President Donald Trump’s trade wars are hitting Harley-Davidson hard with a 22% bite in profits to $US426m after a 8.4% drop in international sales in the last quarter.
The Milwaukee company now expects to ship about 212,000 to 217,000 bikes in 2019, compared with their original estimate of 217,000 to 222,000.
Last year Harley opened a factory in Thailand to make motorcycles specifically for the European and Asian markets to avoid the hefty tariffs on US-made products in the trade wars sparked by Trump.
However, there have been delays in the necessary regulatory approvals to ship Thailand-built motorcycles to the European Union.
They have now been approved, so the results may pick up in the latter half of the year.
Harley CEO and president Matt Levatich says EU tariffs will bite about $100 million out of their annual profits.
Europe imposed duties on $2.4 billion worth of American-made products after Trump levied tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Europe in 2018.
“Europe is the big issue for the company, about a $100 million a year run rate that we are covering in order to protect our business in Europe, protect our market share, protect our volume, protect the viability of our distribution channel,” says Levatich.
When Harley announced it would open the Thai factory to avoid EU tariffs, Trump tweeted that customers should boycott the company.
“No company wants comments like that made,” he says.
Levatich has also announced that the company will roll out new products “that play very well into strong and growing segments internationally, in particular in Europe”.
The LiveWire arrives in Australia late next year probably costing more than $A40,000.
Future growth
Despite the sales decline, Levatich is positive, saying they are now selling to a more diverse and younger customer which lays “a solid foundation for future growth”.
“The decisions and investments we’re making, within a highly dynamic and competitive global marketplace, demonstrate our intense focus to build the next generation of riders and maximise shareholder value,” he says.
He claims their US rider training participation was up, with the greatest increase among 18-34 year-olds.
Of the total US new retail sales in the last quarter, the mix of 18-34 year-olds increased 2.7%.
Tough quarter
In the past quarter, Harley ironically celebrated the sale of their five-millionth motorcycle out of their York factory while they also closed their Kansas City plant.
The 5 millionth customer was Wisconsin resident Walter Bartlett who bought a Heritage Classic.
5 millionth customer Walter Bartlett who picks up his Heritage Classic
In Kansas, about 800 jobs were lost when the factory closed. It had been assembling Harleys since 1997.
The Svartpilen 701 is based around its sister model, the Vitpilen 701. It shares the same compact 693cc water-cooled Single that pumps out nearly 69 horsepower and 49 pound-feet torque at the business end of the tire. The engine configuration allows for its slim size and the Svartplien weighs just 369 pounds with its 3.1-gallon fuel tank filled.
Our friends from WESTx1000 are out at the 2019 Silk Way Rally bringing coverage from Day 11, the final day of the event.
Begin Press Release:
Day 11, SS10 & Podium: The Silk Road to Victory
10 Tough Cross-Country Stages Single-Out New Faces on the Podium
Silk Way Rally; Special Stage Ten: Features changed dramatically on the final stage of the 2019 SWR. Trading an ocean of dunes for rocky foothills, the obstacles included countless dry riverbeds, silt, stones, sandy washes, plateaus and canyons. A beautiful conclusion to a spectacular competition, with twists and turns from the very start – fate claiming its victims in each stage – it is a testament to the organizers, the road book crew and the perseverance of the teams which kept the attrition rate down to 17%. A staggering difference, in terms of rally raid, from Dakar’s 50% average. A triathlon of territories. Edging Russian Siberia’s infamous Lake Baikal, speeding through the Mongolian Steppes and careening down the sandy slopes of Northern China, this race went to Mars and back traversing some of earth’s uncharted regions. And those who are truly meant for exploration of the sort, today, wrote their names down in the history books.
With a twenty-something minute gap, Sam Sunderland #6 (Red Bull KTM) was taking it easy. No point in pushing the limits on the last day and inadvertently causing unnecessary issues, or worse, a DNF. The rest of the bikes, however, were still duking it out until the proverbial checkered flag waved. HERO Motorsports’, and Rally veteran, Paolo Goncalves #4 was hot on the tail of stage opener and SS9 winner, Andrew Short #29 who too kept a consistent pace, though Goncalves soon faltered a bit as the day went on finishing in a respectable 7th place. Whereas Short stayed true to his reputation, held a strong position at 3rd, which ultimately earned him the coveted second step in the Winner’s Circle. He is the first American to stand on the podium in Silk Way Rally history! Yamaha Rally Team rider #10 Adrien Van Beveren maintained a really solid time in SS10, bringing him to Second in the special, but due to some hiccups in a “tricky” section, it was not enough to nab Second overall, so he was resigned to the yet still prestigious Third seed in the General Classification.
“For me, it was the best-case scenario. I think I was very fortunate that it was really fast and defined on the roads. In terms of navigation, it wasn’t too critical today. There were a couple of sections that were tricky, and my speed wasn’t bad either. A good experience because in the future I think I will know I can open, and it will be OK. Really happy with my result, and really happy to have this opportunity with the team to come and do this because it is really cool.” – Andrew Short #29, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna
As we’ve said over the last 11 days, luck and fate have quite an influence over Rally Raid. No matter how clean the performance, how experienced and steadfast the pilot, if destiny sees fit, it’ll knock the best of them down to their knees. But in each class during this iteration of the SWR, all (most of) the most promising athletes came through. So, the outcome of the Quads was no surprise. Although, the three contenders shuffled around here and there – mostly in the dunes – the favorite to win, Rafal Sonik #101, made sure the predictions came true. Following briskly behind was #102 Aleksandr Maksimov from Russia who certainly gave Sonik a run for his money. Unfortunately, the last, but still notable rider, #103 Arkadiusz Lindner, had to throw in the towel in a previous stage after suffering several problems on the racecourse.
“Neither my team nor I made any big mistakes on this rally. You need to be racing right from the start – not look just at the big stages – find the right tempo and know when to be patient. The organizers did a great job, the rally has been organized in a very good way, especially the road book. I have not even one compliant, the road book was almost perfect. If someone does the road book off-hand, not paying attention, I always complain but here no complaints whatsoever” – Rafal Sonik #101, Sonik Team
United States duo, Side-by-Side #229, had overcome hardships from the very beginning. Stage One, Austin Jones and Kellon Walch hit a stump while overtaking an adversary crashing their vehicle in a tremendous tumble. But with some diligent patchwork by their mechanics, they were back on the racecourse and keeping up the mid-pack. In another interesting turn of events, Top Five hopefuls, Jérôme Pélichet and co-driver Pascal Larroque raced flat out from 15th starting position (admittedly a mistake on Pélichet’s part) through terrain much like the vast rocky mountain ranges between Arizona and California. And the gamble paid off putting the #212 Raid Lynx team on the podium at 3rd with the likes of Geely Auto car #208 and, of course, Toyota Gazoo’s #201. Enduring a series of difficulties throughout the race, but resolute on a premiere finish, Wei Han and Min Liao accomplished just that standing at the second landing, just below the Gazoo team. A feat we weren’t sure they’d achieve. But even more difficult to believe, is three-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiya had never won the Silk Way Rally until now. Hard to imagine, considering at this year’s competition, he and navigator Mathieu Baumel cleaned house – victorious in all nine special stages.
“I am so happy to finally win this SILK WAY RALLY after having twice finished second. It was important to me because it is a big and beautiful race. We have crossed three very different countries, with completely different stages and terrain. I will never forget the first stage in China. I think it was one of the most difficult of my career. Winning all the specials since the start is simply the cherry on the cake, my seventh victory in row this season. It is the fruit, of course, of the work of a whole team and obviously my co-driver Mathieu, without which none of this would be possible.” – Nasser Al-Attiya #201, Toyota Gazoo Racing SA
Last but certainly not least, the gargantuan beasts in this niche brigade of warfare had put on a booming display, an orchestra of sounds preceding them. The emotions stirred by suspense and drama are akin to an opera. With so much back and forth between the KAMAZ-Master and the MAZ-SportAuto teams, the scale was tipped in favor of the Russians when Belarusian leaders #304 Siarhey Viazovich, Anton Zaparoshchanka and Andrei Zhyhulun eventually rolled out of contention, reaching the climax of a long-drawn-out battle. This ended the attack on the enemy and bore a civil dispute of sorts amongst battle mates over the order of rankings. By SS10, three KAMAZ-Master trucks took the top spots: First in the General Standings is truck #303 manned by Anton Shibalov, Dmitrii Nikitin and Ivan Tatarinov. Then, Andrey Karginov, Andrey Mokeev and Ivan Malkov in the #300 took Second. While #302 KAMAZ rounded out the in Third with Airat Mardeev, Dmitrii Svistunov and Sergei Krenev behind the dashboard. Something worth celebrating sure, but predictability can be boring. So it’s worth mentioning the boys from US CRV team #310 captained by Aviv Kadshai (ISR), Izhar Armony (USA) and Maoz Wilder (ISR) who, despite some mishaps, scrapped their way to 7th in the last stand.
“I will never forget this race, my first victory on the SILK WAY RALLY. This edition has been really magnificent, but very tough. So, my satisfaction is even greater. The most difficult thing was to navigate off-piste in the dunes on the first stage in China. I haven’t quite taken in what we have achieved. I am going to have a rest before expressing my emotions.” – Anton Shibalov #303, KAMAZ-Master
There was an eerie quiet in Dunhuang as racers climbed up and over the podium, saying their “Thank You’s” to an absent audience. “That’s just how they are here.” They being the local government, and here being a tightly run convention center, which apparently, intentionally kept out the public. A private event for a handful of employees and figureheads. Nevertheless, competitors, crews, organizers and media alike were just happy to reach the end of an incredibly demanding event. One which rivals the infamous Dakar in quality, culture and challenge – on and off the racecourse. And one offering glory in a manner which makes three Visa applications, two layovers, language barriers, 5,000 kilometers over 10 stages, two border crossings and squat toilets all worth it. Next year marks the 10th edition of this Eurasian expedition, where organizers are sure to up their game. But the question will be, who will be back? Who’s brave enough to challenge the Silk Way Rally?
Harley-Davidson is still going strong in the world of drag racing.
Begin press release:
An all-new motorcycle body added momentum to the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines drag racing team as riders Andrew Hines and Ed Krawiec stormed through the Pro Stock Motorcycle field at the Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals Presented By Pennzoil at Bandimere Speedway aboard a pair of brand-new Harley-Davidson FXDR drag bikes. In the competition debut for the Harley FXDR bikes, Hines defeated Krawiec in an all-Harley final to take his sixth win of the season and extend his points lead in the class.
“Changing the bike mid-season can be a gamble because it can really affect the aerodynamics, handling and the rider’s view down the track,” said Hines. “Plus, we’ve been winning a lot with the Street Rod bikes. It took months of development to get the FXDR ready for the track, with some instrumental input from Harley-Davidson engineers and designers. We took a lot of time to make sure the fit and quality would be what Harley-Davidson expects out of us. They entrusted us to roll out a new model and that shows how strong our bond is and solidifies their commitment to our program and to NHRA.”
The new Harley-Davidson FXDR drag racing bodywork was a joint development project between Vance & Hines and the Harley-Davidson Product Development Center that began shortly after the street-going Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 model was introduced as a new model for 2019. The FXDR 114 is a high-performance cruiser based on the Softail platform that combines the unrelenting power of the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine with the liberal use of new weight-saving aluminum and composite components to amplify every aspect of performance. After approval by the NHRA and pre-race testing, the FXDR bodywork was fitted to the team’s race chassis one day before the Mile-High Nationals as a replacement for the team’s Harley-Davidson Street Rod® model bodywork.
“It was a big challenge to balance aerodynamics, rider ergonomics and styling to achieve a great FXDR body that was capable of carrying on where the Street Rod left off, but we have great engineers and designers here at the Product Development Center that were up to the task, and we’ve had great collaboration with the Vance & Hines team from the start. Hat’s off to the entire team for making this debut race a special one for everyone involved,” said Jim Brendelson, Harley-Davidson Chief Engineer, Core Engineering.
Hines qualified fourth for the event with a best run of 7.232 seconds at 186.20 mph. Krawiec qualified seventh with a best elapsed time (ET) of 7.239 seconds at 186.28 mph. In Sunday eliminations, Hines found a great tune-up and posted consecutive 7.1-second ETs to defeat Cory Reed and Hector Arana and ran down defending Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Matt Smith in the semi-finals. The win over Smith was the milestone 500th career round win for Hines. Krawiec defeated Karen Stoffer, Jerry Savoie and Hector Arana, Jr. to set up the fourth all-Harley final of the season. Hines ran 7.174 to best Krawiec’s 7.222 to take the win over his teammate, for the fourth time this season.
A five-time Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion, Hines has been dominating the class in the first eight races of this season, posting a 25-2 record in eliminations and winning six finals to bump his record-setting career total to 54 wins. Following the event at Denver Hines leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle field with 847 points. Krawiec is in second place with 734 points. Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Angelle Sampey lost in the first round at Denver and is in eighth place in season points with 346.
The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team will be back on the track with its Harley FXDR drag bikes July 26-28 at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.
There has been plenty of midnight sun, ice racing, vodka sampling, saunas in the forests by the lake, smorgasbord, Mika Kallio and even the end of the Abba era but there has been no grand prix motorcycle racing for nearly three decades but this could change in the future.
Registrations of interest are now open for the 2020 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC), which will run alongside the Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Riders aged between 11 and under 16 as of 1st of January 2020 are all encouraged to apply for next years series, following a highly successful season of racing in 2019.
2020 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup returns in 2020 – Image by Russell Colvin
This year’s OJC racing has been a bell ringer, with riders learning about race craft and racing in general, plus bike set-up thanks to a full deck of technical support at the track, including Öhlins support. Riders also learn the art of dealing with media, health and nutrition and much, much more.
Also included are the Yamaha YZR-R15’s, all the riding gear, such as the AGV helmets, TCX boots, Ricondi leathers and gloves. Finally, motorcycle transport and all entries will be covered throughout the 2020 season.
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup riders have a Yamaha R15 and gear provided as part of the program fee
Martin Port – Motorcycling Australia Operations Director
“Thanks to all our partners in helping to get the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup off the ground, we now have a road racing academy to help the younger generations to go all the way to world championship competition, if that’s where they want to head in the future. With the Oceania Junior Cup, you simply turn up and go racing. In the process you learn everything you need to know to succeed in the sport. So, I encourage all riders to apply.”
Supported by the FIM and endorsed by Dorna’s Road to MotoGP program, the OJC has a clear progression plan for it riders to feature in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
Early error in second 250MX moto dashes Geico Honda rider’s overall challenge.
Image: Supplied.
Selecting a false neutral out of the gates in 250MX moto two in Millville’s eighth round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship denied Hunter Lawrence the opportunity to challenge for the overall on Saturday.
The Australian delivered a second-career US race victory in moto one, however, the mistake at the very beginning of moto two saw him forced to fight through the pack for sixth position. He was third overall.
Heavy rain all morning at the Spring Creek Motocross Park led to tough track conditions in the first moto, but Lawrence scored a key holeshot and sprinted to the victory. Unfortunately, a mistake off the start prevented him from backing it up in the second moto.
“Yeah, it was pretty sick,” Lawrence exclaimed. “We got a good start, a holeshot and – in a mud race your race can go two ways – obviously you want it to start with a holeshot. I’m pretty stoked on that, the team has been working really hard and continues to work to get an engine package better. I just tried to stay cool when I was up front.
“Second moto, jump out of the gate was pretty good, I just hit a false neutral between second and third off the start so I was way back. It was just stupid, to throw away a chance at the overall just a few feet out of the gate was just a punch in the gut.
“I tried to come back through the pack, but the other boys were on it. We put ourselves in a great position to win, but to watch it go away, it sucks so we’ll come back next weekend with no false neutrals.”
Geico Honda rider Lawrence now sits fourth in the 250MX championship standings following eight of the 12 rounds scheduled, continuing to gain momentum in the latter stages of his rookie campaign in American motocross.
Supersport 300 points-leader Stauffer to make European debut
Section: Competition
Young Australian to gain international experience in R3 Cup series.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Australian Supersport 300 Championship leader Max Stauffer will travel abroad to compete in September when he lines up in two rounds of the 2019 European R3 Cup, partnering with Bike Sport Promotions (BSP).
The 15-year-old will race the all-Yamaha R3 Cup in the Internationale Deutsche Superbike-Meisterschaft (IDM) at Hockenheimring, Germany, and the British Superbike Championship round at Assen, Holland.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity which Robbert [Adriaansen] from Bike Sport Promotions has offered me,” said Stauffer, who has scored six race wins in his Australian Supersport 300 career to date. “This is a great opportunity for me to get more experience.
“Riding a Yamaha Supersport 300 in other countries, as well as in my home country, is a dream come true. It’s very close racing in the Australian Supersport 300 Championship, which is exactly like what I will be up against while racing in the European R3 Cup Championship.”
BSP’s Robbert Adriaansen commented: “BSP supports young motorcycle racing talent through creating opportunities for riders to compete internationally. We believe Max has the potential to make a real impression on the European circuit.”
The penultimate round of the European R3 Cup is scheduled for 20-22 September in Germany, while the final round will run on the following weekend between 27-29 September in Holland.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Webb & Cianciarulo top Spring Creek MX National
Sanders & Milner dominate 2019 Kyogle AORC
Australia third at 2019 Speedway of Nations
Tony Bou wins 2019 TrialGP Championship – Title Win #13
Dobson & Rowe top Queensland MX Championships at Echo Valley
Junior Motocross wraps up in Victoria and Queensland
Sam Sunderland wraps up 2019 Silk Way Rally
Penrite Honda sign Chris Blose for AUS-X Open
Hayes to Serco Yamaha for Australian Supercross 2019
Dalton Gauthier joins AFT Production Twins for remainder of season
AFT announces Springfield Mile double-header in August
Harley-Davidson announce 2019 AFT Production Twins Contingency Program
Webb & Cianciarulo top Spring Creek MX National
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship stormed into Spring Creek for Round 8 of the championship and was greated by storms and lightning, forcing delays as rainfall ensured challenging conditions for all riders.
Spring Creek National – AMA MX 2019 – Round 8 – Image by Hoppenworld
Cooper Webb dominated the 450 class with a 1-1 result, winning both motos and closing in on the championship lead, with Zach Osborne (4-3) and Eli Tomac (2-5) completing the round overall top three with 38-points apiece.
Cooper Webb – Spring Creek National – AMA MX 2019 – Round 8 – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin took a 3-7 result in fourth overall, while Ken Roczen was fifth overall on the back of a 14-2 result, with a rocky first moto.
The 450 standings now see Eli Tomac in the lead on 342-points, from Marvin Musquin (304) and Ken Roczen (293). Webb’s result has moved him to within five-points of Roczen, now holding 288 points, with Jason Anderson completing the top five on 272.
It was a weekend of records for Webb too, earning his first-career 450MX moto win in race one, only to double down in race two to claim his first overall podium, as well as first overall win, of his career in the premier 450MX class.
Cooper Webb
“I felt really good today. It’s incredible to go 1-1, I don’t know what happened to everyone else but I got two good starts, stayed out of trouble and it felt really awesome. It’s amazing what a moto-win can do for your confidence!”
Cooper Webb – Spring Creek National – AMA MX 2019 – Round 8 – Image by Hoppenworld
For second in the standings Musquin, the day didn’t quite go as planned but the French rider salvaged as much as he could with the cards he was dealt.
Marvin Musquin
“I’m definitely not happy because the riding today was pretty good but the result is not what I wanted. I was looking forward to a good battle for the lead and to make up some points but that didn’t happen. Next week is Washougal and we’ll spend the week in California working with the team, so it will be good.”
Marvin Musquin – Spring Creek National – AMA MX 2019 – Round 8 – Image by Hoppenworld
450 Round Results
Pos
Rider
M1
M2
Pts
1
Cooper Webb
1
1
50
2
Zachary Osborne
4
3
38
3
Eli Tomac
2
5
38
4
Marvin Musquin
3
7
34
5
Ken Roczen
14
2
29
450 Standings
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Eli Tomac
342
2
Marvin Musquin
304
3
Ken Roczen
293
4
Cooper Webb
288
5
Jason Anderson
272
250
In the 250 class it was Adam Cianciarulo who took the round win, but it was Hunter Lawrence who claimed the opening race win, with a sixth place result in the second moto regulating Lawrence to third overall.
Hunter Lawrence – Spring Creek National – AMA MX 2019 – Round 8 – Image by Hoppenworld
Cianciarulo proved consistent with a 3-1 result, as did Alex Martin with a 2-3 – claiming second overall, with just five-points separating the three for the round.
2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Eight – Spring Creek – 250 Podium – Image by Hoppenworld
In the standings Cianciarulo continues to lead with a 36-point advantage over Dylan Ferrandis who had to settle for fourth overall on the back of a 5-4 result. Justin Cooper sits third in the standings, with Hunter Lawrence fourth on equal points to Colt Nichols.
Hunter Lawrence
“Gnarly weekend at Millville! 1-6 for third overall we’ll take it, massive thanks to the whole team for their efforts in these crazy conditions!”
Hunter Lawrence – Spring Creek National – AMA MX 2019 – Round 8 – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Round Results
Pos
Rider
M1
M2
Pts
1
Adam Cianciarulo
3
1
45
2
Alex Martin
2
3
42
3
Hunter Lawrence
1
6
40
4
Dylan Ferrandis
5
4
34
5
Shane McElrath
4
5
34
250 Standings
Pos
NAME
Total
1
Adam Cianciarulo
352
2
Dylan Ferrandis
316
3
Justin Cooper
306
4
Hunter Lawrence
233
5
Colt Nichols
233
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Sanders & Milner dominate 2019 Kyogle AORC
The Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) returned over the weekend for Rounds 5 & 6 at Kyogle, with a much longer test route than normal being of note, as sunny conditions prevailed for some great racing by all involved.
Saturday’s Round 5 saw Daniel Sanders take the overall win, with Daniel Milner next fastest on combined times, followed by Fraser Higlett. Sunday’s Round 6 saw a similar result, with Daniel Sanders again taking the overall win from Milner, and this time Luke Styke in third.
Daniel Milner – Image by John Pearson
Leaving Kyogle the AORC Championship standings see Daniel Sanders (150 points) leading the E3 class from Beau Ralston (130) and Jesse Lawton (108), while in E2 it’s Daniel Milner (150) leading Joshua Green (132) and Jeremy Carpenter (109).
Luke Styke – Image by John Pearson
Luke Styke (140) holds the E1 lead by 13-points from Lyndon Snodgrass (127), with Fraser Higlett only four-points behind on 123, while Kyron Bacon (150) holds a 22-point lead to Joshua Brierley (128) in the EJ class, with Korey McMahon (115) completing the top three.
E1 Standings – Top 5
Pos
Name
Total
1
Luke STYKE
140
2
Lyndon SNODGRASS
127
3
Fraser HIGLETT
123
4
Michael DRISCOLL
120
5
Lachlan ALLAN
89
E2 Standings – Top 5
Pos
Name
Total
1
Daniel MILNER
150
2
Joshua GREEN
132
3
Jeremy CARPENTIER
109
4
Brad HARDAKER
95
5
Harrison TEED
91
E3 Standings – Top 5
Pos
Name
Total
1
Daniel SANDERS
150
2
Beau RALSTON
130
3
Jesse LAWTON
108
4
Andrew WILKSCH
102
5
Matt MURRY
100
EJ Standings – Top 5
Pos
Name
Total
1
Kyron BACON
150
2
Joshua BRIERLEY
128
3
Korey MCMAHON
115
4
Cooper SHEIDOW
106
5
Nathan HOWE
100
For the full results see the full report link above.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Australia third at 2019 Speedway of Nations
Team Australia claimed a solid third place finish at the 2019 FIM Speedway of Nations (SoN), held at the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium in Togliatti, Russia, marking the first medal in the SoN since finishing third in 2014 in Poland.
At the end of the first night on Saturday, the ‘Roo’s were sitting pretty on top of the order with 23-points, one point ahead of the host nation, Russia, while Poland was third on 21-points. The final night saw the Australian Speedway team scoring eighteen points, which handed them a total of 41, which was good enough for third place overall. Russia claimed the 2019 Speedway of Nations win from Poland.
The Aussie team consisted of Jason Doyle, Max Fricke and Jaimon Lidsey, with Doyle leading the team to the Day 1 lead with 23-points, laying claim to 16-points himself, while Day 2 saw the trio bring home 18-points, with Doyle once again leading the team with 14, in a strong performance.
Team Australia at the 2019 Speedway of Nations – Image courtesy of FIM World Speedway Championship
Max Fricke
“We haven’t had a medal for a couple of years now, I think everyone is really happy. We couldn’t ask for much more. Jason was absolutely on fire this weekend and he scored an absolute bagful of points for us, and it was lucky we had a really good under-21 reserve (Jaimon Lidsey) to help us out!”
Team leading rider, Doyle explained in a post-race interview that the team had done Australia proud.
Jason Doyle
“We would like to thank all of our team members, mechanic and Mark Lemon for doing all of the organizing and not forgetting all of our sponsors back home in Australia and our personal sponsors. Hats off to the Russians. Its an amazing atmosphere out there when their team won. In saying that, they have not only supported their own, but they have supported every other rider and country. Fair play, thank you very much for everything, we have really enjoyed our time in Russia.”
Team Australia at the 2019 Speedway of Nations – Image courtesy of FIM World Speedway Championship
2019 Speedway of Nations Final Standings
Russia 45
Poland
Australia 41
Denmark 37
Sweden 35
Germany 30
Great Britain 16
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Tony Bou wins 2019 TrialGP Championship – Title Win #13
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou has been crowned 2019 TrialGP World Champion, triumphing in the French Trial to take his tally of consecutive title wins to 13 in TrialGP, in addition to the 13 indoor trophies.
Toni Bou claims the 2019 TrialGP championship title in France
The latest trial victory, the seventh of the season, meaning that Toni Bou mathematically seals the TrialGP World Champion title for the thirteenth time in a row.
Toni Bou was clearly feeling at ease as evidenced by the mere nine marks accrued throughout. The trial or the title never looked in question. The triumph is the 111th victory for Toni Bou in Trial World Championships as well as the thirteenth consecutive trial win since Andorra last season. The Repsol Honda Team star has made a clean streak so far in the 2019 Trial World Championship, with one event still to contest.
Toni Bou – TrialGP 2019 of France
The next trial for the Repsol Honda Team will be the final round of the TrialGP World Championship set to take place on 21st and 22nd September in La Nucia, Spain.
Toni Bou
“Today was a day where I had to work hard to make any difference, especially during the opening sections. But that is what we did and we made it to section eight on zero. I think I rode an intelligent trial. I felt very comfortable on the bike. As always, there is no better way to win a new title than with a victory and with good feelings. It was a short but intense world championship. I think that this season we have matured a lot. Last year we had so many injuries, this year we have been very comfortable on the bike, which we’ve seen reflected in the wins and the riding, so now it’s time to savour the moment and enjoy the holidays.”
Toni Bou celebrates the TrialGP title win with his Repsol Honda Team
TrialGP of France 2019 Result
BOU, Toni SPA – Repsol Honda Team 9
BUSTO, Jaime SPA – Vertigo Factory Team 23
RAGA, Adam SPA – TRRS Factory Team 25
FAJARDO, Jeroni SPA – Gas Gas 30
FUJINAMI, Takahisa JPN – Repsol Honda Team 36
CASALES, Jorge SPA – Vertigo Factory Team 42
GELABERT, Miquel SPA – Sherco Factory Team 45
DABILL, James GBR – Beta Factory Racing 54
BINCAZ, Benoit FRA – Beta Factory Racing 57
KADLEC, Franz GER – TRRS Factory Team 71
Toni Bou topped the French TrialGP 2019 podium from Jaime Busto and Adam Raga
TrialGP Rider Standings 2019
BOU, Toni 140
RAGA, Adam 113
FAJARDO, Jeroni 95
FUJINAMI, Takahisa 88
BUSTO, Jaime 77
DABILL, James 68
CASALES, Jorge 65
BINCAZ, Benoit 53
KADLEC, Franz 53
GELABERT, Miquel 50
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Dobson & Rowe top Queensland MX at Echo Valley
Jesse Dobson and Mason Rowe have claimed 2019 maroon plates for at the final round of the Queensland Motocross Championships at Echo Valley. Toowoomba was bathed in sunshine and the the Toowoomba Club did a great job with track preparation, and all that was left was for the riders to enjoy the famous Skyline and the Matterhorn features.
In the premier class Jesse Dobson took the win with a dominant final round performance, with Mason Rowe second in each moto on his way to the runner-up position in MX1. Jesse Madden grabbed the final step on the podium for the day, while Robbie Marshall and ‘King of the North’ Luke Weaver completing the top five.
Luke Weaver’s 5,4,5 result was enough to net third in the 2019 state championships for the man who currently leads both the Central Queensland and Tropical North Queensland series championships in both MX1 and MX2.
A battle for MX2 honours saw five riders share the podium finishes, with Aaron Tanti claiming 1-3-1 results, which gave first on the day and 12th from the one appearance. Mason Rowe’s second on the day (2- 4-2) was plenty enough to earn him the title of MX2 Champion.
Noah and Isaac Ferguson entered the final moto tied on points, and changed position three times before Noah decided the issue in his own favour by a single point, taking the Vice Champion position on the podium.
MX1
Jesse DOBSON 193
Mason ROWE 182
Luke WEAVER 158
Robbie MARSHALL 157
Sam LARSEN 139
Joel PHILLIPS 130
Kye ORCHARD 129
Cody HALL 115
Darcy CAVANAGH 114
Joshua MOHAMMED 112
MX2
Mason ROWE 197
Noah FERGUSON 171
Isaac FERGUSON 170
Joel EVANS 162
Jayce COSFORD 156
Luke REARDON 145
Jake WILLIAMS 139
Navrin GROTHUES 128
Cody HALL 125
Cody SCHAT 121
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Junior Motocross wraps up in Victoria and Queensland
Over the weekend the Victorian and Queensland state motocross championships wrapped up, with South Australia having a single round to go, however plenty of Junior champions were crowned, with GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing putting in a particularly strong showing.
Victorian MX
The final round of the Victorian Junior Motocross Championship was ran, after earlier being postponed a couple of weeks ago due to weather. Some of the classes had already been decided with Alex Larwood having locked up the 125 A-Grade division on his YZ125. Ty Kean was runner up in the A-Grade 125cc class, while Kipp Adams completed the top three.
The weekend did however see the remaining classes finish their championships and it was Kipp Adams who came through for a championship win. Adams finished with 1-3-3 results at the final round to take second on the day but more importantly, wrap up the championship on his YZ250F in the 250cc A-Grade class. Ty Kean was runner up 19-points behind in the championship, with Ben Novak third.
Young Tasmanian Jay Jennings had been making the trek backwards and forwards across the Tasman for the Victorian championship in the 65cc A-Grade class and was rewarded with a second place in the series, despite taking the final round win with 2-1-1 results. It wasn’t enough to close the gap to the championship leader Cooper Rowe, who held a 44-point advantage, with Wil Carpenter completing the overall top three.
125cc A Grade
Alex Larwood – 343 (Yamaha YZ125)
Ty Kean – 300
Kipp Adams – 282 (Yamaha YZ125)
250cc A Grade
Kipp Adams – 355 (Yamaha YZ250F)
Ty Kean – 336
Ben Novak – 323
65cc A Grade
Cooper Rowe – 393
Jay Jennings – 359 (Yamaha YZ65)
Wil Carpenter – 274 (Yamaha YZ65)
South Australian MX
Alex Larwood continued his domination of South Australian racing, taking a clean sweep at the third round of the South Australian Motocross Championships, in Ceduna. Larwood took the perfect six from six on the weekend and comfortably won both the 13-15 years 125cc and 250cc classes. With one round remaining, Larwood is on the box seat to claim another two championships in his final year of Junior racing.
Alex Larwood – 2019 South Australian Motocross Championship
In the 125cc class Larwood leads Jack Mclean and Brodie Petschauser, both of which sit on 260 points, 55-points behind. In the 250cc class Larwood holds a similar lead over Jack Colbert on 260-points, with Jack Mclean on 256.
Jobe Dunne charged through to take the win in the 7-9 years 65cc class on his YZ65. Dunne needed a big finish to the series to claim the title as points were tight at the top, but the youngster pulled it out when it mattered most finishing with 2-3-1 race finishes to claim the round win. Dunne leads Jai Hay and Kye Little into the season final.
Jobe Dunne – 2019 South Australian Motocross Championship
Wil Carpenter wanted in on the podium action and managed to finish second on the day in the 10-12 years 65cc class. Carpenter rode well to finish with 1-2-2 results, but it wasn’t enough to peg back the series leader Ollie Gear who finished just six points ahead of him so the championship is on a knife’s edge for the final round. Nine-points seperate Gear and Carpenter, with Hudson Crothers a distant third 33-points behind.
Wil Carpenter – 2019 South Australian Motocross Championship
13-U16 years 125cc
Alex Larwood – 315 (Yamaha YZ125)
Jack Mclean – 260
Brodie Petschauser– 260
13-U16 years 250cc
Alex Larwood – 315 (Yamaha YZ250F)
Jack Colbert – 260
Jack Mclean – 256
7-9 years 65cc
Jobe Dunne – 290 (Yamaha YZ65)
Jai Hay – 263
Kye Little – 252
10-12 years 65cc
Ollie Gear- 301
Wil Carpenter – 292 (Yamaha YZ65)
Hudson Crothers – 259
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Queensland MX
The final round of the Queensland Motocross Championships took place in the picturesque Echo Valley circuit in Toowoomba on the weekend, with Levi Rogers forging ahead to claim the 125cc and 250cc wins in the 15 years classes.
Rogers won five out of the six motos contested over the weekend across the 15 years 125 and 15 years 250cc classes and only a spectacular fall in Moto 2 on his YZ125 prevented a clean sweep of the round and the series.
Levi Rogers – 2019 Queensland Motocross Championship – 15 years 125cc & 15 years 250cc champion
Rogers won the 15 years 125cc class from Jake Kowal and Harrison Purdy, while taking the 15 years 250cc title from Jake kowal and Harrison Nolan. Rogers, as the highest junior point scorer in the championship, retains the number 1 plate for the second year in a row and keeps it in the possession of YJR riders for the fifth year running.
Jackson Camilleri also pulled down two class wins in the 13-14 years 125 and 250cc classes as well as a third place in the 14-15 years 85cc division in an ironman effort.
Camilleri took the 13-14 years 125cc title six-points ahead of Deegan Mancinelli, with Zac Watson completing the top three. Camilleri also took the 13-14 years 250cc win ahead of Jesse Holding with a 20-point lead, with Kobe Drew third overall.
Deegan Mancinelli laid claim to the 14-15 years 85cc title, ahead of Zac Watson and Jackson Camilleri, while in the 12-U14 years 85cc class Braden Plath took the title from Kobe Drew and Charli Cannon.
15 years 125cc
Levi Rogers – 207 (Yamaha YZ125)
Jake Kowal – 179
Harrison Purdy – 160
15 years 250cc
Levi Rogers – 210 (Yamaha YZ250F)
Jake Kowal – 188
Harrison Nolan – 163
13-14 years 125cc
Jackson Camilleri – 191 (Yamaha YZ125)
Deegan Mancinelli – 185
Zac Watson – 181 (Yamaha YZ125)
13-14 years 250cc
Jackson Camilleri – 210 (Yamaha YZ250F)
Jesse Holding – 190 (Yamaha YZ250F)
Kobe Drew – 182
14-15 years 85cc
Deegan Mancinelli – 201
Zac Watson – 174 (Yamaha YZ85)
Jackson Camilleri – 167 (Yamaha YZ85)
12-U14 years 85cc
Braden Plath – 202
Kobe Drew – 198
Charli Cannon – 173 (Yamaha YZ85)
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Sam Sunderland wraps up 2019 Silk Way Rally
KTM’s Sam Sunderland has won the 2019 Silk Way Rally on the back of a sixth place finish in the final round across the Gobi Desert. Having built up an advantage over the earlier stages Sunderland was able to wrap up the Rally with a 20-minute advantage over Andrew Short, with Adrien Van Beveren third overall.
Sam Sunderland wins the Silk Way Rally ahead of Andrew Short and Adrien Van Beveren
Sunderland now leads the FIM Cross-Country Rally World Championship following the first two rounds on 83-points, with Andrew Short second in the standings on 56-points and Luciano Benavides third on 51.
The next rally will be the Atacama Rally, round three of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, held in Chile from September 1 – 7.
Sam Sunderland
“For me I’m so happy to get the win, it makes it two-out-of-two this championship and it’s a really important one because of the points earned this round. I felt really good at the beginning of the event and was able to create a good gap. I felt a bit sick during the middle stages but was able to manage the race and stay on a good pace right to the end. I’m really pleased for Andrew, who has ridden a great race, and also Luciano and Laia. Now I’m looking forward to a bit of rest.”
Sam Sunderland – Silk Way Rally 2019
2019 Silk Way Rally Results
SUNDERLAND Sam (GBR) Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team 26:12’47
SHORT Andrew (USA) Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing +20’22
VAN BEVEREN Adrien (FRA) Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team +21’01
BENAVIDES Kevin (ARG) Monster Energy Honda Team +21’37
BENAVIDES Luciano (ARG) KTM Factory Racing Team +36’50
MENA Oriol (SPA) Hero Motorsports Team Rally +51’50
SANZ Laia (SPA) Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team +1:56’26
TOMICZEK Adam (POL) KTM Orlen Rally Team +2:08’04
BARREDA Joan (SPA) Monster Energy Honda Team +2:54’25
GIEMZA Maciej (POL) KTM Orlen Rally Team +3:10’31
Provisional FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Standings
Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 83 points
Andrew Short (USA), Husqvarna, 56 pts
Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 51 pts
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Penrite Honda sign Chris Blose for AUS-X Open
Penrite Honda has started Supercross preparation, signing 2017 AUS-X-Open winner Chris Blose to race the up and coming Australian Supercross Championship, with Blose coming off a successful AMA Supercross campaign where he finished ninth overall, with his best round finish a fifth place. Blose is no stranger to Australia having competed here several times and is looking forward to chasing a championship win down under.
Chris Blose
“The Honda Australia Factory program is a professional and successful team and I am sure we will be competitive. I have raced the current CRF250R and am confident we have a strong package, there are going to be several contenders and I can’t wait for the championship to start.”
Chris Blose joins Penrite Honda for the upcoming Australian Supercross season
Penrite Honda also remain focused on the completion of the Motocross season, where Brett Metcalfe is aiming for the overall win, with Yarrive Konsky sharing:
Yarrive Konsky
“American Honda has been fantastic with Brayton and the like and we couldn’t do this without their ongoing support. Whilst we are preparing for Supercross we can’t take our focus off Motocross. We believe Brett is capable of winning and we are in the pursuit of an overall win. We have regrouped following Maitland and devised a plan to be better prepared for the final three rounds.”
Brett Metcalfe continues to spearhead the Penrite Honda MX effortWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Hayes to Serco Yamaha for Australian Supercross 2019
US based, Jacob Hayes will return to Australia and join the Serco Yamaha Team to contest the 2019 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship, starting in Brisbane on October 12. Hayes, who came to Australian for the first time in 2018, finished the season in third place in the SX2 category on his Serco Yamaha YZ250F, shared he is pleased to return and looking forward to racing the Australian Championship again.
Jacob Hayes
“I had an amazing time in Australia last year and the Serco Yamaha team really looked after me so it was good to be able to hook up with Gavin and his team again and build on our relationship. This year I feel I will be a little more prepared on several levels as I have raced the 2019 season in the US on a YZ250F as well as I now know how the Australian series works as well as a better understanding of the level of racing there. There are some quality riders in SX2 in Australia and I loved racing them last year. I’m planning on them being even better again in 2019 so my preparations will need to be good. Last year I was third after a bit of a slow start to the season, so this year the goal is to improve and try and win the championship for myself and the Serco Yamaha team.”
Jacob Hayes joins Serco Yamaha Team
The Australian Supercross Championship kicks off on October 12 in Brisbane before moving to Adelaide, Wollongong, Auckland in NZ and the finale at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on November 30.
2019 Australian Supercross Championship Calendar
Rd1: Brisbane Entertainment Centre – October 12
Rd2: Adelaide – Gillman Speedway – Oct 19
Rd3: Wollongong – Win Stadium – Nov 9
Rd4: Auckland NZ- Mt Smart Stadium – Nov 16
Rd5: Melbourne – Marvel Stadium – Nov 30
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Gauthier joins AFT Production Twins for remainder of season
Black Hills Harley-Davidson which currently runs a Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R in the AFT Production Twins class piloted by James Rispoli, has announced signing current AFT Singles points-leader Dalton Gauthier to ride a second XG in the AFT Production Twins class for the remainder of the AFT season.
Gauthier, who will continue to contest the AFT Singles championship aboard a Rob McLendon-tuned Husqvarna FC450, will join Rispoli on the Black Hills AFT Production Twins squad when the two-man team debuts at the upcoming Black Hills Half-Mile on August 6 at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, SD during the annual Sturgis Rally.
Dalton Gauthier
“I’m extremely excited to get this opportunity with Harley-Davidson and the Black Hills team. I’ve seen what the bike can do and I feel I can win races on the thing. My goal is to ride the AFT Twins series next year, and I want to show everyone that I can ride a twin as well as a Single. Just have to stay consistent and put in some good rides. I’ve raced the Production Twins class twice this year and did pretty well, so I know what to expect and am quite confident.”
Dalton Gauthier – Image by Scott Hunter
Seven races remain in the 2019 AFT Production Twins season, Half-Miles at Black Hills and Williams Grove, and Miles at Sacramento, Springfield (2), Minnesota and the Meadowlands. Cory Texter leads the series, with Rispoli and Gauthier currently 9th and 11th, respectively.
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AFT announces Springfield Mile double-header in August
AFT will take over the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, beginning with the AFT Singles class sparring on the Springfield Short Track on Friday, August 30, followed by a highly-anticipated AFT Twins Springfield Mile Double-Header on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1.
Springfield Mile II – AFT Twins 2018 – Image by Scott Hunter
One of the tightest, wildest short tracks of the season, the Springfield Short Track will feature the AFT Singles going handlebar-to-handlebar as the championship race heats up. Friday night event hosts many races in multiple classes, culminating in the AFT Singles Main Event.
Known as the world’s fastest Mile, the Springfield Mile, typically run twice a season in May and August, will now run back-to-back so that fans may experience twice the excitement in a single weekend. Fans holding tickets from May’s postponed event may use their tickets for Saturday’s Mile race.
Harley-Davidson announce 2019 AFT Production Twins Contingency Program
Harley-Davidson has announced a 2019 American Flat Track Contingency Program for the AFT Production Twins class to begin with the 2019 Black Hills Half-Mile running Tuesday, August 6 in Rapid City, S.D.
The momentum behind the XG750R as an AFT Production Twins machine has been growing as James Rispoli took his first class podium aboard the Black Hills Harley-Davidson ProBEAM XG750R at the Lima Half-Mile.
James Rispoli – Lima Half Mile 2019 – Scott Hunter
Eric Jensen – Global Brand Marketing Lead for Harley-Davidson
“We are very excited to see the growth and emerging talent within the AFT Production Twins class. Harley-Davidson motorcycles go back to the very foundation of professional flat track and we see the AFT Production Twins class as an opportunity to expand the legacy of Harley-Davidson within the sport.”
The per-race contingency payouts are available to non-factory riders in the AFT Production Twins class and is broken down as follows by finishing position:
$2,500
$1,500
$1,000
Per-Race Subtotal $5,000
Races 7 races
Per-Race 2019 Total $30,000
To be eligible for contingency payouts, riders must run an eligible XG750R in the AFT Production Twins class. To remain eligible, all machines must maintain stock bodywork and riders must wear a Harley-Davidson logo on the upper-chest portion of their leathers.
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The 2019 Honda CRF250 Rally is available for an MLP of $7,599 and boasts long travel suspension and high ground clearance for enhanced long-distance off-road ability. The Rally is an entry level model for light-weight Adventure Touring, set up for on road and off road capabilities and is LAMS approved.
The 2019 Honda CRF250L now comes in a Black colour option
A new colour option for their Adventure Touring and Trail line-ups debuts in in 2019, with both the CRF250 Rally and the CRF250L now available in Black. For the traditionalists, both models are also still available in their flagship colours of Extreme Red, refreshed for 2019. The CRF250LA (ABS) is only available in the Extreme Red colourway.
The CRF250L Rally will also be available in Black or Extreme Red (pictured)
The Rally’s windscreen and fairing deliver excellent wind protection for additional comfort for those who want to take longer adventures on and off road. The large-capacity fuel tank provides extended riding range and the full set of LED lights (headlight, tail light and indicators) will be sure to provide optimum visibility. ABS is standard fitment.
2019 Honda CRF250L
The CRF250L is available for an MLP of $6,299 and the ABS variant, the CRF250LA is available for an MLP of $6,599. Offering a dual-purpose 250cc that cover many bases – the CRF250L is lightweight and slim making it easy to slip through congested city traffic, while suspension and seat height deliver a fun and comfortable ride on rough tarmac and trails.
The 2019 Honda CRF250L is available for an MLP of $6,299
The compact liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine with PGM-FI offers useable power. Best of all its low maintenance and built with renowned Honda quality to ensure more time is spent out riding. Whatever the experience level, the CRF250L and CRF250LA are well-rounded motorcycles to suit every riding taste.
The 2019 Honda CRF250L Rally is available for an MLP of $7,599
drag bikes. In the competition debut for the Harley FXDR bikes, Hines defeated Krawiec in an all-Harley final to take his sixth win of the season and extend his points lead in the class.
