Tag Archives: AORC 2020

Moto News Weekly | Hail Baja II | AORC | AMA SX | WA & VIC Speedway

Moto News Weekly Wrap
December 22, 2020

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What’s New:

  • Adrien Van Beveren wins Hail Baja II
  • 2020 WA Junior Speedway Solo & Sidecar champs crowned
  • 2020 Victorian Senior & Junior Solo Speedway Championships
  • GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing hosting 13-rider line-up in 2021
  • 2021 Australian Off-Road Championship Updates
  • 2021 ProMX Championship expands classes
  • Laia Sanz set for GasGas Dakar 2021 campaign
  • US ISDE Club Team Qualifier events announced
  • 2021 AMA Supercross calendar update
  • 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies calendar

Adrien Van Beveren wins Hail Baja II

Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Official Team’s Adrien Van Beveren has topped the second Hail Baja, his final competitive outing ahead of the 2021 Dakar Rally. With participation proving to be highly productive for the Frenchman, the event’s challenging terrain and technical navigation provided one last chance for Van Beveren to finalise the set-up of his Yamaha WR450F Rally ahead of the Dakar Rally in January 2021.

Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2

With a race format similar to the opening Hail Baja, the second edition of the event again comprised of two stages, with a slightly shorter overall distance of 491km. Opening the stage on day one, Van Beveren quickly put his navigational skills to work. With the stage set entirely in the demanding sand dunes surrounding the town of Baqaa, he accurately navigated his way through each checkpoint, going on to complete the stage to finish a healthy 31-minutes ahead of the second placed finisher.

Stage two provided Adrien with much different desert conditions. Faced with the rockiest stage of the Hail Rally, it was a welcome challenge for the Frenchman to navigate through slow, technical sections aboard the Yamaha WR450F Rally. Remaining composed throughout and following another untroubled ride, Van Beveren reached the finish line unscathed to successfully complete his final race ahead of the Dakar Rally in January.

Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2

Now, with just over two weeks to go until the start of the 2021 Dakar Rally, Adrien will enjoy a short period of recovery before gearing up again to take on the challenge that lies ahead.

Adrien Van Beveren

“It’s been a really great trip to these two races in Hail. It was a big effort to get here, so I’m thankful to the team that we were able to make it happen. My feeling on the bike is really good and I felt great in the desert. The second stage had very high speeds and I was completely comfortable, so this gives me a lot of confidence ahead of Dakar. I will now take some rest for a week before getting ready for the big race in January.”

Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2

Overall 2020 Hail Baja Results (Provisional)

Pos Rider Man. Time Gap
1 Adrien Van Beveren Yamaha 5:19:20
2 Mishal Alghuneim KTM 6:12:25 +0:53:05
3 Anas Al Ruhayany KTM 6:12:35 +0:53:15
4 Konrad Dabrowski KTM 6:29:00 +1:09:40
5 Abdulmajeed Abdulaziz Aakhulaifi Yamaha 6:29:07 +1:09:47
6 Riyadh Saud Alshammari Yamaha 6:31:01 +1:11:41

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WA Junior Speedway Solo & Sidecar champs crowned

By Graeme Sinden, Images by Jon Gall and Graham Veasey

The Speedway Motorcycle Club of WA hosted the Junior 125cc Solo and Junior 250cc Sidecar Championships at its Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway facility in Neerabup, WA on Saturday, at the small 142m ‘WOFFY’ track which was established as a Junior Racing circuit by Rob Woffinden and a number of like minded volunteers around 10 or 11 years ago.

In a dominant performance, young WA rider Mitch McDiarmid was crowned the new 125cc Junior WA Solo Champion, after storming to victory with a maximum 18-point score.

Junior 125cc Solo champion Mitch McDiarmid

While he was relatively untroubled in his five heat races, Linkin Metcalf made McDiarmid work for the Championship decider by pushing him to the limit in what turned out to be the best race of the night.

Metcalf appeared to have plenty of speed and dared to take the high line for almost the entire four-lap journey and had his nose in front on several occasions as they went handlebar to handlebar with neither rider giving an inch, But it was Diarmid who got the job job done to record a very popular Championship win.

Junior 125cc Solo champion Mitch McDiarmid topped the podium ahead of Phoenix Elliot and Axle McCarthy

Unlucky story of the night, (one of two, actually) was that of current Australian 125cc solo Champion Luke Killeen, who after winning two heats succumbed to engine problems on his bike and was not able to secure another ride to continue in the title race.

The other unlucky story of the night was that of Adam Fewster and his accomplished passenger Thomas Grigson. The pair rode superbly all night long winning each of their five heat races only to have their outfit fail early on in the championship decider in the 250cc Junior sidecar Championship.

Jake Harvey and his passenger Nathan Gajec were cock-a-hoop as they swept into the lead and raced to a fine sidecar Championship win adding to the one  they secured last year. Jake Harvey is an extremely competitive junior sidecar rider and will move up to senior competition next season.

Jake Harvey and passenger Nathan Gajec topped the Junior 250cc Sidecar class, Mitchell McDiarmid/Phoenix Elliot were runner-up and Adam Fewster/Thomas Grigson claimed bronze

There were many other highlights on the evening and it was a great pleasure watching all the young competitors giving it their all in the sport they love.

The Executive committee of the Speedway Motorcycle Club provided a brand new race tyre for the Junior ‘Rider of the Night’ for the Championship night.

Grant Woodhams had no hesitation in awarding The “Junior Rider Of the Night” prize to Mitch McDiarmid for his outstanding 18-point maximum on his way to winning the solo Championship.

WA Junior 125cc Solo Sidecar Title

  1. Mitchell McDiarmid
  2. Phoenix Elliot
  3. Axle McCarthy

WA Junior 250cc Sidecar Title

  1. Jake Harvey/Nathan Gajek
  2. Mitchell McDiarmid/Phoenix Elliot
  3. Adam Fewster/Thomas Grigson
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2020 Victorian Senior & Junior Solo Speedway Championships

The Mildura Motorcycle Club held the 2020 Victorian Senior and Junior Solo Speedway championships at the Olympic Park Speedway in Mildura over the weekend, with Justin Sedgmen crowned 2020 Victorian Solo champion ahead of Jordan Steward and Jacob Hook.

Justin Sedgmen – P1

“Victorian Champion! Stoked to get the win! Finally a Victorian Title win at Olympic Park. Thanks to everyone that came out, the Mildura Motorcycle Club and all my valued sponsors.”

Jacob Hook – P3

“On the weekend we made the trip to Mildura for the Vic title. Shout out to the Mildura Motorcycle Club for putting on a great event the track was mint and racing fast all night! I had a good meeting except for one hiccup. Second, first, DNF, first, first finishing the heats on 11 points, winning the B Final to progress through to the A Main. I am super happy with the results finishing on the podium in third place securing a work permit. Thanks to everyone that supports me.”

In the Victorian Junior 250cc class it was James Pearson taking the title from Jackson Milner and Mick Cogdell, while the Junior 125cc class saw Beau Bailey take the crown ahead of Harry Saddler and Noah Grabham.

The next event on the calendar is the Phil Crump Solo International on Saturday January 2 (2021) at Olympic Park Speedway Mildura.

Victorian Senior 500cc Championship

  1. Justin Sedgmen
  2. Jordan Stewart
  3. Jacob Hook
  4. Cooper Riordan

Victorian Junior 125cc Championship

  1. Beau Bailey
  2. Harry Saddler
  3. Noah Grabham
  4. Ashley Jansen-Batchelor

Victorian Junior 250cc Championship

  1. James Pearson
  2. Jacko Milner
  3. Mick Cogdell
  4. Broc White
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GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing backing 13-rider line-up in 2021

Entering its 20th year since inception, and 15th year as a national development program, GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing shows no signs of slowing down with a massive 13 rider line up spreading all the way from the 65ccc division, to the newly formed MX3 class at the Pro MX.

Jake Rumens

Continuing with a hands-on, state by state support program that allows riders and families to work with team managers, many of whom are ex-professional racers and coaches, Yamaha Junior Racing has proven to be a pathway to success with a long list of riders progressing through the program and onto a career in racing.

Each rider is asked to contest the local series in their region, their state motocross championships as well the pinnacle of junior racing, the week-long Australian Junior Motocross Championships held in the last week of September each year.

Having 13 riders on the track requires a significant investment from not just Yamaha Motor Australia and its products like Yamalube, GYTR, YMF and YMI, but also from Ficeda Accessories who also are 100 per cent behind the team with the help of first class companies like SCOTT, Just1, Dunlop and DID.

2021 promises to be another exciting year for the team with a full calendar back in place in all states and a dozen overly enthusiastic and energetic dirt bike racers desperate to be back on the race track and doing what they love. The 2021 rider roster is as follows.

Jobe Dunne

Western Australia

  • Deegan Fort: 65cc / 85cc small wheel
  • Jake Rumens: 85cc big wheel/ 125cc
  • Manager: Peter Strickland

South Australia

  • Ryder Woodrow: 65cc/ 85cc small wheel
  • Wil Carpenter: 85cc / 125cc
  • Manager: Shane Metcalfe

Tasmania

  • Jay Jennings: 65cc / 85cc small wheel
  • Angus Pearce: 125cc/ 250cc
  • Manager: Brody Jennings

Victoria

  • Jobe Dunne: 65cc/ 85cc small wheel
  • Pat Martinn: 125cc/ 250cc
  • Manager: Cameron Taylor

NSW

  • Kayd Kingsford: 85cc big wheel /125cc
  • Ryder Kingsford: 125cc / 250cc
  • Manager: Darren Thompson

Queensland

  • Jake Cannon: 85cc big wheel / 125cc
  • Kobe Drew: 125cc/ 250cc
  • Jackson Camilleri: 250cc MX3

2021 Australian Off-Road Championship Updates

The Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) Management Team has announced a new initiative – Club AORC – for the 2021 Championship. Club AORC is aimed at new and upcoming riders to give them a taste of the national Championship competition while also rewarding them under the Club AORC points system.

2021 AORC calendar

The AORC team also announced that Australia’s largest online motorcycle gear and accessories retailer, MXstore, will continue their strong support as ‘Presented By’ sponsor of the 2021 AORC. MXstore were key to the success of this year’s Championship, by not only supporting the Championship, but also providing significant prizes for riders at all the rounds. The continued partnership shows the growth for both the Championship and company as an ongoing relationship.

Club AORC riders will receive bonus points for participating in seven rounds or more of the 12 round AORC in 2021. If a rider starts seven rounds or more, a 50-point bonus will be given towards the rider’s Club AORC points results in their relevant Championship class.

Any rider within 10 per cent of the class winner at any sprint or enduro round or within 10 per cent of the class winners fastest lap for a cross country round will not be eligible for Club AORC.

AORC Josh Green
Josh Green – AORC 2020

Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo, said this was an exciting new initiative to further grow the AORC after record rider numbers in AORC this year.

Matthew Falvo

“We are always looking at new and innovative ways to provide off-road riders with an opportunity to race against the world’s best riders in the Australian Off-Road Championship. This new initiative is a great way for riders new to off-road national competition racers to test their limits in our growing Championship and still be rewarded for their efforts. Club AORC is about providing riders with a progression into full-blown national competition against the world’s best riders in the AORC. The AORC is the breeding ground of the world’s best off-road riders and we want to ensure that we can provide new avenues for weekend enthusiasts and part-time racers to make the transition to one of the world’s best off-road Championships.”

More Information is still to follow including regulations and further exciting incentives for Club AORC.

AORC Junior Coaching

Another new initiative from the AORC paddock was the announcement of the Exclusive AORC Junior Coaching days, which will be run by many of the world’s best enduro riders in 2021. The junior coaching days will be held in February and conducted by Australia’s very own world and ISDE Champions Daniel Sanders, Daniel Milner, Fraser Higlett, Josh Green, Michael Driscoll and Jessica Gardner in Victoria, NSW, and Queensland.

AORC have held these coaching days earlier this year and were swamped with interest and registrations, and expect nothing less for 2021, encouraging young riders aged 9-15-years-old to be book early and avoid missing out.

In NSW on February 6, 2021 from 9 am-3 pm, at Stroud, Josh Green, Michael Driscoll and multiple AORC Women’s Champion Jessica Gardner, thanks to OffRoad Advantage and JG Institute, will impart their skills and knowledge to juniors, which will also include an exclusive junior girls coaching session with Jessica Gardner. Click here to enter NOW.

NSW AORC Junior Coaching day

Current World and 2020 AORC Champions Daniel Sanders and Emma Milesevic will hold a one-day training camp at Three Bridges in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, on February 20, 2021 between 9 am-3 pm. Riders will get exclusive tips and tricks from the world’s best and will include an exclusive junior girls coaching clinic, with Emma Milesevic. Click here to enter NOW.

Lang Lang, Victoria, AORC Junior Coaching day

Fraser Higlett, Harry Teed, Zoe Bocarri and Ebony Nielson will also hold a junior coaching day on February 20, 2021 between 9 am and 3 pm at Crows Nest, Queensland in conjunction with QLD JEDS Coaching to help build the repertoire of riders’ skills and knowledge. Entries open soon.

Crows Nest, Queensland, AORC Junior Coaching day

Victorian juniors on February 21, 2021, between 9 am and 3 pm will get the opportunity to learn at Lang Lang, Victoria when, thanks to DM31 OffRoad Development, 2020 AORC E2 class Champion Daniel Milner and Mason Semmens will hold a coaching day teaching young riders all the necessary skills to become AORC Champions. Click here to enter NOW.

Three Bridges, Victoria, AORC Junior Coaching day

For additional information and pricing head to the AORC website at https://www.aorc.org.au/junior-dev/. Profits from the training camps go towards funding the 2021 Australian ISDE Teams. Australia has punched well above its weight in previous ISDE events and brought home a swag of first places and podium finishes. 2021 promises to be another highly competitive year for the Australian contingent.

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2021 ProMX Championship expands classes

ProMX has announced new support classes for the inaugural 2021 Championship season, which will support the elite MX1, MX2 and MX3 classes of the ProMX Championship. Expanding on the permanent championship classes will see the introduction of the MXW (MX Womens), VETS ( Veterans), 125cc Cup and Classic Motocross Evolution Cup classes.

2021 ProMX

The addition of these class favourites will ensure for fans that the 2021 ProMX Championship is jam packed with handlebar-to-handlebar action. The additional ProMX classes will feature alongside MX1, MX2 and MX3 at select rounds further strengthening the Championship.

MXW will provide an opportunity for elite female riders to showcase their talents both to the Australian and international audiences, as well as provide valuable exposure to hopeful MXGP candidates who are looking for an international future. Veteran racing is also thriving and the opportunity to showcase riders’ skill and talents in 2021.

Support classes provide a valuable access point to national racing, and the 125cc Cup is a rider and fan favourite event that will see two stroke racers have the opportunity to race at national level events and tracks. The addition of the Classic Motocross Evolution Cup, aims to also give an access point to the classic motocross riders who wish to enjoy competitive racing at a national level to entertain both the crowds and industry with the classic bikes of yesteryear.

MXW

Open to riders sixteen years of age and over competing in an open class structure on 125cc machines and up, the MXW class has seen many great champions emerge over recent years and go on to international success with the likes of Meghan Rutledge, Maddy Brown and Jess Moore all enjoying long standing careers in the MXW class. The next generation of women competing in MXW will take the track with PROMX in 2021.

VETS

The vet classes will feature two age group categories being 30-39 and 40+. With many retired pro riders and national champions racing alongside their fellow VET class competitors, the VET classes provide a great outlet for the industry and riders to embrace a potent mix of competition and camaraderie.

125 Cup

A rider and fan favourite, the 125 cup will see the sound of two strokes singing around select rounds of ProMX in 2021. Open to riders 16 years of age and over competing on 125cc two stroke machines, this class provides highly competitive on track action.

Classic Motocross Evolution Cup

This classic motocross class is open to applicable bikes as per the MoMs of the evolution class to give classic motocross enthusiasts the opportunity to compete for a national championship.

See the full season calendar with class breakdown for each outing below.

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Laia Sanz set for GasGas Dakar 2021 campaign

Laia Sanz and GASGAS Factory Racing have completed their pre-Dakar testing and are now counting down the days to the start of their epic New Year adventure. Laia will take to the start of her 11th Dakar in a little over two weeks’ time on board the GASGAS RC 450F, covering 12-stages and 7,646 km, including 4,767 km of timed specials.

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing

For Laia recent months have been especially challenging due to contracting Lyme Disease during the summer, making her final Dakar preparations more complicated than normal. However, with support from her team, friends, and sponsors, Laia believes she is now ready to take on the world’s toughest cross-country rally.

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing

The 43rd edition of the race will see an increased emphasis placed on rider navigation and competitor’s abilities to tackle slower-speed, technical terrain, which is great news for Laia. Reducing the event’s average speeds, with her ability to both navigate well while under pressure and complete long stages with the minimum of mistakes, Laia is upbeat about this year’s route.

The event will start and finish at the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah. Like all competitors, Laia will face a short qualifying prologue on Saturday, January 2, before starting the rally proper and 12 long and demanding stages covering a total of 7,646 km. With a rest day in Ha’il midway through the race, Laia will then work her way back to Jeddah on January 15, having raced 4,767 km of timed special stages against the clock.

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing

With bikes and vehicles already on their way to Jeddah for the start of the race, GASGAS Factory Racing announced a couple of changes in the team’s sponsor structure. Laia will wear KENNY race clothing for her assault on the 2021 Dakar and receive added support from long-time sponsor KH7.

Laia Sanz

“It’s been a really tough year for me, so to be able to look forward to racing the 2021 Dakar means so much. I injured my hand on the second stage of this year’s Dakar, back in January, and although I carried on and completed the event the injury turned out to be worse than we thought. It took a while at the beginning of the year to recover from that. I was really looking forward to start training on my GASGAS trial and enduro bikes, and maybe fitting in some events. Unfortunately, when I was finally able to get out on my bikes again, I started to feel ill. Eventually I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, which made me feel very unwell. Thankfully, with the right treatment I have been able to start riding again. I know I’m not 100% and we’ll have to see just how I feel when the rally starts in January. It helps that we have some experience now of the terrain we will face, and the way things work with the move to the Middle East. The event in January should also be a little more technical and with tougher navigation, so I’m looking forward to that. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself, and another finish would be incredible, but my main goal is to go there and just enjoy the race.”

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing
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U.S. ISDE Club Team Qualifier events announced

Two AMA-sanctioned International Six Days Enduro Qualifier Series will be used to determine which amateur off-road racers will represent the United States at the 2021 FIM International Six Days Enduro in Italy.

The 2021 AMA East Region ISDE Qualifier Series and the 2021 AMA West Region ISDE Qualifier Series each consist of three rounds, beginning in March and ending in May. The 95th edition of the ISDE is scheduled for Aug. 30 – Sept. 4 in Lombardy-Piedmont, Italy.

ISDE competitor Ty Tremaine – Photo by Mary Rinell

The U.S. ISDE team won the World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy championships at the 2019 ISDE, as well as the Club Cup title. The American Junior World Trophy team placed second in its class. The 2020 ISDE was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Erek Kudla – AMA Off-Road Racing Manager

“With the World, Women’s and Club Trophies still held by the U.S. ISDE Team, and after missing a year of racing, our riders are very excited to return to represent the country in international competition. The qualifying process has been very successful in getting our fastest riders from either coast onto our Club teams, and we are looking forward to another great year at the world championship event.”

In the 2021 qualifiers, riders receive an overall score for each day of competition and will be ranked by their four highest scores at the end of each series. Selected riders will be organized into seven three-member U.S. Club teams, which include the overall top seven riders from each of the two qualifier series, as well as the top 40-plus rider from each qualifier series. Five riders are selected by the AMA ISDE Advisory Committee, which also selects the U.S. ISDE Trophy teams. The seven American Club teams compete alongside the three U.S. ISDE World Trophy teams at the event.

AMA West ISDE Qualifier Series

  • March 20-21: Red Mountain, Calif., Desert MC and Prospectors MC, AMA District 37 Sprint Enduro
  • April 17-18: Campwood, Ariz., Arizona Trail Riders, AMA AMRA
  • May 22-23: Craig, Colo., Enduro Colorado, AMA RMEC

AMA East ISDE Qualifier Series

  • May 1-2: Battle Creek Mich., BCMC, AMA Michigan Sprint Enduro
  • May 7-8: Plantersville, Ala., Southern Enduro Riders Association
  • May 29-30: Glen Daniel, W. Va., AMA Full Gas Sprint Enduro
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2021 AMA Supercross calendar update

A new updated schedule has been announced this week for the 2021 Monster Energy FIM/ AMA Supercross Championship that will see a total of 17 rounds from January 16 to May 1.

Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the original calendar now features several back-to-back rounds and Saturday and Tuesday races included.

The updates, announced by promoters Feld Entertainment, include three consecutive rounds in Georgia at Atlanta Motor Speedway and an added round at Salt Lake City in Utah. The original rounds in Arizona rounds have been cancelled and replaced with Orlando in Florida.

2021 AMA Supercross Calendar
Round 1 Houston, Texas East NRG Stadium Sat, January 16
Round 2 Houston, Texas East NRG Stadium Tues, January 19
Round 3 Houston, Texas East NRG Stadium Sat, January 23
Round 4 Indianapolis, Indiana East Lucas Oil Stadium Sat, January 30
Round 5 Indianapolis, Indiana East Lucas Oil Stadium Tues, February 2
Round 6 Indianapolis, Indiana East Lucas Oil Stadium Sat, February 6
Round 7 Orlando, Florida East Camping World Stadium Sat, February 13
Round 8 Orlando, Florida West Camping World Stadium Sat, February 20
Round 9 Daytona Beach, Florida West Daytona Int. Speedway Sat, March 6
Round 10 Arlington, Texas West AT&T Stadium Sat, March 13
Round 11 Arlington, Texas West AT&T Stadium Tues, March 16
Round 12 Arlington, Texas West AT&T Stadium Sat, March 20
Round 13 Atlanta, Georgia West Atlanta Motor Speedway Sat, April 10
Round 14 Atlanta, Georgia West Atlanta Motor Speedway Tues, April 13
Round 15 Atlanta, Georgia West Atlanta Motor Speedway Sat, April 17
Round 16 Salt Lake City, Utah East Rice-Eccles Stadium Sat, April 24
Round 17 Salt Lake City, Utah W/E Rice-Eccles Stadium Sat, May 1

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2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies calendar announced

The FIM, the Portuguese Motorcycling Federation (FMP), the Automotorsport Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan (AMFK), the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR), Brazilian Motorcycle Confederation (CBM), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Motocyclisme (FRMM) and the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO) and local organisers have revealed the 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and World Cups provisional calendar.

Date Event Cat 1 RallyGP Cat 2 Rally 2 Cat 3
Grp1 Moto-Rally Grp1 Moto-Rally Grp2 Moto Enduro Grp3 Quad Adventure Trophy Grp1+3 SSV
April 9-13 BP Ultimate Portugal Rally (POR) X X X X X X
June 7-13 Rally Kazakhstan (KAZ) X X X X X
July 1-11 Silkway Rally (RUS) X X X X X
August 13-22 Rally do Sertoes (BRA) X X X X X
October 8-13 Rallye du Maroc (MAR) X X X X X X
November 6-12 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (UAE) X X X X X X

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2021 Racing schedule

2021 Provisional MXGP Calendar

Rnd Grand Prix Date
1 MXGP of Oman, Muscat Fri 2 Apr – Sat 3 Apr
2 MXGP of Italy, TBA Sat 24 Apr – Sun 25 Apr
3 MXGP of Portugal, Agueda Sat 8 May – Sun 9 May
4 MXGP of The Netherlands, Oss Sat 22 May – Sun 23 May
5 MXGP of Germany, Teutschenthal Sat 29 May – Sun 30 May
6 MXGP of Russia, Orlyonok Sat 12 Jun – Sun 13 Jun
7 MXGP of Latvia, Kegums Sat 19 Jun – Sun 20 Jun
8 MXGP of Jakarta (INA), Jakarta Sat 3 Jul – Sun 4 Jul
9 MXGP of Indonesia, Semarang Sat 10 Jul – Sun 11 Jul
10 MXGP of Czech Replublic, Loket Sat 24 Jul – Sun 25 Jul
11 MXGP of Belgium, Lommel Sat 31 Jul – Sun 1 Aug
12 MXGP of Sweden, Uddevalla Sat 7 Aug – Sun 8 Aug
13 MXGP of Finland, Iitti-KimiRing Sat 21 Aug – Sun 22 Aug
14 MXGP of Igora Drive (RUS), Igora Drive Sat 28 Aug – Sun 29 Aug
15 MXGP of Turkey, Afyonkarahisar Sat 11 Sep – Sun 12 Sep
16 MXGP of China, TBA Sat 18 Sep – Sun 19 Sep
17 MXGP of France, St Jean d’Angely Sat 9 Oct – Sun 10 Oct
18 MXGP of Spain, intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos Sat 16 Oct – Sun 17 Oct
19 TBA  Sat 30 Oct – Sun 31 Oct
20 MXGP of Patagonia Argentina, Neuquen Sat 13 Nov – Sun 14 Nov

2021 Yamaha AORC presented by MXStore calendar

Round Location Date
Rounds 1 & 2 Nowra, NSW March 27-28
Rounds 3 & 4 TBA, VIC April 17-18
Rounds 5 & 6 Kyogle, NSW July 17-18
Rounds 7 & 8 TBA, QLD August 6-7
Rounds 9 & 10 Kingston SE, SA September 18-19
Rounds 11 & 12 Omeo, VIC October 16-17

2021 Australian Pro MX calendar

Rnd Date Location
1 Apr-11 Wonthaggi, Victoria
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
2 May-02 Canberra, ACT
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3
3 May-30 Gilman, South Australia
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
4 Jun-27 Maitland, NSW
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, Classic Motocross Evolution Motocross Cup
5 Jul-25 Wodonga, Victoria
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
6 Aug-08 QMP, Queensland
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, MXW, AORC (Fri & Sat)
7/8 August 14-15 Coolum, Queensland
Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, VETS (Sat)
MX1, MX2, MX3, MXW (Sun)

2021 Speedway GP Calendar

Date Round Location
Apr-24 2021  FIM Speedway Grand Prix TBC
May-15 2021 PZM Warsaw  FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland PGE Narodowy
May-22 2021 German   FIM Speedway Grand Prix Bergring Arena
Jun-05 2021 Czech Republic  FIM Speedway Grand Prix Marketa Stadium
Jun-19 2021  FIM Speedway Grand Prix TBC
Jul-17 2021 Adrian Flux British  FIM Speedway Grand Prix Principality Stadium
Jul-31 2021 Betard Wroclaw FIM Speedway Grand Prix OF POLAND Olympic Stadium
Aug-14 2021 Swedish  FIM Speedway Grand Prix G&B Arena
Aug-28 2021 Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix Anatoly Stepanov Stadium
Sep-11 2021 Danish FIM Speedway Grand Prix Sponsored by ECCO Vojens Speedway Center
Oct-02 2021 Torun  FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland Marian Rose MotoArena

2021 Australian Senior Speedway Solo calendar

Round Location Date
Round 1 Gillman Speedway, SA 3 January, 2021
Round 2 Olympic Park, VIC 5 January, 2021
Round 3 Diamond Park, Albury Wodonga, VIC 7 January, 2021
Round 4 Loxford Park, NSW 9 January, 2021
Round 5 Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD 13 January, 2021

2021 Australian Speedway events

Championship Location  Date
2021 Australian Under 21’s Speedway Championship Gillman Speedway, SA 16 January, 2021
2021 Australian Junior Speedway Sidecar Championship Pinjar Park, WA 3-4 April, 2021
2021 Australian Senior Speedway Sidecar Championship Pinjar Park, WA 3-4 April, 2021
2021 Speedway FIM Oceania Speedway Championship Gillman Speedway, SA 30 January, 2021
2021 Speedway FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship Gillman Speedway, SA 17 April, 2021

2021 Provisional Australian Supercross dates

  • 25 September – Further information TBA
  • 9 October – Further information TBA
  • 16 October – Further information TBA
  • 23 October – Further information TBA
  • 30 October – Further information TBA
  • 6 November – Further information TBA
  • 20 November – Further information TBA
  • 27 November – Further information TBA

2021 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE)
May 19-22 – Harvey, WA

2021 Enduro Australian Three Day Vintage Enduro (A3VE)
7-9 May – Blackwood, VIC

2021 Finke Desert Race
11-14 June – Northern Territory

2021 Hattah Desert Race
3-4 July – Hattah, Victoria

2021 Motocross Australian Classic Motocross Championship
9-11 July – Nowra, NSW

2021 Motocross Australian Post Classic Motocross
16-18 July – Nowra, NSW

2021 International Six Day Enduro (ISDE)
30 August – 4 September – Italy

Source: MCNews.com.au

2020 AORC champs crowned after finale cancellation

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship


Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore Champions for all 14 classes, following the cancellation of the remaining round scheduled for November due to the uncertainty of State Border COVID-19 border restrictions.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke
Luke Styke at Toowoomba
Luke Styke – E1 Champion

“I’m a racer and wanted to do the full 12 rounds so I’m just disappointed we didn’t get more racing in, but I understand the situation we are in, and now, I’m just happy I was in front after the rounds completed. This is my third championship in a row in the E1 class and ticks off another goal I had coming into the season. Thank you to the team for their support and also the work MA did in trying to keep the championship up and running during such a difficult time.”

With two spectacular rounds held at Toowoomba, Queensland and one round at Dungog, NSW, (round 4 was cancelled due to severe weather), before COVID-19 pandemic hit, enough rounds have been run to award 2020 Champions.

The 2020 AORC kicked off with record entries, nearly 100 junior riders entered, in an expanded 14 classes of competition with new junior classes, plus the return of 2-Stroke Cup and senior racing in both the men’s and women’s classes.

Jessica Gardiner won the women's class from Emelie Karlsson and Emma Milesevic
Jessica Gardiner won the women’s class from Emelie Karlsson and Emma Milesevic
Jess Gardiner

“It’s good to secure the championship again, all be it in a strange way. I love racing and have missed it so much since the restrictions have been in place, but MA waited as long as they could to try and get the season up and running again. Hopefully things return to normal next year and we can get back to racing as we knew it.”

A record number, more than 280 riders in total, competed in the first two rounds, alongside the introduction of the Yamaha and OffRoad Advantage initiative – Yamaha Off-Road Tech and Tips (YORTT) – providing specialised coaching for junior competitors by Australian and World Champion riders.

AORC Rnd Dungog Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner at Dungog

Australia’s premier motocross talent joined AORC including in the E1 class with Mason Semmens (KTM Enduro Racing Team), in the E2 class with Todd Waters (Husqvarna) and the E3 class saw Callum Norton, all who scored podiums on their first outing.

AORC Rnd Dungog Sanders FM AORC RDS Dungog
Daniel Sanders won E3 and is currently competing the 2020 Andalucia Rally
Peter Doyle – Motorcycling Australia CEO

“We are very excited to be able to crown our 2020 Australian Off-Road Champions in all 14 classes. The Championship wouldn’t be the World class success it is without our key partners and sponsors Yamaha Motors Australia, MXstore, Ballard’s and Offroad Advantage. With record fields, expanded classes, strong competition, and tremendous partners, it was shaping up to be fantastic year. We congratulate each of the riders on their amazing success and each becoming MA Australian Champions. Whilst the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, was interrupted, we are pleased about the growth of the championship in 2020 and can’t wait to see even bigger thing for AORC in 2021.”

2020 AORC champions include Luke Styke in E1, Daniel Milner in E2, Daniel Sanders in E3, Korey McMahon in EJ

Australian Off-Road Championship – 2020 Champions

Pos. Rider Team  Points
E1
1 Luke Styke Yamaha Active8 Yamalube 70
2 Mason Semmens KTM Enduro Racing Team 69
3 Kyron Bacon MXStore, Yamaha Motor Australia 62
E2
1 Daniel Milner KTM Enduro Racing Team 75
2 Joshua Green Yamaha Active8 Yamalube 60
3 Todd Waters Berry Sweet Husqvarna 59
E3
1 Daniel Sanders Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team 75
2 Jonte Reynders Motul Pirelli Sherco Off-Road Racing Team 66
3 Fraser Higlett RJR Shopfitting, Husqvarna 56
EJ
1 Korey McMahon KTM, Suttos Powersports 72
2 Blake Hollis bLU Cru Off-Road Racing Team 69
3 Samuel Pretscherer   55
Women
1 Jessica Gardiner Yamaha Ballards MXstore Off-Road Racing Team 75
2 Emelie Karlsson Yamaha Motor Australia 64
3 Emma Milesevic Penrite Honda 62
2-Stroke Cup
1 Brad Hardaker Banana Coast Pest Control, Yamaha Motor Australia 67
2 Harrison Teed   65
3 Dalton Johnson Motul Pirelli Sherco Off-Road Racing Team 62
Veterans
1 Lee Stephens True Painting & Decorating, KTM Newcastle 75
2 Richard Chibnall WBR Echuca, Onpoint Motorcycles 66
3 Christopher Thomas Thomas Lee KTM 58
Masters
1 Kirk Hutton Yamaha Motor Australia 75
2 Andrew Gillam Coolblue 62
3 Peter Rudd Kessner Motorcycles, AutoWired 49
J2
1 Jett Yarnold   75
2 Levi Stephens   62
3 Jack Shearer   56
J3
1 Billy Hargy Husqvarna 70
2 William Dennett   69
3 Max Phillips Phillips Transport, Mototech 56
J4
1 Riley McGillivray AJs Motorcycles Superstore, Tunetech Racing 75
2 Kodi Stephens True Painting & Decorating, KTM Newcastle 66
3 Kobi Wolff Westlink Petroleum, MPE Suspension 60
JG
1 Danielle McDonald Yamaha Ballards MXstore Off-Road Racing Team) 75
2 Ariana Collins   66
2 Monique Simioni   60
J1
1 Mason Boucher   56
2 Cooper Boyd   56
3 Lachlan Roche   53
JJ
1 Jack Stevenson   50
2 Harley Hutton   44
3 Dylan McDonald   40

Source: MCNews.com.au

Daniel Milner wins rain shortened Dungog AORC

Round 3/4 – Dungog


Round 3 of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore kicked off over the weekend, with rain providing some challenges for competitors during Saturday’s Round 3, and eventually causing the cancellation of Round 4 on Sunday.

Daniel Milner topped the time sheets as fastest rider overall on Saturday, over a minute faster than second-placed Daniel Sanders, while Luke Styke was third overall. Michael Driscoll and Josh Green completed the top five.

Over eight laps stretching nearly 50 km in length per lap, competitors tackled tacky, grassy conditions before the rain rolled in, throwing one big curveball that added extra demands on each rider’s physical and mental perseverance.

Coming out victorious, albeit covered in classic AORC mud, was Yamaha Active8 Yamalube’s Luke Styke in E1, KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel Milner in E2 and Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel “Chucky” Sanders in E3.

After seven laps in the Women’s, Veterans and Masters classes, were Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha Ballards MXstore Off-Road Racing Team), Lee Stephens (True Painting & Decorating, KTM Newcastle) and Kirk Hutton (Yamaha Motor Australia) in Masters. Geoff Braico took the 2T Cup victory.

Younger classes were presented with new tests that only got more demanding at midday once the rain rolled in, but Juniors pushed on for up to twelve laps of the Offroad Advantage and Holeshot Graphics test tracks.

Coming out victorious for Round 3 was Blake Hollis (bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Team) in EJ, Riley McGillivray (AJs Motorcycles Superstore, Tunetech Racing) in J4, William Dennett in J3, Levi Stephens in J2, Max Stevenson in J1 and Ariana Collins (Jeff Collins Plumbing) in JG.


E1

After the jolting results from Rounds 1 & 2 back in Toowoomba, fans were none the wiser as to whether Luke Styke or Mason Semmens would dominate the test times in Dungog.

AORC Rnd Dungog Luke Styke

AORC Rnd Dungog Luke Styke

Luke Styke

Round 3’s results proved two things – first, that Styke’s injured foot isn’t causing him nearly as much pain as it did in Rounds 1 & 2, and second, the Yamaha racer will fight tooth and nail to get that gold.

Clocking in an accumulated total time of 41:09, Styke took out first place ahead of Semmens, by just over 40 seconds. Rounding out the podium for Round 3 was 2019 EJ Champion, Kyron Bacon who finished a challenging day aboard his Yamaha with a total time of 43:28.

Luke Styke

“Today was tough at round lunchtime when the rain rolled in. Overall though I’m really happy with how today went. The tracks were tight and technical to begin with and after the sun came out in the morning we got a couple great runs in. But once the rain started, the conditions were super slippery.”


E2

A vision in KTM signature orange, Daniel Milner set the bar high early. Across the WR450F and Ballards MXstore test tracks, the 2019 E2 Champion finished Round 3 with a total time of 39:31, the fastest time of the day.

AORC Rnd Dungog Daniel Milner

AORC Rnd Dungog Daniel Milner

Daniel Milner

Behind Milner was Michael Driscoll, who continued his impressive streak in Toowoomba to finish in second place for Round 3. With a total time of 41:20, Driscoll beat coach and fellow Yamaha racer Josh Green by just over nine seconds.

Green rode into the third and final podium position, with a total time of 41:29.

MX Champion, Todd Waters tackled newfound challenges with his first ever Enduro racing format. With unfamiliar conditions that became more difficult as the day went on, especially due to rainfall, Waters finished Round 3 in sixth place.

Michael Driscoll

“I am stoked with how today went. The conditions were great in the morning but got tough after midday, but I was able to push on and stick it to the big boys who train full time. It really drives home to me that I am doing something right.”


E3

It looked like Daniel Sanders struggled early on with lengthened times during lap 2. But the knock didn’t shake the Husqvarna boarded racer, who comfortably carried on over eight laps to win first place. With a total time of 40:45, Chucky finished just over 50 seconds ahead of Jonte Reynders. Rounding out the podium in E3 today was fan favourite Fraser Higlett, with a total time of 42:19.

AORC Rnd Dungog Daniel Sanders

AORC Rnd Dungog Daniel Sanders

Daniel Sanders


EJ

After remaining quiet during Toowoomba, Blake Hollis came out swinging in the Gog, clocking up a total time of 50:31 across his twelve laps. Very close on his heels and uninterested in losing that winning streak from Toowoomba, Korey McMahon pushed all day. In the end though, he conceded for second place, clocking in a total time of 50:52. Stealing away third was Matt Waters, with a total time of 51:31.

AORC Rnd Dungog Blake Hollis

AORC Rnd Dungog Blake Hollis

Blake Hollis


Veterans

Cooler than ‘Cool Hand Luke’, Stephens tangoed with Richard Chibnall across his eight laps, reigniting that thrilling competition we’ve seen from these two time and time again.  Stephens finished Round 3 with a total time of 44:53, ahead of Chibnall by just over 13 seconds. Rounding out the Veterans podium was Damian Smith, with a total time of 46:53.

AORC Rnd Dungog Levi Stephens

AORC Rnd Dungog Levi Stephens

Levi Stephens


Masters

Unstoppable would be an apt word to describe Kirk Hutton and his humble campaign to claim every Masters win he can. With a total time of 46:38, Hutton finished ahead of Peter Rudd by just over three minutes. Claiming the third and final podium position for Round 3 was Andrew Gillam, with a total time of 51.27.

Kirk Hutton

“It was good. I thought the first lap was going to be prime because the conditions are this good thanks to the rain! But things deteriorated up in the forest with torrential rain, making it hard to see where you’re going. I felt good in the first lap but after the rain I found grass tracks, which I find I’m really good at, where tough because I couldn’t find a grip. It was good though overall and it’s been really nice to see the rain! It was a real Enduro round and I enjoyed it.”

AORC Rnd Dungog Kirk Hutton

AORC Rnd Dungog Kirk Hutton

Kirk Hutton


Women’s

Early into Round 3, the results threw us all sideways with reigning Champion, Jessica Gardiner clocking up out of character test times and both Emelie Karlsson and Emi Ruprecht smashing out speedy times. As the day progressed though and the rain rolled in, Gardiner seemed to find her feet and pushed through to first place.

Hot on her heels, Karlsson slid into second place with a total time of 50:24, ahead of Penrite Honda’s Emma Milesevic, who claimed third ahead of Ruprecht with a total time of 52:47. Like Gardiner, Milesevic appeared to struggle with the conditions early but as we have seen before, she fought tooth and nail to maintain her position on the podium.

Jessica Gardiner

“I had a pretty good day, it was a lot of fun this morning, we were spoilt with no dust and perfect conditions and being a timecard format it was really good out there. We had a lot of fun on the trail too but when the rain came though it made things very interesting. It came down to who could stay upright and keep those wheels spinning. Overall it was tough, so I’m really happy to take the win considering the challenging conditions.”

AORC Rnd Dungog Jessica Gardiner

AORC Rnd Dungog Jessica Gardiner

Jessica Gardiner


J4

Regardless of the added challenges and changes in weather, Riley McGillivray was cool, calm and collected as he rode straight into first place in J4. With a total time of 24:57, McGillivray finished ahead of Kodi Stephens by just over one minute. Completing the J4 Round 3 podium was Kobi Wolff, with a total time of 26:36.

AORC Rnd Dungog Riley McGillivray

AORC Rnd Dungog Riley McGillivray

Riley McGillivray


J3

With a total time of 26:34, William Dennett has shifted the power away from Billy Hargy, claiming the fastest total time for J3. Hargy, whose winning streak was dashed, resolved himself to second place with a total time of 27:47. The third and final podium position was won by Max Phillips with a total time of 27:50.

AORC Rnd Dungog William Dennett

AORC Rnd Dungog William Dennett

William Dennett


J2

The winners crown has been handed over from Jett Yarnold to Levi Stephens, who clocked an impressive total time of 30:39 over six laps. Second place was scored by Tate Young with a total time of 31:31. Stealing away third place ahead of Yarnold was Jet Brien with a total time of 39:13.


J1

Max Stevenson was totally unfased by the weather and tricky conditions as he rode across the Offroad Advantage and Holeshot Graphics test tracks, sliding effortlessly into first place with a total time of 17:31 over three laps. Mason Boucher claimed second place from Cooper Boyd, who conceded for the third and final podium with a total time of 18:49.

AORC Rnd Dungog Max Stevenson

AORC Rnd Dungog Max Stevenson

Max Stevenson


JG

Regardless of the challenges that stood in their way, the JG class smashed Round 4 out of the park with Ariana Collins claiming first place. Clocking in at 34:53 over six laps, Collins beat Chelsea Muir and Danielle McDonald to the gold. Muir and McDonald finished Round 3 with total times of 44:10 and 26:23 (+1 lap), respectively.

AORC Rnd Dungog Ariana Collins

AORC Rnd Dungog Ariana Collins

Ariana Collins


2T

Casual as anything, Geoff Braico lead the charge hot off the start line right from lap 1. With a total time of 42:54 after eight laps, Braico finished in first ahead of Dalton Johnson. Johnson finished Round 3 with a total time of 44:50, but got through by the skin of his nails ahead of Brad Hardaker, who clocked in just shy of three seconds behind Johnson. Round 1 winner, Harry Teed had a challenging day, conceding for fourth place with a total time of 45:28.

Geoff Braico

“My day was pretty fun and without much dramas. I didn’t crash until the last lap but my YZ125 was having a ball in these conditions! I just thought I would come along and give this a go and Yamaha were kind enough to help me out. It’s great to have this class where it’s not necessarily as serious. I’ve seen the AORC pits change and evolve over the years, so the 2T class opens up that opportunity for people to compete without it being too serious.”

AORC Rnd Dungog Geoff Braico T

AORC Rnd Dungog Geoff Braico T

Geoff Braico


Overall Results – AORC Round 3, 2020

Source: MCNews.com.au

Josh Green set for Dungog AORC this weekend

2020 AORC

Rounds 3 & 4  Dungog Preview


A mere collection of days away from Rounds 3 & 4 of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC) Josh Green (Yamaha Active8 Yamalube) shares his thoughts heading into Dungog.

Green is inarguably well-versed in all things AORC and as a regular, consistent and competitive feature in the E2 class, and reflects on what’s best about this sport – grit, ease and the desire to keep pushing.

Alongside his results year in, year out, Green also helps encourage the growth of the sport from the ground up, thanks to his very own Offroad Advantage coaching sessions. Coming up through the AORC ranks as a young boy to man, the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube racer has seen it all and welcomes the arrival of fresh meat.


Josh Green: “I think it’s really cool having Todd Waters racing because it adds a different insight to the race world. I’ve been to some MX events over the past few weeks and people have been talking about it. I think it’s cool that everyone knows he’s the best in MX at the moment and to come into AORC and be a top guy just shows how fast us Off-Road racers really are. It definitely makes my job harder because it’s another guy to go toe to toe with, but we can never forget that we have two of the worlds best with Chucky and Milner, so I’ve been on the back foot over the past two years because they both continue to deliver racing on a world class level.”

AORC Josh Green

AORC Josh Green

Josh Green – AORC 2020

With a fresh injury that put him in murky waters before Toowoomba, Green could have folded but true to his nature and reflecting why he continues to represent this sport, he persevered. Not only that, regardless of the new faces and new challenges, he still clocked times that placed him on the E2 podium for both Rounds 1 & 2.

Josh Green: “Toowoomba was tough. I couldn’t attack the tracks like I wanted to. Saturday started off strong and I had good speed but as the day went on and the tracks got rougher, I struggled. Sunday was equally tough because the tracks were already chopped up, but I got through and had a good weekend, so in the end I was and still am, happy with my results.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Josh Green

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Josh Green

Josh Green – AORC 2020

A local to Stroud, New South Wales which is only a stone’s throw from Dungog, Green has the luxury of a familiar ground advantage, but how does an athlete prepare for a two-day Enduro while also ensuring a successful recovery?

Josh Green: “Riding the five to six hour days isn’t an issue for me. The main issue has been getting back into riding after being off the bike for three to four weeks before the first round. I’ve been spending the last week just bashing around on the bike to get myself back to normal. Where I am right now is where I would have hoped to have been for Toowoomba. I went into Round 1 not knowing if I would make it through the race weekend, but I did and now that I know I can make it through, it’s only going to get better for me before the weekend hits. This week leading up will only do me a world of good.”

And what does Green expect from this weekend ahead? In a typical card’s held close to his chest fashion he explains…

Josh Green: “I expect to have a good weekend racing. I feel like I’m very close to ‘normal’. As far as we go for racing, I’m as good as I’m going to get. We’ve been getting rain over here so I think the conditions should be good. I really like Dungog and the two-day Enduro set up, it’s a really cool event every year. I’m just excited to go racing, really.”

AORC Josh Green

AORC Josh Green

Josh Green – AORC 2020

With a stacked E2 class that includes some of the world’s best, the stakes are high for everyone involved. One wrong turn or one minor slip up could cost Green, Driscoll, Waters or Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) dearly as they and the likes of Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha Ballards MXstore Off-Road Team), Beau Ralston (Hunter Valley Motorsports, Kawasaki) and Stefan Granquist (Yamaha) nip at each other’s heels.

Everything kicks off in Dungog on Saturday, March 14th…

AORC Dungog Round

AORC Dungog Round

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | AMA SX | AORC | NZ MX | Evans talks HRC

Moto News Weekly for February 25, 2020

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What happened this week

  • Eli Tomac wins 450SX from Ken Roczen in Texas
  • Chase Sexton claims 250SX triple-header win from McElrath
  • 2020 AORC kicks off in Toowoomba with Rounds 1 & 2
  • GNCC season kicks off in South Carolina with Round 1
  • Gibbs closes in on New Zealand MX1 lead at Round 2
  • Charles Le Francois wins 2020 Pro 450 Arenacross Championship
  • Tim Gajser & Mitch Evans talk 2020 with HRC
  • KTM Ultimate Race 2020 entrants announced
  • 2020 Championship Calendars
    • 2020 AMA Motocross
    • 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
    • 2020 MXGP
    • 2020 American Flat Track
    • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
    • 2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
    • 2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
    • 2020 Australian Track Championship
    • 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
    • 2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
    • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
    • 2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
    • 2020 King of MX
    • 2020 Australian Motocross National Championship
    • 2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship

Eli Tomac wins 450SX from Ken Roczen in Texas

Ken Roczen took first blood in the 450SX class at the Round 8 triple-header, with victory over Cooper Webb while Jason Anderson rounded out that first podium. Barcia was fourth, while the slow-starting Tomac had worked his way up to fifth place by the flag.

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Roczen SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Roczen SX DAL Kardy

Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld

In Moto2 Blake Baggett scored the hole-shot but this time Eli Tomac was quick out of the blocks and Tomac cruised to a clear victory, despite backing off in the latter half of the race, by more than three-seconds over Anderson, with Hill rounding out the podium ahead of Zach Osborne. Roczen was a disappointing seventh, behind Justin Barcia and Malcolm Stewart.

When the gates dropped for the final 450 Moto of the night it was Zach Osborne with the best clutch hand to get the jump ahead of Blake Baggett, Jason Anderson and Ken Roczen. Late race a beautiful move by Tomac saw him go past Anderson, the Husky rider came back at him but Tomac had more speed up his sleeve and just pulled away to take his best supercross victory for some time, and the overall round win.

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Tomac SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Tomac SX DAL Kardy

Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Roczen got Osborne, then made some attempts on Anderson before letting caution call the shots. The German was very careful in this moto with his eye more on the championship points standings and not really up for any hard on-track fights that could bring him undone.

Anderson succumbed to the pressure late in the moto and went down in the whoops, allowing Roczen through for second place. Jason Anderson rounded out the podium ahead of Barcia while Osborne salvaged fifth.

Eli Tomac – P1

“We showed that we could fight and overcome adversity tonight. To be completely honest, I just got a bad start and struggled to find any rhythm in the first main event. Once I got into fifth place I kind of just got tight and couldn’t go forward after that. But I was able to quickly regroup with the team, and in the next two main events, we had a much better gate pick each time and were able to control the races from there. I am just happy to be leaving here healthy. We raced something like 50 laps tonight and as you saw, the track took out a lot of key dudes. I am glad we’re through it and looking forward to Atlanta next weekend.”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Tomac SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Tomac SX DAL Kardy

Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Ken Roczen – P2

“The first main was really good. I made some moves early and while I wouldn’t say I checked out, I rode up front the whole race. It was good to get that first win and start with a low number for the night’s overall points. I think the second race is the most important and we wanted to go out there and get a good finish, but it just wasn’t our race at all. I didn’t get the start I wanted and then couldn’t find the same momentum. I’m happy with how we executed the last race though. I battled hard and went back and forth with Eli [Tomac] a couple times and just rode much better in traffic, having people in front of me and making some passes. All in all, with how many crashes there were throughout the whole day and night, and how I struggled with the track overall, I’m really happy to come away healthy and with second overall.”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Roczen Webb Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Roczen Webb Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Ken Roczen & Cooper Webb – Image by Hoppenworld

Jason Anderson – P3

“My weekend went pretty good, it’s hectic out there with the Triple Crown format. My riding seemed to be pretty good all night but I think the most eventful part for me was the whoops. Other than that, I rode good, put myself in good positions and was able to come out with a podium. I’m having a good time and I’m excited to keep going!”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Anderson Osborne Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Anderson Osborne Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Jason Anderson – Image by Hoppenworld

Justin Barcia – P4

“It was strong racing tonight in Dallas. We got a little bit better on the starts, but still needed something there to get us on the podium. The track was not super technical, but took a few guys out of the race. All in all, my race was really good. I made charges and made passes. I felt really strong and stayed in the hunt. My starts are going to keep getting better, I just need to stay consistent and keep trying my hardest. I’m ready for next week for sure.”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Barcia Baggett Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Barcia Baggett Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Justin Barcia – Image by Hoppenworld

Zach Osborne – P5

“It’s nice to finally have a good result for the team and also for me, it just makes the workload a lot easier when you have a decent weekend. To lead some laps in the last Main and finish 7-4-3 with a consistent night, I feel pretty good about it, so we’ll just continue to work and keep this momentum rolling in the right direction for the rest of the season.”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Osborne Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Osborne Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Zach Osborne – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Round Overall Results

Pos Rider M1 M2 M3 Total
1 Eli Tomac 5 1 1 26
2 Ken Roczen 1 7 2 23
3 Jason Anderson 3 2 5 21
4 Justin Barcia 4 5 4 19
5 Zach Osborne 7 4 3 18
6 Justin Hill 6 3 8 17
7 Malcolm Stewart 8 6 9 16
8 Aaron Plessinger 9 10 7 15
9 Dean Wilson 13 9 6 14
10 Blake Baggett 10 8 13 13
11 Vince Friese 12 11 10 12
12 Cooper Webb 2 17 20 11
13 Chad Reed 14 12 16 10
14 Ryan Breece 18 15 11 9
15 Kyle Chisholm 19 13 12 8
16 Tyler Bowers 16 14 14 7
17 Martin Davalos 11 20 19 6
18 Kyle Cunningham 17 19 15 5
19 James Weeks 20 16 17 4
20 Ronnie Stewart 21 18 18 3
21 Justin Brayton 15 21 21 2
22 Broc Tickle 22 22 22 1

450SX Standings

Pos Rider Total
1 Eli Tomac 181
2 Ken Roczen 174
3 Cooper Webb 155
4 Justin Barcia 154
5 Jason Anderson 139
6 Adam Cianciarulo 128
7 Malcolm Stewart 122
8 Justin Hill 110
9 Zach Osborne 105
10 Justin Brayton 105
11 Blake Baggett 104
12 Dean Wilson 100
13 Aaron Plessinger 92
14 Vince Friese 82
15 Martin Davalos 65
16 Tyler Bowers 49
17 Chad Reed 31
18 Kyle Chisholm 29
19 Ryan Breece 25
20 Justin Bogle 24
21 Kyle Cunningham 21
22 Alex Ray 19
23 Chris Blose 18
24 Benny Bloss 13
25 Broc Tickle 12
26 James Weeks 4
27 James Decotis 4
28 Jason Clermont 3
29 Cade Autenrieth 3
30 Ronnie Stewart 3
31 Adam Enticknap 2
32 Fredrik Noren 2
33 Jerry Robin 1
34 Joshua Cartwright 1

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Chase Sexton claims 250SX triple-header win from McElrath

In Moto 1 it took Sexton a few minutes to get the better of Smith but Hampshire had cleared off and he capitalised on that to take a clear victory over Sexton. Shane McElrath recovered from a poor start to work his way through the field and claim the final step on the rostrum.

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Sexton Hampshire Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Sexton Hampshire Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Chase Sexton – Image by Hoppenworld

Josh Hill narrowly scored the hole-shot over Chase Sexton in Moto 2, and as the race passed the mid-way point McElrath and then Jeremy Martin moved past Crown while a couple of laps later Garrett Marchbanks pushed Crown further back to fifth place.

And that was the order the finished, Sexton getting the flag over nine-seconds ahead of McElrath while Martin rounded out the podium ahead of Marchbanks.

AMA SX Rnd Arlington HillJo SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington HillJo SX DAL Kardy

Josh Hill – Image by Hoppenworld

In Moto 3, Shane McElrath scored the hole-shot in the final 250 Main ahead of Chase Sexton, however McElrath proved to have the measure of Sexton as the #1 Honda never got close enough to the Yamaha to try and make a pass. McElrath was the clear victor over Sexton while the super aggressive Hampshire rounded out the podium.

Chase Sexton – P1

“What a night in Arlington. Happy with how everything went last night and how we bounced back after the chaos in the first main! I’m really just having fun out there racing with these guys and stoked to get a win for the team to reward all their hard work this off season. Thank you Texas!”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Sexton Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Sexton Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Chase Sexton – Image by Hoppenworld

Shane McElrath – P2

“I felt awesome all day. I didn’t put myself in a good position tonight with the first two starts. It really tough to catch the leaders, but I fought hard all night and at times maybe a little too hard. I’m happy with my last race and motivated to get behind the gate again next weekend!”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington McElrath Sexton Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington McElrath Sexton Multiple SX DAL Kardy

Shane McElrath – Image by Hoppenworld

RJ Hampshire – P3

“In the first race, I got up front and won my first Main Event and I was stoked on that, I fought hard for it,” Hampshire said. “I felt like we got a good start to the year now. Last weekend was a bit rough but I’m confident that we’re just going to keep getting better now.”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Hampshire Multiple SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Hampshire Multiple SX DAL Kardy

RJ Hampshire – Image by Hoppenworld

Garrett Marchbanks – P5

“I am happy with today’s result. I honestly didn’t feel like myself all day today and struggled in sections of the track. I had tweaked my ankle during practice which really bugged me all night long, so to finish with another top-5, I’ll take it. We will continue to work throughout the week to find an even more comfortable flow so that we are ready to go in Atlanta next weekend.”

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Marchbanks SX DAL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Arlington Marchbanks SX DAL Kardy

Garrett Marchbanks – Image by Hoppenworld

250SX Round Overall Results

Pos Rider M1 M2 M3 Total
1 Chase Sexton 2 1 2 26
2 Shane Mcelrath 3 2 1 23
3 RJ Hampshire 1 6 3 21
4 Jeremy Martin 5 3 4 19
5 Garrett Marchbanks 6 4 5 18
6 Joshua Hill 9 7 6 17
7 Joey Crown 7 5 10 16
8 Enzo Lopes 8 8 7 15
9 Jalek Swoll 10 12 9 14
10 Jo Shimoda 14 10 8 13
11 Jordan Bailey 13 11 12 12
12 John Short 12 9 15 11
13 Jordon Smith 4 20 14 10
14 Lorenzo Locurcio 16 17 11 9
15 Curren Thurman 17 15 13 8
16 Dustin Winter 15 13 18 7
17 Richard Jackson 18 16 16 6
18 Jace Owen 11 21 21 5
19 Kevin Moranz 21 14 19 4
20 Isaac Teasdale 20 18 17 3
21 Wilson Fleming 19 19 20 2
22 Kyle Peters 22 22 22 1

250SX Standings

Pos Rider Total
1 Dylan Ferrandis 135
2 Justin Cooper 128
3 Austin Forkner 122
4 Brandon Hartranft 110
5 Alex Martin 98
6 Jacob Hayes 89
7 Luke Clout 83
8 Michael Mosiman 82
9 Derek Drake 78
10 Mitchell Oldenburg 72
11 Carson Brown 72
12 Martin Castelo 53
13 Killian Auberson 51
14 Aaron Tanti 50
15 Chase Sexton 49
16 Shane Mcelrath 49
17 Jett Lawrence 46
18 Jay Wilson 45
19 Robbie Wageman 43
20 Jeremy Martin 40
21 Rj Hampshire 38
22 Garrett Marchbanks 37
23 Michael Leib 32
24 Joey Crown 31
25 Christian Craig 29
26 Jordon Smith 28
27 Joshua Hill 28
28 Cameron Mcadoo 27
29 Logan Karnow 27
30 Jo Shimoda 26

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2020 AORC kicks off in Toowoomba with Rounds 1 & 2

For the full AORC Rounds 1 & 2 Run Down check out:
Milner claims overall wins at AORC Rounds 1 & 2 (link)

KTM Enduro Racing Team duo Daniel Milner and Mason Semmens lead the E2 and E1 categories respectively after riding to victory in the opening rounds of the 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Toowoomba over the weekend.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner

Daniel Milner

Defending E2 champion Milner reigned supreme aboard the KTM 450 EXC-F to dominate both days in Queensland, setting the benchmark outright throughout the weekend.

Daniel Milner

“To win the opening rounds of the year is always a good way to start a championship. I made sure I got through it all clean and had good runs over both days, because it was important to maintain consistency and carry the best pace that I could without making mistakes. I felt like I was well-prepared for the season, but you’re never 100 percent sure, so to have such a strong weekend shows that all the hard work has paid off. I’m really happy with the KTM Enduro Racing Team 450 EXC-F, it’s honestly been unbelievable – especially in the conditions that we had on the weekend. We’ve done a lot of work in the off-season and I’m really happy.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner

Daniel Milner

It was a spectacular start to the season for Milner, who became a father for the first time during the off-season, and he began his campaign for the new year in remarkable form. He now has a six-point lead in the standings.

Josh Green led the charge for the Yamaha team and battled on determinedly all weekend despite coming into the season opener under-prepared due to a heavy fall just two weeks prior. But the veteran came out all guns blazing on Saturday and posted times near the top of the outright list and took it up to the major players in off road. He finished the day in third-place in the highly competitive E2 division and shadowed Milner and Australian MX Champ, Todd Waters all weekend.

Josh Green

“Two weeks ago it was doubtful I would even be racing, so to not only be competing but also very competitive is a real bonus and I’m satisfied with the result from the weekend. As each day went on, I could feel my strength draining but on Saturday night, I was able to freshen up and tackle Sunday feeling pretty good. The bike was good all weekend, the team worked hard behind the scenes to ensure I had everything I needed and the interest in off road was as good as I have seen it so it’s awesome to see the promotion and energy in racing at the moment. We have a month until rounds three and four so hopefully I can continue to recover and hit them at 100%. But, glad to get through the weekend unscathed, land on the podium both days and get off to a good start in the 2020 championship.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Josh Green

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Josh Green

Josh Green

The weekend also marked the debut of teenage signing Semmens in the KTM Enduro Racing Team and he didn’t disappoint on-board the KTM 250 SX-F, finishing second in E1 on day one and first on day two for the points-lead.

Semmens is the newest member of the factory KTM off-road program after transitioning from motocross full-time for this season. He’d previously won multiple junior national titles as part of the KTM Junior Motocross Racing Team during his career.

Mason Semmens

“To get 2-1 results and take the points-lead over the weekend in my first race with the KTM Enduro Racing Team is a really good feeling. I wasn’t sure where I was going to be at coming into the first round, but the hard work that we did in the off-season showed and I surprised myself a little bit. I’m learning every time I go out and really tried to minimise mistakes, so it was good and I’m really fortunate to be teammates with Milner. Everything has been awesome and I’m definitely feeling comfortable on the KTM 250 SX-F.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Mason Semmens

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Mason Semmens

Mason Semmens

Luke Styke took a convincing victory on Saturday, but the juggernaut was slowed on Sunday when he crashed heavily on the second sprint lap that left him sore, sorry and battered. Nursing a banged up elbow and reaggravating an ankle injury, Styke soldiered on for the remainder of the day. He clawed his way to third place in E1 on the day and his combined 1-3 results saw him sitting second after the opening two rounds.

Luke Styke

“Saturday was good and everything was on track but I got it all wrong in a rocky area of the course and fell onto my elbow and also got my ankle stuck under the bike. And I’m not sure what hurts most. I will have to get them both checked out as the pain in both is pretty high. I managed to finish and actually got better as the day went on, but I was no where near 100%. Thankfully the team had my back and encouraged me to keep plugging away and salvage what I could after the crash. My first priority will be to get both my elbow and ankle checked out and make a plan after that.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke

Luke Styke

Daniel Sanders and the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team meanwhile claimed assertive E3 class victories in Toowoomba, QLD. Sanders is not yet back at 100 percent following a wrist injury sustained in the pre-season, but put in a fine performance to open his campaign with commanding results aboard the Husqvarna FE 501.

Despite a difficult start on Saturday morning, the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team rider rebounded to land the E3 overall. He continued that form on Sunday, recording the second-fastest times outright in both rounds of racing.

Daniel Sanders

“The results in class were good this weekend in Toowoomba. It’s definitely positive to start the season on top, especially after the way Saturday started and after spending minimal time on the bike in the lead-up. We have the base to build from now in terms of results and will keep working hard, so thanks to everyone at the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team, the FE 501 was really solid as it always is. I’m excited to keep going and look forward to the Dungog rounds coming up.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders

Daniel Sanders

Round One Results

Pos Rider Time
1 Daniel MILNER 54m39.5
2 Daniel SANDERS 55m21.3
3 Todd WATERS 55m27.3
4 Joshua GREEN 55m36.4
5 Luke STYKE 55m47.2
6 Mason SEMMENS 55m55.5
7 Michael DRISCOLL 56m19.5
8 Beau RALSTON 56m34.5
9 Jonte REYNDERS 56m59.3
10 Cooper SHEIDOW 57m01.6
11 Stefan GRANQUIST 57m05.3
12 Jeremy CARPENTIER 57m07.0
13 Callum NORTON 57m09.3
14 Kyron BACON 57m38.5
15 Korey MCMAHON 58m05.1
16 Fraser HIGLETT 58m14.9
17 Corey HAMMOND 58m27.0
18 Jesse LAWTON 58m38.4
19 Blake HOLLIS 58m44.1
20 William PRICE 58m54.1
21 Harrison TEED 59m10.4
22 Hayden KEELEY 59m22.9
23 Joshua KILVINGTON 59m26.9
24 Brad HARDAKER 59m34.0
25 Brent DEAN 59m40.3

Round Two Results – Top 25

Pos Rider Time
1 Daniel MILNER 59m40.0
2 Daniel SANDERS 00m34.4
3 Todd WATERS 01m23.8
4 Joshua GREEN 01m32.3
5 Michael DRISCOLL 1h02m07.2
6 Mason SEMMENS 1h02m17.8
7 Jonte REYNDERS 1h02m39.4
8 Stefan GRANQUIST 1h02m55.1
9 Callum NORTON 1h03m05.1
10 Jeremy CARPENTIER 1h03m44.2
11 Fraser HIGLETT 1h04m02.8
12 Kyron BACON 1h04m04.4
13 Beau RALSTON 1h04m06.3
14 Luke STYKE 1h04m31.4
15 Korey MCMAHON 1h04m44.6
16 Blake HOLLIS 1h04m50.7
17 Jesse LAWTON 1h04m56.7
18 Cooper SHEIDOW 1h05m01.1
19 Corey HAMMOND 1h05m24.6
20 William PRICE 1h06m00.8
21 Brock NICHOLS 1h06m06.9
22 Brad HARDAKER 1h06m11.9
23 Hayden KEELEY 1h06m28.2
24 Harrison TEED 1h06m42.3
25 Samuel PRETSCHERER 1h06m54.3

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GNCC season kicks off in South Carolina with Round 1

The first round of the 2020 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series concluded on Sunday in Union, South Carolina with the 23rd Annual Big Buck GNCC. Cool and partly sunny conditions greeted the final day of racing at Round 1, making for almost perfect racing conditions.

GNCC Rnd Union Kailub Russell

GNCC Rnd Union Kailub Russell

Kailub Russell – 2020 GNCC Round 1 – Image by Ken Hill

As racing got underway it was Kailub Russell jumping off the line first to grab the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 holeshot award. Russell would lead the race from start to finish, after gaining a lead of over one-and-a-half minutes by the time they completed lap four out of six. Russell would continue to turn the pace up, and by the time the checkered flag flew, Russell would hold a lead of one minute and 51 seconds. Russell earned his 61st career victory, and his last “first-race” win ever.

Coming through in the second place position was Coastal Bi-Con Racing’s Ricky Russell. After completing the first lap of racing Russell was just 1.9 seconds behind the leader, however as the race wore on Russell would fall back to over a minute-gap. Russell remained focused and pushed through the three-hours of racing to earn second overall and a podium finish to start off the season.

GNCC Rnd Union Ricky Russell

GNCC Rnd Union Ricky Russell

Ricky Russell – 2020 GNCC Round 1 – Image by Ken Hill

Josh Strang had a strong performance at round one of the 2020 GNCC season. Strang would come through sixth on the opening lap, but by the time the race reached the halfway point he had worked his way into the final podium position. Strang would continue to push, and hold off his fellow XC1 Open Pro competitors, taking home a third overall at the season opener.

Earning fourth overall aboard his new team, and in his home state was Steward Baylor Jr. Baylor, who would work his way through the pack after a seventh place start to the day. Baylor looked to be making a late race push, as he came through timing and scoring just five-seconds behind Strang at the completion of the three-hours.

Taking fifth in XC1 Open Pro and sixth overall was Jordan Ashburn. After starting the day up in third, Ashburn would battle with his fellow XC1 competitors throughout the entire three-hour race. Ultimately, Ashburn would cross the line three minutes behind fourth place to finish out round one of the 2020 season.

GNCC Rnd Union Mike Witkowski XC

GNCC Rnd Union Mike Witkowski XC

Mike Witkowski – 2020 GNCC Round 1 – Image by Ken Hill

Earning his first-ever XC2 250 Pro class win was Mike Witkowski. After starting the day off in third, Witkowski would put his head down and go to work on picking off the competition. Coming through timing and scoring on the fourth lap, Witkowski had gained the lead, and would not look back. Witkowski came through one minute and 23 seconds ahead of second, while also finishing fifth in the overall standings.

Making his comeback to GNCC Racing was Johnny Girroir. After missing all but three rounds of racing last year due to health concerns, Girroir proved that he has been hard at work to get back to where he was. Girroir held the lead for the first three laps of XC2 racing in South Carolina, and would then engage in a battle for the lead with Witkowski. Girroir would hold onto second all the way to the checkers.

After battling his way through the pack XC2 class it was Coastal Bi-Con Racing’s Craig DeLong coming through the finish line third in the class. DeLong was not satisfied with his third place finish, and expressed that in his podium interview. However, DeLong continued to close the gap throughout the entire race, crossing the finish line just five seconds behind second.

GNCC Rnd Union Zack Hayes XC

GNCC Rnd Union Zack Hayes XC

Zack Hayes – 2020 GNCC Round 1 – Image by Ken Hill

Taking the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win was Zack Hayes. After making the decision to race the 125 class, Hayes would have his work cut out for him. After grabbing the holeshot Jason Raines made his way to the lead on the second lap. Raines would hold the lead, but when the white flag came out Hayes would make the pass for the lead and hold it until the checkered flag came out. Cole Mattison would come through in the third place position after a consistent day of racing in South Carolina.

Brody Johnson took home the Top Amateur honors at Big Buck on Sunday afternoon. Johnson finished 20th overall, and first in 250 A. Tristan Landrum came through second in 250 A and 25th overall earning second on the top amateur podium. Chase Hayes came through 31st overall, and first in the Open A class earning himself a spot on the top amateur podium.

As the 10 a.m. race started Tayla Jones got the jump off the line first and earning the Trail Jesters $100 WXC holeshot award. Jones would hold the lead on the opening lap, but as the WXC riders came through timing and scoring on lap two it was Becca Sheets with the lead.

GNCC Rnd Union Becca Sheets WCX

GNCC Rnd Union Becca Sheets WCX

Becca Sheets – 2020 GNCC Round 1 – Image by Ken Hill

Sheets would hold onto the lead for the remainder of the race, earning the first WXC and overall win of the season. Jones would cross the line second in South Carolina followed by Rachael Archer rounding out the WXC class and overall podium.

At the conclusion of the youth race it was Grant Davis taking the overall win and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class win at Big Buck. Noah Cooper came through to take second in YXC1 and in the youth overall. Crossing the line third overall was YXC2 Super Mini Jr. rider, Nick Defeo. Jack Joy captured the final podium position in YXC1, while Cole Forbes and Matthew Hallenbeck rounded out the YXC2 class podium.

The first Moto Hero of 2020 was awarded to Travis Snelson. Snelson comes from Asheville, North Carolina and has been in the Army for 15 years, serving his country in Iraq in 2010 as an engineer.

The 2020 GNCC Season continues in two weeks with the Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida.

Overall National Championship Standings

  1. Kailub Russell (30)
  2. Ricky Russell (25)
  3. Josh Strang (21)
  4. Steward Baylor Jr. (18)
  5. Michael Witkowski (16)
  6. Jordan Ashburn (15)
  7. Grant Baylor (14)
  8. Layne Michael (13)
  9. Jonathan Girroir (12)
  10. Craig DeLong (11)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

  1. Mike Witkowski (30)
  2. Jonathan Girroir (25)
  3. Craig DeLong (21)
  4. Jonathan Johnson (18)
  5. Lyndon Snodgrass (16)
  6. Cody Barnes (15)
  7. Liam Draper (14)
  8. Ryder LeBlond (13)
  9. Thorn Devlin (12)
  10. Simon Johnson (11)

Gibbs closes in on New Zealand MX1 lead at Round 2

Altherm JCR Yamahas Kirk Gibbs centre and Kayne Lamont right finished in the final moto in Rotorua.

Altherm JCR Yamahas Kirk Gibbs centre and Kayne Lamont right finished in the final moto in Rotorua.

Kirk Gibbs topped the podium – Image by Clmintiepix

Cody Cooper took the win in the first MX1 Moto of the weekend at Round 2 of the Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship, with Kirk Gibbs having to settle for second, while Hamish Harwood completed the podium. Kayne Lamont was fourth and Brad Groombridge completed the top five.

The second MX1 Moto was an underdog story for Kirk Gibbs however, who had to recover from a crash and ending up down in 17th, all the way up to claiming the race win and 25-points, ensuring he hung onto his championship lead as they head towards Round 3.

Gibbs followed up in Moto 3 with a dominant win, almost 20-seconds ahead of second-placed Kayne Lamont, with Cody Cooper back in third a further 10-seconds behind. Hamish Hardwood and Hadleigh Knight completed the top five in the final race of the weekend.

Kirk Gibbs won the Round Overall in MX1 on 72-points, with Cody Cooper just five-points in arrears, while Hamish Hardwood is a further nine-points behind. Kayne Lamont was just two-points off Harwood on 56-points, while Brad Groombridge was fifth overall.

The result leaves Kirk Gibbs trailing MX1 leader Cody Cooper by just six-points heading into Round 3, with Hamish Harwood a further 16-points off second-place. Kayne Lamont if fourth in the overall standings, with Brad Groombridge fifth.

Kirk Gibbs

“I was frustrated with myself and just wanted to be in the fight, so I pushed really hard and caught all the way back up to Hamish [Harwood] and Coops [Cooper] and was able to pass both of them and get the win, so I was really happy with that one. I’m really happy with the Altherm JCR Yamaha team and my team at home [in the Sunshine Coast], who are working hard in between rounds. I’m stoked with how today ended up.”

MX1 Round Overall

Pos. Rider R1 R2 R3 Overall
1 Kirk Gibbs 22 25 25 72
2 Cody Cooper 25 22 20 67
3 Hamish Harwood 20 20 18 58
4 Kayne Lamont 18 16 22 56
5 Brad Groombridge 16 18 15 49
6 Ethan Martens 15 15 11 41
7 Tyler Steiner 14 14 13 41
8 Cody Murphy 13 13 14 40
9 Hadleigh Knight 12 11 16 39
10 Roydon White 11 12 12 35

MX1 Standings

Pos. Rider Points
1 Cody Cooper 142
2 Kirk Gibbs 136
3 Hamish Harwood 120
4 Kayne Lamont 95
5 Brad Groombridge 92
6 Ethan Martens 87
7 Tyler Steiner 82
8 Hadleigh Knight 81
9 Cody Murphy 73
10 Roydon White 70

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MX2

In MX2 Josia Natzke claimed the opening Moto win, ahead of James Scott and Maximus Purvis, with Caleb Ward and Dylan Walsh completing the top five.

Altherm JCR Yamahas Maximus Purvis powers his way into second overall in the MX championship in Rotorua

Altherm JCR Yamahas Maximus Purvis powers his way into second overall in the MX championship in Rotorua

Maximus Purvis – Image by Clmintiepix

Kyle Webster came with with a vengeance in the second Moto, after a DNS in Moto 1, claiming the win from Josia Natzke, while Maximus Purvis was once against third. Dylan Walsh and Morgan Fogarty completed the top five.

Kyle Webster again took the win in the third and final Moto of the weekend in the MX2 class, from Maximus Purvis and James Scott, while Dylan Walsh and Josia Natzke completed the top five.

Josia Natzke concluded the the weekend on 63-points for the round, one ahead of Maximus Purvis, while James Scott was third overall on 57-points. Dylan Walsh was fourth, while Kyle Webster was fifth on 50-points, with the DNS in Moto 1 the limiting factor after two Moto wins.

MX2 Round Overall

Pos Rider R1 R2 R3 Overall
1 Josiah Natzke 25 22 16 63
2 Maximus Purvis 20 20 22 62
3 James Scott 22 15 20 57
4 Dylan Walsh 16 18 18 52
5 Kyle Webster 0 25 25 50
6 Caleb Ward 18 14 15 47
7 Morgan Fogarty 15 16 14 45
8 Brad Groombridge 14 13 13 40
9 Cobie Bourke 13 12 8 33
10 Broc Martens 12 9 12 33

MX2 Standings

Pos Rider Points
1 Josiah Natzke 126
2 Maximus Purvis 118
3 James Scott 114
4 Dylan Walsh 96
5 Morgan Fogarty 92
6 Caleb Ward 90
7 Brad Groombridge 82
8 Riley Ward 70
9 Broc Martens 62
10 Cobie Bourke 58

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Charles Le Francois wins 2020 Pro 450 Arenacross Championship

Suzuki’s RM-Z450 claimed a fifth Arenacross championship title in the hands of SR75 Suzuki’s Charles Le Francois, who won the 2020 Pro 450 Championship at the SSE Arena in London, UK over the weekend.

SR Suzuki Charles Le Francois Pro Arenacross Champion

SR Suzuki Charles Le Francois Pro Arenacross Champion

Charles Le Francois (SR75 Suzuki) – 2020 Pro 450 Arenacross Champion

Frenchman Le Francois sealed this year’s championship with five main event and super final wins, plus another seven podiums. Suzuki’s previous titles were in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Geoff Walker – SR75 Suzuki Team Owner

“This Arenacross tour and championship win is incredible and another big landmark for the team. Charles and everyone involved in what we do deserve this title as we have never stopped pushing. It is unreal to take Charles and give him the opportunity to capture his first pro championship and to do it with a dominant performance at the final round shows how far he has come and we are incredibly proud of him, and the strength of the RM-Z450 package. I would like to thank Ian and everyone at Suzuki GB, all our team partners, our amazing staff, and our incredible riders and supporters for making this all possible.”


Tim Gajser & Mitch Evans talk 2020 with HRC

Three-time world champion Tim Gajser of Team HRC took the MXGP crown by over 200 points in 2019, including a record-breaking seven overall GPs in a row, then rounding off the year with one-two moto results at the Motocross of Nations in Assen, making him the first Slovenian to win his class at the historic event.

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

In the meantime, Australian Mitch Evans was competing in his first season in the FIM world motocross championship in the MX2 class, getting off to a good start at the MXGP of Patagonia, before settling into a year that was filled with some ups and downs, as he got used to life in the series.

Now with just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2020 FIM World Motocross Championship, Gajser’s focus is fully on defending that title, while Evans hopes to continue his excellent Internazionali d’Italia form into the MXGP championship and prove to everyone he has what it takes to run up front in the toughest motocross series in the world. We caught up with the duo to find out their thoughts heading into this new season…

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

Question: Just talk briefly about what that 2019 season was like for you.

Tim Gajser: “2019 was an amazing season. Already coming into the season, I was already feeling good, the bike was really great. I was hoping for a great season, and I was struggling a bit early in the season, making too many mistakes in the first races, but then after Valkenswaard we went to Arco and then everything started going in the right direction and I started winning races, Grand Prix’s and eventually the title.”

Mitch Evans: “I got off to a great start by getting on the podium in Argentina, but things didn’t quite go to plan from then on. I struggled a little bit just with everything being new and perhaps trying to push myself too much in order to over-compensate for the results. It was a learning curve though and I’m glad I was able to come over here and do it. Obviously after that I got the call to join Team HRC, it was a dream come true for me, I’ve always grown up looking at the scene over here and HRC is one of the best rides you can have. I was a little bit speechless when it happened but I knew it was going to be a big challenge and I couldn’t wait to get started.”

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

Q: What has this off-season been like and what can you tell us about the new bike?

Gajser: “It was very busy, I didn’t have a lot of time off, and had a lot to do. I am thankful I could spend a couple of days at home in my own bed, and then beginning of December I started preparation for 2020. Obviously I had Monster Cup right after Assen and then we had a few days with the new bike. I’ve ridden it a lot more this year of course but as soon as I sat on the bike, I felt really good and comfortable. Everything goes in a good way and we can have great races with that bike and a great season. I never try to stop progressing and Honda are the same, they always come with new things and together we can do big things.”

Evans: “I went over to Japan just for one race at the end of last year and that was a really cool experience. It was great to see what HRC is all about and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there. Then I went back to Australia for a little bit over the holidays before coming back to Europe this year to ride the new bike and to just work with the team in preparation for the MXGPs. The first time I rode it was in Sardinia and right away I was impressed with what they had done. I was coming from a different place than Tim but I knew that it was a machine capable of winning races and that they’d put in a lot of time and effort to getting it ready for this year.”

Team HRC Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Team HRC Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

Q: What about your preparations for this coming season and how you plan to approach it?

Gajser: “Last year I changed many things and I was super happy with that, so basically we try and stay with the same program, but you can always improve and I tried to improve some things and we try and do that every year, that is the goal. Every year, some riders from MX2 come to MXGP and it makes it bigger and there are more good riders. Already we have the great names, but this year even more good guys and the motivation is that you need to improve, and I always say it could be better. Even winning the races and the titles, I always feel I can do better.”

Evans: “I’ve done a lot of gym work to make sure I’m ready for the extra size and power of the 450 machine. I started a little bit earlier, which meant that I could go to Australia and I think that was important as it refreshed me a bit. Last year I wasn’t able to go home and I felt a bit homesick so just those couple of weeks I think have made a big difference mentally and physically. I’ve tried to work smarter and not just harder, but now I’m back working with the team to get everything ready for this season and it’s all going well.”

Q: Things went very well in Italy, with the pair of you going one-two in the Internazionali d’Italia and winning all the races. Talk about that championship.

Gajser: “It was a great way to start off the season. Of course it isn’t the MXGPs but it was important to see where the new bike was and straight away we can tell it doing very well. We got almost all the holeshots and led all the laps and I felt comfortable right from the beginning. I am very happy with how those three races went and it sets us up nicely for Matterley Basin.”

Team HRC Tim Gajser MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Team HRC Tim Gajser MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo

Evans: “Like Tim said, those three races went very well. I was very happy with my results and my racing, and my fitness was good too. Winning the last race was also a great feeling for me as it had been a little while since my last victory and it was just a great way to head into the world championships. Things will definitely be tougher there but I’m feeling strong and the Honda CRF450RW is riding well and is fast out of the gate and that is going to be very important when the season begins.”

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the MXGP class this year?

Gajser: “Defending my title is definitely the goal, but of course, I want to have fun, enjoy the races and stay healthy. I just want to enjoy and if I am having fun riding my dirt bike, I can go really fast. A happy Tim is a fast Tim, so I hope we have good races this year.”

Evans: “I would like to be one of the three or four guys at the front of the field by the end of the season. I know it will be a massive challenge, and I know that the class is extremely competitive with a lot of fast guys in it but I believe that is what I am capable of eventually. To start with, I just want to be consistent and make sure I am in the top 10 each weekend. I want to build my fitness and just work from there towards the front of the field. I’d love to get a couple of podiums and perhaps even a win before the year is out but I’d be happy with a couple of podiums.”

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo dsc

Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

Q: What’s it like having Tim / Mitch as your team-mate?

Gajser: “Mitch is a funny guy and he is a good team-mate. We spent a couple of days in November together and we stayed a couple of weeks in Sardinia and riding and having some meals together. He is a good guy, fast, young. I am getting older, but it is nice having Mitch beside me and he is younger and hungry, and he wants to show he is fast. He already proved in Mantova that he can win races so I think he has a chance to have a very good season this year.”

Evans: “Having Tim as three-time world champion as my team-mate is pretty cool. To be on the same team that he did it on is awesome because they know how to win as well. I couldn’t have anyone better to learn from, so I’m looking forward to improving from him and he’s a great guy, we get along really well so I’ve really enjoyed my time riding with him. We have a bit of banter when we can but when we need to be serious, we are, and its just a good dynamic between us both.”

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo

Team HRC Tim Gajser Mitch Evans MXGP shotbybavo

Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

So with three highly successful Italian races under their belts, the Team HRC duo of Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans will head to Matterley Basin, Great Britain for the opening round of the 2020 MXGP series full of confidence and ready to show that both the brand new Honda CRF450RW and themselves are ready to take on world motocross championship.

See below for the 2020 MXGP calendar.


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KTM Ultimate Race 2020 entrants announced

Following special qualifying events held within each of the six KTM Adventure Rallies across the world in 2019, KTM has announced the names of those 12 finalists who will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to race a rally-prepared KTM 790 Adventure R Rally machine at the KTM Ultimate Race 2020.

KTM Ultimate Race

KTM Ultimate Race

KTM Ultimate Race

Held within the upcoming Merzouga Rally on May 24 to 29, the second edition of the KTM Ultimate Race will see 12 KTM Adventure riders from Europe, South Africa, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand race aboard equally prepared KTM 790 Adventure R Rally machines. A six-day-long challenge of more than 1,000km, the KTM Ultimate Race 2020 will be a true test for each participant’s riding skills as well as their ability to navigate their way across the Moroccan dunes.

The members of the global KTM Adventure community who have topped their respective KTM Adventure Rally qualifiers to secure their spot at the KTM ULTIMATE RACE 2020 are:

  • KTM Australia Adventure Rally
    • Simon Arthur
    • Graham Cheney
  • European KTM Adventure Rally
    • Iker Iturregi
    • Andrej Crnkovic
  • KTM South Africa Adventure Rally
    • Cayle Dormehl
    • Keegan Eich
  • KTM North America Adventure Rally
    • Wes Van Nieuwenhuise
    • Brendan Crow
  • KTM Canada Adventure Rally
    • Wayne Hodder
    • Wendell Maki
  • KTM New Zealand Adventure Rally
    • Mark Dando
    • Matthew Kneesch

The KTM Ultimate Race is a special category at the Merzouga Rally, very similar to the main event and ridden mostly on the same routes. All participants will face a grueling six-day-long race from the dusty trails to the dunes of Morocco.

KTM Ultimate Race

KTM Ultimate Race

KTM Ultimate Race

Each competitor will have access to a specially prepared KTM 790 Adventure R Rally machine, which will be equipped with a host of KTM PowerParts along with a roadbook to help them navigate through the desert. All KTM Ultimate Race participants will be treated like KTM Factory riders, supported on site with a truck and a team of mechanics to help out with parts and tools or with maintaining the bike after a tough race day.

Along with this unique and exclusive prize, competitors will be given a fantastic opportunity to be coached by some of the world’s finest offroad riders. Chris Birch and Quinn Cody will be present to provide their close guidance and tutelage, while actively supporting these riders in every aspect of how to manage this challenge.

KTM Ultimate Race

KTM Ultimate Race

KTM Ultimate Race

Featuring more than 1,000km of offroad riding and navigating in the heart of Morocco, the upcoming Merzouga Rally will take place on May 24/29, 2020.


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2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

  • May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
  • May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
  • June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
  • June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
  • June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
  • July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
  • July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
  • July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
  • August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
  • August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
  • August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

  • Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
  • Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
  • Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
  • March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
  • March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
  • March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
  • April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
  • April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
  • April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

  • March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
  • March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
  • March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
  • April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
  • April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
  • May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
  • July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
  • July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
  • August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • September 13 – China, (TBA) –
  • September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
  • September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 American Flat Track

  • Round 1. March 14: Daytona 200 &  TT – Daytona Speedway, FL
  • Round 2. March 28: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
  • Round 3. April 4: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Speedway, Concord, NC
  • Round 4. May 2: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
  • Round 5. May 9: So-Cal Half-Mile – Perris Speedway, Perris, CA
  • Round 6. May 16: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
  • Round 7. May 30: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
  • Round 8. June 13: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Speedway, Loudon, NH
  • Round 9. June 20: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Round 10. June 27: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  • Round 11. July 4: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
  • Round 12. August 9: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
  • Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
  • Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
  • Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

  • Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
  • Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
  • Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
  • Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
  • Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

  • Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
  • Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
  • Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
  • Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
  • Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
  • Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
  • Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
  • Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

  • May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
  • May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
  • June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
  • July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
  • July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
  • August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
  • August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
  • August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
  • September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
  • October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

  • April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
    • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
  • October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
    • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

  • May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
    • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
  • September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
    • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD 22 – 23 February 2020
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW 14 – 15 March 2020
  • Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW 18 – 19 April 2020
  • Round 7 & 8: Murray Bridge, SA 1 – 2 August 2020
  • Round 9 & 10: Omeo, VIC 19 – 20 September 2020
  • Round 11 & 12: Wynyard, TAS 17 –18 October 2020

2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1: December 7, 2019 – Krakow, Poland
  • Round 2: January 4 – Riesa, Germany
  • Round 3: January 18 – A Coruna, Spain
  • Round 4: February 1 – Budapest, Hungary
  • Round 5: March 14 – Lodz, Poland

2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West Calendar

  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East Series
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 16-17: Madd Moose, Marquette, Mich.
    • July 4-5: Tough Like RORR, Tamaqua, Pa.
    • July 18-19: Fallen Timbers, Little Hocking, Ohio
    • Aug. 1-2: Battle of the Goats, Taylorsville, N.C.
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road West Series
    • Feb. 8: King of the Motos, Lucerne Valley, Calif.
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 2-3: EnduroFest, Reno, Nev.
    • June 6-7: Last Dog Standing, Devore, Calif.
    • June 20-21: Stix and Stones, Kellogg, Idaho
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship
    • Aug. 14-16: Trials Training Center, Sequatchie, Tenn.

2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 – June 13: Diedenbergen DE
  • Round 2 – July 26: Boves-Cuneo IT
  • Round 3 – September 5: Morizès FR
  • Round 4 – October 3: Pardubice CZ

2020 King of MX Calendar

  • Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final **Run & Won**
  • Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 5 -April 18-19, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Dargle – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Final – June 6-8, Cessnock

2020 Australian Motocross National Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
  • Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
  • Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
  • Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
  • Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
  • Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23

2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship

  • Round One – Balclutha, 1st February 2020
  • Round Two – Rotorua, 23rd February 2020
  • Round Three – Hawkes Bay, 1st March 2020
  • Round Four – Taupo, 15th March 2020

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Milner, Sanders and Semmens claim AORC lead at Toowoomba

2020 Yamaha AORC

Rounds 1-2 Toowoomba

Images courtesy of Troy Pears


Round One – Saturday

Round 1 of the 2020 Yamaha Off Road Championship was held in Toowoomba and presented new challenges to our riders, including new faces in the field and first round nerves, with new classes also joining the mix.

Coming out on top today and setting 2020 out on the best foot was Luke Styke (Yamaha Active8 Yamalube) in E1, Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) in E2, Daniel “Chucky” Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) in E3 and Korey McMahon (Sutto’s Motorex KTM Racing Team) in the EJ class.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke E

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke E

Luke Styke – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

This new season also introduces of new Junior classes, including JJ, JG and J1, all in mind to ensure the sport is safely secured in future generations to come. Round 1 was clinched by Riley McGillivray in J4, Billy Hargy in J3, Jett Yarnold in J2, Charlie Connolly in J1, Max Stevenson in JJ and Danielle McDonald in JG.

Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha MXStore Ballards Off-Road Team) led the Women’s results at Round 1, Lee Stephens (True Painting and Decorating, KTM Newcastle)in Veterans and Kirk Hutton (Yamaha Motors Australia) in Masters all took out first place, attaining a firm grasp on their continued success from 2019 into 2020. This AORC season also includes the first full season 2 Stroke Cup class, which saw Harry Teed take out the top spot.


E1

Working tooth and nail to hold onto his 2019 victory was Luke Styke on his Yamaha with a time of 55:47.177. Styke lead ahead of Motocross up-and-comer Mason Semmens (KTM Enduro Racing Team), who crossed his seventh and final test for the day with a total time of 55:55.475 with only eight seconds separating two.

Rounding out the E1 Round 1 podium was MXstore’s Kyron Bacon, who continues to grow in leaps and bounds as he transitions from EJ to E1 this season.

Luke Styke

“Today started off a little slower than expected but we progressed throughout the day, made some fixes to the bike and just got better and better. For Round 2 we’re just going to rest up and hopefully start off the racing in a little bit of a better position compared to today.”


E2

As Daniel Milner said at the Press Launch earlier this week, the 2019 racing season was one he wanted to forget, but regardless of the spill early in the day, Milner has grabbed the E2 lead with both hands. Clocking in at 54:39.515, Milner lead comfortably ahead of newcomer and MX Nationals Champion, Todd Waters (Berry Sweet, Husqvarna).

Waters made a big and welcome splash into the E2 class today, shaking up the competition by clocking in an impressive total time of 55:27.309. Closing out the top three was Yamaha Active8 Yamalube’s Josh Green, who finished ahead of Michael Driscoll (Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Team) with a total time of 55:36.369.

Daniel Milner

“Today started off strong but I ran into some trouble and came off the bike and I’m lucky that I was able to get back up and continue riding, honestly. Apart from that incident though, my day was pretty good and finished up well with the class win! I think I came into this round swinging, ready to get back into the game in a big way.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner E

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner E

Daniel Milner – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


E3

With the number one firmly locked onto his Husqvarna FE501, Chucky remained his unstoppable self. Regardless of a crash early in day’s tests, Chucky did as he does best and pushed through, grinning and bearing it to clock in a time of 55:21.276.

Shaking up the E3 class on the 300 two-stroke is Motul Pirelli Sherco Offroad Racing Team’s Jonte Reynders, who took out second placed behind the International Six Days Enduro World Champion. Rounding out the podium was Callum Norton (KTM Desert Racing Team), with a total time of 57:09.295.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders E

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders E

Daniel Sanders – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


EJ

It was was the time for Korey McMahon to shine and after tangoing back and forth with the likes of Kyron Bacon last season, McMahon took out a well deserved EJ class win for Round 1, clocking in a time of 58:05.112.

Rounding out the podium today was Blake Hollis (Yamaha) with a total time 58:44.064, and Samuel Pretscherer (Gol Gol Hotel, Mototech) with a time of 59:40.496.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Korey McMahon EJ

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Korey McMahon EJ

Korey McMahon – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


J4

Settling comfortably back into the swings of things, it was like Riley McGillivray never left over the break as he charged ahead of his rivals with ease. McGillivray finished Round 1 with a total time of 48:19.242, ahead of Kodi Stephens and Kobi Wolff.


J3

Billy Hargy was simply unstoppable as he screamed across the Offroad Advantage test track, finishing in first with a total time of 49:16.712. Second place was awarded to William Dennett, while clinching the final podium position was Campbell Hall.

Billy Hargy

“Today was good. Started off a bit slow and came second in the first few tests. I think I was struggling in the test a little bit but I started finding a few good lines and working to my strengths. I didn’t think I’d score the round win and I’m really happy with the end result!”


J2

The rocky landscape didn’t slow down Jett Yarnold, who stole away first place in J2 with ease, clocking in after six laps with a time of 52:38.318. Sliding into second was Levi Stephens, followed closely by Jet Alsop in third.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jett Yarnold J

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jett Yarnold J

Jett Yarnold – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


J1

A brand new addition to the AORC pits, the J1 features 85 small wheels. Coming out on top for Round 1 was Charlie Connolly, with a total time of 56:09.406. Clinching second place was Beau Tripcony, while rounding out the podium was Cooper Boyd.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Charlie Connolly J

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Charlie Connolly J

Charlie Connolly – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


JJ

The second brand new addition to AORC is the JJ class with 65cc motorbikes and claiming its first ever round win was none other than Max Stevenson, with a total time of 57:51.208. Taking out second place was Harley Hutton, and close behind was Dylan McDonald scoring third place.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Max Stevenson JJ

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Max Stevenson JJ

Max Stevenson – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


JG

Last but certainly not least in the Juniors is the new JG class. Claiming the first round win was the demon behind the handlebars, Danielle McDonald, with a total time of 54:09.460. McDonald was followed by Monique Simioni and Ariana Collins to complete the podium.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Danielle Mcdonald JG

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Danielle Mcdonald JG

Danielle McDonald – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


Women’s

Jess Gardiner appears to have worked straight through the AORC break to build herself up to an even better position for the 2020 season. Clocking in a total time of 1:10:30.314, Gardiner took out first place ahead of ‘The Flying Swede’, Emelie Karlsson (Yamaha).

Stealing away third was Penrite Honda’s Emma Milesevic, who appears to be right at home now after completing a near full season in 2019 whilst also making tracks in Motocross.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jessica Gardiner Womens

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jessica Gardiner Womens

Jess Gardiner – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


Veterans

Continuing on from a blisteringly hot 2019 season where he rarely faltered off first place, Lee Stephens demonstrated his fine form to take out first place in the Veterans class. Trailing behind Stephens in second place was Richard Chibnall (WBR Echuca On Point Motorcycles, 100% Strength), while the third and final Veteran podium position was won by Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM).

Lee Stephens

“Had a really good day today. I crashed in the logs on the first test – they caught me out – and I have really been looking forward to getting the season started,” explained Stephens.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lee Stephens Vets

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lee Stephens Vets

Lee Stephens – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


Masters

He took out the 2019 AORC Masters title with a round to spare last season and looks set to continue that fantastic streak in 2020, with Kirk Hutton taking out first place, clocking in a total time of 1:07:10.693. Behind Hutton in second was Andrew Gillam, while Timothy Martin rounded out the podium

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton Masters

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton Masters

Kirk Hutton – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba


2 Stroke Cup

After the success of the 2 Stroke Cup in selected rounds last season, AORC introduced this class as a full season Championship class for 2020.

Taking out first place at Round 1 was Harry Teed with a total time of 59:10.420. As Teed navigated the WR450F track, which presented a mixture of lush grass and slippery dust, he was followed closely by Brad Hardaker (Banana Coast Pest Control, Yamaha). Third place was won by Dalton Johnson (Motul Pirelli Sheroc Offroad Racing Team).

Round One Results


Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Wrap | Weekly recap from the dirty side of motorcycling

Moto News Weekly for December 3, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Tai Woffinden to race in Perth this weekend
  • Rossi and Marini win 100km dei Campioni
  • Anderson, Brayton, Blose crowned at Aus-X Open in Melbourne
  • CDR Yamaha’s Clout & Reardon go 2-3 in SX1
  • Josh Osby claims SX2 runner-up for Raceline KTM Thor
  • Jay Wilson closes out SX2 season in fourth at Marvel Stadium
  • Dunlop the tyre of choice for Supercross winners
  • Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450 sold for $18,000
  • FIM versus WESS stalemate continues
  • FIM and FIA fail to reach agreements over SSV racing
  • Discovery/Eurosport named FIM Speedway GP promoters
  • Full 2020 AORC calendar announced
  • 2020 Championship Calendars
    • 2020 AMA Motocross
    • 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
    • 2020 MXGP
    • 2020 American Flat Track
    • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
    • 2020 FIM Speedway GP
    • 2020 Australian Dirt Track
    • 2020 Australian Track

Tai Woffinden racing in Perth

Graeme Sinden has informed us that two-times British Champion, three-times World Champion, twice winner of The Rob Woffinden Classic and current Western Australian Speedway Solo Champion Tai Woffinden is in town and booked to race at the fabulous Perth Motorplex on Saturday 7th December.

Tai Woffinden in action ImgWarwickHemy
Tai Woffinden – Image by Warwick Hemy

Tai Woffinden will also race the following week at the Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway in Neerubup the following Saturday night for the running of the Rob Woffinden Classic. He has previously won the title twice and is the defending RWC Champion.

Joining Tai Woffinden at Perth Motorplex will be three other British riders who together form a British Team who will contest a series of events against a strong West Australian side.

Team GB

  • Jack Smith, son of former British Champ, Andy Smith.
  • Leon Flint, the 16 year old Berwick Bandits flyer
  • Drew Kemp 2019 British under 19 CHAMPION.

Headlining the Team WA will be former International rider, Frank Smart, the in form Dan Winchester and Matt Marson.

Tai is down under in the Southern hemisphere for some R & R to recover from a bruising European season and his World Grand Prix commitments. He will head back to the UK in the new year, however while in Perth he gives of his time to perform in a couple of shows for his WA fans.

Tai Woffinden – Image Colin Rosewarne

Tai set the Pinjar Park track on fire last January winning the RWC and the WA State Championship and was responsible for some of the largest crowds the new track has seen in its relatively short existence.

This is a great opportunity to see Tai Woffinden and his fellow British team mates perform, an opportunity we don’t get to see often in Perth, and I urge you not to miss either of these two huge speedway meetings.

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Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini win 100km dei Campioni

Brothers claim victory ahead of Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Migno in the sixth edition of the event held at Rossi’s VR46 Ranch while despite suffering falls on the unfamiliar surface American duo JD Beach and Sammy Halbert rounded out the podium.

The race started in ‘endurance’ style with riders running towards their bikes. Elia Bartolini entered the first corner ahead of the group followed by Rossi, Migno and Stefano Manzi.

The first laps of the race stages some thrilling moments, Manzi crashed and Rossi managed to overtake Bartolini. During the first bike swap Marini, teaming up with his brother Valentino, gained the head of the group chased by Morbidelli and Lorenzo Baldassarri.

During the fifty laps of the race with riders swapping bikes every five laps, exciting head to head battles are staged.

Marini’s bike stopped and Morbidelli took advantage of Luca’s mistake to gain the lead of the race. On the other hand, some grip issues for Bartolini allow American pairing JD Beach and Sammy Halbert to comeback to fight for third position.

In the last few laps of the race, Rossi succeeded in his attempt to reduce the gap with Migno, getting very close to the Academy rider and setting the last laps of the most exciting edition of the 100km dei Campioni on fire.

The last bike swap marks the beginning of the last five laps which decide the podium positions. Marini took the chequered flag first followed by Morbidelli a few tenths behind and JD Beach fighting with Baldassari until the last corners.

Morbidelli made a mistake and a cone got stuck into his bike. This allowed Marini to overtake Franco and gain the lead of the race which he manages to keep util the finish line winning the 100km dei Campioni together with his brother Rossi. Second place went to Morbidelli and Migno following six seconds behind. The American pair of Beach and Halbert gained the third step of the podium ahead of Bartolini and Baldassarri with a gap of just over a second.

Fifth position went the way of Mattia Pasini and Stefano Manzi, sixth was claimed by Celestino Vietti and Marco Bezzecchi.


Aussie SX season concluded in Melbourne

For the full Aus-X Open report see:
Massive blow by blow recap of Australian SX finale (link)

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2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM

The Monster Energy AUS-X Open rocked Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium over the weekend as American Jason Anderson claimed the prestigious S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, while Justin Brayton and Chris Blose claimed the Australian Supercross SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.

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Jason Anderson – Image by AM

An on-form Luke Clout started off the night in perfect fashion, as he laid down the fastest lap in Superpole, clocking faster than Anderson, Brayton and Chad Reed to name a few.

When the SX1 Finals kicked off Justin Brayton made a positive start to claim the first win of the night, as his title rival Clout ran into dramas, going down multiple times and finishing well down the order.

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Justin Brayton – Image by AM

Anderson claimed the race two victory over Brayton, and put in a repeat performance in the third final, earning the S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship title, while Brayton claimed the Australian Supercross SX1 Championship.

Justin Brayton – SX1 Champion

“I’m stoked I got the win – the last few weeks have been so tough, so to get this championship means a lot. I love this country, thank you so much for welcoming me, and I hope that I’ve done your country proud coming over here and winning four straight.”

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Justin Brayton – Image by AM

For Anderson, claiming the FIM Oceania Championship is a big tick off the list.

Jason Anderson – FIM Oceania Champion

“This title is sweet, it’s rad I was able to get it done. The track was slick, racing was tight, but my Rockstar Husky was locked in. Thanks to all the AME boys for putting this on. I love coming Down Under, and really plan on doing it for sometime to come.”

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Jason Anderson – Image by AM

2019 Australian Supercross SX1 Standings

Pos Name R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 PTS
1 Justin BRAYTON 25 25 20 18 25 113
2 Luke CLOUT 20 22 25 22 14 103
3 Daniel REARDON 22 20 22 16 15 95
4 Brett METCALFE 18 18 16 20 18 90
5 Dylan LONG 16 11 15 13 12 67
6 Richie EVANS 13 16 10 8 13 60
7 Joel WIGHTMAN 10 15 9 9 11 54
8 Josh HILL     18 15 20 53
9 Todd WATERS 15 13 12 7 4 51
10 Jason ANDERSON       25 22 47
11 Jayden RYKERS 12 10 8 5 7 42
12 Lawson BOPPING 14   13 11 3 41
13 Jackson RICHARDSON   12 1 14 9 36
14 Cody DYCE 5 5 14 4 5 33
15 Dylan WOOD 8 6 6 3 6 29
16 Jesse DOBSON 7 14 7     28
17 Henry MILLER     11 12   23
18 Gradie FEATHERSTONE 11 7 2   2 22
19 Justin CARAFA   9 4   8 21
20 Caleb WARD 9 8       17
21 Chad REED         16 16
22 Jesse MADDEN     5   10 15
23 Joey SAVATGY       10   10
24 Lochie LATIMER 6 4       10
25 Cody COOPER       6   6
26 Blake COBBIN 4         4
27 Jamie HARVEY     3     3
28 Joel CIGLIANO   3       3
29 Jono KRUSIC         1 1
 
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SX2

The SX2 Class was once again full of insane racing, with the Triple Crown offering up some incredible action that resulted in Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg taking the overall victory. In P4 was Australian prodigy Jett Lawrence, who claimed two Knobby Holeshots, as he demonstrated why he has secured a long-term contract with Geico Honda.

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2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM

The star of the show however in SX2 was American Chris Blose; as he brought home the 2019 Australian Supercross SX2 Championship.

Chris Blose – SX2 Champion

“Oh man; I can’t explain this. I’m so pumped, the Penrite Honda team worked so hard for this, I did too, and we walk out of here with a number one plate. Thanks to everyone involved, it’s a dream come true to be crowned champion.”

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Chris Blose – Image by AM

Collingwood F.C superstar Jordan De Goey took out the Yamaha Celebrity Challenge, as he put his previous motocross skills to the test and eventually stretched his lead to five seconds in the two-lap affair. His AFL rival, Jack Riewoldt, finished in second to last, with 2019 Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin claiming the wooden spoon.

The Polyflor International showdown was taken out by the Australian Team, with Dan Reardon, Luke Clout and Chad Reed taking out the USA trio of Jason Anderson, Josh Hill and Ricky Carmichael.

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Chad Reed – Image by AM

The Monster Energy Best Trick contest saw Melbourne young gun Jayo Archer stomp his first ever Double Backflip in competition, and subsequently, the crowd decided he deserved the gold by popular demand. For Boost Mobile Best Whip, Tyler Wakeford beat some heavy hitters to take gold.

That’s a wrap for supercross action in the Southern Hemisphere for 2019, with 2020 already in the works to become bigger and better than ever, as riders continue to strive for supercross stardom.

2019 Australian Supercross SX2 Standings

Pos Name R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 PTS
1 Chris BLOSE 20 16 25 22 22 105
2 Joshua OSBY 18 22 22 25 14 101
3 Mitchell OLDENBURG 13 25 20 16 25 99
4 Jay WILSON 16 18 15 18 20 87
5 Aaron TANTI 22 20 18 20 4 84
6 Connor TIERNEY   14 14 15 15 58
7 Regan DUFFY   15 12 14 16 57
8 Bradley TAFT 15 12 13 5 12 57
9 Dylan WILLS 12 10 16 12   50
10 Rhys BUDD   11 8 8 13 40
11 Geran STAPLETON   9 7 11 11 38
12 Ricky LATIMER 8 8 9 10 1 36
13 Tomas RAVENHORST   13 10   9 32
14 Morgan FOGARTY 9   3 9 8 29
15 Kyle WEBSTER 11   11   6 28
16 Jayce COSFORD 10 6 4 6   26
17 Jacob HAYES 25         25
18 Darian SANAYEI       13 10 23
19 Kaleb BARHAM 7 7 5   2 21
20 Jett LAWRENCE         18 18
21 Hugh McKAY 6     7 5 18
22 Wilson TODD 14         14
23 Jaxon HADLOW     6   7 13
24 Jack KUKAS 5 4       9
25 Chandler BURNS   5       5
26 Madison LATTA       4   4
27 Alex LARWOOD         3 3
28 McKenzie O’BREE     2     2
29 Caleb GOULLET     1     1

CDR Yamaha’s Clout & Reardon go 2-3 in SX1

US guest Josh Hill made his first trip to the podium in 2019 taking a third place over the weekend at the Aus-X Open, while Luke Clout and Dan Reardon claimed the two – three finish in the premier SX1 championship despite a challenging final round.

Luke Clout carried the championship leader’s red plate into the final round with a slender one point lead over Justin Brayton. Clout looked on point all day posting the fastest laps in qualifying and in Superpole, but when the three back to back main events rolled on, his luck deserted him. He took a 10-3-7 result, crashing in the first and last race.

Luke Clout

“Look, it’s a bit of a disappointing way to finish the championship but overall, I still see it as a very positive series for me and one that I made gains on as a rider. Myself and the team put in a lot of work both in the lead up and during the championship and it was rewarded with good results all the way through and a second championship behind Justin is still something both the team and myself can be very proud of. Thank you to Craig and everyone on the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team as well as my brother Aaron for the amazing job they do. And to race in this venue tonight, in front of so many people is such a huge moment for our sport. Walking out for race one and seeing the crowd and venue gave me chills.”

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Luke Clout – Image by AM

Dan Reardon finished up third in the SX1 championship after another solid season, matching his 2018 result, and was sixth overall for Round 5 with a consistent 5-5-7 result. A crash in his heat race, left him a little battered and bruised, while he had to transfer through to the main event via the LCQ but once on the start line it was business as usual for the Queenslander.

Dan Reardon

“I made things difficult for myself when I crashed in the heat race. Instead of having an early pick of the start gate with a direct transfer spot, I had 17th pick of the gate and as a result wasn’t in a good position in the first turn on every start. I would love to have done better here tonight as it was a big stage for our sport in a venue like this and with the biggest crowd we have had for supercross, but still happy to finish third in the championship and be racing at this level. Last year I finished the season with an injury in Auckland that took months to rehab. It took a lot of work to come back and get full strength back in my foot and ankle, but I am glad I did it as I still love racing supercross. It was also great to hook up with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team again and re-ignite a successful working relationship. We won in 2015 and here we are four years later still going for championships.”

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Dan Reardon – Image by AM

With his three race stint here in Australia as a guest of Monster Energy and CDR Yamaha, Josh Hill broke through for his first podium in 2019, charging to a 3-4-2 result in a hectic night of racing. He was up the front in all thee races and challenging the likes of Justin Brayton and Jason Anderson. In only three round appearances, Hill made his way to eighth overall in the championship.

Josh Hill

“I had such a great time here in Australia and can’t thank everyone from Monster and Yamaha for their support and enthusiasm in having my race down here. Everything about this trip has been so much fun and if the opportunity comes up again I would love to do it as my time here as been amazing. “It was also good to get on the podium at the biggest race of the season and reward the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team. We have been close at the other two rounds and I was desperate to give them some decent results for everything they have done. I hope to come back next year and do a full supercross season as I can see the sport is growing here. I can see why Justin does it every year, you Aussie people are cool, so hopefully we can work out a deal that will enable me to do it again as I think I have more to give in racing and enjoy my time here so much.”

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Josh Hill and Justin Brayton – Image by AM

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Josh Osby claims SX2 runner-up for Raceline KTM Thor

The Aus-X Open started well for Osby, who qualified as the fastest rider of the day’s timed qualifying sessions and went into the nights heat race feeling confident. The night took a turn for the worse in the very first lap of the heat race however, as Osby was landed on by another rider at the conclusion of lap one, hitting the ground hard.

Making the direct transfer to the main, he went on to claim a 5-7-12, despite a penalty in race two and a ruptured oil filler cap in race three. The result left him seventh overall for the round, and relegated Osby to runner-up in the SX2 championship.

Josh Osby

“Tonight was one of the hardest nights of my career. I put myself in good positions like I have all season, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out. It seemed like nothing went my way from the beginning of the heat race on and although we tried, it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I want to thank the entire team, we came so close and they gave me everything I needed to get the job done. But that’s racing and hopefully I’ll be back for redemption next year.”

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Josh Osby smoking due to damage to an oil filler cap – Image by AM

In a fantastic showing rookie Regan Duffy finished a very impressive fifth overall with 9-5-6 results respectively in the three SX2 main events. A fifth overall culminates a fantastic rookie Supercross season, leading to seventh overall in the SX2 Championship standings.

Regan Duffy

“Tonight was intense for me, the track here at Marvel Stadium was unreal. I had to figure out a few rhythm sections after the days timed sessions, but we worked it out for the main events and it made a big difference come race time. I had some close calls out there tonight, the racing was incredible to be a part of and I had a great time. I can’t thank the team and everyone in my corner enough, 2019 has been a solid start to my Professional career.”

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Regan Duffy – Image by AM

In an unfortunate incident, SX1 rider Henry Miller would crash in the timed qualifying session during the day and be forced to retire from the event with minor injuries, following a collision with another rider.


Jay Wilson closes out SX2 season in fourth at Marvel Stadium

Jay Wilson, defending SX2 champion, has had a frustrating 2019 season just missing the podium at the opening four rounds, despite winning races and being in contention throughout. But he put all that behind him over the weekend, where the Triple Crown format was again is use, with Wilson carding a 3-2-3 result to take third on the night and move to fourth in the final championship standings.

Jay Wilson

“Tonight my mentality was that I had nothing to lose. I was fifth coming into the final round and even if I had a shocker, it wouldn’t have done much for the overall result, so I just laid it all on the line and see what happened. I didn’t get great starts all night and that was my fault, my reaction time at the gate was terrible but I managed to make some passes only to get near the front but run out of time. But, I feel pretty good with how I raced tonight and just wished I had of taken that mentality in from round one. The team did a great job as always and the bike was perfect. The Yamalube Yamaha Racing team put in a big effort and it was frustrating not to be able to get them on the podium until now in this series. Thanks to my mechanic, Mike Ward, his dedication and passion is unrivalled and while we didn’t get the championship back, we gave it a good shake.”

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Jay Wilson – Image by AM

The Aus-X Open also saw Richie Evans complete his first series in supercross, claiming sixth overall in the SX1 championship. The north Queenslander had only competed in a few supercross events prior to the 2019 season and never on a 450, making sixth place a worthy achievement, alongside taking eighth overall for the round with a 6-9-8 result.

Richie Evans

“Sometimes I look at who is alongside me on the start line and think its pretty amazing that I am on the same track as them. I started next to Jason Anderson in all six main events in Auckland and Melbourne- the guy was the 2018 world champion, and I’m just a dude riding a dirt bike from Cairns. I think he must be over me as I got a few starts on him as well. But its been a good supercross series for me. I came in injured at round one, got a top five in Adelaide, had a couple of tough races in Wollongong and Auckland before finishing strongly here in Melbourne. The team have been great and having Michael work with me has been good as he has so much experience. Thank you to everyone on the team and I have had a great time racing supercross.”

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Richie Evans – Image by AM

 
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Dunlop the tyre of choice for Supercross winners

In front of 35,000 race fans, Dunlop racers took a clean sweep of not only the final-round podium, but also the championship. The Dunlop Geomax MX33 pattern once again proved to be the tyre of choice inside Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, taking the win in every SX1 track outing.

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Justin Brayton – Image by AM

Justin Brayton opened the night with the win in heat one, while Jason Anderson took the top spot in heat two. Superpole saw Clout set the fastest lap, before the triple-crown race format saw the SX1 class line up for three eight-lap races.

It was Brayton’s consistent 1-2-3 results that earned the overall win, ahead of Anderson’s 7-1-1 and Josh Hill’s 3-4-2 to round out the podium, and it was a 2019 Australian Supercross Championship podium lockout with all riders choosing to race with Dunlop.

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Jason Anderson – Image by AM

In the SX2 class Yamalube Yamaha’s Jay Wilson took third for the night, securing fourth in the championship. Title contender Aaron Tanti, went down hard, earning just four points for the round and settling for fifth overall in the championship. All eyes were on 16-year-old Jett Lawrence as he made his supercross debut, taking a 4-3-2 race results for fourth in the round, and showing many why he is not just a future star of the sport, but a star already.

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Jay Wilson – Image by AM
Robbie Bugden – Dunlop Motorsport Manager

“Just like that, the Australian Supercross Championship is over. What an amazing atmosphere, with 35,000 people watching a world-class field on a world-class track. I’m obviously ecstatic about not only securing the round and championship win in SX1, but to lock out the podium is just amazing, and a credit to both the riders and the Geomax product range. Congratulations to Justin Brayton on his fourth SX1 championship, but also to CDR Yamaha Monster Energy for securing second and third overall with Luke (Clout) and Dan (Reardon), along with Josh Hill taking eighth after missing the first two rounds! It was great to watch Jay Wilson take it to the Americans all night in SX2. He’s a class rider and it’s great to see him up front, once more showing that consistency gets you everywhere. 2019 has been a year of change, but also a great year. We’re proud to work with some incredible teams and riders, and supporting the sport in so many ways, and I’m really looking forward to what 2020 has in store.”


Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450 sold for $18,000!

Suzuki Australia recently announced the opportunity to own the RM-Z450 ridden by Ricky Carmichael at the 2019 SX-Open Supercross event just run in Melbourne, with the bike passing reserve and selling for $18,000, with all proceeds past the reserve going to the Starlight Foundation.

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Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450

Ricky Carmichael’s one-off 2019 Suzuki RM-Z450 featured the following modifications from standard.

  • Yoshimura RS-4 full titanium exhaust system
  • Hinson complete clutch assembly and factory Suzuki clutch cover
  • Unique to SX-Open event custom RC graphics kit
  • ODI Ricky Carmichael signature handlebars and lock-on grips
  • DID gold race chain
  • Personally signed by the G.O.A.T himself
  • A set of FOX riding gear as worn by Ricky Carmichael at the SX-Open event=
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Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450

Carmichael, the most successful AMA motocross racer of all-time is a seven time AMA Motocross premier class champion and five time AMA Supercross Champion. His unrivalled successes in the sport of motocross have given him the nickname ‘The G.O.A.T’ by his peers; standing for the Greatest of All Time.

 
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FIM versus WESS stalemate continues

Talks have been taking place since the beginning of the year as the FIM have sought to bring WESS under their umbrella.

The FIM have made statements such as, “The FIM will not be flexible in environmental rules, safety conditions, protection of our riders and controlling the sport.” Using such statements to indicate that competitors are at more risk in non FIM events due to riders not being covered under the FIM insurance scheme while competing in WESS events.

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2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media

For their part WESS organisers seem determined to go their own way. The WESS was set-up largely by Red Bull and KTM/Husqarna immediately joined the competition and had their star contracted riders concentrate on the WESS series.

From the outside looking in, WESS certainly seems to be much more professional than World Enduro/Enduro GP. The media and promotion efforts surrounding WESS make EnduroGP look very amateur indeed.

This week the FIM stated that; “The FIM stays firm with regards to environmental rules, safety conditions, protection of riders and controlling the sport. A new meeting will take place in February 2020, where all parties hope to reach an agreement.”

“Two different tenders were launched: one for the promotion of the FIM Enduro World Championship 2021-2030 and another for a new FIM Enduro Extreme World Cup 2020-2029, with the objective of bringing together the Enduro family. The FIM hopes to receive interesting offers.


FIM and FIA fail to reach agreements over SSV racing

SSV (Side by Side Vehicles): Despite their best efforts, an agreement was not possible between the FIM and the FIA on the matter of SSV Classes. The FIM will proceed with its own production category of light vehicles.


Discovery/Eurosport named FIM Speedway GP promoters

Speedway: A tender was launched during the third trimester of 2019 for the promotion of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship for 2022-2031.

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland

Various offers were submitted to the FIM Board of Directors, who chose after much consideration to sign with Discovery / Eurosport Events as their proposal was the most interesting and innovative from a sports, development and TV coverage point of view. The FIM would like to thank BSI for its dedication and hard work and hopes to collaborate with them again in the future.

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Kiwi world champs receive medals at FIM Awards in Monaco

In an historic first for Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ), two Kiwi world champion riders Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald were officially presented with their 2019 FIM World Championship medals at a glittering ceremony in Monaco, on Sunday night. 

Since MNZ became affiliated with the FIM in 1986, New Zealand has never had two riders win world championship events in a single season.

Dunedin-based 23-year-old Duncan (Kawasaki) dominantly won the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship in 2019, after three years of near misses, since bursting onto the scene as a race-winning rookie in 2016.

While 20-year-old MacDonald (Sherco), of Christchurch, claimed the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Championship – New Zealand’s first title in the discipline, thanks to an impressive second season at this level.

Duncan says it was “definately a proud moment receiving my world championship medal among all the other winners.”

Courtney Duncan
Courtney Duncan

Her victorious season started with a win in the opening moto of the season at Valkenswaard, The Netherlands. Although she slipped to fourth in the second moto and allowed Dutch rider Nancy van der Ven (Yamaha) to claim the top spot, that would prove to be the only moment she would let her guard down all season.

Consecutive doubles in Portugal, the Czech Republic and Italy, set up a title shot at the final round in Turkey, where she wasted no time in wrapping things up with a dominant 12-second victory in the first moto. Duncan signed-off her 2019 assault with a second race win, making it nine from ten for the season, as she followed in the footsteps of fellow Kiwi Katherine Oberlin-Brown (nee Prumm), who won the Women’s World Cup in 2006 and 2007, before the class was elevated to FIM World Motocross Championship status.

MacDonald showed the world how it was done this year too, by scoring a podium in every single race that he finished in the seven-round season. The first Kiwi rider to compete at world level in over fifteen years, he also showed no shortage of grit and determination to come back after breaking his shoulder at the third round in Spain, where he missed out on the points completely after back-to-back double victories in Germany and Portugal.

His only other no-score after that was on the second day in Italy and despite having conceded the championship lead to Italy’s Claudio Spanu (Husqvarna), MacDonald gradually fought back to make sure of the title with a pair of third places at the final round in Ambert, France.

He and Duncan were treated to all the super-star treatment in Monaco – complete with a helicopter transfer into Monte Carlo and Duncan was dressed for the awards night by Kiwi fashion label Company of Strangers, from her hometown of Dunedin.

“It was a huge honour to be representing New Zealand at these awards and to have Hamish alongside – another Kiwi – is pretty special for our country. I will enjoy this moment before I get back to work towards next season,” Duncan says.

MacDonald was blown away by the hillside district of Monte Carlo, describing it as “amazing and so beautiful.”

“It was great to represent New Zealand on a world stage – not just myself too which is pretty crazy because New Zealand has never had two world champion riders in one year!” Hamish says.

Hamish MacDonald World Enduro Champion
Canterbury’s Hamish MacDonald celebrates wining the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Championship and becoming the first New Zealander to become victorious in this discipline – Image by MAastorgne Photography and Dario Agrati

Like Duncan, he will start increasing his hours on the bike and cross-training, as he prepares for the up-coming season, where he moves up to the junior enduro category.

“It will be tough, but I like a challenge and I’m excited to see what it brings, and hopefully I can come back to Monaco next year! Summer will be hard training for me. I don’t know if I’ll race any events in New Zealand yet. I’ll also be doing lots of riding, running and cycling preparing for my return back to Europe in January 2020.” MacDonald says.

Duncan also heads back to Europe around the same time, as her first round is in Britain at the end of February, where she will begin her title defence.

“I’ll start to build for the season when I’m return to New Zealand at the end of the week. It’ll be another big year, which I’m looking forward to.” Duncan says.

Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald at FIM Awards
Kiwi riders Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald with their world championship medals at the glittering Monte-Carlo-hosted FIM Awards ceremony on Sunday

2020 AORC round 1-3 locations announced

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have released race weekend locations for the first six of 12 rounds of the 2020 national championship series.

The AORC kick starts the 2020 season off returning to Toowoomba featuring a new Cooby Dam venue for rounds 1 and 2 on February 22 and 23.

AORC Rounds 1 & 2 at Toowoomba with John Pearson
2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2, Toowoomba – Image by John Pearson Media

The championship then heads south to Dungog, NSW on March 14 and 15 for rounds 3 and 4 and a new venue at Nowra for rounds 5 and 6 on April 18 and 19.

The 2020 Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up twelve rounds of the AORC for 2020.

Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager

“With the recently crowned World Champion Junior Team and overall second placed Australian ISDE team returning for action in 2020, we will have the best riders in the world competing in the Yamaha AORC. We are very excited for the 2020 Yamaha AORC to be returning to Toowoomba, Dungog and Nowra, where we have held successful events in the past. With new exciting venues in the 2020 AORC we are sure to again field upwards of 200 plus riders for each event in every state.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner F
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC

AORC reveal the second half of the year’s locations for the twelve round 2020 championship once relevant planning approvals have been met.

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD – 22–23 February 2020
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW – 14–15 March 2020
  • Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW – 18–19 April 2020
  • Round 7 & 8: SA – 1–2 August 2020
  • Round 9 & 10: VIC – 19–20 September 2020
  • Round 11 & 12: TBC – 17–18 October 2020
 
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2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

  • May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
  • May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
  • June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
  • June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
  • June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
  • July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
  • July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
  • July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
  • August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
  • August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
  • August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

  • Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
  • Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
  • Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
  • March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
  • March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
  • March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
  • April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
  • April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
  • April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

  • March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
  • March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
  • March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
  • April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
  • April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
  • May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
  • July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
  • July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
  • August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • September 13 – China, (TBA) –
  • September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
  • September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 American Flat Track

  • Round 1. March 14: Daytona 200 &  TT – Daytona Speedway, FL
  • Round 2. March 28: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
  • Round 3. April 4: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Speedway, Concord, NC
  • Round 4. May 2: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
  • Round 5. May 9: So-Cal Half-Mile – Perris Speedway, Perris, CA
  • Round 6. May 16: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
  • Round 7. May 30: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
  • Round 8. June 13: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Speedway, Loudon, NH
  • Round 9. June 20: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Round 10. June 27: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  • Round 11. July 4: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
  • Round 12. August 9: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
  • Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
  • Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
  • Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

  • Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
  • Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
  • Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
  • Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
  • Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

  • Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
  • Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
  • Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
  • Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
  • Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
  • Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
  • Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
  • Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

  • May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
  • May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
  • June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
  • July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
  • July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
  • August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
  • August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
  • August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
  • September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
  • October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

  • April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
    • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
  • October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
    • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

  • May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
    • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
  • September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
    • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
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Moto News Weekly | Young wins Wildwood 2019 | ISDE


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Aussies lead as 2019 ISDE kicks off in Portugal

The RecoveR8 Australian World Trophy, Junior Trophy and Women’s Trophy teams have arrived in Portugal, for the 94th running of the FIM International Six Day Enduro (ISDE), with the World Trophy and Junior Trophy teams already making their mark after Day 1, leading both classes.

Day FIM ISDE Portimao
Daniel Sanders – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati

Overnight rain dampened conditions for competitors during the opening lap of two, but from the off racing was hot and heavy as the five hundred plus competitors from 26 nations jostled for position.

Determined to put RecoveR8 Team Australia out front, Daniel Sanders was quick off the mark, setting the fastest time on the opening special test. But with United States’ Ryan Sipes and Spain’s Josep Garcia in close contention and the top-ten separated by just fifteen seconds, it was all to play for.

Day FIM ISDE Portimao
2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati

The FIM ISDE continues on day two with a repeat of day one’s three-hundred kilometre Menhir Route. Full report to follow.

2019 Australian ISDE Team

  • RecoveR8 World Trophy Team
    • Joshua Green
    • Matthew Phillips
    • Daniel Sanders
    • Luke Styke
  • RecoveR8 Women’s Trophy Team
    • Jessica Gardiner
    • Tayla Jones
    • Mackenzie Tricker
  • RecoveR8 Junior Trophy Team
    • Michael Driscoll
    • Fraser Higlett
    • Lyndon Snodgrass
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Zach Osborne extends Husqvarna contract

Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced that Zach Osborne has signed with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team for an additional year, extending his current contract into the 2021 season.

Zach Osborne FC ROCKSTAR EDITION
Zach Osborne

Osborne has enjoyed a hugely successful professional racing career to date, over a wide variety of disciplines and championships. His impressive list of achievements include two consecutive Eastern Regional 250SX Championships (2017 and ’18), an AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship (‘17), an FIM World Motocross Championship win, 14 career FIM World Motocross Championship MX2 podiums, a British MX2 Championship, and representing the United States in both the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and at the prestigious Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

Zach Osborne SX
Zach Osborne

The Virginia native most recently put forth an impressive debut in the premier 450MX class over the summer, claiming six podium finishes, 14 top-fives and one moto win in his rookie 450 season with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team.

Zach Osborne

“I’m very grateful to continue my relationship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing! We’ve had some very successful years and I’m looking forward to more. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of this program since the revitalisation of the brand started back in 2015 and it feels like just yesterday that I joined the team. We have a great group of people and I enjoy going racing with them every weekend.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory extend contract Zach Osborne
Zach Osborne
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Cody Webb joins the FactoryONE Shero Team

American hard enduro star Cody Webb has left KTM and joined the Sherco family. The three-time AMA EnduroCross champion and 2018 FIM SuperEnduro champion will race a 300 SE Factory edition for the FactoryONE Sherco Team.

Sherco is already well established in hard enduro with Wade Young and Mario Roman racing all major international extreme off-road events with Young claiming the 2019 American Hard Enduro Series. Webb will add a third and very strong component in this sector.

Cody Webb

“So excited to share this with everyone finally! Can’t wait to promote Sherco USA and win some races again. Big shout out to the FactoryONE Sherco team for putting this all together and making my dreams become a reality.”

Sherco FactoryONE Cody Webb
Cody Webb will race a FactoryONE Sherco 300 SE Factory edition
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Suzuki announce 2020 JGRMX Yoshimura Team

JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing has announced its Motocross riders for 2020, and new to the JGR Suzuki squad in the 450 class is 450SX Rookie of the Year Joey Savatgy, as Alex Martin returns to represent the 250 class on his RM-Z250.

Suzuki announce JGRMX Yoshimura Team
Suzuki announce 2020 JGRMX Yoshimura Team

Savatgy, who is no stranger to winning on the Suzuki brand, having racked up multiple Championships coming up through the ranks in Suzuki’s Amateur Racing Program, will be a great asset to the team as he brings proven talent, speed, and versatility to the track.

During the 2019 Supercross season, Savatgy earned the 450SX Rookie of the Year award and ended the series with five top-five finishes. With 12 professional career wins to his name, he has proven he has what it takes to be up-front on the RM-Z450.

Suzuki announce JGRMX Yoshimura Team Savatgy
Joey Savatgy – Suzuki 2020 JGRMX Yoshimura Team

Millville, Minnesota native Martin returns to JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki on his RM-Z250. With three podiums and 11 top-five overall finishes in his Supercross career, Martin was proud to add a career-best fifth place finish in the overall points standings on his RM-Z250 last season. A-Mart is eager to build upon those strong results and continue his successful career on Suzuki.

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2019 FIM Oceania Speedway draw for Gillman Speedway announced

FIM Oceania have announced the draw for the 2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship to be held on November 23 at Gillman Speedway, South Australia.

FIM Oceania Speedway Championship Preview
2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship

Gillman Speedway in metropolitan Adelaide, is one of Australia’s best speedway tracks and has previously held the FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championships, however this time solo speedway riders will be the stars under the FIM Oceania banner.

The sensational field of riders selected includes Australian’s solo stars, Rohan Tungate, Justin Sedgmen, Jack Holder and Jaimon Lidsey who will be lined up against Internationals Charles Wright (UK), Tom Brennan (UK), Dan Bewley (UK), Emil Grandal (Denmark) and Szmon Szlauderbach (Poland).

The FIM Oceania Speedway Championship will see some of the Oceania region’s best Speedway riders battling it out at Gillman with no brakes, gears or fear, Saturday 23rd January is anticipated to be an absolute scorcher!

2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship

  • Dan Bewley
  • Tom Brennan
  • Ben Cook
  • Matthew Gillmore
  • Emil Grandal
  • Jack Holder
  • Zane Keleher
  • Jaimon Lidsey
  • Jedd List
  • Brayden McGuiness
  • Robert Medson
  • Justin Sedgmen
  • Jordan Stewart
  • Szmon Szlauderbach
  • Rohan Tungate
  • Charles Wright
  • R1 – Kyle Bickley
  • R2 – Ben Ernst
  • R3 – Fraser Bowes

When & Where

FIM Oceania Speedway Championship : Date: 23rd November 2019
Venue: Gillman Speedway, South Australia

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2020 Australian Speedway nominations open

Motorcycling Australia have announced that nominations are now open and Supplementary Regulations are now available for the 2020 Australian Speedway U21’s, 125cc & 250cc Championships which will head to Victoria and Western Australia.

Nominations are open and close 4.30pm AEDST Wednesday 18th December 2019. Late nominations will not be accepted. Please note that only nominations completed and received online via Ridernet will be accepted.

Nominations and Dates are as follows:

  • 2020 Australian Speedway U21’s Championship
  • 2020 Australian Speedway U16’s 250cc Championship
  • 2020 Australian Speedway U16’s 125cc Solo / Teams Championships
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2020 AORC calendar announced

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has announced the 2020 calendar revealing dates and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.

AORC Broken Hill bhsund Luke Styke Start
Luke Styke – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson Media

Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up 12 rounds of the AORC for 2020.

Kicking off the season will be Queensland (QLD) for Rounds 1 & 2, taking place over the  February 22-23 weekend in 2020.

AORC Dungog Will Price
Will Price – 2019 AORC, Dungog

The Championship will then move to New South Wales (NSW) for the following four rounds hosting Rounds 3 & 4 as well as Rounds 5 & 6 on March 14-15 and April 18-19, respectively.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba JPM satd
AORC Rounds 1 & 2, Toowoomba – Image by John Pearson

We will then head down to South Australia (SA) who will host Rounds 7 & 8 on August 1-2.

Victoria (VIC) will host Rounds 9 & 10 on September 19-20.

AORC Hedley Pro Race Start
2019 AORC – Pro Race Start – Hedley, Victoria

The championship finale will conclude at a yet to be confirmed venue on October 17-18.

Over the coming weeks AORC will reveal all of the locations for the 12-round 2020 championship, and will also reveal what will be in store for the 2020 classes as they continue to evolve and grow alongside the championship.

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: QLD – 22–23 February 2020
  • Round 3 & 4: NSW – 14–15 March 2020
  • Round 5 & 6: NSW – 18–19 April 2020
  • Round 7 & 8: SA – 1–2 August 2020
  • Round 9 & 10: VIC – 19–20 September 2020
  • Round 11 & 12: TBC – 17–18 October 2020
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2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

  • May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
  • May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
  • June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
  • June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
  • June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
  • July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
  • July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
  • July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
  • August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
  • August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
  • August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

  • Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
  • Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
  • Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
  • March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
  • March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
  • March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
  • April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
  • April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
  • April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

  • March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
  • March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
  • March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
  • April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
  • April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
  • May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
  • July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
  • July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
  • August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • September 13 – China, (TBA) –
  • September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
  • September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

  • Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
  • Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
  • Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
  • Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
  • Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

  • Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
  • Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
  • Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
  • Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
  • Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
  • Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
  • Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
  • Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

  • May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
  • May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
  • June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
  • July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
  • July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
  • August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
  • August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
  • August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
  • September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
  • October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

  • April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
    • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
  • October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
    • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

  • May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
    • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
  • September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
    • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
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