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Moto Wrap
June 2, 2022

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Lucas Oil Pro Motocross to start on July 18

The organisers of the AMA Pro Motocross are facing similar challenges to our own MX Nationals series here in Australia with problems stemming from the differing levels of restrictions in place across different states.

State governments have announced their state-by-state phase-in plans for the resumption of large gatherings, including professional motorsports events. Some states have taken a very restrictive approach to large gatherings (e.g., Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, Massachusetts and New York), while others have found a more lenient approach acceptable so long as social distancing guidelines are followed (e.g., Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, etc.). These varying state approaches have created unique challenges for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, as several of the pre-eminent venues are situate in restrictive states that may or may not permit large gatherings during the time frame currently planned for the series.

On May 4th it was announced that the series was tentatively set to be held from July 4th through October 3rd. This would leave only 13 days between the end of supercross and the start of motocross. As many states continue to roll out their phase-in plans, it became clear that a further delay in the start of the season would be the most advantageous for the riders, teams, and the events themselves. The farther the series could push back into the summer the better for all. However, there is a hard start of July 18th, this being a live NBC broadcast date – television coverage being paramount for series and team sponsors.

The new plan is to commence the 2020 season on Saturday, July 18th at Ironman Raceway and end on Saturday, October 10th at Fox Raceway. It is the intent to host 10 events and possibly 11 by the end of the season. Series organisers have consulted with OEM partners and have been advised that given the unexpected boost in off-road motorcycle unit sales and parts and accessories over the course of the last month (with many dealerships and after-market companies experiencing record sales), it would be premature to cut the season short at this time. The better approach would be to give the national tracks time over the course of the summer to see if their states relax their requirements to enable them to hold their national event. We are hopeful that some historical venues may be able to return to the schedule but recognize that others may not. Hence, the schedule will be rolled out on a month-to-month basis as racetracks and state officials continue to develop their plans.

Besides the Ironman and Fox Raceway dates, the Series is prepared to announce a surprise for the 2020 season. For the first time ever a pro national will be held at Loretta Lynn’s on the historical AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship racetrack in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. The national will be held in August and will serve as a sort of homecoming for pro riders who have graduated from these familiar grounds. Though Loretta Lynn’s is not a traditional pro national venue, these are not traditional times, and series managers are working hard to schedule nationals at venues in states that are open for business.

In addition to the above, it is the current plan to include the following traditional venues on the schedule: Washougal, WW Ranch and High Point. These venues are located in states that have established clear phase-in guidelines that can be timely met. In addition to Loretta Lynn’s, it is highly likely that two more new venues will be added to the schedule based on the states where they are located. Dates will be rolled out at a later date.

All events, no matter their location, will be conducted with fans with elevated social distancing protocols in compliance with CDC guidelines and as recommended by the Safe-to-Race Task Force. These protocols, currently under development, will be announced at a later date.

AMA MX Rnd Starts JK MX IronmanAMA Pro Motocross

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Strang wins GNCC Round Five

Taking his first overall win in four years was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Josh Strang coming through to meet the checkered flag first in South Carolina. Strang’s win would not come easy as he would swap the lead position multiple times throughout the three hour race with FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell.

Russell jumped out to grab the early lead and earn the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award, but by the time the lead pack came around on the second lap Strang was just two seconds off of Russell. The duo would continue in a heated battle throughout the next five laps. As the white flag flew, indicating one lap left, Strang found himself 1.5 seconds ahead of Russell. Therefore, a battle for the overall win ensued, however, Russell would find some misfortunate as he found himself in a soft spot on a berm. Russell endo’ed over the bars into a fence off to the right of the track, where his bike also became entangled in the fence. Russell was able to get his bike untangled with help from his team, and finish in the second place position. Strang came through the finish line with a one minute and 34 seconds lead over the rest of the pack to earn his first overall win of the 2020 season.

FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor battled back from a sixth place start to the day to earn his best finish of the season and round out the XC1 Open Pro podium with a third overall. Baylor also had his work cut out for him as he made his way through the pack of XC1 riders. Baylor made his way into the third place position as the two-lap card came out. He would put his head down and push for the remainder of the race to hold onto the last podium position.

Finding himself in the fourth place position for the second race in-a-row was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn. Ashburn was faced with battles throughout the duration of the race, swapping between fourth and fifth place for majority of the day. After five rounds of racing Ashburn currently sits third in the National Championship points standings.

FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Josh Toth was off to a great start as he made his way into a top three spot by the third lap. Toth battled in the third place position for majority of the race, but began to feel ill with just two laps to go. Battling himself just to finish the race, Toth would ultimately come through in the fifth place position.

Coming through in the second place position on the opening lap was AmPro Yamaha’s Layne Michael. Michael would continue to battle towards the front of the pack for the first half of the race. As the race wore on Michael found himself back in seventh, battling to get back up front. When the checkered flag flew, Michael would cross the line with a sixth place finish on the day.

After moving up to the XC1 Open Pro class from the XC2 250 Pro class it was Live It Xtreme/Kenda/Fly Racing’s Trevor Barrett earning a seventh place finish. Barrett made the necessary moves throughout the race to get himself inside of the top 10 in XC1 in South Carolina.

Phoenix Honda Racing’s Andrew DeLong finished out the day eighth in the XC1 Open Pro class. DeLong was having another great run making his way into sixth and then fifth at one point in the race, but a mechanical issue on the second to last lap put him out of contention for a top five finish on the day. DeLong remains eighth in the points standings after five rounds of racing.

Visiting from the West Coast was Three-Time Endurocross Champion, FactoryONE Sherco’s Cody Webb. As the race got started Webb jumped out to a top five start as the group made their way to the first turn. Webb would check in eighth on the opening lap. As the race wore on Webb was back in the ninth place position for the remainder of the race

Rockhill Powersports/Ti Dezigns/UFO Plast’s Evan Earl rounded out the top 10 in the XC1 Open Pro class. Earl made his way into 10th after battling throughout the day with 3 Bros Racing/KTM/Pearson Farms Racing’s Axel Pearson, who was also visiting from the West Coast.

In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Trail Jesters KTM’s Johnny Girroir clinching his second class win of the season, along with moving himself into the XC2 National Championship points lead. Girroir had a great start, moving himself into the lead early on in the race. However, at the halfway point Girroir would find himself in the fourth place position with his work cut out for him. Girroir put his head down, making crucial passes to regain the lead for the last three laps of racing.

AmPro Yamaha/St. Lawrence Radiology’s Mike Witkowski and Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig DeLong were also in the top three mix throughout the duration of the three-hour racing. Witkowski moved himself into the lead around halfway, but would face a battle with Girroir and be unable to make the pass back around him stick. Witkowski finished out the day second in XC2. DeLong would battle between the fourth and third place position throughout the day, making the pass on Enduro Engineering/XC Gear/Husqvarna’s Ryder Lafferty and rounding out the XC2 class podium at round five.

The FMF XC3 125cc Pro-Am class currently has a tentative top three with Moose Racing/Carolina KTM/XC Gear’s Zack Hayes clinching his third win of the season, and holding onto the points lead. Larsons Cycles/Fly Racing/Shoei Helmets’ Nathan Ferderer made his way into second in the class, but would face a constant battle with Raines Riding University/Yamaha Motor Corp’s Jason Raines. Ferderer and Raines would swap their positions multiple time throughout the day, but as the checkered flag waved it was Ferderer taking second and Raines holding onto third.

In the 10 a.m. WXC race it was Enduro Engineering/MEPMX/Fly Racing/KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker grabbing the Trail Jesters $100 Holeshot Award, but after a rough crash on the first lap with a fellow competitor, she would be unable to finish out the race.

BABS Racing Yamaha’s Becca Sheets along with AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer and Beta USA’s Rachel Gutish would find themselves in a three-way battle for almost the entire two-hour morning race. Each one of them would find themselves leading at one point in the race, but it would be Sheets making her way into first as the checkered flag flew. Archer would remain second, holding off a charging Gutish as she rounded out the top three WXC riders.

At the conclusion of the 8 a.m. youth race it was Team Green Kawasaki’s Grant Davis coming through to take the overall win and his third YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class win of the season. Team Green’s Jack Joy battled throughout the youth race, coming through second overall and his class. Coastal Racing’s Lane Whitmer earned third overall, while also taking third in the YXC1 class in South Carolina. Coming through to earn the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. top three positions were Griere Moir, Nicholas Defeo and Caden Vick.

Round 6 of the GNCC Racing Series will be held the weekend of June 13/14 at High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, PA.

Camp Coker GNCC – Overall Results

  1. Josh Strang – Kawasaki (XC1 Open Pro)
  2. Kailub Russell – KTM (XC1 Open Pro)
  3. Grant Baylor – Sherco (XC1 Open Pro)
  4. Jordan Ashburn – Kawasaki (XC1 Open Pro)
  5. Jonathan Girroir – KTM (XC2 Open Pro 250)
  6. Josh Toth – KTM (XC1 Open Pro)
  7. Michael Witkowski – Yamaha (XC2 Open Pro 250)
  8. Craig Delong – Husqvarna (XC2 Open Pro 250)
  9. Layne Michael – Yamaha (XC1 Open Pro)
  10. Ryder Lafferty – Husqvarna (XC2 Open Pro 250)

GNCC Championship Standings

  1. Kailub Russell 145
  2. Josh Strang 122
  3. Jordan Ashburn 78
  4. Craig Delong 77
  5. Michael Witkowski 71

Josh Strang wins GNCC

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AMA SX Round 11 450 Main Video Highlights

AMA SX Round 11 250 Main Video Highlights

Quotes from AMA Supercross Round 11

Eli Tomac – P1

“Gosh, it felt so good to get back to racing. We really couldn’t have asked for a better day overall. The track was super slick in certain areas and we were drifting the bikes through some of those flat corners, which was a lot of fun, but you had to be careful at the same time. I didn’t get the best jump off the start in the main but was able to tuck inside and quickly recover. It was definitely a scary moment when Adam went down because I was already in the air and his bike bounced up and I had nowhere to go but up and over his bike. I’m glad he’s okay. Overall it was a good day and I am already looking forward to Wednesday.”

Eli Tomac – P1

Cooper Webb – P2

“It’s good to be back racing. It’s awesome just to be able to do what we love. I was battling up there in the beginning – we were all sandwiched – and I was able to actually get around Eli but then he went around us and really laid some good laps. During the middle of the race, I kind of lost speed a little bit and at the end I was really trying hard. I missed a rhythm at the end though, and that really cost me in maybe catching him.”

Cooper Webb – P2

Ken Roczen – P3

“I felt pretty good. I had a decent start, but got bumped around a little bit and lost some positions, so we had to fight our way up there and were kind of just riding in a train; it was hard to make up time. I lost a couple of tenths and gained a couple of tenths here and there and then I kind of stayed the same. Obviously, Eli was super strong and Cooper right in front of me, and I couldn’t really make a move. I had a moment with about a lap to go where I almost crashed really, really bad, and then the last lap I really just rolled everything pretty much just to kind of bring it home. A podium is okay. Obviously we need to put ourselves in front of Tomac, but there’s a lot of racing left and a lot of crashes out there, and with all the lappers, a lot of things can happen. Really, we just have to regroup and try again on Wednesday.”

Ken Roczen – P3

Jason Anderson – P4

“My day went pretty decent. I got a bad start in the Main and ended up fourth but all-in-all, I feel like I rode pretty well all day and was able to make some headway as we work our way into the next six rounds here in Salt Lake City.”

Jason Anderson – P4

Zach Osborne – P5

“It was a positive weekend overall. It was my first race back from injury so it was really good for me to go out there and get comfortable in practice. I feel really comfortable on the dirt here in Salt Lake, which is something that’s not typically my forte but it’s coming around for me. I’m happy with where I’m at fitness-wise and with my bike, so I’m looking forward to the next few races here – onwards and upwards.”

Zach Osborne – P5

Justin Barcia – P8

“It’s nice to get the first round out of the way. It definitely wasn’t how I wanted it to go. It was quite hot and being up here at altitude was definitely difficult. I had high expectations for myself coming into this round and kind of let myself down a bit. I think it’s all things that can be easily fixed and turned around for Wednesday. The main event didn’t get off to the greatest start, and the first lap was chaos. Guys were falling down, and then it was really windy and dusty. The track got down to concrete, it was a pretty gnarly track. All in all, we got out of the first one healthy and still have six more to go. I’m really looking forward to racing again Wednesday. I don’t have to wait another whole week to redeem myself.”

Justin Barcia – P8 – Image Hoppenworld

Justin Brayton – P9

“It was a pretty good day. It felt so good to be back with the guys and the crew at the races and to get behind the gate again. Overall, I’m fairly happy with the day. The heat race was good; I got third there. I had a solid first half in the main and ran second for a long time. To be quite honest, I just pumped up about halfway in and kind of went backwards. Then I had a really big moment where I almost went down and that allowed a guy to get by me and some other guys to close the gap. I’m happy I didn’t hit the ground on that one, that’s for sure, and happy with a solid top-10 result. We’ve just got to keep this ball rolling, especially with the good starts that we got all day.”

Justin Brayton – P9

Adam Cianciarulo – DNF

“Man, I am so frustrated with how today ended up. I cannot tell you how stoked I was to be back racing my KX450 with my whole Monster Energy Kawasaki crew. I felt good all day, rode solid in my heat race and got a great jump in the main event. I just made a small mistake that cost me big time. I’m pretty sore from getting ran over, but we’re going to let the body rest and take all the necessary steps so we are ready for Wednesday.”

Adam Cianciarulo – DNF

Shane McElrath – 250 Winner

“There’s been a lot of anticipation to get back going and it’s finally here. I had a near perfect day and I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made over the last few months since Daytona. My bike was awesome today and I felt great with the elevation. The track was honestly the best case scenario with the weather and wind that we dealt with today. I felt really good and I’m ready for another race in a few days.”

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Jett Lawrence makes return to racing this week

When Supercross reconvenes mid-week it will be the turn of the 250 West competitors to swing back into action which of course means the return of popular young Aussie Jett Lawrence after that sickening crash early in the season at Anaheim 2.

AMA SX Rnd Anaheim LawrenceJ SX A Kardy CoverBJett Lawrence broke his collarbone at Anaheim II but will be back racing later this week – Image Hoppenworld

2020 British Speedway GP cancelled

Due to ongoing health concerns and UK government restrictions regarding COVID-19, organisers have announced that the 2020 Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 18, has been cancelled.

This decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with the FIM, BSI Speedway, Principality Stadium, Welsh Government and Cardiff City Council, with the health and safety of supporters and riders remaining the top priority.

Due to the considerable logistical issues posed by the current circumstances, it was agreed that it would not be possible to stage the event at a later date in 2020.

Following discussions with Principality Stadium, we are however pleased to announce that the 2021 event – and still the 20th British FIM Speedway Grand Prix to be held at the venue – will take place on July 17, 2021.

Paul Bellamy
Managing Director and SVP of Motorsports, IMG

“We are extremely disappointed that we won’t get the chance to celebrate 20 years of British SGP action under the Principality Stadium roof next month. We know how much everyone looks forward to the British SGP weekend in Cardiff – a chance to meet up with fans and friends from around the world, enjoy great racing and experience the unique atmosphere generated by our thousands of fans. Our focus will now be on delivering a fantastic event on July 17, 2021 to celebrate the 20th staging of the British SGP in Cardiff in style. Meanwhile we are working hard with the FIM, our venues and stakeholders on our re-arranged plans for the 2020 FIM Speedway World Championships presented by Monster Energy later this year and will issue further updates on that in due course.”

Tai Woffinden

“The British SGP is always an awesome weekend, so I’m gutted I won’t get the chance to race in front of a Cardiff crowd this year. But that only makes me hungrier for next season’s event. The atmosphere is unreal. It’s always a special night and I can’t wait to be back in July next year. Stay safe and I’ll see you all then!”

Speedway GP Netherlands Tai WoffindenTai Woffinden – Speedway GP 2018 – Netherlands

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Weekly | MX Nationals in jeopardy

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MX Nationals need clarity from government

A lack of government clarity on border openings and crowd restrictions has WEM now unsure of viability of a 2020 MX Nationals Championship

MX Nationals Moree MXD Under sMX Nationals might not even get out of the gates this year unless governments make some decisions

In light of the recent pandering for headlines by individual state premiers we thought it might be worth checking in with MX Nationals promoter Kevin Williams as to the problems being faced by MX Nationals.

Trev – It was only a few weeks ago when it looked as though the MX Nationals had a fairly clear projected series schedule for the running of the 2020 MX Nationals calendar. The Queensland Premier recently stated that there are no guarantees that Queensland will open its borders in September, let alone by the August 9 date that you have scheduled in the most recent draft calendar for round one at Conondale, that must be causing you some consternation?

Kev – “Look basically where I am sitting at the moment…We knew there was a little speculation in our last proposed dates, but we were recently encouraged by the Victorian government staring to open things up.  I guess we are in 14-21 day period to see what happens. My gut is that voter sentiment will decide when various  governments move to ease restrictions in other states, and I can’t see them being closed through September.

“But then of course we also need clarity on the numbers of people that are going to be allowed. If we are only allowed 500 people then the numbers just don’t stack up. The clubs need to make money and realistically that requires a minimum of 1500 paying spectators to come through the gates. 

“Rugby League Commisioner Peter V’landys recently announced a plans to allow crows in July yet that plan today has been slammed by the Australian Medical Association as ‘absurd and dangerous’.

“We have put to some deadlines on what we can.  We will review again in a couple of weeks, essentialy by the middle of June we are going to need some clarity in regards to borders and crowd numbers. If we are 80 per cent confident that the restrictions will be eased to allow the numbers we require then we roll the dice..

“At the end of the day these are commercial decisions, we can’t sit here doing nothing for the next few months waiting. We need to have some firm direction by the end of next month to make an educated call on whether we go ahead or not.”

Trev – Might it be just too risky to potentially schedule any rounds in Queensland this year, when the Premier wants an indefinitely dated exclusion zone around the Sunshine State?  And the voters seem to be backing her, let’s face it half of QLD would secede given half the chance…

“Currently we are seeing very small numbers of new infections, if people generally do the right thing, then we should be okay. Will we get a second wave? I think that is likely, going on history, how that will look in Australia who knows..

“Even within Victoria, if we are limited to a few hundred people through the gates we simply can’t run. The only thing that can work for us is time, meanwhile we just stare into the crystal ball…”

So potentially you are saying MX Nationals might not run at all this season?

“By the end of June, if they are not giving us guidelines that by August-September we can run with viable crowds then we would not be able to get going. To stage one of these events, preparing the track and venue, there is no change out of 30k for a club to stage a round, let alone our costs. .. We need to be able to get 1500 or 2000 through gate to make that even start to look viable.

“In our previous forecast we went longer than most did, with our August prediction for round one, but if by the middle of June they are not starting to indicate that crowd numbers will be opened up around that time then we might have to make a call…  If they said that from the middle of August they were looking to allow crowds, then we would reshuffle the dates again and look towards getting on the starting gates, but if much longer than that, then we would potentially have no MX Nationals this year.

“I won’t be in a position to go more than nine months without an income. We should have to start a new path, what that could be I have no idea. While I am stepping away from life as a promoter in 2021, I am still in discussions with AME about being involved in their Supercross plans.  And am also talking to clients about various consultancy work. Not the best time to find yourself unemployed I guess, but we are all in this together and will get through to the other side eventually…”

MX Nationals Rnd Coolum Last LapKevin Williams might not even get to have his chance for his last lap as MX Nationals promoter this year…

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Supercross is back this weekend

Supercross gets back underway this weekend after its COVID-19 enforced hiatus.

The series will resume on May 31 and will run through a June 21 conclusion.

The last race was held at Daytona in early March so when the gates drop in Salt Lake City on May 31 it would have been almost three months since riders felt the heat of competition.

This fast conclusion to the season will see seven quick-fire rounds ran over the space of only three weeks running two events per week, one on a Wednesday and another on the Sunday.

The events will all run without spectators making the events a distinctly made for TV affair and every round will take place inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Sat Lake City, Utah.

Each round will have only one main event race.

450SX Standings

Pos Rider Points
1 Eli Tomac 226
2 Ken Roczen 223
3 Cooper Webb 197
4 Justin Barcia 195
5 Jason Anderson 170
6 Malcolm Stewart 152
7 Justin Hill 141
8 Justin Brayton 129
9 Dean Wilson 129
10 Adam Cianciarulo 128

2020 SX Calendar

  • Rnd 11 May 31
  • Rnd 12 June 3
  • Rnd 13 June 7
  • Rnd 14 June 10
  • Rnd 15 June 13
  • Rnd 16 June 17
  • Rnd 17 June 21

AMA SX ResumesSupercross is back this weekend

FIM Hard Enduro World Cup

It finally seems as though the stalemate between the FIM World Enduro GP and WESS might finally be heading towards some sort of resolution towards an FIM Hard Enduro World Cup. FIM representatives recently stated; ‘Ongoing and positive negotiations and communication took place with KTM/WESS with regards to the FIM Hard Enduro World Cup, it was expected that a final agreement be reached within a short period.’

Billy Bolt SuperEnduroBilly Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship

American Flat Track

American Flat Track this week announced a relaunch of its 2020 race schedule featuring doubleheader race weekends and kicking off on July 17 and 18 with the Volusia Half-Mile at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. The revised schedule features 18 races over nine doubleheader weekends and culminates in a two-day finale during Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach.

In addition to NBC Sports coverage on NBCSN and live streaming of all 18 events via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, AFT has worked diligently toward the goal of having fan attendance at all of its venues. This would include the implementation of new health & safety protocols that will help provide a safe environment for fans, competitors and staff, including reduced capacity, staggered seating, mobile ticketing, cashless transactions and enhanced sanitation.

AFT officials continue to collaborate with public health experts to develop this comprehensive plan in accordance with all federal, state and local requirements. All race-day procedures have been thoroughly reviewed and will continue to be examined and updated to follow specific guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities.

At all American Flat Track events new guidelines and protocols will include:

  • Reduction in ticket availability to conform with state and local guidelines for sporting events
  • Reserved seating areas to include buffer zones to provide ample space between fans
  • Fans entering the venue will be provided with complimentary facial coverings
  • Enhanced sanitation and disinfection protocols with frequent cleaning throughout the facility
  • Enhancements to mobile ticketing and elimination of printed tickets
  • Cashless, contactless transactions for concessions and merchandise
  • Regular medical screening of staff and competitors

As an additional precaution, there will be no public access to the paddock area and AFT officials have suspended Fan Walk, rider autograph sessions and paddock upgrades for the remainder of the season. Event-specific health & safety procedures will be updated to meet or exceed state and local requirements as they are updated over the coming months. Through an updated communication protocol, AFT and its promoter partners will provide regular updates to fans via press releases, website updates, social media posts, email distribution and text messaging.

Careful consideration has been given to secure a full 18-round race schedule that is logistically possible for riders, teams and staff, while also providing the opportunity for fan attendance. Following a thorough review of state guidelines and consultation with local officials by AFT’s promoter partners, certain events that were originally scheduled for 2020 have been cancelled.

American Flat Track AFT Rnd Perris AFT Twins AXIAFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter

Updated 2020 American Flat Track Schedule*

  1. July 17 (Fri): Volusia Half-Mile I – Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
  2. July 18 (Sat): Volusia Half-Mile II – Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
  3. July 31 (Fri): Lima Half-Mile I – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  4. August 1 (Sat): Lima Half-Mile II – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  5. August 28 (Fri): TBA, Northeast U.S.
  6. August 29 (Sat): TBA, Northeast U.S.
  7. September 5 (Sat): Springfield Mile I** – Illinois State Fairgrounds – Springfield, IL
  8. September 6 (Sun): Springfield Mile II – Illinois State Fairgrounds – Springfield, IL
  9. September 11 (Fri):Williams Grove Half-Mile I – Williams Grove Speedway – Mechanicsburg, PA
  10. September 12 (Sat): Williams Grove Half-Mile II – Williams Grove Speedway – Mechanicsburg, PA
  11. September 25 (Fri): TBA, TX
  12. September 26 (Sat): TBA, TX
  13. October 2 (Fri): Atlanta Short Track I – Dixie Speedway – Woodstock, GA
  14. October 3 (Sat): Atlanta Short Track II – Dixie Speedway – Woodstock, GA
  15. October 9 (Fri): TBA, NC
  16. October 10 (Sat): TBA, NC
  17. October 15 (Thu): AFT Season Finale I – Daytona Beach, FL
  18. October 16 (Fri): AFT Season Finale II – Daytona Beach, FL
    *As the situation, regulations and protocols regarding COVID-19 progress, dates and venues listed above are subject to change.
    **AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will participate in the Springfield TT on Friday, September 4.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Weekly | GNCC | SX is back | Reed to KTM

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May 19th, 2020

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GNCC Round Four

GNCC was back in action in Georgia on the weekend and KTM’s Kailub Russell came out on top with a narrow four-second win over Josh Strang in round four of the series to extend his championship lead to 28-points ahead of the Kawasaki mounted Aussie.

Becca Sheets got the better of Aussie Tayla Jones for the win in the Women’s Division.

Bulldog GNCC – Overall Results

  1. Kailub Russell – KTM (XC1 Open Pro)
  2. Josh Strang – Kawasaki (XC1 Open Pro)
  3. Craig Delong – Husqvarna (XC2 Open Pro 250)
  4. Layne Michael – Yamaha (XC1 Open Pro)
  5. Ryder Lafferty – Husqvarna (XC2 Open Pro 250)
  6. Jordan Ashburn – Kawasaki (XC1 Open Pro)
  7. Josh Toth – KTM (XC1 Open Pro)
  8. Grant Baylor – Sherco (XC1 Open Pro)
  9. Michael Witkowski – Yamaha (XC2 Open Pro 250)
  10. Andrew Delong – Honda (XC1 Open Pro)

GNCC Championship Standings

  1. Kailub Russell 120
  2. Josh Strang 92
  3. Craig Delong 64
  4. Jordan Ashburn 60
  5. Ricky Russell 59

2020 Australian Trial Championships
South Australia- September 26-27

The 2020 Australian Trial Championships will be run September 26 and 27, at Mungeree Homestead, Bangor, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Rescheduled from earlier in the year due to COVID-19, the 2020 championships will now be hosted by Team Hogan (land owners), and the Keyneton MCC who are six-time runners of the championships, along with Trials SA.

The 2020 Australian Trial Championships will offer competition in all classes and provide on-site camping for the weekend.

Also returning in 2020 is the Mini Trial, a support class on a shortened course of 10 sections, with 3 laps each day – for all riders aged 4 to 9-years-old on mini wheeled bikes.

Entries are expected to open on July 1 and remain open until August 31, to give everyone around the country as much time as possible to plan their trip, dependent on travel restrictions.

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MA Calls For EOI To Promote The 2021 Australian Motocross Championship

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified promoters and clubs who are interested in organising and running the 2021 Australian Motocross Championship.

The Australian Motocross Championship is the nation’s blue-ribbon MX series and has continued to produce some of the world’s best MX riders over many years.

The closing date for these applications is Friday, June 26, 2020.

Upon receipt of your Expression of Interest, MA will engage with you further on the specific championship requirements.

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Chad Reed switches to KTM

Chad Reed recently participated in an Instagram chat with Pro Circuit where he detailed how the KTM switch unfolded.

Chad Reed

“I was told that we were done until September-October. So basically, I was just getting a motorcycle that I wanted to ride for the summer. Mountain Motorsports is a dealer for everyone and kind of like for me at this point in my career it gives me a fun opportunity to ride some bikes. I loved my Husky when I rode it, and you know so I was just kind of doing it for a little bit of fun. One thing led to another, I really enjoyed the bike, I liked it, then I got the word we were going back racing and I had already sold all my bikes.

“But really, to answer the question, I enjoyed it. I loved the brakes, transmission, how light it is, all the things you want from a race bike at the highest level, this bike comes like that production, so it’s just a great starting point. The one thing I struggled with most when I rode my Husky, a lot of people want to know that question, I didn’t have the resources back then with the time that we had, to have access to the good WP suspension. This time around I have been lucky enough to have access to that and that has played such a huge role, working with a company that the bike is built around. So far so good, I really like it. It brings back some fun memories, a lot of the things you do to improve certain feelings, you are going back 15/16 years to my steel chassis days, so it’s funny to have all that stuff in the back of your memory bank and a lot of that still works.”

Reed also went into some of his favoured accomplishments and the whole two-stroke v four-stroke thing, you can listen to the whole interview below.

SX is back late this month

Supercross is gets back underway late this month after its COVID-19 enforced hiatus.

The series will resume on May 31 and will run through a June 21 conclusion.

The last race was held at Daytona in early March so when the gates drop in Salt Lake City on May 31 it would have been almost three months since riders felt the heat of competition.

This fast conclusion to the season will see seven quick-fire rounds ran over the space of only three weeks running two events per week, one on a Wednesday and another on the Sunday.

The events will all run without spectators making the events a distinctly made for TV affair and every round will take place inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Sat Lake City, Utah.

Each round will have only one main event race.

2020 SX Calendar

Rnd 11 May 31

Rnd 12 June 3

Rnd 13 June 7

Rnd 14 June 10

Rnd 15 June 13

Rnd 16 June 17

Rnd 17 June 21

AMA SX Resumes

Roger De Coster, Director of Motorsports, KTM

“We are so happy to finally have this plan in place. We started feeling pretty bored after being off for this long without racing and now there is a sensation of life and energy again. And, it is cool for Supercross to be one of the first professional sports back!”

450SX Standings

Pos Rider Points
1 Eli Tomac 226
2 Ken Roczen 223
3 Cooper Webb 197
4 Justin Barcia 195
5 Jason Anderson 170
6 Malcolm Stewart 152
7 Justin Hill  141
8 Justin Brayton 129
9 Dean Wilson 129
10 Adam Cianciarulo 128
11 Aaron Plessinger 125
12 Blake Baggett 109
13 Vince Friese 108
14 Zach Osborne 105
15 Martin Davalos 92
16 Tyler Bowers 60
17 Chad Reed 49
18 Kyle Chisholm 44
19 Benny Bloss 34
20 Ryan Breece 31
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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Weekly | YZ250F Racer | Manji canned | AMA MX

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Moto News Weekly Update

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AMA Pro Motocross

The Pro Motocross schedule remains under revision pending confirmation of state re-opening guidelines. The opening round is tentatively set for July 4th with the series concluding on October 3rd. The organisers hope to announce final dates and locations by May 15th.

GNCC

GNCC Racing will tentatively resume May 16/17 at Aonia Pass MX in Washington, GA (same location as round 3) and then on May 30/31 at a location in South Carolina. 

Manjiump 15,000 Cancelled

With no set date to work towards and many many other deciding factors against them, organisers Dirt High Promotions have chosen to cancel the 2020 running of the iconic Manjimup 15,000 event in the south-west of Western Australia.  

Racebike Research – Levi Rogers YZ250F

Let’s take a closer look at will be the YZ250F of Levi Rogers. Rogers will make his debut in the MXD class for 2020 after progressing through the Yamaha Junior Racing program. The majority of his junior racing saw Rogers on basically standard bikes and things won’t change a lot for the 2020 season as he learns more about racing and his needs from the bike.

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers PR Corner A

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers PR Corner A

Levi Rogers YZ250F

Starting from the Top

Rogers is a man child. Despite just turning 17, he is over 180cm tall and weighs in at 80kilos so a lot of the ergonomic changes made to his bike are to suit his tall frame. He uses Pro Taper SX High bend handlebars with Pro Taper diamond pattern grips. They are mounted on stock triple clamps with the mounts in the forward / forward position, again to give him more room.

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers bike and head

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers bike and head

Levi Rogers YZ250F

The team use standard levers and controls that are greased and lubes regularly to keep them light and airy. He also favours a gripper seat cover to help stay in position on the bike. Since the inception of the 2019 model, the sub frame and general chassis remains standard.

Motor

The 2020 motor on the YZ250F is a great starting point. In fact, since the reverse cylinder was introduced to the YZ250F in 2014, it has been a class leader as far as power placement and output is concerned and has the championship success around the world to prove it.

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Motor A

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Motor A

Levi Rogers YZ250F

The head is flowed by Kevin Marshall. Kev is the brains behind the Yamaha Road Racing team bikes and has years of experience both in the road and off road field. He does each head by hand after hours of studying them and working out the angles he needs for the style of power requested. Kev is never about the peak number, he is about rideability and his attention to detail is second to none. The standard cams and standard piston are used with no modifications.

A Rush O2 airfilter is used for better air flow as clean air to the YZ250F motor produces more power. Add to that an Akrapovic exhaust, some ETS MA-3 100 fuel and some mapping via the OEM Yamaha power tuner app and you have all the performance gains you need. GYTR engine covers are fitted to the clutch and the ignition side of the bike for that factory bike look. The final piece of the puzzle is the gearing where Rogers bounces between 13-49 or 13-50 depending on the track.

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Motor

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Motor

Levi Rogers YZ250F

Suspension

Levi has worked with Michael Marty of Brisbane Dirt Bike services in recent times and instead of just wasting that relationship, Rogers has continued with Michael and has fine-tuned his suspension to his needs. The valving has been altered, as has the spring rates and oil heights. The forks are coated and use SFK fork seals to reduce as much stiction and increase a smoother action.

Working off a static ride height of around 35mm and a rider sag of 105mm, Marty changes the spring to suit on the rear and then tunes the front similarly to ensure balance remains in the bike and the basic geometry is right.

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers PR jump

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers PR jump

Levi Rogers YZ250F

Odds and Ends

Rogers is a huge fan of the Dunlop MX33 and uses it almost everywhere apart from the sandy based tracks where he might match the MX33 front with the paddle like MX12 rear. Wheels are mounted to OEM hubs, spokes and rims apart from supercross, where are stronger Excel rim is used to handle the big impacts. He also adjusting to running mousse tubes for the first time in his career as flat tyres often don’t lead to championship success.

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Rear wheel

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Rear wheel

Levi Rogers YZ250F

The team add a second starter button and position it on the frame to be used as a back up in case of a crash. Learning from experience, a crash can often damage what’s mounted to the handlebars, including the start button, so a spare is made and mounted to the frame.

A GYTR holeshot button is on the bike and apart from a concrete start, you wouldn’t race without one. Most mounts come with a template for heights starting at 65, 85 and 100mm but most riders now go lower than that and often the start button height is anywhere between 115 and 145mm down the fork guard.

Yamalube oils and lubes are ran throughout the bike, from RS4GP in the motor to S1 Suspension fluid in the fork.

The last remaining bits to be added is a skid plate, that the team use from the FX model, as well as the clean and corporate looking sticker kit from Serco.

Spec Check- Levi Rogers YZ250F – #44
  • Mechanic – Nash Ilhe
  • Cylinder head: OEM with YRD flow
  • Piston: OEM
  • Cams: OEM
  • Clutch: OEM
  • Throttle body: OEM
  • ECU: Yamaha Power Tuner – mapped to suit engine mods
  • Exhaust: Akrapovic
  • Airfilter: Rush o2
  • Fuel: ETS MA-3 100
  • Gearing: 13-50
  • Engine Covers: GYTR
  • Fork: KYB with coatings and revalved to suit rider
  • Shock: KYB
  • Handlebars: Pro Taper SX High bend
  • Grips: Pro TaperClamps: OEM in forward / forward
  • Chain: DID ERT3 520Sprockets: JT
  • Tyres: Dunlop MX 33 with Dunlop Mousse
  • Seat Cover: Gripper from Top Line
  • Decals: Serco

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Bike

Yamaha YZF Levi Rogers Bike

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Wilson Todd has ACL surgery

Wilson Todd is recovering from recent ACL surgery, the Aussie taking the opportunity that the break in racing has afforded him to get in, get it done and get on the road to recovery.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Marty Smith dies in crash

Marty Smith, a 2000 inductee into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, died Monday, April 27, from injuries sustained in a dune buggy crash in Southern California. He was 63.

Marty Smith

Marty Smith

Marty Smith

Also killed in the crash was Smith’s wife, Nancy Smith.

A three-time AMA Motocross National Champion, Smith won the inaugural AMA 125cc Motocross Championship in 1974. He successfully defended his title in 1975, and also won the 1977 AMA 500cc Motocross Championship and the 1975 and 1976 125cc U.S. Motocross Grand Prix events. Smith also competed in AMA Supercross for four seasons (1978-1981).

Born in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 26, 1956, Smith started riding with his father, Al, on a step-through Honda 50 in the California desert. He took part in his first motocross race at age 14. Smith became a regular at Southern California tracks and started winning races on a regular basis. During his formative racing years, he had no professional trainers and learned by carefully observing the fast guys, then applying what he saw.

Smith became known as one of the most precise riders in motocross history. His riding style remained smooth throughout his races and he rarely crashed.

Smith won all of his championships with Honda, and the company featured him in its advertising, using his long hair and youthful good looks as a selling point. He was on dozens of magazine covers riding the legendary Honda Elsinore, donning the famous red, white and blue racing colors. Smith became the first teen idol in motocross and legions of young fans followed his every move.

He retired from racing in 1981 and developed a motocross school called the Marty Smith Motocross Clinic.

Marty Smith

Marty Smith

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Yamaha backed Motocross Coaching Clinics

Yamaha Motor Australia has a vast bank of knowledge when it comes to motocross coaching. Most states have their own coach in place to cater for riders of all levels and across all off road disciplines and Yamaha continue to work with them to ensure they offer the best possible advice and tuition.

What started out nearly 40 years ago with Stephen Gall running his local MX schools in NSW before taking it national and his University of Motocross programs, Yamaha are still actively involved in rider coaching and still want riders to enjoy riding dirt bikes in a safe manner.

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Jades Oates coaching

Cameron Taylor, Shane Metcalfe, Jay Wilson, Jades Oates and Brody Jennings all run Yamaha supported and endorsed riding schools in various regions across Australia. Each of these guys have years of knowledge under their belts, collectively they are close to 100 years, and are more than happy to pass it on to the next generation. Each of these guys run riding schools all over the place and are passionate about safe dirt bike riding.

And all of them are heavily involved in Yamaha Junior Racing program’s and can often be seen working closely with riders on race day but are open to any level rider on any brand of bike.

With the slow-down in activity due to COVID-19, we got some advice from these guys to get their take on the coaching game and what they can do to assist you to become a better rider.

What’s the most important thing you can teach a rider new to dirt bikes?

SM: The basic techniques of controlling your dirt bike which in turn will make you a safer rider. Learning to use your brakes, clutch and throttle are never ending and the better you are at them, the safer rider you will be.

JO: Above all else, a solid foundation in riding technique is essential to becoming a competent and safe rider and also listening to them and understanding their goals so I can help them achieve them.

BJ: Safety and key fundamentals are the two things I think every rider needs to learn and be aware of. Be skilled at riding your bike and be aware that it can be dangerous, and you need to be smart about how you approach things.

JW: The biggest thing we focus on at our school is the basics of riding a motorcycle and teaching the correct technique, to make sure we are creating safer and smarter riders. When a rider is wanting to take the next step forward with their riding we want to give them the correct tools to do it safely, so that when their speed increases they know how to manage it properly.

CT: Body position is key. Starting with a good position on the bike enables everything else to fall in place. Like anything, if the initial set up is wrong, it makes it hard to correct and keep your entire technique in place.

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Jades Oates coaching

What do you offer at your riding schools?

SM: I try to cover as much as possible so everyone from the beginner to the advanced rider will learn something. We start as the basics from body position and bike control through to jumping and scrubbing to help every rider.

JO: I offer a wide range of coaching that covers everything from private one on one tuition through to a full and comprehensive live in style program that covers everything from on and off bike training, nutrition and mental conditioning.

BJ: I cover everything from beginner to advanced and we have a wide variety of riders in Tasmania so is something I constantly monitor. I can share my years of knowledge on riding and racing as well as being part of the industry to hopefully make someone’s motorcycle journey a fun and safe one.

JW: Being a current racer, I’m progressing with the techniques and skills that are currently being used and won with now. When I run a school I’m able to translate what I’m using myself while racing, I believe this is a massive benefit.

CT: I think the platform for any successful athlete is doing the basics well and training them so they become second nature to the rider. So, we work hard on things like body position and bike control at the start of our schools. I also enjoy working with a range of riders as it’s just as rewarding seeing a rider master something basic as it is to see a pro improve a lap time. With my years of experience, I can offer advice and mentoring for juniors to vets, club guys to pros.

Rider Training Cam Taylor coaching

Rider Training Cam Taylor coaching

Cam Taylor Coaching

What has been the biggest change in the way we ride our bikes?

SM: Now days, I see a lot of riders overlook technique for speed. A good technique will allow you to rider faster and also much safer instead of just holding it on and hope it all works out. I see a lot of technique missing from modern riders these days.

JO: For me, it’s been the progression in the way we use our body in riding the bike and the dynamic effect it has. We see riders now ride on the toes more frequently than their heels and we see riders using a far more aggressive technique in clutch and rpm as well as things like scrubbing.

BJ: I think the bikes themselves have played a huge part in how we ride these days. The performance level of the bike and then the amount of knowledge around it – from suspension to motor and then to coaching means riders can access it all easily and make gains quickly.

JW: I think the influence the US has on our riders. Australians have always looked to America and mimicked the way they ride. Honestly our tracks don’t allow us to ride that aggressively, so you are seeing riders looking more to Europe now and trying to mimic that style of riding. Standing on the pegs, lower RPMs and roll speed, allows us to be more efficient in the bike. Especially having raced Supercross in the US now, the way we need to ride here in Australia is completely different.

CT: Riding on the balls of our feet has changed the way we ride. When we were growing up, there was never any discussion about how to place your feet, only about grabbing the bike with your knees. Riding on your toes gives you a light and agile feel on the bike and allows more freedom as you work with the bike.

Rider Training Brody Jennings

Rider Training Brody Jennings

Brody Jennings Coaching

Can you see a young rider who has ‘it’?

SM: I think you can, if you know what you are looking for. You can identify talent and ability but that is only a small part of the equation. I saw Alex Larwood when he was on a 50 and thought he was talented but that didn’t mean he would be successful and still doesn’t. But I could see he had an ability to ride a bike well at a young age.

JO: 100% you can. That never means the rider is a sure thing and will have along and successful career and so many other factors come into it, but you can definitely see talent at a young age. I think the 15-18 year bracket is the hardest for a motocross rider and if they can maintain focus and work ethic through that period, changes are they will enjoy a good career.

BJ: Tough question. The answer is yes but you are never 100% sure. There are a few I work with that I think have the ability to go a long way in motocross but there are so many elements that make a champion.

JW: I think you can see as a rider develops they go through stages. Generally, under the age of 12, the rider who does well is often the one that rides the most and has access to land. From 12- 16 you can identify the talent and ability a rider has and how natural their technique is. Over the age of 17, it comes down to combining that talent with dedication and hard work as there is no-where to hide in a 30 minute moto.

CT: For sure you can. Not just in the way they ride but how they approach their riding and how they dissect a track. Not only to do they have a smooth and fluid style, they clearly think about their racing both on and off the track.

Rider Training Cam Taylor coaching

Rider Training Cam Taylor coaching

Cam Taylor Coaching

How do you deal with parents who think they have the next Chad Reed on their hands?

SM: Firstly, you remind them that everyone can be as good as Chad Reed if they have the work ethic, determination and are willing to make the sacrifices that he and his family did. But you also point out that while there has been a few guys that have come close, there has only been one Chad Reed in our sports history.

JO: I think an honest discussion between myself and the parent is vital here, so we are laying out realistic goals for the rider and the family. I’m massive for confidence in a rider and their supporters but their needs to be a realistic approach and reduce the pressure on the rider to live up to them. And also ensure the fun factor remains with both the rider and family.

BJ: Generally, these are the most passionate parents, just their energies are a little misplaced. I would go for a gentle conversation to bring them back down to earth and try and direct their energy in a positive fashion. If that doesn’t happen, generally the sport tends to weed them out.

JW: Everyone wants to be the next Chad Reed, don’t they? I encourage them to have those goals and dreams but also know that Chad is a once in a lifetime rider who devoted everything he had to become what he did. So, chase those goals, but never lose sight of why you started, the enjoyment and fun factor should always stay with you.

CT: Carefully! I have been a bit too brutal and honest at times and you never want to crush anyone’s dreams or hopes so you have to get a good understanding of what it is they want for the child or from the sport.

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Jades Oates coaching

Can an over 40 year old with a Dad bod and five year old bike still gain something from going to a riding school?

SM: They sure can! Everyone can learn something from a riding school and in fact I continue to learn more from a lot of the schools I do. If you have an open mind and are willing to take on advice, then there is always something to gain.

JO; 100% they can. We have had riders from all ages and skill level say they have gained something from our schools.

BJ: Yes. No question things can be learned and for a lot of those 40 year old’s, it can also be a good time to spend with your child in a shared passion. Riding with my son is amazing and be at a school together would be a great way to spend time with each other.

JW: Absolutely, in fact we have done schools in regional and rural areas where farmers have come along. Riding bikes on properties is part of their day and if they can do it better, then of course it’s worth it. I’m just as happy to work with a guy on his AG bike rounding up the cows if my advice can make his life a little safer and easier.

CT: I have had 60 year old riders at our riding days and they have as got much from it as the younger guys. Most of the older riders grew up when there was very little coaching, so they have years of bad habits and dated techniques. By the end of the day, they have adapted and found a better way to ride and general are both safer and faster.

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Rider Training Jades Oates coaching

Jades Oates coaching

How can people contact you regarding coaching?

SM: Via my website is the best way; https://sm25coaching.com/
JO: I can be contacted via my social media or website; https://oatesmx.com.au/
BJ: Social media channels work best for me; Facebook and Instagram.
JW: I’m available through social media- both personal and Hastie Co.
CT: Call me, hit me up on social media or : http://www.camerontaylormx.com/

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Moto News Weekly | A4DE | 2020 AMA MX | Erzberg | Speedway

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2021 A4DE Update

The planning and preparation for the 2021 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) is in full swing, with the Trail & Enduro Motorcycle Club of WA announcing Australian owned company Pilot Air Compressors as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the 2021 A4DE Championships, to be held at Harvey, Western Australia.

Due to COVID-19 and Government restrictions around events, the 2020 A4DE was cancelled, but Trail & Enduro Motorcycle Club of WA have hit the trail running ensuring the 2021 event will be bigger and better than ever.

The 2021 A4DE will be held May 19-22 and is expected to attract up to 250 riders from across Australia. The event was last held in Western Australia in 2013.

Trail & Enduro Motorcycle Club of WA 2021 A4DE event organiser, Collin Jennings said, “It’s great to have an Australian owned company in Pilot Air Compressors backing this major championship”.

“Riders can be assured that the 2021 event will be one you won’t want to miss,” he said.

Pilot Air Compressors Director and fellow motorbike enthusiast, Martin Wylie said: “We are proud to be supporting the Australian Enduro Championship”.

“Many of the competitors at the event are from a variety of backgrounds and industries that would have been exposed to the Pilot Air technology whether they are aware of the brand or not.

“We hope the association with the A4DE will help build the brand awareness throughout the motorbike community in Australia.”

Pilot Air first supported the 2013 A4DE when the event was last run in WA.

For the 2021 event they have increased their involvement now as the Naming Rights sponsor with their West Australian distributor Air & Power.

Baden Barker of Air and Power, has had a long association with the Trail & Enduro Motorcycle Club of WA and the WA A4DE, having competed in the last one.

“I am a motorbike enthusiast and have been riding enduro events for over 20 years,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to have our major supplier Pilot Air, supporting this event whilst it is being held in Western Australia. I look forward to competing in the 2021 event with my daughter Amber, so long as we are both injury free and the boss lets us.”

A4DE Committee Chairperson, Trudy Campain, said: “With the lack of enduro’s during the 2020 season we are looking forward to riders saving their dollars and making the journey to Harvey for the event”.

“We are planning for three different courses for the first three days. The emphasis will be on a great fun ride with excellent special tests which will ensure success for all riders and that our best are crowned as Australian Champions.”

ADE WA Milner

ADE WA Milner

Daniel Milner won the last A4DE that was staged in Western Australia
2013 A4DE – Final Standings – OUTRIGHT
1st Daniel Milner -01:56:55.123
2nd Chris Hollis – 01:58:07.770
3rd Matthew Phillips – 01:58:22.711
4th Josh Green – 02:01:38.231
5th Tom McCormack – 02:02:09.824
6th Peter Boyle – 02:02:28.438
7th Lachlan Stanford – 02:02:47.089
8th Stefan Merriman – 02:02:47.156
9th Ben Burrell – 02:03:11.180
10th Ben Grabham – 02:03:20.999

2020 AMA Pro Motocross

The current Pro Motocross schedule consists of 11 rounds spanning from June 13th through September 5th.

  1. June 13 WW Ranch, FL
  2. June 20 High Point, PA
  3. June 27 Southwick, MA
  4. July 4 RedBud, MI
  5. July 11 Thunder Valley, CO
  6. July 18 Spring Creek, MN
  7. July 25 Washougal, WA
  8. Aug. 15 Unadilla, NY
  9. Aug. 22 Budds Creek, MD
  10. Aug. 29 Ironman, IN
  11. Sept. 5 Pala, CA

AMA MX Rnd Starts JK MX Ironman

AMA MX Rnd Starts JK MX Ironman

AMA Pro Motocross – Image by Hoppenworld

However, additional changes are expected and will be announced shortly. The Series will most likely extend from June 20th through September 12th, but no later. In these trying times, full transparency in scheduling is called for, to allow riders, teams and fans to prepare. A revised schedule will be announced ASAP.

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Mitch Evans recovery update

On March 31st, Team HRC’s Mitch Evans had surgery on his right-shoulder back in Brisbane, Australia where the Honda rider is now recuperating. The initial prognosis from the doctors was good and the belief was that he would make a full and quick recovery. 

What’s the situation right now with the shoulder and how are you coping with it all?

“I’ve basically now just got to let the shoulder recover and let the cartilage glue back to the bone. I have these little exercises that the physio has given me, after seeing him in the studio yesterday for my one week check-up. He was really happy with my range of motion and I have double the range that anyone normally would one week after surgery so that’s a really positive sign. He gave me these exercises to do so I’ve been following that advice. I’m not in any pain so honestly, it doesn’t even feel like I’ve had surgery at all. I’ve also been keeping in contact with Team HRC’s physio Filippo and he’s really happy with the progress too so it’s all looking positive. I’m keeping it rested it, but doing these four different exercises four times a day and that’s the only time that I’m move it. They are pretty basic range of motion exercises and then nothing else.”

What about the rest of your body, are you able to train and keep fit still?

“I’m still able to cycle, but I’m not able to go running or anything like that. I’m allowed to do cycling and weights on any other part of my body just as long as am I’m not using my shoulder, so I started indoor cycling two days ago now and just slowly build back into it as I haven’t really done much since I dislocated shoulder. I just want to keep my base fitness and then once my shoulder starts feeling a lot better, I want to add some higher intensity workouts to try and replicate the bike time that I’m missing. At the moment its low intensity stuff, just to get the body moving again.”

Italian Motocross Rnd Mantova Mitchell Evans

Italian Motocross Rnd Mantova Mitchell Evans

Mitch Evans

In terms of the schedule, are you working on the shoulder schedule or are you looking at the MXGP schedule and trying to recover for that?

“For me, I’m just focusing on my shoulder and just by the timeline that my doctors and physio have laid out for me. I’m not really worrying about the MXGP calendar right now, as honestly, I don’t know when the next race is likely to be so it makes sense just to control what I can control. I hope though that by the time we do get back to racing, I’ll have spent time back on the bike already.”

Is there a plan to come back from Australia or is it still up in the air?

“I don’t think anyone really has an idea at the minute, so we’re just playing it day by day and seeing what the governments are saying. It’s going to come down to when we’re allowed out of the country, or even when I’m allowed back into other countries without any quarantine periods.”

You’re at home most of the time now, have you found anything else to pass the time

“We’ve been doing jigsaw puzzles recently at home, 1000-piece puzzles and they take a good amount of time. We’re onto our second one now so just trying to keep off the boredom that way. It’s like being a little kid again, playing board games at home and sitting around and not doing too much. It’s a difficult situation but I’m also looking at doing some studying at home, so we’ll see how that goes. I’m thinking of doing something like science and nutrition, something along those lines, which could help me with my career at the moment and also gets me ahead for after my racing career.”

Any last words for your fans out there?

“I think it is just important for everyone to follow their government’s guidelines during this difficult period. Obviously it’s easy for me to say this right now, but the FIM message of #RidersAtHome is an important one to follow because this time will come to an end, and then once it’s over, we can ride again without any problems. It’s important that people stay safe and just reduce unnecessary risk and personally, it’ll make the return to racing even sweeter when we get to do it.”

Italian Motocross Rnd Mantova Mitchell Evans

Italian Motocross Rnd Mantova Mitchell Evans

Mitch Evans on the podium in Italy earlier this year

2020 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and BSI Speedway have taken the decision to revise the schedule for the 2020 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations series.

Under the revised schedule, both semi-finals – the 2020 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Semi-Final 1 and the 2020 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Semi-Final 2 – will now take place on consecutive days at Daugavpils, Latvia on September 25-26. The first semi-final moves from its original location of Landshut, Germany.

The 2020 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Final is now scheduled to take place at Belle Vue, Manchester on the new dates of October 24-25.

These decisions were made after careful consideration and consultation between the FIM, BSI Speedway and local organisers as the health and safety of everyone involved in the events remains our priority.

Speedway of Nations Semi-Final 1:

Friday, September 25, 18:00 CET start (19:00 local time)

Speedway of Nations Semi-Final 2:

Saturday September 26, 16:30 CET start (17:30 local time)

Speedway of Nations Final:

Saturday, October 24, 16:30 CET start (15:30 UK time)

Sunday October 25, 16:30 CET start (15:30 UK time)

Speedway of Nations Team Australia

Speedway of Nations Team Australia

Team Australia at the 2019 Speedway of Nations

Red Bull Erzbergrodeo cancelled due to COVID-19

Round three of the 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in Austria, is now cancelled due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Following extensive discussions, WESS Promotion GmbH were informed by event organisers Erzbergrodeo GmbH that the 26th edition of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, scheduled for June 11-14, will sadly not take place during 2020.

Alfredo Gomez

Alfredo Gomez

No Erzberg in 2020

Regarded as one of the world’s premier off-road motorcycle competitions, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo annually attracts 1,800 riders from 40 nations.

In total, up to 6,000 people including competitors and their families, staff and media populate the Iron Giant during the four days of racing.

Concluding with the iconic Red Bull Erzbergrodeo hard enduro, the event also hosts more than 35,000 spectators throughout the near-weeklong festival of Enduro in Eisenerz, Austria.

The cancellation follows a recent decision made by the Austrian government. While they intend to ease certain restrictions regarding their COVID-19 lockdown measures, no mass-gathering events will be permitted until July at the earliest.

Event organisers had hoped that Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, one of Austria’s most prestigious events, would run in 2020, but it is not possible to do so on a rescheduled date.

This information follows the postponement of Extreme XL Lagares to October 2-4 and the cancellation of Trefle Lozerien AMV on May 21-23 due to COVID-19.

WESS Rnd Extreme XL Lagares Taddy Blazusiak FM

WESS Rnd Extreme XL Lagares Taddy Blazusiak FM

Extreme XL Lagares has been postponed to October

WESS Promotion GmbH are in daily contact with all WESS Enduro World Championship event organisers and are monitoring the situation regards any further possible disruption to the current schedule.

Winfried Kerschhaggl – WESS Enduro World Championship Series Manager

“Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is a highlight of the WESS Enduro World Championship, so this news will come as a disappointment to many. An event known the world over, it built and defined many of world’s top Enduro riders, while also providing an incredible challenge for thousands of amateur competitors. But these are unprecedented times we are currently in. Maintaining the health and safety of not only all those planning to attend, but of those who live in Eisenerz and its surrounding area is paramount. We thank Erzbergrodeo GmbH for their tireless efforts in trying to make this year’s race happen and look forward with great anticipation to what Red Bull Erzbergrodeo will bring in 2021.”

Karl Katoch – Erzbergrodeo GmbH

“Sadly, not even the great Iron Giant herself could yield the coronavirus pandemic. Confirming the cancellation of this year’s Red Bull Erzbergrodeo has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision to make, but also the right one to take at this time. We’re living through a global pandemic and it’s not only international Enduro racing that is affected. While the current restrictions to mass gathering events ultimately prevented us from running, the health and safety of everyone is the most important thing and so racing must take second place. Since 1995 we have witnessed incredible heroics from the best riders in the world to many, many hobby riders testing themselves on the world’s toughest Enduro. We are already motivated for the second half of this year that will allow us to plan for 2021 and will create something very special indeed and for sure more historic moments in Enduro. Until then stay safe.”

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Moto News Weekly | Serco Yamaha 20th anniversary edition

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With pretty much absolutely nothing happening in regards to off-road motorcycle racing over the last week, we have decided to use this week’ Moto News Weekly to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Serco Motorspots and Yamaha partnership. 

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Serco Motorsports

In 1998, Serco Motorsports entered the motocross fraternity. With the introduction of the YZ400F and Serco’s history in motorsports dominated by four strokes, namely speedway and drag racing, Serco’s progression to motocross was a natural one and now 22 years later it’s still going as strong as ever.

Serco Wilson Todd MX nats rd E

Serco Wilson Todd MX nats rd E

Wilson Todd won the 2018 MX2 MX Nationals Championship with Serco Yamaha

In those days, Serco Motorsport purchased Yamaha’s and fielded a team as way to promote its own products. As an importer and distributor of several four stroke products, Serco Motorsport were in on the ground floor as the four-stroke boom as it grew around the world.

Serco Harrisono

Serco Harrisono

Brenden Harrison won the MXD Championship with Serco in 2007

Then in 2001, Yamaha Motor Australia entered into a relationship with Serco that is still going strong 20 years later. What started out as a bikes and parts deal in 2001, soon morphed into Serco taking the reins for Yamaha in the Lites class, as it was known then, for the 2004 season. CDR Yamaha become the official 450 or MX1 team and Yamaha Australia paved the way for what is now the industry standard with race teams focusing on the one sized bike and class. So, 2020 marks the 20th year Serco Yamaha and Yamaha Motor Australia have worked together and the combination has plenty of championships to show for their efforts. 

Serco Robbie marshall

Serco Robbie marshall

Robbie Marshall rode for Serco in 2004

Entering the front door of Serco (which stands for Stationary Engine Repair Company) in Capalaba in Queensland, you are met with a range of championship bikes. Six YZ250F’s are lined against the far wall, from championships won by Cameron Taylor, Jake Moss, Luke Styke, Luke Clout, Jackson Richardson and Wilson Todd, while there is a drag bike against the window and a speedway bike that seems to be in a different position every time I walk in the door.

Serco Jake Moss Champ IMG

Serco Jake Moss Champ IMG

Jake Moss won the 2007 Pro Lites Australian Motocross MX2 Championship with Serco Yamaha

At the helm of Serco, both the business and the race team, is Gavin Eales. Eales has been a long time motorsport enthusiast and the drag bike in the window is one the Eales raced himself. Eales continues to invest his company’s money into racing and now at 22 years in the business is the second longest running team in the MX paddock, just a handful of years behind Yamaha stable mate, CDR Yamaha.

Serco Jake Moss DSC

Serco Jake Moss DSC

Jake Moss won the 2007 MX2 Australian Motocross Championship with Serco Yamaha

Gavin, can you recall the first MX race you did as a team and who were the riders?

“When four strokes first came onto the market in a big way, we were actively involved in the Thumper Nats series at the time. Our first rider we had was Mark Avard, who we supported but it is nothing like the amount of support we see riders with today.”

ChrisUrquhart

ChrisUrquhart

Chris Urquhart rode for Serco Yamaha in the 2002 ThumperNats

How did the deal come about for you to become an official YMA supported team?

“After a few seasons of doing our thing, YMA’s Managing Director at the time, Steven Cotterill, approached us about increasing our involvement in Yamaha Racing. Initially we were a team that competed in a range of classes, like CDR Yamaha did, but as the relationship developed, YMA’s direction was for us to focus on the 250cc or Lites class as it was called at the time, while CDR were the dedicated open or 450 team. It allowed each team to concentrate on developing just the one bike and focus on the one championship. It was a decision and direction that the rest of the world has followed.”

Serco Truck p

Serco Truck p

The Serco truck in 2003

20 years is also a long and successful business relationship with Yamaha Motor Australia, what makes it work?

“The combination of both companies being racing focussed and also a determination to win as well as long term sustainability for both parties. YMA and Serco have been in racing for the long haul and the commitment we have to each other and racing has been strong. We see a lot of teams come and go but look at Yamaha’s consistency in racing, each team has been around for some time and built up a good knowledge and infrastructure base that can’t be replicated in just one or two seasons.”

Serco McCoy

Serco McCoy

Danny McCoy rode for Serco in 2003

In 20 years of racing, you must have seen plenty of highs and lows. What is one of the standout memories you have in racing MX and SX?

“Without doubt, the 2019 Brisbane SX round where the team finished 1-2. It had been a trying lead up for everyone in the team, from Jacob being hurt before he came, the mechanics wide open building bikes and I wasn’t well myself so to go out there that night and get a result like that felt like we had just won the championship.”

Australian Supercross Rnd Brisbane HayesSerco

Australian Supercross Rnd Brisbane HayesSerco

Serco Yamaha at the 2019 Brisbane round of Aussie Supercross

You have also seen plenty of change in the sport in that time? What has been some of the things that have changed or had an impact on racing?

“Nothing has ever affected us like Covid-19 is at the moment. It has bought the world to almost a standstill and something like this has never been experienced before. I’m confident we will all come out the other side of it, but it will take some time to recover.”

Serco Cini

Serco Cini

Adam Cini rode for Serco in 2004

Let’s talk about the bikes. The 2001 YZ250F made about 29 HP and weighed over 110kgs. The 2020 model makes over 41HP and weighs around 106kg and now includes EFI and electric start. Things certainly have changed?

Serco Yamaha retro Clout

Serco Yamaha retro Clout

The retro livery run by Serco Yamaha’s Luke Clout in 2015

“Yamaha has done an amazing job with the YZ250F. It has been the dominant bike over recent years, and it seems to just get better year on year. The amount of power it produces now in standard form was something race teams chased for years. I recall when we first got through the 40HP barrier and that was exciting for our guys at the time, this bike starts above that now and only gets better.”

YZF DPBSE AUS ACT

YZF DPBSE AUS ACT

2020 YZ250F

Is there a model or a year bike that stands out to you and the team?

“Probably two bikes for me. The first was the success we had with the 2012-2013 models when they were still carburetted when the other bikes were FI and now the 2019 model. The 2012-2013 model was viewed as outdated, slow and the worst bike in the field, yet we were able to win several championships on the bike and what we didn’t win, we were close to. The 2019 is just a great bike. It has power, it handles, and it just works.”

Serco SX Luke Styke sx rd

Serco SX Luke Styke sx rd

In 2013 Serco Yamaha’s Luke Styke won both the MX2 MX Nationals Championship and the SX2 Supercross Championship

Does racing have an effect on the day to day business of Serco?

“Racing is a huge part of our marketing. Some companies chose to advertise, some go hard on social media, Serco races. A lot of our products are designed and built for racing, so it makes sense to race what we sell and promote via our race team.”

Serco mx nats rd

Serco mx nats rd

Serco Yamaha pits in 2013

Was there a rider you wished you got but never got to work with?

“No, not really. When you look at the list of riders we have had on our books over the years, it’s a pretty impressive line-up of riders. Apart from the riders that went overseas very early in their careers, I think most riders have been part of Serco at some stage.”

Serco cameron taylor

Serco cameron taylor

Cam Taylor won the MX2 Motocross Championship with Serco in 2005

What do you look for in a rider when selecting on who represents Serco Yamaha?

“Talent, determination and work ethic. You need all those things to succeed. Not just one or two, all of them. If a rider doesn’t have all three of those, then his career will never reach its full potential regardless of who he races for and on what bike.”

Serco Gibbs

Serco Gibbs

Kirk Gibbs rode for Serco Yamaha in 2011

Serco Yamaha Riders

1998: Mark Kirkman
1999: Andrew McFarlane
2000: Mark Avard
2001: Michael Cotter
2002: Jye Hervey / Chris Urquhart
2003: Daniel McCoy / Quentin Carroll / Mick Cook
2004: Robbie Marshall / Adam Cini / Wade Thompson
2005: Cameron Taylor / Robbie Marshall
2006: Cameron Taylor / Robbie Marshall / Jake Moss
2007: Jake Moss / Daniel McCoy / Brendan Harrison (MXD)
2008: Lewis Stewart / Damien King /
2009: Mitch Hoad / Matt Ryan/ Kirk Gibbs
2010: Ford Dale / Kirk Gibbs / Kyle Cunningham (SX only)
2011: Ford Dale/ Kirk Gibbs / Jake Moss (MX Only)
2012: Luke Styke / Kirk Gibbs/
2013: Luke Styke / Luke Clout/ Luke Arbon (SX only)
2014: Luke Clout / Jay Wilson
2015: Luke Clout / Jed Beaton
2016: Wilson Todd / Wade Hunter
2017: Jackson Richardson / Mitch Evans
2018: Wilson Todd / Nathan Crawford / Jacob Hayes (SX only)
2019: Nathan Crawford / Aaron Tanti / Jacob Hayes (SX only)
2020: Aaron Tanti / Dylan Walsh

Serco Yamaha Championships

2005: 1st Cameron Taylor – MX2
2007: 1st Jake Moss – MX2
2007: 1st Brendan Harrison – MXD
2013: 1st Luke Styke – MX2
2013: 1st Luke Styke SX2
2014: 1st Luke Clout- MX2
2016: 1st Jackson Richardson- SX2
2017: 1st Jackson Richardson – SX2
2018: 1st Wilson Todd – MX2

Serco mx nats rd

Serco mx nats rd

2013 Serco Yamaha team-mates Luke Styke and Luke Clout x Dunlop Gen Web Banner

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Insights into the dirty minds of Yamaha race technicians

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Team Yamaha mechanics reflect on their favourite tools and more

While it’s the riders and team managers who often take the glory for the results, often the hard working mechanic is the man behind the success on race day. They work long hours and devote their lives to building a masterpiece of a race bike that often gets destroyed before their eyes each and every race day.

With the enforced break in racing, let’s meet the men behind the scenes who are the driving force of Yamaha’s Racing Teams. CDR’s Brad McAlpine, Serco’s Paul Teasdale, Yamalube’s Mike Ward, WBR’s Travis Whitten, Yamaha Off Road’s AJ Roberts and YRT’s Kev Marshall. All of them have years of experience and a long list of championship success to their names. Let’s find out more about these weird and wonderful characters.

Favourite tool that you wouldn’t leave the workshop without?

Brad: T-bars Can’t work on a bike without one.

Paul: Torque wrench

Mike: Snap-on Torque wrench

Travis: Everyone will say a torque wrench but let’s be modern and go for a Lap-top these days

AJ: A rattle gun and a grinder. I need them both!

Kevin: Dyno! I know I cant take one to a race meeting, but I would if I could!

#Unfortunately, neither AJ or Kev are joking here!

CDR Yamaha MX Nats rd Medium

CDR Yamaha MX Nats rd Medium

CDR’s Brad McAlpine

Favourite race bike you have built?

Brad: Dean Ferris 2017 YZ450F in the US. Aiden and I built the bike in a car park with just a tool bag we bought from Australia and then Dean raced it to second place in a moto that had the US guys scratching their heads.

Paul: The 2020 YZ250F – the most power we have had and the bike is great to work on.

Mike: The 2014 YZ250F for Jed Beaton. It was a new bike that we had to work out and then I went a bit OCD on the frame with the polish.

Travis: Aaron Tanti’s YZ250F in 2017. We put a lot of effort into it, the bike was quick and not a DNF all season.

AJ: I would say the WR500F we built for Damon Stolkie when he won Finke. It took a lot of time and energy and then for him to win it made it special for all of us.

Kevin: 2007 and 2008 Yamaha R1 Superbike. Good bike to work on and a screamer engine that we found good gains in.

Paul Teasedale ASX rd

Paul Teasedale ASX rd

Serco’s Paul Teasdale

Why become a race team mechanic?

Brad: I was never going to make it as a racer and being a mechanic was the next closest thing to it.

Paul: I Love the sport and when I finished racing it was the next step to take to still be involved

Mike: I raced and enjoyed working on my own bike. There is something special about building a race bike that still excites me.

Travis: Fun to build a nice bike and then show it off with a good rider who can ride it to its limits.

AJ: I grew up in a work shop and was always around people that worked on things. I enjoy that aspect of it and when you are an off road rider, its part of what we do, so it was a natural progression from racing.

Kevin: I was a diesel mechanic and moved over to motorcycles. I have always been interested in not just fixing things, but improving them.

Mike Ward ASX rd

Mike Ward ASX rd

Yamalube’s Mike Ward

Most rewarding part of the job?

Brad: Winning championships.

Paul: Winning championships.

Mike: Seeing everyone on the team succeed.

Travis: When it all comes together, The rider is happy, the bike performed well and the result comes.

AJ: The result. Its not always winning but what you can achieve with the tools and riders at your disposal.

Kevin: Everyone will say it, but winning championships

AJ Roberts MX Nats rd

AJ Roberts MX Nats rd

Yamaha Off Road’s AJ Roberts

Worst part of the job?

Brad: Setting up the truck.

Paul: Repacking exhausts or a mechanical failure

Mike: Repacking mufflers and seeing a new bike destroyed in a mud race, often by the time it gets to the first turn.

Travis: The unappreciated hours behind the scenes that people don’t see. It’s never a 9 to 5 job!

AJ: The clean-up and the pack up. By far!

Kevin: Pack up after a long weekend, everyone is keen to get home.

Travis Whitten ASX rd

Travis Whitten ASX rd

WBR’s Travis Whitten

Favourite event worked at?

Brad: MXoN in Spain in 1996. All my childhood heroes were there racing. Riders like McGrath, Emig, Everts, everyone i looked up to as a kid.

Paul: MXoN in 2008 with Billy Mackenzie in England. We had a great day going until the final lap of the last race when Billy crashed. It was awesome to have the event in my own country and the crowd was huge.

Mike: MXoN in 2015 in France. The crowd was next level. I had been to a couple before, but there were nothing like there were in France that year.

Travis: I did a GP round with Hugh McKay in 2014. First time at a big event like that and it was a real eye opener.

AJ: I will say that A4DE as once the riders take off, they work on the bikes and I like to see them changing their own tyres for a change.

Kevin: We raced at Laguna-Sega in the USA during 2008 and that was a great experience.

Kev Marshall ASBK rd

Kev Marshall ASBK rd

YRT’s Kev Marshall
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Coronavirus and motorcycle sport in Australia | Interview with M.A. CEO

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Motorcycle Racing State of the Nation

On Friday evening MCNews.com.au editor Trevor Hedge had a long discussion with Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle.

We thank PD for his candour, time and cooperation in helping us to bring you this detailed explanation of the challenges facing motorcycle sport in this country that stem from the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Interview with Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle

Busy time at HQ this week with pretty much everything getting postponed/cancelled… I guess at this point in time you can’t even really make any solid contingency plans, and can instead only canvas various optional scenarios from this point forward… So far you have stated that the next three rounds of ASBK have all been postponed, Wakefield Park (NSW), The Bend (SA) and Barbagallo (WA).  Depending on how the situation pans out with the spread of the virus, it looks as though the scheduled round five at Morgan Park (QLD) could end up becoming round two…?

ASBK

“It could be, that is what we are looking at right now, it is probable at this stage that the Morgan Park round will become round two.

“I’ve had a discussion in the last 48 hours with CAMS and with V8 Supercars, one of the issues motorcycle sport faces is the differing conditions and requirements around our disciplines. If we take road racing, the problem we have is that most of the tracks are booked up already with clients for the second half of the year, so we have got to try and slot dates in when customers already have bookings.

“The tracks are in the same position, they are having people saying we want more dates, to be selfish perhaps we do have to hope that some of those events are cancelled, and maybe we can slot in. But obviously Supercars are trying to do the same thing, state car championships and state motorcycle championships also, so for us road racing is going to have an availability problem at a lot of tracks.

“And as you know, ASBK, and V8 Supercars for example, as the elite levels of the respective sports, we can’t race on every track out there, we really couldn’t have ASBK at Broadford for example. Sometimes we are limited in our track selection, the reality is that once we know when we might be able to get back on track, then we have to work with all the racetracks to try and put a calendar together for the rest of the year. The plan is to try and run as many as we can.”

What is the worst case scenario for Australian Superbike in 2020?  There have long been stirrings around suggestions that ASBK move to a summer series for decades, that up until now have always ended up being shelved in favour of the status quo. I guess 2020 could end up being a forced test case as to how a summer series would run? Or is that not a realistic option?

“For us, yes it is a realistic option, we could look at that. The biggest issue there, at the professional level, is contracts with riders. And how that sits with riders that may or may not have contracts going into the following year, manufacturers changing direction, so those would be the biggest things to overcome. But for the majority of competitors, it is absolutely an option that we have to consider, and I think many sports are looking at the same scenario.”

MX Nationals

The Australian Motocross Nationals were due to get underway early next month, and then be run and won before the end of August, over six events, three of which were to be double-headers, making for a nine round series.  Do you have much input as to how the MX Nationals might pan out in reflection of the current crisis, or are those plans pretty much down to the discretion of promoter Kevin Williams?

“We will work with Kevin, we have been talking to him every day. At the moment he is trying to have round one, where round four is now, trying to have that as round one. That will obviously be looked at again over the coming weeks depending on where this virus goes. He has got a draft calendar that would see six events take place between June and September, but we are not putting it out there right now, as issues are examined to confirm track availability etc. That should be another week away before we can confirm that his V2 calendar might work, with still trying to get MX Nationals finished by September to allow for Supercross to take place.”

Original 2020 Australian MX National Championship Calendar
  • Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoria April 4/5 (postponed)
  • Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
  • Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24 (could be new round one)
  • Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
  • Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
  • Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23
  • Rescheduled Horsham Round TBA

Enduro / AORC

Of the major series I would imagine the off-road enduro AORC events would perhaps be the easiest to modify to cater for the separation of people. With measures such as a series of rider briefings or the like to make for smaller groups. But I imagine the tyranny of distance for competitors to try and make it to those venues while minimising exposure risks are also things that need to be taken into account. We have three rounds of the series already run, the next round of the series in Nowra has already been postponed, do you know of any further developments in regards to the following rounds of the AORC?

“They have got a bit of a break after that one that has been postponed, so that is a work in progress. The biggest issue for AORC, and also every other discipline for that matter, and also again for some other forms of sport, is ensuring that adequate medical support will be available.

“And that was one of the issues with us having to postpone the Wakefield Park ASBK, when you have a two or three day event, and you have got to have medical resources there, it becomes a problem if government second all those medical staff, which they essentially have, and whether you can take that out of the community. If we can’t get a guarantee that medical providers will be available to sit at an event for two to three days, due to the coronavirus, then a lot more events are going to be in trouble.”

International Events / ISDE

M.A. have already put out a brief statement in regards to the potential problems with the international team events. The biggest of which for us is generally the ISDE, and that historic enduro event is this year scheduled to be held in what is now the hardest hit area of the globe, Italy. Do you think it likely that the 2020 ISDE might be cancelled altogether, or perhaps moved to a different location, have you heard anything on those fronts?

“We have been in contact constantly with the FIM, and they are in the same situation as us, as you can see they have been madly sending out postponement and cancellation notices on numerous events, we expect a formal response some time in the next week. My current thoughts on the current feedback I am getting, is that it definitely won’t take place on the current date and location as listed, if at all.

“For sure, everybody is looking for a postponement, but one of the issues that people are facing is calendars. If you look at Australia for example, if we got lucky, and the second half of this year we are open to running these events again, everyone is going to be trying to host their events, that were scheduled to run over ten months, and they are going to try and cram it into five or six months, or potentially even shorter time-frames. It is going to be an enormous strain on resources, officials, volunteers, there are just endless massive repercussions coming out of this.”

M.A. Finances

What immediate impact is this going to have on the financial situation of Motorcycling Australia? Are you considering standing down some staff during this period or enforcing periods of paid or unpaid leave? How is this affecting naming rights sponsorship agreements with various companies for the respective championships and classes? Are there any potentially really troublesome flow on effects from the shutdown that I have not already canvassed, but that people should be made aware of?

“It is going to have a major impact on every sporting organisation in the country, with the possible exception of perhaps something like cricket which might be one of the least affected as it is already a summer sport. Some of the summer sports will probably get away with, let’s say a reduced impact, but talking to CAMS and some of the other sporting organisations we converse with, I think you have seen the public response on the NFL, the AFL…. I watched ten minutes of it last night, and all I can say is it is just not football. You don’t realise how much watching a game of football relies on the crowd to make it exciting, it was plain boring. They are running out onto the MCG, a 100,000 person stadium, and there is a few people scattered around the boundary lines, the players playing but there is no noise, I think they had some music in the background to try and make some noise, but on television it just wasn’t even a spectacle. Obviously the AFL clubs are in a much better position than most sports, but they rely heavily on membership and gate takings.

“For us, let’s take speedway, they in are a similar position. Speedway events in Australia, you have only 18-odd riders in reality, but you have a limited amount of riders, and they don’t pay entry fees in speedway, and the promoters rely on gate takings to fund prize money and to run the event. Well, you can’t do it on 500 spectators, which in reality would actually only be 400 once you took into account the competitors, pit crew and officials, so speedway is absolutely spectator reliant.

“Then you have other disciplines like enduro for example, which doesn’t rely on any spectators, it is back gate, competitors and sponsors pay, and they can’t run because they can’t get medical crews, so there are so many reasons across the different disciplines that prevent them from running events.

“So, the financial impact, look it depends on how long it goes… But there is going to be a huge financial impact on all the sports, including motorcycle racing, we are now locked into waiting on what is the next step from the government, do the restrictions get tighter, do they get tougher, and how long does it go for. 

“But I think if it goes any longer than July-August, then I think you are going to see huge, huge issues across all sports. And we are only talking sport here, we are not even talking about business. Without income the sporting administration bodies can’t run. 

“We had a phone hook-up today with the Department of Sport and Recreation, about some motorsports programs that the Victorian government are putting out there, which has been on the table for two years, but we had a discussion with them and of course a lot of the discussion concerned the issue of COVID-19, Eugene Arocca from CAMS was on the call too, a few of the sporting entities were on there, the impact is just massive. CAMS are already making cutbacks, we have already commenced, what I will call it level one restrictions, no staff travel, excess holidays to be taken, that has already started. We could only be a matter of weeks away from level two conditions being put in place, and look everything is on the table…”

Licence extensions…?

While obviously the professional riders that rely on results based bonuses are looking very likely to suffer some financial pain this year, the amateur riders that take out M.A. race licences, but are not able to compete are probably also a little perturbed. Have you considered perhaps an extension of their licence expiry dates to take that into account?

“It has been canvassed, and we have got meetings set-up, as the federated structure we have, we have meeting with managers, meeting with states and the M.A. board are ongoing, I think we have three scheduled next week, and again all those items are on the table. The key here is knowing when… If you jump the gun and put something out now and give everyone a 30-day extension on the licence, and then we find out we have no racing for six-months we have to go through all that process again.”

Summarising…

You’ve got to ask everyone to just be a little bit patient, and everybody is in difficult times, in both business and in sport, and until we get clear direction out of our governments it is very hard to do anything. At the moment the 500 person restriction is in until almost the end of April, depending on who you talk to, people are saying we should be okay by May, and then you talk to others that say we are looking at more like six months…

“We are going to do everything we can to run as many, if not all of our events, in all the disciplines, if we are allowed to do it.

“It is just going to create a very crowded calendar getting towards the end of the year.

“The one fortunate part right now is that people are being a bit creative, and also following guidelines, you know club level events where have 50-100 riders turn up and they only bring one person or two, putting in some recommendations on sanitation, having electronic sign-on, people self-scrutineering, riders briefing done over P.A. systems, so people are getting creative and using the information we have been putting out to the states, and a lot of those club level activities are still taking place.

“We don’t know the knock-on effect throughout the motorcycle industry as a whole as yet.  What are the bigger teams in the paddock in all disciplines, what are they doing their staff, how long can they hang on to those staff etc.”

Thanks very much for your time Pete and good luck with fighting the good fight in getting motorcycle sport back on track.

Motorcycling Australia

Motorcycling Australia

M.A. is the governing body for motorcycle sport in Australia
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Finke Desert Race cancelled

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2020 Tatts Finke Desert Race cancellation

The Finke Desert Race Club committee held an emergency meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on this year’s Tatts Finke Desert Race.

With the limitations placed on large gatherings by the Australian Government along with Northern Territory Government advice restricting travel to remote communities; the Finke committee has decided to cancel the 2020 Tatts Finke Desert Race.

For the first time in 44 years, there will be no Finke weekend celebrated in Central Australia by locals and 7000 interstate visitors.

Postponement to later in the year was not considered an option. Therefore the next event
planned is for June 2021.

The club is in the process of contacting all competitors, sponsors, volunteers, officials, suppliers and ambassadors directly. Details on refunds for competitors will be forthcoming.

This is a disappointing day for organisers and all concerned, but the decision taken is the right one. Public health is too important.

Antony Yoffa
President
Finke Desert Race

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Daniel Milner wins rain shortened Dungog AORC

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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