultimate comeback to the sport tonight in Sydney, with the New South Welshman coming back from the brink of retirement just one year ago, to claim the coveted SX2 Championship.
Wilson secured the title in dramatic fashion, as he only just qualified for the main event in the final transfer position.
The chaos continued to unfold, with Wilson’s poor qualifying position giving him the very last gate pick, and subsequently, he didn’t get off the line well in any of the three races.
Despite the drama, tears flowed at the conclusion of Main Event number three, as Wilson was crowned Champion.
Championship aside, the race for the AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night on the top step of the podium due to an incredible pace.
In position two was 2017 Champion Jackson Richardson, and DPH Motorsports Hayden Mellross in third.
SX2 Final 1
Jy Roberts
Cameron McAdoo +0.837
Dylan Wills +2.506
Jacob Hayes +3.404
Hayden Mellross +4.526
SX2 Final 2
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +3.821
Hayden Mellross +5.505
Dylan Wills +7.762
Jay Wilson +8.879
SX2 Final 3
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +0.534
Hayden Mellross +1.435
Josh Osby +2.681
Jacob Hayes +3.510
SX2 Overall
Cameron McAdoo 66
Jackson Richardson 65
Hayden Mellross 56
Dylan Wills 53
Jacob Hayes 45
Jay Wilson 43
Josh Osby 42
Aaron Tanti 39
Tomas Ravenhorst 37
Kaleb Barham 36
SX2 Final Championship Points
Jay Wilson 103
Hayden Mellross 97
Jacob Hayes 91
Wilson Todd 75
Jackson Richardson 74
Josh Osby 68
Aaron Tanti 62
Dakota Alix 61
Dylan Wills 60
Bradley Taft 50
Two-Stroke Cup
The two-stroke cup class was taken out by KTM’s Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney. The two spent most of the race dueling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Best Whip
Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini.
International Showdown
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans.
Best Trick competition
Finally, in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliffhanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
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