Exciting news from the Australian F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship in 2020, with the series being expanded to five rounds, with the inclusion of The Bend Motorsport Park, in South Australia, after the new track proved a hit with ASBK and ARRC.
Corey and Danyon Turner – Image by Rob Mott
The Australian F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship will also return to Barbagallo Raceway, Western Australia after a three-year hiatus, alongside Kings of Wanneroo.
With continued support from Horsell and Pagid Brakepads, the 2020 season is shaping up to be hard fought battle in both F1 and F2 sidecar categories, with Motorcycling Australia Road Race Events Manager, Liz Galazkiewicz, saying the 2020 Championship expansion would provide spectators with an even better show.
Corey and Danyon Turner lead Stephen Bayliss and Aaron Wilson – Image by Rob Mott
Liz Galazkiewicz – Motorcycling Australia Road Race Events Manager
“We are very excited to have the Australian F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship appearing for the first time at The Bend Motorsport Park as well as returning to Western Australia’s Barbagallo Raceway. We know both the Bend Motorsport Park and Barbagallo Raceway will attract strong fields and good crowds to witness these fearless men and women of the Sidecar Championship. MA would like to extend our thanks to Motorcycle Sportsmen of QLD (Masters of Morgan Park), Pheonix Club (Adelade 3 Hour), and Motor Cycle Racing Club of WA (Kings of Wanneroo) for inviting the Championship to join their existing events. Thank you to Jeff Brown for reaching out to the clubs and creating the relationship for the Championship to run alongside their events. Having the opportunity to attend three of the biggest club promoted events in the country is an honour and really demonstrates the spectacle that Sidecar racing is and helps create a diverse Championship. There is strong commitment from teams for the expanded competition and we are proud to again have the support of Horsell and Pagid Brakepads for the Australian F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship.”
The 2019 Championship saw young gun brothers Corey and Danyon Turner crowned F1 Sidecar Champions ahead of WA’s Jero Joyce and Corey Blackman in second and former Champions Howard Ford and Lee Menzies third, and no doubt the battle for the 2020 title will be just as intense.
Mick Alton and Chrissie Clancy
The Clancy family dominated F2 Sidecars with Pat Clancy and Steve Bonney finishing on top, John Clancy and Warren Grubb second, and Mick Alton and Chrissy Clancy third.
Two rounds of the Championship will run alongside the Australian Superbike Championship, while one will join the Masters of Morgan Park.
2020 Australian F1 and F2 Sidecar Championship Calendar
Round 1: 27-29 March – Wakefield Park Raceway – ASBK
Round 2: 15-17 May – Morgan Park Raceway – Masters of Morgan Park
Round 3: 19-21 June – The Bend Motorsport Park – Adelaide 3 Hour
Round 4: 11-13 September – Winton Motor Raceway – ASBK
Round 5: 31 October – 1 November – Barbagallo Raceway – Kings of Wanneroo
The 8 Hours of Sepang winner YART Yamaha and BMW Motorrad World Endurance made a handsome profit in Malaysia, but Suzuki Endurance Racing Team held on to top spot in the 2019-2020 FIM EWC standings.
Sepang 8 Hour
YART Yamaha’s victory following Niccolò Canepa’s outstanding solo performance in the saddle of the Austrian squad’s R1 was the highlight of the first edition of the 8 Hours of Sepang. Mandy Kainz’s team pocketed the 30 points on offer for the win in Malaysia, rocketing from 11th to 4th place in the 2019-2020 FIM EWC provisional standings.
Niccolò Canepa won the race for YART Yamaha
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team continued their flawless ascent following their debut outing at the Bol d’Or in September. The Belgian factory-backed team once again finished on the third step of the podium with riders Ilya Mykhalchyk and Markus Reiterberger, moving up in the process to the number two spot in the championship standings 15 points behind the leader, Suzuki Endurance Racing Team.
Markus Reiterberger
Suzuki Endurance Racing Team still lead championship
The Suzuki factory team finished 5th at the 8 Hours of Sepang, but remain at the top of the provisional standings after two races. Webike SRC Kawasaki France took a similarly cautious approach to the tricky track conditions at Sepang and finished 6th. The 2018-2019 FIM EWC title winner collected precious points, but will now have to target the win at the 24 Heures Motos to defend their title.
SERT at the Bol d’Or
3ART Moto Team 95, once again among the Top 10 race finishers, are in 5th place in the championship standings ahead of another Yamaha-mounted team, VRD Igol Pierret Experiences. The latter would have made it into the Top 10 at Sepang if they had not suffered a crash towards the end of the race.
Successful maiden outing for Ducati
The FIM EWC’s newly Ducati-backed squad Team ERC Endurance had a successful maiden outing at Sepang. The German team running a Panigale V4R finished the race in 10th place, scoring their first championship points into the bargain.
Ducati in the World Endurance mix
F.C.C. TSR Honda France got off to a great start at the 8 Hours of Sepang. Third on the starting grid, the team took and kept the lead even after a crash caused by a collision with the Yamaha Sepang Racing bike. However, the Japanese team lost any chance of a win after a second crash at the tail end of the race. The 2017-2018 FIM EWC winners are 12th in the provisional standings, 54 points from the leader.
F.C.C. TSR Honda riders are Mike di Meglio, Freddy Foray and Australian Josh Hook.
Crashes also put paid to the hopes of some other teams. Maco Racing Team finished outside the points after a crash that cost them their 18th place. Tati Team Beaujolais Racing also lost ground because of a late-stage crash, but scored one championship point.
After a flamboyant duel for 2nd place early in the race, Tecmas BMW GMC and Suzuki JEG Kagayama fell victim to technical issues: engine failure for BMW Tecmas and a hard-to-spot faulty fuse for Suzuki JEG. A mechanical issue also forced Wójcik Racing Team to throw in the towel at Sepang. The Polish team retain 3rd place in the provisional standings thanks to their superb performance at the Bol d’Or, the season’s opening round.
Moto Ain lead Superstock standings
Yamaha also took the Superstock win at Sepang. Moto Ain (Yamaha) reign supreme in the FIM Endurance World Cup after a second win in this category. Moreover, the team managed by Pierre Chapuis finished at the foot of the podium ahead of several factory teams. Moto Ain also claimed the top spot among the independent teams ahead of Wójcik Racing Team.
Moto Ain already have a 35-point lead over BMRT 3D Maxxess Nevers in the FIM World Cup standings. The Kawasaki-mounted team lost out on a Superstock podium finish at Sepang due to a crash towards the end of the race. The German BMW-mounted team GERT56 by GS Yuasa made it into the Top 3 in the provisional standings by dint of wresting a 2nd-place finish at Sepang from Tone RT Syncedge 4413 BMW. Team 33 Coyote Louit Moto, No Limits Motor Team and Rac 41 also ran a fine race in Malaysia.
After enjoying his best year at the Isle of Man TT in 2019 with Honda Racing, South Australia’s David Johnson is set to spearhead OMG Racing’s maiden attempt at success on the 37.73 mile Mountain Course on their new BMW S 1000 RR machines.
Davo made his debut at the Isle of Man TT in 2010 where he was named fastest newcomer with a 123.838mph lap, before narrowly missing out on his first podium in 2014 after taking 4th in the Superstock race.
The charismatic Aussie also ventured into both British Superbikes and World Superbikes, as he added to his circuit experience, before finishing 4th in every race he finished at the 2018 TT.
However, in 2019 the Adelaide rider finally grabbed that elusive first TT podium riding for Honda, producing a storming final sector to snatch third from Michael Dunlop in the Superstock race.
Johnson will compete in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes on-board the BMW S1000RR.
David ‘Davo’ Johnson
“I’m extremely happy to sign for OMG Racing for the 2020 roads season. They are an amazing bunch of people who are dedicated to their racing and put their riders front and centre.
“Having Billy McConnell and Luke Mossey amongst my team-mates is awesome, there’ll definitely be some good times to share within the team across the roads and BSB. The bikes will be top notch too, they’re a no-holds barred team when it comes to assembling the best bits of machinery and I’m sure that they’ll be able to deliver a bike capable of winning.
David Johnson on the Superstock podium – TT 2019
“Currently I’m still back at home in Australia, but the stars seem to be aligning for next year, with my wedding to kick things off and then heading back over to the UK to get myself focused on the bike. 2019 was a great year for me, finally getting that first TT podium, so I’m certain I can follow that up with more in 2020.
“A Big thanks to all the team at OMG Racing, but especially Alan Gardner and Paul Curran for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to be back!”
David Johnson celebrates 2019 Classic TT Superbike win alongside James Hillier
Paul Curran, OMG Racing Team Principal
“I’m delighted to welcome Davo to the team for 2020, he’s a rider we have very strong links to through Billy McConnell and he’s just a great guy to work with, super friendly and knows how he wants the bike setting up.
“He suits the team atmosphere, which is a big positive. As a team we’ve always had a very relaxed approach to racing and given maximum flexibility to our riders to setup a bike exactly how they’d like.
“Given Davo’s success last year, we’re confident he can be up there challenging for podiums in both classes and really put us on the road racing map as a team!”
Alan Gardner, OMG Racing
“Davo has been talking to us for a while about getting on the roads and eventually I think he wore me down! He’s a great guy to have around, similarly to Billy he just brings positivity to the team and that means everyone involved goes that extra mile whilst feeling comfortable.
“Plus, I don’t think anybody can question it – he’s quick. Outperforming an iconic rider like Hutchy on the roads last year in the same team shows how far he’s come, and we were thrilled for him when he got that first podium last year, hopefully he can replicate that this year in our colours!”
David Johnson on the Gulf Racing BMW during the 2018 Isle of Man TT – Photo Stephen Davison
Cessnock Kawasaki’s Matt Walters will continue his campaign in the Australian Superbike championship (ASBK) into season 2020 with backing from Kawasaki Australia.
The Cessnock Kawasaki team… Matt Walters and dad Carl…. Mum is hidden in the background there working hard too!
Matt Walters
“Super happy to back with Kawasaki Motors Australia for my 11th year with the Japanese manufacturer. Together we have won championships and this year going back to back Australian Superbike privateer. The small family run team and I will setting our sights straight for the podium and really looking forward to 2020 on my Kawasaki ZX-10RR at the season starter at Phillip island.”
Matt Walters – #1 Australian Superbiker Privateer and Ironman award winner – TBG Image
Kawasaki Motors Australia National Sales & Marketing Manager, Robert Walker, is looking forward to another positive year.
Rob Walker – Kawasaki
“2019 was a very strong year for Matt, taking out the ASBK Ironman award and we were very happy with his result for the year. Each year Matt and the team has represented Kawasaki very well and improved on their results. We are eager to see how his 2020 season progresses on the Ninja ZX-10RR.”
The Cessnock Kawasaki ZX-10R on the podium at ASBK Round Six 2019, Phillip Island – Image Rob Mott
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has advised Italian Grand Prix rider Andrea Iannone that he is provisionally suspended pursuant to Article 7.9.1 of the 2019 FIM Anti-doping Code (CAD).
The decision to provisionally suspend Mr Andrea Iannone was mandatory following the receipt of a report from the WADA accredited laboratory in Kreischa b. Dresden (Germany) indicating an Adverse Analytical Finding of a non-specified substance under Section 1.1.a) Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) of the 2019 Prohibited List, in a urine sample collected from him at an in-competition test carried out by the FIM at the round of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship held in Sepang, Malaysia on 3 November 2019.
Andrea Iannone has the right to request and attend the analysis of his B sample.
Mr Andrea Iannone is provisionally suspended with effect from 17 December 2019. He is therefore barred from participating in any motorcycling competition or activity until further notice. Under Article 7.9.3.2 CAD, Mr Iannone may request lifting of his provisional suspension.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.
18 riders representing 12 countries will battle it out next season, including the 2019 Cup winner, Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE), who returns to defend his title. Runner up Bradley Smith (One Energy Racing) and third overall Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) will also be back in action.
Australia’s Josh Hook will contest his second MotoE season with the Octo Pramac squad.
Josh Hook is back with the Octo Pramac MotoE squad for season 2020
Six newcomers from different backgrounds join the grid, including Grand Prix winners Jordi Torres (Join Contract Pons 40) and Dominique Aegerter (Intact GP), as well as Lukas Tulovic (Tech 3 E-Racing), Tommaso Marcon (Tech 3 E-Racing), Alessandro Zaccone (Trentino Gresini MotoE) and Xavier Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) from Moto2 and the European Moto2 Championship in the FIM CEV Repsol.
Hector Garzo has movesd into the Moto2 World Championship full time for 2020.
Kawasaki BCperformance Racing have announced they they will continue to campaign in the Australian Superbike championship (ASBK) in 2020 in a direct collaboration with Kawasaki Motors Australia that enters into its 4th full season and sees Kelvin Reilly’s BCperformance run the largest Kawasaki supported road racing effort in the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Returning to the team in 2020 is Western Australian Bryan Staring, the only rider to have won the Australian Superbike, Supersport and 125 Grand Prix Championships.
Bryan Staring
“I couldn’t be happier to continue my partnership with Kawasaki BCperformance in the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship. This will be the third consecutive season with the team/manufacturer combination that is growing, learning and improving each year. I feel very well supported from both Kawasaki Australia and the BCperformance team. We have a great motorcycle in the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR. This race bike is a dream package to work with because the engine is incredibly strong, it handles well, and the electronic system is completely functional and reliable. I believe in 2020 we can surpass our previous best performances given our growing experience with this motorcycle and the top components the team utilise. The fantastic personnel and culture within the team provide a great working environment for myself and one that the supporters can easily enjoy on race weekends. This is the springboard I will use to succeed in the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship and I am very grateful to be continuing together.”
Bryan Staring and the BCperformance Kawasaki Team after a successful round at The Bend in 2019 – Image by TBG Sport
Joining the Kawasaki BCperformance Racing Team in 2020 is Glenn Scott.
Glenn Scott
“After a large accident forcing my 2019 season to a grinding stop, it brings me great pleasure to have such an amazing opportunity presented to me for the 2020 ASBK season. BCperformance have proven they are a top running team in ASBK and I am excited to be part of their professional out fit for 2020. Although we are competitors it will be great to work alongside Bryan Staring, having an experienced and strong team mate will push me and help me build my experience on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR. I would like to personally thank Kawasaki Motors Australia and BCperformance for this incredible opportunity, the Ninja ZX-10RR is an amazing Superbike and I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to take it to its limits on track for the 2020 season. I would also like to thank my supporters and personal sponsors for continuing their support into the 2020 ASBK Season. ”
Team Owner and Manager Kelvin Reilly is looking forward to a strong 2020 racing season.
Kelvin Reilly
“I am super happy with our line-up for the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship. It’s a pleasure to work with Bryan and I believe the lessons learned during 2019 will make us a stronger more consistent team in 2020. Securing Glenn was a big part of our strategy and he showed good speed during the past season and believe he will work well in our team. I am also grateful to Kawasaki Motors Australia for the continuing support in this project as the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR is a formidable machine along with the Dunlop tyres and Ktech suspension we have an excellent package to succeed.”
“As our working relationship gets stronger and stronger every year, it is also a pleasure to work with Kawasaki Motors Australia and I must thank them for their continued support along with all our other sponsors who will be announced shortly.”
Kawasaki Motors Australia embrace supporting the BCperformance team again in 2020. In the 2019 campaign, the Kawasaki BCperformance Racing Team will be the first Australian team to fully benefit from the technology developed with the five-time championship winning World Superbike team as they utilise the full power of the 2019 Ninja ZX-10RR motorcycles.
Kawasaki Motors Australia National Sales & Marketing Manager, Robert Walker, is expecting big things from the team this year.
Rob Walker
“We have established an ongoing relationship with the premier privateer road team in Australia. Each year this team has represented Kawasaki strongly and improved on their results. In 2020 we are looking forward to seeing the team on the podium regularly and watching the powerful Ninja ZX-10RR cross the line at the front of the pack.”
Glenn Scott with the Agro-On BenJan Kawasaki Racing Team ZX-10RR that he competed on in the 2017 European Superstock 1000 Championship
Peter Hickman to return to Isle of Man on Norton Superlight
It has been confirmed that Louth-based Peter Hickman will return to the Isle of Man TT races in 2020, racing the Norton Superlight in the Bennetts Lightweight Race, with the bike this time prepared and run by his own Smiths Racing Team.
Peter Hickman – Image by David Yeomans
The five-time TT Race winner joined John McGuinness and Davey Todd for a three-pronged assault with the new 650cc Norton Superlight in 2019 but was only able to complete two qualifying laps ahead of the shortened two lap race. While his Norton teammates both retired from the race, Hickman came home in a strong eighth position and posted a fastest lap at an impressive average speed of 120.260mph.
The decision for the bike to be prepared and run by the Smiths Racing team in 2020 allows the Norton factory to focus solely on increasing production of their road bikes.
Development of the Superlight race bike moves to Smiths Racing, but the team are no strangers to producing a race winning machine in a short space of time after taking victories in the 2019 RST Superbike and RL360 Superstock TT Races despite late delivery and little testing with the new BMW S 1000 RR.
The Lightweight Race has become a fiercely competitive class in recent years and the 32-year old is clear in his objectives.
Peter Hickman
“It handles really well which is especially important with the lightweight bikes. They don’t have much horsepower so they need to be able to turn properly and the bike did that immediately. Of course, there are things we need to change. It’s really heavy – heavier than my superbike – because it’s still a road bike and a lot has to be done to make it lighter. I think the podium is realistic and the win would be the cherry on top. I don’t go into anything thinking that we can hopefully finish sixth! The reason we’re doing this is because I feel the bike has potential. If I didn’t feel that, I wouldn’t be doing it.”
Peter Hickman – Image by Richard Sykes
Success for Hickman and the Norton Superlight would undoubtedly hold extra significance for the Lincolnshire man, after his father Dave Hickman played a key part in the success of the JPS Norton team and the iconic rotary-engined bikes of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
Now with bikes for six different races at the 2020 Isle of Man TT Races, could Hickman be the first man in TT history to claim six TT victories in a single week? It’s not impossible!
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What happened this week
Nathan Watson retains French Beach Racing lead at Hossegor
KTM Junior Supercross represent at S-X Open & Aus-X Open
Tasmania secures 2020 AORC final rounds
2020 Yamaha supported AORC riders announced
AORC announce four junior summer coaching clinics
Rogers & Wilson with Yamalube Yamaha Racing for 2020
12 rider 2020 GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing line-up announced
FIM Speedway Training Camp fosters young talent
Alfredo Gómez to continue with Husqvarana into 2021
Monster Energy Honda Team vehicles head for Dakar
Henry Wiles to compete 2020 AFT Singles with Honda
Estenson Racing announce Yamaha supported 2020 AFT Team
Jorge Prado recovering from surgery for fractured femur
Yamaha announces 2020 YXZ1000R European Cup
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
2020 Australian Track Championship
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
Watson retains French Beach Racing lead at Hossegor
Round five of the Championnat de France des Sables (CFS) saw competitors take to the Hossegor shoreline on the south east coast of France. A combination of unsettled weather and high tides ensured challenging conditions for all, with event organisers drastically modifying and shortening the original course layout to ensure racing could proceed.
Arriving at round five in confident spirits following victory at round four last weekend, championship leader Nathan Watson had his sights set on capturing his third consecutive win. Frustratingly, a crash in the first corner immediately put the KTM 450 SX-F mounted rider on the back foot.
Nathan Watson – 2019 French Beach Racing
Ending the opening lap of the two-hour race in 38th it was clear Nathan had a lot of work to do to keep his win streak alive. Rapidly cutting his way through the field, the Brit incredibly completed lap two inside the top 15. Visibly one of the fastest riders on a very busy track, he continued to work his way forward.
With race leader Todd Kellett pitting on lap nine, Nathan put his KTM out front as he looked to gain as much ground as possible. Colliding with a fallen rider shortly afterwards resulted in Watson’s bike becoming momentarily entangled with another machine. Regrouping, Nathan’s lead was lost and despite his best efforts in the closing stages he had to settle for a hard-fought runner-up result.
Nathan Watson
“In what was a difficult race I’ll take second place today and keep hold of my championship red plate. Coming into this race off the back of two wins I really wanted to keep that momentum going but unfortunately it didn’t happen. With the weather conditions, and organisers needing to change the track due to high tides, things were a lot more unpredictable today than they usually are. I got off to a good start, but when Camille crashed in the first corner I crashed into him and went down, too. With the tight track, coming from the back of the pack wasn’t ideal. I recovered well to briefly lead, but then hit a back marker and got my bike tangled with his and lost more time, so the chance of victory slipped away. But with the red plate still in my hands I’ll work on a few things during the Christmas break and look to get back on the top step of the podium next time out.”
Nathan Watson – 2019 French Beach Racing
For teammate Camille Chapeliere, a crash off the start dampened his hopes of securing another top-three result. Remounting outside the top 40, the Frenchman bravely fought his way forward. Showing his speed where possible, but opting not to push too hard and risk crashing, he steadily collected more positions as the race wore on. Holding fifth on lap 22 of 24, Camille put all he had into the final two laps to claim fourth and with it maintain his top-three championship position.
Camille Chapeliere
“It was a complicated day out there to say the least. The shortened course made it difficult in many places because there were so many riders on the track. A crash at the start was definitely not the best, but I fought as hard as I could to recover. Making overtakes was risky at times, but I tried to balance those risks and recover as smoothly as possible. I feel like I did that and showed my speed towards the end of the race. Finishing fourth maintains my position of third in the championship.”
Camille Chapeliere – 2019 French Beach Racing
The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round six at Grayan-et-L’Hopital on 11-12 January 2020.
Championnat de France des Sables Round 5 – Hossegor
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Man.
Gap
1
Todd Kellett
GBR
Yamaha
03:06.0
2
Nathan Watson
GBR
KTM
52.71
3
Yentel Martens
BEL
Honda
+5:35.120
4
Camille Chapeliere
FRA
KTM
+6:59.930
5
Jeremy Van Horebeek
BEL
Honda
23 laps
Championship Standings – Championnat de France des Sables 2019
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Man.
Points
1
Nathan Watson
GBR
KTM
570pts
2
Todd Kellett
GBR
Yamaha
510pts
3
Camille Chapeliere
FRA
KTM
441pts
4
Jeremy Hauquier
FRA
KTM
373pts
5
Stephane Watel
FRA
Honda
365pts
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KTM Junior Supercross represent at S-X Open & Aus-X Open
KTM Junior Supercross took centre-stage in the 2019 S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne events as a total of 30 capable seven- and eight-year-old riders took to the stadiums aboard KTM 50 SX machinery.
The S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship features a round each in New Zealand and Australia, with 10 KTM Junior Supercross challengers participating in NZ and 20 in Australia, lining up on the very same supercross circuit during the day and night programs that the professional racers do battle on.
KTM Junior Supercross
Riding a fleet of KTM 50 SX race bikes dressed in KTM Junior Supercross graphics by Kustom MX, fitted with KTM PowerParts supplied by FMF Racing and Nihilo Concepts, the riders of the KTM Junior Supercross thrilled spectators as they negotiated the highly-technical tracks in truly impressive fashion.
KTM Junior Supercross Podium – S-X Open Auckland
S-X Open Auckland at Mt. Smart Stadium featured Levi McMaster, Kase Shuttleworth and Jayden Bryan on the podium, before fans at Marvel Stadium for AUS-X Open Melbourne witnessed Ollie Birkitt take victory over Nate Perrett and Jake Single.
KTM Junior Supercross Podium – Aus-X Open Melbourne
Each rider and their families enjoyed a full factory VIP experience as part of the KTM Junior Supercross entry, while participants were featured in rider signings, mentored by KTM professional racers including Hamish Harwood in Auckland, as well Daniel Milner and Lyndon Snodgrass in Melbourne. They also met a selection of their heroes throughout the fun-filled events.
KTM Junior Supercross Podium
Kyle Blunden – Event Coordinator, KTM Australia – New Zealand
“The KTM Junior Supercross is a program we are proud to host at the Oceania Supercross Series. With the assistance of the team at AME and all of our partners who have jumped on board with KTM Junior Supercross in 2019, we are able to give the riders and their mechanic a true factory experience for a day. Witnessing the smiles and the connection between the riders and their parents ignited by the sport of supercross is just awesome. The crowd love it and we hope to continue bringing KTM Junior Supercross to these events for many years to come.”
KTM Junior Supercross Podium – S-X Open AucklandWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Tasmania secures 2020 AORC final rounds
In a major coup, Tasmania has secured the 2020 final rounds of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, now to be held in Wynyard, Tasmania on October 17 and 18, 2020 – for the first time in the AORC’s 14-year history.
The AORC kick starts the 2020 season in Queensland before heading to New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and then the grand final last two rounds in Tasmania.
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC
Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo said the 2020 Yamaha AORC was shaping up to be the best year yet.
Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager
“We are very pleased with the enthusiasm, excitement and support Tasmania has shown in securing the final rounds of our growing championship. We are hopeful this partnership will deliver a long-lasting championship presence. With new exciting venues in the 2020 AORC we are sure to again field upwards of 200 plus riders for each event in every state, we are sure the championship can only grow further.”
The 2020 Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up twelve rounds of the AORC for 2020. All riders who compete in each of the 10 AORC rounds prior to Tasmania will be eligible for a free entry to the Tasmanian rounds. This includes 85cc and 65cc classes for six rounds.
The AORC has also announced that the Championship will feature a massive 15 classes of competition, with new junior classes, the return of the 2 Stroke Cup, and the Vintage class to feature at the Dungog, NSW round. The new look expanded competition will include sprint, cross country and enduro formats.
The 2 Stroke (2T) Cup has proved a success over the past two years and it will feature at all 12 rounds in 2020. With significant interest, the new and improved 2T Cup will also again cater to bikes ranging from 125cc up to 250cc.
Luke Styke – 2019 AORC
The AORC have expanded competition including introducing two new classes – Junior Girls 85cc to 200cc 2-stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke bikes for those aged 12-15-years-old at all rounds, and a National Cup Class – Junior 65cc Cup – and the 85cc 2-stroke and 150cc 4-stroke (SW) for those aged 9-12-years-old.
E1, E2 and E3 classes are the AORC Senior Premier classes which have produced several world champions in recent years including this year’s World ISDE and current AORC Champion, Daniel Sanders.
The EJ development class will continue after last year’s success where under 18 riders can compare their times against the E1, E2, and E3 classes in the hope to step up later in the year or the following year.
2020 AORC Classes
Senior Championship Classes
E1: 100cc to 200cc 2-Stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-Stroke
E2: 220cc to 250cc 2-Stroke and 275cc to 450cc 4-Stroke
E3: 290cc to 500cc 2-Stroke and 475cc to 650cc 4-Stroke
EJ: All powers (Rider must be 18 years or under on 1 January 2020)
Veterans: All Powers (Rider must be 35+ years of age before 1 January 2020)
Masters: All Powers (Rider must be 45+ years of age before 1 January 2020)
Women: All Powers
Junior Championship Classes
J2 12 to 15 years: 85cc 2-stroke & Up to 150cc 4-stroke
J3 13 to 14 years: 125cc to 200cc 2-stroke & 200cc to 250cc 4-stroke
J4 15 years: 125cc to 200cc 2-stroke & 200cc to 250cc 4-stroke
JG (Girls) 12-15 years: 85cc to 200cc 2-stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke
With six junior classes, no person who is under the age of 16 years may compete in other junior competition. A rider’s age on 1st January will determine their age for competition purposes for that year.
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2020 Yamaha supported AORC riders announced
Two familiar faces will front the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing team for 2020, with Luke Styke and Josh Green taking the reins of the teams’ race bikes for another season of the Australian Off Road Championship and the Australian Four Day Enduro.
Styke continues his climb up the off road ladder and since his transition from motocross, he has been nothing short of a revelation. In the two year period racing off road, he has already racked up two AORC championship victories, a A4DE victory and now a gold medal at the International Six day Enduro recently in Portugal.
Luke Styke
“I’m more motivated than ever coming into the 2020 season, I made a few changes to my lifestyle by returning back down to Nowra and feel it’s a better environment for my riding and also closer to family to make life easier. There is so much riding area around here and a more off road based riding program is the only way I can improve my skills and close the gap on Sanders and Milner. Both of those guys are world class and are a fair bit ahead of the rest of us, but my goal is to bridge that gap in 2020 and be in contention for Outright wins as well as class victories. Its also good to be back with the same team again for next season. We all have a great working relationship, and everyone works hard to achieve the best results possible. Both the team and Yamaha have been good to me throughout my racing career and I like the fact we have been able to continue our working relationship and get stronger with each passing season.”
Luke Styke at the 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Josh Green is back for his ninth season with Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing which must break some form of racing relationship record in Australian Off Road. Green finished second in the 2019 AORC in the premier E2 category and was consistently in the top five outright.
Josh Green
“The older I have got, the more I have started to enjoy the things that used to frustrate me when I was younger, like most teenagers, I didn’t care a lot for testing and developing the bike and just wanted to ride it and not focus on training. Now, I like being able to improve the bike and I find the off bike training rewarding and get a lot from it and that’s what has kept my motivation strong over the years as I find new ways to enjoy different aspects of what we do. And nine years with the one team is pretty cool. I like the loyalty from both sides and the fact we are able to keep the relationship going over such a long period of time. Nine years travelling with AJ could break a lesser man, but you have to take the good with the bad in this job.”
Josh Green – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson
Under the Yamaha off road umbrella will also be a new team, Yamaha bLU Cru Off Road Racing carrying the same sponsors and the same professional personnel behind the scenes, that will house two young prospects in off road racing, Michael Driscoll competing E2, and Blake Hollis in the EJ category.
Carrying the same sponsors and the same professional personnel behind the scenes, Yamaha bLU cRU Off Road Racing will roar to life in 2020. Featuring Michael Driscoll in the E2 (450cc) division after a standout performance at the ISDE and Blake Hollis, fresh out of the junior ranks in EJ (under 19) ranks.
AORC announce four junior summer coaching clinics
Motorcycling Australia and the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship have announced four junior summer coaching clinics with Australia’s world champion riders offering expert advice and coaching in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in January and February, 2020.
The 2020 AORC Junior Coaching Days clinics will be held on January 18 and 19 in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, January 25 in Stroud, NSW, and February 8 at Toowoomba, Queensland and led by world champion riders including 2020 World ISDE and AORC Champion Daniel Sanders, Daniel Milner, Lyndon Snodgrass, Fraser Higlett, Kirk Hutton, Joshua Green, Michael Driscoll and Jessica Gardiner.
The clinics are for junior riders aged 9-15, with all proceeds going toward funding the 2020 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) Australian team who head off to Italy in August.
Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-road Events Manager
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Australian junior riders to learn from the world’s best off-road riders in their own backyards. These clinics will help riders build confidence, increase their skill level and learn new tricks on how to get the most out of themselves and their bike. Whether you want to prepare for a race or improve your dirt bike techniques these coaching clinics are vital and spots will fill quickly.”
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Rogers & Wilson with Yamalube Yamaha Racing for 2020
Yamaha Racing has announced that 16-year-old Levi Rogers will move from junior racing to the pro level. Rogers, a long time team member of the Yamaha Junior Racing program, will make the big step up to senior racing in 2020, having won a shed full of trophies in his junior days, including multiple state championships and podiums at national events.
Levi Rogers
“I was pretty excited when the Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team came to me and offered me a ride for 2020. I guess one of the benefits of being with Yamaha Junior Racing is that if you get the results in juniors, then the next door opens with Yamaha into MXD and this is a great opportunity for me on such a good team. I know everyone on the team and have worked with them before when I did the MXR races at the MX Nationals for the last two years, so it’s not a new environment. I also have Jay as a team-mate, and I can talk things over with him as he has so much knowledge and experience at this level. For the last 12 months I have watched the senior races closely and I can’t wait to be apart of them now. Yamaha Junior Racing was awesome for me and I had six successful years with them but now its time to take the next step in my career and give it all I have.”
Levi Rogers – MX Nationals Round 3, Broadford, 2019
Back for his third year at Yamalube Yamaha Racing will be Jay Wilson. Since returning to Australia and to the Yamalube Team, Wilson has been a model of consistency over the past two years and finishing inside to top five of every championship he has entered, highlighted with the 2018 SX2 Australian Championship.
He will start the year racing the opening rounds of the AMA West Coast 250cc Supercross Championship before returning home in February to prepare for the MX Nationals. From there he will be out to win back both the MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championships.
Jay Wilson
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by a great team and work with a great company like Yamaha that I don’t even look else where at the end of each year. We have not only a successful working relationship but a good friendship off the track and the results show we do the work. 2019 was a consistent year for the most part and reasonably successful but no championships. I’m still motivated to win championships and that’s what I will be striving for in 2020. I’m in the prime of my career and wanting to keep improving every year with my racing and my technique. Its also exciting to have Levi with us next year. He is a quite kid and doesn’t say too much but I know he listens, and it will be great to be able to help and guide him at each round. His speed is good, and I think he can do well if he keeps working hard.”
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
With the WBR Yamaha Team and the Yamalube Yamaha Team now announced, Yamaha’s MX Development Manager, Scott Bishop, explains why there has been a slight tweak in structure to each program for 2020.
Scott Bishop – Yamaha MX Development Manager
“We had two talented riders in Alex and Levi coming out of juniors and its important we keep a hold of hard working and successful young riders. In the past, both riders would have gone to the dedicated MXD team, WBR Yamaha, but we believed it would be of more benefit to place the riders to the teams nearest them and also with a more experience team mate so they can understand what it takes to succeed at the next level. Alex is based in Adelaide and Levi is from Blackwater in Central Queensland so for one team to handle the logistics of a rider living so far away would be difficult. With Alex teaming up with WBR, who are in Echuca, Victoria and Levi with Yamalube Yamaha, based in Brisbane, both riders will get the same level of support but be able to work closely with the team both in terms of an off track relationship as well as maintaining practice bikes and equipment. Its our endeavour that both Alex and Levi continue their long and successful relationship with Yamaha and wish them well as they embark on their professional careers.”
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12 rider 2020 GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing line-up announced
12 riders will fly the GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing flag in season 2020, as the only truly national based junior motocross development program continues to forge ahead after a stunning 2019 season, that saw the team claim 16 state championships and four national championships.
Wil Carpenter – 2019 South Australian Motocross Championship
Each state will have two riders in full GYTR YJR colours, making a total of 12 riders. In addition, Yamaha will continue to assist its dealer network with supported riders to make a huge Yamaha presence at all junior events across the country.
To assist in fast tracking rider development, each state has its own manager / coach in place that can help guide young riders both on and off the track at every event.
The team of 2020 is Jake Turner, Ryder Kingsford and Jackson Camilleri mounted on the YZ125 and YZ250F. Angus Pearce, Wil Carpenter, Kayd Kingsford, Jake Cannon, Jake Rumens and Patrick Martin on the YZ85 and transition to the YZ125, while Jobe Dunne, Jay Jennings and Ryder Woodrow will handle the YZ65 and YZ85 small wheel classes.
Ryder Kingsford
In addition, Yamaha will also support via its dealer network and the bLU cRU program Heath Davy, Peter Wolfe (Team Moto), Deegan Fort (Fivestar Motorcycles), Jesse Holding (Mareeba Yamaha), Zac Watson (Suncity), Seth Carpenter (Coast Yamaha), Koby Hantis (Great Southern Motorcycles), Seth Burchell (Excite Motorsports) as well as multi time national girls champion, Charli Cannon.
For many riders the season will get under way in January and with the Australian Junior Nationals now moved to the first week of July, the racing will gather momentum quickly.
GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing 2020 line-up
WA: Jake Turner and Jake Rumens
SA: Wil Carpenter and Ryder Woodrow
TAS: Angus Pearce and Jay Jennings
VIC: Patrick Martin and Jobe Dunne
NSW: Ryder Kingsford and Kayd Kingsford
QLD: Jackson Camilleri and Jake Cannon
FIM Speedway Training Camp fosters young talent
The FIM Speedway Training Camp at Gillman Speedway Stadium in Adelaide, has been lauded a success, giving future Australian stars the training and mentoring to take their riding to the next level.
The training camp was hosted by Motorcycling Australia (MA), the FIM Track Racing Commission (CCP) and FIM Oceania, and saw 17 of Australia’s best young speedway talent receive specialised training. The expert team of coaches included FIM Track Racing Commission Director, Armando Castagna, SGP Race Director, Phil Morris, both former riders, and Australian Speedway legend and former SGP rider, Leigh Adams.
The training camp included on-track riding sessions focussing on rider technique, body positioning, race starts and improving key fundamentals of speedway racing, as well as classroom seminars covering exercise and nutrition, media training, bike preparation, bike maintenance, FIM license and insurance systems, anti-doping education inclusive of the FIM Ride True awareness.
Armando Castagna – FIM Track Racing Commission Director
“It has been one of the best ever training camps that the Track Racing Commission has conductedWorking together Motorcycling Australia (MA) and FIM Oceania (FIMO) was a great partnership and the event was well conducted with Gillman Speedway providing a good track. The level of some of these young riders is already extremely good but over each day we could see the riders improving in many areas.”
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Alfredo Gómez to continue with Husqvarana into 2021
Alfredo Gómez will continue with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing through to the end of the 2021 season, having claimed second in the 2019 WESS Enduro World Championship, with the Spaniard to target the world championship title next year.
A key member of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Gómez was a regular front-runner in all eight rounds of the WESS championship with the TE 300i mounted rider consistently battling for race wins and podium results.
Alfredo Gomez
Securing three second-place finishes, while coming agonisingly close to winning the Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye, Gómez proved his consistency and speed with a total of seven top-10 results in the mixed-discipline series.
In 2018, the Spaniard suffered a serious leg injury during pre-season training, which ultimately derailed his championship aspirations. Fighting to regain his fitness and return to racing, he proved his unwavering determination to succeed by reaffirming his position as one of the world’s best enduro riders during 2019.
With the support of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and with a clean bill of health and fitness Alfredo Gomez will look to battle for the coveted world title during the next two years.
Alfredo Gómez
“I’m really happy to continue with Husqvarna Motorcycles for another two years. We’ve grown together a lot during the last few years and I have a really strong and enjoyable relationship with everyone in the team – in a way it has become like an extended part of my family. I’m really proud of what we achieved during 2019 by finishing second overall in the WESS Enduro World Championship and always fighting for the victory. When I seriously injured my leg, they stood by me. There was never any pressure to return to the bike early, they just wanted me to get better. I feel like that was when our bond became even tighter than it already was. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead during these next two years and in particular 2020. We’ve shown ourselves as title contenders with the TE 300i and for certain our goal is to become world champions together.”
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Monster Energy Honda Team vehicles head for Dakar
The Rally Dakar organisers, ASO, have overseen several days of verifications prior to the shipment of all European vehicles due to take part in the forthcoming edition of the rally in Saudi Arabia. The Monster Energy Honda vehicles successfully made it through the checks and are now bound for Jeddah.
Monster Energy Honda Team vehicles head for Dakar
It was a calm yet cool, sunny day that accompanied the administrative and technical scrutineering at the Paul Ricard Circuit in Le Castellet near Marseille, France as the Monster Energy Honda Team overcame the first hurdle on their way to participation in the 2020 edition of the Dakar Rally.
Monster Energy Honda Team
After providing all the necessary vehicle documentation and managing their transportation and entry into the new country, the ten Monster Energy Honda Team vehicles and motorcycles were subjected to a technical shakedown, where they were thoroughly checked, for, among other things, the vehicles’ key mandatory safety elements. Once these had been approved, the equipment was then given the all-clear to display the officially accredited decals required to participate in the race.
Monster Energy Honda Team vehicles head for Dakar
With the vehicles loaded onto the ship, they embarked, destined for the port of Jeddah, on a journey that goes, first, across the Mediterranean to Port Said, in Egypt, and from there, through the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea before reaching the final destination at the Saudi Arabian port, where the vehicles will be collected on January 2.
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Henry Wiles to compete 2020 AFT Singles with Honda
American Honda Motor Co. and Richie Morris Racing have signaled their intention to make an all-out assault on the AFT Singles championship with the signing of Henry Wiles to contest the 2020 American Flat Track season aboard a Honda CRF450R.
After returning to the scene following more than 25 years away and coming within six points of claiming the AFT Singles title in 2019, American Honda is set to increase their involvement and support of RMR for the upcoming season.
Richie Morris – Owner of Richie Morris Racing
“It’s an honor to have American Honda back with RMR in an even larger capacity in 2020. I’m so excited that this partnership includes the recruitment of Henry Wiles. In my opinion, Henry is one of the best flat track pros to ever swing a leg over a 450; RMR is proud to have him. We’re certain that he’s the right man to bring home the championship in 2020.”
“King Henry” is arguably one of the most accomplished Singles riders in the history of the sport. He was crowned GNC1 Singles Champion in 2009 and 2010, and boasts 26 career premier-class victories aboard four-stroke singles, including a string of 14 straight at the legendary Peoria TT. In fact, from 2009 to 2016 (the final year singles were included in the premier category), he won half (19 of 38) of the races he started on single-cylinder equipment.
Wiles is AFT’s all-time winningest TT rider with 19 victories in the discipline and stands equal with Chris Carr at the top of the order in Short Track wins at nine. He ranks 11th in career American Flat Track wins at 30, and in 2018 he finished as the AFT Twins championship runner-up with six podiums and 13 top-fives.
Henry Wiles
“Richie gave me a call and was talking about going and winning a 450 championship. It’s absolutely exciting to be associated with American Honda, and I’m walking on to a good team that already has some things sorted out. That’s going to be good for me… and I think it’s going to be bad for everybody else. Richie was very up front with me about what the goal is. They’ve got everything in place, and Richie has won championships before. He’s a team owner who knows how to put the right people in place to do just that.”
Henry Wiles – Photo by Todd Boone
Wiles will team with returning RMR rider Cole Zabala, who registered five top-10 finishes in AFT Singles action a year ago with RMR.
Estenson Racing announce Yamaha supported 2020 AFT Team
Yamaha Motor Corporation USA (YMUS) has announce support for Estenson Racing’s effort in American Flat Track for the 2020 season. The team has signed a multi-year deal with JD Beach, who will lead the campaign in the all-new SuperTwins class, while Kolby Carlile, the 2017 AFT Singles Champion, steps up to the premier class alongside Beach aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT. The team has also signed Mikey Rush for a two-pronged threat in the AFT Singles class with young phenom Dallas Daniels.
Returning for his second year with Estenson Racing, 2020 will be JD Beach’s first full-season in American Flat Track. With multiple road race titles on his resume, the Owensboro, Kentucky, resident has his sights set on a SuperTwins crown. He pulled double duty with the team in 2019, competing in the premier classes of both AFT and MotoAmerica.
The racer made history with his first AFT Grand National win at the Super TT in Arizona, which was also the first victory for a Yamaha Twin since 1981. Beach then backed it up the following weekend at Virginia International Raceway with his first MotoAmerica Superbike win, becoming the first rider to top the podium during the same season in the premier class of both disciplines since Nicky Hayden in 2002. He ended the year in AFT with two wins and three podiums.
JD Beach
“I’m really looking forward to being back with the Estenson Racing crew. I think we kind of got started on our back foot last season. We were hoping for more, but we still managed a few wins, and within the Twins team a few podiums. I think the changes to the team and the new personnel are going to help a lot. We’re all putting in a lot of work this winter to come out next season swinging. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
JD Beach – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT – Image Scott Hunter
Kolby Carlile made the transition to the Twins ranks last season, competing both in the new AFT Production Twins class and AFT Twins. He had a solid rookie year in spite of injury and made a late-season charge for the Production Twins title, ultimately ending the year third in the Production championship with two wins and six podiums.
Kolby Carlile
“2020 is going to be an awesome year for me. I learned a lot last year racing the Twin in the Production Twins class and winning a few rounds. This year I’ll be racing in the new AFT SuperTwins class full-time on the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07. The guys I’ll be racing against week in and week out are the fastest guys in the world and I feel like I’ve always benefited from racing the best there is. The team also has some new members that are going to be huge additions in the development of the bike. Going into the new year, I’ve been taking a few months away from racing to allow me to focus on getting my knee in better condition. The races are a bit longer this year for me, and the intensity is up from what I have raced before, so being in top physical condition is important. I have an awesome teammate in JD Beach. I’ve grown up learning from him and I don’t plan on stopping now. I look forward to doing my best to improve the bike, the team, and myself in 2020.”
Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile – Image Scott Hunter
The newest member of the team, Mikey Rush, jumped straight into the premier class of AFT in 2009 and scored his first win in 2013 at the Daytona Short Track. After some tough years in the privateer ranks, he made the move to the AFT Singles class and had a standout season in 2019, finishing second in the championship with four wins and seven podiums. The Californian now looks to bring home the title in 2020 aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F.
Mikey Rush
“I’m really excited to have this opportunity with Estenson Racing. Tim is a great guy and their whole program is very professional. I’m looking forward to working with them next season and am ready to go racing and fight for the AFT Singles Championship.”
Returning with the team is 2019 AFT Singles Rookie of the Year, Dallas Daniels. The 16-year-old turned heads last season with a dominant debut win at the Peoria TT. He then went on to back it up with two more podiums to finish the year just outside the top 10, despite only turning pro mid-season. Daniels looks to build on his progress in his first full-year of AFT competition.
Dallas Daniels
“I’m super excited to start my first full year in American Flat Track with Estenson Racing. I’ve been training hard and preparing for 2020. I’m really looking forward to getting things started in Daytona. I can’t wait for the season.”
Dallas Daniels – Image by Scott HunterWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Jorge Prado recovering from surgery for fractured femur
Red Bull KTM’s Jorge Prado is recovering from an operation in Italy to fix a fracture to his left femur, which the eighteen-year-old suffered while training at the Malagrotta circuit near Rome on Thursday.
Prado is stepping into the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2020 after claiming the last two MX2 titles, and was circulating his usual practice facility with teammate Tony Cairoli when he lost control approaching a jump.
Jorge Prado
The Spaniard was transferred to the European Hospital where he immediately underwent a corrective procedure performed by Dr Massimiliano Nannerini to insert a pin into the femur bone. He is expected to leave the ward in two days if initial signs are positive and start rehabilitation to make his MXGP debut as early as possible next season.
Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager
“This is bad news and we feel so sorry for Jorge. Things had been going well and he was just two laps away from the end of the training session. It was raining at Malagrotta and you need to have a good control of the bike to make one of the biggest jumps on the track. Jorge could not grip the plastic well, his foot slipped off the footpeg on the ramp and he crashed over the jump. He had surgery yesterday evening by a fantastic doctor that we know and trust and now we have to wait a few days to see if everything is correct before he can leave the hospital. It is a setback to our preparation but the important thing is that Jorge heals well and then can think again about his first season in the MXGP class.”
Yamaha announces 2020 YXZ1000R European Cup
Yamaha Motor Europe has announced the 2020 edition of the YXZ1000R European Cup, set to feature another thrilling year of Yamaha’s sports Side-by-Side vehicles in national championships, culminating in a season-ending SuperFinale.
Following the great success of the 2019 SuperFinale, the event in October 2020 will return to the amazing locations of the Baja Portalegre – Portugal. The Stock winner of the European Cup SuperFinale will receive a brand-new YXZ1000R.
2020 YXZ1000R European Cup
In a new initiative, the 2020 Cup will also field Wildcard entries in the SuperFinale. The top finishing YXZ1000R in the Stock category, in both the 2020 Merzouga Rally – Morocco and Baja Aragon – Spain, will automatically qualify for the SuperFinale, joining the qualifiers from the National Cups.
A new program running parallel to the official YXZ1000R European Cup will be the YXZ1000R Challenge, an overall ranking for racers competing outside of the Cup regardless of their racing preparation type. The YXZ1000R Challenge winner will receive a free entry to the Baja Aragon 2021.
Detailed rules and regulations of the 2020 YXZ1000R European Cup will be available on Yamaha-racing.com soon.
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
BMW have announced that Markus Reiterberger will be back in the saddle of a S 1000 RR again in 2020, with the 25-year-old to race for the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team in next season’s Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) in Superstock.
Markus Reiterberger
“I am already excited about the Asia Road Racing Championship and am looking forward to riding with the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team in the coming season. This championship is getting stronger all the time and is attracting more and more international interest, including from manufacturers. The squad has shown this season that it is one of the best teams in the series. I think we can achieve a lot together in 2020. I have shown that I do well on the Superstock versions of the RR, not least as Superstock European champion. All the ingredients for a strong season are in place and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Markus Reiterberger at the Sepang 8 Hour
The Asia Road Racing Championship is growing in popularity around the world, attracts big names from the international motorcycle racing scene, and is growing in importance in Asia. This season, it is holding race events in both Asia and Australia.
The team is also one of the most successful in ARRC, celebrating the win of the Rider title with Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman in 2019. The Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team is a private customer team and BMW Motorrad Motorsport will provide extensive support for Reiterberger’s involvement in the 2020 ARRC season.
Marc Bongers – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director
“We are delighted that Markus will still be part of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family. We are confident that he will be one of the top riders in the Asia Road Racing Championship from the very first race. He is very familiar with the BMW S 1000 RR and, in the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team, he will be racing for one of the strongest teams in the series. We at BMW Motorrad Motorsport will do our bit to make it a successful season by offering technical support, among other things.”
Bobie Farid – Team Principal
“It is splendid to have Markus Reiterberger in the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team for the 2020 season. He brings with him a wealth of motor racing experience, and that can only push the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team forward. It will be a marvellous learning curve for the team to become more competitive and set a new standard of performance in the Asian Road Racing Championship. The Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team is keen to build on our strong performance with Azlan Shah in 2019, and we obviously would like to continue winning races and scoring podium finishes consistently. We will be working hard with our partners to be competitive, and it will be about building a winning mentality across all aspects of the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team as well. We expect the on-track rivalry between the teams to be relentless, but we believe the team will be at the sharper end of the grid in the 2020 season.”
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