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Moto News Weekly | Watson wins 2019 Hawkstone Cross-Country

Moto News Weekly for September 24, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Watson conquers 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country
  • Briar Bauman crowned AFT Twins Champ
  • Mikey Rush wins AFT Singles at Minnesota Mile
  • Kolby Carlile tops AFT Production Twins at Canterbury Park
  • Toni Bou sweeps 2019 TrialGP championship
  • 2019 AORC Wrap-Up
  • Leon Madsen claims British SGP win in Cardiff
  • Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
  • Ben Kelley extends KTM contract
  • AMA announces 2020 rider numbers

Watson conquers 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country

Nathan Watson delivered the goods to claim a home win at round six of the World Enduro Super Series – Hawkstone Park Cross-Country in the UK. The rider showed his class on the physically demanding Shropshire course to take victory over Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Start FM
2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

Saturday – Sprint Enduro

Britain’s Nathan Watson sprinted to victory on the opening day of racing at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. Delivering the goods on home soil, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider topped Saturday’s Sprint Enduro to claim pole position for Sunday’s Cross-Country race. Making it a 1-2 for KTM, teammate Josep Garcia – the 2018 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country winner – was second, with British wildcard entrant Alex Snow bringing his Gas Gas home in third on Saturday.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Nathan Watson FM
Nathan Watson – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

Glorious weather greeted the 500-plus entry for the opening day of competition at round six of the WESS. Conditions were perfect for racing at the iconic venue with a two-stage Motocross and Enduro loop set to test competitors. The Enduro special test – ridden four times – weaved its way through the surrounding woodland, while the Motocross test – also ridden four times – saw riders blast their way around the famous, sandy motocross circuit.

At the head of the field Garcia was quick to lay down his marker. Despite riding with a recent hand injury, he showed no weakness on the bumpy Enduro test and led the way as they moved over to Motocross test.

Eager to close in on Garcia, Watson chipped away at the Spaniard’s lead to close the 10-second gap before increasing his own advantage to 10 seconds by the end of the day.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

With the leading duo breaking away from the chasing field, both Snow and Finland’s Romi Kytonen battled head-to-head for third. Snow held a slender four-second advantage at the end of the Enduro tests, but Kytonen fought back on the Motocross section. Closing the gap with each run, he came within one-tenth of a second of Snow for fourth.

The battle for top-five was equally fierce between Jonny Walker and championship leader Manuel Lettenbichler. Walker held the upper hand after the Enduro tests, but with Lettenbichler coming on strong in the Motocross portion, the duo went to the wire, with Walker just hanging on to take fifth.

Sunday – Cross-Country

Nathan Watson delivered the goods on Sunday of the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. The rider showed his class on the physically demanding Shropshire course to take victory over Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker. Placing as runner-up in Great Britain, Lettenbichler extends his lead in this year’s race to become the Ultimate Enduro World Champion.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Nathan Watson FM
Nathan Watson claims 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

Saturday’s glorious weather gave way to scattered showers, but it did little to dampen the race action, as riders blasted off the Hawkstone Park start line, it was Alex Snow who took the initial holeshot with Walker and the ensuring pack of riders close behind. There was immediate drama when both Watson and 2018 winner Josep Garcia were slow to start. Watson fared better than his teammate and was quickly mid pack, while Garcia had work to do after leaving the start in last position.

By the end of lap one, Walker was in the lead but Watson was up to second with Lettenbichler, Taddy Blazusiak and Snow chasing. Garcia was battling through the field and closing in on the top-10. A lap later and Watson was out front.

Exiting the mid-distance fuel stop of the two-hour and 30-minute race, Watson had increased his advantage to over one-minute from Lettenbichler and Walker. Controlling the pace for the second half of the race, he rode on to take a memorable win with Lettenbichler and Walker rounding out the podium.

Behind the top three, Blazusiak put in a strong charge in the closing stages to take fourth, with Garcia regrouping following his bad start to place fifth. Snow showed his pace for sixth, while Will Hoare impressed with seventh.

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WESS Hawkstone Park XC Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

The World Enduro Super Series continues with round seven in Spain for the BR2 Enduro Solsona on October 4-6.

Nathan Watson – P1

“I’m super-happy to win today. I felt a lot of pressure coming into this weekend because it seems everyone expected me to win. Obviously, I got second here last year, so I was extra-motivated this weekend. Winning the Sprint Enduro gave me some confidence for today, but then I got a bad start and was near last. I made some aggressive passes early on to fight my way back up to the front. Once I got into the lead I felt so comfortable and was able to control the pace. I’m feeling pretty confident now going into BR2 Enduro Solsona.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Manuel Lettenbichler – P2

“I came into this round with no expectations at all, but the plan was to collect as many points as possible for the overall standings. I thought if I could do a little better than last year and get inside the top-five it would be amazing because there are so many fast guys out there. I got a really good start and managed to find a good rhythm, so the whole race went really well – I surprised myself a little. Although my result here gives me quite a confidence boost going into the next round, it’s going to be really different racing in Spain. I’ll give it my best as always and if we can get a good result it will be a boost heading to Getzenrodeo.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Manuel Lettenbichler FM
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Jonny Walker – P3

“It’s great to get a podium at my home race. I led the race for a little bit too, which was good. I knew the guys would be fast so it was always going to be tough to be right up there. I made a really good start and set about chasing down the leader, he had a crash which put me in front and from then on I just tried to get into a good rhythm rather than push too hard early on because I knew it was going to be a really tough race. I’m looking forward to Solsona now, we’ve got a two-week break to rest a little then hopefully come back strong in Spain and challenge for the podium again.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

Placing as runner-up in Great Britain, Lettenbichler extends his lead in this year’s race to become the Ultimate Enduro World Champion.

Taddy Blazusiak – P4

“I really enjoyed the race today. I’m a little disappointed not to have finished on the podium again but all-in-all the race went well. I tried to settle into things early on and my speed was good. Mani got past me but then I could see I was closing in on Jonny for third. I got within about 10 seconds but then made a mistake and lost everything I had gained. Towards the end I still felt strong enough to push again but after one lap, I really started to suffer with the blisters on my hand and decided to settle for fourth. The next round in Spain is like a second home race for me so I’m going to try an heal my hand over the next two weeks then head to Solsona and give it all I have.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Josep Garcia – P5

“It was a really tough race for me today. I knew it would be hard coming into today so close after hurting my hand, but yesterday went really well and I felt quite confident. Unfortunately, I had trouble at the start and set off right at the back. It wasn’t too bad, but I knew I would have to push hard to make my way to the front. I made a few mistakes then and ended up crashing a few times, which knocked my confidence. Each time I felt comfortable to push again I ended up making another mistake. I’m not too happy with fifth but I’m looking forward to the next round in Spain now and hopefully come out of that one on top.”

Alfredo Gomez and Graham Jarvis both put in creditable rides at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country to finish in eighth and ninth places respectively, and currently hold second and third in the overall WESS standings.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Alfredo Gomez – P8

“I tried my best today but had a few crashes, which knocked me back a little. The track became so rough and it was really tough to ride for over two hours. Overall, I’m happy with my performance – I got eighth, which is not bad and earned good points for the championship. I’m looking forward to the next one now.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Graham Jarvis – P9

“I felt good today, I got an okay start and managed to get into a good rhythm. I was around 12th or 13th but got past a few riders ahead of me, so I’m pleased to equal my result from last year and get ninth. The fitness is there, which is the main thing. It can really wear you down out there so I’m happy with the result. It’s always good to race in England, too. It’s a shame it didn’t suit my style a little better, but I’m glad to get some good points in the bag.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

The World Enduro Super Series continues with Round 7 in Spain for the BR2 Enduro Solsona on October 4-6.

Results: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country 2019

  1. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 14 laps, 2:30:41.111
  2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 2:33:19.480
  3. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 2:35:51.529
  4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 2:36:36.306
  5. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 2:39:09.380
  6. Alex Snow (Gas Gas – GB) 2:40:25.430
  7. Will Hoare (KTM – GB) 2:42:21.589
  8. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 13 laps, 2:32:03.308
  9. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 2:33:22.425
  10. Suff Sella (KTM – ISR) 2:34:13.143
WESS Hawkstone Park XC Nathan Watson Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker FM
Nathan Watson topped the podium from Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

World Enduro Super Series 2019 standings (After round 6)

  1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4420 points
  2. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 3920
  3. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 3654
  4. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 3470
  5. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3280
  6. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 3165
  7. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3070
  8. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 3031
  9. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2725
  10. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 2270
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Briar Bauman crowned AFT Twins Champ

American Flat Track crowned Briar Bauman the 2019 AFT Twins Champion following Saturday evening’s wild and intense Minnesota Mile at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.

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2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium

Even though multi-time reigning champion Jared Mees did all he could by winning his seventh AFT Twins Main Event of the season in runaway fashion, both he and Bauman were well aware all Bauman needed to do to lock up the crown was finish on the podium — something he’d already accomplished 14 times in 16 attempts this season.

While he ultimately made it 15 to clinch the title, Bauman’s crowning achievement did not come without drama or adversity – not by a long shot. The first of Bauman’s obstacles came early, as he was involved in a high-speed crash in the early stages of the Main Event that also involved his brother, Bronson Bauman, Rookie of the Year Brandon Price, Stephen Vanderkuur and Sammy Halbert.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Twins Jared Mees ERV
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mil

Bauman’s crew worked frantically during the stoppage to repair his heavily damaged machine, beating the odds and getting it back out for the restart. However, as a result of his crash, his path to the podium would have to begin from the back row as opposed to the front.

Immediately following the restart, a second red flag was issued due to another two-rider crash. The local curfew forced a 10-lap reduction in the Main for the third and final restart, which meant Bauman would only have 15 laps to feel out his rebuilt machine, master the tricky racing conditions, and fight his way forward past the world’s best dirt track racers.

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2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile

Nevertheless, he did so with gusto, owning a bold, high line which he used to claw his way up to the fight for second that was being waged by Bryan Smith and Jeffrey Carver Jr.

In one final breathtaking moment, Bauman and Smith came together exiting Turn 4 for the final time. That clash allowed Smith to just beat him to the line for second, but in the end, third was good enough for Bauman to realize his lifelong ambitions.

Briar Bauman

“I don’t know if I can put words on this right now. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. I used to have posters of Bryan and Jared hanging in my room growing up. And to win it… I can’t even put it into words. I don’t even know what else to say.”

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Twins Mees Briar Bauman ERV
Briar Bauman celebrated his victory with a lap on the back of Jared Mees’ bike

Mees showed his class by taking Bauman on his victory lap.

Jared Mees

“My goal was to win these last two races. Being 35 points down, it was really going to take some extremely bad luck for Briar — which almost happened to him. But he has a phenomenal team and they worked endlessly to get that bike put back together and back up front. I knew once he re-entered the race he was going to get third. Hats off to him and his team, and huge hats off to Indian Motorcycle for clinching their third championship. It’s hard to lose that #1 plate, especially after the domination we’ve had the last two years. But it went to the best guy this year, and I’m looking forward to next year to get it back.”

Carver – who scooped three holeshots on the night – finished fourth with Henry Wiles completing the top five.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Twins podium FA
2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Jared Mees, 2) Bryan Smith, 3) Briar Bauman

AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result

# Rider Bike Gap
1 Jared Mees Indian FTR750 15 Laps
2 Bryan Smith Kawasaki Ninja 650 2.931
3 Briar Bauman Indian FTR750 3.038
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. Indian FTR750 3.73
5 Henry Wiles Indian FTR750 7.812
6 Bronson Bauman Indian FTR750 12.78
7 Brandon Robinson HD XG750R Rev X 14.075
8 Jarod Vanderkooi HD XG750R Rev X 17.534
9 Robert Pearson Indian FTR750 20.662
10 Davis Fisher Indian FTR750 23.37

AFT Twins Standings

# Rider Points
1 Briar Bauman 322
2 Jared Mees 295
3 Bronson Bauman 234
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. 210
5 Brandon Robinson 191
6 Jarod Vanderkooi 190
7 Henry Wiles 167
8 Robert Pearson 159
9 Sammy Halbert 153
10 Davis Fisher 148
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Mikey Rush wins AFT Singles at Minnesota Mile

Following 15 thrilling laps of AFT Singles action, Mikey Rush edged Ryan Wells by an impossibly close 0.004 seconds for victory at the checkered flag. Rush didn’t appear headed toward a photo finish on Saturday night when he opened up a 0.799-second lead on the opening lap. That only seemed even more obvious when he stretched that advantage out to more than 1.2 seconds a pair of laps later.

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Mikey Rush & Ryan Wells – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

However, ‘16 class champ Wells located a fast line that he used to successfully track Rush down, setting the stage for an incredible test of courage and tactics to determine the win between the two.

Wells looked to be exactly where he wanted to be on the final lap, lining Rush up for a drafting maneuver on the final straight. However, when he attempted to execute it, he managed to pull up alongside Rush but no further – running out of steam just a couple inches short of what he needed to beat his adversary to the stripe.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Mikey Rush ERV
Mikey Rush – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

The narrow victory was Rush’s third win of the season and a satisfying consolation prize on the night he was officially eliminated from contention for the ’19 Roof Systems AFT Singles crown.

Mikey Rush

“Ryan showed me a killer line, and I stuck with it after he got by me. I made it work, and I knew my Honda was on point tonight – it runs like a champ. Big thanks to the whole team and everyone who supports us.”

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Mikey Rush ERV
Mikey Rush – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

Championship leader Dalton Gauthiermoved a big step closer to winning that title by finishing in fourth, one position behind rookie standout Dallas Daniels.

Gauthier may have been a bit too eager to lock the title up a round early; the ultra-talented rider actually jumped the start and was sent from Row 1 to Row 4. All that did was add a bit more drama to Gauthier’s ongoing championship pursuit, as he ultimately overhauled chief rival Dan Bromley – and everyone else that stood in his way short of the podium finishers.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Mikey Rush Ryan Wells ERV
Mikey Rush and Ryan Wells race to the finish line – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

Meanwhile, defending class champ Bromley finished the Main down in 10th, dropping him to 21 points back (281-260). As a result, Bromley’s hopes of a repeat are still alive – albeit barely – with one race to go.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Podium FA
2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Mikey Rush, 2) Ryan Wells, 3) Dallas Daniels

AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result

# Rider Bike Gap
1 Mikey Rush Honda CRF450R 15 Laps
2 Ryan Wells Yamaha YZ450F 0.004
3 Dallas Daniels Yamaha YZ450F 1.489
4 Dalton Gauthier Husqvarna FC450 1.584
5 Trent Lowe Honda CRF450R 2.224
6 Morgen Mischler KTM 450 SX-F 2.648
7 Max Whale Kawasaki KX450F 3.541
8 Chad Cose Suzuki RMZ 450 6.153
9 Brandon Kitchen Honda CRF450R 6.275
10 Dan Bromley KTM 450 SX-F 8.766

AFT Singles Standings

# Rider Points
1 Dalton Gauthier 281
2 Dan Bromley 260
3 Mikey Rush 255
4 Chad Cose 186
5 Jesse Janisch 183
6 Ryan Wells 177
7 Shayna Texter 169
8 Morgen Mischler 158
9 Max Whale 132
10 Kevin Stollings 109
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Kolby Carlile tops AFT Production Twins at Canterbury Park

Kolby Carlile made certain the AFT Production Twins championship fight would go down to the season finale with a clutch performance to score his second victory of the season.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins ERV
2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

Chad Cose threatened to escape at the start, but Carlile put his head down and extracted the most from an evolving high line to systematically reel in Cose. On lap 8, Carlile finally drafted up alongside and dove up the inside of his quarry to snatch away the lead.

Cose attempted to return the favor a lap later but couldn’t quite make it stick. From there, he found himself on the back foot, as the two leaders’ battle stretched them more than a full straightaway out in front of the rest of the field.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins Chad Cose Kolby Carlile ERV
Chad Cose and Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

Carlile shook free at the end to claim the checkered flag with a 2.195-second margin of victory. Cose had nearly seven seconds on third as their intense battle for the win pushed the two more than a full straightaway out in front of the remainder of the field.

Kolby Carlile

“I really couldn’t have gone any faster. I just can’t thank my team enough… and I can’t thank them any better than by coming out here and getting the win, so that’s what I did today.”

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins Kolby Carlile ERV
Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

Cody Johncox picked up his second podium of the season in third, successfully outdueling title hopefuls Cory Texter and Ryan Varnes.

Varnes recovered from a rough start in which he nearly looped his Kawasaki coming off the line and plummeted back through the field at the start. With his title chances flashing before his eyes, Varnes quickly regrouped and somehow managed to weave all the way up to fourth and latch onto Johncox’s rear wheel in third.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Dallas Daniels ERV
Dallas Daniels – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

However, a subsequent mishap dropped Varnes out of podium contention and all the way down to an eventual sixth-place result. Even more crucially, it allowed Texter to get back around him and finish in fourth, further extending the points differential separating the two.

In fact, Varnes’ sixth-place finish combined with Carlile’s triumph saw Carilie step forward and seize control of second place in the title chase heading into next weekend’s season finale. The new runner-up now trails championship leader Texter by 15 points (180-165) with Varnes still very much in the mix in third at 162.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins Podium FA
2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Kolby Carlile, 2) Chad Cose, 3) Cody Johncox

AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result

# Rider Bike Gap
1 Kolby Carlile Yamaha MT-07 15 Laps
2 Chad Cose Kawasaki Ninja 650 2.195
3 Cody Johncox Yamaha MT-07 8.951
4 Cory Texter Yamaha MT-07 9.877
5 Dalton Gauthier HD XG750R Rev X 11.687
6 Ryan Varnes Kawasaki Ninja 650 17.788
7 Morgen Mischler Kawasaki Ninja 650 23.708
8 Jeffery Lowery Kawasaki Ninja 650 31.563
9 Andrew Luker Kawasaki Ninja 650 57.467
10 Brock Schwarzenbacher Kawasaki Ninja 650 14 Laps

AFT Production Twins Standings

# Rider Points
1 Cory Texter 180
2 Kolby Carlile 165
3 Ryan Varnes 162
4 Dalton Gauthier 136
5 James Rispoli 116
6 Chad Cose 114
7 J.R. Addison 111
8 Cody Johncox 109
9 Ben Lowe 100
10 Kevin Stollings 90
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Toni Bou sweeps 2019 TrialGP championship

With seven wins out of seven events, Toni Bou closed out the 2019 TrialGP World Championship. The Repsol Honda Team rider claimed top honours in the Spanish TrialGP held in the Ciudad Deportiva of La Nucía, where Takahisa Fujinami took the third step of the podium.

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Toni Bou – 2019 TrialGP – Spain

The final trial of the season was by no means easy. The steep areas and the lack of time to conclude the first lap proved a hindrance for riders. Toni Bou finished the day accruing the least marks, thus achieving a 14th consecutive victory in Trial World Championships and a 112th in elite competition. With the title already sealed in the previous outing in France, Bou has completed a full-house of wins in all the trials disputed this season.

TrialGP r TrialGP Takahisa Fujinami ps
Takahisa Fujinami – 2019 TrialGP – Spain

Takahisa Fujinami fought hard for a place on the podium in La Nucía with his endeavours finally paying dividends.

Toni Bou

“Having a perfect season and winning all races has been spectacular. After exceeding 100 wins, this was the challenge that I was lacking and I am very happy to have achieved it. In addition, I am also very happy to be able to tie with Jordi Tarrés on 14th consecutive victories. We always want more, so we hope to start next season continuing this good spell. Today’s trial was tough, the sections were very slippery and we had very little time, so we made a lot of mistakes. Luckily, everyone made mistakes but our opponents picked up more marks. I am very happy to be able to finish the season this way. Thank you very much to the whole team for making it possible.”

TrialGP r Podium ps
Toni Bou topped the podium from – 2019 TrialGP – Spain

2019 TrialGP of Spain Results

# Rider Nat. Points
1 BOU Toni SPA 160
2 RAGA Adam SPA 134
3 FUJINAMI Takahisa JPN 112
4 BUSTO Jaime SPA 96
5 CASALES Jorge SPA 81
6 DABILL James GBR 80
7 BINCAZ Benoit FRA 69
8 GELABERT Miquel SPA 66
9 KADLEC Franz GER 64
10 PRICE Jack GBR 49

2019 TrialGP Standings

# Rider Nat. Team Points
1 BOU Toni SPA Repsol Honda Team 36
2 RAGA Adam SPA TRRS Factory Team 43
3 FUJINAMI Takahisa JPN Repsol Honda Team 64
4 FAJARDO Jeroni SPA Gas Gas 65
5 BUSTO Jaime SPA Vertigo Factory Team 67
6 GELABERT Miquel SPA Sherco Factory Team 69
7 CASALES Jorge SPA Vertigo Factory Team 70
8 BINCAZ Benoit FRA Beta Factory Racing 83
9 DABILL James GBR Beta Factory Racing 89
10 PRICE Jack GBR Gas Gas 89
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2019 AORC Wrap-Up

After eleven rounds across six weekends the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) concluded last weekend at Hedley in Victoria. Here’s a look at the season that was…

E3

Its fair to say that Daniel Sanders simply dismantled his rivals this year in the E3 category. The 25-year-old was in a class of his own taking the round win in every race this year. Sanders’ stats in the E3 category continues to grow as he now has racked up 22 victories from a total of 35 round starts.

AORC Hedley Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders

This year’s championship marks Sanders’ fourth title in the AORC series. He now has taken out the 19 & Under Championship in 2014, E2 title in 2018 and the E3 championship this year and 2016.

Sanders’ nearest rival throughout the year was Andrew Wilksch, who was 63-points behind who managed to stand on the podium at every round, apart from round three.

The biggest upset for the year would have to be Beau Ralston, who injured himself. Ralston scored second place at the first six rounds of the year before his season was put on hold, so it’s a case of what could have been.

At the end of the championship, Ralston found himself in sixth place in the standings with 148-points to his name. Jesse Lawton was able to salvage third place in the championship and get back to finish in the championship and finish off his best season.

E2

Just like Sanders in the E3 class, Daniel Milner also made the season his own in the E2 class by romping to victory in every round this year. Josh Green tried everything he could to put up a fight to Milner but was unable to prevail and had to settle finishing second in all of the eleven rounds this year. Still, it was an improvement from last year as Green did finish third in 2018 with six second places and three third places.

Daniel Milner AORC Hedley
Daniel Milner

Jérémy Carpentier, who made the jump from E1 to E2 this year certainly put on a solid show in 2019. With seven visits to the podium this year and three top five finishes, it was enough to hand the Frenchman third place for the year finishing 37-points behind Green.

Brad Hardaker, who took out third place at round six, battled through injuries in the first part of the year and was still pretty consistent, which showed in his overall position for the year. At the end of the jigsaw puzzle Hardaker finished in fourth place, scoring 148-points for the year.

E1

Luke Styke has become the second rider in the sports history to win back-to-back championships in the E1 division. Styke, who now has 15 wins in the E1 class just held onto the championship win by 18-points, beating Lyndon Snodgrass, who last year finished second in the E2 championship.

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Luke Styke

Fraser Higlett this year dropped from second to third in the overall standings. Unlike last year, his season has not exactly been consistent. Last year saw Higlett scoring two race wins, six seconds and two thirds, while this year he has only been able to win one round, which came at the fifth round, one second and five thirds. The third place in the championship went all the way down to the wire between Higlett and last year’s EJ champion, Michael Driscoll. Driscoll just missed out on third place by three points.

EJ

For 2019, Kyron Bacon leaped up to the EJ class after finishing second in last year’s J4 category. A total of seven round wins, two second places and third places saw the 17-year-old winning the title beating Josh Brierley, who again finished second in the EJ class for another year running, by 30-points.

AORC Hedley Kyron Bacon Team
Kyron Bacon

Last years J4 champion, Korey McMahon, round the EJ championship in third place, eight points off Brierley and along the way picked up three second places and seven second place finishes to his credit.

Women

Once again Jess Gardiner proved just to good for the field, racking up her fifth championship, which has not been done in the sports history in the Women’s class. Not only that, but the 26-year-old of course has scored over 2000 championship points and after the weekend just gone, she now has a total of 2,063 championship points to her name.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Jess aorc rd
Jess Gardiner

While Gardiner might be the Queen at her game at the moment, Honda RideRed’s Emma Milesevic has proven to be a future star of the sport. After switching from motocross to AORC this year, the Victorian based rider came on strong from the word get go. Her first-round win came at Broken Hill and took out another win in South Australia at the ninth round of the championship. In total, nine podium finishes for the Honda rider who finished 28-points off from Gardiner.

Milesevic just hung onto second place in the championship tussle, beating Emelie Karlsson by just one slender point. What was looking like a winless year coming up for the Swedish rider, Karlsson broke through during Saturday’s cross-county event to win her fourteenth AORC round win, beating Milesevic and Gardiner.

Danielle Foot guided the #885V Motul Pirelli Sherco Off-Road machine to fourth place in the championship, which was also her first year in the AORC series.

Juniors

The J4 class was the closest finish out of all the championships in the AORC series. Mackenzie Johnson took out the championship by one point ahead of Blake Hollis. Round eight and nine which Hollis missed proved to be costly in the end. However, it is what it is…

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Blake Hollis
Blake Hollis – 2019 AORC

Riley McGillivray took out the J3 class by locking up ten round wins for the year. 44-points down on him was Kodi Stephens.

It was back-to-back championship wins for Billy Hargy in the J2 class, who finished 14-points ahead of Max Phillips and Campbell Hall who was 21-points down.

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Masters & Vets

Kirk Hutton won every round bar the final two rounds, purely because there was no need for him to roll up as he locked up the title the round before. This left Peter Rudd to finish second in the championship, but took out the final two rounds. It was really a two-horse race between the pair.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton
Kirk Hutton – 2019 AORC

Lee Stephens to had a great year. He took out a total of nine wins which handed him the title win over Chris Thomas and former 2017 Veterans champ Jason Perace.

This brings the 2019 AORC season to a close, proving that Australia’s Enduro talent is growing in leaps and bounds. Please stay tuned for further AORC updates as well as the 2020 calendar, which will be released in due course.


Leon Madsen claims British SGP win in Cardiff

British FIM Speedway Grand Prix winner Leon Madsen says completing a Warsaw and Cardiff golden double is an awesome feeling – whether or not he’s crowned world champion. The Dane topped the podium ahead of Emil Sayfutdinov, Bartosz Zmarzlik and Jason Doyle at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix

Madsen was delighted to have won at both of the SGP series’ biggest venues in his first full World Championship season. He’s currently third in the standings on 109 points – nine behind series leader Zmarzlik, who has 118 going into the title-deciding REVLINE Torun SGP of Poland on October 5. Sayfutdinov is second on 111.

While Madsen knows claiming the sport’s biggest prize in a fortnight will be no easy task, he admits his Warsaw and Cardiff wins would represent a sweet consolation prize.

Leon Madsen

“I had a talk with my girlfriend at home before the meeting; I said ‘I might not be world champion this year, but wouldn’t it be nice to win the two biggest events on the calendar and finish off as No.1 in the Polish Ekstraliga rankings. At the moment, I am No.1 in the Polish rankings. I have won the two biggest events and I am very happy about that and proud as well. If I don’t win the championship, it’s kind of a plaster on the wound to win those two big events.”

Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium

Madsen is determined to finish of SGP 2019 with at least a medal to show for an impressive debut season, which has seen him defy a disc problem in his back and an ankle injury to pile up the points.

Sayfutdinov heads to Torun seven points short of Zmarzlik. While he was gutted not to overtake Madsen for victory in the Cardiff final, he was content with a healthy 17-point haul. And now he’s determined to hunt down Zmarzlik for top spot.

Third-placed Zmarzlik is 15 points away from guaranteeing the SGP 2019 world title – irrespective of what his rivals score in Torun. This target will decrease with every point dropped by Sayfutdinov and Madsen.

With Zmarzlik racing the title decider in his homeland, there’s no doubt the spotlight will shine brightest on him. But he admits he felt more pressure in Cardiff, where he has reached the final on all of his four visits.

Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium

SGP World Championship Standings

  1. Bartosz Zmarzlik 118
  2. Emil Sayfutdinov 111
  3. Leon Madsen 109
  4. Fredrik Lindgren 98
  5. Martin Vaculik 88
  6. Maciej Janowski 80
  7. Patryk Dudek 75
  8. Matej Zagar 74
  9. Jason Doyle 73
  10. Artem Laguta 69
    …16 Max Fricke

2019 British SGP Scores

  1. Leon Madsen 17
  2. Emil Sayfutdinov 17
  3. Bartosz Zmarzlik 15
  4. Jason Doyle 13
  5. Fredrik Lindgren 11
  6. Martin Vaculik 9
  7. Antonio Lindback 9
  8. Matej Zagar 9
  9. Maciej Janowski 7
  10. Artem Laguta 6

Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend

This weekend the Nation’s best junior motorcycle riders from across the country will invade the Central Coast to battle it out in the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship for a two-day event on September 28-29 at Allen Park MVR Speedway, in Somersby, New South Wales.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship Somersby
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby – Image by David Lamont

Although some riders may be young in age, they are much older in experience, skills and talent if the results shown at the recent Central Coast Cup event were any indication. With strong competition likely from Queenslanders, Riley Nauta, Nate Hicks, Steph Connors, Lenny and Henry Snell.

Flying the flag for Victoria is Cooper Antone, Jed Fyffe and Oli Bergic, while Sam and Tom Drane, Noah Grabham and Beau Bailey will try and do the Central West NSW proud.

Being just a few riders to beat if they want to be crowned champion. Forbes brothers Tom and Sam Drane along with Queenslander Riley Nauta have just returned from 6 weeks of competition racing long track in America.

Riders from seven through to sixteen will compete in their individual classes to hold the title of 2019 National champion. Several previous winners of this event have continued on to hold World Championships.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship Somersby
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby – Image by David Lamont

The weekend entertainment will not only be provided by the high quality of the competitors but on the Sunday the crowd will be treated by a special appearance and demonstration ride by clinically blind Australian Ben Felten who is the current Guinness World Record and FIM record holder for the fastest land speed by a blind motorcycle rider.

Practice will commence at 9.30am followed by racing on the Saturday and racing opening from 9.30am on the Sunday. Entry fee of $10.00 per car will cover you for the two days of competition.


Ben Kelley extends KTM contract

KTM Motorsports is proud to announce the contract extension of recently-crowned back-to-back GNCC XC2 250 Pro Champion Ben Kelley, who will join the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team in 2020 to compete in the premier XC1 Open Pro class in the AMA Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series.

As a member of the KTM-Supported Trail Jesters KTM Racing Team since 2017, Kelley has spent a majority of his career with the KTM brand where he has achieved many great milestones as a young racer. Now a two-time GNCC XC2 Champion, Kelley remains undefeated in the current series as he continues to vie for a perfect season in 2019.

Ben Kelley

“I am really excited to be joining the FMF KTM Factory Racing team going into the 2020 season. I have high hopes for next year and look forward to moving up to the premier XC1 class in GNCC.”

GNCC Mason Dixon Ben Kelley KH
Ben Kelly – Image by Ken Hill
Antti Kallonen – FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager

“I’m very pleased to see Ben graduate from the Trail Jesters KTM Racing Team. We’ve been supporting him and the team for a few years now and this is the result of a great feeder program and now he’s ready to take on the premier class. Obviously, we’re looking for a very bright future for Ben as he’s already shown an enormous amount of potential in the XC2 class. Now he will be on a bigger bike in the premier class and our expectations are high, as are his, so we’re looking forward to the next three years and beyond.”

In addition to finishing out the last three rounds of the GNCC Series, the 23-year-old will go on to represent the U.S. Junior World Trophy Team on Nov. 11-16 at the 94th edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Portimao, Portugal.

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AMA announces 2020 rider numbers

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the professional competition numbers for pro-licensed riders competing in AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, for the 2020 season.

AMA Supercross FInal Osborne Baggett Starts JK SX Vegas Cover
2019 AMA Supercross – Image by Hoppenworld

Each rider uses the assigned professional number for competition. In addition, the current champion runs the No. 1 plate, instead of an assigned professional number when competing in the class or region in which the No. 1 plate was earned. When competing in a class other than the class in which the championship was earned, the rider must use the professional number assigned.

2020 Top 100 & Career Pro Numbers for SX and MX

* Career Numbers – ** New Career Number for 2020

Rider # (Class) Rider
1 (450SX) Cooper Webb
1 (450 Class) Eli Tomac
1 (250 Class) Adam Cianciarulo
1W (250SX) Dylan Ferrandis
1E (250SX) Chase Sexton
2* Cooper Webb
3* Eli Tomac
4* Blake Baggett
6* Jeremy Martin
7* Aaron Plessinger
9** Adam Cianciarulo
10* Justin Brayton
11* Kyle Chisholm
12* Shane McElrath
13 Colt Nichols
14** Dylan Ferrandis
15* Dean Wilson
16* Zach Osborne
17* Joey Savatgy
18* Weston Peick
19* Justin Bogle
20* Broc Tickle
21* Jason Anderson
22* Chad Reed
23* Chase Sexton
24** R.J. Hampshire
25* Marvin Musquin
26* Alex Martin
27* Malcolm Stewart
28 Michael Mosiman
29 Cameron McAdoo
30 Brandon Hartranft
31 Fredrik Noren
32** Justin Cooper
33* Josh Grant
34 Tyler Bowers
35 Hunter Lawrence
36 Garrett Marchbanks
37 Martin Davalos
38 Kyle Peters
39 Jordan Bailey
40 Mitchell Oldenburg
41 Ty Masterpool
42 Ben Lamay
43 John Short
44 Kyle Cunningham
45 Jacob Hayes
46* Justin Hill
47 Lorenzo Locurcio
48 Henry Miller
49 Chris Blose
50 Benny Bloss
51* Justin Barcia
52 Austin Forkner
53 Jimmy Decotis
54 Jordon Smith
55 Martin Castelo
56 Justin Starling
57 Derek Drake
58 Sean Cantrell
59 Josh Osby
60 Mitchell Falk
61 Alex Ray
62 Christian Craig
63 Jess Pettis
64 Vince Friese
65 James Weeks
66 Enzo Lopes
67 Jerry Robin
68 Nick Gaines
69 Carlen Gardner
70 Dylan Merriam
71 Ryan Breece
72 Robbie Wageman
73 Chase Marquier
74 Mitchell Harrison
75 Coty Schock
76 Mike Alessi
77 Kevin Moranz
78 Jake Masterpool
79 Isaac Teasdale
80 Thomas Covington
81 Anthony Rodriguez
82 Cade Autenrieth
83 Jett Lawrence
84 Jo Shimoda
85 Cole Martinez
86 Josh Cartwright
87 Ramyller Alves
88 Logan Karnow
89 Marshal Weltin
90 Killian Auberson
91 Ryan Sipes
92 Austin Politelli
93 Blake Wharton
94* Ken Roczen
95 Carson Brown
96 Justin Thompson
97 Chris Howell
98 Bradley Lionnet
99 Brandan Leith
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Source: MCNews.com.au