2023 Progressive American Flat Track
Arizona Super TT
Progressive American Flat Track TT master JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) added another chapter to his legend by reigning supreme at Saturday’s ZO CBD Arizona Super TT presented by RideNow Powersports at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.
SuperTwins start
Beach, who has now claimed victories in seven of the most recent eight Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle TT Main Events, ultimately proved worthy of his status as the heavy favorite coming into the weekend. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have to work for this one.
That work started in the race’s opening corner after initially getting displaced to third behind reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) and points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).
Jared Mees
The biggest danger moment for Beach came when Daniels took control of the lead two minutes into the Main. The on-form Daniels – who actually out-qualified Beach earlier in the day – looked to rip open an advantage while his teammate was stuck behind Mees on a track that presented few opportunities to pass and plenty of opportunities to mess up.
Almost exactly a minute later, Beach (literally) flew by Mees over the start-finish jump to slot into second. And almost exactly one minute after that he pulled a carbon-copy of the high-flying move on Daniels to take the lead for himself.
JD Beach leading the SuperTwins
Daniels did well to keep Beach honest as they left the remainder of the field in their wake. However, he ultimately gave up the chase with a couple minutes remaining on the clock, content to cruise to second.
JD Beach – P1
“Growing up, I was told you either had to be smart or dumb, and I chose dumb. I was going for it. No, it was a great race. I knew Dallas had my number all day long. He’s been riding so good. All season, he’s been hauling the mail. It’s been frustrating for me because we’re on the same bike, and he’s been whupping my butt. Today, I’ve got to thank my crew. They worked so hard all day long. We were kind of on the back foot, but they didn’t give up. They kept working, and that’s what I did in the Main Event too.”
SuperTwins at Arizona Super TT
Behind the Estenson Racing 1-2, Mees ran in third with Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke) in determined pursuit. That is until Mees’ machine became unsettled over the bumps and then lost the rear. While Mees did an admirable job to pick up and remount his factory Indian as quickly as was humanly possible, he still lost a few positions in the aftermath of the mishap.
That elevated Bauman to his second podium in four starts on the Rick Ware Racing KTM. It also rewarded Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) with fourth- and fifth-place finishes, respectively.
Mees salvaged sixth and was joined by Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke), Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Ryan Wells (No. 94 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) in the bottom half of the top ten.
Title hopeful Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) was a Main Event scratch after suffering a fall during practice at the start of the day.
Following four of 18 races, Daniels leads with 92 points, followed by Beach (73), Mees (71), and Bauman (62).
Mission SuperTwins Results
Pos
Rider
Man
Gap
Points
1
JD Beach
Yamaha MT-07
23 Laps
25
2
Dallas Daniels
Yamaha MT-07
+4.14
21
3
Briar Bauman
KTM 890 Duke
+15.011
18
4
Ben Lowe
Indian FTR750
+21.709
16
5
Johnny Lewis
Royal Enfield 650
+23.201
15
6
Jared Mees
Indian FTR750
+27.103
14
7
Davis Fisher
Indian FTR750
+28.777
13
8
Bronson Bauman
KTM 790 Duke
+22 Laps
12
9
Kolby Carlile
Yamaha MT-07
+6.185
11
10
Ryan Wells
Royal Enfield 650
+8.838
10
11
Jarod Vanderkooi
Indian FTR750
+16.725
9
12
Andrew DiBrino
KTM 790 Duke
21 Laps
8
13
Shelby Miller
KTM 790 Duke
+1.605
7
14
Kasey Sciscoe
HD XG750R
+15.128
6
15
Jimmy McAllister
Husq Norden 901
2 Laps
5
Mission SuperTwins Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Dallas Daniels
92
2
JD Beach
73
3
Jared Mees
71
4
Briar Bauman
62
5
Davis Fisher
57
6
Brandon Robinson
51
7
Jarod Vanderkooi
47
8
Johnny Lewis
45
9
Ben Lowe
42
10
Bronson Bauman
41
11
Kolby Carlile
34
12
Sammy Halbert
26
13
Dan Bromley
20
14
Kayl Kolkman
19
15
Billy Ross
15
16
Ryan Wells
14
17
Cameron Smith
12
18
Jesse Janisch
11
19
Andrew DiBrino
8
20
Shelby Miller
7
21
Kasey Sciscoe
7
22
Jeffery Lowery
7
23
Mitch Harvat
7
24
Michael Rush
6
25
Michael Hill
6
26
Jimmy McAllister
5
27
Jordan Harris
4
28
Brandon Newman
1
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
2019 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) closed to within one point of the ‘23 points lead with a precise and patient ride to victory at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.
AFT Singles Start
Gauthier established himself as the favorite going in with his strong pre-race performance but ended up corralled behind Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) in the early going after Cose dove down from the outside of Row 1 to claim the lead coming out of the race’s opening corner.
Chad Cose, Trevor Brunner, Tom Drane
Gauthier sat close on Cose’s rear wheel as they circulated the slick, one-line track, hoping to either find or force a mistake from the leader. All the while, Gauthier faced similar heat from behind, with a long string of riders jammed up behind them, spearheaded by Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), who himself was flanked by Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).
AFT Singles
Just as the race approached mid-distance, Gauthier made his move, landing along- and inside of Cose as they completed a jump and slid into the subsequent left-hander.
Kopp attempted to slip underneath Cose at the same time but was denied. While Kopp and co. regrouped to map out another assault, Gauthier opened a two second lead at the front. The reigning champ did finally push his way up the inside of Cose a couple minutes later and was joined in the overtake by Whale and Brunner.
Tom Drane
A late red flag added the potential for some unexpected drama to a race that appeared all but settled when Andrew Luker (No. 11 Rackley Racing/Keeran Racing Yamaha YZ450F) crashed with just 10 seconds remaining on the clock.
That set the stage for a staggered restart and three-lap shootout. However, Gauthier successfully survived the second launch and cleared off to grab his first checkered flag of the season. The win was his third career TT victory and sees him remain the only rider in the field to have finished on the podium in every race this season.
Dalton Gauthier
Kopp held for second to retain his points lead over Gauthier (86-85) despite third-placed Whale and fourth-placed Brunner applying maximum pressure over the final laps.
Kody Kopp – P2
“We definitely rode our heart out, left it all out on the track! I qualified eighth, which was my second-worst of the year, and we had to dig ourselves out of a hole. I had the first pick on the second row for the Main, and that was probably one of the better starts of my career. That helped me so much, because I had the speed, but just couldn’t get a start earlier on. I ran third for the first four minutes of the race, made a really risky pass on Chad Cose going into turn one, and made it stick – that was all I had! You’ve gotta sometimes just take what you can get, can’t push it too much on a sketchy track, so hats off to my team for this P2, we still have a one-point championship lead and still have the red plate.”
Gauthier, Kopp and Whale on the Singles podium
Max Whale – P3
“I qualified second, was second in my Heat race and I felt like the track was really one-lined today. The start was very different from one side to the other, so I had tough starts all day and had to work my way through… We were fourth in the Dash and finished third in the Main, just ran out of room to pass and it was just difficult out there in this one.”
Max Whale leads Kody Kopp
Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) completed the top five, followed by Hayden Gillim (No. Comstock Energy/Vance & Hines KTM 450 SX-F), who made his way from a crash in his heat to the LCQ to an eventual sixth-place ride.
Cose was the biggest loser in the red-flag reshuffle, winding up ninth after leading the opening half of the race and running in the top-two for the bulk of the contest.
Jay Wilson lands dream job racing All-Japan National MX
Yamaha’s Jay Wilson will be Australia’s next rider on the international scene after taking on a racing and development role with Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) in Japan for the 2022 season.
Jay Wilson
27-year old Wilson will fly out to Japan in the coming weeks to take up his new role as a factory Yamaha rider the All-Japan National Motocross Championship where he will contest the IA2 (250cc) division as well as assist in a coaching, testing and future product development role with Yamaha.
Jay Wilson
“This is the dream job for me as it encompasses the three passions I have in dirt bikes- racing, coaching and development, I still have the motivation to race and win championships and that is my primary role with Yamaha in Japan and the new venture has me motivated and as excited as I have ever been. I also get the opportunity to share my knowledge with Yamaha riders in Japan and hopefully I can assist them to race at a higher level and secure future success for Yamaha in the coming years as well as be a small part of their testing program for product development. It’s a huge opportunity and a big responsibility but one my family and I are looking forward to.
Jay Wilson
“With Covid, it has delayed things in many ways and has made this a little more difficult locking down dates but everyone behind the scenes at YMC and YMA have worked hard to get everything in line. I’m so thankful for their efforts as I’m taking my family with me, so it’s been more complicated than my trip to Sugo last year. I have been training here in Australia in preparation for the season ahead and things are beginning to ramp up as our departure gets closer. We will be based in Hamamatsu, close to Yamaha’s head office and test tracks and we are all looking forward to experiencing the Japanese way of life. The one constant is that I will be racing on a Yamaha YZ250F, which is a bike a love racing and proud to showcase in the All-Japan Nationals. I’m proud to be given this chance with Yamaha and even more proud to extend an already successful relationship not just between myself and Yamaha but also Yamaha Australia and head office in Japan.”
2022 All Japan Motocross Championship Calendar
Round
Date
Location
Round 1
April 9 and 10
Kyushu, Kumamoto
Round 2
May 14 and 15
Kanto, Saitama
Round 3
June 11 and 12
Cyugoku, Hiroshima
Round 4
July 16 and 17
Sugo, Miyagi
Round 5
September 10 and 11
Kinki, Nara
Round 6
October 8 and 9
Kyushu, Kumamoto
Round 7
October 29 and 30
Kanto, Saitama
Round 8
November 11 and 12
Sugo, Miyagi
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FIM Hard Enduro adds Junior World Cup
New for 2022, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will feature a dedicated FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup to recognize and help promote young, rising talent within the sport, introducing a Junior category open to riders under the age of 22 (on January 1) will be introduced
The Junior class will be fully integrated into the Pro category, with riders racing side-by-side with the world’s best Hard Enduro riders, on the same tracks at the same time.
Keeping the selected rounds in Europe for 2022 will help to keep costs down and make participation more affordable for the primarily European-based Junior competitors.
For the inaugural season, the series will have the status of being the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup, with a plan to elevate it to the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship in the future.
Josep Garcia joins 2022 GNCC for opening three rounds
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia will kick off his 2022 season by competing in the first three rounds of this year’s AMA Grand National Cross Country Series in North America. The young Spaniard will also take the opportunity to train with riders in the U.S. before returning to Europe and shifting his focus back to the FIM EnduroGP World Championship, which begins in May.
Josep Garcia
With their mass starts and three-hour duration, GNCC races are very different to the special test format of the EnduroGP World Championship. However, Garcia has shown in the past, including his two years contesting the WESS World Championship, that he’s more than capable of adapting his riding to unfamiliar conditions and challenges.
Josep Garcia
“After many years, I have finally got the chance to go to the United States and race in the GNCC. The plan is to compete in the first three rounds before returning to Europe for the Spanish and World enduro championships. It’s been a long-standing goal of mine to do some GNCC races and this year, thanks to KTM Factory Racing and KTM USA, I will fulfil my dream. At the Six Days last year, a lot of the American riders encouraged me to race the series, and now I’m really looking forward to doing some three-hour cross-countries. Winter training for me has gone very well. We have made some improvements to the bike in Italy with the team, and I definitely feel good and ready for a new challenge. There’s no pressure, so the plan is to go over there, try my best, and enjoy it.”
Josep Garcia lifting the EnduroGP trophy in 2021Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
KTM Junior Racing Team 2022 line-up revealed
Kyle Harvey will join returning riders Kayden Minear, Jet Alsop and Cooper Ford on the official KTM Junior Racing Team for season 2022.
This year marks the fourth term with the team for Western Australian Minear. The 15-year-old will race the 125 SX and 250 SX-F at national and state level, while again contesting the ultra-competitive MX3 class in the Australian ProMX Championship. Minear finished third in the shortened MX3 series last year and is now eager to find the top step of the podium.
Kayden Minear
“I’m stoked to be back as part of the KTM Junior Racing Team. My ambitions are to go a little bit better in the MX3 class and to look at racing another Australian Junior Motocross Championship — hopefully, come away with a couple more Australian titles. It’s clear to see KTM is the best brand and being supported by the best manufacturer gives me added confidence entering the upcoming races.”
Kayden Minear
Three-time Australian junior champion Alsop will also be astride the 125 SX and 250 SX-F this year as he steps up to his first year racing the MX3 category in ProMX. The highly-rated teenager will also line up behind the gate at the Australian Junior Motocross Championship later this year, as well as a range of state-level events.
Jet Alsop
“I’m just super-excited to be riding for KTM again. It’s the best junior team in Australia, for sure. I would just love to get the best results I can and to make KTM proud again. With the KTM bike, we’ve got that peace of mind that we’re on good equipment and we can get a good result.”
Jet Alsop
Tasmanian talent Ford continues his association with the KTM Junior Racing Team this year, with the 13-year-old stepping up to the 13-U16 Years 85cc division and the two-time 65cc national champion will be one to watch as the season progresses.
Cooper Ford
“I’m super-excited to return to the KTM Junior Racing Team for 2022. Now stepping up to my 85 big wheel, I’m looking forward to a full year of racing, finishing up with the Australian Junior Motocross Championship. Riding a KTM just gives you an awesome feeling – they’ve got such good power, handling and everything.”
Meanwhile, KTM Junior Racing Team newcomer Harvey will be on the 85 SX at both the national and state level. The young Queenslander is no stranger to the top of the podium, with consecutive junior state titles across both Queensland and New South Wales. Harvey will also have his eyes on the number one trophy at the junior nationals in Rockhampton.
Kyle Harvey
“I am so pumped and excited to be a part of the KTM Junior Racing Team. I was blown away when I heard the news and will be forever grateful for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to 2022 and can’t wait to hopefully compete in the Australian titles later this year. I have a great support team who always push me to be my best. I‘ve worked so hard for this and I plan to work even harder, but just as importantly, have fun along the way. I can’t for the gates to drop!”
The KTM Junior Racing Team will continue to receive support from KTM Genuine Parts, KTM Powerparts, KTM Powerwear, Motorex, Troy Lee Designs, Dunlop, Kustom MX, ODI Grips and Funnelweb Filters through the 2022 season.
Royal Enfield’s Build.Train.Race returns to AFT in 2022
Now in its third year, Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program, which fosters women riders in building their own Royal Enfield race-ready motorcycles and provides guidance and training throughout an entire race season, returns for the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Build. Train. Race. participants each receive a Royal Enfield INT 650 motorcycle which they design and modify into their own unique race bike. Crew Chief Erik Moldenhauer will work with the riders, providing technical advice and support throughout the build and race portions of the program while Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield racer Johnny Lewis will help provide on-track training.
Royal Enfield INT 650 (Interceptor 650)
Seven returning riders will be joined by eight new participants, growing the Royal Enfield BTR presence in the Progressive American Flat Track paddock to 15 racers over last season’s nine.
2022 BTR Flat Track Roster
Jaycee Jones, 23, Fallbrook, California
Lana Macnaughton, 32, Nampa, Idaho
Gabrielle Hughes, 24, Akron, Ohio
Nean Kiskela, 41, Portland, Oregon
Jillian Deschenes, 33, Otsego, Minnesota
Malary Lee, 31, Buda, Texas
Erin Ferris, 31, Graham, Washington
Anna Serena, 36, Miami Beach, Florida
Stephanie Pietz, 35, Mesa, Arizona
Kaiela Hobart, 28, Bremerton, Washington
Zaria Martens, 18, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Alex Bumpus Mcdonald, 33, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Makenna Hiatt, 22, Camano Island, Washington
Moriah Hummer, 35, Fort Collins, Colorado
Mia Reese, 28, Woodstock, Illinois
Along with the team roster, the BTR Flat Track schedule increases in scope. On the heels of last season’s four-round circuit, the BTR program will visit seven Progressive American Flat Track venues in 2022.
Racing will begin at the Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile in Barberville, Florida, March 10, for “BTR Select,” which will invite returning riders, and new participants who have their builds complete, to compete in an exhibition race.
The first BTR Flat Track full-grid event will be the I-70 Half-Mile in Odessa, Missouri (April 23), after the entire field have completed their race bikes and training.
2022 Royal Enfield BTR Flat Track Schedule
Round
Date
Event
Location
Round 1
Mar 11
Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile I
Barberville, FL
Round 2
Apr 23
I-70 Half-Mile
Odessa, MO
Round 3
Jun 11
Laconia Short Track
Loudon NH
Round 4
Jul 16
Mission Foods Port Royal Half-Mile
Port Royal, PA
Round 5
Aug 06
Black Hills Half-Mile
Rapid City, SD
Round 6
Sep 24
Cedar Lake Short Track
New Richmond, WI
Round 7
Oct 15
Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile III
Barberville, FL
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Wally Brown Racing signs James Rispoli for AFT 2022
Last month, WBR announced it was developing a KTM 890 Duke with plans to field it in a limited schedule in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class.
James Rispoli
Rispoli earned the 2020 Mission Production Twins championship on the strength of seven wins and four runner-ups and returns to the class following a season competing in the premier Mission SuperTwins category.
Wally Brown – Wally Brown Racing
“James is a great match for us this year. Testing is a critical part of building this race machine. We sought a rider that understands data and how it fits into a race program. With James’ extensive background in racing, we feel he is going to be a great asset to the team. Not to mention that he is a Production Twins Champion who has proven he can win on the track.”
James Rispoli
“I am really looking forward to working on this new project. After meeting Wally and learning more about his plan for 2022, I knew I wanted to be part of it. With his extensive background in four-wheeled racing, and my varied experiences on two wheels, we should make a great team. It’s going to be a lot of work, but with the support of Wally, and his team I am hopeful we will make great progress in a short period of time.”
Development is well underway of the Wally Brown Racing KTM 890 Duke with plans to debut at the Mission Red Mile I & II.
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AFT’s Grumpy Old Men Racing signs Brandon Price and Tyler Scott
GOMR (Grumpy Old Men Racing) has signed Brandon Price to compete in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class aboard an Indian FTR750 for the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Brandon Price– Image Scott Hunter
GOMR – which previously competed as BriggsAuto.com Racing – will continue to be overseen by Johnny and Sarah Goad with mechanical assistance from Tom Draina and Caylee Goad, while Russ and Illene Briggs will provide the resources to back the operation.
Price’s aggressive style and tremendous work ethic – supported by veteran tuner Johnny Goad – promises to make GOMR a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
GOMR will also field rising star Tyler Scott in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class. Scott – the reigning MotoAmerica Junior Cup champion – will run a limited Progressive AFT schedule in conjunction with his road racing efforts.
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Husqvarna’s Brian Bogers dominates Hawkstone Park MX
The Hawkstone Park MX has provided an opportunity for a number of MXGP riders to stretch their legs, ahead of the season kicking off, with Brian Bogers proving the man to beat, topping the MX1 class ahead of Glenn Coldenhoff and Thomas Kjer Olsen.
Brian Bogers
Bogers won MX1 Moto One by a huge margin, ahead of Coldenhoff and Harri Kullas. Moto Two saw Brent Van Doninck win, ahead of Thomas Kjer Olsen and Shaun Simpson, with Bogers down in seventh, but the finish awarding enough for the overall win.
Brian Bogers – P1
“It was not a bad day! I started fourth and worked my way into first in the first moto, so that was really good. It was unfortunate that I crashed in the second moto, so I was only seventh on a track that was very hard to pass on. I was pleased to salvage an overall victory in MX1! Overall, it was a good day. I am happy with my riding and hope that we can do our very best this season.”
Brian Bogers
MX1 Overall
Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 39 pts
Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) 37 pts
Thomas Kjer Olsen (KTM) 35 pts
MX1 Moto One
Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 29:37.465
Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) 29:52.221
Harri Kullas (Yamaha) 29:56.284
MX1 Moto Two
Brent Van Doninck (Yamaha) 29:17.915
Thomas Kjer Olsen (KTM) 29:23.576
Shaun Simpson (KTM) 29:34.558 … 7. Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 30:10.149
In MX2, it was Conrad Mewse who topped the event, ahead of Kay de Wolf and Tom Vialle, who were tied on 42-points, a single-point off the leader.
MX2 Moto one saw Isak Gifting claim the win from Vialle and de Wolf by five-seconds, while Moto Two was dominated by Conrad Mewse, with de Wolf runner up and Vialle third, for tight points at the top.
Kay de Wolf – P2
“Today was a good day! I had a little crash after the start in the first moto and had to make my way through – it was quite difficult. We had a little stop for a goggle change too! I still got third, so I knew that the speed was there. I made a few mistakes in the second moto, but still managed to finish second in the race and overall. It was a pretty good day and good practice that we can learn from.”
Kay de Wolf
Tom Vialle – P3
“Better than Lacapelle, and good to get into the sand for a race. I had two great starts. I struggled with some arm-pump in the first moto and couldn’t really ride my speed but the second moto was much better; I only lost the overall win on the last lap when I was stuck behind a backmarker. Anyway, the result was not critical here. It was important to work on the bike and we had some difficult riding conditions. I think we made a big step. It was good training and next week we will start the season for real.”
Tom Vialle
MX2 Overall
Conrad Mewse (KTM) 43pts
Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 42 pts
Tom Vialle (KTM) 42pts
MX2 Moto One
Isak Gifting (KTM) 29:31.044
Tom Vialle (KTM) 29:36.360
Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 29:37.220
MX2 Moto Two
Conrad Mewse (KTM) 29:10.939
Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 29:12.833
Tom Vialle (KTM) 29:14.364
The Super Final meanwhile saw Coldenhoff win by 2.5s, from Ben Watson and Bogers, who were separated by less than a second.
Ben Watson – Super Final P2
“We have three races under our belt now and can look forward to the opening GP next weekend. I feel we have made progress each week, particularly with the starts; I’ve been riding a little tight in the first moto each week with arm pump, but that was a lot better today and I ended up the day on a high note.“
Ben Watson
Super Final
Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) 31:42.672
Ben Watson (Kawasaki) 31:45.108
Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 31:45.976
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Matt Moss dominates Arenacross Round 2
Matt Moss has extended his lead at Swan Hill Arenacross Round 2, this time taking a clean sweep of all three races to claim 75-points, which he adds to his tally of 72-points from Round 1. As at the earlier round, Brett Metcalfe proved his closest competitor, with Joben Baldwin wrapping up the top-three in the AX1 Expert class.
Matt Moss topped the Arenacross Round 2 podium ahead of Metcalfe and Baldwin – Image Instagram (Matt Moss)
Race 1 saw Moss claim the win from Metcalfe by 0.452s, with Baldwin a more distance third, with the rest of the field at least a lap in arrears. Race 2 saw an even more dominant performance from Moss, this time winning from Metcalfe by 6.289s, while Baldwin closed down the gap to the leaders to 27s. Race 3 was Moss’s third win of the night, this time leading Metcalfe over the line by 2.373s, while third placed Baldwin was 38s off the lead.
The AX1 Expert results for Round 2 saw Moss leave with 75-points, Metcalfe on 66, and Baldwin on 60. Completing the top five was Elijah Wiese (52-points) and Cory Watts (50).
Blake Fox topped the AX2 Expert class meanwhile, with three wins from three races, ahead of a consistent Liam Andrews (66-points) and Wilson Greiner-Daish (60), who took second and third in each race respectively. Mackenzie O’Bree (54) and Caleb Goullet (43) completed the top five for the event.
In the AX Vets class we saw another sweep, by Brad Kennedy, winning all three races from Kane Scanlan who ran 2-2-2. Michael Dorman was third on 52-points, finishing 3-4-5, for a two-point buffer over Jacob Dimsmey whose seventh place finish in Race 1 meant third in races two and three wasn’t enough for the round podium. Michael Anthony completed the top five, racing 5-5-4.
AX1 Expert results
Pos
Competitor
Total
R1
R2
R3
1
Matt Moss
75
25
25
25
2
Brett Metcalfe
66
22
22
22
3
Joben Baldwin
60
20
20
20
4
Elijah Wiese
52
18
18
16
5
Cory Watts
50
16
16
18
6
Allister Kent
35
14
13
8
7
Jack Pengelly
32
12
9
11
8
Max Closter
32
13
12
7
9
Rielly Lynch
31
6
11
14
10
Scott O’Connor
31
9
10
12
AX2 Expert results
Pos
Competitor
Total
R1
R2
R3
1
Blake Fox
75
25
25
25
2
Liam Andrews
66
22
22
22
3
Wilson Greiner-Daish
60
20
20
20
4
Mackenzie O’Bree
54
18
18
18
5
Caleb Goullet
43
15
12
16
6
Ashley O’Meley
41
13
13
15
7
Brock Ninness
41
16
15
10
8
Kallam Orchard
36
12
11
13
9
Troy Mora
35
14
9
12
10
Jake Robb
31
10
10
11
11
Royce Anell
28
–
14
14
12
Taylor Thompson
27
11
16
–
AX Vets results
Pos
Competitor
Total
R1
R2
R3
1
Brad Kennedy
75
25
25
25
2
Kane Scanlan
66
22
22
22
3
Michael Dorman
54
20
18
16
4
Jacob Dumsmey
52
12
20
20
5
Michael Anthony
50
16
16
18
6
Kane McQuarrie
45
15
15
15
7
Salvatore Germano
40
14
13
13
8
Daniel Phillips
39
13
14
12
9
Jason Skiel
37
11
12
14
10
Camron Robertson
31
9
11
11
11
darcy Lewis
30
10
10
10
12
Craig Rutherford
18
18
–
–
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King of MX qualifiers run in Hastings Valley and Leeton
King of MX qualifiers have run over the weekend, in Hastings Valley and Leefton, giving riders an opportunity to win a golden ticket to the main vent which will be held in Wagga Wagga, over the June long weekend.
There’ll be three more qualifiers offering opportunities into the main event, at Clarence, Moree and Appin, with King of MX encouraging riders to get their entries in early.
Korey McMahon swept the Hasting Valley results in the MX1 A-Grade class, ahead of Joel Evans and Zhane Dunlop, with Geoff Wallance, Nic Frayne and Colby Campbell running fourth through sixth respectively.
Brandon Steel topped the MX2 A-Grade category, ahead of Zac Zadravec and Korey McMahon, while the MX3 class saw Connor Towill the top performer, sweeping all three races ahead of Hunter Collins and Rory Fairbrother.
The MX Store Cup saw Matthew Prott take the win, from Brad Mercer and Christian Giudice, while Sienna Giudice topped the MXW, and Andrew Meldrum was top Vet.
At Leeton we saw James Davison top the MX1 A-Grade from David Thynne, with Davison also topping the MX2. Liam Jackson took a three-point victory after three races in the MX3, from Byron Dennis and Angus Pearce in third.
Matthew Kehlet swept the Vets class with three wins from Daniel Darby and Adam Beck, while Keira Collins was top MXW competitor, from Samantha McAurthur and Julie Collins.
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Alex Adamson wins Victorian 250 cc Speedway Solo Championship at Mildura
Alex Adamson has wrapped up the Victorian 250 cc Speedway Solo Championship title in Mildura over the weekend, taking the Final win from Noah Grabham after a night of close racing, with Brock White third and Ash Jansen fourth.
Sam Masters meanwhile won the Jason Lyons Solo Trophy 500 cc Final.
Standing Construct Husqvarna set for MXGP 2022
Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing will represent the brand in the MXGP World Championship in 2022, with Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers competing aboard proven FC 450 machinery.
Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing – Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers
The team looks to build upon its highly positive 2021 term in the MXGP World Championship which brought multiple podiums and top-five results for both riders.
Pauls Jonass
“We’re not far away from the new season which is really exciting and moving over to race on Husqvarna machinery again, I really feel that 2022 will be a great season for myself and the whole team. Being able to stay with the Standing Construct team is perfect for me as we put in a lot of hard work before last season, and I know that this will give us a solid foundation going into 2022. We have goals to achieve together and I think that what we have built up over the last year will make a big difference this year. This off season has been really short and a lot of hard work has been done in preparation for the first round. With the team we have been really busy adjusting to the new bike and so far, everything has been positive and I felt comfortable on the FC 450 right away. Overall, I’m super excited for 2022 and I can’t wait to get started.”
Pauls Jonass
Brian Bogers
“I’m really excited for the new season. The move over to Husqvarna machinery has not been a big change and the Standing Construct Husqvarna team has provided me with an amazing bike, just like they did last year. We’re going back to a two-day format for GP weekends in 2022 which is another positive change for me as there will be a lot more track time to really dial in the bike for each round. It’s not too long until the new season starts and I’m really excited for round one at Matterley Basin. The Standing Construct team is amazing and feels like a family to me, so this will for sure help me to achieve my goals. In 2021 I claimed many top-five results so my goal for 2022 will be to be up front and inside the top five more consistently. With this team and my new bike I’ve no doubt that I can achieve this.”
Brian Bogers
Tim Mathys – Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager
“We are really proud that we have the confidence of Husqvarna Motorcycles to officially represent the brand in MXGP. As they are one of the pioneers of offroad bikes with such a great history and reputation, it’s a really exciting new chapter for the team. We have enjoyed a great two years running the GASGAS program in MXGP and I think we did a good job with winning an MXGP round and getting several podiums, but now being responsible to represent Husqvarna in the biggest motocross championship in the world is another huge honour. With Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers, we have two riders who have proven to be able to ride inside top five in MXGP, and with their age I think the extra experience from the past season will make them even stronger in 2022. Both riders feel very comfortable within the team and we are very happy with their professionalism, so that’s a good base to keep working from. We will keep the same crew for the new season. Everyone is very experienced, and they have all been working together for many years. With Wim van Hoof overseeing the team I am convinced we have one of the most capable teams in the paddock so I look forward to 2022 with lots of confidence.”
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Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP teams break cover
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are revved up and ready to get the new season underway. Back with a familiar yet strong line-up in 2022, both teams are looking fit, fast and motivated for the new MXGP season, which will kick off at the spectacular Matterley Basin venue in Winchester, England, next weekend.
Reigning MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux has moved up from the 250cc class, MX2, to the 450cc class, MXGP. The 21-year-old ‘Power Rookie’ was drafted into the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team at the end of 2021 and is poised to race a YZ450FM inside the premier class alongside his new teammates Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 line-up
Last year was one for the history books for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team, as they enter their 25th year in blue this season. The team won their first-ever MX2 World Championship with Maxime Renaux in 2021 and became the first-ever Yamaha team to secure the gold and silver medals inside the MX2 World Championship in the same season. As a result, Yamaha also successfully defended the Manufacturers’ world title.
Back for more in 2022, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team has retained its young stars Jago Geerts and Thibault Benistant.
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All ProMX events officially on hold due to national restrictions
The ProMX Management Team has today stated that all remaining ProMX events scheduled are currently on hold due to the current national landscape around COVID-19 State Border Restrictions.
The ProMX Management has added they will continue to work tirelessly on plans to ensure that the remaining rounds of the Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores are run as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. More information will be released to competitors, teams and fans in the coming weeks outlining the remaining rounds of the Championship.
ProMX Management acknowledged how difficult this period is for teams, competitors, and host clubs, thanking them for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.
2021 ProMX Championship on hold due to Covid – Image by RBMotoLens
2021 Penrite ProMX Championship Calendar
Round
Date
Location
Status
Round 5
25-Jul
Wodonga, VIC
Postponed/On Hold
Round 6
8-Aug
QMP, QLD
Postponed/On Hold
Round 7 & 8
14-15 August
Coolum, QLD
Postponed/On Hold
Round 9 & 10
4-5 September
Gillman, SA
Postponed/On Hold
Vegas to Reno
Ricky Brabec has finished runner up at the 2021 running of the Vegas to Reno event, with the Dalton Shirey and Jacob Argubright duo taking top honours as a team in the longest one-day off-road race held in the United States.
Ricky Brabec – 2021 Vegas to Reno
The 800-kilometre race, which kicked off near bustling Las Vegas, covered part of Nevada’s wild west, passing through mining towns such as Goldfield, Tonopah and Mina before crossing the finish line in Carson City. The race served as a fine day for training and preparation in the build-up to the forthcoming 2022 Dakar Rally.
Ricky Brabec – 2021 Vegas to Reno
Although Ricky had previously won the Vegas to Reno on three occasions, this edition of the arduous race proved to be a hazard-filled slog, as Johnny Campbell – organiser of the team’s logistics – accurately pointed out.
Ricky, who completed the course in less than eight hours, kept up a swift pace in spite of a minor crash early in the competition, with no serious physical consequences, but enough to merit two unplanned stops for the Monster Energy Honda Team rider.
Ricky Brabec – 2021 Vegas to Reno
This effectively ruled out any chances for Brabec – riding the entire race aboard the Honda CRF450 RALLY alone – of challenging for the top spot.
Ricky Brabec – P2
“It was a tough race this year in the Las Vegas to Reno. I got away from a good second-placed starting position, but I hit a rock early on and it caused a lot of pain in my foot throughout the rally. I pushed hard the whole race, but I crashed once and had to change the wheel towards the end. I kept my team busy, who supported me through the unexpected setbacks. Congratulations to Dalton and Jake, who rode well. Thanks to the JCR team, Honda, HRC and Monster Energy for their support – I’ll be back next year to reclaim the number 1!”
Ricky Brabec – 2021 Vegas to Reno
2021 Vegas to Reno Rally Results
Pos
Rider
Man
Time
1
Shirey/Argubright
Husqvarna
7:44’10
2
Ricky Brabec
Honda
7:53’53
3
Hintz/Hunter
KTM
8:03’26
4
Zane Roberts
Beta
8:07’45
5
Jeff Trulove
KTM
8:12’31
6
Joseph Wasson
Beta
8:19’35
7
Gregory Pheasant
Honda
8:36’17
8
Jim Herrero
Yamaha
8:45’13
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2021 AJMX latest victim of Covid with postponement
The Rockhampton and District Motocross Club in consultation with Motorcycling Australia, have made the tough decision to postpone the 2021 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championships (AJMX) due to COVID-19 pandemic impacting Australia.
2019 KTM AJMX – Image by Aaryn Minerds
The Rockhampton and District Motocross Club have put in significant work in recent months to ensure the Championship could go ahead, however with current State Government border restrictions and lockdowns across the nation it is not currently possible to hold the Championships which were to be held at Rockhampton, September 28-October 2.
The event sees the best junior racers from across the country attend the five-day Championships, but the safety of competitors, families, teams, and officials are paramount. The Rockhampton and District Motocross Club thanked riders, families, and event sponsors for their understanding.
The Rockhampton and District Motocross Club is monitoring and evaluating the evolving State border restrictions in an attempt to reschedule the Championship with an announcement to follow in the coming weeks.
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Higlett set for AORC return on Beta 430
ISDE Winner and former Australian Off-Road Championship Champion Fraser Higlett will return to AORC aboard his new red beast, the Beta 430 when racing gets back on track.
The 21-year-old Queenslander, who finished third in the E3 class last year is chomping at the bit to get back racing in the national Championship.
Fraser Higlett with his Beta 430
The dream team of Beta and Higlett came together after John Hafey, who previously worked at Husqvarna moved to Beta Motors Australia as the National Sales and Marketing Manager.
Fraser Higlett
“We’ve been together since I started racing and he moved to Beta and the opportunity came up to start a racing team with Beta in Australia, and we made it happen. The bike is awesome I honestly can’t fault anything about it. The thing is unreal. Dead set, I hopped on it with full stock suspension, and I felt comfortable straight away. I’ve never been able to do that straight away on a new bike.”
Higlett has spent the past few months training hard and competing in his state off road series, but it is the AORC where he wants to rumble. He missed the first two rounds of the Championship earlier this year, but is determined to make an impact when the Championship resumes.
Fraser Higlett racing in the QORC
“This year I will be competing in the E2 class on the 430 Beta. I’ve just always sort of liked the 430 in the class which seems to be the obvious choice. The E2 class is a really competitive class in the AORC and we will see where we end up. It’s the first year on a Beta so we are not expecting massive things, but I personally feel there is a lot of potential this year and hopefully we can get on the podium in the AORC E2 class. That would be the ideal goal. Top three in E2 would be an awesome thing for me in the first year on the Beta, that’s what I’m aiming for. We just need this COVID to go away… I’d like to compete in the ISDE again. Beta is a really close-knit supportive family environment and I hope there is an opportunity to go overseas. But first I want to see how I go in Australia and then see what opportunities are available.”
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36 champs crowned at AMA Amateur National MX Championship
The Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship held Aug. 2-7, saw hundreds of the USA’s top motocross racers descend on the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., and when the dust cleared, 33 riders claimed AMA No. 1 plates in 36 classes.
Levi Kitchen
Among them was Yamaha rider Levi Kitchen, who earned AMA championships in 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport, one of the most competitive classes at this year’s event, as well as winning the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, which is presented annually to the amateur motocross racer with the most promising professional career.
Here’s the full list of winners and their score-cards.
Open Pro Sport: Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (3-1-1)
250 Pro Sport: Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (3-1-2)
Mini Sr. 1 (12-14): Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki (3-2-2)
Mini Sr. 2 (13-15): Thomas Wood, Cairo, Ga., KTM (1-2-1)
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Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing re-signs Jeremy Martin
Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. has confirmed that Jeremy Martin will return with the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team for the 2022 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season.
Jeremy Martin winning in Washougal
The two-time 250MX Champion returned to the team this season and has shown strength as a title contender and a lot of perseverance coming back from injuries. He boasts back-to-back overall victories in the 250 class and looks to keep building on his success with the team.
Jeremy Martin – Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing
“I’m really excited to be back with Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing for 2022. I haven’t had the year I was hoping for, so I’m very grateful to do what I love and have another opportunity to race my butt off for some championships next year. The team and I have had a lot of success together over the years, and we look to build on that.”
2021 Australian Senior Track championship moved to Queensland, October 2-3
Due to COVID-19 State border restrictions the 2021 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships have been moved to the weekend of October 2 and 3, at Mick Doohan Raceway, Banyo, Queensland.
2019 Australian Senior Track Championships
The Championship were scheduled for September 4 and 5, however due to extended State lockdowns and border restrictions the event has now been moved. The North Brisbane Junior MCC will host the Championships with a full fields of 10 Championship classes expected following the success of the Track Championships held at Tamworth, NSW earlier this year.
Classes of competition will include:
Pro 250 100cc to 150cc 2-stroke & 200cc to 250cc 4-stroke (MX)
Pro 450 250cc 2-stroke & 450cc 4-stroke (MX)
MX Open 500cc 2-stroke & Over 300cc 4-stroke (MX)
250cc Slider Up to 250cc
500cc Slider Up to 500cc
Slider Open Unlimited 460cc and over
Pro Open Women Unlimited (MX)
Sidecar Up to 1100cc
ATV Open Up to 550cc 2-stroke & 700cc 4-stroke
ATV Open Women Up to 550cc 2-stroke & 700cc 4-stroke
Jarred Brook who earlier this year had success at Tamworth will be hoping to repeat his 2019 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships results (the last time the Championship was held) where he swept the competition in the MX Open, Pro 450 and Pro Open classes.
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2021 Australian Junior Track joins Covid postponements
The Gunnedah Motorcycle Club have been forced to postpone the 2021 Australian Junior Track Championship due to COVID-19 border closures and restrictions.
Australian Junior Track Championship
The championship was slated to be held September 17 and 18, however with current border restrictions and their impact on riders and family’s ability to attend the Championship, the tough decision has been made to postpone the two-day championship. The Gunnedah Motorcycle Club and Motorcycling Australia are currently working together to find an alternative date to allow the Championship to run, with further information to follow in the next week.
2021 Australian Trial Championship postponed
Due to the COVID-19 border restrictions and State lockdowns the 2021 Australian Trial Championship, which were to be held in Queensland, October 2-3 at the Western District Trials Club, have been postponed.
Australian Trial Championship
With nation-wide State border restrictions and lockdowns continuing the Western District Trials Club, for the health and safety of competitors and officials, have decided to postpone the Championship. An alternative date is being sought.
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Barcia and Mosiman miss Unadilla due to injuries
GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia did not line up at the Unadilla MX National laast weekend after suffering a big practice crash during the recent break from racing. His 250MX teammate, Michael Mosiman, also endured a practice crash during the time off and will joined Barcia on the sidelines.
Barcia, Round 6 overall winner in the 450MX class, suffered a pretty big crash last week during a routine practice session. After consulting with his doctor, the New York native took the rest of this week off and will be re-assessing for future races.
Justin Barcia
“I’m definitely disappointed to say I won’t be heading to Unadilla this weekend – I’m a New York guy and it’s one of my favorite races – but I want to make sure I’m going there to win and if I’m not able to do that, I need to take my time and get back to 100%. I’m definitely going to miss the whole team there, all the supportive fans and of course being on the gate and racing for those wins but I’ll see everyone very soon.”
Barcia celebrating winning Round 6 prior to his injury
As for Mosiman, the 250MX class front-runner experienced a separate practice crash while preparing for the Unadilla National. Despite being pretty banged up, Mosiman hopes to return to racing at Budds Creek for Round 9.
Michael Mosiman
“I am super bummed that I’m not going to be able to race Unadilla, I was looking forward to it and felt really good. I feel like I’ve got a lot of momentum at my back right now but I’m going to take the time to heal up 100% and be right so I can race at the front of the pack. I’ve already missed a race and I’m out for the championship so it’s better for me to race at 100% than to go and try to salvage at less than that. We’ll come back stronger hopefully very soon.”
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Zmarzlik makes the Swedish SGP win number four in 2021
World champion Bartosz Zmarzlik overcome his early setup struggles to claim his fourth FIM Speedway Grand Prix win of 2021 at the Swedish SGP in Malilla on Saturday. The Pole collected five race points in his opening four heats to leave himself at risk of a disastrous exit before the semi-finals.
But Zmarzlik won his final heat, his semi and then the final, which saw him defeat Artem Laguta and home hero Fredrik Lindgren to top the podium and extend his SGP World Championship advantage over Laguta to three-points.
Riders were forced to get to grips with changing track conditions following heavy rain in the afternoon. Zmarzlik admits he and his team worked hard in the pits to perfect their bike setup, and he was delighted to get it right when it mattered most to follow up his Malilla triumph in 2017.
Bartosz Zmarzlik
“I am very happy because it was the second time I have won in Malilla. For me it is unbelievable. I love racing here. The start of the meeting was not so easy for me. It was very hard to find the setups. In every ride, I changed something – the ignition, jets and sprockets; every time it was different. I feel for my fifth race it was a little bit better. I changed it for the semi-final and had good speed. Before the final, I changed it again, but only a little bit. Then it was good. But I am very happy with today’s result – I won and I did everything I could. Again it was a good night, but now I am focused on the next round. Keep your fingers crossed for Togliatti and I will see you soon.”
Bartosz Zmarzlik tops the Swedish SGP podium from Artem Laguta and Fredrik Lindgren
Zmarzlik will be keen to continue his incredible form at the Togliatti SGP on August 28, but his nearest rival Laguta will also have his sights set on a big night in his home country.
The Russian-born rider topped the heat score chart with 14 race points tonight, but Zmarzlik got the better of him when it mattered most in the final to take 20 championship points, leaving Laguta with 18. Zmarzlik leads the standings on 121, with Laguta close behind on 118. The world #7 was still pleased with his night in Sweden, though.
Artem Laguta
“It’s an absolutely great feeling to be in the top three and drinking the champagne – it’s something special. I am very happy about that. It was a tough competition and I knew it was going to be very tough in Malilla. After the first race, we swapped the bike and that was a good choice. We worked hard to get the best speed from the bike. The whole team put a lot of effort in and the bike was working very well. Bartek and I are so very close and we know it’s going to be a fight until the end. There is no room for mistakes. I will be focused with the whole team to score as many points as we can, to get the best speed from the bikes and to get to finals. That’s the major thing. Thank you to my team and my sponsors. I am very happy and I will see you in Togliatti!”
Third-placed Lindgren was content with his night, but admits top two Zmarzlik and Laguta have too much speed for the competition currently.
Fredrik Lindgren – P3
“I feel pretty good. I think I executed this meeting really well. I was feeling fast all night. It was just a shame I couldn’t make it happen in the final. Again, Zmarzlik and Artem Laguta were too strong. Congratulations to both of them. They are one step ahead of the rest of us at the moment. I finished in third place, but overall I am very happy. I wish I could have won. It didn’t happen this time. But I thought I rode really well in pretty tough conditions early on after the rain.”
Over $8 million in contingency committed to 2021 Lucas Oil Pro MX
With a month remaining until the start of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, MX Sports Pro Racing has announced a record sum of manufacturer contingency support for the upcoming season. With the addition of American motocross’ seventh competing manufacturer, GASGAS, more than $8.3 million will be up for grabs for competitors over the course of the 12-round season.
2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Davey Coombs – Vice President of MX Sports Pro Racing
“With a record amount of contingency support and the expansion of our field of competing manufacturers, it’s an exciting time in American motocross as we prepare for a new season. In the face of an extremely challenging past year our manufacturers have doubled down on their commitment to the sport, which will only serve to benefit the hundreds of competitors that will line up on the gate this summer. Manufacturers play arguably the most important role in elevating the global impact of not only our championship, but off-road motorcycling as a whole, and they continue to serve as invaluable partners in the ongoing legacy of American motocross.”
The 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is anchored by the factory supported efforts of GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha.
For GASGAS, the Spanish manufacturer that became an icon in motorcycle trials competition, its historic series debut will be spearheaded by the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS lineup of Justin Barcia in the 450 Class, along with Pierce Brown and Michael Mosiman in the 250 Class. GASGAS will become the 27th different manufacturer to contest the off-road motorcycle racing series.
2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
The 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will once again consist of a 12-round schedule, beginning on Memorial Day Weekend with the season-opening Fox Raceway I National on May 29 from Southern California’s Fox Raceway.
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2021 AORC to broadcast on SBS on May 9
The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, (AORC) will make its historical TV debut with broadcast partner – SBS Australia – May 9, from 1.30-2.30pm.
The hour-long feature brings the racing action from the opening rounds of the 2021 AORC, held at Golden Beach, Victoria, straight into the lounge rooms of race fans around the country for the first time ever, showcasing the gruelling nature, triumphs, and challenges of the championship. Hosted by Kate Peck, renowned motorsport journalist and self-confessed ‘motorbike addict’, Peck joined the Golden Beach paddock to capture the ups and downs of the season’s opening races firsthand.
2021 AORC to broadcast on SBS on May 9
Dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of the AORC athletes with never-before-seen access, and watch the marquee rivalries of the championship unfold, pitting machine against machine and rider against rider in the fierce race for glory.
After the premiere, the AORC TV show will be available to view via the SBS on Demand Channel. Tune in on SBS from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, May 9, to be amongst the first to witness AORC in all its glory .
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Hard Enduro heads to Portugal for the Extreme XL Lagares
The wait is almost over, with just one week to go all roads lead to the inaugural round of the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal.
Overcoming the restrictions of the ongoing Covid pandemic, the world’s best Hard Enduro athletes, together with a wealth of amateur and hobby riders, will compete for pride and glory across three demanding days of competition.
In a change to previous editions of Extreme XL Lagares due to public restrictions, the FIM World Championship category will compete in three events over two days with an Endurocross race and mountain time-trial Prologue on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s Main Race.
Non-championship riders will take to the Endurocross track on Friday, followed by the Saturday Prologue and join the World Championship competitors on the start line for Sunday’s action.
As the 2019 WESS Champion and 2020 Red Bull Romaniacs winner, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manual Lettenbichler naturally starts as one of the favourites for the top step of the podium. But despite previous podium results in Portugal, Lettenbichler has yet to truly master the rigorous rocks the region is famed for, so will 2021 be his year to triumph?
Sherco Factory Racing will be a formidable force this season, their sights very much set on success. In 2019 Mario Roman stole the show with a phenomenal ride to victory. Demonstrating a perfect mix of speed and technical ability, the Spaniard turned up the heat in the closing stages to win and will be aiming high again this year. Teammate Wade Young is a past winner of the race, in 2017, and finished as runner-up in 2019. A fan of the terrain, he’ll also be pushing for nothing less than victory too.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing boast a trio of Hard Enduro talent. Billy Bolt, Alfredo Gomez and Hard Enduro legend Graham Jarvis have all won in Portugal before, with Jarvis holding the all-time win record over Gomez. The potential for a podium-sweep can’t be ruled out with these guys.
Jonny Walker will make one of the most anticipated team debuts in Portugal with Vision Track Beta. After a decade on KTM machinery, Walker made a jump to Beta Motorcycles during the winter and Extreme XL Lagares will be his first serious outing in new colours. Vastly experienced and hungry to impress, Walker is an obvious threat for podium honours.
GASGAS Factory Racing debut their two-rider outfit of Taddy Blazusiak and Michael Walkner. A true mix of experience and youth, Blazusiak will come out swinging while Walkner is keen to demonstrate that he is a young talent to watch out for.
Trece Racing Society will be a new crew to keep an eye on as Pol Tarres rolls out on Yamaha machinery for the first time in Hard Enduro. The Spaniard’s ability on a bike knows no bounds and he’s excited to show what his Yamaha is capable of when the going gets tough.
Changing colours for 2021, TTR Squadra Corse field a three-rider team of Travis Teasdale, Kevin Gallas and Azzalini Alessandro on GASGAS machinery and will be a privateer force to be reckoned with among the factory outfits.
Jarvis Husqvarna Racing – managed by Graham Jarvis – is also a new team to watch for in 2021. The team’s five riders include Bulgaria’s Teodor Kabakchiev and Britain’s Will Hoare, Jonathan Richardson, Sam Winterburn and Grant Churchward. Featuring a real mix of raw, young talent under the guidance of Graham, expect fireworks!
Add in a wealth of youngsters like Israel’s Suff Sella, Russia’s David Leonov, Germany’s Tim Apolle and Leon Hentschel plus South Africa’s Matt Green who have all signed up, and the countdown is firmly on to round one in Portugal.
In keeping with strict government Covid guidelines, coronavirus testing facilities will be available on site. Competitors will also be able to take a test before returning home. Spectator attendance is not permitted.
The opening round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship takes place at Extreme XL Lagares, Portugal on May 7-9.
FIM World Championship schedule
6 May
09:00 – 24:00: Technical and documental verifications. Covid Testing
12:00 – 24:00 – Bikes in Parc Ferme
8 May
08.00 – 12.00: Endurocross
16.00 – 18.00: Prologue
9 May
10.00: Main Race Start
17.30: Podium
Amateur Class schedule
6 May
09:00 – 24:00: Technical and documental verifications. Covid Testing
12:00 – 24:00 – Bikes in Parc Ferme
7 May
09.00 – 17.00: Endurocross
8 May
14.00 – 16.00: Prologue
9 May
10.00: Main Race Start
17.00: Podium
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Jonny Walker talks to switch to Beta for Hard Enduro
The biggest off-season rider team switch unquestionably came from Jonny Walker. After almost a decade with KTM, he shocked the Hard Enduro world with his change to Beta machinery.
Putting together his own team during the winter months, Vision Track Beta came to life. In what is sure to be the biggest test of his career, Jonny’s performance at round one – next week’s Extreme XL Lagares – will tell Jonny, his competitors, and the wider audience if the move was a successful one.
Jonny Walker
But, if one thing is certain, it’s clear that when Jonny’s got a spring back in his step, he’s a ferociously fast and competitive Hard Enduro racer…
With the opening round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship nearly here, have all the pieces of the puzzle, the building of Vision Track Beta, come together?
Jonny Walker: “I think we’re there now with everything. As ready as we can be for round one. All the brands and partners I’ve spoken with have come onboard to support me. We’ve put a lot of testing in and plenty of track laps. I’d like to have done a couple more races, but it’s not been possible. I’m just looking forward to getting started now.”
Has building your own team been a challenging and enjoyable process?
“Yes! I’ve always raced for a factory team, so as a professional rider I’ve never really seen it from the other side. The factory life is an ‘arrive and race’ sort of thing, but now I’m more hands on. I’ve total say in what I’m doing and the products I’m using on my bike. I’ve enjoyed the process of speaking with companies and brands directly too. There’s been lots of phone calls, lots of emailing, but it’s come together really well.”
You won the Endurocross race at Extreme XL Lagares in 2019. It would be pretty cool if you could win it again, first time out on the Beta!
“Yeah, that would be cool, but being successful in the main event is the priority. I do enjoy the multi-race format aspect of Extreme XL Lagares though. If you can win an individual event, it gives good exposure. It would be awesome to put Beta on the top step of the podium and a great way to start off the weekend!”
Jonny Walker
Unfortunately, there is no city prologue in Porto this year. That must be a bit of a relief after taking a swim there in 2019! But in all seriousness, will you miss that part of race?
“Yes, it is a shame not to have the prologue in Porto this year, but understandable too. It’s super cool and not just a highlight of Extreme XL Lagares, but of our sport because it’s so unique. I think my mechanic is the most relieved about it not taking place this year. He can stop googling ‘how to waterproof a 2-stroke!’. Like everyone, I hope the city prologue will be back for 2022.”
Looking ahead to the entire season, what races will play to your strengths?
“There’s been a lot of changes this offseason and so naturally Extreme XL Lagares is the biggest test to see how things have come together. Once those round one nerves and jitters are out of the way and we’re up and racing, I’ll settle into it better. Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs are big favourites for me. I’m looking forward to them.”
Is it good to finally have an FIM Hard Enduro World Championship to race for, a series that brings all the iconic races together?
“It’s cool to be under the FIM umbrella. Hard Enduro is such a big scene now, so it’s good to be properly recognised with every other motorcycle championship out there. But Hard Enduro is different too. It’s special, unique and successful because amateur and hobby riders are such a big part of what we do. We’re all in it together, if you know what I mean. That’s why it’s become so popular. So as long as that element remains unchanged – it doesn’t become too elite, the tracks stay as they are, and the atmosphere stays cool – then who knows how much bigger things will get!”
Jonny Walker
Past form shows you know how to race for a championship title – leading WESS in 2018 and third in 2019. What is the key to maintaining that sort of consistency across a full season?
“Trying to be at the sharp end of the results every time you race is key for sure. As a rider I feel like I’ve got a strong all-round skill set. My speed is good and I’ve been trying to improve on the technical side of my riding as this championship is 100 per cent Hard Enduro focused. The goal is to win the title and become world champion. That’s what I’d love to do and what I’m aiming for. I feel like we can do it too if everything goes well and we get a little bit of luck along the way.”
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Skyler Howes joins Husqvarna Factory Racing from 2021
Skyler Howes has signed to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team for a three-year contract. The 29-year-old will first compete on Husqvarna machinery at the Sonora Rally in Mexico in early May, before lining up at round one of the 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – the Rally Kazakhstan – in June.
Skyler Howes joins Husqvarna Factory Racing
Born in California, Howes grew up competing off-road, specifically desert racing, before turning his hand to rally in 2018. Contesting the Dakar Rally for the first time in 2019, the American admits he underestimated the iconic event, and despite showing great pace on the tough terrain he was forced to retire after dislocating his shoulder. Exceptional rides in both the 2020 and 2021 races saw the Utah resident finish inside the top 10 and as leading privateer – the highlight being an impressive fifth overall at this year’s event.
Now, looking ahead to the 2021 season, Howes will compete in a number of local North American races before focusing on the full FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. Although he has some experience racing world championship events having previously competed in Morocco, Skyler plans on using the 2021 season to build his pace and experience on the varied terrain he’ll experience at each of the six championship races, while getting up to speed on his FR 450 Rally machine.
Skyler Howes
Howes and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team’s first FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship outing will be the Rally Kazakhstan on June 7-13.
Skyler Howes
“I am so excited to have signed for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team – it is something I have worked hard my whole life for. I started riding when I was just three years old and have raced offroad my entire life. I have only been racing rally for the past three years, and in order to be able to compete in the Dakar this year I had to sell everything I owned. I raced the Dakar for the first time in 2019, in Peru, and I have to be honest, it was a huge wake-up call. In 2020, I was able to sort a ride and, despite losing some time through the event, I was able to finish inside the top-10 and as top privateer. For this year it was a struggle financially to get to the start, but I knew I was capable of a really good result – I finished fifth, and as top privateer once again. Thankfully, my result got the attention of the factory teams and now it’s a dream come true to sign for Husqvarna Motorcycles – they have one of the best structures and set-ups in the paddock. One of the biggest things for me is the fact that I can now concentrate on my training 100 percent and hopefully take my riding and results to the next level. The goal for this year is to take in the world championship rounds and get as much experience as possible before January next year where the aim is to go on to challenge for the Dakar podium.”
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Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP & MX2 teams break cover
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP & MX2 teams are looking fast and motivated as they set their sights on the first FIM Motocross World Championship gate-drop of the new season.
The team will line up with three popular names inside the premier class, MXGP. Jeremy Seewer will remain on the team for a third consecutive season (fourth with Yamaha) and will be joined under the awning by hot new recruits, Glenn Coldenhoff and Ben Watson.
Spearheading the outfit in 2021, five times silver medallist Seewer hopes to steer his YZ450FM to the top step of the podium.
Jeremy Seewer
“I’ve finished second in the world five times, two times in MX2, two times in MXGP and one time at the Junior World Championships and these are not bad stats, you know, but of course I want to win, and yes, I think I can! Usually, we race in 19 different countries and on different tracks, sand, hardpack, hot, cold, winter, summer, you know, so it’s such an open book. It just takes a lot, a lot, a lot and at the base, I think it’s hard work from everybody.”
Glenn Coldenhoff
“Yeah, I think there’s a lot of hard work, not only for myself, but I also think from the whole team. I think I was ready for a big change this year, which I actually did, and I really feel good already within the team. I feel like I have really good people around me, and the goal will always be to get the world title.”
While his teammates strive for more race and Grand Prix wins, 23-year-old rookie Ben Watson hopes to soak up their knowledge and experience as he gets set to get his feet wet.
Ben Watson
“For me it’s a really big opportunity, to join the Yamaha Factory MXGP team, and something I’m really grateful for because obviously the beginning of the season in MX2 last year, it wasn’t going really the way I wanted and the opportunities to show myself were coming less and less. Fortunately, at the end of the season I found myself and started to ride how I know I can, so it was definitely my time to take this step to the 450.”
Yamaha has a strong strategy to develop the next generation of MXGP champions from within its own ranks, and as Watson progresses up the Yamaha Racing pyramid, so too will young Yamaha stars Maxime Renaux and Thibault Benistant as they join title favourite Jago Geerts inside the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team for 2021.
Maxime Renaux
“It means a lot to me to become a Yamaha Factory Rider for the MX2 team. For sure, it was a goal. It’s the highest team in the MX2 class that we can have in Yamaha.”
It’s no secret that Yamaha is on the hunt for FIM Motocross World Championship glory as the riders aim to secure the MX2 Championship gold plate while defending Yamaha’s title as the MX2 Manufacturer of the Year.
Jago Geerts
“I will try to fight again for the world title. The benefits of staying in the same team for a couple years is you get to know the people very good and we made really some improvements with the bike this year, for sure suspension wise and setup of the bike… this year I really want to to get back on the top step of the podium. I want more moto wins, more GP wins, and to do better let’s say.”
Meanwhile, Benistant is enjoying the move from the GYTR kitted YZ250F to the fully-fledged Factory YZ250FM. The 18-year-old sets his sights on a promising rookie season.
Thibault Benistant
“Of course everything is a little bit different, the engine, suspension, everything is a little bit more strong and to be a rookie, I think I have a little bit less experience than the more older, but it’s similar because we have almost the same hours on the bike, just not in the same championship, in MX2 I won’t have pressure. I know what I need to do and I’m working for.”
The 2021 FIM Motocross MXGP and MX2 World Championships are expected to kick-off on the 13th of June in Orlyonok, Russia.
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Australian ProMX visits Canberra for Round 2
The 2021 Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores swept into Canberra over the weekend, marking Round Two of the series, with the Thor MX1, Pirelli MX2 and Maxxis MX3 joined by the bLU cRU YZ65 Cup for the first time in 2021.
Luke Clout tops the Australian ProMX Round 2
The Thor MX1 class saw Luke Clout reign victorious, but Regan Duffy retains the red plate after a consistent performance for third overall, tied on 40-points with Hayden Mellross.
Regan Duffy now leads the Thor MX1 standings on 85-points, to Todd Waters on 78, with Hayden Mellross completing the top-three, a further five-points in arrears. Luke Clout and Kirk Gibbs sit fourth and fifth, with sixth placed Brett Metcalfe tied on points with Gibbs.
Regan Duffy retains the MX1 lead
Todd Waters
“It was an interesting day out there. I qualified well and had a good first race, but the track baked out before the back-to-back races and I struggled with that hard-pack. It was an easy track to throw it away on and, with everyone being so close, I didn’t want that to happen. I rode within my capabilities and I’m happy to walk away with the points today – it’s certainly a lot better than crashing and getting 10ths. We might have lost a few points in the championship, but we’ll go back, regroup and look forward to Gillman.”
Todd Waters
Kirk Gibbs
“I am not there yet; I need to improve in some areas, and we have a plan. We proved today that we can win which is an important positive.”
Brett Metcalfe
“If this is my worst round its ok but I cannot afford another repeat of this weekend. I crashed last week, and I did not have the strength I needed to ride at my best. It was frustrating but we will bounce back for Gilman.”
Brett Metcalfe
Jayden Rykers
“Today was definitely a step forward in comparison to the first round and we took a lot out of this one. We’ve made some changes with the bike to suit me more and they’ve worked, although I’d still like to be up toward the front further! All in all, we had a consistent day and it’s more to build from.”
Pirelli MX2
Kyle Webster was untouchable in the Pirelli MX2 class, adding another two wins to his tally and continuing his winning streak – now four from four for the season. Noah Ferguson was second overall, ahead of Jay Wilson.
Kyle Webster
As a result Webster now sits on 100-points, with Rhys Budd second on 69, and Jesse Dobson is third overall on 67-points, one-point ahead of Jay Wilson.
Kyle Webster
“Being from Western Australia, I am considered more of a sand specialist so in the off-season I focused on improving my hard-pack skills. The team has really been putting in, we have been to Gilman twice in the past few months and I like the track. Whilst I have a decent point’s lead I can’t afford to let up. Gilman will be really important for the team and I am focused on getting maximum points there.”
Jay Wilson
“Today was a step in the right direction for me but there is still a lot of work to be done. At least this weekend I was in the battle and competitive unlike Wonthaggi where I just stunk. There is still more speed to come and some fitness at the end of the motos but things are heading in the right direction and with a four weeks until round three in Adelaide, hopefully I can make another step forward. Thanks to the team for a big effort in the lead up to the round and I’m looking forward to get more work under my belt before Adelaide and getting back to where I belong.”
Rhys Budd
“Overall, I’m pretty happy with how I rode today and race at a speed that would put me inside the top five. On the hand other, I need to put two motos together at each round and get as many points as I can in every race. The sixth place was good and I felt had I been able to get passed the rider in front of me quicker, I may have been able to move further forward. Race two was ugly as I was ran over a few times and ended up with a bike on me in that first turn crash. But I raced all the way to the end and was able to salvage as many points as I can.”
Rhys Budd
Maxxis MX3
Blake Fox went two for two in the Maxxis MX3 class, retaining the standings lead, with Ben Novak second overall and Ryder Kingsford third.
The standings are a similar story but saw a slightly different order, with Fox on 97-points, with Kingsford second and Novak third.
Ben Novak
“Second overall for the day is awesome and it’s a positive step forward. I came into round 1 injured so we have been following a plan which is working. We have spent time at Gilman training and testing. Our bike is working great, and I believe another 4 weeks on the bike will prove invaluable.”
Ben Novak
bLU cRU YZ65 Cup
The early bLU cRU YZ65 Cup leader is Heath Davy, who took the win, but is tied on 47-points with Peter Wolfe.
bLU cRU YZ65 Cup – Heath Davy
Paddy Lewis was third overall and currently sits on 38-points, two ahead of Dejan Sankovic. The overall standings are the same as this was Round 1 of the YZ65 Cup.
Briar Bauman showed just what an American Flat Track Grand National Championship at the peak of his powers is capable of in Friday evening’s Williams Grove Half-Mile I. Bauman flat-out crushed the opposition in a AFT SuperTwins Main Event, which the race’s runner-up accurately described as “demoralizing” while accepting his second-place trophy. The result did not come as much of a shock – it was the third year running Bauman proved his superiority at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT SuperTwins
Championship rival Jared Mees stole the holeshot and led for about two corners before giving way to Bauman at the front. The race for the win was effectively over at that point; Bauman was more than a second out in front with 11 minutes remaining on the clock and worked that advantage up to more than six seconds before cruising to an easy 4.347-second margin of victory.
The aforementioned runner-up was not Mees, however. It was Brandon Robinson, who picked up his second-consecutive second place. Robinson swapped positions early with Mees, Jake Johnson, and Bronson Bauman before breaking free from that fight with a good nine minutes to go. Bronson put in a late charge, first dispatching of Johnson and then overhauling Mees to earn his first podium result of 2020.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT SuperTwins
The slowing Mees managed to outlast a charging Dan Bromley, who registered an inspired ride to sixth in front of his home fans. After running in podium contention early, the out-from-retirement Johnson ultimately lost out to Sammy Halbert late but still managed to pick up a strong seventh place in his first ride of the year.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT SuperTwins podium – 1. Briar Bauman, 2. Brandon Robinson, 3. Bronson Bauman
Bauman’s dominant win combined with Mees’ first non-podium of the year tightened up their title fight. Mees continues to lead, but only by three points (147-144) with another race at Williams Grove coming tomorrow. Halbert and Robinson are even in points at 108.
Pos
Rider
Man.
Gap
1
Briar Bauman
Indian FTR750
30 Laps
2
Brandon Robinson
Indian FTR750
4.347
3
Bronson Bauman
Indian FTR750
7.311
4
Jared Mees
Indian FTR750
8.904
5
Dan Bromley
Indian FTR750
9.836
6
Sammy Halbert
Indian FTR750
10.085
7
Jake Johnson
Indian FTR750
11.276
8
Larry Pegram
Indian FTR750
15.932
9
Jarod Vanderkooi
Harley-Davidson XG750R
16.056
10
Bryan Smith
Harley-Davidson XG750R
16.348
AFT Singles
2019 AFT Singles championship runner-up Mikey Rush finally broke through to claim his first Main Event victory of 2020. It didn’t come easily, as he had to defeat his second-ranked teammate, Dallas Daniels and 2016 GNC2 champ Ryan Wells to make it happen.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT Singles
Rising star Daniels was ahead of the field early, running away at the front as a huge pack ran as many as four-wide while battling over second position. Once some order emerged from the chaos, Wells, Rush, and Morgen Mischler worked together to claw their way back up to Daniels.
By half-distance, Wells was the man on the move and Daniels looked in danger of fading back to the second group. Wells moved into first and promptly ripped open a half-second of padding before Rush stepped up to the challenge and made it a two-way race for the win with one minute to go.
Rush dove under Wells at that point, only to have his opponent square him back up. Undeterred, Rush executed a second overtake and made the position change stick for good as the race went into its final two laps.
Behind, Daniels not only regrouped, he sprinted back up to Wells and powered past him while exiting Turn 2 on the final lap. The Estenson Racing 1-2 marked its second double podium finish of the season. Wells took his first podium of the ‘20 in third, with Mischler taking a close fourth. Volusia Half-Mile winner Max Whale – who was just out of touch of the lead group throughout — completed the top five.
Meanwhile, title leader Henry Wiles suffered through a difficult day. He failed to advance through his Semi and was forced to burn his provisional just to line up for the Main. He then finished 14th, allowing Daniels, Whale, and Rush to gobble up the majority of his hard-earned championship advantage.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT Singles Podium – 1. Michael Rush, 2. Dallas Daniels, 3. Ryan Wells
Wiles still leads, albeit by just five points over Daniels (113-108). Whale (102) and Rush (99) are in position to strike in third and fourth, respectively.
Pos
Rider
Man.
Gap
1
Michael Rush
Yamaha YZ450F
20 Laps
2
Dallas Daniels
Yamaha YZ450F
0.818
3
Ryan Wells
KTM 450 SX-F
1.166
4
Morgen Mischler
KTM 450 SX-F
1.294
5
Max Whale
Kawasaki KX450F
1.704
6
Kevin Stollings
Honda CRF450R
3.023
7
Trevor Brunner
Honda CRF450R
3.193
8
Trent Lowe
Honda CRF450R
5.726
9
Tanner Dean
Honda CRF450R
7.218
10
Chad Cose
Suzuki RMZ 450
9.129
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AFT Production Twins
James Rispoli continued his recent tear, scoring his third AFT Production Twins victory in the class’ most recent four Main Events. “The Rocket” tracked down reigning champion Cory Texter early and the two spent the next several minutes determining who had the superior line around Williams Grove Speedway.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT Production Twins
Texter appeared to have the early advantage running down low, but Rispoli’s high line got progressively stronger as the race developed. With around three minutes remaining on the clock, there was no longer a debate concerning who found the fast way around; Rispoli blasted away at the front and furthered his standing as the championship favorite.
Ryan Varnes not only made up for a less-than-ideal start, he managed to overcome a mid-race encounter with the wall to take the final spot on the box.
Varnes reeled in Indy Mile winner Ben Lowe and the two then engaged in a scrap for third position. With around four minutes remaining, Lowe ran up the inside of Varnes and the ‘19 class runner-up actually impacted the fence in the melee. Varnes somehow managed to remain upright, maintained his composure, ran Lowe back down, and beat him to the flag in the end.
Williams Grove Half-Mile I – AFT Production Twins Podium – 1. James Rispoli, 2. Core Texter, 3. Ryan Varnes
Rispoli’s fellow multinational championship-winning roadracer, Danny Eslick, rounded out the top five. Also of note was Johnny Lewis, who gave Royal Enfield a flat track debut to be proud of, finishing an impressive sixth in the Twins FT’s maiden AFT Main Event.
Royal Enfield American Flat Track Production Twin
Pos
Rider
Man.
Gap
1
James Rispoli
Harley-Davidson XG750R
20 Laps
2
Cory Texter
Yamaha MT-07
2.794
3
Ryan Varnes
Kawasaki Ninja 650
7.443
4
Ben Lowe
Yamaha MT-07
7.577
5
Danny Eslick
Kawasaki Ninja 650
10.253
6
Johnny Lewis
Royal Enfield 650
10.806
7
Nick Armstrong
Yamaha MT-07
15.096
8
Jeremiah Duffy
Kawasaki Ninja 650
18.474
9
Cody Johncox
Yamaha MT-07
21.492
10
Mitch Harvat
Kawasaki Ninja 650
27.324
Williams Grove Half-Mile II
Images by Scott Hunter
If possible, Briar Bauman was even more dominant on Saturday night as he completed his second double victory of the 2020 American Flat Track season at the Williams Grove Half-Mile II and did so with authority. It took Bauman all of two corners to seize control of Friday’s AFT SuperTwins Main Event; he didn’t even need that many second time around. Bauman translated the holeshot into a one-sided, 5.544-second beatdown.
Sammy Halbert was the only rider who could even hope to cling to Bauman wake in the race’s opening stages. Doing so successfully pulled Halbert clear of the rest of the field but that early advantage only delayed the inevitable. Jeffrey Carver Jr. overhauled Halbert with four minutes remaining before shaking free to take the runner-up position by more than two seconds.
Halbert later found himself under assault by Jared Mees, who chased him down in time for a two-lap podium showdown as the clock showed 0:00. Mees slid into third with a tight pass with just over a lap-and-a-half remaining, but Halbert set him up for a last corner counterattack. Those plans, however, were foiled by the unfortunate positioning of some slower riders, allowing Mees to capture third at the checkered flag by 0.078 seconds.
Home-state hero Dan Bromley rounded out his best weekend yet since rejoining the premier class, backing up Friday’s fifth with an identical result on Saturday night.
Bauman’s win pushes him back ahead of Mees in his quest to repeat as Grand National Champion as the season officially reaches its midpoint. Bauman will carry a slim five-point advantage (169-164) into what promises to be an epic four-weekend, eight-race stretch run to the throne.
Pos
Rider
Man.
Gap
1
Briar Bauman
Indian FTR750
30 Laps
2
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
Indian FTR750
5.544
3
Jared Mees
Indian FTR750
7.895
4
Sammy Halbert
Indian FTR750
7.973
5
Dan Bromley
Indian FTR750
9.618
6
Davis Fisher
Indian FTR750
12.713
7
Brandon Price
Indian FTR750
14.42
8
Jake Johnson
Indian FTR750
15.796
9
Dalton Gauthier
Harley-Davidson XG750R
16.581
10
Larry Pegram
Indian FTR750
17.13
AFT SuperTwins Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Briar Bauman
169
2
Jared Mees
164
3
Sammy Halbert
123
4
Brandon Robinson
116
5
Bronson Bauman
101
6
Davis Fisher
92
7
Brandon Price
89
8
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
87
9
Bryan Smith
73
10
Dan Bromley
69
AFT Singles
The AFT Singles Main Event served as a showcase for the sport’s future stars as Dallas Daniels earned a close victory over fellow second-year pro Trent Lowe. Daniels blasted off to the lead at the start and never saw as much as a wheel from a rival throughout the eight-minute (plus two lap) Main.
Williams Grove Half-Mile II – AFT Singles
However, Lowe was right there throughout, primed to capitalize on any mistake. Unfortunately for Lowe, that mistake never came. Still, it was a breakout performance for Lowe, who boasted a pair of fifth-place finishes as his personal bests prior to Saturday’s runner-up ride. Daniels’ third win of the season not only elevates him into the championship lead, it also hands him a relatively healthy 14-point advantage.
Tanner Dean engaged in an extended scrap for third with Morgen Mischler before breaking loose to claim the final spot on the box all by his lonesome. Mischler dropped a couple more positions before it was all over with Kevin Stollings finishing fourth and highly touted rookie Trevor Brunner rounding out the top five.
Williams Grove Half-Mile II – AFT Singles Podium – 1. Dallas Daniels, 2. Trent Lowe, 3. Tanner Dean
Pos
Rider
Man.
Gap
1
Dallas Daniels
Yamaha YZ450F
21 Laps
2
Trent Lowe
Honda CRF450R
0.52
3
Tanner Dean
Honda CRF450R
3.2
4
Kevin Stollings
Honda CRF450R
3.845
5
Trevor Brunner
Honda CRF450R
5.174
6
Morgen Mischler
KTM 450 SX-F
5.232
7
Max Whale
Kawasaki KX450F
6.375
8
Michael Rush
Yamaha YZ450F
7.097
9
Wyatt Anderson
KTM 450 SX-F
7.387
10
Brandon Kitchen
KTM 450 SX-F
8.71
AFT Singles Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Dallas Daniels
133
2
Henry Wiles
119
3
Max Whale
114
4
Michael Rush
110
5
Brandon Kitchen
90
6
Trent Lowe
87
7
Trevor Brunner
76
8
Tanner Dean
74
9
Shayna Texter
73
10
Chad Cose
71
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AFT Production Twins
James Rispoli continued his steamroller act on Saturday night, claiming his fourth win in the last five AFT Production Twins Main Events, and he did so in almost drama-free fashion, going nearly unchallenged in his green light to checkered flag victory.
Williams Grove Half-Mile II – AFT Production Twins
Rispoli and reigning AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter briefly reenacted last night’s high-line/low-line comparo, but within a matter of laps, “the Rocket” was working his way out of reach and to a lopsided victory. Rispoli’s 2.642-second victory increases his championship lead to an imposing 30 points at the season’s halfway point.
Other than a mid-race pass for third by Ryan Varnes over Ben Lowe, the race inside the top five was rather processional… until the very final two corners that is. Varnes slowly closed down on Texter over the Main’s final three minutes and worked his way into position to dive underneath his potential prey just as the two entered Turn 3 for the last time. However, they arrived there alongside a pair of lappers who were embroiled in their battle for position, adding another layer of complexity to the attempted maneuver.
Texter got the better of the fray, reclaiming the position as they exited 4 and holding on to grab second in the sprint to the checkered flag by 0.058 seconds. Lowe cruised to fourth a couple seconds back. Chad Cose rode a lonely race in fifth for the bulk of the Main, only to get some unwelcome company late from Jeremiah Duffy. Duffy got the better of Cose in the end, stealing fifth position by 0.111 seconds.
Williams Grove Half-Mile II – AFT Production Twins
Johnny Lewis continued to demonstrate the potential of the Royal Enfield’s developing new racebike; he raced his way forward to seventh after starting from last position due to being black flagged in his semi.
Royal Enfield American Flat Track Production Twin
Pos
Rider
Man.
Gap
1
James Rispoli
Harley-Davidson XG750R
21 Laps
2
Cory Texter
Yamaha MT-07
2.642
3
Ryan Varnes
Kawasaki Ninja 650
2.701
4
Ben Lowe
Yamaha MT-07
4.909
5
Jeremiah Duffy
Kawasaki Ninja 650
9.575
6
Chad Cose
Harley-Davidson XG750R
9.686
7
Johnny Lewis
Royal Enfield 650
13.94
8
Nick Armstrong
Yamaha MT-07
14.131
9
Danny Eslick
Kawasaki Ninja 650
15.879
10
Cody Johncox
Yamaha MT-07
22.358
AFT Production Twins Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
James Rispoli
174
2
Cory Texter
144
3
Ben Lowe
135
4
Ryan Varnes
134
5
Danny Eslick
107
6
Chad Cose
87
7
Jeremiah Duffy
86
8
Nick Armstrong
75
9
Cody Johncox
61
10
Hayden Gillim
45
MXGP
The FIM Motocross World Championship completed its triple header and Round 8 in Faenza with the MXGP of Emilia Romagna, with Antonio Cairoli riding two consistent races to take his 91st Grand Prix victory in front of a cheering crowd of Italian fans, while claiming the MXGP Red Plate.
Mitchell Evans was the lone Australian rider competing in the MXGP class, fighting his way to fourth in Race 1, but having to settle for eighth in Race 2 after expending so much energy in the first moto. The result sees Evans 11th in the standings, although there’s a 41-point gap to reach the top 10 to overcome at this stage.
Mitch Evans
“I had another good day again and we’re still improving with sixth overall today. It’s been better each time so I’m happy with that. The first moto I didn’t get that great of a start and pushed really hard to come back to fourth so it was a good moto but I pretty much used all of my energy in that one. In the second moto I had a really good start, almost grabbing the holeshot but I had nothing left in the tank so it was just survival mode after that, with me holding on as best I could. I’m happy that I was still able to keep improving and stay healthy and be moving onto the next GP in a couple of weeks at a track I really like.”
Mitch Evans
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Bike
Race 1
Race 2
Total
1
Cairoli, Antonio
ITA
KTM
22
22
44
2
Gajser, Tim
SLO
HON
16
25
41
3
Prado, Jorge
ESP
KTM
25
15
40
4
Seewer, Jeremy
SUI
YAM
20
18
38
5
Febvre, Romain
FRA
KAW
11
20
31
6
Evans, Mitchell
AUS
HON
18
13
31
7
Coldenhoff, Glenn
NED
GAS
13
16
29
8
Desalle, Clement
BEL
KAW
12
14
26
9
Lupino, Alessandro
ITA
YAM
14
11
25
10
Jasikonis, Arminas
LTU
HUS
15
8
23
11
Paulin, Gautier
FRA
YAM
10
12
22
12
Van Horebeek, Jeremy
BEL
HON
9
10
19
13
Vlaanderen, Calvin
NED
YAM
7
9
16
14
Tixier, Jordi
FRA
KTM
8
7
15
15
Jacobi, Henry
GER
YAM
5
4
9
MXGP Standings
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Bike
Total
1
Cairoli, A.
ITA
KTM
285
2
Gajser, Tim
SLO
HON
278
3
Herlings, J.
NED
KTM
263
4
Seewer, Jeremy
SUI
YAM
255
5
Prado, Jorge
ESP
KTM
237
6
Jasikonis, A.
LTU
HUS
233
7
Coldenhoff, G.
NED
GAS
233
8
Febvre, Romain
FRA
KAW
203
9
Paulin, G.
FRA
YAM
201
10
Desalle, C.
BEL
KAW
194
11
Evans, M.
AUS
HON
153
12
Van Horebeek, J.
BEL
HON
141
13
Tixier, Jordi
FRA
KTM
91
14
Vlaanderen, C.
NED
YAM
80
15
Cervellin, M.
ITA
YAM
73
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MX2
In MX2 Tom Vialle secured his second consecutive GP win, while the leading Aussie riders was Jed Beaton, taking fourth in Race 1, just 0.7s off the final podium position, while Race 2 saw Beaton improve to third, for third overall for the MXGP of Emilia Romagna. He now sits fourth overall in the MX2 standings, 12-points off third placed Maxime Renaux.
Jed Beaton
“It feels great. It’s been a long time coming and it’s great to finally get the monkey off my back and have a great first moto. My starts weren’t the best today but I made it work, especially in the second moto. I’m really happy to finally get onto the podium this season for myself and the team. It’s extra special because it’s my first podium result for Husqvarna. I’ve had a few second-place finishes, but the first moto has let me down so it’s great to turn it around and get on the podium with two good results. My riding was good today. My bike was great so thanks to the team and we’ll build on this ahead of Mantova.”
Jed Beaton
Fellow Aussie Nathan Crawford had a strong weekend, claiming 11th in Race 1, with a challenging Race 2 seeing him settle for 14th, for 11th overall for the round. He now sits 14th in the MX2 standings as a result of the 17-points collected at Round 8.
Bailey Malkiewicz was just off Crawford in Race 1, coming home in 12th, while in Race 2 he claimed 21st, bringing home nine championship points and sitting 17th overall for the GP. Malkiewicz now sits 24th in the MX2 standings.
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Bike
Race 1
Race 2
Total
1
Vialle, Tom
FRA
KTM
22
25
47
2
Geerts, Jago
BEL
YAM
25
22
47
3
Beaton, Jed
AUS
HUS
18
20
38
4
Olsen, Thomas Kjer
DEN
HUS
20
15
35
5
Van De Moosdijk, Roan
NED
KAW
15
18
33
6
Watson, Ben
GBR
YAM
14
16
30
7
Fernandez, Ruben
ESP
YAM
12
14
26
8
Rubini, Stephen
FRA
HON
13
13
26
9
Renaux, Maxime
FRA
YAM
11
12
23
10
Mewse, Conrad
GBR
KTM
16
5
21
11
Crawford, Nathan
AUS
HON
10
7
17
12
Lesiardo, Morgan
ITA
KTM
6
9
15
13
Gilbert, Josh
GBR
HUS
4
10
14
14
Östlund, Alvin
SWE
HON
8
6
14
15
Pancar, Jan
SLO
KTM
5
8
13
16
Horgmo, Kevin
NOR
KTM
0
11
11
17
Malkiewicz, Bailey
AUS
HON
9
0
9
MX2 Standings
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Bike
Total
1
Vialle, Tom
FRA
KTM
354
2
Geerts, Jago
BEL
YAM
333
3
Renaux, Maxime
FRA
YAM
259
4
Beaton, Jed
AUS
HUS
247
5
Van De Moosdijk, R.
NED
KAW
210
6
Watson, Ben
GBR
YAM
191
7
Olsen, T.
DEN
HUS
188
8
Boisrame, M.
FRA
KAW
182
9
Mewse, Conrad
GBR
KTM
162
10
Fernandez, R.
ESP
YAM
156
11
Rubini, S.
FRA
HON
118
12
Östlund, Alvin
SWE
HON
112
13
Haarup, Mikkel
DEN
KAW
105
14
Crawford, N.
AUS
HON
86
15
Hofer, Rene
AUT
KTM
73
16
Gilbert, Josh
GBR
HUS
68
17
Forato, A.
ITA
HUS
66
18
Guadagnini, M.
ITA
HUS
62
19
Pancar, Jan
SLO
KTM
62
20
Laengenfelder, S.
GER
GAS
59
21
Sikyna, R.
SVK
KTM
52
22
Lesiardo, M.
ITA
KTM
46
23
Genot, Cyril
BEL
YAM
43
24
Malkiewicz, B.
AUS
HON
43
2020 TrialGP Rounds 3 & 4 – Spain
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou claimed the top honours with a fine ride in Pobladura de las Regueras, León, the third round of the TrialGP World Championship. The third round of the elite trial competition proved to be a tough course, not least due to the official observers who were often overly-strict in scoring the ten sections which riders had to complete over the three laps.
Toni Bou
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou, rode a rags-to-riches trial, starting poorly, later dominating and finally finishing to be crowned winner atop the podium. Toni did not get off to the best of starts, picking up seventeen marks on the first lap, but was able to bounce back with eight points on lap two and just three on the third.
Wanting to make a strong start to the opening day, Jorge Casales completed the first lap with the sixth best score and 34 marks lost. Improving to 31 marks lost on lap two, an issue with his bike during lap three resulted in the Spaniard collecting maximum scores of five in each of the 10 sections, ending the day in 10th overall.
Jorge Casales
Toni Bou once again claimed the top honours on day two of the trial in Pobladura de las Regueras, León, taking his season victory tally to three and increasing his lead in the overall standings to a ten-point advantage.
Differing from yesterday’s trial, the route for the second day of the Spanish TrialGP proved to be much tougher with certain sections virtually impossible to overcome. As a consequence, the trial produced a fairly even result in the final table.
The demanding sections, coupled with the physical issues in the rider’s arms, saw Toni move up and down positions over the first lap, but by the second and third he was able to take command of the trial to eventually claim a third victory of the season. The result allows the current champion to stretch the gap at the top of the championship general standings where the trial star now holds a ten-point advantage over the nearest second place rival.
Toni Bou
Despite some impressive riding during the early part of day two, a significant crash held Casales back on the second day of competition. Collecting 27 marks at the end of his first lap to ensure he was well in contention for a strong end-of-day result, on lap two he dropped just 17 marks, only two more than eventual day winner Toni Bou. Frustratingly, it wasn’t to be for Casales who was unable to ride at his best throughout lap three following his lap-two crash. Bravely riding on, he completed the lap for 31 marks lost, ending his day in eighth yet having performed much better than his final result suggests.
The next Trial World Championship event will be held next week in the town of Sant Julià de Lória, in Andorra.
Toni Bou
“Today has been a very positive day as it was very hard and we all made quite a few mistakes. It has been a difficult day, not only because of the discomfort in my arm, but also because I didn’t feel quite right on the bike. The trial was very close, but we struggled to get a very important victory in the championship. We will try to arrive in the best possible shape for the trial in Andorra.”
Toni Bou topped the podium from Adam Raga and Gabriel Marcelli
Jorge Casales
“It’s clear that this wasn’t my best weekend, and certainly not the results we were hoping for. Things started ok on day one – I felt good and things were going ok, but around midday I had some issues with my bike. I tried to fix it, but we couldn’t make the changes we needed to, so the day didn’t end well. Everyone in the team put that behind us for day two and I honestly felt great during the first and second laps. Frustratingly, I had a big crash in section five, which was one of the toughest sections of the event. I hurt my leg when I crashed, which made the next one-and-a-half laps really tough. I had some other misfortune towards the end of the day as well, which added another five marks to my score, so all-in-all not the event I had hoped for. I’ll be working hard to come back strong next weekend in Andorra.”
Round 3 Results
Pos.
Rider
Nation
Team
Constr.
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Montesa
28
2
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
49
3
RAGA Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
TRRS
57
4
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
RG Team
Montesa
68
5
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
Gas Gas
Gas Gas
69
6
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
Sherco
69
7
DABILL James
GBR
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
70
8
FUJINAMI Takahisa
JPN
Repsol Honda Team
Montesa
86
9
PEACE Dan
GBR
Sherco Factory Team
Sherco
93
10
CASALES Jorge
SPA
Gas Gas Factory Team
Gas Gas
115
11
PRICE Jack
GBR
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
136
12
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
147
Round 4 Results
Pos.
Rider
Nation
Team
Constructor
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Montesa
48
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
TRRS
56
3
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
RG Team
Montesa
62
4
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
66
5
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
Gas Gas
Gas Gas
68
6
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
69
7
DABILL James
GBR
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
69
8
CASALES Jorge
SPA
Gas Gas Factory Team
Gas Gas
75
9
FUJINAMI Takahisa
JPN
Repsol Honda Team
Montesa
77
10
PEACE Dan
GBR
Sherco Factory Team
Sherco
78
11
PRICE Jack
GBR
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
150
2020 TrialGP Standings
Pos.
Rider
Nation
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
55
2
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
51
3
RAGA Adam
SPA
48
4
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
38
5
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
28
6
FUJINAMI Takahisa
JPN
28
7
CASALES Jorge
SPA
28
8
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
23
9
DABILL James
GBR
21
10
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
21
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Enea Gorzow FIM Speedway Grand Prix Round 3
World champion Bartosz Zmarzlik admitted “I feel at my best” in Gorzow after celebrating victory in Enea Gorzow FIM Speedway Grand Prix Round 3 on Friday. The 26-year-old saw off an incredible last-lap challenge from Aussie icon Jason Doyle to win his home event for the second time in his career.
Zmarzlik famously topped the 2014 Gorzow SGP podium as a wild card – becoming the youngest-ever SGP winner at 19 years and 140 days old.
Now he’s very much the King of the Edward Jancarz Stadium and won six of his seven races on his way to a maximum 20 World Championship points, which puts him on 48 overall – just one behind series leader Maciej Janowski.
Bartosz Zmarzlik
“This is an unbelievable night. Everything is working so well and a big thank you to my team and all the fans. You are the best! I live in Gorzow and I feel at my best here. I am very happy because it’s the second time I have won a GP in Gorzow. Winning a GP in Gorzow is a little bit different to other rounds because this is my home track and these are my home people. I live my whole life here. It has been really nice and I am really happy with everything today. Everything worked really nicely. It was a very big feeling for four laps in the final with Jason Doyle. He kept going after me all the time – right to the last corner. I am happy I won. But I must go home and get a good sleep. Tomorrow is a new day and everyone starts again.”
Bartosz Zmarzlik
Former world champion Jason Doyle piled the pressure on Zmarzlik in a breathtaking last lap in the final, dive-bombing the local hero on the last corner. Zmarzlik held his nerve and maintained his momentum to top the podium, but 18 championship points sees Doyle rocket from 15th place in the standings prior to the meeting up to seventh on 26.
After scoring eight points combined in the opening two rounds and enduring an up-and-down season in Poland’s PGE Ekstraliga, Czestochowa star Doyle paid tribute to those who helped him bounced back.
Jason Doyle
“It has been a tough year, but I have worked really hard – and not just myself. My mechanics and family have done a lot behind the scenes when times have been tough; these are things you don’t always see. There are a lot of good people in my corner and I want to say thanks to them now. This is a step in the right direction and it’s always nice to be on the podium at any GP.”
Third-placed Fredrik Lindgren reached his third SGP final in as many rounds and is determined to keep that run going in a season when the biggest rewards go to riders who make it into the rostrum race.
Enea Gorzow SGP Round 3 Points
Pos.
Rider
Points
1
Bartosz Zmarzlik
20
2
Jason Doyle
18
3
Fredrik Lindgren
16
4
Leon Madsen
14
5
Martin Vaculik
12
6
Tai Woffinden
11
7
Maciej Janowski
10
8
Matej Zagar
9
9
Artem Laguta
8
10
Emil Sayfutdinov
7
11
Niels-Kristian Iversen
6
12
Mikkel Michelsen
5
13
Max Fricke
4
14
Anders Thomsen
3
15
Patryk Dudek
2
16
Antonio Lindback
1
17
Wiktor Jasinski
0
18
Rafal Karczmarz
0
Enea Gorzow FIM Speedway Grand Prix Round 4
New FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship leader Fredrik Lindgren admitted his Enea Gorzow SGP round-four win was, “a burden lifted from my shoulders.”
The Swedish icon topped the podium after overhauling Jason Doyle to win the final with a jaw-dropping opening lap and a half at the Edward Jancarz Stadium. The Aussie was later pipped to second place by Danish star Leon Madsen on the run to the line.
1. Fredrik Lindgren 2. Leon Madsen 3. Jason Doyle
This completed a Czestochowa one-two-three, but the night belonged to Lindgren, who reached his fourth straight final of 2020 to charge into a seven-point lead at the top of the standings. Despite impressing with two third places and a fourth going into tonight’s event, Lindgren admits he was determined to end his wait for a win.
Fredrik Lindgren
“This was a bit of a burden lifted from my shoulders tonight – to be able to finally get a win when I have been in three finals and not been able to execute it. It feels really good. I am super happy – so, so happy! You don’t want to be the guy who makes it to the final and never wins. It’s a relief to be able to do it. I have that burden off my back now and I can keep the focus for next weekend.”
Lindgren was taken wider and wider by Doyle as they battled over the lead going into lap two, before producing a majestic cutback to dive under the Aussie for the lead. Madsen’s second place fires him up to fifth in the World Championship on 50 points – 16 short of leader Lindgren.
Third-placed Doyle produced his second SGP podium finish in 24 hours after also racing to second spot on Friday. Having started the weekend with just eight championship points to his name, Doyle now has 42 and is delighted with a turnaround that has seen him climb from 15th to seventh in just two rounds.
Jason Doyle
“It was an unbelievable weekend for me in Gorzow. Two podiums get me back up into a good position for the next two rounds in Prague and also Torun. We are working hard. It’s a tough year, but we are getting there in the end and we also have some speed, so I’m happy.”
Next up is the third SGP 2020 double-header in Czech capital Prague this weekend. Visit Czech Republic SGP round five takes place on Friday, before Marketa Stadium hosts Aztorin SGP round six on Saturday night.
Enea Gorzow SGP Round 4 Points
Pos.
Rider
Points
1
Fredrik Lindgren
20
2
Leon Madsen
18
3
Jason Doyle
16
4
Emil Sayfutdinov
14
5
Bartosz Zmarzlik
12
6
Martin Vaculik
11
7
Tai Woffinden
10
8
Maciej Janowski
9
9
Max Fricke
8
10
Anders Thomsen
7
11
Matej Zagar
6
12
Artem Laguta
5
13
Niels-Kristian Iversen
4
14
Antonio Lindback
3
15
Mikkel Michelsen
2
16
Patryk Dudek
1
17
Rafal Karczmarz
0
18
Wiktor Jasinski
0
Speedway GP Standings
Pos.
Rider
Points
1
Fredrik Lindgren
66
2
Bartosz Zmarzlik
59
3
Maciej Janowski
57
4
Tai Woffinden
53
5
Leon Madsen
50
6
Artem Laguta
45
7
Jason Doyle
42
8
Emil Sayfutdinov
36
9
Martin Vaculik
35
10
Matej Zagar
27
11
Niels-Kristian Iversen
24
12
Max Fricke
24
13
Mikkel Michelsen
18
14
Patryk Dudek
16
15
Gleb Chugunov
16
16
Anders Thomsen
10
17
Antonio Lindback
6
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Women’s World Motocross Champ Duncan returns to Europe to continue title defence
The long wait is over and New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan has packed her bags and returned to Europe this week to continue her Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) title defence.
Courtney Duncan
She has been home in Dunedin since March, flying back after the second WMX round in The Netherlands, with a five-point lead over her closest rival. Since then the MXGP calendar has been affected by Covid-19 and 24-year old Duncan has been waiting on a green light for the women’s racing to resume.
Her final three rounds are all scheduled to take place in Italy. The first two meetings on September 27 (MXGP Lombardia) and September 30 (MXGP of Città di Mantova), which are both held on the hard sand Mantova track, are following the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship’s new racing format of mid-week races.
Duncan will remain in Europe and train towards the final Italian round – the MXGP of Trentino on November 1 – where she is targeting her name being re-engraved on the winner’s trophy for 2020.
Courtney Duncan – Image courtesy of MXGP
She flew to England to re-join her Kawasaki Dixon Racing Team at their Portsmouth base. Her self-isolation time will be happily spent getting straight onto her new 2021 Kawasaki KX250F and turning out some test laps at the team’s track.
Duncan was even able to enter a national race meeting for the first time in three years, competing at the King of Central in Cromwell in July. Easily winning her four races against both the MX2 men and in the women’s class, the race-pace outings gave her the edge she needed to head back into battle mode.
Courtney Duncan
“I’d be lying if I said I was happy with just one world championship. I want another one and that’s what I’m aiming towards. I want to go over there and ride to the best of my ability. I’ll be putting myself in good positions to score some strong finishes and the rest will come. Kawasaki have bought out a whole new bike. It will be cool to go over there a few weeks early and get comfortable on it. Everything happens for a reason. I’m excited for the new schedule. To be honest, I’ve just enjoyed being home training back in New Zealand and I made the most of the local tracks. There’s nothing like racing itself and getting behind the gate a few times. You learn different things in racing that you don’t pick up in practise. Even though this was a local event, it still got my adrenaline pumping and gave me an appetite for what I’ve got coming up in Italy. Thanks to my supporters and sponsors for everything you do for me. I’ll do my best to bring the world number one title back home to New Zealand for you all again come November.”
Courtney Duncan – Image courtesy of MXGP
2020 Women’s Motocross World Championship points
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Man.
Points
1
Duncan, Courtney.
NZL
KAW
90
2
Papenmeier, Larissa.
GER
YAM
85
3
Fontanesi, Kiara.
ITA
KTM
80
4
Van De Ven, Nancy.
NED
YAM
78
5
Valk, Lynn
NED
YAM
66
Revised Women’s Motocross World Championship calendar
September 27 – MXGP Lombardia, Mantova circuit, Italy
September 30 – MXGP of Città di Mantova, Mantova circuit, Italy
November 1 – MXGP of Trentino, Pietramurata, Italy
2021 Pilot Air Compressors A4DE Update
The organising committee of the 2021 Pilot Air Australian Four Day Enduro in Harvey, Western Australia are busy with the preparations for the event which is planned to run from May 19 – 22.
The A4DE back in 2018 – Image by Jeff Mawston
Despite the impact of the Corona Virus pandemic and its consequences on the motorcycle events calendar, the committee has made great progress towards running a memorable four-day event with planning proceeding with optimism and a positive attitude.
Collin Jennings of the Trail and Enduro Motorcycle Club of WA Inc said excellent cooperation from the Shire of Harvey and the Parks and Wildlife Services, who are the guardians of the land that will be used, has ensured the club can plan interesting and enjoyable trails.
Despite COVID-19 and a number of current State border closures, the 2021 Pilot Air A4DE committee will continue planning for a successful event. The 2021 Pilot Air A4DE committee plan to make a decision in mid-February.
In the meantime, the Committee wishes to advise prospective competitors and supporters to ensure accommodation bookings can be refundable and flights are booked after entries open.
Collin Jennings – Trail and Enduro Motorcycle Club of WA
“Each of the first three days will be held in a different area and the fourth day will have a short one-hour trail section culminating in the spectacular final natural terrain motocross heats. At this time, it is impossible for us to make an informed decision about the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on the viability of the Australian Championship event. We hope to have confirmation of border restrictions being lifted before February when entries will open. We’d like to thank competitors and families for their understanding at this unprecedented time and will ensure that if State Government regulations change, we will keep competitors and fans up to date.”
Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia’s Event Manager
“We are very pleased to see the work that is going on behind the scenes by the committee for the 2021 A4DE as we know the enormous effort it takes to make the event so great. We are very excited that we can build on the successes of previous A4DE events and look forward to 2021.”
The 2021 Pilot Air Compressors committee this week launched the new event website www.pilotaircompressorsa4de.com is now live with all updates. If you require further information please email [email protected]
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Clout returns to racing at the East Coast Motocross Championship
Luke Clout returned to Australia following his first full season in America to prepare for the Australian Supercross Championship, unfortunately due to the coronavirus schedules have changed and now Clout has turned his attention to the Australian Motocross Championship which is set to run later in the year.
Luke Clout
“It’s disappointing that Australia Supercross has been postponed but I am looking forward to racing again this weekend in preparation for the motocross championship. “The experience was priceless, and I learnt a lot. Leading some laps was something I will never forget. Everything I learnt will help and I can’t wait to get back behind the gate this weekend.”
Luke Clout had an amazing first season in America with Penrite Honda, he finished as high as fifth and led some of the world’s best supercross racers on his way to eighth overall.
Penrite Honda have now committed to the East Coast Motocross Championship starting with Round 3, which ran this past weekend in Maitland. Team director Yarrive Konksy believes racing locally will help Luke prepare for the Australian Motocross Championships.
Luke Clout’s first outing with the East Coast Motocross Championship saw the Penrite Honda rider claim three race wins over the September 12-13 round, as well as the overall win, marking Clout’s first race on Honda’s CRF450R, after racing a 250 in his overseas competition.
Luke Clout
“It was great, I love racing. I also go to connect with my roots, my parents were there and there were riders of all ages and classes competing. I enjoyed being amongst it. It was also good to use the weekend for testing. Nothing beats racing. The 450 is different and you need to ride it differently. I am glad I am getting some racing in ahead of the nationals. We are really close with bike setup; I learnt a little over the weekend as the track got rougher and we will make some minor changes ahead of the next round.”
Luke Clout – Penrite Honda
GNCC Round Nine
The Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, continued Sunday, September 13, as the motorcycles took to the woods of West Virginia. Round 9, the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer, took place at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Beckley, WV. Cloudy conditions made for a great weekend of racing, even with some showers taking place on Sunday afternoon’s Pro race.
In the XC1 Open Pro class it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell racing off the line first to grab the All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot award. However, as the pack of riders headed into the woods, Russell would make a mistake and be forced to fight through the pack of riders early in the race. Russell’s teammate, FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley would capitalize and move into the lead for the opening lap.
FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell grabbed the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot award. Photo: Ken Hill
Making his return to racing aboard a new team for the event was AmPro Yamaha’s Steward Baylor Jr. As the lead pack of racers came through timing and scoring on lap one, Baylor found himself sitting 5.5 seconds behind Kelley. Throughout the course of lap two, Kelley and Baylor would engage in a battle with Baylor taking over the top spot as they came through just 1.9 seconds apart. Russell had made his way into the number three spot, but found himself 53 second behind the lead duo.
As the race wore on Baylor Jr. would put his head down and push to put a sizeable gap between himself and Kelley. With the fans cheering him on throughout all six laps, Baylor Jr. would come through to take his first overall win of the season with over a minute lead. Kelley, who tangled with some lappers, would manage to hold onto second overall with Russell rounding out the top three overall at this year’s Mountaineer GNCC.
AmPro Yamaha’s Steward Baylor Jr. clinched his first overall win of the season aboard his new team in West Virginia. Photo: Ken Hill
FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor steadily moved up through the pack after a seventh place start to the day. Baylor found himself running in the third place position at the halfway point in the race, but would be unable to hold off a charging Russell. As the checkered flag flew Baylor would check-in with a fourth overall on the day.
Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn found himself sitting just outside the top five as the race began. Ashburn would put his head down and push making the pass for fifth on lap two, however, he would soon find himself back in sixth. As the white flag flew Ashburn knew he only had one more lap to make the pass stick, and he would do just that crossing the finish line fifth overall.
FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley claimed the second overall spot at round nine. Photo: Ken Hill
After missing the last two rounds before GNCC’s summer break, AmPro Yamaha’s Layne Michael made his return to racing in his home state of West Virginia. Michael had a mid-pack start to the day, but would work his way up to fourth for the second and third laps. Michael put up quite a fight for a top five finishing position, only missing out by 20 seconds behind Ashburn.
Phoenix Honda Racing’s Andrew Delong had a great start, and as he came through timing and scoring he would find himself fourth overall. However, as Delong made his way through the second lap and then third laps he would have to take make a long pit stop. Delong’s team worked feverishly to fix the mechanical issue with his bike, and he would head back out into the race still running in that eighth place position. By the time the checkered flag flew Delong had worked his way to seventh in the XC1 Open Pro class.
FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Josh Toth was running a good race as he registered in third on the opening lap. However, a small mistake in the woods happened to reaggravate his knee from a practice incident a couple of weeks ago. With rain showers presenting themselves and the tough conditions, Toth made the difficult decision to pull out of the race after three laps of racing.
In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Trail Jesters KTM’s Jonathan Girroir taking his fourth class win of the season. Girroir was off to a great start and would come through on the opening lap in the first place position. Girroir would find himself up into the third overall position based off of his adjusted time. However, as the race worse on Girroir found a good flow and did not want to make a mistake to jeopardize his XC2 class win. Girroir would come through to take the win with a 13 second gap back to second place.
Tely Energy Racing/KTM’s Liam Draper made his way onto the XC2 class podium with a second place finish in West Virginia. Draper had started off his day running in the fourth place position, but would steadily work his way through the pack. When the white flag came out, Draper would make a last lap charge to ensure his second place finish.
Rounding out the XC2 top three finishers was AmPro Yamaha/St. Lawrence Radiology’s Mike Witkowski. Witkowski would have his work cut out for himself throughout the race, as he would find himself back in the fifth place position at one point in the race. Witkowski found himself third as the white flag was flying, and he would hold onto that position until the checkered flag flew.
Australian Lyndon Snodgrass finished eighth in the XC2 category.
Raines Riding University/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Jason Raines would battle throughout the duration of the race with Moose Racing/Carolina KTM/XC Gear’s Zack Hayes for the FMF XC3 125cc Pro-Am class win. Raines and Hayes would swap the lead position multiple times throughout the three-hour race; however it would be Raines making a last lap pass to take the win. Hayes would finish out the day with a second in the class, with FXR/KTM’s Jason Lipscomb making his way up to third in the class.
AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer earned her second WXC class win of the season. Photo: Ken Hill
AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer battled throughout the 10 a.m. race to take her second WXC class win of the season. Archer made her way into the lead position early in the race, but would face a battle with Beta USA’s Rachel Gutish on the second lap of racing. Gutish, who grabbed the $100 Trail Jesters WXC Holeshot award, was eager to battle at the front of the pack. Archer would make the pass back around Gutish to retake the lead as the white flag came out. When the checkered flag flew after four laps of racing, Archer would cross the finish line a minute ahead of her competition. Gutish would come through to hold onto second place at round nine. BABS Racing Yamaha/Maxxis’ Becca Sheets maintained her third place position throughout the duration of the two-hour race. Sheets remains in the WXC points lead after nine rounds of racing are complete.
Mountaineer Results and Points Standings – Beckley, West Virginia GNCC Round 9 of 13 – Sunday, September 13, 2020
XC1 Pro Event Results
Steward Baylor Jr. (YAM)
Benjamin Kelley (KTM)
Kailub Russell (KTM)
Grant Baylor (SHR)
Jordan Ashburn (KAW)
Layne Michael (YAM)
Andrew Delong (HON)
Joshua Toth (KTM)
Overall National Championship Standings
Kailub Russell (256)
Josh Strang (193)
Jordan Ashburn (143)
Craig DeLong (133)
Michael Witkowski (123)
Jonathan Girroir (121)
Grant Baylor (103)
Cody Barnes (91)
Liam Draper (83)
Benjamin Kelley (82)
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer GNCC Overall Winner: Steward Baylor. Photo: Ken Hill
XC2 250 Pro Event Results
Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
Liam Draper (KTM)
Michael Witkowski (YAM)
Craig Delong (HQV)
Ryder Lafferty (HQV)
Cody Barnes (BET)
Thorn Devlin (BET)
Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW)
Jonathan Johnson (HON)
Samuel Evans (KTM)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings
Craig DeLong (224)
Jonathan Girroir (224)
Michael Witkowski (209)
Cody Barnes (154)
Liam Draper (143)
Thorn Devlin (121)
Ryder Lafferty (105)
Jonathan Johnson (101)
Benjamin Nelko (82)
Simon Johnson (79)
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Kirk Gibbs readying for King of Capricorn Cup
It’s been a long break between races for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider Kirk Gibbs, but he is set and ready to compete at The King of Capricorn Cup in Rockhampton at the start of October.
Way back in February, Gibbs won the New Zealand Motocross Championships for the second time and was in good form leading up to the start of the Australian racing season. But with the delays in the season due to the Covid pandemic and then a wrist injury sustained in July, Gibbs hasn’t been behind the gate for over six months.
Racing returned to Queensland in July and as Gibbs prepared for a string of events, he fell and broke his wrist just days prior to the MX Farm round of the Sunshine State Series. After six weeks on the sidelines, he was given the all-clear to resume riding and the Rockhampton event is to be his first race back and first race on Australian soil in 2020.
Kirk Gibbs
“2020 has been a strange year for everyone and to think this will be my first race of the year when its usually the end of our season is odd. It was disappointing that the national season was delayed and then my injury prior to the state races starting just compounded my frustration. I have missed racing and so keen to get back on track and get some racing in. It’s been hard work watching all the Queensland based riders racing up here and not being a part of it as we have been fortunate to keep racing when other states couldn’t. It’s great that Rockhampton have been able to organise this event and it’s given me something to work towards as I regain full speed and fitness. The $20K in prizemoney also means there is a bit on the line and things will be intense on the track, so I can’t wait.”
Kirk Gibbs
The King of Capricorn will be held the weekend of October 3- 4 and include a wide range of races catering for everyone from juniors through to professionals. The Six Mile circuit is a popular one with the riders and the local community has relied behind the event and with $20,000 prize money on offer, it will also be one of the biggest events of the season.
Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha
“We are happy to support Kirk at this event and will put things in place around him to ensure he is in good hands. With the team based in Victoria, we are unable to attend due to the border restrictions, but we are desperate to do what we can to get our riders on track and races events like this where the state regulations allow. Kirk has been back on the bike for just over a week and with a couple of weeks before the event, he will be able to increase his fitness base and riding volume in the coming weeks. It will also his first hit out on the 2020 YZ450F race bike, so we are hoping for a positive few weeks and a good result in Rockhampton.”
AORC Events Calendar Update
The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) presented by MXstore is closely monitoring the health crisis developments and the effects COVID-19 are having on state borders restrictions and the potential impacts this may have on the current 2020 championship remaining date.
The up coming Round 11 & 12 of AORC, scheduled to be held on 14-15 November are currently under review. The final decision regarding this event will be announced no later than 9th of October 2020. Should further information be available at an earlier date, this will be communicated.
Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia’s Event Manager
“We are working together with all our key stakeholders to get the final rounds up and running to have one last shot to go racing. From the outset we have remained committed to racing and this is still our aim. We understand the effects the current situation is having on all parties involved in the championship and we thank them all from our host clubs, riders, officials, in addition to our loyal sponsors for their patience and understanding in this difficult time.”
AORC can confirm that if it becomes clear that the event is not able to go ahead there will no further adjustments made to the remaining date.
AMA Supermoto National Championship scheduled for Nov. 7-8 Two-day competition to determine winners of AMA National No. 1 plates
The 2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship features two days of competition in November in Tucson, Ariz., to determine who receives the coveted AMA National No. 1 plate in five classes.
Originally scheduled as a six-event series, this national championship, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association, will consist of four points-earning races. The format includes two races per day Nov. 7-8. Each race offers points toward the overall championship. The six scheduled events were cancelled due to restrictions put in place by government officials during the coronavirus pandemic.
The series is run by the AMA promoter, DRT Racing. Classes include Open, Lites, National Amateur, Sportsman MX and Kids.
Baja TT do Pinhal postponed
The Baja TT do Pinhal, scheduled for September 12-13 has had to be cancelled due to the extension of the fire risk alert situation put in place by the local authorities in Portugal. This opening round of the FIM Bajas World Cup was to mark the return to off-road motorcycle competition after the interruption caused by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
After consultation with the teams, riders and all stakeholders involved and with the agreement of the local authorities, the FIM, the motorcycling federation of Portugal, and the local organiser Escuderia Castelo Branco have decided to postpone the event to September 19-20, 2020.
Rising Aussie star Max Whale (No. 18 Coondoo Cattle Co./Australian Road Services Kawasaki KX450F) came away with the first victory of his American Flat Track career following a tense multi-rider shootout in 2020’s AFT Singles season opener at the Volusia Half Mile on the weekend.
Max Whale on the front row, furthest away. Closest in shot is #17 Henry Wiles – Image Scott Hunter
The Australian ace established himself as the race favourite heading into the Main Event, but he had to work for it after getting a less-than-perfect start. That forced him to muscle his way past some of the sport’s most experienced riders, which he accomplished with seeming ease while still early in the race.
Max Whale worked his way quickly to the front and stayed there – Image Scott Hunter
Whale never relinquished the lead once he had seized it. However, he still felt the pressure applied from close behind throughout, only eeking out a small gap in the contest’s final stages. Prior to his late escape, the battle for the win was a six-rider affair, with three former premier class standouts all looking to unlock a way past Whale and the win.
“I don’t think I could have got any better of a start to the year than this,” Whale said. “I’m pumped — I can’t believe it. I had a bit of an ordinary start and came from about fourth or fifth. It felt like that race went forever! I could just feel the boys breathing down my neck the whole time. I just tried to keep smooth, consistent laps. I knew if I made one mistake, I would be buried in the pack.”
Max Whale on the podium after the opening race of the season alongside Chad Cose and Henry Wiles – Image Scott Hunter
Unfortunately young Max could not make it a double the following day in what was a double-header race weekend in Florida. Victory in the second round went to fellow rookie sensation Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) with an inspired ride to victory on Saturday night.
An eight-rider pack fought for the lead throughout the eight-minute regulation of the Main, with Daniels, Chad Cose (No. 49 Wally Brown Racing/American Suzuki RM-Z450), and Mikey Rush (No. 14 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) all taking turns at the front with countless passes for position just behind.
But just as the timer clicked 0:00 to set up a final two-lap shootout to decide the winner, the red flag flew. As a result, Daniels took point in a staggered restart, lining up just ahead of team-mate Rush and Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F).
Max Whale – Image Scott Hunter
Once the race resumed, Rush sought a way past teammate Daniels but instead found himself displaced by Texter entering Turn 1 on the final lap. Daniels pumped his fist as he closed on the checkered flag, unaware that Texter had a run on him as well. Despite the near disaster, Daniels held on to the redemptive win by a scant 0.020 seconds at the stripe, even though Texter’s final charge marked the fastest lap of the night between the three competitors.
Despite the eighth place in the second round Max Whale remained the AFT Singles Championship leader with 36-points to Chad Cose’s 35-point tally.
American Flat Track AFT Singles Championship Points
Max Whale 36
Chad Cose 35
Michael Rush 32
Shayna Texter 30
Brandon Kitchen 27
Dallas Daniels 25
Henry Wiles 23
Tanner Dean 22
James Ott 18
Trent Lowe 18
American Flat Track SuperTwins
Five-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) notched up the 50th premier-class victory of his American Flat Track career with a second dominant win at Barberville, Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park in Saturday’s Volusia Half-Mile II.
Jared Mees on his way to the double in Florida – Image Scott Hunter
The “50” that may be more relevant to Mees at the moment, however, is the 50 points he logged with his season-opening double victory that launched his 2020 AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines title campaign in perfect form.
Mees actually started from the second row this time around, allowing reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) a chance to make an early escape of his own after Mees’ Friday disappearing act.
Jared Mees on his way to the double in Florida – Image Scott Hunter
However, Mees worked fast, slashing through the field, and ultimately, Bauman less than three minutes into the Main Event. Mees steadily built his advantage up to just over a second as the two encountered lapped traffic and managed that gap to the checkered flag.
“What an amazing night,” Mees said. “We struggled in the Semi; we gambled with the set-up and just went backwards. Kenny Tolbert and Bubba Bentkey worked their magic for the Main and the motorcycle was hooked up so good off the corners thanks to Jimmy Wood with Öhlins Suspension. Those guys got me so hooked for the entire weekend, and I came in so hungry.”
Jared Mees celebrates the double in Florida – Image Scott Hunter
Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) dueled with Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for third over the race’s opening half before clearing off to a lonely podium finish. It was a supremely gritty performance on the part of Robinson, who not only managed to finish third following 38 laps in sweltering conditions, but did so just seven weeks after breaking his ankle.
Halbert got swallowed up by a charging Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), but managed to retake fourth as they went back and forth while weaving past slower riders. Price actually found himself dropped back to sixth at the flag, as Davis Fisher (No. 67 BriggsAuto.com Indian FTR750) joined their fight late and stole away fifth position.
More well known AMA Superbike racers also returned to their dirty roots in Florida with JD Beach scoring two tenth places while veteran Larry Pegram took a pair of 18th place finishes.
American Flat Track SuperTwins Championship Points
Jared Mees 50
Briar Bauman 40
Sammy Halbert 32
Brandon Robinson 30
Bronson Bauman 27
Brandon Price 27
Davis Fisher 24
Dalton Gauthier 20
JD Beach 18
Jarod Vanderkooi 17
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American Flat Track Production Twins
Reigning AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) was far from satisfied after opening his title defense with a ‘mere’ podium finish in Friday evening’s opener. He promptly set things right for himself in Saturday’s rematch, registering a blowout victory to put himself back atop the points order.
Texter grabbed the holeshot and never looked back. James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) raced in close formation behind the leader over the contest’s opening half, but Texter slowly broke their challenge and powered to 3.244-second margin of victory.
Production Twins grid – Image Scott Hunter
Texter’s lopsided win was reminiscent of the three consecutive victories he logged to kick off his triumphant ‘19 campaign. It also provided strong evidence that he’s rediscovered the mojo he spent much of the latter half of last year looking to reclaim.
An emotional Texter dedicated the race to his best friend and title-winning mechanic, Jon Reid, who passed away last November, and another good friend in Jess Garcia, who died this past Wednesday.
“Last night felt a bonus to me because I knew how badly we were struggling,” Texter said. “And the first couple of sessions out today, we were really struggling again. But I have to say, I just have a lot of confidence in my team and in myself. And with all the hard work we put in, I’m just going to battle all year long. There’s no quit.”
Varnes appeared primed to overtake Rispoli late in the race as he did on Friday night. That is, right up until the moment he suffered a mechanical issue that erased his podium hopes with just over a minute remaining on the scoreboard.
As a result, the final spot on the box behind Rispoli went to another national championship-winning road racer returned to dirt track in the ever-popular Danny Eslick (No. 64 Scott Powersports/R&D Machine Kawasaki Ninja 650).
American Flat Track Procuction Twins Championship Points
Cory Texter 42
James Rispoli 40
Ryan Varnes 33
Danny Eslick 32
Ben Lowe 29
Morgan Mischler 26
Cody Johncox 23
Jeremiah Duffy 23
Nick Armstrong 20
Mitch Harvat 19
AMA MX confirm nine round 2020 schedule
Following extensive efforts by race organizers, local government and health officials, participants, sponsors, and series partners, MX Sports Pro Racing has announced the intention to host a nine-round schedule to complete the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
The season is scheduled to begin on August 15, with the inaugural professional event at famed Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
The next eight rounds will take place at well-known venues ranging from Washougal MX Park in Washington to Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minnesota. The 2020 series will also feature the first-ever Pro Motocross “doubleheader” at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan.
RedBud will host the first-ever Pro Motocross “doubleheader”
The first half of the season will open with five consecutive rounds. Following the debut of the Loretta Lynn’s National, the schedule will then travel to the scenic Pacific Northwest for the Washougal National, on August 22, before heading to the greater Indianapolis area for the Ironman National, on August 29.
From there, Michigan’s legendary RedBud MX will give way to the season’s lone off weekend after it hosts a pair of races around the Labor Day holiday, on Saturday, September 5, and Tuesday, September 8.
Racing will resume with the Spring Creek National in Minnesota, on September 19, before heading to Florida for the WW Ranch National, on September 26.
The penultimate round of the championship will take place in Colorado with the Thunder Valley National, on October 3, before crowning a pair of champions in Southern California at the season-ending Fox Raceway National, on October 10.
The season ends with the Fox Raceway National, on October 10.
Select events will feature limited spectator capacity, while others will be conducted exclusively for participants, professional and amateur, with attendance limited to crew members and family. All events will feature an amateur racing component, both before and after the professional race day.
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 2020 Calendar
Aug 15 Loretta Lynn’s Hurricane Mills, TN
Aug 22 Washougal Washougal, WA
Aug 29 Ironman Crawfordsville, IN
Sep 5 RedBud I Buchanan, MI
Sep 8 (Tues) RedBud II Buchanan, MI
Sep 19 Spring Creek Millville, MN
Sep 26 WW Ranch Jacksonville, FL
Oct 3 Thunder Valley Lakewood, CO
Oct 10 Fox Raceway Pala, CA
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Want to run a National Championship?
Motorcycling Australia recently opened expressions of interest for suitably qualified clubs and or promoters who are interested in hosting national championships in 2021 and 2022.
Applications are now open for clubs or promoters who wish to host the following National Championships:
Dirt Track: Senior, Junior, Classic and Post Classic
Track: Senior, Junior
Motocross: Classic, Post Classic and ATV
Plessinger begins rehab on wrist injury
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team’s Aaron Plessinger will miss the start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as he recovers from a training injury sustained last week in Southern California.
On Tuesday, July 14, Plessinger dislocated his left wrist after landing in a rut and losing control on the face of a very large step-up whilst training at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. The 2018 Pro Motocross 250MX Champion underwent surgery the following day and is now focused on returning to full fitness. Unfortunately, the timeline for recovery could have him sidelined for 12 weeks.
“I spoke with Aaron last night after his surgery, and it sounds as if it went very well,” said Jim Roach, the Yamaha Racing Department Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. “Unfortunately, a dislocated wrist can mean a long recovery time. Aaron was looking forward to the start of the outdoor season on his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing YZ450F, but that will have to be delayed for him to return to full fitness. We wish Aaron the best during his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the bike soon!”
Aaron Plessinger
Jasikonis and Husky extend partnership
Ahead of the restart of the 2020 FIM MXGP World Championship, Husqvarna Motorcycles has announced that Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing have extended their contract with Arminas Jasikonis. The Lithuanian rider is set to remain with the team for a third year, through to the close of 2021. Jasikonis, who first stepped into MXGP racing in 2016, will continue to compete in the MXGP category on Husqvarna FC 450 machinery under the watchful eye of team manager Antti Pyrhönen.
Currently enjoying the best form of his career to date, Jasikonis sits seventh in the MXGP series standings having secured a podium finish at the MXGP of The Netherlands, the second round of the 2020 Championship.
Using the imposed downtime to return home to Lithuania, the 22-year-old maintained his training programme to ensure no loss of fitness. Stepping back into competition at the recent round two of the Czech National motocross series in Kaplice, Arminas secured a 1-1 result.
Together with his team, Arminas is currently preparing for the first of three consecutive MXGP events in Latvia that will mark the August restart of the 2020 MXGP World Championship.
Arminas Jasikonis – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
“Knowing that I will compete for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team again, for a third season, is a really great feeling. I’m very happy to continue on a great bike. I have so much confidence in my bike, the whole programme and all members of the team, which is so important. The fact that everything will stay the same for me from this year to next year is a huge thing – I only need to focus on improving and preparing myself. Of course, we have to continue working hard but I am really motivated to get the results that Husqvarna, Rockstar, Antti and the team deserve.”
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QLD and NSW get back on track
Sunshine State Series
Queensland picked up at round two of the Sunshine State Series, held at Kingaroy, with good rider attendance and a great atmosphere in the pits. With most riders desperate to get back to the race track, Yamaha was well represented with Aaron Tanti, Jay Wilson, Levi Rogers, Kota Toriyabe, Jayce Cosford and Rhys Budd all flying the flag in the senior divisions while the juniors had Charli and Jake Cannon, as well as supported riders in Zac Watson and Peter Wolfe.
The MX2 Pro race was the pick of the weekend and produced some tight, intense racing. Jay Wilson and Aaron Tanti continued their magnetic relationship on the track and again fought it out over the three motos contested, this time Tanti taking the win with his 2-1-2 results over Wilson in third with 7-2-1 finishes which included a couple of falls.
Unfortunately, the news for Jayce Cosford wasn’t good as a fall in the first race saw him taken to hospital with a broken leg that will have him sidelined for some time.
Levi Rogers had his first race in seniors and dominated the MX2 Expert class with three emphatic victories. Rogers was hurt at the opening round back in February but was happy to be back on track again and hopes to be moved into the Pro class for the coming rounds where he can test his speed and endurance against the likes of Tanti and Wilson.
Rhys Budd also made the trip up from New South Wales and had some issues in the MX2 race on Saturday but was able to get back on track on Sunday and contest the MX1 Pro class on his YZ250F. Budd finished third overall on the back of his 4-4-3 results.
Round three of the Sunshine State Motocross series will hit the picturesque MX Farm at Gympie on August 1-2.
QLD SSMX Results – Round Two
MX2 Pro 1st Aaron Tanti -99 2nd Noah Ferguson – 95 3rd Jay Wilson – 91
MX2 Expert 1st Levi Rogers – 105 2nd Jake Kowal – 86) 3rd Logan May – 85
MX1 Pro 1st Dean Ferris – 105 2nd Lochie Latimer – 96 3rd Rhys Budd – 86
Good numbers all attended the re-start of the NSW racing calendar and they all converged on the Dargle MX complex to contest round two of the East Coast MX Series. The venue provided the perfect setting for not just to motocross riders to get back into the swing of things, but also the off road riders and the likes of Luke Styke, Jeremy Carpentier, Blake Hollis and Jess Gardiner all enjoyed the hit out alongside the motocross regulars.
Styke, Carpentier and Hollis contested the MX Open class with Styke and Carpentier making it a Yamaha 1-2 on the podium. Styke finished with 2-1-1-1 results in his four motos while Carpentier claimed 1-2-5-3 finishes to take second.
Blake Hollis was a front runner in the MX250 Pro class but an 11th in race two slowed his march to the podium. He finished with 3-11-4-3 to round out the day in fifth place.
Jess Gardiner showed she just isn’t all off road and charged to a second place finish in the Women’s class. The off road champ finished with 2-2-3-2 results to give her second on the day and valuable track time before the resumption of the AORC.
The next round of the East Coast MX will be held at Nowra on August 8-9.
East Coast MX Results – Round Two
MX Open 1st Luke Styke – 137 2nd Jeremy Carpentier – 123 3rd John Bova – 115
Senior Women 1st Jess Moore – 140 2nd Jess Gardiner – 126 3rd Tanesha Harnett – 122
MX2 Pro 1st Blake Fox – 140 2nd John Bova – 124 3rd Cameron Torpy – 112 4th Tyler Darby – 112
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What happened this week
Ricky Brabec triumphs at the 2020 Sonora Rally
Brad Groombridge claims two NZ MX top 10s
MA to review international team events
2020 AORC Rounds 5 & 6 postponed
2020 Merzouga Rally cancelled
WESS Round 2 Trèfle Lozérien AMV cancelled
2020 Hangtown Motocross Classic cancelled
2020 MXGP Calendar Updated
2020 Motocross of European Nations date change
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship amended schedule
2020 American Flat Track events postponed
2020 Silk Way Rally route updated
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
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
2020 King of MX
2020 Australian Motocross National Championship
2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship
Ricky Brabec triumphs at the 2020 Sonora Rally
Monster Energy Honda Team rider Ricky Brabec took victory in the Sonora Rally, held in the Mexican Sonora Desert on the border of the United States. For Brabec this is a third win in the event, and the second in a row.
Ricky Brabec
The rally featured 1358 km of racing, including some 1078 kms of timed special stage, on some very Dakaresque terrain: high-speed hard ground, sand, dunes and stony terrain.
The Monster Energy Honda Team rider claimed four out of the five stages and even managed to pull back from a 13-minute penalty which had been meted out after the first stage.
Ricky Brabec
The American went on to win the rally with a margin of less than a minute over the nearest rival Skyler Howes, also from USA, with Bill Conger completing the top three, just nine-seconds in front of Wes Van Nieuwenhuise.
Ricky Brabec
“I always look forward to the Sonora Rally in México. It’s the only rally in North America that simulates a Dakar style rally raid. It has all the ingredients; fast pistes, mountains, washes and mountains dunes! This year the organization laid out a route that took us to new places and new faces. I had a set back in stage 1 that left me with large penalty and I had to claw my way back to the top, day by day. It made the final stage interesting when I needed to make up over a minute and only have 142km to do it. Thanks to my Team and my Factory CRF450 RALLY, I was able to overcome and finish on top for the third time in the Sonora Rally. It was an incredible event, well organized and looking forward to coming back in 2021. I wanted to also give my condolences to all the victims of the current Covid-19 virus. Everyone please be safe and stay healthy so we can get back to normal soon.”
Ricky Brabec
2020 Sonora Rally Overall results
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Class
Time
1
Ricky Brabec
USA
Pro
11:56:09
2
Skyler Howes
USA
Pro
11:56:59
3
Bill Conger
USA
Pro
14:08:05
4
Wes VanNieuwenhuise
USA
ADV
14:08:14
5
Mike Johnson
USA
Pro
14:12:17
6
Colton Udall
USA
Pro
14:23:42
7
Jim Pearson
Canada
Pro
14:48:29
8
Matthew Ransom
USA
Pro
14:58:39
9
Taye Perry
South Africa
Pro
15:17:35
10
Nathan Rafferty
USA
Pro
15:37:14
11
Gavin Ferguson
USA
Enduro
15:46:19
12
Vasile Scurtu
Canada
Pro
16:01:13
13
Radek Burkat
Canada
Pro
16:02:10
14
Kevin Omo
USA
Pro
16:20:13
15
Clint Riviere
Canada
Enduro
16:26:17
16
Jared Kirkland
USA
Enduro
16:47:15
17
Keith Billings
Canada
Enduro
17:42:09
18
Morrison Hart
USA
Enduro
17:53:16
19
John Henson
USA
Pro
18:21:27
20
Matthew Glade
Canada
Pro
18:47:45
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Brad Groombridge claims two NZ MX top 10s
By Andy McGechan
Brad Groombridge raced his RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 in both MX1 and MX2 classes in this years New Zealand Motocross Championships and came away with two top-10 places.
The 29-year-old locksmith was one of just two individuals to tackle more than one class at the just-completed series. Although entered in twice as many races as any other rider in the premier MX1 class, Groombridge still managed a top-six result at the end of the four-round series.
It could have been so much better for the Kea Trailers-sponsored Suzuki RM-Z450 rider if it hadn’t been for a small element of bad luck, a factor well beyond his control, with his bike suffering a flat tyre in the opening MX1 race at the final round in Taupo last weekend.
Brad Groombridge
“I had to stop and change the tyre, which left me a hopelessly long way behind. I managed to get back to 19th, which was worth only two points, but that ruined my chances of finishing fifth for the championship. I had been fifth overall in the standings and with a good points buffer over sixth, but the flat tyre wiped that out. It was a very tough class, with the top two guys at least being full-time professionals. I work 9am until 5pm, five days a week and I don’t get much time left to myself to do training. It was hard too with the recent dry weather meaning there were not many places where it was okay to ride.”
Brad Groombridge – Image by Andy McGechan
Groombridge also raced his Suzuki RM-Z250 bike in the MX2 (250cc) class this year, settling 10th overall in what was arguably the toughest MX2 championship class in many years.
With Kiwi internationals and top racers from Australia too, this season’s MX2 class was a virtual “Who’s Who” of South Pacific talent, the depth of quality so great that any one of a dozen riders could have been expected to win races.
Groombridge achieved his ranking among the nation’s top-10 MX2 riders despite skipping two races at round three of the series at Fernhill, near Hastings.
Brad Groombridge
“I had a few problems at Fernhill. The skin on my hands was rubbed raw, so I opted to sit out two of the day’s three MX2 races, figuring I could jump a couple of positions when racing at the final round at Taupo, my home track. But then I had two crashes early on and then jammed my foot on a trackside sprinkler at Taupo and that all slowed me down a bit. I’m pretty satisfied with my rankings this year. I finished top-10, so I can’t complain. I raced two different classes at the motocross nationals because I was using this as a build-up to the (separate) enduro and cross-country nationals. It all helped me build my fitness.”
Groombridge was New Zealand Enduro Champion twice, in 2016 and again in 2018, and he also three-times consecutively won the New Zealand Cross-country Championships (in 2016, 2017 and 2018).
Groombridge will ride exactly the same RM-Z450 bike in the enduro and cross-country events that he raced at the motocross nationals, perhaps the only alteration being to fit a larger fuel tank or change the tyres.
Brad Groombridge
“The bikes I race are standard, unmodified machines and they’re super reliable. I can’t thank Suzuki enough for all the support they’ve given me.”
2020 NZ Motocross MX1 Standings
Pos.
Rider.
Points
1
Kirk Gibbs
280
2
Cody Cooper
276
3
Hamish Harwood
244
4
Kayne Lamont
203
5
Ethan Martens
176
6
Brad Groombridge
170
7
Roydon White
147
8
Hadleigh Knights
143
9
Richard Horne
119
10
Cody Murphy
114
2020 NZ Motocross MX2 Standings
Pos.
Rider
Points
1
Maximus Purvis
252
2
Josiah Natzke
246
3
James Scott
228
4
Dylan Walsh
224
5
Caleb Ward
188
6
Morgan Fogarty
186
7
Riley Ward
132
8
Broc Martens
131
9
Cobie Bourke
129
10
Brad Groombridge
120
MA to review international team events
With the current activity surrounding COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus) including governmental imposed restrictions on National and International travel and mass gatherings, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced they are reconsidering involvement in all domestic and international activity over the next few months, with several events and activities already cancelled.
Australia’s ISDE teams will be one of many effected – Lyndon Snodgrass – Image Dario Agrati
In relation to International teams, ISDE, MXON, WJMX, TDN and Speedway of Nations, MA is in constant communication with the FIM about the status of these events.
Due to the logistics involved in sending these teams to compete in Europe, the timelines required to activate the necessary travel, and the current uncertainty around international travel, MA have set deadlines of Mid-April to confirm our Australian Team’s participation in these international events.
MA’s current position is that they believe it is inevitable that they will have to cancel Australia’s participation in some these team events for 2020, and are waiting further information from both the Australian Government and the FIM.
2020 AORC Rounds 5 & 6 postponed
Motorcycling Australia (MA) and Oyster Bay Motorcycle Club (OBMCC) have made the tough decision to postpone Rounds 5 and 6 at Nowra, NSW, of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, as restrictions ramp up around the coronavirus outbreak.
Luke Styke – 2020 AORC
The further restrictions recommended by the Australian Government and imposed by the NSW Government have now made it impossible for the event to continue. The Yamaha AORC is a significant championship for MA and OBMCC and organisers have worked hard to find solutions to enable the championship to continue.
It has now become very difficult for riders, teams and officials to travel during this time and now many companies have placed restrictions on travel and a number of medical services required for the event have become too limited for the event to operate.
Peter Doyle – MA CEO
“With daily Government policy and guideline changes in relation to COID-19, both MA and OBMCC have made the tough but right decision to postpone rounds 5 and 6 of the AORC. Together with the club we have made this decision to postpone the event now rather than the day before the race.”
Geoff Braico – OBMCC President
“Obviously it’s disappointing to postpone the event but with everything that is going on at the moment it’s the only option we have. We are still committed to running the AORC event at Nowra and we have a great weekend of racing planned for when we are allowed to return.”
Daniel Milner – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 2 – Toowoomba
These measures are being adopted in response to an unprecedented situation and AORC management have stated the judgment to postpone any MA National event is not taken lightly, apologising for any inconvenience caused by this required decision.
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2020 Merzouga Rally cancelled
Following the decision by the Moroccan authorities to suspend all events until further notice in order to combat the propagation of the Coronavirus (COVID19) epidemic, the organisers of the Merzouga Rally are obliged to cancel the next edition of the rally, which was scheduled to take place from 25 to 29 May 2020, as its organisation could no longer be guaranteed.
Merzouga Rally 2020 cancelled
Still several weeks away from the event dates, the investments made by the competitors in their preparation will be partly lost if the situation does not improve, with organisers not wanting their participants to run this risk.
Bearing in mind the numerous events postponed until September and October, added to existing events on the Moroccan sports calendar, the Merzouga Rally cannot be postponed, in this case. This means the next Merzouga Rally will be held from from 14 to 18 May, in 2021.
Qualifications for Dakar 2021
For those competitors who wish to validate their participation in the next Dakar Rally, an alternative solution is in the works.
WESS Round 2 Trèfle Lozérien AMV cancelled
Round two of the 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship, Trèfle Lozérien AMV in France, is now cancelled due to coronavirus COVID-19. With France one of the many countries dealing with the fallout of COVID-19, event organisers Motor Club Lozère were left with no alternative but to cancel the Trèfle Lozérien AMV for 2020.
2020 Trefle Lozerien AMV cancelled
Long regarded as France’s most-prestigious Classic Enduro, Mende and its surrounding countryside were busily preparing to host what would have been the 34th edition of the race. Exhausting all possibilities of securing an alternative date in September, it was with regret that a suitable option could not be found.
WESS Promotion GmbH are in daily contact with all WESS Enduro World Championship event organisers and are monitoring the situation regards any further possible disruption to the current schedule.
2020 WESS Enduro World Championship calendar
Round 1: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo (Austria) June 10-14
Round 2: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June 27-28
Round 3: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
Round 4: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
Round 5: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September 26-27
Round 6: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) October TBC
Round 7: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October 9-11
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2020 Hangtown Motocross Classic cancelled
California’s Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club has announced it is cancelling the 52nd running of the Hangtown Motocross Classic from the Prairie City OHV Park, originally scheduled for May 16, 2020.
MX Sports Pro Racing, organizess of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, have been continuously monitoring the ongoing developments surrounding the coronavirus, both domestically and internationally, and have taken a proactive stance in discussing various amendments to the 2020 event schedule.
Hangtown Motocross Classic
Alongside event promoters, series partners, and race teams, MX Sports Pro Racing is taking a collective approach to determining a practical and effective course of action for each of the remaining Nationals, and the entire series as a whole. As details regarding the future of the 2020 season become available, official announcements will be issued to notify both series partners and the fanbase.
2020 MXGP calendar updated
Infront Moto Racinghave announced further changes made to the 2020 MXGP racing calendar. As a result the MXGP of Italy, taking place at the legendary Maggiora circuit, will now be rescheduled from the 17th of May to the 5th of July.
2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
The MXGP of Germany in Teutschenthal will move from the 24th of May to the 9th of August.
With the current pandemic of the coronavirus, these changes have been vital in order to ensure the health and safety of the staff, teams, riders and fans. Infront Moto Racing along with the FIM, FIM Europe and the local organisers are working hard in order to preserve the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar as much as possible.
The FIM Motocross World Championship is planning to return with the MXGP of Russia taking place at the impressive Orlyonok venue on the 7th of June 2020.
2020 MXGP Calendar (updated)
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
July 5 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
July 19 – Trentino, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
September 13 – China, (TBA) –
September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
October 11 – Spain, intu Xanadu – (EMX125, WMX)
October 18 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
November 1 – Indonesia, Jakarta
November 8 – Indonesia, TBA
November 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
2020 Motocross of European Nations
November 1 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee
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2020 Motocross of European Nations date change
Infront Moto Racing have announced that the FIM Europe’s Motocross of European Nations and Women’s Motocross of European Nations has been postponed to November 2020.
Originally scheduled for the 11th of October, the event will now take place on the 1st of November in Sardinia at the popular Riola Sardo venue. There is no change to the track that will host this year’s MXoEN, as the Riola Sardo circuit, situated in the large Italian island of Sardinia close to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, will gather young talents from all over Europe as they compete for their nation.
The change was made in order to accommodate the current changes to the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar, more specifically the rescheduled MXGP of Spain that will see the penultimate round of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing, as well as the final round of the Women’s World Championship.
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship amended schedule
MX Sports Pro Racing has officially announced an amended event schedule for the 2020 season of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Under this revised championship calendar, the 49th season of the off-road motorcycle racing series will commence on Saturday, June 13, beginning with the Florida National from Jacksonville’s WW Ranch Motocross Park.
AMA Pro Motocross – Image by Hoppenworld
Davey Coombs – President of MX Sports Pro Racing
“While the whole world is trying to cope with the ongoing global pandemic that is the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have diligently looked at the impending future of our own championship and the impact this will inevitably have on this annual summer tradition. While the series has unfortunately already been affected by this pandemic with the cancellation of American motocross’ longest running event, the Hangtown Motocross Classic, we have developed a condensed and redesigned schedule for the remainder of the championship that will now start a little less than three months from now. It is our hope that in postponing the start of our season for this additional month, the extended period of time will not only allow for us to obtain a clearer picture of the state of the pandemic, but also provide ample opportunity for our series partners, teams, competitors, and fans to plan accordingly. The updated calendar would allow us to still successfully host a complete season of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross competition, in a quick and concise fashion will leave other parts of the calendar open for other racing activities.”
Under the new schedule, the 11-round series would open with seven consecutive weekends of racing, where the Florida National will be followed by the High Point National (June 20), the Southwick National (June 27), the RedBud National (July 4), the Thunder Valley National (July 11), the Spring Creek National (July 18), and the Washougal National (July 25).
Following a two week break, the championship will return for its stretch run, beginning with the Unadilla National (August 15), followed by the Budds Creek National (August 22), the Ironman National (August 29), and the Fox Raceway National, which will end the season on Labor Day weekend (September 5).
2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Florida National, June 14 – Jacksonville, FL
High Point National, June 21 – Mt. Morris, PA
Southwick National, June 28 – Southwick, MA
RedBud National, July 5 – Buchanan, MI
Thunder Valley National, July 12 – Lakewood, CO
Spring Creek National, July 19 – Millville, MN
Washougal National, July 26 – Washougal, WA
Unadilla National, August 16 – New Berlin, NY
Budds Creek National, August 23 – Mechanicsville, MD
Ironman National, August 30 – Crawfordsville, IN
Fox Raceway National, September 6 – Pala, CA
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2020 American Flat Track events postponed
Due to the ongoing unprecedented situation regarding COVID-19 and expanding restrictions on domestic and international travel, and in accordance with national, state and local governments prohibiting large group gatherings, American Flat Track has decided to postpone its March 28 Atlanta Short Track and April 4 Charlotte Half-Mile events until further notice.
2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile
The May 2 Texas Half-Mile at Texas Motor Speedway and the May 9 So-Cal Half-Mile at Southern California Fairgrounds have also joined the list of postponed events, with all pre-purchased tickets to be honoured on the rescheduled date.
Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ
2020 Silk Way Rally route updated
To prevent the risks linked to the COVID-19 epidemic (Coronavirus) and to guarantee the organisation of the next edition of the Silk Way Rally, the FIM and the event directors have modified the itinerary of the 2020 edition.
Luciano Benavides – Silk Way Rally 2019
The stages that were planned for the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China have been cancelled. The rally will be run entirely on Russian Federation territory, with a start from the Red Square in Moscow on 3 July and a finish in Kazan on 11 July.
The new route will offer eight stages and feature all types of terrain: steppes, sandy, rolling and forest tracks. Demanding and packed, the 2020 edition will offer participants 2700 km (approx.) of selective sections for a total distance of 4200 km (approx.) and in so doing will respect the requirements for a marathon round of both the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.
Vladimir Chagin – Organisation Director
“We have taken a wise and responsible decision; we have to 100 per cent guarantee that the Silk Way Rally 2020 will be held in good conditions. The media and participants will be able to discover extraordinary places in Russia. The rally will be a very high-level competition and a formidable voyage.”
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2020 Championship Calendars (Updated)
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 AMA Supermoto National Championship Series
April 4-5: Primm, Nev.: Anthony Hart Memorial Race
May 2: Honolulu, Hawaii: Aloha Stadium
May 30: Dacono, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway
June 12-13: Austin, Texas: 25th Annual Republic of Texas Rally
July 31-Aug. 2: Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada: 51st Grand Prix of Trois-Rivières (CMA/FIM North America sanctioned)
Sept. 11-12: Sturgis, S.D.: 8th Annual Streets of Sturgis (AMA/FIM North America sanctioned)
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Springfield Mile I rescheduled for August 31, 2019
Jesse Janisch claimed top honours in the standings at the Springfield TT, taking the main event win from Rush and Bromley, with Aussie Max Whale seventh overall. The Springfield Mile I event meanwhile was postponed due to weather.
Janisch appeared to be facing an uphill climb to keep his perfect 2019 TT win streak alive heading into the 15-lap Main Event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds due to the impressive pace of scrub-jumping two-wheeled legend Ryan Sipes.
AFT Springfield TT 2019 – Singles
And in fact, Sipes stole the holeshot from pole and threatened to pull an immediate gap. However, the ISDE superstar threw away a likely victory on lap 3, allowing the rear end to get around on him mid-corner and he fell to the dirt.
Janisch gladly picked up the reins and registered a series of flawless laps at the front. The result wasn’t without any addition drama through, as a hard-charging Mikey Rush kept him honest all the way to the checkered flag.
Earlier, Rush worked overtime to find a way past last year’s Springfield TT winner Dan Bromley. Once through, he slashed into Janisch’s advantage but failed to get close enough for even a Hail Mary attempt on the final lap.
AFT Springfield TT 2019 – Michael Rush
The win was Janisch’s third in three TTs this season and his fourth TT win in a row dating back to last year’s Peoria TT. His big night was made even more monumental due to the misfortune of title rival Dalton Gauthier.
Gauthier entered the event as the AFT Singles’ points leader, but was unable to advance past the heat races after being assessed a 10-second penalty for twice jumping the start. As a result, Janisch now leads Gauthier 111-96 following 6 of 18 rounds. Additionally, Rush and Bromley have also moved into striking distance with 91 and 90 points, respectively.
Jesse Janisch
“Getting the win was absolutely awesome, it was unfortunate for Ryan, I think he definitely had some speed on us today, but I’m certainly going to take it. The Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas team has been awesome this year; I think my results speak volume for how great the team has been and how much they’ve propelled me forward.”
AFT Springfield TT 2019 – Jesse Janisch on the podium
Mikey Rush
“I had a fun time doing that race, but I wish it was a few laps longer, for sure. It took my awhile to get by Dan. We had a nice, clean race. When I got by him, I put my head down and tried to put in smooth laps and hit my marks. I realized I was catching (Janisch), but I knew I was going to run out of laps. But I kept charging and charging. My team works their tails off for me. I’ll continue to keep chipping forward, and hopefully I’ll get that win soon.”
Dan Bromley
“I was over-riding a little bit. I tried pushing in the corners and got on the gas a little too soon and it would upset the bike a little bit and I’d pretty much lose my drives. Jesse and Mikey rode one heck of a race.”
AFT Springfield TT 2019 – Mikey Rush and Dan Bromley shared the podium with Janisch
Spanish flat track star Ferran Cardús got the better of a hyper-aggressive Chad Cose in a tight duel for fourth. Meanwhile, Cole Zabala picked up sixth ahead of Max Whale, Andrew Luker, Michael Inderbitzin, and Ben Lowe who rounded out the top ten.
AFT Springfield TT 2019 – Aussie Max Whale
2016 class champ Ryan Wells fought his way back from an early crash to finish 11th, one position ahead of Sipes.
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The LATEST News
Musquin and Forkner victorious in Indianapolis SX
Waters and Roberts Win at Appin mudfest
Russell fights back at Georgia GNCC
Bauman wins Daytona TT
Janisch wins Daytona TT AFT Singles – Max Whale fifth
Ferris replaces Febvre in MXGP
Ryan brothers shine at Canberra Long Track
Courtney Duncan joins Bike It DRT Kawasaki for WMX
Musquin and Forkner Victorious at Indy SX
Indianapolis has hosted the latest round of the AMA Supercross Championships and on a predominantly one lined, rut infested layout it was KTM’s Marvin Musquin who won the 450 main event for the second year in a row while Austin Forkner slaughtered the 250 East class by winning the main by over six seconds.
Baggett, Tomac, Webb
450SX
Musquin entered Indianapolis 19 points back from his teammate Cooper Webb, and by lap 18 it was a four rider freight train with Musquin, Baggett, Webb and Tomac all within a few seconds of each other but no matter how hard each rider tried.
Cooper Webb
That is how they finished while Justin Barcia’s first ride back from concussion earned the veteran a sensational fifth ahead of Savatgy, Zach Osborne, Ken Roczen, Dean Wilson, Justin Brayton and Chad Reed who passed 11 riders to earn solid points and stay seventh in the championship.
Eli Tomac
As far as the championship goes Webb leads by 14 points over Musquin who in turn has a seven-point gap back to Tomac while the biggest looser on the night was former red plate holder Roczen who just couldn’t get his shit together to end up 27 points back from Webb with six rounds remaining.
Marvin Musquin
“It was a long main event and I knew they were charging behind me so I just wanted to stay smooth, my whoops were pretty clean, I didn’t know if it was the best way but towards the end I was able to get it all clean and it feels good to get it done. Tonight I was very confident on the starting gate and to get a holeshot tonight was super important so yeh, it was time (for the win).”
Marvin Musquin
450SX Main Event Results
Marvin Musquin
Blake Baggett
Cooper Webb
Eli Tomac
Justin Barcia
Joey Savatgy
Zach Osborne
Ken Roczen
Dean Wilson
Justin Brayton
Chad Reed
450SX Main Event Results
Marvin Musquin
Blake Baggett +02.449
Cooper Webb +05.298
450SX Points after 11 of 17 Rounds
Cooper Webb – 243
Marvin Musquin – 229
Eli Tomac – 222
Ken Roczen – 216
Blake Baggett – 184
Dean Wilson – 163
Chad Reed – 149
Joey Savatgy – 141
Justin Brayton – 140
Justin Barcia – 138
250 East Coast Report
Unfortunately for the fans of close racing when Austin Forkner gets the holeshot in the East Coast series it is game over, with his Ryan Villopoto like style racking up the best lap times over and over which left long time arch rival Chase Sexton to reluctantly settle for second place all of the way to flag while Justin Cooper had to make his way from tenth to third to land on the podium.
250 Start
Austin Forkner
“Justin (Cooper) was beside me in the heat race and I didn’t want to let off until he did, went in way too deep, jumped into the tuff block and got run over by a couple of guys so that sucked but in the main I ended up with a decent gate two inside the box and got a good start in the main and that helped.”
Austin Forkner
250 East Coast Main Event Results
Austin Forkner
Chase Sexton
Justin Cooper
Mitchell Oldenburg
Martin Davalos
Kyle Peters
Kyle Cunningham
oshua Osby
Alex Martin
Jordan Bailey
250 East Coast Main Event Results
Austin Forkner
Chase Sexton +06.289
Justin Cooper +09.098
250 East Coast Points after 6 of 9 Rounds
Austin Forkner – 151
Chase Sexton – 125
Justin Cooper – 123
Alex Martin – 92
Martin Davalos – 89
Mitchell Oldenburg – 88
Brandon Hartranft – 82
Kyle Cunningham – 81
Kyle Peters – 79
Jordon Smith – 70
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Waters and Roberts Win at Appin Mudfest
In what has been a massive disappointment to everyone who is involved with or a fan of the Australian MX Nationals, the opening round of the 2019 championships ended up being a mudfest of the highest calibre and it was Todd Waters and Jy Roberts who won the premier MX1 and MX2 classes respectively while Kiwi Max Purvis won the MXD class.
MX Nationals 2019 – Round 1, Appin
A massive low across a large part of the East Coast of Australia caused torrential rain fall in Sydney and the surrounding areas so due to safety concerns WEM, the series promoter, reduced each championship class to one moto.
MX1 Report
Little known American Justin Rodebell grabbed the holeshot in the lone MX1 moto and led for the best part of the opening lap before Hayden Mellross made his way to the lead. Todd Waters was making his way from dead last after getting tangled with a track side sprinkler going into the first corner.
ISDE winner Daniel Milner was also a victim of multiple first corner incidents while pre-race favourites Kirk Gibbs and Brett Metcalfe also got less than ideal starts but both managed to edge their way through the treacherous conditions to move by Rodebell, Luke Clout and Jesse Dobson to slot into third and fourth.
After six laps that took almost 17 minutes, Hayden Mellross greeted the chequered flag ahead of Waters, Gibbs, Metcalfe and Dobson but thanks to a couple of incidents where it was deemed that Mellross rode outside the track barriers Waters was gifted maximum points ahead of Mellross.
Todd Waters
“It’s kind of strange, I didn’t think I won it. It was quite good for me because when I get excited, I go full gas and make big mistakes. I had no goggles and thought this is a bit of a write off. I just rode smooth and tried my best to just stay on the track.”
Todd Waters
Rodbell, Tomas Ravenhorst, Luke Clout, Joben Baldwin and Cody Dyce rounded out the top 10 while the likes of Richie Evans, Jayden Rykers, Caleb Ward ended the moto far from where they would have like but they fared better than Dylan long and Milner who didn’t get to finish the race.
Richie Evans
“The result today wasn’t what I was after, but the conditions threw up all sorts of challenges. It was hard work out there today. I went all out at the start and got the track position I needed but that crash just made things so hard to ride and grip the bike that I had to swap gloves and goggles to even continue. But despite the result, I know my preparation has been good and I have done the work over the off season so I’m not going to let this affect me. I will learn from todays round and improve myself in these conditions and I’m ready to get things back on track at round two regardless of what we are faced with.”
MX Nationals 2019 – Round 1, Appin
Thor MX1 – Moto Result and Overall
Todd Waters
Hayden Mellross
Kirk Gibbs
Brett Metcalfe
Jesse Dobson
Justin Rodbell
Tomas Ravenhorst
Luke Clout
Joben Baldwin
Cody Dyce
Charlie Creech
Joel Wightman
Levi McManus
Richie Evans
Jayden Rykers
Brandon Gray
John Prutti
Caleb Ward
Zak Small
Izak Maule
MX2 Report
Jay Wilson scored the holeshot and for most of the moto the Yamaha rider looked like a shoe-in for the win until a mistake near the end allowed Jy Roberts to come through to claim the win ahead of Wilson and third placed defending champion Wilson Todd. Todd ended the race ahead of Issac Ferguson, Riley Dukes, Nathan Crawford, Cooper Pozniak, Dylan Wills and Wyatt Chase.
Pirelli MX2 – Moto 1 – Appin Results – Top 15
Jy Roberts
Jay Wilson +15.866
Wilson Todd +1:03.716
Jy Roberts
“It was brutal, every line just crisscrossed and there where holes you couldn’t see. I had to throw my goggles on the second lap, so I was just getting roosted by lappers, but I ended up getting it done by just pulling off consistent laps. I made it work, so I am happy with that.”
Jy Roberts
Jay Wilson
“It was a strange set of circumstances that lead to us finishing second and as a team, everyone was a little disappointed in the outcome given we have such as good lead. But, we will move on from here, learn from what happened and ensure we aren’t in that situation again. We had a chat about it and its no-one’s fault, just the way it played out but from now on, we have decided we are just going to be ruthless if we are ever in the situation again. The team did a great job today on the bike and keeping it running smoothly. It’s tough because the track was so hard on the bikes. They get so hot, you have to keep off the clutch and stay away from the deep water, ruts and mud but the bike was awesome and for me, I’m happy with the start we have made for the championship and ready to go the full ten rounds.”
Aaron Tanti was up front in the early going but thanks to a series of mistakes the hard charger ended up tenth ahead of talented enduro rider Lyndon Snodgrass who in turn got the nod over some of the best MX2 riders in Australia including Morgan Fogarty, Kyle Webster, Bailey Malkiewicz and Joel Evans.
Kyle Webster
“It was a bloody tough day to say the least; the track was so next-level wet to state the obvious. I actually made a good start in the MX2 race and was running fourth or fifth after a couple of laps when I got completely and utterly bogged. I was stuck for almost a lap! Luckily another rider stopped to help me, otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten the bike out. That incident dropped me back to about 28th place, and from there I just clawed my way up to 15th by the finish of the race. It certainly wasn’t an ideal day, but I’m just super-lucky and thankfully I managed to keep going and it wasn’t a DNF result.”
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Pirelli MX2 – Moto Result and Overall
Jy Roberts
Jay Wilson
Wilson Todd
Issac Ferguson
Riley Dukes
Nathan Crawford
Cooper Pozniak
Dylan Wills
Wyatt Chase
Aaron Tanti
Lyndon Snodgrass
Jai Constantinou
Morgan Fogarty
Chandler Burns
Kyle Webster
Jye Dickson
Ricky Latimer
Sam Pelz
Riley Stephens
Jesse Bishop
MXD Report
Leading riders Rhys Budd and Regan Duffy were back and forth for several laps before Budd looked to have the race in the bag but a small over on the last lap gave Kiwi flyer Max Purvis the win over Budd, Michael Murphy, Hugh Roach and Caleb Clifton.
Rhys Budd
“What a day! I got out in front in Qualifying and put down one heater lap to get the fastest time, which gave me first gate pick for the race, which just helped make things a little easier. I got a great start in the race and got the holeshot and pretty much tried my best to keep it up on two wheels. I had the lead with one lap to go and unfortunately, I put it down, but I managed to get up in second place and hold it to the end. It was a really challenging race and I have never raced in mud that bad before. But I just tried to make the most of it and tried to have fun, which is all you can really do in situations like that.”
Motul MXD – Moto Result and Overall
Maximus Purvis
Rhys Budd
Micheal Murphy
Hugh Roache
Caleb Clifton
Liam Walsh
Regan Duffy
Jayce Cosford
Dale Lyons
Liam Andrews
Jack Kukas
James Beston
Tye Jones
Lochie Smith
Mason Rowe
Noah Ferguson
Aaron Mason
Jake Barron
Mason Semmens
Denzel Woulfe
Russell Fights back at Georgia GNCC
Washington, Georgia hosted the second round of the 2019 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series with the 15th Annual Specialized General GNCC and it was defending champion Kailub Russell who bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to take the win and garner the championship lead.
Kailub Russell claimed top honours – Image by Ken Hill
XC1 Report
On his new Kawasaki KX450F Josh Strang grabbed the holeshot but it was Kailub Russell who pushed his way to the front of the pack as they came through timing on the opening lap. But it wasn’t a runaway victory for Russell who had Trevor Bollinger and Thad Duvall not only holding pace but also at times looking for a way around the defending champ.
Josh Strang took the holeshot – Image by Ken Hill
Bollinger would in fact make the pass on Russell, holding the lead spot as they came through scoring on the second and fourth laps but when it mattered Russell crossed the finish line in the lead ahead of Bollinger, Duvall and last week’s winner Steward Baylor Jr.
Baylor Jr. found himself running in fourth overall for the majority of the race to now sit second, just seven points behind Russell in the National Championship points standings.
Strang would battle throughout the day to stay inside the top five ahead of Josh Toth, Jordan Ashburn, Andrew Delong, Cory Buttrick and Christopher Venditti.
XC1 Pro Event Results
Kailub Russell (KTM)
Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
Thad Duvall (HQV)
Steward Baylor Jr. (KTM)
Josh Strang (KAW)
Josh Toth (KTM)
Jordan Ashburn (KAW)
Andrew Delong (HON)
Cory Buttrick (YAM)
Christopher Venditti (KAW)
Overall National Championship Standings
Kailub Russell (55)
Steward Baylor Jr. (48)
Thad Duvall (42)
Trevor Bollinger (41)
Ben Kelley (32)
Josh Strang (30)
Josh Toth (30)
Andrew Delong (23)
Jonathan Girroir (23)
Jordan Ashburn (22)
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XC2 Report
Beta’s Michael Witkowski grabbed the holeshot but it wouldn’t take long for Ben Kelley to take over the lead and proceed to gap the rest of the field by 2 minutes and 23 seconds at the chequered flag while Evan Smith, Jonathan Girroir, Witkowski and KTM’s Ryder Lafferty rounded out the top five.
XC2 250 Pro Event Results
Benjamin Kelley (KTM)
Evan Smith (HQV)
Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
Michael Witkowski (BET)
Ryder Lafferty (KTM)
Tegan Temple (KTM)
Liam Draper (KTM)
Austin Lee (HON)
Zack Hayes (KTM)
Jesse Groemm (KTM)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings
Benjamin Kelley (60)
Jonathan Girroir (46)
Evan Smith (43)
Michael Witkowski (39)
Tegan Temple (31)
XC3 Report
In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class, it was Jason Thomas who held the lead position throughout the first lap but Cody Barnes would make the move around Thomas for the lead on the second lap and the Beta rider would not look back after taking the lead. Barnes ultimately finished five minutes ahead of Thomas who was followed by Yamaha’s Jason Raines, while defending Champion Jesse Ansley would find himself only completing four of the six laps after spending a lot of time in his pit area trying to figure out what looks to be a carby issue.
Becca Sheets – Image by Ken Hill
WXC Report
Tayla Jones held the lead in the WXC class but as the women headed out on on lap three Becca Sheets would make her move to take over the lead, with Mackenzie Tricker following her as she moved into the second place. Sheets would hold onto the lead, taking the chequered flag ahead of Tricker, Jones, Rachel Gutish and New Zealand’s Rachael Archer rounding out the top five.
Bauman Wins Daytona TT
AFT Twins prepare at the Daytona TT – Image by Scott Hunter
The annual Daytona TT kicked off the 2019 American Flat Track season and it was Indian factory rider Briar Bauman who kicked off his championship campaign with a 5.149-second margin ahead of fellow Indian rider Henry Wiles and Yamaha’s Jake Johnson.
Briar Bauman – Image by Scott Hunter
Briar Bauman
“To hop out there in the front — it’s all about trying to put in a gap in the beginning. I’ve been training hard this offseason. I tried to throw down as much as I could and get a little bit of a gap and maintain the rest of the race.”
Bryan Smith – Image by Scott Hunter
Bauman’s triumph also brings defending champion Jared Mees’ Daytona TT win streak to a halt at two after Mees retired with a mechanical issue in the Main while running fifth.
AFT Twins – Main Event Daytona – 2019
Briar Bauman
Henry Wiles +5.149
Jake Johnson +16.037
Jarod Vanderkooi +19.248
Bronson Bauman +22.314
Kayl Kolkman +1 Lap
Robert Pearson +0.517
Brandon Robinson +2.161
Donald Mullen II +2.200
Jeffrey Carver Jr. +6.174
2019 AFT Twins Round 1 Podium – 1) Briar Bauman, 2) Henry Wiles, 3) Jake Johnson – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Twins Standings
Briar Bauman 25 points
Henry Wiles 20
Jake Johnson 17
Jarod Vanderkooi 15
Bronson Bauman 14
Kayl Kolkman 13
Robert Pearson 12
Brandon Robinson 11
Donald Mullen II 10
Jeffrey Carver Jr. 9
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Janisch Wins Daytona TT AFT Singles – Max Whale fifth
AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter
At the Daytona TT Yamaha’s Jesse Janisch battled hard all day and in particular the AFT Singles main event to take the win ahead of Dalton Gauthier (KTM), Dan Bromley (KTM), Mikey Rush (Honda) and Max Whale (Kawasaki).
Jesse Janisch
“To start off Daytona with a victory… it’s amazing. Last year, we left here with a second, and that was a great way to start off the season. Just putting in all the work over the course of the winter and leaving here with a win is amazing. The Roof Systems team has really made a home for me. We’ve really built a great program.”
Jesse Janisch – Image by Scott Hunter
After earning last year’s crown on the strength of 13 podiums in 18 races, Bromley began his title defence with a solid third-place result while neither Shayna Texter (KTM) nor Jeff Ward (Honda) qualified for the night program. Former ISDE winner Ryan Sipes (KTM) made the program and rounded out the top 10 in the Singles final after competing in the Daytona Supercross and the GNCC during the previous weekend.
Daytona TT Singles Podium – – Image by Scott Hunter
American Flat Track will be back in action for round two of the 2019 season in just over a week’s time as the series travels to Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, Ga., for the Atlanta Short Track presented by Cycle Gear on Saturday, March 23.
Jesse Janisch – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Singles – Main Event Daytona – 2019
Jesse Janisch
Dalton Gauthier +2.577
Dan Bromley +4.665
Mikey Rush +5.179
Max Whale +6.320
Ferran Cardus +7.112
Jacob Lehmann +9.342
Jake Lewis +9.833
Oliver Brindley +10.526
Ryan Sipes +11.022
AFT Singles Standings
Jesse Janisch 25 points
Dalton Gauthier 20
Dan Bromley 17
Mikey Rush 15
Max Whale 14
Ferran Cardus 13
Jacob Lehmann 12
Jake Lewis 11
Oliver Brindley 10
Ryan Sipes 9
Ferris Replaces Febvre in MXGP
Dean Ferris is arguably the fastest Aussie on the planet right now and on the back of a text to the team manager the multiple Australian champ will join Yamaha Motor Europe into the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team as a temporary replacement for the injured Romain Febvre.
Dean Ferris joins the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team to replace Febvre temporarily
After a crash during the second moto at the opening round of the World MX Champs a few weeks ago in Argentina, Febvre underwent a successful operation on Wednesday March 13 at the University Antwerp Hospital (UZA) and it is expected to take six-weeks to heal. Therefore Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP has called upon Ferris to fill the Frenchman’s seat for the next three rounds of the MXGP World Championship.
The next three World Motocross Championship rounds are back-to-back so Ferris will make his 2019 MXGP debut this weekend at Matterley Basin, England before heading to round three in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, and round four in Pietramurata, Italy.
Dean Ferris
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I know the next GP is close but we still have a few days to get comfortable with the bike. I have ridden these three tracks before so I will be pulling on my experience a lot. It’s great that I can stay with Yamaha as I’ve had a great experience with them in the past few years. It’s a bummer that Romain got hurt, we never want to see that but it can happen. I will be trying my very best for these GP’s and I look forward to the experience and opportunity.”
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Ryan Brothers Shine at Canberra Long Track
Connor and Harrison Ryan have dominated the annual Stay Upright Kings and Queens of Canberra two-day long track meeting last weekend.
Since entering the senior ranks Connor Ryan has not had a problem qualifying for finals, but his victory in the Pro 450 final in Canberra ranks as his biggest success to date.
Connor took the lead early in the 6-lap final and the classy line-up could make no impact on his advantage, with David Smith, Thomas Herrick, Michael Vecchi, Jesse Davies and Kale Galeano chasing him home.
2019 Stay Upright Kings and Queens of Canberra
Earlier in the Pro Open final the same six riders finished in the top half of the field with Herrick an impressive winner ahead of Vecchi, Smith, Galeano, Davies and Ryan.
The Pro 250 class as usual produced a close tussle on points over the five rounds with Jake Farnsworth outpointing Victorian Bradley Burns and Kye Andrews.
Albury rider Jesse Davies scored a double with victory in the Slider class, after having won the exciting IDH Projects Senior Shoot-out on the Saturday afternoon.
The Canberra Motorcycle Centre Junior Shoot-out started the run of success for 15 year old Harrison Ryan who later went on to win the 2-stroke and Lites classes as well as the Feature Race. Harrison had to overcome some good starts by Victorian Max Berry with Callan Butcher always finishing in third place.
Brothers Kai and Lync Frame dominated the Dirt Track Sidecars while Lawrence Fairey was the stand-out in the racing from the old riders and old bikes.
Besides Harrison Ryan in the juniors there were good displays from Hayden Nelson from Taree, Hugh Hope-Hodgetts from Forbes, Kurtis Jackson and Alexander Codey from Sydney.
Courtney Duncan joins Bike It DRT Kawasaki for WMX
New Zealander Courtney Duncan joins the Bike It DRT Kawasaki team to compete in the FIM Women’s World Motocross Championship which kicks off at Valkenswaard in The Netherlands later this month.
With two world titles and a further three medals in the Women’s World Championship, Kawasaki is proud to announce that talented New Zealander Courtney Duncan joins the Green family this season to compete in the high-profile five-round series.
Courtney Duncan joins Bike It DRT Kawasaki for WMX
The fast twenty-three-year-old young lady has been a major protagonist in the series since her debut three years ago, claiming an amazing seven GP victories and fourteen heat wins from just fifteen starts within that short space of time. Twice she was denied the world title through injury and lost the title by just two points on the other occasion.
More determined than ever to finally achieve her goal Courtney has made the conscious decision to join the highly-experienced British Kawasaki squad run by Steve Dixon to race a KX250 alongside male teammates Darian Sanayei from the USA and Brazilian Gustavo Pessoa in a truly international squad. Apart from the GPs Courtney, currently in Europe to prepare for the GP season, will also race in her native country with the support of Kawasaki New Zealand.
Courtney Duncan
“I’m stoked to announce my signing with the Bike It DRT Kawasaki race team. They’ve given me an awesome opportunity and I’m very motivated to put them on top in 2019. A fresh start is what I needed and I couldn’t be more excited than to do that with Kawasaki. Kawasaki New Zealand have also come on board to support me at home, for which I am also very thankful.”
Steve Dixon, DRT team owner
“It’s ten years since our team was involved in the Women’s World Championship with Tarah Gieger, when she even helped Puerto Rico to qualify for the Motocross of Nations, but we have always maintained a keen interest in the series. It was actually a friend who mentioned to me that Courtney was looking around for a competitive ride in this year’s GPs; it took some thinking about but Kawasaki were keen, especially since their previous champion Livia Lancelot retired. I confidently expect Courtney to bring Kawasaki the world title.”
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Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
What Went Down Last Weekend?
Brook and Koppe win North Brisbane Cup
FIM SuperEnduro World Championship – Round 1 – Krakow, Poland
French Beach Race Series – Round 4 – Ronde des Sables
Wade Young wins Roof of Africa
Faggotter ready for Dakar 2019
2019 WESS calendar announced
2019 AFT calendar announced
2019 GNCC calendar announced
2019 Sunshine State Series calendar announced
2019 Australian Speedway Senior Solo draw announced
Tanti joins Crawford at Serco
WBR Yamaha sign Purvis and Kukas for MXD
Argentina to kick-off 2019 MXGP season
Stefan Everts in hospital
Brook and Koppe Win North Brisbane Cup
MotoGP racer Jack Miller added some extra prestige into the annual North Brisbane Cup last Saturday afternoon and evening but it was the talented pairing of Damien Koppe and Jarrod Brook who took the overall win after winning both feature races.
Damien Koppe and Jarrod Brook who took the overall win
Some of our best speedway, dirt track, road race and enduro riders were on hand but the real pace setters were Damien Koppe, Jarred Brook, Max Whale, Jake Allen, Kayden Downing and Jack Miller – in fact, Miller has lost none of his dirt track speed after going down in turn one of the Pro Open teams event, before remounting and carving back to third place in time for the changeover to fellow Townsville terror Kayden Downing.
Despite the relatively tight confines of Mick Doohan Raceway – for a long track slider designed for a mile track – speedway pro Josh Grajczonek proved himself competitive throughout the event.
North Brisbane Cup Results
Damien Koppe, Jarrod Brook 9:21.380
Max Whale, Jake Allen 1.791
Jack Miller, Kayden Downing 13.700
Harrison Maxwell, Nick Hallas 25.592
Bailey Spencer, Ben Montgomery 26.068
Briony Hendrickson, Andy McLeisch 1 lap
Lachlan Stanford, Fraser Higlett 1 lap
Jay Southwell, Max Losch 2 laps
Daniel Perdikis, Trevor Velt 2 laps
1Ryan Douglas, Joshua Grajczonek 3 laps
Brooke Goulding, Blake Goulding 11 laps
Jack Miller made an appearance at the North Brisbane Cup
Damien Koppe, Jarrod Brook 9:22.703
Max Whale, Jake Allen 6.763
Bailey Spencer, Ben Montgomery 1 lap
Harrison Maxwell, Nick Hallas 1 lap
Lachlan Stanford, Fraser Higlett 1 lap
Benjamin Mclaughlin, Adam Bevan 1 lap
Andrew McLiesh, Grace Hudson 1 lap
Jay Southwell, Max Losch 2 laps
Brooke Goulding, Blake Goulding 2 laps
Daniel Perdikis, Trevor Velt 2 laps DNF Jack Miller, Kayden Downing Lap 19
FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Round 1 – Krakow, Poland
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak has won the opening round of the 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship held in Krakow, Poland while Cody Webb and Colton Haaker rounded out the podium
Krakow SuperEnduro 2019 Round 1 – Image by Future7Media
On a dry and fast track at the Tauron Arena in Krakow, Blazusiak delighted his home fans by taking the overall win at round one of the championship. It wasn’t plain sailing for the six-time champion however as an early fall in the third and final heat left him playing catch-up to the riders ahead.
With his KTM 350 EXC-F blasting off the line, Blazusiak secured the holeshot in heat one. The Polish rider was never challenged for the remainder of the race and after riding eight smooth and consistent laps crossed the line 15 seconds ahead of teammate Webb. Putting in a similar performance in the reverse-grid heat two, Taddy fought his way through the pack early on to win by over five seconds from the second-placed finisher Haaker.
Aiming to take the hat-trick, Taddy fell early in the third heat and was placed dead-last at the beginning of the opening lap. Charging hard, he got his head down and proceeded to pick off the riders ahead of him, ultimately battling his way through to fourth at the line – enough to claim the overall event win and with it the championship lead heading into round two in Germany.
“The whole event has been amazing. Race one went perfectly, I was able to get out in front and set my own pace to take the win. Race two was pretty much the same, I had quite a lot of pressure from the guys behind and made a couple of mistakes, but I was able to put in some fast lap times and break the challenge. In the last moto, I got a pretty good start but I got tangled up with some other riders over the first jumps and went down. I picked myself and the bike up and saw I was in last place so I took a couple of seconds to make sure everything was ok and set off again. I was pushing hard and able to overtake the guys in front quite well. I did make a mistake in one rut and washed the front again, luckily I didn’t lose too much time and was happy enough to take fourth. Championship-wise, I’m a little disappointed to lose a few points but I think we’ll all have challenging races over the season. To be leading going into round two feels great.”
The 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with round two in Riesa, Germany on January 5, 2019.
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French Beach Race Series – Round 4 – Ronde des Sables
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has secured his second consecutive victory in the Championnat de France des Sables. Putting in a strong performance throughout the two-hour 30-minute beach race, Watson initially crossed the finish line in second, but was later awarded the overall win.
Yentel Martens – 2018 French Beach Races Round 4 Hossegor – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
After his confidence-boosting victory at last weekend’s round three, Nathan Watson headed to round four with hopes of making it two wins in a row and after starting strongly, he battled with teammate Camille Chapeliere for the lead during the first half of the race before taking control.
Camille Chapeliere – 2018 French Beach Races Round 4 Hossegor – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
However, despite pulling a sizeable advantage, Watson was unable to maintain his lead as the race conditions changed. With organisers cutting the event short due to an incoming tide, the Brit slipped back to second place at just the wrong moment in the race. Unable to regroup in time, Watson shadowed provisional winner Milko Potisek across the finish line for what he thought was a runner-up result. Later confirmed as the winner, Watson claimed his second consecutive beach race win.
Nathan Watson
“I’m disappointed to have physically just missed out on that race win but naturally pleased to be awarded the overall win. The race to the chequered flag itself was close and I was right behind him crossing the finish line. I had a good race and was leading with about a one-minute advantage. Then suddenly he came past me and I was shocked because I didn’t realise he was catching me so quick. I must have been riding too relaxed in traffic. He passed me on the last lap and I tried to regroup, but it was too late. With two tough rounds back-to-back and my victory at Red Bull Knock Out, I’ll take a bit of time to recover over the Christmas break and then work hard to prepare for the next round.”
Nathan Watson – 2018 French Beach Races Round 4 Hossegor – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Claiming the holeshot on his KTM 450 SX-F, Watson’s teammate Camille Chapeliere put in a series of blisteringly fast laps to hold firm at the front of the results and maintain the race lead during the first hour of racing. With lapped traffic hampering his vision, the Frenchman was forced to pit earlier than scheduled for a fresh pair of goggles. Despite his strong pace during the latter half of the race, Chapeliere was unable to catch the leaders and had to settle for third overall, but was later awarded second.
Camille Chapeliere
“After last weekend’s disappointment I was determined to return strong here. I worked a lot to be ready and I wanted to show my speed on the track. My first hour was good. I took the holeshot and lead for quite a while. I had a little issue with my goggles and was unable to hold that position as I needed to pit early for a fresh set. But overall it’s been a good race and now I will continue to work and be ready for the next round as we build towards Enduropale le Touquet.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Yentel Martens delivered a strong ride at round four of the French Beach Race series in Ronde des Sables, Hossegor-Capbreton to claim a confidence-boosting fourth-place result.
Yentel Martens – 2018 French Beach Races Round 4 Hossegor – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Yentel Martens
“Today was a positive step forward for me. After some bad luck last weekend and then picking up a small foot injury I was nervous about how things would go. Unfortunately, my start wasn’t the best and I was outside the top 20, so had a bit of work to do there. But my speed was good and I was able to make up the positions quite quickly. I caught up to Jeffrey Dewulf near the end but crashed and lost some time to him that I wasn’t able to recover. However, I’m happy with the progress. I know my speed is good enough to win now and as a team we are all working hard to make it happen.”
The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round five in Grayan on January 13, 2019.
Yentel Martens – 2018 French Beach Races Round 4 Hossegor – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Results – French Beach Race Series, Round 4
Nathan Watson, KTM, 25 laps 2:23:11.880
Camille Chapeliere, KTM, 2:26:59.150 +3:47.270
Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 2:28:59.550 +5:47.670
Yentel Martens, Husqvarna, 2:23:59.550 +1 lap
Daymond Martens, Honda, 2:24:01.590 +1 lap
Championship Standings (After Round 4)
Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 500 points
Milko Potisek, Yamaha, 500 pts
Nathan Watson, KTM, 435 pts
Maxime Sot, Yamaha, 397 pts
Yentel Martens, Husqvarna, 390 pts
Wade Young Wins Roof of Africa
Wade Young has topped off an incredible 2018 hard enduro racing season by winning the infamous Motul Roof of Africa in a total time of 14-hours and 47-minutes, a clear 23-minutes ahead of the second placed rider, Travis Teasdale.
It has been widely reported that the 2018 version of the Roof of Africa was one if the toughest with legendary racer and former Roof winner Alfie Cox reporting, “It was tough. It was not a walk in the park and people had to dig deep. Some blokes were on the bike for ten to eleven hours a day. But that is what the Roof of Africa is all about.”
Wade Young wins the 2018 Roof Of Africa – Image by www.trompievanderberg.co.za / www.zcmc.co.za
While the mountains of Lesotho proved unforgiving, Wade Young made short work of the competition with a 40-minute lead after a strenuous 8-hours and 28-minutes on the bike after the first day of racing. Young played it safe on day-two, relinquishing some of his lead but ensuring his fourth Roof of Africa title.
The Sherco Factory rider claimed a number of high-profile hard enduro events in 2018 with victory in the Sea to Sky, Romaniacs, Megawatt and Australia’s own Wildwood Rock Extreme.
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Faggotter Ready for Dakar 2019
Yamalube Yamaha Rally team riders Adrien Van Beveren, Xavier de Soultrait and Aussie Rodney Faggotter will be aboard the newest edition of the WR450F Rally works machine as they take on the 41st Dakar which will be for the first time contested exclusively in Peru.
Rod Faggotter
Playing a crucial role for the Yamalube Yamaha Rally team during the last two Dakar Rallies, Rodney Faggotter remains with the squad going into the 2019 edition of the event after an extremely consistent run that saw him finish 16th overall and the highest placed Yamaha rider at the 2018 Dakar Rally.
Rodney Faggotter
“I’m looking forward to the 2019 Dakar. I’ve been racing some Bajas and training hard back home in Australia these last few months. I feel strong physically and also mentally. In the beginning of December, we’ve spent a full week testing and training with the team in Morocco and that was a good morale booster for me. We have a great spirit within the team and I want to be there for my teammates if they need me. I want to have a good clean run and do my own race. This Dakar might seem shorter, but we all know it’s still going to be a long and demanding race. If it all goes well, I’m confident I can improve my overall result from last year and fight for a spot inside the top-10.”
Rodney Faggotter – Dakar 2018
Race Schedule – Dakar Rally 2019
Stage 1 | Jan 7 | Lima to Pisco | SS: 84km | Total: 331km
Stage 2 | Jan 8 | Pisco to San Juan de Marcona | SS: 342km | Total: 554km
Stage 3 | Jan 9 | San Juan de Marcona to Arequipa | SS: 331km | Total: 779km
Stage 4 | Jan 10 | Arequipa to Moquegua | SS: 352km | Total: 511km
Stage 5 | Jan 11 | Moquegua to Arequipa | SS: 345km | Total: 776km
Rest Day | Jan 12 | Arequipa
Stage 6 | Jan 13 | Arequipa to San Juan de Marcona | SS: 317km | Total: 839km
Stage 7 | Jan 14 | San Juan de Marcona, return| SS: 323km | Total: 387km
Stage 8 | Jan 15 | San Juan de Marcona to Pisco | SS: 361km | Total: 576km
Stage 9 | Jan 16 | Pisco to Pisco | SS: 313km | Total: 410km
Stage 10 | Jan 17 | Pisco to Lima | SS: 112km | Total: 358km
2019 WESS Calendar Announced
The World Enduro Super Series will be an eight-round championship for the 2019 season with two additional Classic Enduro events scheduled for the coming season, combined with established Hard Enduro favourites, plus the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country.
2018 Gotland Grand National – WESS Round 7
The Extreme XL Lagares will once again open the season in Portugal, on May 10-12 before moving to France and the Classic Enduro at the Trèfle Lozérien AMV, then the Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble, Red Bull Romaniacs, Hawkstone Park Cross-Country in the United Kingdom, the Solsona Enduro in Spain et and finally GetzenRodeo in Germany on November 2-3.
Winfried Kerschhaggl – WESS Series Manager
“Further broadening the mix of events in the championship, while sharpening the focus on true Enduro competitions has been our goal. Traditional Enduro is always close to our hearts, fuelling our passion for racing, and for that reason it has led to the addition of two Classic Enduro events being added to the calendar. Combined with some of our much-loved events from 2018, plus the welcomed addition of the GetzenRodeo, we are very much looking forward to the start of the new series and the battle to find the 2019 Ultimate Enduro Champion.”
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series – 2019 Schedule
Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 10-12
Round 2: Trèfle Lozérien AMV (France) May 17-19
Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) May 30-June 2
Round 4: Classic Enduro (Italy) TBA
Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 30-August 4
Round 6: Hawkstone Park Cross Country (United Kingdom) September 21-22
Round 7: Solsona Enduro (Spain) October 5-6
Round 8: GetzenRodeo (Germany) November 2-3
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2019 AFT Calendar Announced
American Flat Track has finalized its 2019 schedule and prepares to launch ticket sales in time for the holidays.
The 2019 running of the New York Short Track at Weedsport Speedway in Weedsport, NY has been moved back one week to July 13, 2019. Race fans can plan on an entire weekend of excitement, as AFT Events will once again throw a pre-race kickoff party with food, live music, entertainment and rider meet & greet session.
American Flat Track 2019 calendar announced
AFT’s season finale returns to the Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment at the famed MetLife Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ for a second running of the Meadowlands Mile. The race is set for September 28, 2019 – one week earlier than its 2018 date. This venue provided showstopping race action in 2018 and has already become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the upcoming season.
Cameron Gray, COO of AFT Events
“Now that we have finalized our 2019 schedule, we can hit the ground running. We’ve got new venues, freshly-built and redesigned racetracks and are planning some major improvements to overall fan experience for the coming season. AFT fans can look forward to the most exciting season of American Flat Track to date.”
AFT returns in 2019
American Flat Track will kick off its 2019 season with its bar-banging Daytona TT in appropriate fashion – during the wild Bike Week festivities in Daytona Beach. The 2019 Daytona TT happens Thursday, March 14 once again under the lights of the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Tickets will be available soon at https://www.americanflattrack.com.
2019 American Flat Track Schedule
March 14: Daytona TT – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
March 23: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
April 20: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
April 27: Wild Horse TT – Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler, AZ
May 11: Perris Half-Mile – Perris Auto Speedway, Perris, CA
May 18: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
May 26: Springfield Mile I – Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
(AFT Singles Springfield TT same weekend)
June 1: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
June 15: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Motor Sp., Loudon, New Hampshire
June 29: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
July 13: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
August 4: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
August 6: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
August 17: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
September 1: Springfield Mile II – Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
(AFT Singles Springfield Short Track same weekend)
September 7: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Sp., Mechanicsburg, PA
September 21: Minnesota Mile – Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN
September 28: Meadowlands Mile – Meadowlands R & E, East Rutherford, NJ
2019 GNCC Calendar Announced
Racer Productions, producer of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, is pleased to announce the 2019 series schedule.
New for the 2019 season will be the expanded Micro (50cc) Racing program, while the eMTB racing will take place at eight rounds including an eMTB only race held on July 27 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
2019 GNCC calendar announced – Image by Ken Hill
Jeff Russell – GNCC Trail Boss
“We’re excited to get the 2019 season rolling. With a great schedule of events on some of the best off-road courses the country has to offer, the upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the best yet. We have several facilities to consider for the fall TBA event. A lot of factors go into finding a venue to host a GNCC event and we hope to have an announcement on that round as soon as possible.”
The 2019 schedule welcomes back many of its most seasoned venues, including Camp Coker Bullet in Society Hill, South Carolina; X-Factor in Peru, Indiana; The John Penton in Millfield, Ohio; Tomahawk in Alpine, New York; West Virginia’s popular Snowshoe GNCC in Snowshoe, West Virginia; and the Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
The Queensland Motocross subcommittee is pleased to announce details of a freshly revamped 2019 Sunshine State Motocross Series, with four exciting venue additions from last year’s Airoh series.
2019 Sunshine State Motocross Series calendar announced
Since its inception as a B & C Grade series more than 25 years ago, the ‘Sunny States’ have made a consistent contribution to the development of Queensland’s racing stocks, and established a tradition as a proving ground for up-and-coming riders.
Averaging around 330 riders per round, the series contributes significantly to the ‘dirt bike economy’ that fuels small towns in South-East Queensland, while offering competitors the best prizemoney of any comparable series.
Next year’s incarnation will see a mix of trusted and true venues and exciting new locations, with the respected Suncoast Junior Motorcycle Club both raising and lowering the curtain on the series, boasting two rounds at its iconic Coolum track.
2019 Sunshine State Motocross Series calendar announced
In between though, riders will take a thrill ride of fresh racing challenges to grow their skills, re-visiting old favourites like a recently-updated Roma, Mundubbera, Kilcoy and Goondiwindi.
New series coordinator Rachelle Houterman is anything but a new face on the scene, and in taking over the reins from Jason Watson, will look to maintain what’s great about the series, but improve what she can.
She’ll again assume the role of Race Secretary for the series and will steer the ship overall with help from the Motocross Subcommittee, as well as the promoting clubs and series officials.
Rachelle Houterman – Race Secretary
“It’ll be a busy year for me and my helpers, but we have a lot of experience with all aspects of the series and we’re looking to continue to grow Queensland’s premier motocross series as well as trying to increase the payback to the clubs and open up more contingencies for juniors. Some riders may not have previously experienced a few of these tracks, but are sure to be in for a great time at venues that older riders still speak very highly of. Roma has had some exciting new changes as well, so there’ll be lots of opportunity for riders to learn new tracks and gain new skills. Kilcoy has also been missing from the series lately, but the Kilcoy Motorcycle Club has gained a huge following in recent years, so we’re happy to return this track to the calendar.”
The Motocross Subcommittee wishes to thank Jason Watson for all of his hard work over the past two years and wishes him all the best for his new endeavours. Jason remains a valued member of the MX Subcommittee.
2019 Sunshine State Motocross Series calendar announced
The series sponsor is expected to be announced very soon, and a host of sponsorship opportunities now exist with the Sunshine State MX Series. Please contact Rachelle direct on 0409 174 273 or email [email protected].
2019 Sunshine State Series Venues and Dates
Coolum 16/17 February
Roma 23/24 March
Mundubbera 6/7 April
Kilcoy 11/12 May
Goondiwindi 1/ 2 June
Coolum 15/16 June
Further information, Rachelle Houterman, Series Coordinator. Ph: 3281 2255 E: [email protected]
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2019 Australian Speedway Senior Solo draw announced
The 2019 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship kicks off bright and early on January 3rd 2019 at Gillman Speedway, South Australia, and the seeded and qualifying line-up is locked and loaded!
For the first time in three years, the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship will run a Qualifier the day before Round 1, where 16 selected riders will battle it out for the remaining eight spots in the Championship.
2019 Australian Speedway Senior Solo draw announced
Gillman Speedway will play host to the first round of the Championship, setting the bar higher than the South Australian Summer temperature! Round 1 will commence with the Qualifier on Wednesday night, January 2nd, where each rider will vie for their spot in the available eight places remaining on Thursday night.
With no brakes, gears or fear, Thursday 3rd January is anticipated to be an absolute scorcher, as tensions continue to run high after a tough Qualifier the day prior. Speedway Commission Chair, Ivan Golding, reflected on the draw of seeded and qualifying riders for the 2019 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship.
Ivan Golding – Speedway Commission Chair
“This has been one of the strongest qualifiers we have experienced in quite some time! Yesterday’s draw was extremely tough, making our job even harder than in previous years. The depth of nominations received for the 2019 Championship are some of the best we have received, which has made the draw super tough. The quality of riders to pick from was very impressive, and we are no doubt locked in for a thrilling 2019 Championship!”
The field includes eight seeded riders, including the 2018 reigning Champion, Rohan Tungate, alongside the likes of Max Fricke, Chris Holder, Jack Holder and Jaimon Lidsey.
The full list of seeded riders in the 2019 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship are as follows:
The 16 riders selected for the Qualifier on January 2nd are as follows
At the close of Round 1, riders will move North to Mildura, Victoria for Round 2 on 5th January, followed by Round 3 on 7th January at Undera, Victoria. The penultimate round will be held on 9th January at Albury Wodonga, Victoria, with a close to the Championship at Kurri-Kurri, New South Wales on 12th January.
Tanti joins Crawford at Serco
Serco Yamaha will again be a force to be reckoned with next season after enlisting Nathan Crawford and Aaron Tanti to steer their YZ250F’s in the 2019 MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championships.
Nathan Crawford
“I hate being off the bike and not riding and its driving me crazy but my motivation is as good as it’s ever been and I’m excited to be locked in with Serco and the opportunity to race the YZ250F again. I haven’t even ridden the 2019 bike, but it looks and sounds amazing and I know Serco Yamaha will give me the best bike in the class. I’m able to bare weight on my leg and start physio this week with a view to start riding again by late January. That still leaves me enough time to get myself bike fit and ready to go for the MX Nationals and I’m already looking forward to racing again.”
Nathan Crawford
Aaron Tanti
“Up until last year, I was juggling work with racing but for 2018 I was able to get myself in a position where I could ride and train full time and it instantly showed improvement in my results. The reward of the hard work and sacrifice came when Gavin approached me about racing for Serco in 2019. Now to have the support and structure of the Serco Yamaha team behind me and entering the new year feeling fit and refreshed, I am confident 2019 will be my best season yet as I feel there is still a lot of room for improvement in my riding and racing.
Aaron Tanti joins Crawford at Serco in 2019
“I spent a day on the bike earlier this week and I’m impressed with everything about it. We just ran through some basic things like bar bends to get me comfortable, stiffened up the fork a little and I was good to go. The Yamaha YZ250F feels awesome and that is just the production bike, I can’t wait to ride the full- blown race bike Serco will build for me. I’m proud to have achieved this ride with Serco Yamaha but I know the real work is about to come. But I will give it my all and aim to win as many races and championships as I can.”
Aaron Tanti
Round one of the MX Nationals takes place at Appin, west of Sydney on March 17.
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WBR Yamaha sign Purvis and Kukas for MXD
WBR Yamaha team will be out to match their 2018 success that saw them claim the top two spots in the MXD class at the MX Nationals, with Max Purvis and Jack Kukas lining up for 2019.
Max Purvis
“I have done two seasons in Australia now and I feel comfortable racing here now as I know the riders and how the events work. But, it’s also the first time I have had major support over here and its cool to be a part of the WBR Yamaha. I had to race against them in 2018 and I know how well prepared and organised they were so it’s exciting to now be on the same side as them. I won plenty of rounds last year, but I just wasn’t consistent enough in the rounds that I didn’t win so that’s an area I need to address this year. Championships are won on your bad days, so I need to find a way grind out a good result when things aren’t going my way and be consistent across all 10 rounds. I love racing in Australia and the MX Nationals is a great series. Doing the NZ Nationals, the MX Nationals and the Australian Supercross Championship will be a huge year for me, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Maximus Purvis with WBR Yamaha in 2019
Jack Kukas
“It’s awesome to be back here in Australia and on the WBR Yamaha team for the 2019 season. I have been a Yamaha rider all my life to so get the opportunity to ride for the official Yamaha MXD team is a bit of a dream come true. I have already spent a week down with the team in Echuca just getting settled on the bike and meeting everyone. Travis and Nathan are awesome to deal with and are so helpful in getting me comfortable on and off the bike. I can’t thank them enough for giving me this chance and I hope to repay them with some good results. The 2019 YZ250F is such a good bike and we have a great group of sponsors on board for next year so I’m going to give it my all and try and get another championship for Yamaha and the WBR team.”
Jack Kukas to 2019 WBR Yamaha team
The first time both riders will be on track together will be the opening round of the MX Nationals at Appin, west of Sydney, on March 17.
Argentina to kick-off 2019 MXGP season
Youthstream has revealed that the first round of the 2019 MXGP and MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship season will take place at the Patagonia-Argentina circuit of Neuquen on Sunday the 10th of March with bikes racing for the first time of the new season in Qualifying on Saturday.
MXGP 2019 kicks off in Argentina
MXGP’s return to Patagonia Argentina’s beautiful Neuquen circuit is exciting for the riders, fans, and industry members as amazing GPs have taken place at the venue since first hosting the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2015. Serving as the second round of 2017 and then the opening round of 2018 the previous years have resulted in stunning racing amongst the hillsides lined by thousands of South American motocross fans.
David Luongo – Vice President of Youthstream
“It is great news to be back in Argentina for the opening Grand Prix of the season. The circuit of Neuquen is for most of the riders, the most beautiful track of the championship and its location in the middle of Patagonia is breathtaking. We really want to thank David Eli from Mas Eventos along with the local and national authorities making this Grand Prix possible, we are sure that it will be a great success and will bring a lot of attention and exposure Argentina.”
Stefan Everts in hospital
Ten times World Champion Stefan Everts was hospitalized last week and remains at the University Hospital of Leuven in Belgium in an induced coma.
Stefan Everts
Everts participated in a charity event three weeks ago in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo to raise funds for the construction of schools in the area and contracted malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite.
During his legendary career, Everts won the record numbers of 101 Motocross Grands Prix and ten FIM world titles. After his career, he worked at KTM and then ran the Suzuki World MXGP team before Suzuki suspended its support for the FIM Motocross World Championships last year.
The moto world holds its combined breath waiting for Stefan to pull through and our hearts go out to the family.
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