Tag Archives: AMA MX

News

Husky 1-2 at AMA MX Opener | Video Highlights

August 16, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Round One – Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

After a long and anticipated wait the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, officially got underway on Saturday with a historic first visit to Tennessee’s famed Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. The season-opening Circle K Loretta Lynn’s National marked the first time professional riders competed at the iconic amateur motocross venue, meaning it was anyone’s guess as to who might prevail victorious. After a pair of grueling motos across each of the series’ two divisions it was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Zach Osborne who earned his first career win in the 450 Class, while Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis was dominant in the 250 Class with a 1-1 sweep of the motos.

[embedded content]

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will make its return to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch for the second of back-to-back rounds to open the 2020 season next weekend.

450

The first 450 Class moto of the afternoon saw the pair of JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzukis at the head of the pack, with Freddie Noren edging out Joey Savatgy for the MotoSport.com Holeshot. The teammates battled one another for the lead, which allowed Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson to take advantage and get around both riders before the conclusion of the opening lap. The clear track proved to work into Anderson’s favor as he quickly surged out to a multi-second lead.

Both Noren and Savatgy continued to receive pressure from a slew of riders and started to lose additional positions, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb soon taking over second and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton slotting into third. Behind them, reigning three-time champion Eli Tomac was battling his way forward as well, pushing his way into a three way fight for third aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki alongside Osborne and Sexton.

As Anderson continued to build on his lead and Webb asserted himself into second, the fight for third persisted and forced a miscue by Sexton, who went down and lost multiple spots. That allowed Osborne to take over third and moved Tomac into fourth. A determined Osborne kept his charge going and it allowed him to close in on Webb. After spending several laps in pursuit of second, Osborne took advantage of Webb’s difficulty getting by a lapped rider to move into the runner-up spot.

Behind this battle Tomac started to lose touch with the leaders, which put him into the clutches of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin, and his Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate Adam Cianciarulo, who all eventually got around the No. 1 of Tomac.

Out front, Anderson enjoyed a stress-free race to secure his third career moto win by a handful of seconds over Osborne. Barcia’s late charge saw him get around Webb for third, while Musquin also passed his teammate to grab fourth. Webb completed the top five. Tomac soldiered home in seventh.

The second and deciding 450 Class moto saw Osborne put himself at the head of the pack off the gate to claim the holeshot, with Cianciarulo right on his rear fender. In just his second moto in the 450 Class, last year’s 250 Class titleholder put the pressure on Osborne for the lead, which saw Cianciarulo move to the front of the field for the first time. Unfortunately, just a couple laps later he crashed and dropped out of contention, which moved Osborne back on top. Anderson got by Sexton to take over second, with Tomac lurking in fourth.

Osborne jumped out to a lead of a couple seconds on his teammate, while Tomac made the pass on Sexton for third and looked to pressure Anderson for second. The champ went to work on Anderson and his patience eventually paid off, taking over the runner-up spot from the opening moto winner. The remainder of the moto became a see-saw battle between Osborne and Tomac, continually trading momentum lap after lap. Whenever Tomac closed in, Osborne responded to pull back out. About a second separated them throughout the waning laps, and with two laps to go a slight bobble by Tomac gave Osborne the breathing room he needed. Osborne raced to his second career moto win a handful of seconds ahead of Tomac. After maintaining his hold of third for most of the moto, Anderson dropped several positions to sixth, which allowed Sexton to record his first moto podium in third.

Osborne’s charge in the final moto was enough to vault him to his first overall victory in the premier division (2-1), while Anderson parlayed his strong start into a runner-up effort (1-6). After a slow start to the day, Tomac’s strong finish helped him earn the final spot on the overall podium (7-2).

The win allowed Osborne to open up a seven-point lead in the 450 Class standings over Anderson, while Tomac sits 11 points back in third.

Zach Osborne – P1

“I’ve worked really hard to come back from my injury and to be here on this podium I’m blessed and so grateful to the people that have put this together to let us go racing in a very uncertain time. I knew we had a racehorse when we came here today because it’s the bike I finished with at Indiana last year and when a team brings you a bike like that, it’s hard to not do it justice.”

Jason Anderson – P2

“I feel like my pace was good in the second moto but my arms pumped up and I was headed back with four to go. All-in-all, I’m out here and I’m on the podium so I can’t be too bummed. I’m excited to get out here next weekend and try to redeem myself.”

Marvin Musquin – P4

“It’s great to be back after almost a year since my last race at the Indiana National. I put in some good work and it gave me time to get ready, so I’m okay where I’m at. To be out there and to be competitive, that’s exactly what I wanted. When you’re not racing for a year like that actually, to be honest, I didn’t know where I was going to be but overall, I’m happy. I wish I would have hung on to get on the podium, but it’s my first race back and fourth overall, I’ll take it.”

Cooper Webb – P7

“It was a very up-and-down day for me. Practice went well and I was feeling good heading into the motos but I was riding pretty tight so I just kind of lost my flow about halfway through the first moto. The second moto, I had a bad start and on about the fourth lap I landed really weird and jammed my back, so I’m not sure what’s going on but I was in a lot of pain for the rest of that race. I’ve been dealing with a pre-existing back issue from Dallas so I’m going to get it looked at this week so I can be ready to go next Saturday.”

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (2-1)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (1-6)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (7-2)
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (4-5)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (3-7)
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (8-4)
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (5-8)
Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (13-3)
Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Suzuki (9-11)
Dean Wilson, Scotland, Husqvarna (12-9)

450 Class Championship Standings

Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 47
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 40
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 36
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 34
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 34
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 31
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 29
Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 28
Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Suzuki – 22
Dean Wilson, Scotland, Husqvarna – 21
Max Anstie, England, Suzuki – 21

250 Report

The opening 250 Class moto saw Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Justin Cooper emerge with the MotoSport.com Holeshot, leading a runaway of Star Yamahas with Ferrandis in second and Shane McElrath in third. Ferrandis charged hard on the opening lap and was able to get around his teammate to seize control of the moto lead. From there the Frenchman immediately started to put some distance over the rest of the field, eventually opening up a comfortable multi-second advantage that he would never relinquish.

With Ferrandis effectively running away with the moto, the focus shifted to the battle for second which turned into an intense three-rider battle between McElrath, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire, and GEICO Honda’s Jeremy Martin. This trio gave it their all, trying all kinds of different lines in a constant search for a passing opportunity. This allowed Hampshire to make the pass for second, but the battle waged on. In the end, Martin got the best of both McElrath and Hampshire, taking hold of second just past the halfway point of the 30-minutes-plus-two-laps moto. Hampshire was able to give chase to Martin, which allowed him to inch away from McElrath.

Ferrandis was impressive on his way to the Moto 1 win, nearly 20 seconds clear of Martin in second place. Hampshire finished in third, with McElrath fourth and JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki’s Alex Martin in fifth.

As the 250 Class field roared out the gate for Moto 2 it was another MotoSport.com Holeshot for the Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing squad, this time with McElrath jumping out to the early lead over Hampshire. Cooper started in third, just ahead of Alex Martin, with Ferrandis and Jeremy Martin in tow. A hungry Hampshire went on the attack early, but McElrath responded to the pressure to maintain his hold of the lead. As this battle for first continued, Ferrandis started to make his move forward.

The Frenchman was able to get by both Alex Martin and his teammate Cooper to move into podium position, and soon enough he was all over the lead duo. Realizing he needed to make something happen, Hampshire pulled the trigger on a pass for the lead and successfully made it stick, leaving McElrath to fend off Ferrandis, who moved into second a short time later. Ferrandis’ pace was simply too much and Hampshire was only able to withstand the challenge for a couple laps. The Frenchman moved into the top spot just past the halfway point and never looked back.

With Ferrandis in control of the moto the attention shifted to Jeremy Martin in his first Pro Motocross race since breaking his back during the 2018 season. Martin spent most of the moto just inside the top five, but he made a late charge to claw his way into podium position, passing both his brother, Alex, and McElrath.

Ferrandis’s comfort on the rough and rutty track was apparent and he made it look easy en route to a 1-1 sweep of the motos, taking the Moto 2 win by nearly 15 seconds over Hampshire, while Jeremy Martin followed in third.

It’s the seventh overall victory of Ferrandis’ career and gets the 2020 season off to the best start possible for the rider many consider to be the odds-on title favorite in the 250 Class. With their identical moto scores Hampshire and Martin ended in a tie for second, but by virtue of his better finish in the final moto Hampshire earned the tiebreaker to claim the runner-up spot. Martin earned the 34th podium finish of his career in third.

“It was a perfect day,” said Ferrandis. “When you don’t race for a long time you never know how you are going to be when you come back. But, getting good starts and a good set up on the bike makes it easier. I think if I can keep trying to win every time then maybe we can have a perfect season. That’s what I want to do. I’m just so happy with today. It couldn’t have been better.”

With his 1-1 effort, Ferrandis established an eight-point lead in the 250 Class standings over Hampshire and Martin, who sit tied for second.

Dylan Ferrandis – P1

“It’s awesome. It was a perfect day. We got two good starts and were strong in both of the motos. There’s always a little bit of an unknown when you don’t race for a long time, and with the Outdoors, you never know where you are. We have a good setup on the bike, and with the team behind me, I feel like it’s going to be a great year. For sure, I will have to stay healthy, but after today, I feel like we can go for the win every weekend.”

RJ Hampshire – P2

“I wish we could have gotten a win but that felt good,” Hampshire said. “I tried to hang on but Dylan was riding really good and I just had to settle in otherwise I would have been on my head. I’m happy to be up here, thankful to be here and ready to go for next weekend!”

Shane McElrath – P4

“I’m happy to get out of this first round with some decent finishes. I got some good starts and led some laps, but we still have a lot of room to grow. I’m excited for next weekend!”

Justin Cooper – P8

“The track was really tough today. It was an up and down day for me. I had a bunch of crashes in the first moto that made me use up a lot of energy, and I was pretty fatigued for the second moto. All in all, I’m just happy to be back racing and to leave in one piece. There are only a few days on the bike before we race here again. We will be better for the next one.”

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (1-1)
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (3-2)
Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda (2-3)
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., Yamaha (4-4)
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (5-5)
Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (6-7)
Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (9-6)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (10-8)
Mason Gonzales, Fort Walten Beach, Fla., Yamaha (8-12)
Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., KTM (16-10)
17. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (39-14)

250 Class Championship Standings

Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 50
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 42
Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda – 42
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., Yamaha – 36
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 32
Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 29
Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki – 27
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 24
Mason Gonzales, Fort Walten Beach, Fla., Yamaha – 22
Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., KTM – 16
Nick Gaines, Ringold, Ga., Yamaha – 16
Derek Drake, San Luis Obispo, Calif., KTM – 16
18. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 7

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Moto wrap | MX Nats news | Ferris injury update | Roczen out | MXGP Video Highlights

August 11, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
August 11, 2020

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner — Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Viability of MX Nationals and SX still under discussion

The ever changing dynamic in regards to travel restrictions amongst the current plague sees discussions inside Motorcycling Australia still continuing into the viability of running a Supercross and/or MX Nationals competition this year.

M.A. are playing a waiting game in the hope of cross-border restrictions starting to be eased in Spring.

We believe that Motorcycling Australia expect to make a call later this month in regards to the running of a Supercross season, or whether Supercross competition will be cancelled in favour of using the limited time left remaining in 2020 in order to successfully run a MX Nationals competition.

Roczen to Miss AMA Pro Motocross Series

American Honda and Ken Roczen announced overnight that they have decided to have the German sit out the 2020 AMA Pro Motocross series. In his place, Christian Craig will ride the factory CRF450R alongside Chase Sexton.

Over the course of the next few months, Roczen will focus on his family (wife Courtney is due with their first child in September), on giving his body time to fully recover from the health issues that have hampered him in recent seasons, and on resetting physically and mentally, with the ultimate objective of making a championship run at the 2021 AMA Supercross series.

“Taking this shortened outdoor season off was a very difficult decision, but I’m confident it’s what’s best for me and my team in the long run,” Roczen explained. “It will be good to regroup, let my body heal, enjoy this important experience with Courtney, and build back up for 2021. I’d like to thank my team and sponsors for having my back through this, and I look forward to supporting Chase and Christian from home this summer before once again doing my job the best I possibly can.”

Ferris injured in Conondale practice crash

RecoveR8 KTM Thor racing have confirmed that three time MX Nationals Champion and MX1 team rider Dean Ferris was injured on the weekend whilst practicing at the Connondale circuit in QLD.

Directly following the incident, Dean was airlifted to a local hospital where he was stabilised with back and ribs pain where it was later confirmed that Dean had suffered seven broken ribs and had fractured some vertebrae and is in a stable but serious condition.

Dean was then transferred to Brisbane Hospital where he is undergoing further scans, treatment and evaluations ahead of a plan being formulated for his rehabilitation. It is anticipated that by tomorrow, Wednesday, doctors will settle for an action plan that will help stabilise his spine which may or may not involve surgical intervention. We believe that at this stage there are no signs of nerve damage or anything that might indicate significant long term problems.

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship opener this weekend

This weekend marks the end of the long and anticipated wait for the start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as AMA Motocross embarks on its 49th season of competition. In the midst of one of the most challenging periods motorcycle competition has ever faced, American Motocross continues to find a way to return to racing, with a different look and feel.The beginning of this “new normal” will feature a landmark moment for the championship, which will open the season with an inaugural visit to famed Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on Saturday, August 15, for the Circle K Loretta Lynn’s National.

Since 1982 this sprawling landscape and tourist attraction nestled in the quaint rural town of Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, has served as some of the most hallowed ground in American Motocross. For four decades, the namesake home of the country music icon has hosted the single-largest motocross event on the planet – the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship – where a showcase of the sport’s future generations has fostered an unprecedented legacy. This proving ground has given rise to the career of virtually every motocross superstar, whether it’s “The G.O.A.T.” Ricky Carmichael and James “Bubba” Stewart, or current household names like Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen. Simply put, the legacy of Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is a who’s who of motocross history and now that legacy will deepen even further with the addition of the Pro Motocross Championship.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki bolster line-up for MX

With the recent injuries to Austin Forkner, Jordon Smith, and Garrett Marchbanks during the Monster Energy Supercross season, the team has added two strong riders to join Cameron McAdoo under the prestigious Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki tent as the team welcomes Mitchell Harrison and Darian Sanayei to race the KX250 for the recently announced nine-round 2020 AMA Pro Motocross Championship series scheduled to begin August 15th at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN.

“We are in a unique situation with Cameron McAdoo being our only healthy rider at the moment,” said team owner Mitch Payton. “We weren’t exactly sure when racing would resume but we knew whenever that was, we needed to be ready so we had Darian and Mitchell tryout our KX™250 and they both rose to the challenge. We have worked with both of them previously through the Kawasaki Team Green™ program. We’re familiar with who they are and how they ride, and it was an additional bonus that they have both been riding Kawasaki motorcycles for quite some time now. We are ready to get back to the races and to see the team back on the track.”

MXGP 2016 Switzerland Darian Sanayei — Darian Sanayei joins Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki

Both riders will be returning to their roots as they grew up riding for the Kawasaki Team Green racing team throughout their amateur careers. In their professional careers, both Harrison and Sanayei have competed in Europe in the MX2 class for Kawasaki supported race teams with Sanayei on the Dixon Kawasaki MX2 team and Harrison competing for the Bud Racing Kawasaki MX2 team. After reaching the age limit in Europe, Sanayei returned home to the United States to contest in the 2020 Arenacross for the Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki team as well as competing in the Monster Energy Supercross 250SX East Region class. Due to the global pandemic, Harrison was forced to close the chapter on racing in Europe for now and looks forward to racing again back in the United States.

“Everybody knows that this is easily the best team in the paddock, just look at the wall of championship plates hanging on the door,” said Sanayei. “This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to making the most of it. I’ve had the chance to ride the bike a couple of times now, and all I can really say is wow. I’ve been on a Kawasaki pretty much my entire pro career and this KX250 really has it all. I am usually a pretty good starter so with the power of this bike and the support of this team, I believe I can put myself in a good position to be battling up front.”

“Man, I cannot tell you how excited I am for this opportunity,” said Harrison. “Right away, I gelled with the bike and felt right at home on the KX250. Up until recently, I have been racing in Europe on a KX250 for Bud Racing for the past year or so and I also grew up racing for the Team Green amateur race team, so I have felt super comfortable from the get-go. This year has been unique for everyone in our sport, especially for myself since I’m from the U.S. but have been racing in Europe and have been dealing with all of the travel restrictions; that’s why it was a no brainer when this opportunity came up. I want to be here racing with the best of the best. I have podiumed at races in the past here and I believe with where I am at this stage in my career and with this bike I can be a threat each weekend.”

2020 MXGP – Round 3 – Kegums, Latvia

Video Highlights

[embedded content]

The MXGP of Latvia saw Glenn Coldenhoff take a historic win for Gas Gas, going 2-1 and taking the overall GP win on 47-points, with Tim Gajser and Romain Febvre separated by just a point in second and third. Aussie Mitchell Evans also added five-points to his championship tally, with a 19-18 result.

Glenn Coldenhoff claims the MXGP of Latvia win for Gas Gas

Jeffrey Herlings retained his championship lead however, sitting four-points clear of Tim Gajser on 130, while round winner Coldenhoff moved into third with 103 points. Antonio Cairoli and Arminas Jasikonis complete the top five in the championship standings. Mitchel Evans sits 13th in the championship standings following Round 3, now on 39-points.

In the MX2 Tom Vialle came out on top, after a consistent performance finishing 2-1, extending his championship lead. Roan Van De Moosdijk was second overall for the GP, with Mathys Boisrame third. Aussie Jed Beaton had to settle for ninth after a challenging Race 1, with Nathan Crawford 12th, and Bailey Malkiewicz 27th.

Tom Vialle claimed the MX2 victory, extending his lead

The MX2 standings now see Tom Vialle with a strong 22-point lead heading into round four, ahead of Geerts and Jed Beaton, with Maxime Renaux and Ben Watson completing the standings top five.

By lap 4, Romain Febvre was all over the back of Jorge Prado and eventually found his way past the Spaniard to move into fourth place.

Gajser meanwhile, managed to clinch the lead from Coldenhoff halfway through the race, while Jasikonis was trying find a way past Desalle and Herlings. He passed the two riders a couple of laps later, then set his sights on fifth.

With 5 minutes and 2 laps to go, Herlings was on a mission passing Prado, Jasikonis and breathing down Seewer’s neck. By the end of the race he managed to pass the Yamaha rider and move into fourth place.

At the finish line it was Tim Gajser who claimed the win from Coldenhoff and Febvre, with Herlings and Seewer completing the top five.

Jasikonis had to settle for sixth, ahead of Cairoli and Prado, with Gautier and Van Horebeek rounding out the top 10. Aussie Mitchell Evans came come in 19th, claiming two-points.

MXGP Race 2

As the gate dropped for the second MXGP race of the day, it was the Coldenhoff who reached the FOX Holeshot line first, followed by Gajser and Seewer who were also quick out of the gate.

The opening lap saw Coldenhoff lead Gajser, Seewer, Prado, Desalle, Febvre and Jasikonis, while Tonus was not having the best of luck coming back from the back of the field.

Jasikonis, with a crowd of Lithuanian fans supporting him, was keen to put on a show as he moved quickly past Desalle for P5 and then Prado for P4.

As the top five continued to battle amongst themselves, Tonus found himself caught in more trouble as he crashed out and was left fighting from dead last.

A couple of laps later and Febvre was chasing down Jasikonis for fourth, and the two had a brief battle changing positions among one another for a couple of corners, though it was Febvre who came out on top.

Antonio Cairoli was having a tough day, as he made his way through the back end of the field, but all eyes were on the three riders out front, with Coldenhoff, Gajser and Seewer all neck and neck, with it proving hard to predict a clear winner.

Gajser may have pushed a little too hard and went down pretty hard in the wave sections, giving Coldenhoff a little bit of breathing room, though not for long as Seewer was straight on the back of him. The last two laps saw the GasGas and Yamaha factory riders locked in battle, though Coldenhoff was able to keep it cool and maintain the lead.

Overall, it was a historic day for GasGas and Glen Coldenhoff as they claimed the first race win and podium for the manufacturer, with Seewer second and Febvre completing the podium. Top KTM rider was Herlings in fourth, ahead of Gajser. Jasikonis was once again sixth, ahead of Prado and Patural, while Tixier and Desalle completed the top 10. Mitchell Evans improved to 18th, taking a further three points for the weekend.

Despite missing out on the podium, Jeffrey Herlings still managed to hold on to his championship lead, heading into round 4 on Wednesday with the MXGP of Riga.

Glenn Coldenhoff – P1

“What can I say? It’s been a great day! After qualifying we made some adjustments to my bike’s suspension and it really paid off in the races. The Standing Construct team have worked hard during lockdown to keep improving our bikes on the starts and it clearly showed today. I started 2nd in race 1, nearly had the holeshot and then I took the lead on the 3rd lap. After a few laps there was a big rock in the rut I was in, which I hit, and it knocked me off balance just before the waves section. I re-joined the race quickly and made another charge towards the end, but it was too late. I finished in 2nd place, which was really good after a not so great qualifying. Race 2, another great start taking the holeshot! It was a tough race though, especially during the final laps, but I’m really happy to have won for myself and the team, especially as it’s only the 3rd MXGP for GASGAS. It’s just awesome. It’s nice to be back in MXGP, I really like the 1-day format and I can’t wait for Wednesday.”

Tim Gajser – P2

“I got a solid start in both motos, getting the holeshot on my Honda CRF450RW in race one and then right behind Glenn in race two, so I’m happy with how that went. My qualification was good too, giving me first gate pick and it was good to see that we were able to adapt to the new format quickly. Unfortunately, after winning the first race, I had a crash in the waves in race two as I tried to change my lines in order to make the pass for the lead. I did my best to re-join the race as quickly as possible but I dropped down to fifth, which is where I finished. Obviously I would have liked to have made that pass but it didn’t quite work and instead I had to settle for second overall. The championship gap has closed to four points so I’m happy with that and I’m excited for the next two rounds here on Wednesday and Sunday. A big thanks to everyone for getting the series running again and for my team who have continued to work hard during this break.”

Romain Febvre – P3

“It was good. This is my first MXGP race of the year, we came far with my injury and not racing the first two GPs, so I’m really happy about that and also for the team even if I want more. At some point I was faster and was catching the leaders at the end but the last few laps were complicated, finished 3rd twice so I’m happy to be on the podium.”

Jeremy Seewer – P4

“Decent start to the week. We need to consider that we have three races this week as well, so it is important we stay healthy. Any crash that could make you feel stiff a few days after will make it tricky. In the first race I started off calm, I dropped back a bit but I was still in safety mode after not racing for such a long time. I didn’t want to make that mistake of going too hard too soon, and I managed to pick up my pace as the race went on and finished fifth. In race two, I felt I knew the track a lot better and that I had to speed to win. I almost got Glenn in the last lap, but just missed out and missed the podium, but I feel good and I look forward to the next two GP’s here.”

Jeffrey Herlings – P5

“Today could have been better. Some bad starts, and in the first moto I was a bit too slow at the beginning. I came back from last to 4th but wasted too much energy pushing through to the front. I’m definitely not satisfied but we’ve started racing again now and I know what to do for when we go again in three days.”

Arminas Jasikonis – P6

“It was nice to be back racing MXGP again today with a slightly different format with everything on one day. I think it was good. I was consistent with my results, so this is a good thing, sixth place in both races, which is a good place to build from. I rode a little tight early in the first race and just eased my way back into racing the MXGP class. About halfway in I went from ninth to fifth in a couple of laps so that was good and then ended the race in sixth. Race two I was a little too eager and hit the start gate, but as I was on the inside I stayed tight around the first corner and missed a big pile up. I then had a battle with Jorge Prado for a few laps before moving into sixth place around halfway through the race. I then stayed here until the finish so two sixths and sixth overall. The bike was great on the track today, it was a tough track but the bike set up was perfect, so it made it much easier for me.”

Mitch Evans – P19

“It’s good to be back racing and it’s good to back at the GPs with everyone, even though there is a few restrictions. I’m just glad to be here racing really because the surgeon told me when I first had my operation that I would be out for six months so to be on the line in four months, I’m pretty happy with it. Unfortunately I got caught up in the first turn pile ups in both motos, and fought my way back to 19th and 18th so it wasn’t great but I’m treating it as a building process and I need to regroup for Wednesday and work on my starts in order to make my life a bit easier. Still, the first race is done and I’m sure I’ll feel better and better as the season progresses.”

Mitchell Evans - 2020 MXGP of Latvia — Mitchell Evans – 2020 MXGP of Latvia

MXGP of Latvia 2020 – Results

Pos.	Rider	Nat.	Man.	Time/Gap
1	Gajser, Tim	SLO	Honda	34:47.6
2	Coldenhoff, Glenn	NED	GASGAS	+00:01.9
3	Febvre, Romain	FRA	Kawasaki	+00:04.8
4	Herlings, Jeffrey	NED	KTM	+00:05.9
5	Seewer, Jeremy	SUI	Yamaha	+00:07.0
6	Jasikonis, Arminas	LTU	Husqvarna	+00:11.7
7	Cairoli, Antonio	ITA	KTM	+00:22.5
8	Prado, Jorge	ESP	KTM	+00:24.8
9	Paulin, Gautier	FRA	Yamaha	+00:41.4
10	Van Horebeek, Jeremy	BEL	Honda	+00:47.9
11	Vlaanderen, Calvin	NED	Yamaha	+00:52.5
12	Desalle, Clement	BEL	Kawasaki	+00:58.7
13	Cervellin, Michele	ITA	Yamaha	+01:07.4
14	Paturel, Benoit	FRA	Honda	+01:10.5
15	Tixier, Jordi	FRA	KTM	+01:16.5
16	Tonus, Arnaud	SUI	Yamaha	+01:21.6
17	Petrov, Petar	BUL	KTM	+01:22.9
18	Bogers, Brian	NED	KTM	+01:34.1
19	Evans, Mitchell	AUS	Honda	+01:36.1

Pos.	Rider	Nat.	Man.	Time/Gap
1	Coldenhoff, Glenn	NED	GASGAS	34:42.6
2	Seewer, Jeremy	SUI	Yamaha	+00:01.2
3	Febvre, Romain	FRA	Kawasaki	+00:18.2
4	Herlings, Jeffrey	NED	KTM	+00:21.0
5	Gajser, Tim	SLO	Honda	+00:23.2
6	Jasikonis, Arminas	LTU	Husqvarna	+00:24.3
7	Prado, Jorge	ESP	KTM	+01:03.3
8	Paturel, Benoit	FRA	Honda	+01:07.9
9	Tixier, Jordi	FRA	KTM	+01:15.8
10	Desalle, Clement	BEL	Kawasaki	+01:19.0
11	Paulin, Gautier	FRA	Yamaha	+01:19.8
12	Vlaanderen, Calvin	NED	Yamaha	+01:27.4
13	Bogers, Brian	NED	KTM	+01:31.3
14	Cervellin, Michele	ITA	Yamaha	+01:32.8
15	Lupino, Alessandro	ITA	Yamaha	+01:33.1
16	Jacobi, Henry	GER	Yamaha	+01:34.9
17	Cairoli, Antonio	ITA	KTM	+01:35.0
18	Evans, Mitchell	AUS	Honda	+01:51.4

Pos.	Rider	Nat.	Man.	Race 1	Race 2	Total
1	Coldenhoff, Glenn	NED	GAS	22	25	47
2	Gajser, Tim	SLO	HON	25	16	41
3	Febvre, Romain	FRA	KAW	20	20	40
4	Seewer, Jeremy	SUI	YAM	16	22	38
5	Herlings, Jeffrey	NED	KTM	18	18	36
6	Jasikonis, Arminas	LTU	HUS	15	15	30
7	Prado, Jorge	ESP	KTM	13	14	27
8	Paulin, Gautier	FRA	YAM	12	10	22
9	Paturel, Benoit	FRA	HON	7	13	20
10	Desalle, Clement	BEL	KAW	9	11	20
11	Vlaanderen, Calvin	NED	YAM	10	9	19
12	Tixier, Jordi	FRA	KTM	6	12	18
13	Cairoli, Antonio	ITA	KTM	14	4	18
14	Cervellin, Michele	ITA	YAM	8	7	15
15	Bogers, Brian	NED	KTM	3	8	11
16	Van Horebeek, Jeremy	BEL	HON	11	0	11
17	Lupino, Alessandro	ITA	YAM	0	6	6
18	Jacobi, Henry	GER	YAM	0	5	5
19	Evans, Mitchell	AUS	HON	2	3	5

Pos	Rider	Nat.	Bike	Total
1	Herlings, J.	NED	KTM	130
2	Gajser, Tim	SLO	HON	126
3	Coldenhoff, G.	NED	GAS	103
4	Cairoli, A.	ITA	KTM	86
5	Jasikonis, A.	LTU	HUS	83
6	Seewer, Jeremy	SUI	YAM	80
7	Paulin, G.	FRA	YAM	80
8	Desalle, C.	BEL	KAW	80
9	Prado, Jorge	ESP	KTM	74
10	Van Horebeek, J.	BEL	HON	50
11	Paturel, B.	FRA	HON	41
12	Febvre, Romain	FRA	KAW	40
13	Evans, M.	AUS	HON	39
14	Cervellin, M.	ITA	YAM	37
15	Bogers, Brian	NED	KTM	34
16	Simpson, Shaun	GBR	KTM	31
17	Jacobi, Henry	GER	YAM	28
18	Tonus, Arnaud	SUI	YAM	28
19	Jonass, Pauls	LAT	HUS	26
20	Tixier, Jordi	FRA	KTM	21

MX2 Race 1

MX2 riders were the first to take to the line, with their opening race of the day and as the gate dropped it was the Tom Vialle claiming the FOX Holeshot, followed by Jago Geerts, Roan Van de Moosdijk and Ruben Fernandez. Geerts then crashed out of second, dropping down to ninth position, leaving him a tough job on his hands to catch the leaders.

By lap four the top five was made up of Vialle, Moosdijk, Mathys Boisrame, Rene Hofer and Thomas Kjer Olsen. Vialle continued to pull away, while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton was making his way back up from P20, despite starting in the top 10. Geerts’ bad luck continued on lap 6, when he went down, dropping from P9 to 22nd place.

A few laps later and we were treated to a battle between Boisrame and Hofer chasing top positions, before Hofer dropped to P5 was Fernandez executed a pass on the KTM rider.

Meanwhile, Ben Watson was locked in a battle with Maxime Renaux, before Watson made a mistake and went off track. Though he did lose any positions straight away.

With three laps to go Vialle continued his lead, as Van de Moosdijk tried to remain within striking distance, while Fernandez separated the two Kawasaki riders with Boisrame in fourth followed by Hofer, Watson, Renaux and Alvin Ostlund.

Vialle proved unstoppable however, taking a clean win with a six-second lead, while Van de Moosdijk was second and Fernandez third. Boisrame and Hofer completed the top five.

Top Australian was Nathan Crawford in 14th, leading Jed Beaton in 15th, with almost nothing to separate the two. Bailey Malkiewicz was 21st.

MX2 Race 2

In race two, it was Vialle once again with a flyer out of the gate as he took the second FOX Holeshot in Latvia, with Boisrame and Van de Moosdijk right there as well. Geerts was hot on their heels, making quick moves and moving into the top three by the end of the lap.

It was bad luck however for Rene Hofer who had a DNF due to a problem with the front wheel, while Jed Beaton was having a much better race, making moves into P8.

With a bad first race, Geerts was not wasting any time in the second as he moved quickly to try passing Van de Moosdijk. A few laps later and Geerts was pushing for Vialle as they came around towards the start side-by-side. Geerts was able to find a gap however and had to muscle his way past the Frenchman to become the new race leader.

In the later stages of the race Watson was eager to catch Van de Moosdijk and vie for fourth place, though his attempts would fail.

Race 2 culminated with a real last lap showdown, as Vialle pushed past Geerts heading into the final lap, before in his eagerness to win Vialle made a mistake allowing Geerts to jump back into first.

That was how the race ended with Jago Geerts taking the win from Vialle, while Boisrame completed the podium. Van de Moosdijk had to settle for fourth, while Watson was fifth.

Top Australian was Jed Beaton in sixth, while Nathan Crawford finished eighth. Bailey Malkiewicz came home in 26th.

Overall it was Vialle who took the GP victory at the MXGP of Latvia with a double podium, while Moosdijk and Boisrame finished second and third respectively. Heading into Round 4, Vialle retains the championship lead with a strong 22-point lead, ahead of Geerts and Beaton.

Tom Vialle – P1

“It was a good weekend and I’m really happy. There was a lot of water on the track in the morning, but I felt good on the bike by the time of the races and made great starts. Jago crashed in the first moto and then I was comfortable in first position. We had a good fight in the second moto and we passed each other on the last lap. It was decent fight and I was happy to overtake him at the end because it was very hot and I was pretty tired. I just made a little mistake and he got me back. It was so close but I’m happy to win the overall.”

Tom Vialle took the round overall - 2020 MXGP of Latvia — Tom Vialle took the round overall – 2020 MXGP of Latvia

Roan Van de Moosdijk – P2

“I had two good starts in the top five and then I just stayed calm the whole day, it was really hot and I had some consistent speed. In the first race I got my best result in MX2 and in the second race, I had a small problem with my bike, but we managed to finish. I am now looking forward to Wednesday.”

Mathys Boisrame – P3

“For me it was a good day, in the first race it was a little bit difficult because I broke my front brake in the start, then all race with no brakes is not easy and I finished fourth. In the second race I started in fourth, I was fast and just wanted to keep cool but overall it was a good weekend and I’m happy to be on the podium.”

Jed Beaton – P9

“Qualifying went really well and I’m happy with my speed. I had a good start in race one and caught the edge of a rut entering a corner early on and fell. I was then dead last and coming through the pack pretty well, I got up to 18th and then someone just ran me off the track. So, the work I did was for nothing and then I had to start over. I used up a little too much energy in that one, basically battling the whole race. In the second moto, I didn’t get the best of starts and ran eighth for a little while. I then pushed hard to get up to sixth but by then fifth was just too far ahead to close in on. I’m looking forward to Wednesday, it’ll be a new race and I’m going in with an open mind so hopefully I can stay out of trouble and get some decent results.”

Nathan Crawford – P12

“I had a few issues with transponders in qualifying and although I put in a really good lap, my transponder didn’t record it. This gave me a poor gate pick which lead to a pretty average start in race one. I battled my way through the pack for the whole race and finished in 14th, which on paper isn’t the best, but I was very happy with my riding. I got a good start in the second race and raced hard to finish 8th, so that was much better and my best result so for on the MX2 World Championship, so that gives me confidence and I feel that I have more speed in me and will build off that result now.”

Pos	Rider	Nat.	Man.	Time/Gap
1	Vialle, Tom	FRA	KTM	35:20.7
2	Van De Moosdijk, Roan	NED	Kawasaki	+00:06.9
3	Fernandez, Ruben	ESP	Yamaha	+00:13.5
4	Boisrame, Mathys	FRA	Kawasaki	+00:19.0
5	Hofer, Rene	AUT	KTM	+00:21.8
6	Watson, Ben	GBR	Yamaha	+00:24.0
7	Renaux, Maxime	FRA	Yamaha	+00:37.9
8	Östlund, Alvin	SWE	Honda	+00:38.1
9	Haarup, Mikkel	DEN	Kawasaki	+00:39.8
10	Forato, Alberto	ITA	Husqvarna	+00:44.1
11	Olsen, Thomas Kjer	DEN	Husqvarna	+00:50.9
12	Genot, Cyril	BEL	Yamaha	+00:52.1
13	Vaessen, Bas	NED	KTM	+00:56.4
14	Crawford, Nathan	AUS	Honda	+00:57.0
15	Beaton, Jed	AUS	Husqvarna	+00:57.0
16	Geerts, Jago	BEL	Yamaha	+01:15.7
17	Rubini, Stephen	FRA	Honda	+01:33.9
18	Roosiorg, Hardi	EST	KTM	+01:39.9
19	Sikyna, Richard	SVK	KTM	+01:41.4
20	Gilbert, Josh	GBR	Husqvarna	+01:42.9
21	Malkiewicz, Bailey	AUS	Honda	+01:51.0

Pos	Rider	Nat.	Bike	Time/Gap
1	Geerts, Jago	BEL	Yamaha	35:16.8
2	Vialle, Tom	FRA	KTM	00:04.3
3	Boisrame, Mathys	FRA	Kawasaki	00:07.5
4	Van De Moosdijk, Roan	NED	Kawasaki	00:10.5
5	Watson, Ben	GBR	Yamaha	00:12.8
6	Beaton, Jed	AUS	Husqvarna	00:33.5
7	Fernandez, Ruben	ESP	Yamaha	00:37.7
8	Crawford, Nathan	AUS	Honda	00:44.9
9	Olsen, Thomas Kjer	DEN	Husqvarna	00:49.3
10	Renaux, Maxime	FRA	Yamaha	00:55.0
11	Forato, Alberto	ITA	Husqvarna	01:02.8
12	Vaessen, Bas	NED	KTM	01:10.1
13	Östlund, Alvin	SWE	Honda	01:12.6
14	Genot, Cyril	BEL	Yamaha	01:15.0
15	Sikyna, Richard	SVK	KTM	01:44.0
16	Rubini, Stephen	FRA	Honda	01:50.2
17	Polak, Petr	CZE	Yamaha	01:53.8
18	Gilbert, Josh	GBR	Husqvarna	02:01.5
19	Roosiorg, Hardi	EST	KTM	02:12.9
20	Pancar, Jan	SLO	KTM	1 lap
21	Laengenfelder, Simon	GER	GASGAS	1 lap
22	Dickinson, Ashton	GBR	KTM	1 lap
23	Teresak, Jakub	CZE	KTM	1 lap
24	Vesterinen, Matias	FIN	KTM	1 lap
25	Haarup, Mikkel	DEN	Kawasaki	1 lap
26	Malkiewicz, Bailey	AUS	Honda	1 lap

Pos	Rider	Nat.	Bike	Race 1	Race 2	Total
1	Vialle, Tom	FRA	KTM	25	22	47
2	Van De Moosdijk, Roan	NED	KAW	22	18	40
3	Boisrame, Mathys	FRA	KAW	18	20	38
4	Fernandez, Ruben	ESP	YAM	20	14	34
5	Watson, Ben	GBR	YAM	15	16	31
6	Geerts, Jago	BEL	YAM	5	25	30
7	Renaux, Maxime	FRA	YAM	14	11	25
8	Olsen, Thomas Kjer	DEN	HUS	10	12	22
9	Beaton, Jed	AUS	HUS	6	15	21
10	Forato, Alberto	ITA	HUS	11	10	21
11	Östlund, Alvin	SWE	HON	13	8	21
12	Crawford, Nathan	AUS	HON	7	13	20
13	Vaessen, Bas	NED	KTM	8	9	17
14	Genot, Cyril	BEL	YAM	9	7	16
15	Hofer, Rene	AUT	KTM	16	0	16
16	Haarup, Mikkel	DEN	KAW	12	0	12
17	Rubini, Stephen	FRA	HON	4	5	9
18	Sikyna, Richard	SVK	KTM	2	6	8
19	Roosiorg, Hardi	EST	KTM	3	2	5
20	Polak, Petr	CZE	YAM	0	4	4
21	Gilbert, Josh	GBR	HUS	1	3	4
22	Pancar, Jan	SLO	KTM	0	1	1
23	Laengenfelder, Simon	GER	GAS	0	0	0
24	Dickinson, Ashton	GBR	KTM	0	0	0
25	Teresak, Jakub	CZE	KTM	0	0	0
26	Vesterinen, Matias	FIN	KTM	0	0	0
27	Malkiewicz, Bailey	AUS	HON	0	0	0

Pos	Rider	Nat.	Bike	Total
1	Vialle, Tom	FRA	KTM	134
2	Geerts, Jago	BEL	YAM	112
3	Beaton, Jed	AUS	HUS	95
4	Renaux, Maxime	FRA	YAM	86
5	Watson, Ben	GBR	YAM	79
6	Olsen, T.	DEN	HUS	73
7	Van De Moosdijk, R.	NED	KAW	71
8	Boisrame, M.	FRA	KAW	70
9	Hofer, Rene	AUT	KTM	69
10	Haarup, Mikkel	DEN	KAW	64
11	Forato, A.	ITA	HUS	49
12	Mewse, Conrad	GBR	KTM	48
13	Crawford, N.	AUS	HON	48
14	Fernandez, R.	ESP	YAM	45
15	Vaessen, Bas	NED	KTM	35
16	Sydow, Jeremy	GER	GAS	35
17	Östlund, Alvin	SWE	HON	34
18	Harrison, M.	USA	KAW	22
19	Genot, Cyril	BEL	YAM	21
20	Roosiorg, H.	EST	KTM	17
21	Laengenfelder, S.	GER	GAS	16
22	Guadagnini, M.	ITA	HUS	15
23	Gilbert, Josh	GBR	HUS	15
24	Sikyna, R.	SVK	KTM	14
25	Rubini, S.	FRA	HON	11
26	Malkiewicz, B.	AUS	HON	9
27	Todd, Wilson	AUS	KAW	8

2020 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships

Following a memorable week showcasing the world’s finest amateur motocross talent the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday. The final motos of an action-packed week of racing resulted in the crowning of AMA National Champions across the remaining 17 classes.

Open Pro Sport

The final day of racing for the week was headlined by Open Pro Sport, where Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Stilez Robertson had an opportunity to wrap up the championship in the two most high profile divisions. Robertson wrapped up the title in 250 Pro Sport on Friday and entered Saturday tied with Yamaha/Rock River/bLU cRU Amateur Motocross Team rider Mason Gonzales atop the Open Pro Sport classification.

All week long Gonzales had his starts dialed in and in the biggest moment he rose to the occasion, emerging with the early lead ahead of Robertson in second. Gonzales dropped the hammer and successfully put some distance between himself and Robertson, but soon the Husqvarna rider closed back in. Just before the halfway point of the moto Robertson applied heavy pressure on the lead and made the pass for the lead stick. Once out front Robertson continued to add to his lead and charged home to take the moto win and clinch the title by six seconds over Gonzales.

Stilez Robertson is the 2020 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner. Photo: Derek Garcia

With his AMA National Championships in both 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport Robertson was named the 2020 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner, the highest honor in amateur motocross.

Open Pro Sport Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Husqvarna (1-2-1)
Mason Gonzales, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Yamaha (2-1-2)
Dilan Schwartz, Alpine, Calif., Suzuki (3-4-3)
Vincent Luhovey Jr., Greensburg, Pa., KTM (5-6-7)
Austin Black, Lake Elsinore, Calif., KTM (6-8-5)

250 B

After a pair of wild motos in 250 B, Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Matt Leblanc entered Saturday’s final moto in control of his own destiny. With a lead of four points Leblanc enjoyed a comfortable cushion, which allowed him to take a more conservative approach once the gate dropped.

Leblanc settled into fourth on the opening lap, behind early leader and Moto 2 winner Nate Thrasher aboard his Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM, Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Nick Romano, and EBR Performance KTM’s Kaeden Amerine. The clear track allowed Thrasher to quickly open up a big lead on the field, leaving the Yamaha duo of Romano and Amerine to battle for second. Leblanc continued to lose touch with the lead trio, and eventually gave up fourth to Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Chance Hymas.

The momentum Thrasher gained from his Moto 2 victory carried over into the final moto, where he continued to pull away en route to securing back-to-back wins. He took the checkered flag 11 seconds ahead of Amerine, who battled his way around Romano for second in the closing laps. Leblanc came through a distant fifth.

Nate Thrasher won the final 250 B moto – Photo: Ken Hill

Leblanc’s consistency proved to be the difference maker in the overall standings, as Thrasher’s ninth-place finish in the first moto was simply too much to overcome despite securing a pair of moto wins. Leblanc’s title is his second of the week, to go along with a 450 B championship.

Matt Leblanc prevailed as 250B champion. Photo: Ken Hill

250 B Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Matthew Leblanc, Breaux Bridge, La., Yamaha (1-2-5)
Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., KTM (9-1-1)
Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Kawasaki (2-5-4)
Kaeden Amerine, Great Bend, Kan., Yamaha (7-4-2)
Nick Romano, Bayside, N.Y., Yamaha (12-3-3)

Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C

On the heels of a three-moto sweep in 125cc B/C, Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Max Vohland had the opportunity to wrap up an undefeated week at Loretta Lynn’s with another victory in Schoolboy 1 B/C. He carried a two-point edge over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Talon Hawkins, where the second generation racer was once again on point aboard his KTM.

Max Vohland completed a perfect week, going a total of 6-0 in motos. Photo: Derek Garcia

When the gate dropped on the final moto the two championship combatants put themselves at the front of the field, with Vohland leading Hawkins. The impressive speed Vohland has displayed all week saw him establish a near two-second lead at the conclusion of the opening lap, which proved to be all the advantage he needed. Vohland continued to build on his lead and rode to a stress-free moto win by almost 13 seconds, securing his undefeated record and a second AMA National Championship. Hawkins earned his third runner-up result, while Yamaha/Rock River/bLU cRU Amateur Motocross Team rider Larry Reyes Jr. rounded out the podium.

Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (1-1-1)
Talon Hawkins, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna (2-2-2)
Larry Reyes Jr., Houston, Texas, Yamaha (3-3-3)
Avery Long, New London, Minn., KTM (8-5-5)
Gage Stine, Woodsboro, Md., KTM (4-11-4)

Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C

Parity defined the first two motos of Schoolboy 2 B/C, as three riders entered Saturday’s final moto with a shot at taking home the title. With 1-2 finishes coming into the deciding moto Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Jett Reynolds was in the favorable position, but both KTM Orange Brigade’s Nate Thrasher and Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Chance Hymas were right in the hunt.

Reynolds was right where he wanted to be as Moto 3 got underway, initially sitting second behind KTM rider Wyatt Liebeck before taking over the lead on the second lap. Neither Hymas nor Thrasher were anywhere to be seen, slotting into seventh and 10th, respectively.

Reynolds was able to maintain his position out front, but he was facing heavy and persistent pressure from Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Nick Romano. Less than a second separated the lead duo, and as the moto reached its halfway point Reynolds faltered, giving up the lead to Romano and falling from first to fourth. As that sequence unfolded, both Hymas and Thrasher, who had fought their way into the top four, were able to take advantage of Reynolds’ misfortune, taking over second and third. On the ensuing lap Reynolds dropped another spot to fifth.

Realising a championship was within reach, Hymas dug deep and went to work on Romano for the lead, successfully seizing control of the moto in the waning minutes. One lap later Thrasher moved into second. At that point the Kawasaki of Hymas had opened an insurmountable advantage and he became the class’ third different moto winner, crossing the line two seconds ahead of Thrasher, with Romano third and Reynolds fifth.

The victory was enough to vault Hymas to the top of the overall standings, where he earned a tiebreaker over Thrasher by virtue of Hymas’ Moto 3 win. The finish was undoubtedly one of the most dramatic and exciting of any class at this year’s event.

A win in the final Schoolboy 2 moto vaulted Chance Hymas to the title. Photo: Ken HIll

Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Kawasaki (2-3-1)
Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., KTM (3-1-2)
Jett Reynolds, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (1-2-5)
Wyatt Liebeck, New Franken, Wis., KTM (5-8-4)
Kaeden Amerine, Great Bend, Kan., Yamaha (8-4-8)

Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)

Like Haiden Deegan (Sr. Mini 1 & 2) and Max Vohland (125cc & Schoolboy 1), Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Ryder Difrancesco was one of a few riders chasing a perfect 6-0 run at Loretta Lynn’s. He entered Saturday in control of both the Supermini 1 and Supermini 2 classes, where another pair of good starts and consistent performances were all that separated him from perfection. Difrancesco rose to the occasion on each gate drop and brought home two impressive victories to wrap up a pair of titles on the final day.

The Kawasaki rider first took to the track to complete Supermini 2. Out of the gate, KTM rider Ben Garib continued his hot streak of stellar starts to lead Difrancesco through the opening couple laps. Not to be denied, Difrancesco powered his way into the lead and quickly began to put distance between himself and Garib. Soon enough, he enjoyed a comfortable multi-second lead. Difrancesco continued to charge and brought home the first of two wins by four seconds over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Evan Ferry, who started sixth, with Garib in third.

As Difrancesco rolled out one last time for Supermini 1 he was determined to make the final moto as stress free as possible. When the gate dropped he seized the moment and emerged with the lead. A blistering opening lap helped Difrancesco put multiple seconds on Ferry in second, and from there the Kawasaki rider never looked back. He stormed to the sweep and a perfect week-long record by just under six seconds. Ferry finished the day with back-to-back runner-up finishes, while Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Gavin Towers finished third.

It capped off a banner week for Difrancesco, who will surely be one of the most talked about riders at Loretta Lynn’s in 2021.

Supermini 1 (12-15) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Ryder Difrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Kawasaki (2-2-3)
Evan Ferry, Dade City, Fla., Husqvarna (4-5-2)
Jayden Clough, Elko, Minn., KTM (5-3-4)
Jordan Renfro, Lake Park, Ga., KTM (9-9-7)

Supermini 2 (13-16) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Ryder Difrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
Evan Ferry, Dade City, Fla., Husqvarna (2-2-2)
Benjamin Garib, Chile, KTM (4-3-3)
Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Kawasaki (3-5-4)
Jayden Clough, Elko, Minn., KTM (5-4-5)

250 Pro Sport

On the heels of a convincing win in the second 250 Pro Sport moto, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Stilez Robertson carried a surge of momentum into the deciding third moto on Friday afternoon. Robertson carried a three-point advantage over Yamaha/Rock River/bLU cRU Amateur Motocross Team rider Mason Gonzales into the final race.

Fully aware of the significance of the moment, Robertson took care of business right out of the gate and put his Husqvarna at the head of the pack. He dropped the hammer on the opening laps and set the fastest lap time of the entire moto to establish an insurmountable seven-second advantage after just two laps. From that moment forward Robertson was able to focus on managing the lead and staying out of trouble, particularly as he approached lapped riders in the late stages of the moto.

After struggling with starts most of the week, BarX/Chaparral/Suzuki’s Dilan Schwartz finally put himself at the front of the field and assumed control of second early on. However, his deficit to Robertson was simply too much to overcome.

Stilez Robertson took home the AMA National Championship in 250 Pro Sport. Photo: Ken Hill

Robertson went unchallenged for virtually the entirety of the moto, taking the moto win and clinching the 250 Pro Sport title by seven seconds over Schwartz. Gonzales, who had been one of the best starters all week, was forced to battle his way from a sixth-place start and fought his way to the final spot on the podium in third.

250 Pro Sport Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Husqvarna (2-1-1)
Dilan Schwartz, Alpine, Calif., Suzuki (1-5-2)
Mason Gonzales, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Yamaha (3-2-3)
Preston Kilroy, Afton, Wyo., Suzuki (7-3-5)
Austin Black, Lake Elsinore, Calif., KTM (5-7-4)

450 B

The battle atop the 450 B classification was the tightest of any division entering Friday’s final moto as Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Matt Leblanc, Deep South Kawasaki’s Luca Marsalisi, and SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts/Honda’s Luke Kalaitzian all sat tied atop the overall classification. With all three riders holding an equal opportunity to take home the title, and each finishing inside the top three in both motos, it was anyone’s guess as to who would prevail. For Leblanc, he hoped the experience from his victory in the class last year would work to his advantage.

As the field jockeyed for position early on it was Kalaitzian who grabbed the early advantage and jumped out to the lead ahead of Leblanc and Husqvarna rider Wyatt Mattson, while Marsalisi was just outside the top five in sixth. A determined Leblanc was able to muscle his way around Kalaitzian to seize control of the race lead. On his first full lap as race leader, Leblanc put his head down and charged out to a multiple-second advantage. As this unfolded, Marsalisi’s eagerness to catch the leaders resulted in misfortune and dropped him to the tail end of the running order, effectively ending his championship hopes.

Matt Leblanc captured his second consecutive title in 450 B. Photo: Ken Hill

Once he built his gap on the field, Leblanc controlled the remainder of the moto with ease as Kalaitzian encountered misfortune as well in pursuit. Leblanc capped off his second consecutive 450 B championship in dominant fashion, taking the moto win by more than 21 seconds over Mattson, with SLM KTM’s Matthew Curler in third.

450 B Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Matthew Leblanc, Breaux Bridge, La., Yamaha (3-1-1)
Luke Kalaitzian, Sun Valley, Calif., Honda (2-2-6)
Matthew Curler, Wills Point, Texas, KTM (4-4-3)
Wyatt Mattson, Murrieta, Calif., Husqvarna (6-6-2)
Cole Bradford, Tampa, Fla., Honda (5-5-4)

125cc (12-17) B/C

As he entered the third and final 125cc B/C moto on Friday for the final race of the day Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Max Vohland had amassed an undefeated record across two divisions and was in a prime position to wrap up a pair of titles, an accomplishment he achieved one year prior by taking home the Supermini 1 and Supermini 2 championships. On Friday, his first task would be wrapping up the 125cc B/C crown.

When the gate dropped on the final moto, Vohland wasted no time putting his KTM out front and established some breathing room between himself and MTF KTM’s Gage Linville, his primary challenger, at the end of the opening lap. Well aware of the situation at hand, Linville gave his all to keep Vohland within striking distance, ready to take advantage of any mistakes or find an opening to attempt a pass.

As the moto wore on, Vohland’s consistency was putting the pressure on Linville to keep up and as the race surpassed the halfway point Linville lost touch, falling back to a double-digit deficit. Out front, Vohland was on cruise control and easily swept the 125cc B/C motos by nearly 22 seconds over Linville. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Talon Hawkins followed in third.

Vohland has now won a title in each of the last three classes he entered and is poised to earn a fourth in Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C on Saturday.

125cc (12-17) B/C Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (1-1-1)
Gage Linville, Lake Park, Ga., KTM (2-2-2)
Larry Reyes Jr., Houston, Texas, Yamaha (3-4-4)
Talon Hawkins, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna (7-3-3)
Myles Gilmore, Australia, Yamaha (6-7-9)

Women

Carrying back-to-back moto wins into the final moto on Friday, SBG Racing/Maxxis/Babbitt’s Online Kawasaki’s Jordan Jarvis was in a comfortable spot to bring home a third Women class title thanks to a five-point cushion over KTM Orange Brigade’s Tayler Allred.

All week long Jarvis had been at her best when the gate dropped and that trend continued to start Moto 3 as the Kawasaki rider moved into the early lead over Allred, with Newground Husqvarna’s Hannah Hodges in third. Jarvis laid down her fastest lap of the moto on Lap 2, which helped her put a little breathing room between her and Allred, who was able to secure her hold on second after Hodges encountered misfortune.

Jarvis continued to nail her marks and log consistent laps, which only added to her lead and eventually allowed her to build a double-digit advantage. She finished strong and wrapped up a 1-1-1 sweep of the motos with a winning margin of nearly 19 seconds over Allred, while Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM’s Sophia Phelps rounded out the podium in third.

Jordan Jarvis’ week-long dominance continued en route to her third Women’s title. Photo: Ken Hill

With six career AMA National Championships to her credit, Jarvis is now one of the most decorated riders in Loretta Lynn’s history.

Australia’s Tayla Jones was on the overall podium thanks to 6-3-4 results across the three motos.

Women Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Jordan Jarvis, Clayton, N.C., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
Tayler Allred, Riverton, Utah, KTM (3-2-2)
Tayla Jones, Australia, Husqvarna (6-3-4)
Sophia Phelps, Saint George, Utah, KTM (9-4-3)
Hannah Hodges, Deland, Fla., Husqvarna (2-5-9)

Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) & Mini Sr. 2 (13-15)

Undoubtedly one of the hottest riders all week long at Loretta Lynn’s was second generation racer Haiden Deegan. Entering Friday’s final motos for both Mini Sr. 1 and Mini Sr. 2 the KTM Orange Brigade rider had compiled an undefeated record and was poised to go a perfect 6-0 en route to a pair of AMA National Championships. To no one’s surprise, Deegan rose to the occasion yet again and put forth arguably his best rides of the entire event to finish undefeated.

The first race of the day for Deegan came in Mini Sr. 2, where he put his stamp on the winning effort after just a single lap, building an insurmountable lead of more than five seconds ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Krystian Janik and Triangle Cycles/bLU cRU/Yamaha’s Logan Best, who were engaged in their own battle for the runner-up spot in the overall classification. At the conclusion of the third lap Deegan’s advantage had grown to double-digits and he continued to build on the lead through to the checkered flag, where he wrapped up the sweep of the motos by just under 19 seconds. The battle for second raged on for much of the moto, but Best got the better of Janik in the end to secure the position in the overall standings.

When Deegan returned to the track for the final Mini Sr. 1 moto, he put his KTM to the front early and opened up a lead of more than a second over Best, his closest challenger, at the end of the opening lap. Deegan continued to run at a blistering pace and found himself out front by almost 10 seconds halfway through the moto. That allowed him to maintain the lead and bring home a drama free moto sweep by 18 seconds over Best, followed by KTM rider Landin Pepperd in third.

With his pair of victories, Deegan became the first rider at the 2020 event to bring home multiple AMA National Championships. He’s also the first rider to complete the week undefeated across more than one division.

Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., KTM (1-1-1)
Logan Best, North Port, Fla., Yamaha (2-2-2)
Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill. Kawasaki (3-5-10)
Jeremy Fappani, Scottsdale, Ariz., KTM (6-8-5)
Agustin Barreneche, Colombia, KTM (7-4-11)

Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., KTM (1-1-1)
Logan Best, North Port, Fla., Yamaha (2-4-2)
Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill. Kawasaki (3-2-3)
Adler Caudle, Moore, Okla., KTM (5-10-4)
Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (7-3-9)

Mini-E (4-6) Jr.

Friday signified a landmark moment in the history of Loretta Lynn’s as the first ever AMA National Championship was handed out for an electric motorcycle class. The debut of the Mini-E Jr. division in 2020 was well received, with a significant number of entries and alternates. As for the action on the track, one rider, Kade Nightingale, had set the benchmark coming into Friday with wins in the first two motos.

Nightingale found himself in a familiar spot to start the final moto and led the field around to complete the first lap, but Jaydin Smart, Nightingale’s primary rival all week, made a bid for the lead and successfully seized control of the moto. As he attempted to fight back, Nightingale lost ground and faced a multi-second deficit early in the moto.

Smart continued to ride strong and extended his lead further in the closing stages of the moto, becoming just the second rider to win a Mini-E moto. Nightingale settled for second, nearly nine seconds back, but still enjoyed the spoils of the first AMA National Championship in the division thanks to his consistent 1-1-2 moto finishes.

Kade Nightingale took a historic first title in the debut of the Mini-E Jr. class. Photo: Ken Hill

Mini-E (4-6) Jr. Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Kade Nightingale, Mounds, Okla., KTM (1-1-2)
Jaydin Smart, Berry Creek, Calif., KTM (2-2-1)
Anderson Waldele, Lizella, Ga., KTM (7-3-3)
Jeter Ramirez, El Reno, Okla., KTM (3-6-4)
Gavin McCoy, Clever, Mo., KTM (13-4-5)

Additional AMA Amateur National Champions

250 B Limited: Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (1-1-1)
125 C: Garrett Alumbaugh, Newark, Texas, Yamaha (1-1-1)
Vet (30+): Nicholas Hayes, Chester, Va., Kawasaki (1-2-1)
85cc (10-12) Limited: Luke Fauser, Midland, Pa., KTM (1-1-3)
Masters (50+): Kevin Walker, Kingsport, Tenn., Suzuki (3-1-1)
51cc (7-8) Limited: Gauge Brown, Cypress, Texas, Cobra (2-2-3)
65cc (10-11) Limited: Seth Dennis, Minneola, Fla., KTM (1-1-2)
250 C: Albert Haberle IV, Atco, N.J, KTM (3-3-3)
65cc (7-9) Limited: Darren Pine, Crosby, Texas, Cobra (1-1-3)
51cc (4-6) Limited: Jaydin Smart, Berry Creek, Calif., Cobra (2-1-1)
51cc (4-6) Shaft Drive Ltd: Grayson Porco, Barberton, Ohio, Yamaha (3-2-2)
Senior (40+): Kris Keefer, Hesperia, Calif., Yamaha (1-1-2)
250 C Limited: Jacob Henry, Cortland, N.Y., KTM (3-1-3)
Junior (25+): Brandon Scharer, Hamer, S.C., Yamaha (2-1-1)
College (18-24): Michael Hicks, Fenton, Mo., KTM (9-1-1)
Girls (11-16): Katie Benson, Greer, S.C., KTM (1-1-3)
250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited: Dakota Bender, Winchester, Pa., Honda (1-1-2)
450 B Limited: Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (1-1-1)
85cc (10-12): Luke Fauser, Midland, Pa., KTM (2-3-2)
65cc (7-9): Gage Dunham, Golden, Colo., KTM (5-1-2)
450 C: Cameron Horner, Bozeman, Mont., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
Senior (45+): Joe Buskirk, Hanna City, Ill., Suzuki (3-3-3)
65cc (10-11): Seth Dennis, Minneola, Fla., KTM (1-3-2)

Final 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix date set for Torun

The FIM and BSI Speedway announced today the final venue in the 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix calendar.

The Friday, October 2 event will take place at Torun’s Marian Rose Motoarena in Poland, preceding the Saturday event at the same venue.

The final 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix calendar is as follows:

August 28-29: Poland (Olympic Stadium, Wroclaw)
September 11-12: Poland (Edward Jancarz Stadium, Gorzow)
September 18-19: Czech Republic (Marketa Stadium, Prague)
October 2-3: Poland (Marian Rose Motoarena, Torun)

Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of Motorsports Events at IMG

“We are pleased we are able to have the last two events in Torun, a long-time partner of the series. We appreciate their years of support and are delighted to now finalise the full 2020 calendar.”

As previously announced, each night, riders will compete for the maximum 20 points and full prize money per SGP round.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly | Beaton podiums at Dutch International | Calendar Updates | E-FMX

July 27, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 28, 2020

Dutch International Motocross

MX1

In his first competitive outing since round two of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Glenn Coldenhoff lined up on home soil for the Dutch International onboard the new GasGas Factory Racing MC 450F machine. A strong start in race one enabled Coldenhoff to shadow race leader Romain Febvre for the duration of the moto, making a charge for the lead as the race neared its conclusion. The 29-year-old was able to pull to within one second of the race lead, ultimately ending the moto in a strong second place.

Moto two saw history made with Glenn Coldenhoff taking GasGas’ maiden international motocross race win. Charging to the moto two holeshot, a small mistake on the opening lap relegated Coldenhoff to second position before he formed part of a four-rider battle for the win. Able to take control of the race at the halfway stage and withstand pressure from many of his MXGP rivals, Glenn took the race victory and with it the overall win.

Glenn Coldenhoff MX1 winner

“It felt great to be back racing. I’ve worked really hard and put in a lot of time training and riding and it showed today. Ahead of this weekend I picked up a small foot injury and I was unable to ride for five days but it’s fully healed and I’m 100%. Qualifying was good, third place. My reaction on the start wasn’t great in race one and I had to push hard to move forwards. I was riding a little tense as I’ve not raced for such a long time so second place was a great way to return to racing. In race two I pulled a huge holeshot. I then made a little mistake and dropped back to second. I was able to regain the lead at the halfway point and then it was a charge to the end, we were all pushing so hard for the win and I’m really happy to have taken the race and overall win for myself and the team.”

Romain Febvre = points with Coldenhoff

“It was my first race for five and a half months so it was great just being behind a starting gate again! I was fastest in the timed practice period, got two good starts and had two good motos; it was even better than what I could expect for such a race as you inevitably feel tense when you didn’t race for a while. I had a good feeling all day long. The first moto was good as I led from start to finish. In the second race I was second behind Coldenhoff and passed him after a few laps; I was leading the race but the track was rough as usual in The Netherlands and I made several small mistakes. Glenn and Paulin passed me, but then I could overtake Gautier again to finish just behind Glenn. It was a good weekend; I’m very happy with everything – the bike, the team, my condition – and now we have one more race next weekend in Axel before the MXGP of Latvia.”

MX2

Jed Beaton made a strong start in race one, ending the opening lap in third place. Among a frantic group at the head of the field, Beaton’s FC 250 machine powered him into first position on lap four as he led many of his MX2 World Championship rivals. Slipping back to third place the Australian kept the lead riders in sight during the remaining laps of the race.

Race two in Arnhem was somewhat uneventful for Beaton. After working on his starts over recent months, he fired out of the gate and ended lap one in a strong fourth place. At the midway stage of the race the Australian was in sixth, shadowing his teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen who later tipped over on the final lap, gifting fifth position to Beaton. With his 3-5 moto finishes, Jed placed fourth overall.

Jed Beaton

“It was great to be back racing today and get some gate drops ahead of the GPs starting again. It’s been a long time since we’ve been racing so the nerves were back and it was good to get them out of the way before Latvia in two weeks. I rode a little tight in the first moto, which is to be expected after so much time off the bike. It was great to lead some laps during the middle part of that race. I’ve been working on my starts a lot lately and that showed today, two good starts and I tied for third overall with almost all of the MX World Championship riders so I’m really happy with where I’m at.”

Results – 2020 Dutch International

MX1 – Overall

Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 47pts
Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 47
Gautier Paulin (Yamaha) 38

MX1 – Race 1

Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 19 laps, 33:12:079
Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 33:14:977
Jeremy Seewer (Yamaha) 33:24:310

MX1 – Race 2

Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 19 laps, 33:27:549
Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 33:29:131
Gautier Paulin (Yamaha) 33:296:23

MX2 – Overall

Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 50pts
Thomas Kjer Olsen (Husqvarna) 37
Roan Van De Moosdijk (Kawasaki) 36
Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36

MX2 – Race 1

Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 18 laps, 31:50:993
Thomas Kjer Olsen (Husqvarna) 31:52:600
Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 32:00:031

MX2 – Race 2

Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 19 laps, 33:09:002
Ben Watson (Yamaha) 33:09:818
Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 33:29:039
5. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 33:47:382

Broc Tickle to Fill in for Plessinger

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team has signed Broc Tickle for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season to fill in for Aaron Plessinger who continues to focus on his return to full fitness after a training injury last week.

Plessinger dislocated his wrist while training for the upcoming Outdoor season earlier this month at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. The 2018 250MX Pro Motocross Champion underwent surgery to repair it and quickly began the rehab process, but unfortunately the time-line for recovery could take 12 weeks.

Tickle is eager to make his debut aboard the factory-prepped Yamaha YZ450F at the season opener at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on August 15. The 2011 250SX West Champion brings a lot of experience to the effort and is ready to get rolling with his new team to get some top results in the Outdoor season.

After being delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule is action packed with nine rounds starting with the season opener in mid-August in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee and finishes in Pala, California on October 10.

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS

“Unfortunately, Aaron was injured last week just as we were ramping up for the start of the motocross season. We are excited to have someone with Broc’s experience on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory team and are looking forward to getting the Pro Motocross season started!”

Broc Tickle – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

“I’m super excited about this opportunity and grateful to be a part of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team for the outdoor season that starts up here in a couple weeks. For myself, I’m just really looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity, and a good group of people around me. We’ll start off at Loretta’s and build from there.”

2020 Australian Motocross Championship update

Further to the recent announcement by Motorcycling Australia (MA) that the management and promotion of the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship will be brought in house and the intention of announcing a five to six round MX calendar this week, MA can provide a further update for teams, riders, its members and motocross fans across Australia.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MA has constantly and closely monitored the heath crisis developments and has regularly been in consultation with the national sporting body – Sports Australia and government departments to receive the latest updates and advice. The recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria and NSW over the past two weeks, and the increasing restrictions being imposed, have forced a re-evaluation of the original September to November time-line, although M.A. are still hopeful of a late September start if possible.

These circumstances have now resulted in a delay in announcing the 2020 Australian Motocross calendar as MA, its partners and its host clubs work tirelessly to ensure a multi round championship is possible for 2020.

All efforts are still focussed on an east coast based championship, but any final decision and announcements will depend on government COVID-19 rules and regulations at that time. MA remains committed to communicating regularly with the national MX community as updates become available.

Further announcements will be made in due course.

Motorcycling Australia Events Update

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is monitoring the current health crisis developments which is impacting the running of Australian National Championships across the country.

Due to the recent spike in cases in Victoria and NSW, the following events scheduled for late September to early October are currently under review. The final decision regarding these events will be announced on Monday 17th of August 2020. Should further information be available at an earlier date, this will be communicated.

KTM Australian Junior Motocross – 26 September-3 October – Rockhampton, QLD
GASGAS Australian Trial Championship – 26-27 September – Bangor, SA
Australian Junior Track Championship – 26-27 September – Gunnedah, NSW
Australian Classic and Post Classic Dirt Track – 3- 4 October – Temora, NSW

2020 Australian Senior Track Championship – Cancelled

In response to the ongoing developments and health concerns in relation to Covid-19 and Government imposed restrictions on travel and border closures, the Tamworth Motorcycle Club (TMCC) in consultation with Motorcycling Australia (MA) have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Australian Senior Track Championship schedule for 19th – 20th September at Qurindi Showgrounds in NSW.

With daily Government policies in relation to Covid-19 travel, border closures and restrictions the TMCC in consultations with MA have come to the conclusion that it now impossible for the event to continue.

Discussions are being held with MA for the TMCC to hold the 2021 Australian Senior Track Championship at Qurindi next year.

The decision to cancel any Australian Championship is not taken lightly by MA and we take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this required decision.

All riders who have entered the event will be contacted by TMCC Club President – Paul Slade in due course.

e-FMX World Championship series

As the countdown gets closer to the upcoming e-FMX World Championship series with NIGHT of the JUMPs and the all new Mobile Game, TiMX : This is Motocross, 4 more names have joined the first season of competitive Freestyle Motocross gaming.

Unfortunately, due to the continuing delays on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, the most recent update for both platforms has continued to be mixed in with the slow approval process on each online store which all App Developers are currently experiencing.

At NIGHT of the JUMPs, the decision was made in the interest of a far greater experience for both the Professional Riders in this competition, and fans of our content, by delaying the start of the first season with just a short amount of time to allow Google and Apple to clear their backlog of App Updates in this difficult time. In the meantime, Aussie Adrenaline, the creators of TiMX have been working around the clock on more features for the game for subsequent updates.

NIGHT of the JUMPs are proud to announce the next 4 big name FMX riders who will compete in the opening e-FMX World Championship series including X Games Gold Medallist and one of the most stylish riders on the planet, Taka Higashino (JPN).

Having competed at NIGHT of the JUMPs in Tours, France (2015), Taka Higashino is Japan’s greatest FMX export when he became the first Japanese rider to compete in X Games, and has taken 3 Gold Medals in Freestyle MX discipline throughout his career. Taka is also known as the creator of the California Roll body varial, a trick which he will be able to land within the new Mobile Game.

While Taka is a trick machine, one of America’s next generation Freeriders who looks for the craziest jumps he can find, Colby Raha (USA), will also join the series. Raha has also bagged a couple of X Games Gold Medals, in the discipline of Quarter Pipe Highest Air (2017) and the Real Moto video series in 2019. Raha is all about Freeriding and throwing the dirtiest whips over the gnarliest of jumps which he showed in effortless style at the first ever Freeride Competition, Red Bull Dirt Diggers in 2019.

The Italian Warhorse, Massimo Bianconcini will also step up to compete in the first ever eSport series with NIGHT of the JUMPs. Throughout his stellar career at NIGHT of the JUMPs, Bianoconcini has set the Highest Air record of 11.5 metres in Torino, Italy in 2012 and also has taken 5 Highest Air Championship titles, and also the Silver and 2 Bronze Medals at X Games Step Up. Throughout Bianconcini’s career at NIGHT of the JUMPs, he has continually battled Jose Miralles in FMX and Highest Air. These two World Championship judges will now go head to head against each other in the first round of the e-FMX Championship for bragging rights in the Judges Box.

Australia has continually fostered all new FMX talent, and in 2020 it seems this will continue with the inclusion of the Aus-X Open FMX Best Trick Winner, Jayo Archer. After landing his first ever Double Flip in competition and taking the gold over Australia’s Double Flipping champion, Josh Sheehan, Jayo has turned his sights on another of Sheeny’s legacies, the Triple Backflip.

While Jayo is currently training to try land the Triple Flip from the Moon Booter, he will be putting his time into trying to pull as many virtual backflip rotations on each jump to take down Sheeny in the first round head-to-head battle in the new TiMX FMX tournament. If Jayo can land the Triple Flip from the Moon Booter, it could also signal a massive change to FMX for the future, as Josh Sheehan is the only man to land the trick from the mammoth one-off ramp at Travis Pastrana’s house in 2015.

NIGHT of the JUMPs is proud to announce the Social Media Partnership with Extreme throughout the first season of the e-FMX World Championships. For over a quarter of a century, Extreme has been involved in all things Action Sport from Television Show production to Extreme Sport Events, and this partnership within the esports world represents some of the early over that Extreme are making into the fast growing industry. Fans of Extreme will also be able to watch the entire e-FMX World Championship series Live from the Extreme Facebook channel, and watch the recap videos across their social media channels.

FC Moto, one of the world’s biggest Motorcycle Parts and Gear Retailers and Online Stores has backed the production of the all new e-FMX World Championship. With FC Moto’s expertise in the Online world, opening an all new market of Virtual Sport and accessibility for fans to view the action and vote for their favourite rider has just become so much easier.

The updated Start Date will be released in the very near future.

e-FMX World Championship series
First 12 of 16 players confirmed

Josh Sheehan (AUS)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Pat Bowden (AUS)
Adam Jones (USA)
Edgar Torronteras (ESP)
Javier Villegas (CHL)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Fred Kyrillos (BRA)
Colby Raha (USA)
Taka Higashino (JPN)
Jayo Archer (AUS)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)

TiMX Download Links:  Android – Apple

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly | Flat Track | AMA MX | Injuries and signings

July 21, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 21, 2020

American Flat Track AFT Singles

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).

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.

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

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.

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Podium JK MX RedBud Cover — 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.

AMA Pro MX Rnd FoxRaceway Starts JK MX Pala — 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

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!”

AMA SX Rnd PLESSINGER DAYTONA SX OCTOPI GM — 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.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Arminas Jasikonis — Arminas Jasikonis

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

12-15 years 85cc
1st Byron Dennis – 99
2nd Braden Plath – 98
3rd Ryley Fitzpatrick – 92
4th Jake Cannon – 84

East Coast MX Series

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

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly | MXGP returns in Latvia | Forkner injuries severe

July 7, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 7, 2020

MXGP to return with Latvian triple header

An updated 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar has been issued with a much-anticipated return to racing following a four month break due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The common goal has remained to preserve the maximum number of events in order to make a credible Championship, supporting all the stakeholders with the aim of saving the jobs of everyone in our sport.

Now even if the situation has not yet become completely clear with regards to COVID-19 MXGP starts to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and with the calendar announced MXGP will concentrate a very intense championships into three months for all classes.

The season will resume with a triple race in Kegums for the MXGP of Latvia, Riga and Kegums, with the first event scheduled on the 8-9 of August, followed by a mid-week special on the 11-12 of August, and the final Latvian stop concluding on the 15-16 of August. The Latvian circuit will undergo changes for each event, providing the riders with three completely different racetracks. As it stands, in Latvia there will be a total of 1,000 spectators permitted, with a promise that if the situation improves, numbers will be increased.

The updated calendar will unfortunately see the cancellation of the MXGP of Czech Republic, the MXGP of Sweden and MXGP of Finland from the 2020 MXGP calendar with all being postponed to 2021.

The MXGP of Germany, previously as TBA, as well as the MXGP of Indonesia and Asia scheduled to be held in November have been also postponed to 2021 while the MXGP of Emilia Romagna changed the venue hosting a double-race in Faenza – MXGP of Italy and MXGP of Emilia Romagna – and an additional race in Mantova for the MXGP of Lombardia have been included together with a triple race in Lommel, Belgium as the Monster Energy MXGP of Flanders, MXGP of Limburg and MXGP of Lommel.

The 2020 MXGP Calendar then foresees the MXGP of Trentino scheduled at a later date and the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina as penultimate and final event respectively. The MXGP of Russia and the MXGP of Portugal are part of the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar as TBC for the moment depending on the ongoing national conditions.

Unfortunately, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France has been postponed to 2023 due to the high restrictions for COVID-19 which forbid mass public gatherings in France. Infront Moto Racing are now working with Steve Dixon to bring the 2020 Monster Energy FIM MXoN to Matterley Basin (UK); the event, which is nearly three months away will conform to the outdoor event guidance regulations.

From September onwards, at almost every event spectator number limits will be in place, but organisers hope that by then the situation will be much better, and they will be able to welcome larger crowds. Every country has different protocols concerning the COVID-19 restrictions, therefore prior to each event we will inform all the stakeholders, media and fans concerning the specific restrictions they will need to follow.

With many events running consecutively one after the other, in order to provide the riders with a better recovery period, the MXGP and MX2 race action will be concentrated into one day, with free/timed practice taking place in the morning and the main races starting from 1200 into the afternoon. Whereas the day before each event the European Championship and/or the Women’s World Championship will be run.

At the Monster Energy FIM MXoN the participants will take points for the MXGP and MX2 World Championships, Infront Moto Racing and FIM are working on the regulations keeping in mind the format, the principle and the soul of the MXoN to be maintained.

As always, fans will be able to follow all the race action of each MXGP, MX2, European and Women’s Championship race on the MXGP-TV.com.

MXGP Points Standings

Herlings, J.NED KTM 94
Gajser, Tim SLO HON 85
Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 68
Desalle, C. BEL KAW 60
Paulin, G. FRA YAM 58
Coldenhoff, G. NED GAS 56
Jasikonis, A. LTU HUS 53
Prado, Jorge ESP KTM 47
Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 42
Van Horebeek, J. BEL HON 39
Evans, M. AUS HON 34
Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM 31
Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 26
Jacobi, Henry GER YAM 23
Bogers, Brian NED KTM 23

Team HRC ready to start their engines in MXGP

After a break of what will be five months by the time of the next gate drop, Team HRC are set to resume the MXGP season on August 9th at the Latvian track in Kegums, an hour south of Riga. In what is a much-changed calendar from the before the COVID-19 outbreak, this new schedule looks set to include multiple rounds at the same venue, midweek races, and an all-new one-day format.

This is a major step forward for a campaign where reigning world champion Tim Gajser was on the podium at the only two rounds held so far. With two moto wins out of the four races, the Honda CRF450RW rider was in a strong position before the postponement of the season and he’ll be looking to come back where he left off in Kegums, for what is scheduled to be three races in seven days.

Tim Gajser

“I was really surprised to see the new calendar, especially to do three races in Kegums and also three races in Lommel, in the deep sand. It is how it is though, so I know I need to work hard in the deep sand between now and then and try to get as ready as possible. I’m just looking forward to going racing again after such a long break. I miss the races, the weekends at the race tracks so I’m excited to get back to it. I’m not sure how this one-day format will work completely but it will mean that track time is much more critical and we need to be ready to work on bike setup quickly and efficiently. Thankfully I know I have a really good team around me so I’m confident we can cope. Really though, I am just happy that they have released a calendar and we are going racing in one month’s time.”

For his Aussie team-mate Mitch Evans, this break has allowed him to recover from the shoulder injury which he sustained in Valkenswaard at round two, and with a further five weeks until the first moto, he’ll be hoping show the speed that saw him finish third in the first moto of the year in Great Britain.

Mitch Evans

“I’m happy to see the new calendar come out. It looks like it should go ahead finally, at least I’m optimistic that it should be getting back racing soon. The one-day format will be a new thing for the MXGPs, but for me it is just like racing in Australia where we have practice and qualifying in the morning and then two motos in the afternoon, so I should feel at home with it. At the moment, with my injury, I’ve had one day back on the bike and I did some flat-track riding. I’ll do this for the first month and then see the surgeon at the end of July and then hopefully get the all-clear to start racing after that. Obviously, it’ll mean I’ll only having one week to really get ready on a normal track, to see how my shoulder feels before we go racing in Latvia, so I’m not sure if I’ll be 100% by then, as we’ll have to see how the shoulder keeps progressing. Hopefully it holds up well and feels good when I’m riding and then we’ll make a decision before that weekend. I’ve never had an injury like this, with this much time off the bike so it’s been tough. I’m really happy to be back on the bike though and getting back into normal training and with an exact date in mind, to build towards and see the rest of Team HRC, the fans and the MXGP paddock again.”

Austin Forkner injury update

Austin Forkner had a major crash in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross finale at Salt Lake City and this week revelead just how series his injuries were. The 21-year-old Missouri native had to have his spleen removed and also lost a third of his pancreas along with numerous other injuries to internal organs, including major bruising to his liver and kidneys. Forkner said it was by far the most painful thing he has have ever experienced and that the fist five or six days I was in hospital were horrible. He opens up about the injuries in this social media post.

Jesse Dobson joins Serco Yamaha

Only days after Jesse Dobson was officially released from his contract with RecoveR8 KTM the talented 23-year-old Queenslander has confirmed he will race under the Serco Yamaha banner for the remainder of the 2020 season, competing at the Australian Motocross Championships on the teams’ YZ250F in the MX2 division Dobson will join current Serco Yamaha Team member Aaron Tanti to form a strong team for the 2020 racing season.

Jesse Dobson

“2020 has been a crazy year already but I’m glad to have found a home for the remainder of the year. I have test rode the bikes and met everyone in the team and racing can’t happen fast enough for me as I’m desperate to fly the Serco Yamaha flag and be surrounded by a great race team. This year I hit the reset button a little on my career and knew I had to change a few things to reignite my racing. This lead me back to the MX2 class and now to Serco Yamaha and I have a really positive vibe about it all and look forward to being apart of such a successful and long established team.”

Dobson comes into the Serco Yamaha fold to cover the loss of Dylan Walsh. The logistics of running a New Zealand based rider during a season interrupted by Covid-19 proved too much and both parties agreed to move on and explore other avenues.

“First of all, I would like to thank Dylan (Walsh) for his efforts during the start of the year and racing the New Zealand Motocross Championships with our support. When the Covid lock down came and international travel proved difficult, we acknowledged that it would be difficult to continue and Dylan has since left to explore options in the US,” explains Serco Yamaha owner, Gavin Eales. “We then assembled a bit of a list of the available riders and Jesse Dobson was the stand out. He has great speed and experience, is Queensland based and very determined to get his career back on track. Our initial test with him proved successful so now we are full steam ahead with him and hoping to get some local racing under our belts before the Australian Motocross Championship kicks off in the coming months.”

2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships
Entries Open

Entries are now open for the 2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships to be held at Bangor, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, on September 26 and 27, 2020.

The Championships will be run by the Keyneton Motorcycle Club and held at Mungeree Homestead, “Hogan Family Property”, Survey Road, Bangor, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

The 2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships will offer competition in all classes and returning in 2020 is the Mini Trial, a support class on a shortened course of 10 sections, with 3 laps each day – for all riders aged 4 to 9-years-old on mini wheeled bikes.

Camping is available to competitors and officials at the venue from 8am Thursday 24th to Monday 28th September. Please contact Tyler Hogan on 0429 665 240. Showers available with a gold coin donation.

COVID-19 requirements and restrictions will be in place, please refer to supplementary regulations for further information.

Supplementary regulations are available HERE

YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup’s Postponed Till October 2020

Due to the existing COVID-19 pandemic, Yamaha Motor Europe, Infront Moto Racing and FIM Europe have agreed to postpone the 2020 YZ 125, 85 and 65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cups which were scheduled to take place at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France on the weekend of September 27th to a later date, which is likely to be in October. The exact date and location of the event will be announced when more information is available.

A record 286 young riders are signed up to the 2020 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup across the YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 classes. This year, the number of national championships bLU cRU riders will participate increased from 17 to 21 as Yamaha continues to expand its pool of talent across the continent.

2020 will mark the fourth edition of the highly popular YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup and the second edition of the YZ85 and YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cups which were introduced at the start of 2019.

As was the case in 2019, the top three finishers of each SuperFinale race, as well as two wildcard riders, will automatically be invited to the bLU cRU Masterclass at the end of the year. The winner of the 125, 85 and 65 categories in the Masterclass will have the fantastic opportunity to earn support from Yamaha Motor Europe next year, following in the footsteps of last year’s winners: Latvian Mairis Pumpurs, who won the YZ125 class and now races for the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team, as well as our 85cc and 65cc winners Dex Kooiker from The Netherlands and Freddie Bartlett from Sweden, who now have added support from Yamaha Motor Europe.

2020 Lima Half-Mile Postponed

Due to COVID-19 regulations in the areas surrounding Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, OH, the promoters of the Lima Half-Mile have had to postpone its doubleheader race dates scheduled for Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2020.

American Flat Track is working closely with the promoter, Allen County Fairgrounds and the local health officials to help secure a date that will accommodate its current schedule and provide the best experience for its fans, competitors and staff.

More Speedway GP events cancelled

Due to ongoing global health concerns and crowd restrictions in Russia and Germany in light of COVID-19, the 2020 Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix and 2020 Aztorin German FIM Speedway Grand Prix have been cancelled.

The events were scheduled to take place at Anatoly Stepanov Stadium on August 29 and Teterow’s Bergring Arena later this year respectively.

Following discussions with the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium and Bergring Arena, we are pleased to announce that both the Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix and the Aztorin German FIM Speedway Grand Prix will return in 2021.

The Aztorin German FIM Speedway Grand Prix will take place on Saturday, May 22, while the Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix’s timing will be announced at a later date.

Czech Republic National series

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing restarted their engines with two ‘warm-up’ appearances in the initial rounds of the 2020 Czech national motocross series where current MX2 FIM World Championship leader Tom Vialle celebrated a victory and a runner-up podium finish.

The MX2 crew of Vialle and Rene Hofer (with EMX European Championship rider Liam Everts also in competition) travelled to the Czech Republic for the first two rounds of six in the domestic contest. The events at the Dalecin and Kaplice circuits were some of the first in Europe to take place after wide international lockdown restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Vialle flew to a 1-1 set of moto wins at Dalecin on his works KTM 250 SX-F while Hofer was also fast to gain 2nd place overall at the hard-packed opener. The Frenchman and Austrian had last competed at the Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard on March 8th.

A week later at Kaplice Vialle ran MX2 Grand Prix rival Jago Geerts close for victory: the gap was less than a second between the two riders in the second moto. Vialle lifted the red plate again on the podium thanks to a 2-2 scorecard as Hofer rode securely to 5th position overall (having qualified fastest) and Everts made the top ten with 10th spot.

The Czech outings helped both 18-year olds get back into a race groove ahead of the MXGP series reconvening in Latvia on August 9.

Tom Vialle

“A pretty good weekend again and I’m happy with the week we’ve had here in the Czech Republic. The track was really good for passing, even if there were a lot of lappers from pretty early in the race and there was only really one line: you had to be patient and ended up losing some time, so that made things tricky. I had the best lap-time in both motos and had a great feeling on the bike. In the end it was good training. Now we’ll have a small break before working in Belgium this next month and then the GPs start again!”

Czech Republic MX2 Championship standings

Tom Vialle, KTM, 94 points
Rene Hofer, KTM, 76
Richard Sikyna, KTM, 74
Jago Geerts, Yamaha, 72
Michael Sandner, KTM, 60

Yamaha to host Facebook Live reveal of 2021 Motocross Range

Yamaha Motor Australia has announced it will present the 2021 Yamaha motocross range during a special Facebook Live event at 10 am on Friday, 10 July.

YMA will present all the MX models from the YZ65 through to the YZ450F allowing viewers to get a close look at the full range just hours after the international embargo is lifted.

Viewers can interact with the live stream via the comments sections and will be encouraged to ask questions and generate further online discussion about the new releases.

Following the broadcast, a copy of the presentation will be hosted on the Yamaha Motor Australia Facebook page.

An event has been set up on the Yamaha Motor Australia Facebook page, allowing people to register their intention and receive a reminder when the stream is about to go live.

Click Facbeook logo below for the event page or click get reminder to be notified when broadcast starts

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motocross, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

AMA MX start pushed back further

July 2, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

AMA Motocross now planned to start in August

The ongoing growth of the pandemic across the globe continues to play havoc with sporting fixtures everywhere and the latest series to be further delayed is the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

The previously announced opening pair of events were slated to begin in just over two weeks, on July 18, with the Circle K Ironman National in Indiana, followed by the GEICO Motorcycle WW Ranch National in Florida on July 25. However, due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, notably recent spikes of positive cases in a significant number of states, series managers deem it necessary to push back the start of the series once more. MX Sports Pro Racing will now look to begin the season in August.

“From the moment we were forced to delay the original start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in May, we have diligently worked towards developing as complete a championship-calibre calendar as possible for both our athletes and our fans,” said Carrie Russell, CEO of MX Sports Pro Racing. “In tandem with our event organisers, we have been in constant communication with local officials from the government, health department, and department of public safety for each respective venue to ensure every National is operated in accordance with social distancing measures established by each county and the CDC.

“Following the recent spike in positive cases around the country, a pause is warranted as we evaluate the impact of the stall in state-issued reopening phases and newly implemented travel quarantines,” continued Russell. “Our manufacturers are the lifeblood of American motocross, and we stand by them with our support in times of need. As a result of recent developments, MX Sports Pro Racing needs to take the definitive and proactive step of postponing the start of the season temporarily, which will allow us to work through the current challenges we face.”

In response to this latest decision, MX Sports Pro Racing and event organizers will continue to maintain extensive communication with local officials. The evolution of the pandemic has included dramatic changes from one week to the next, and as states and counties take necessary action to confront the latest concerns of the coronavirus spread, MX Sports Pro Racing will be in a position to take immediate action when the opportunity arises to confirm events at a future date when the time is right.

“It is our sole focus to host a successful season that will not only allow us to crown a pair of AMA National Champions, but will also allow our incredibly loyal fanbase to celebrate the return of racing by cheering on their favourite riders,” concluded Russell. “These are extraordinary times that have had a significant impact on our industry, and that has called for us to take unprecedented action on behalf of the well-being of our community. This sport is a family, and we will not be deterred from accomplishing our goal, despite this adversity. We remain steadfast in bringing everyone the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship they deserve. Our event organisers have put in far too much effort, while our broadcast partners, series sponsors, manufacturers, participants, and fans have all shown tremendous patience. We owe it to all of them to bring this season to fruition, and we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly – GNCC – AORC – Royal Enfield to race Flat Track

June 30, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 30, 2020

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

2020 GNCC
Round Seven – Millfield, Ohio

The 2020 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, continued with day two of racing at the 31st Annual Wiseco John Penton GNCC on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio plays host to The John Penton GNCC each year, which continues to be the longest running event on the circuit.

As racing got underway it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell jumping off the line first to earn the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award. During the opening lap Russell would have company from his teammate Ben Kelley, who moved into the lead as they came around to timing and scoring. Russell would make the pass for the lead on the second lap, and never look back. Russell would lead the way for the remainder of the race, pushing his gap to 58 seconds by the time the checkered flag flew after three hours of intense racing. Russell earned his 66th career overall win, and continues to hold the points lead after seven rounds of racing.

Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Josh Strang was off to a top three start, and would move into second overall on the third lap of racing. Strang would push for the duration of the race, reaching almost complete exhaustion by the time the checkered flag came out. Strang continues to hold second overall in the National Championship points standings, with just 33-points separating him and Russell.

Kailub Russell (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) earned his 66th career overall win at The Wiseco John Penton. PC: Ken Hill

After a top five start to the day, FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor was on a mission to land on a podium finishing position for the second time this season. Baylor would put his head down and push through the dusty, hot conditions to move into third overall by lap three of racing. Baylor would continue to push, and on the last lap would come through timing and scoring just 4 seconds behind Strang. After seven rounds of racing Baylor sits fourth overall in the XC1 Open Pro standings.

Grant Baylor (FactoryONE Shercro) came through to earn third overall on the day in Ohio. PC: Ken Hill

FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Benjamin Kelley came through leading the opening lap of racing in Ohio, but would soon be faced with multiple battles at what would be his second race back after recovering from his shoulder injury. Kelley continued to battle with Strang and Baylor for the first half the race, eventually settling into the fourth place position for the last couple of laps.

Finishing fifth in XC1 and sixth overall on the day was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn. Ashburn would start the day out coming through fourth overall on lap one. He would continue to hold his position, battling with fellow XC1 competitors for the first half the race. Ashburn fell into the fifth place position on lap three of six, and would hold that position until he was met with the checkered flag.

Coming through eighth on lap one was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Joshua Toth. Toth would put his head down and push, making the necessary passes to finish out the day sixth in the XC1 Open Pro class. Continuing his stay on the East Coast was FMF/Maxxis/RPM KTM/KLIM/SIDI’s Dante Oliveira. Oliveira would come through to earn seventh in the XC1 class after a hot and humid three-hour race.

Craig DeLong (Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna/Kari Resources) took home the XC2 250 Pro class win at round seven. PC: Ken Hill

In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing/Kari Resources’ Craig DeLong coming through to take the class win, as well as finishing fifth overall on the day. DeLong would finish over two minutes ahead of his fellow XC2 competitors. This was DeLong’s third win of the season, which also moved him into the points lead in his class.

Factory Beta USA’s Cody Barnes earned his first podium finish of the season in the XC2 class with a second place finish. Barnes had a great jump off the line and would set himself up in the third place position to start off the day. On the third lap of racing, Barnes made the move into second and would continue to push for the remaining laps of the race.

Trail Jesters KTM’s Jonathan Girroir had work his way up to a podium finish after starting off the race back in fifth place. Girroir steadily made his way through the pack of riders, making the necessary passes he needed to earn a spot in the top three. After the seventh round of racing, Girroir sits third in the XC2 points standings.

Becca Sheets (BABS Racing Yamaha/Maxxis) earned her sixth WXC class win of the season on Sunday PC: Ken Hill

The Anzac invasion of the women’s category continued but it was Ohio’s hometown hero Becca Sheets that came out on top ahead of New Zealand’s Rachael Archer and Australia’s Tayla Jones. Sheets had her work cut out for her after coming through fourth on the opening lap. However, she would put her head down and push, moving into the lead by the second lap of racing. Sheets remains the points leader in the class with just one more round before summer break.

AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer made her way into second place after starting her day out in third. Archer continued to push throughout the morning race, but was unable to catch Sheets in the lead and remains third in the WXC points standings.

Rockstar Energy/Lan Mills XC’s Tayla Jones held the early in Ohio, but would soon be faced with battles as she fell back to fourth in the class on the second lap of racing. Jones picked up the pace, making the move past Factory Beta USA’s Rachel Gutish to overtake third place in the WXC class once again. Jones held onto third for the final spot on the podium.

Round Seven Overall

Kailub Russell – XC1 – KTM
Josh Strang – XC1 – Kawasaki
Grant Baylor – XC1 – Sherco
Ben Kelley – XC1 – KTM
Craig Delong – XC2 – Husqvarna
Jordan Ashburn – XC1 – Kawasaki
Joshua Toth – XC1 – KTM
Cody Barnes – XC2 – Honda
Jonathan Girroir – XC2 – KTM
Michael Witkowski – XC2 – Yamaha

Overall GNCC Championship Standings

Kailub Russell (205)
Josh Strang (172)
Jordan Ashburn (111)
Craig DeLong (108)
Michael Witkowski (98)
Jonathan Girroir (92)
Grant Baylor (85)
Cody Barnes (74)
Liam Draper (61)
Ricky Russell (59)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

Craig DeLong (178)
Michael Witkowski (179)
Jonathan Girroir (164)
Cody Barnes (125)
Liam Draper (108)
Thorn Devlin (89)
Ryder Lafferty (75)
Jonathan Johnson (73)
Simon Johnson (69)
Ryder LeBlond (64)

Women Round Seven

Becca Sheets – Yamaha
Rachael Archer – Yamaha
Tayla Jones – Husqvarna
Rachel Gutish – Beta
Korie Steede – TM
Mackenzie Tricker – KTM
Brooke Cosner – Sherco
Shelby Rolen – KTM
Taylor Johnston – KTM
Alli Phillips – Husqvarna

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Tomac and Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2021

Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team in 2021

Kawasaki has announced that Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo will return to the Monster Energy Kawasaki racing team for the 2021 season. The Monster Energy Kawasaki riders aboard KX450 motorcycles will feature the newly-crowned 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Champion and three-time defending AMA Pro Motocross Champion, Tomac, and reigning 250 Pro Motocross Champion, Cianciarulo, after a successful rookie season of supercross winning the 2019 Monster Energy Cup and capturing two podium finishes during the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season.

“We have a very strong 2021 team roster,” said Kawasaki Racing Senior Manager, Dan Fahie. “We are prepared to continue our championship journey with both Eli and Adam. We had an unusual, yet successful 2020 supercross season and look to continue that into the motocross season as well. We have learned a lot about our KX450 and are in a good place heading into outdoors and 2021 with the development of the motorcycle.”

2021 will mark Tomac’s sixth year with Monster Energy Kawasaki, as he relentlessly remains a top contender in the premier class. Tomac captured the coveted 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Championship title after earning seven wins and 12 podiums of the 17 rounds. Tomac currently sits sixth on the all-time 450SX race wins list with 34 wins, and also sits fourth on the all-time 450MX race wins list with 22 overall wins and 44 podium finishes. Tomac cemented his legacy as an elite champion, becoming only the fifth rider in history to win titles in both the 450SX and 250SX classes as well as AMA Pro Motocross Championships in both classes.

“I’m at home with Monster Energy Kawasaki,” said Tomac. “I feel we have an outstanding team in place, an excellent KX450 motorcycle and a common goal of winning races and championships. I couldn’t be happier with how the supercross season ended as we clinched our first 450SX championship. Now our focus will be on winning our fourth consecutive Pro Motocross Championship and continuing to let the good times roll.”

Meanwhile, Cianciarulo kicked off his 450SX rookie campaign by taking the crown at the Monster Energy Cup and he backed that up by showing his speed on the bike by qualifying fastest at seven of the eight races he competed in and earning two podiums before his season was cut short due to injury. As the reigning AMA Pro Motocross 250 Champion, Cianciarulo looks to be a top championship competitor in the premier class this motocross season.

“Monster Energy Kawasaki is the team I have loved for so long,” said Cianciarulo. “What a journey it’s been to get to this point. Most people know it’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of this team at the top-level of the sport and I’m looking forward to putting in the work and continuing to improve and grow. I’m honored to be on what I believe to be the best team in the sport and to have been part of the Kawasaki Team Green program for all of these years. We’re halfway through my rookie year and the team has been so supportive. I truly believe we’re on our way to reaching our ultimate goal of winning races and championships.”

The 2020 AMA Pro Motocross Championship drops the gate on Saturday, July 18th at Ironman MX in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team in 2021 Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Royal Enfield racing American Flat Track

August will mark the return to racing for American Flat Track (AFT) and Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield will debut its FT racer at AFT Rounds 5 & 6 on August 28-29 , when Moto Anatomy’s Johnny Lewis takes the track for the first time in the AFT Production Twins class.

Lewis planned to unveil the concept FT at the Daytona AFT round in March, but due to COVID-19, the races were rescheduled. Despite the AFT season being temporarily postponed, Lewis is logging hours at his Center Hill, Florida training facility on the Royal Enfield FT concept. With the help of Royal Enfield, Harris Performance and S&S Cycle, the development of the FT has continued. Lewis will officially present the Royal Enfield FT at Volusia County Speedway on July 17.

“The Royal Enfield FT concept has already shown promise so far.” said rider and team owner Johnny Lewis. “We’re already seeing great results from the motorcycle. The team at Harris Performance and Royal Enfield have done a great job with the chassis, and we’ve already begun working through small adjustments based on my feedback. With the way the schedule is shaping out with small tracks, we could surprise many people.”

Lewis will be joined at select AFT rounds with the all-female Build Train Race participants starting with the Atlanta Short Track at Dixie Speedway October 2-3 and will return for the AFT season finale in Daytona Beach October 15-16. During these rounds, the women will conduct a special exhibition aboard their custom INT650 flat track motorcycles as part of the AFT event schedule.

Additionally, Lewis will host a Royal Enfield Slide School at select rounds. During the Slide School sessions, participants will receive coaching from Lewis and learn the basics of flat track aboard track prepped FT411 Himalayan motorcycles.

American Flat Track will kick off its 2020 season with the first-ever Volusia Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.

AORC Set and Ready to Return

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore will fire back into action with a double header of sprint racing at Murray Bridge, South Australia on August 1 and 2.

With State borders opening up, M.A. are excited that we can continue their world-renowned 2020 championship which will include 8 rounds to be held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and for the first time in Tasmania. Rounds 1-4 were held earlier this year.

The Yamaha AORC has previous world champions including the 2019 World Champion Junior Team and overall second placed Australian ISDE team, and we will continue to have the best riders in the world competing in the Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore.

“We have a world class field of riders from our junior riders, right through to our senior men’s and women’s classes, who we know are eager to get back on track and continue the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented, by MXstore,” said MA Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo.

“Our Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore, has produced world class racing this year and we know riders, teams and officials are eager for rounds five and six at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

“We thank everyone from our riders, officials and sponsors for their support and patience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while there will be some restriction in place at events, we are very excited to get back on track.”

As a racing community there will need to be an understanding that it will not be a return to sport as usual.

Certain State and Federal Government restrictions and measures will likely remain in force but we are confident that together if we follow government guidelines and practice good personal hygiene our championship will continue to prosper.

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar

Round 5 & 6 August 1-2 Murray Bridge, SA
Round 7 & 8 August 29-30 Nowra, NSW (rescheduled event, new date)
Round 9 & 10 September 19-20 Omeo, VIC
Round 11 & 12 October 17-18 Wynyard, TAS

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Tony Cairoli and KTM renew contract

Nine-times FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli will push for yet another title in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors in 2021 for what will be his eighteenth season in Grand Prix and the twelfth on a works KTM SX-F.

The 34-year old Sicilian and his crew, helmed by Claudio De Carli, united with the KTM Motorsport Department in 2010 and instantly delivered the factory’s first title in the premier class with the innovative KTM 350 SX-F. Cairoli remained undefeated until 2014 and then used the latest generation of the KTM 450 SX-F to secure his ninth crown in 2017. In total the KTM/Cairoli package has given the manufacturer six championships in the last decade.

In terms of achievements, popularity, professionalism, longevity and enduring passion for motocross, Cairoli is the reference in MXGP and is still fiercely competitive at a time when the category has vast depth of talent and speed.

Cairoli will again form part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s MXGP ‘Dream Team’ on KTM 450 SX-Fs alongside Jorge Prado and Jeffrey Herlings; boasting a combined number of fifteen championships.

Tony Cairoli: “I’m really motivated for another good season next year so I’m really happy with the renewal of my riding contract. We’ll see what 2020 has in store but my goal is to aim for the championship and again in 2021. I’m very proud to have been so long with this factory team and I still want to write some pages in the history of KTM motocross.”

Tony Cairoli – Image by Ray Archer

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “It says a lot for Tony as a rider and a person and an athlete that he is still so competitive when MXGP is at a top level. He could have walked into other teams when it was clear he wanted to continue in 2021 but it was important for us to extend his story with KTM and that couldn’t make us any happier. We have no doubt that he has the desire to go for a tenth title either in the season we will eventually have in 2020 or in 2021. It makes us all very proud to have a team with the caliber of Tony, Jeffrey and Jorge. I believe we can be the ones to beat again in MXGP with this strong trio and combined with the whole team and technical crew with Claudio, Davide, Dirk and everybody who makes the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team tick.”

Claudio de Carli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Tony expressed his willingness to ride for at least another year and this obviously makes us happy and confirms his truly unique character and attitude for the sport. His final choice to remain with KTM gives us great satisfaction because it also confirms the good job we have been doing responding to his technical requests and the strong bond we have established over many years. Next season Tony will be in his twelfth year with KTM, and with my crew for the eighteenth. I think this says it all! We’re really proud of him and would like to give thanks to KTM for making this next chapter possible.”

Motorcycling Australia to run 2020 MX Nationals
WEM steps down a year earlier than planned

Williams Event Management held a press conference on Friday morning confirming their withdrawal from their role as promoter of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

Kevin Williams first got involved with the running of the Australian Motocross Championships in 1995 at Traralgon, and has effectively had stewardship of the MX Nationals since 1997.

Today does not mark the complete end of Kevin’s 25-year-old involvement with Australian Motocross but it does end the role of WEM as the promoter of the Australian Motocross Championship, which under WEM stewardship was rebranded as MX Nationals.

Kevin understandably got quite emotional when it got to the point where he officially confirmed that he is stepping away from his role as a promoter due to not being able to effectively deliver a viable championship this year due to the ongoing restrictions put in place by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe that it is highly like that in this instance Motorcycling Australia will step in to fill the void and ensure that the season does go ahead in some form, and that form of course will see WEM still involved in some way and assisting in affecting an orderly transition.

We see it as unfortunate that Kevin and his crew will not be able to have a lap of honour, so to speak, and go out on a high as originally planned at the culmination of a successful 2020 season.

On a personal note, I have always appreciated Kevin being forthright and honest with me at every juncture throughout the 21 years I have been running MCNews.com.au.

The brand ‘MX Nationals’ belongs to WEM and we believe discussions are being held between Kevin Williams and Motorcycling Australia about the ownership of that brand. However, it seems likely that M.A. will likely revert to referring to the series as the Australian Motocross Championship, or some anagram that represents motocross, but follows the established M.A. naming regimen of breaking that down to an acronym like they have with AORC and ASBK.

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Open Letter from Kevin Williams

“The purpose of this letter however, is to thank everyone who has been involved in the MX Nationals series in our twenty three year run.

“Motocross has been a part of my entire life and essentially my life’s work since I began working with the Australian Motocross Championships before it became the MX Nationals. The time I have spent growing the series with my wife Christine and our three children Jake, Aiden and Brodie by my side is something I will forever cherish.

“Although as a part of racing, I may not have seen eye to eye with many of you throughout the years, the racing family at the core of this industry has been a fantastic part of my life and something I will truly miss. My love for the sport, preserving its integrity and growth has been a driving factor and provided the continual motivation needed to allow me to strive for progress in Motocross within Australia and putting our riders on the map globally as a Motocross powerhouse.

“During our time together we have had many high’s that include bringing MXGP to the iconic Broadford Circuit, seeing many great Champions leave Australia to successfully take on the world with Chad Reed, Craig Anderson, Michael Byrne, Brett Metcalfe, this list goes on. To see the next generation of Jed Beaton, Mitch Evans, Luke Clout and the Lawrence Brothers having international success in the present day makes me extremely proud to see where the talent is at in Australian Motocross. We have also lost great Champions such as Andrew Mcfarlane and Jono Porter, their time with the series and the impact they made on everyone’s lives will never be forgotten.

“I want to take this final opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of the MX Nationals family during our time together. From the numerous staff at WEM, the riders and teams, to all of our sponsors and stakeholders, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything we have achieved to grow the sport together.

“Yours in the sport

“Regards,

“Kevin Williams.”

— ENDS —

Motorcycling Australia Statement

Motorcycling Australia (MA) wishes to thank Williams Event Management (WEM), Kevin Williams and his family for more than two decades of dedication to the MX Nationals.

After 23 years Williams today made the tough decision to step away from the sport and the promotion and management of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

In an emotional press conference this morning, Kevin Williams thanked fans, riders, industry and sponsors.

“It’s been a long journey and a major part of my life, but we didn’t expect COVID, and we didn’t expect not to go racing this year, but we are proud of what we achieved over 23 years,” Kevin said.

“I’ve always made decisions from a position of passion for the sport, and I want to thank everyone for being a part of the journey.

“I encourage all riders and members of the sport and industry to support their local clubs and hopefully we can see some opportunity for national racing when borders open up properly.

“Thank you everybody for your great support.”

MA CEO Peter Doyle said: “Kevin Williams and his team have poured their heart and soul into running the MX Nationals and we thank them for more than 20 years of tireless work”.

“The MX Nationals have faced plenty of challenges in those 20 years and Kevin, his team and partners, have boasted many success stories, with a myriad of riders using the championship as a stepping stone in their careers to race in America and Europe.

“The MX Nationals are a critical component of a healthy motocross scene in Australia and to create opportunities for riders to progress into world championship series.”

MA is now in the process of reviewing the 2020 championship operations, format and dates to see how the series will proceed for the remainder of 2020 in the COVID-19 period.

Further announcements will be made available in due course.

— ENDS. —

The latest update to the calendar is included below, but one would imagine that is all up in the air right now.

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

R1	Conondale QLD	Aug 9th
R2	Maitland NSW	Aug 15th /16th
R3	Newry Vic	Sept 6th
R4	Horsham Vic	Sept 12th/13th
R5	Gympie QLD	Oct 4th
R6	Coolum QLD	Oct 10th/11th

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motocross, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

SX riders turn focus to Pro Motocross

June 23, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

2020 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

Following a historic seven-round stay in Salt Lake City to close out the 2020 FIM/AMA Supercross Championship, a trio of newly crowned titleholders will now set their sights on continued success in this summer’s Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship which will kick off in Indiana in a matter of weeks, on July 18, with the Circle K Ironman National.

As the reigning three-time Pro Motocross 450 Class Champion, it was only a matter of time before the success Tomac has achieved in the grueling conditions of the world’s most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series eventually parlayed into a championship on the prolific stadium circuit.

Eli Tomac celebrating on the top step of the podium at the Ironman National in 2018

Tomac is now the winningest active rider in supercross, tied for sixth all time with Ryan Dungey at 34 wins, and has been the dominant force in the discipline for several seasons. Despite all that success, a championship had managed to elude Tomac, but as the 2020 season soldiered on, even withstanding a global pandemic, many of the lessons learned over the course of his Pro Motocross three-peat paid big dividends in his pursuit of a first supercross title.

Eli Tomac and Monster Energy Kawasaki will carry the momentum of a supercross title into the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, where Tomac will seek a fourth consecutive 450 Class crown.

No matter where he started, Tomac found a way to overcome adversity and claw his way through the field, ultimately finishing no worse than seventh, with an average finish of 2.5, over the course of 17 rounds. His series-leading seven wins, including two in Salt Lake City, were more than enough to finally get the job done, making Tomac the 14th rider in the history of the sport to possess both a supercross and Pro Motocross championship. He’ll now shift his focus on making a clean sweep of both U.S. championships in a single season, something 12 others have done before him.

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

“Consensus around the world over the past several years has held Eli Tomac as one of the absolute best, if not the best motocross racer on the planet, which is attributed to all of the success he’s had across two distinctly different disciplines,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “While his journey to earn that maiden supercross championship was longer than expected, we all knew he was destined to win this championship as well. We in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship have bear witness to Tomac’s greatness en route to back-to-back-to-back 450 Class titles, and we’re delighted to see that he and Monster Energy Kawasaki have finally prevailed in supercross. While significant congratulations are in order for this accomplishment, there’s still more history to be made this summer, where Tomac is in a position to join Ricky Carmichael as the only riders in Pro Motocross history to win four in a row.”

Tomac will seek a fourth consecutive 450 Pro Motocross crown.

More often than not, the supercross regional championships feature unpredictable, hotly contested title fights. This season’s championship battles were no different, with single-digit margins separating the title hopefuls in both the East and West regions coming into the finale. What followed was arguably the wildest round of the entire season, from which both Ferrandis and Sexton were able to secure rare repeats.

With a second straight supercross title, Dylan Ferrandis enters the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as a favorite to capture the national title in the 250 Class.

While heartbreak befell one of the championship contenders, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner, both Sexton and Ferrandis answered the call, even though neither rider enjoyed a stress-free afternoon. Sexton overcame a crash in his heat race to grab the bull by the horns in the main event and storm to his fifth win of the season, clinching the title in emphatic fashion, while Ferrandis survived a trip to the LCQ to stay out of trouble and bring home a second championship.

All three AMA Supercross Champions, Sexton, Tomac and Ferrandis

As they make the transition to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, dramatically different opportunities await this duo. For Sexton, he’ll make an anticipated move up into the 450 Class, joining forces with former two-time champion Ken Roczen at Team Honda HRC. As for Ferrandis, he’ll enter his final season in the 250 Class as a major title favorite, following a breakout season in which he finished runner-up to 2019 class champion Adam Cianciarulo.

Chase Sexton will make his anticipated move into the 450 Class for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, joining Ken Roczen at Team Honda HRC.

“There’s no doubt both Chase Sexton and Dylan Ferrandis are leaders of the sport’s bright future,” added Coombs. “We’ve been privileged to witness the growth of both riders into budding stars, and while they’ll be headed on different paths this summer, they both have the talent to carry the torch for years to come. We applaud them for fending off all challenges to once again prevail as supercross champions and look forward to seeing what they’ll accomplish during the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.”

Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National

Young Australian competitors Hunter and Jett Lawrence are eager to make their mark on the outdoors series after some great rides in supercross competition.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Johnny O’Mara on the Lawrence brothers

June 21, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Johnny O’Mara Interview

By Eric Johnson

“There is going to be a time, and it could even be this weekend or in the outdoors, where they will be on the podium together, I promise,” answered Johnny O’Mara when asked how the two Lawrence brothers, namely Hunter and Jett, both out of Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, might fare this Sunday afternoon in the East/West Showdown set to run inside quietly cavernous Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Hunter Lawrence not only took the MX2 overall but was also awarded the Ricky Carmichael Award for the best young rider at MXoN 2017

To most motocross enthusiasts the world over, Johnny O’Mara is a household name. Seriously. While now long retired from the late 1990s, the former AMA 125cc National Champion, AMA Supercross Champion and multi-time member of victorious Team USA Trophee and Motocross des Nations efforts from 1981 through 1986, has, in recent decades, become a mentor/coach/confidant of a handful of the greatest, most talented and driven motocross racers to ever line up at a supercross, national or grand prix. For instance, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Dungey, Jeremy Martin and a host of others have worked with the Californian and now that lineage certainly continues with the brother act from Down Under.

1986 MXoN Dream Team – Rick Johnson, David Bailey and Johnny O’Mara

After spending Saturday morning and afternoon mountain biking, reviewing video tape and revving up the dynamic Lawrence duo for the East/West Showdown on Sunday, O’Mara, while waiting on the brothers to go to dinner, rang us from Park City, Utah and got us up to speed on all things Team Lawrence.

Hunter and Jett Lawrence

Johnny, what’s happening this afternoon on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Utah?

“We were up early and out at a track most of the day. The track we were at was a beautiful place. Honda was there and so was KTM. It wasn’t really a supercross track. It had some whoops in it and some big jumps in it. It was also sandy and right along a river and everything. It’s been kind of fun out here. Fun but busy. For me, being in charge of both of the Lawrence brothers, we’ve had two races and have the East/West Showdown coming up. Hunter made the Showdown too, so we’re excited about that and Jett has been flying like everyone has been seeing. He got his first podium. Hunter rode really good last week and that was the first time he had raced in about eight months. Really, last week was his first supercross back, so we were pleased with his finish last week in seventh. Actually, seventh sounds kind of rough. Hunter’s finish was a way better seventh than it sounds like. He was right in there with the top guys. I mean he could have finished fourth or something like that. Yeah, we’ve just been mountain biking and training. We hung out with Ken Block yesterday, which was cool. Ken took all of us mountain biking and showed us his place in Park City. It was fun.”

Jett Lawrence

I can imagine. What are Hunter and Jett like to hang out with?

“They’re good. There is good, fun competition between the two. I hope I bring something to the table too and I’m challenging both of them all the time on a daily basis. We have to try and be a little bit better every day. That means being stronger and smarter and being better on the motorcycle where we are constantly looking at video and all that. Even though we haven’t ridden every day on the motorcycle, even on days off when we’re not riding, we have still been studying. We’ve been studying videos on things like positioning or studying what Jett does and what maybe Hunter can do a little bit better at, or vice-versa. There are some things that Hunter does really good that Jett should incorporate. We’re also always watching the 450 boys. There has been some tremendous racing out there with Tomac and Coop. We weren’t at the race on Wednesday, but we watched it on TV and stuff like that. We watched Jett and Hunter’s teammate Chase Sexton win the race on Wednesday. He rode really good. Yeah, we’re just constantly studying on how we can better, especially for the Showdown this weekend where they’re racing East and West together. There are definitely four or five guys in the East and West and it’s going to be pretty exciting this weekend, and plus there are still two championships up for grabs. It’s going to be pretty exciting. We’re not in the hunt for a championship, but we’re just trying to be the best we can. I mean even that podium finish for Jett is going to be contagious. He’s just going to want to be n the podium again. He’s got the speed, no doubt. Everybody has seen that. He’s made some little 16 year-old mistakes that have costs him some race wins already, but he’ll get it.”

Jett Lawrence

Yes, the third place finish Jett raced to certainly generated a lot of hype and interest. I mean, I even forgot how young he is.

“Yeah, we’ve got some big and high standards we want to meet. We know we’re not lacking in the speed department. We know we’re as fast as anybody. I even have to pull back a little bit and remind myself that Jett Lawrence is only 16 years old. Come on. That’s amazing. As hard as I am on my guys that I work with, I have to realise that Hunter is 20. I mean even that is super-young. I also have to remind myself on that. Yeah, he’s been racing in Europe and all this stuff and he’s still only 20 years old, so he’s got a bright future here in America. We just need to get him healthy.”

Jett Lawrence

Both Hunter and Jett could potentially find themselves in the top five come the finish of the East/West Showdown come Sunday afternoon, couldn’t we?

“Absolutely. I look at it like if they can go out and get off the start, they could totally be one-two. Even watching them ride today, they’re great. There is going to be a time, and it could even be this week or in the outdoors, where they will be on the podium together, I promise. It will happen. It’s just a matter of time. We’re ready right now and I’m sure a lot of other guys are ready too, but yeah, we’re excited racing here tomorrow. We’re just getting mentally physically for the race. Basically, how we look at is that all the stuff that we’re doing now will be preparation for 2021, in all reality. That’s kind of how we look at it. We know that we’re right there to be competitive and I think everybody sees that. It’s all been a building process.”

2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Eight – Spring Creek – Hunter Lawrence was on the 250 Podium

Did the stuff between the Lawrence brothers and Austin Forkner all calm down?

“Yeah, it’s just racing, you know? You see it all the time. We’re not caught up in anything. We’re not in a championship scuffle at all. We’re just trying to do our own thing. Whatever happened there with Forcer, to me, that just goes right over my head. I don’t focus on anything like that. We’re more like, ‘Just do your thing and let it go.’ Like anything, the sort of stuff settles down with a little bit of time. Forkner has his championship and racing with Dylan to worry about. Then you have the East with Chase and Shane. They’re close also. There’s a lot of tension between the teams and athletes. Let’s just put it that way. Even in the 450 class, Eli has a pretty big lead, but he doesn’t have it clinched. It looks like he will, but Coop still has a mathematical chance. Three number one plates will be given after Sunday. It’s the highest level of racing.”

All hail King Jett! Jett Lawrence’s 1-2 finish gave him the FIM 65cc World Championship in Belgium 2014. Pic: Glenn MacDonald

Okay, my friend. Last question. You’re a former Monster Energy Supercross Champion. What’s your take on what’s about to play out inside that football stadium on Sunday in Salt Lake City?

“As far as the big class goes, I think we all can see that Tomac has got a pretty good stranglehold on it with points. He’s been phenomenally solid this year and you have to give him a lot of credit. You would have to think that Eli would really have to mess up and I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m also really impressed by the way Cooper Webb came on in these last six races here at Salt Lake. And like I said, the East/West Showdown is going to be exciting. No doubt. There are two or three guys in each class and they can really throw down some really raw speed out there, and with the two championships being really close, you can’t even really say what’s going to happen because you just don’t know. The guy who puts it all together is probably going to walk out of there the champion in both East or West. With my guys, we’re just going in there to put on a good show knowing that we are going to prep for 2021 and that supercross season.”

Jett Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly – GNCC – Rally – AMA MX/SX – NZ Enduro

June 16, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 16, 2020

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Dunlop High Point GNCC

Round six of the 2020 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series was staged last weekend at High Point Raceway in Pennsylvania.

After seven laps and three-hours of racing it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell earning the overall win by 11.5 seconds. Russell just missed out on grabbing the XC1 holeshot, but wasted no time moving into the number one spot as they headed into the woods. Russell maintained his lead for the duration of the race, clinching his fifth overall win of the season.

Kailub Russell (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) clinched his fifth overall win of the season in Pennsylvania.

Starting at the back of the pack on lap one, Australian Josh Strang was on a mission to get to the front and battle for another win. Strang made the necessary passes and move into second place on the fourth lap of racing, however Strang would run out of time to close the gap between Russell and himself. After six rounds of racing, Strang sits 28-points behind Russell in the National Championship points standings.

Josh Strang (Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy Kawasaki) battled his way back to second overall. PC: Ken Hill

Sherco’s Grant Baylor was battling for a top three position for majority of the race, but as the white flag came out his bike was visibly smoking. After fighting for a top spot, Baylor would end up unable to complete the seventh and final lap of racing.

Kailub Russell (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) clinched his fifth overall win of the season in Pennsylvania.

Australian fast femme Tayla Jones battled back to take her first WXC class win of the season. Jones worked her way up to the lead from a third place start to the day. Jones faced a tough battle to get to the lead as fellow WXC competitor Factory Beta USA’s Rachel Gutish held the lead for the majority of the race. Gutish would be the first to run into lapped riders, and on the last lap she would find herself back into fourth to cross the finish line.

Tayla Jones

“Finally got that monkey off my back and grabbed the win this past weekend at the Highpoint GNCC! Wasn’t the easiest race and it kept the fans on their toes right down until the end. I was close to a minute behind in the mid part of the race but was able to charge hard and by the start of the final lap I was on the leaders tail and made the pass with a few miles to go! Got some things to work on to be better next round but definitely pumped to get one under the belt.”

Tayla Jones (Rockstar Energy/LanMills XC/Husqvarna) earned her first WXC class win of the season. PC: Ken Hill

BABS Racing Yamaha/Maxxis’ Becca Sheets and Enduro Engineering KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker capitalised as lapped riders got into the mix of the front runners. Sheets moved into second with Australian Tricker making her way to third in the WXC class. Sheets remains in the points lead after earning the first five WXC class wins of the season.

Here is a link to the full video covering GNCC round six

Rounds 7 and 8 of the GNCC Racing Series will be held the weekend of June 27/28 at the John Penton in Millfield, OH and the weekend of July 11/12 at the Hoosier GNCC in Crawfordsville, IN.

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

2020 AMA Supercross
Round 15 of 17 – Salt Lake City

With third place on Sunday night Eli Tomac still has a very handy 24-point lead with 52-points left up for grabs across the final two rounds in this COVID-19 induced quick-fire end to the Monster Energy Supercross season. Racers will be back on track this Wednesday June 17 ahead of the finale on June 21. A very comprehensive blow-by-low race report can be found at this link, while here in Moto Wrap we bring you the quotes, championship standings and video highlights.

Ken Roczen – P1

“Tonight we did really, really good. I felt like I was able to go the full distance in the main, which was great. I knew it was just going to take a few extra days to get everything back lined up after the last couple of rounds and everything that’s been going on with my body. We won our heat race, which was really stacked–I got a holeshot there and it was great. I really felt good with the bike; we’ve been tweaking it a little bit here and there, and I was really gelling with it nicely tonight. I kind of liked the track; the whoops got really chewed up again and I think that was one of my strong points tonight. We ended up getting the win, which was great because the last three rounds have been really tough on me and the team. It was good to come back and turn all that negativity around into something positive. Every time I go out and win for myself and my team, it feels like my first win back. We were the best tonight, which is awesome. The team is happy and I’m happy and looking forward to the race on Wednesday.”

Ken Roczen

Cooper Webb – P2

“The holeshot was huge tonight. Kenny was riding well and I knew he was a little faster, so when he got by me I was just going to try to pace him. I made a charge at the end but we were so close in times it’s hard to make those chunks up. The track was definitely tough – it had a lot of flat turns, which was a little different than what we’re used to. We’ll come back in a few days and try to get the top step.”

Eli Tomac – P3

“Overall it was a good race. I felt good and got in the groove up until halfway and then I got a little squirrelly in the whoops. I tried pushing it for a while and realized it wasn’t worth it to go too wild and I know I need to reserve some of the energy for these last two rounds. It’s not a win, but I’m happy with the result because we’re thinking about the bigger picture.”

Eli Tomac

Zach Osborne – P4

“I came home with a fourth, it’s a decent result but after the last few weeks I want more. I do have to keep things in perspective and know that at the beginning of the season I would have given anything for a string of results like this. So all-in-all, I’m happy but still striving for more.”

Dean Wilson – P6

“I feel like my pace was decent through the whole Main and I think a few different line choices would have helped me throughout the race. I think I had a couple bad lines after watching it and that kind of held me up a little bit. But other than that, I can’t get too frustrated. I gave it my best and that’s all you can do.”

Justin Brayton – P8

“I’m proud of that one–that was pretty good. I didn’t get the greatest of starts, but I made some good passes early. There was just a train of us–like six, seven, eight, nine guys–and I ended up eighth; I felt pretty good about my riding and my effort. The bike was great. I’d have loved a little better track position at the beginning of the race to play into my strength, which was whoops–I felt really good in the whoops all day. Overall, I’m fairly happy with it–not super stoked on the position, but my effort, the bike and the way I was riding were really good. I’m stoked on that and super stoked on the team getting a win with Ken. It’s awesome, and everybody here deserves it.”

Justin Brayton

Justin Barcia – P9

“I had a solid ride in the Heat race in third. It was the best I’ve ridden in a while. In the Main Event, I came out inside the top 10 and was riding really good. I feel like tonight would’ve been a top-five finish, it just didn’t work out that way. I went into one of the ruts before the mechanic’s area, and unfortunately that was like the only soft spot on the track. The rut caved in, my front wheel hit it and I ended up falling. I went all the way back to 16th and charged back to ninth. The result really doesn’t show the way I rode today and the progress that we’ve made on the bike. So that was definitely a little disappointing, but I think overall that’s the best day I’ve ridden and the best I’ve felt on the bike. We just have to take the positives going into these next two races and try to keep it on two wheels, and just keep moving forward.”

Aaron Plessinger – P10

“I think today was pretty good, all in all. I got off to a really bad start in the Main. I really have to figure that out. I have got to get the jump on those guys and just bull dog my way to the front. I was riding really good though and made my way back up to seventh. At about five minutes to go, I started struggling in the whoops quite a bit. The whoops were really slick, one side of them was cupped out and the middle was really slick. I just kind of tightened up in the last few laps and (Justin) Brayton got by me, (Blake) Baggett got by me and then Justin got by me. So yeah, I was a little frustrated with the way I rode in the last five minutes, but I have to take the positives out of it and move forward. Come Wednesday, I will try and get a better start and just ride the whole race as hard as I can. I’m looking forward to the next one and hopefully we can get off the line and break into the top five.”

450 Video Highlights

[embedded content]

450 SX Championship Points

Eli Tomac 342
Ken Roczen 319
Cooper Webb 318
Justin Barcia 255
Jason Anderson 246
Malcolm Stewart 217
Dean Wilson 208
Zach Osborne 205
Justin Brayton 199
Justin Hill 188
Aaron Plessinger 186
Blake Baggett 180
Martin Davalos 157
Vince Friese 141
Adam Cianciarulo 129
Chad Reed 92
Benny Bloss 87
Tyler Bowers 85
Kyle Chisholm 76
Kyle Cunningham 48

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

250 Quotes

Austin Forkner – P1

“After a few rounds where I was caught and passed by Dylan, it was my turn to catch him and get around him. It felt totally different to chase him down and there really weren’t a lot of places to make a move since everyone was running pretty much the same lines. I had a small opportunity and I knew I had to take it. I know he would have done the same thing, and has done the same thing. It’s awesome to be in contention for the championship as we head into the final race next week. We’ll see what happens.”

Austin Forkner had to chase down Dylan Ferrandis

Dylan Ferrandis – P2

“It was a bad night for me. I got the holeshot from the outside in the Main which was good, but I made a small mistake and missed a rhythm when I saw a yellow flag and (Austin) Forkner got me after that. I lost some important points for the championship tonight. We have a few days off from racing now before the last round next Sunday and will keep working.”

Jett Lawrence – P3

Cameron McAdoo – P4

“It was tough to see that podium finish slip away because we’ve been working really hard to be up there every time we hit the track. I know I have been riding well and I will take that with me to the final race, but another podium finish would have been sweet to push through the week. Now we’ll have to get back at it and make sure we come out ready to fight for it next Sunday.”

Cameron McAdoo

Michael Mosiman – P5

“It was a tough day, I got into some lapped traffic in the Main Event and made some mistakes that really set me back. I’m disappointed that I had a podium finish going and to have that taken away but I’m fired up for the last round!”

Justin Cooper – P6

“I got a terrible start in the Main, which really hurt me. It made it really tough to come through the pack and I was just not aggressive enough to get by the people that I needed to in the early laps. I can’t expect to be up front battling when I start outside the top 10. We have one more go next Sunday. I’ll come back try and to finish out strong.”

Hunter Lawrence – P7

“Ok day yesterday.. not happy with the overall result 7th but happy with my progress and how I am riding.
Couldn’t be happier for my brother @jettson83 so proud of him and how he is riding. Can’t wait to join you on the box soon.”

Hunter Lawrence scored 16-points in his second ever Supercross event

250 Video Highlights

[embedded content]

250 SX West Championship Points

Dylan Ferrandis 181
Austin Forkner 174
Justin Cooper 164
Brandon Hartranft 141
Michael Mosiman 118
Alex Martin 117
Luke Clout 106
Derek Drake 106
Mitch Oldenburg 96
Jacob Hayes 89
Jett Lawrence 79
Carson Brown 74
Martin Castelo 70
Cameron McAdoo 67
Killian Auberson 65

250 SX East Championship Points

Chase Sexton – 166
Shane McElrath – 163
Garrett Marchbanks – 119
Jeremy Martin – 105
Jalek Swoll – 91
Jo Shimoda – 89
Enzo Lopes – 81
RJ Hampshire – 80
Pierce Brown – 73
Kyle Peters – 69

Sunday’s round was the last conventional round for the 250 West competitors as the next 250 round will see 250 East competitors race on June 17, ahead of the combined 250 East-West showdown on Sunday, June 21.

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Rally Safety
Technical and Safety improvements for 2021

The FIM has announced the sporting rules and safety measures that will apply in the FIM Cross-Country Rally World Championship and Dakar in the RallyGP class for 2021.

The measures that will be applicable for the 2021 Dakar and the 2021 FIM Cross-Country World Championship are:

Limitation of the number of rear tyres to 6 for the 12 stages (30 min penalties for non-compliance). For shorter rallies: 1 tyre for 2 Days of racing. For example, a rally consisting of 1 Prologue and 5 days, the limitation will be 3 tyres.
Single brand and model of rear tyre for the entire rally (1 hour penalty for non-compliance)
Possibility to change only one piston during the entire rally (10 min penalties for non-compliance)
No intervention on the motorcycle allowed during refuelling (only the road book dispenser can be opened to change the road book if necessary).
Sound alert on danger 2 and 3 (will be tested in Rally Morocco in 2020) using the sentinel.
Wearing of an Air Bag Vest equipped with passive safety paddings is mandatory.
Work on the itinerary: search for the slowest possible route, setting up slow zones if the ground is poor and fast especially in the HP zones, more WPs on the risk points.
First aid training certificate compulsory for all motorcycle riders.

Moreover, the following safety measures will also apply in 2021 for Elite riders (RallyGP Riders):

Navigation tower protected by foam for Elite riders (RallyGP Riders), especially the road book reader, best practice in order to reduce impact to the rider.
Detachable front windscreen, in case of impact by the rider (mandatory for Elite riders (RallyGP Riders) in 2021 Dakar rules).

No engine power reduction with air-intake restrictors that require an ECU re-setting will be done for the 2021 season. Engine development will be done until the end of 2021 for the reduction of the power of the machines.

Electronic road book will be tested in 2021 and should be implemented in 2022.

Dakar 2021

AMA Pro Motocross will run with spectators

After considerable communication between race organizers, local government, and local health officials, MX Sports Pro Racing has confirmed that the opening two rounds of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will be permitted to allow spectator attendance. The season opening Circle K Ironman National will be held in Crawfordsville, Indiana’s Ironman Raceway on July 18, followed by the WW Ranch National from Jacksonville, Florida’s WW Motocross Park on July 25. Additional rounds will be announced as the states advance through their phase-in recovery plans to allow large gatherings.

“While all of our championship venues have been permitted to reopen for recreational use, there are still varying state-by-state regulations that prevent many of them from allowing spectators at an organized sporting event,” said Roy Janson, MX Sports Pro Racing Competition Director. “As a result, the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship schedule will be rolled out in phases as additional venues are given the green light to welcome fans. Each event organizer is in constant contact with their local government and health officials in order to ensure that a fan-attended event adheres to all health and safety measures implemented by the county, and we’re confident that approach will allow us to have a proper championship calendar that allows for the return of spectators, and follows social distancing guidelines.”

Both the Ironman National and WW Ranch National, along with each remaining round on the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship schedule, will be hosted in compliance with social distancing guidelines that have been established from ongoing communication between local officials. A significant component of those guidelines will be eliminating spectator interaction from competitors and their teams, members of the media, as well as all event staff, meaning paddock access will be limited to credentialed personnel only. Additional details surrounding the implementation of social distancing policies at the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will be announced at a later date.

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Jorge Prado undergoes surgery after practice crash

Double FIM MX2 Motocross World Champion Jorge Prado is recovering from a procedure to fix his right collarbone after a fall while training in Belgium on Tuesday.

The 19 year old MXGP class rookie for 2020 suffered a clean break in the wake of his tumble at a circuit in Olmen, Belgium. He was transported to hospital in Herentals for examination and x-rays and entered corrective surgery the same day, performed by Dr Tom Claes, who inserted a plate to help re-join and support the bone. A scan late Tuesday evening showed the operation had been a success and Prado is expected to be back at his residence today . Early indications point to a four-week rehabilitation phase if the injury heals well and the Spaniard can ride his KTM 450 SX-F once more.

Prado defied a short winter of preparation to make his MXGP debut at Matterley Basin and the British Grand Prix at end of February for the first round of the 2020 series. He has been training and working at his base in Belgium in readiness for the resumption of the FIM World Championship that is provisionally scheduled to begin again with the Grand Prix of Russia on August 2nd.

Jorge Prado

“It’s disappointing to be dealing with another injury but I’m really happy with how the operation went and how the collarbone is looking. I was riding through a fast corner and there was a rider ahead of me; I just misjudged the line. I lost the front end and went over the handlebars. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d broken anything but after about thirty minutes it was clear that something was wrong. Anyway, we are on the recovery path again and I hope to be able to do some training again after about a week and we’ll wait another three to be back on the bike. Luckily we have some time before the races start again.”

Rene Hofer extends KTM contract

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are pleased to announce a two-year contract extension with FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship rookie Rene Hofer. The 18-year old Austrian will steer the factory KTM 250 SX-F for the 2021 and 2022 Grand Prix seasons.

Hofer was drafted into the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team for 2020 after showing promise through the EMX European Championship ranks with the KTM 125 SX and the KTM 250 SX-F in the EMX125 and EMX250 divisions. Rene impressed with his maturity, work ethic and strong mentality and brought those characteristics into the beginning of the 2020 Grand Prix campaign where he captured two top five finishes in four motos before the season was halted.

Rene Hofer

So far Hofer has shown encouraging signs of continuing KTM’s powerful lineage in the MX2 class. The manufacturer has owned the category 12 times in the last 16 years; including every season since 2008, with the exception of 2015. Eight different racers have earned the #1 plate while riding the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 250 SX-F. 2019 rookie and teammate Tom Vialle is the current series leader. Hofer is the first Austrian to represent Red Bull KTM in the principal MX2/MXGP Grand Prix competitions since Robert Jonas at the turn of the century.

Rene Hofer

“I’ve been with KTM for about a decade now and every time I step into the company, I feel like I’m in the right place. It’s only my first year with the factory team but it already feels like home and it’s a pleasure to work and spend time with the guys and achieve our goals together. All I can say is that I am super-excited about what the next two years will bring and I will enjoy every minute of it. From my side, I will obviously put in maximum effort and I know everybody in the team will do the same. Working together with an Austrian brand will hopefully have a positive effect on Austrian motorsport as well. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to live my dream but I can’t forget to give-it-up to all the people who helped me get here, especially my family.”

Rene Hofer

2020 Yamaha NZ Enduro Championship

Round One (Masterton) AA Class Overall

Dylan Yearbury
Hamish McDonald
Seth Reardon
Jason Dickey
Jason Davis

Round Two (Martinborough) AA Class Overall

Seth Reardon
Dylan Yearbury
Hamish McDonald
Tom Buxton
Paul Whibley

2020 Yamaha NZ Enduro Championship Calendar

~~Round 1 – 13th June 2020, Masterton~~
~~Round 2 – 14th June, Martinborough~~
Round 3 – 11th July, Santoft (Kapi-Mana MCC)
Round 4 – 12th July, Santoft (Kapi-Mana MCC)

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Source: MCNews.com.au

Round One – Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

450

Zach Osborne – P1

Jason Anderson – P2

Marvin Musquin – P4

Cooper Webb – P7

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

450 Class Championship Standings

250 Report

Dylan Ferrandis – P1

RJ Hampshire – P2

Shane McElrath – P4

Justin Cooper – P8

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

250 Class Championship Standings

Moto News Weekly WrapAugust 11, 2020

Viability of MX Nationals and SX still under discussion

Roczen to Miss AMA Pro Motocross Series

Ferris injured in Conondale practice crash

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship opener this weekend

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki bolster line-up for MX

2020 MXGP – Round 3 – Kegums, Latvia

Video Highlights

MXGP Race 2

Glenn Coldenhoff – P1

Tim Gajser – P2

Romain Febvre – P3

Jeremy Seewer – P4

Jeffrey Herlings – P5

Arminas Jasikonis – P6

Mitch Evans – P19

MXGP of Latvia 2020 – Results

MX2 Race 1

MX2 Race 2

Tom Vialle – P1

Roan Van de Moosdijk – P2

Mathys Boisrame – P3

Jed Beaton – P9

Nathan Crawford – P12

2020 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships

Open Pro Sport

Open Pro Sport Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

250 B

250 B Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C

Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C

Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)

Supermini 1 (12-15) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Supermini 2 (13-16) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

250 Pro Sport

250 Pro Sport Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

450 B

450 B Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

125cc (12-17) B/C

125cc (12-17) B/C Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Women

Women Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) & Mini Sr. 2 (13-15)

Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Mini-E (4-6) Jr.

Mini-E (4-6) Jr. Overall Results (Moto Finishes)

Final 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix date set for Torun

Paul Bellamy, Senior Vice President of Motorsports Events at IMG

Moto News Weekly WrapJuly 28, 2020

Dutch International Motocross

MX1

Glenn Coldenhoff MX1 winner

Romain Febvre = points with Coldenhoff

MX2

Jed Beaton

Results – 2020 Dutch International

Broc Tickle to Fill in for Plessinger

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS

Broc Tickle – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

2020 Australian Motocross Championship update

Motorcycling Australia Events Update

2020 Australian Senior Track Championship – Cancelled

Moto News Weekly Wrap
August 11, 2020

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 28, 2020

e-FMX World Championship series
First 12 of 16 players confirmed

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 21, 2020

American Flat Track
AFT Singles Championship Points

American Flat Track
SuperTwins Championship Points

American Flat Track
Procuction Twins Championship Points

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 7, 2020

2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships
Entries Open

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 30, 2020

2020 GNCC
Round Seven – Millfield, Ohio

Motorcycling Australia to run 2020 MX Nationals
WEM steps down a year earlier than planned

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 16, 2020

2020 AMA Supercross
Round 15 of 17 – Salt Lake City