Moto News Weekly Wrap

October 30, 2018

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What Went Down Last Weekend?

• World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Gotland Grand National – Sweden
• GNCC – Ironman, Indianapolis
• AMA EnduroCross Series – Everett, WA
• French Beach Racing Championship – Loon-Plage
• FIM Oceania Trial Championship – Christchurch, NZ
• Dean Wilson Confirmed for AUS-X Open
• Pauls Jonass Signs with Husqvarna
• Seewer Second at Sugo
• Young Returns for Wildwood Rock
• S-X Open Auckland to host KTM Junior Supercross Challenge
• What Racing is Left for 2018?

World Enduro Super Series (WESS) –
Gotland Grand National – Sweden

The wild and muddy Gotland Grand National saw Swedish riders fill the podium at round seven of the World Enduro Super Series but it was Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) who ultimately claimed victory while Billy Bolt recovered well to finish 13th overall and maintain his overall lead in the WESS championship standings with one round remaining.

With torrential rain on the Friday night coupled with over 3000 competitors the conditions turning incredibly muddy for the 35th edition of the iconic event so it was the local riders who faired best in the deteriorating conditions with Elowson securing his maiden GGN win over Robert Kvarnstrom and Ken Bengtson while Taddy Blazusiak, who was by far the best of the WESS stars, worked hard in the final stages of the race to claim fourth ahead of another local in Sebastian Martensson.

For WESS the title contenders, Spain’s Josep Garcia crossed the finish line in 12th to slightly close the gap to series leader Bolt, who finished 13th. Although holding 25th with one lap remaining, a crash in the closing stages of the race pushed Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – Germany) back to 43rd overall.

With just the final round of the championship remaining, Bolt extends his advantage over Lettenbichler to 275 points. Garcia, in third, closes to within 445 points of the second placed Lettenbichler. Blazusiak’s fourth place result at GGN sees him move up to fourth overall, but more importantly he now sits just 25 points behind Garcia as the race to become this year’s ULTIMATE ENDURO CHAMPION soon moves to The Netherlands for Red Bull Knock Out.

The World Enduro Super Series concludes with the eighth and final round with the iconic Red Bull Knockout on November the 10^th.

Albin Elowson

“I’m so happy to take the win here in Gotland. I knew I had the speed before the race, but you never know what can happen around here, especially in these conditions. I got a decent start and tried to make some passes in the early chaos. I had a good fight with Robert Kvarnstrom but after the first pit stop I was able to open up a small gap and managed to maintain that lead for the whole race. Overall, I felt good and was happy with my pace. I went through a lot of goggles – that’s one of the main things at this race, you have to keep your eyes clear in order to ride properly. Also, a big thanks to the team. They were great and both pit stops were excellent. Finally, it’s good to be able to show what I am capable of – especially with the GGN now part of WESS. I know I have the speed, I just have to build my confidence a little and hopefully I can get some more good results in the future.”

Robert Kvarnstrom

“That was a really tough race. It was so wet and so muddy. I think it was one of the toughest editions of GGN that we’ve ever done. I got a good start and was running with Albin Elowson early on, but a few mistakes and some issues with the traffic cost me time and he gapped me. After that I just rode my own race. I found some more speed towards the end, but it wasn’t quite enough to pressure Albin for the lead. Congratulations to him for the win – I’ll have to come back next year and fight for the victory again.”

Taddy Blazusiak

“To finish fourth for my first time riding this race and in these conditions is a result I’m pleased with. GGN is a unique race and one the Swedish riders clearly excel at. With the weather turning bad, it was always going to be difficult to match their experience in this type of mud. But I feel we did a good job – we worked well as a team to adapt to the changes and challenges we faced, as they happened. In total I only had two small crashes, but I did struggle with keeping clear vision especially in traffic and that cost me some time. But like I said, fourth is a good day and I’m happy with that.”

Billy Bolt

“I had a tough first lap. Another rider crashed in front of me and I managed to stop, but then someone else crashed into me from behind and we were all stuck in a mud puddle. I got going again but got mixed up in another crash and went down again – that’s when I broke the throttle tube. I made the mistake of stopping to try and fix it and lost so many places as a result. After the first pit stop I was able to push on a bit more and regain some places. I’m a little bit disappointed not to have finished higher – I think without the problems I could have – but importantly I have stretched my lead at the top of the standings as we now look towards the final round in Holland.”

Graham Jarvis

“That was really tough, it was hard to learn the terrain and hard to get into it early on. It was difficult to know how much grip there was because there were a few slippery places but in other places it wasn’t too bad, just very muddy. It took a while to get a bit more confident but when I did I was faster on the last few laps. It was hard to get warmed up and get going early on, but that was the same for everybody.”

Alfredo Gomez

“It was so cold out there today – I don’t think any of us expected it to be so tough. The first half of the race went well, but after that my brake pads wore out and everything got a lot more challenging. I think my riding was good but as the race went on I started to get very cold and it was tricky to keep to a good pace.”

Results – Gotland Grand National, WESS Round 7

1. Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) 6 laps, 2:59:02;
2. Robert Kvarnstrom (Yamaha) 3:01:52;
3. Ken Bengston (Husqvarna) 3:03:38;
4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 3:06:59;
5. Sebastian Martensson (Husqvarna) 3:08:33;
6. Johan Carlsson (Husqvarna) 3:08:42;
7. Calle Bjerkert (Husqvarna) 3:10:10;
8. Joakim Ljunggren (KTM) 3:10:44;
9. Oskar Ljunstrom (Husqvarna) 3:11:08;
10. Marcus Gothenberg (Husqvarna) 3:11:16
    …13. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 3:14:24
    …27. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 3:22.54
    …32. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 3:26:05

World Enduro Super Series Standings (After Round 7)

1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 4420pts;
2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 4145pts;
3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 3700pts;
4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM) 3675pts;
5. Wade Young 3220pts;
6. Nathan Watson (KTM) 3103pts;
7. Paul Bolton (KTM) 3092pts;
8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 3010pts;
9. Jonny Walker (KTM) 2900pts;
10. Lars Enockl (Gas Gas) 2272pts

GNCC – Ironman, Indianapolis

Last weekend’s AMSOIL Ironman GNCC signified the end of the 2018 season with well over 1000 competitors taking to the woods in Crawfordsville, Indiana for the 24th annual event and it was Steward Baylor Jr. came away with his first overall win of the season while Ben Kelly wrapped up the XC2 championship.

XC1: As the race began it was Ryan Sipes grabbing the early lead however, after a crash on the first lap Sipes would come through timing and scoring in eleventh place. Ultimately Sipes would end his day early after pulling off during the second lap.

Trevor Bollinger held the lead early in the race, battling with Baylor Jr. throughout the duration of the race, while Josh Strang made his way through the pack after starting in the sixth place position so as the white flag came out, Strang had his sights set on Bollinger and would make the pass stick before the chequered flag flew.

Baylor Jr. took the win and wrapped up third place in the series while Strang and Bollinger rounded out the podium with Ricky Russell, Grant Baylor, Layne Michael, Pascal Rauchenecker, Jordan Ashburn and Andrew Delong rounded out the top ten.

XC1 Open Pro Event Results

1. Steward Baylor (KTM)
2. Josh Strang (HQV)
3. Trevor Bollinger (HON)
4. Ricky Russell (YAM)
5. Grant Baylor (KTM)
6. Layne Michael (HQV)
7. Pascal Rauchenecker (HQV)
8. Jordan Ashburn (BET)
9. Andrew Delong (GAS)
10. Jesse Groemm (KTM)

Overall National Championship Standings

1. Kailub Russell (297)
2. Thad Duvall (262)
3. Steward Baylor Jr. (219)
4. Trevor Bollinger (208)
5. Ben Kelley (192)
6. Josh Strang (189)
7. Josh Toth (177)
8. Ricky Russell (142)
9. Grant Baylor (115)
10. Craig Delong (104)

XC2: As the XC2 250 Pro class took off it was Josh Toth grabbing the holeshot and early lead but Ben Kelley was soon leading the way and the overall on adjusted time. Toth would come through in second and the battle for the XC2 National Championship was on. The two would swap positions multiple times before Kelley was forced to pit where the KTM crew performed a tire change. Kelley would return to the race in second-place, with Toth reclaiming the lead.

Toth would continue his charge, finishing ahead of Kelley for his sixth win of the season and also earning the second overall position against the XC1 Open Pro competitors. Kelley was able to put his head down and push on the final lap to bring home his first-career XC2 250 Pro Championship.

Beta USA’s Mike Witkowski has been steadily improving throughout the season, and after finishing fourth two weeks ago in Ohio he made the move into third this weekend. This marks Witkowski’s first XC2 podium appearance of the season, and his best finish on his Beta motorcycle while Craig Delong finished in the fourth place position, while Husqvarna-backed rider Evan Smith rounded out the top five.

XC2 250 Pro Event Results

1. Josh Toth (KTM)
2. Ben Kelley (KTM)
3. Mike Witkowski (BET)
4. Craig Delong (HQV)
5. Evan Smith (HQV)
6. Austin Lee (HON)
7. Jonathan Johnson (YAM)
8. Brendan Riordan (YAM)
9. Alex Teagarden (HQV)
10. Hunter Neuwirth (YAM)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

1. Ben Kelley (323)
2. Josh Toth (305)
3. Craig Delong (199)
4. Austin Lee (170)
5. Evan Smith (158)
6. Mike Witkowski (147)
7. Pascal Rauchenecker (145)
8. Jonathan Johnson (141)
9. Liam Draper (131)
10. Zack Hayes (99)

XC3: When the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class took off it was the Sherco rider, Daniel Mundell taking the holeshot but it was Jesse Ansley taking the last win of the season. Chris Bach and Jake Froman would round of the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am podium.

WXC: With the 10 a.m. race consisting of 893 riders, it was Aussie hard charger Tayla Jones who came through in second overall and first in WXC class followed by Becca Sheets, Rachel Gutish and Mackenzie Tricker.

AMA EnduroCross Series – Everett, WA

The Wind Arena in Everett hosted the penultimate round of the AMA EnduroCross Series and it was Colton Haaker who came away with the main event win after a race long battle with championship rival Cody Webb while Kyle Redmond rode a strong race to take the final podium spot.

Behind the top three the racing was just as intense and it was Ty Cullins, Noah Kepple, Geoff Aaron, Cooper Abbott, Max Gerston, Keith Sweeten and Mason Ottersberg who rounded out the top ten.

With just the Boise, Idaho race next weekend remaining, Haaker holds a six-point advantage over Webb. Redmond holds third with Tremaine fourth and Aaron fifth. Ty Cullins is sixth and leading the Junior Championship for riders twenty-one and under.

Colton Haaker

“I finally won Everett. I have never won here, and I felt that tonight was critical for the championship because I didn’t want next week to be a game seven win or lose in Boise. The championship is not done but it is a little easier now. I knew it was getting close to the finish and Cody made a mistake coming out of the rocks. It was now or never so I committed to the double and he came over on me a little, but he backed out and, from there, I just needed one more clean lap. I am bummed about Ty (Tremaine) getting hurt but, as we came to lap them, our lines just came together.”

Cody Webb

“That was tough for me to battle back and forth with Colton like that and this EnduroCross is tough. It was a great race and a great show for the crowd. We got really close when he passed me on that double. I had to pull out of that and I pushed to the end but ended up crashing in the rocks. I am happy that I rode better than I did in Denver but, of course, I am not happy about giving up the win.”

Kyle Redmond

“It was a great race. The track was super technical and tough, which suited my style. Me and Ty were battling for third in the championship and the race. Unfortunately, I think he got landed on. We were in a tight battle and they (Haaker and Webb) were in a tight battle and there was not enough room. I have worked really hard this year and I’m happy to get a good result.”

Main Event Results

1. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna
2. Cody Webb, KTM
3. Kyle Redmond, Husqvarna
4. Ty Cullins, Beta
5. Noah Kepple, GasGas
6. Geoff Aaron, GasGas
7. Cooper Abbott, KTM
8. Max Gerston, Beta
9. Keith Sweeten, KTM
10. Mason Ottersberg, Beta
11. Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna
12. Kevin Dupuis, Husqvarna
13. Quinn Wentzel, Husqvarna
14. Ty Tremaine, Beta

Super EnduroCross Championship Points

1. Colton Haaker – 126 points
2. Cody Webb – 120 points
3. Kyle Redmond – 81 points
4. Ty Tremaine – 80 points
5. Geoff Aaron – 75 points
6. Ty Cullins – 73 points
7. Noah Kepple – 71 points
8. Cooper Abbott – 65 points
9. Mason Ottersberg – 45 points
10. Dustin McCarthy – 44 points

French Beach Racing Championship – Loon-Plage

The second round of the 2018/19 French Beach Race Series was hosted by the Moto Club du Littoral at Loon-Plage in northern France and it was Yamaha’s Milko Potisek who took the win after 24 gruelling laps ahead of Jeffrey Dewulf (KTM) and Yentel Martens (Husqvarna).

Series leader entering the Loon-Plage event following his winning performance at the opening round of the championship, Martens was forced to push hard during the opening laps of the race following a disappointing start. Completing the first lap down in 14th position he made up five places during the second lap to break inside the top 10.

Quickly up to sixth, he moved to third by the end of the fourth lap before hitting the front on lap five but on lap 11 he dropped to third which is where he finished.

Yentel Martens

“That was a tough race. I didn’t get a great start, so I had to work hard to get back to the front. I felt good during the early stages of the race – I was able to push hard and had a good rhythm going. After my pit stop I had some problems with my stomach. It was tough after that, but I’m happy. Apart from my stomach things were good – I’m pleased with third and look forward to the next round of the series.”

Digging deep during the final laps of the race, KTM’s Camille Chapeliere moved into fifth with two laps remaining and held the position to the finish. He ended the race as the fifth and final rider to complete 24 laps.

Camille Chapeliere

“Today was a good day, but I had a little crash in the second lap and dropped back to 18th. It was difficult to get back and pass the riders ahead of me. But I had a good rhythm and after my first refuelling I was ninth. My team told me that I was riding well and push hard. I kept pushing and I was fifth at my second fuel stop. I was riding kind of alone during the final stages of the race. The track was good, very physical but I feel like I am working in a good direction and I’m looking forward to the next round of the series.”

The series continues with round three in St Léger de Balson on December 1/2.

Results – French Beach Racing Championship, Loon-Plage

1. Milko Potisek (Yamaha) 24 laps 2:30:42.7;
2. Jeffrey Dewulf (KTM) 2:31:32.2;
3. Yentel Martens (Husqvarna) 2:33:44.7;
4. Daymond Martens (Yamaha) 2:35:11.8;
5. Camille Chapeliere (KTM) 2:37:49.6

FIM Oceania Trial Championship – Christchurch, NZ

Christchurch hosted the FIM Oceania Trial Championship last weekend and despite the tough conditions and strong competition, it was the Australian team of Kevin Zarczynski, Sarah Chivers and Tom Woodhouse who proudly returned the Championship Cup and Shield to its rightful home. Made up of three members;, Team Australia displayed true grit and perseverance as they faced tough conditions and competition right to the end.

Day one saw Zarczynski dominate to win the solo class while Junior class rider, Tom Woodhouse earned second place overall before Sarah Chivers, who tackled challenges throughout the day that impacted her overall score, landing her in third position.

Kevin Zarczynski

“We overcame many challenges over the weekend, the first being that it was a three-day competition, which is unusual for Tom and Sarah who have never ridden a three-day trial before. Second, the event was held at three different locations which is very different for Trial, because normally the entire event is held at one location. Third, we were in streams all day. Everything was wet and a totally foreign environment for our team who are well practiced in drier conditions.”

Regardless of these difficulties, the team continued to bring the fire in Day two, with Woodhouse maintaining his position in second place overall. But eyes were on Chivers who overcame the terrain to move on up to second place in the Women’s class.

Coming into the third and final day of the Championship, Australia and New Zealand went toe to toe in a fight right to the finish for the Championship Cup and Shield. Zarczynski maintained a dominant lead throughout the day to score first place, but it was the perseverance of his two team mates, Woodhouse and Chivers that saw Team Australia bring the glory back home. Woodhouse claimed third position for the day in the Junior’s class, whilst Chivers fought her way right to the top to dominate her rivals and take out first place in the Women’s class.

It was a Cinderella story moment for Chivers and her team as she scored that top position and helped restore the confidence she may have lost on Day One!

Sarah Chivers

“I was a little bit worried coming into the Championship, because I haven’t been able to compete as much this year. And the first day was such a shock! But by the last day I was really pleased with my riding and it ended up helping us make it over the line.”

Zarczynski could not be happier with the team’s end result.

Kevin Zarczynski

“It was a chance to have a new group of young riders that were competing in their first International Trial. Each member contributed to our overall win thanks to their focus and perseverance. It was all to play for on the last day. Our team improved throughout the weekend, especially in the streams, and eventually progressed to be on par with the local New Zealand riders. This was in particular for Sarah, who lost the first two days, but progressed enough to succeed in winning the last day.”

Coming into the Championship with a long family history of motorcycle sport, Woodhouse was thrilled with their efforts throughout the weekend.

Tom Woodhouse

“I was really excited coming in the event but having to adapt to a different bike hindered my initial efforts. I also found the streams slippery and difficult to handle but eventually I found the right grip and the rest is history.”

In what ended up being an epic International showdown, the comradery and hospitality displayed by our New Zealand counterparts was nothing short of excellent.

Dean Wilson Confirmed for AUS-X Open

The Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney is shaping up to be a grand slam of the world’s best superstars this year, with the flying Scotsman – Dean Wilson confirmed for the November 9 and 10 blockbuster inside Qudos Bank Arena.

Wilson raced to a career-best seventh overall during this year’s Monster Energy FIM World Supercross Championship despite missing rounds due to injury and included his first ever 450cc SX1 Supercross podium coming at the Indianapolis round inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Wilson won the Saturday Main-Event SX1 Final at the 2017 AUS-X Open and believes the event provides a perfect platform to bounce back into the international spotlight, as he looks to secure a factory ride for the 2019 World Supercross Championship.

Dean Wilson

“I’m super excited to be returning to the AUS-X Open again in 2018, It’s perfect timing for me to come down and really put in a good performance; with the high calibre names that are competing this year, if I can beat them, then I’m back on the international radar, which is what I’m aiming for.”

During last year’s event, the 26-year-old took top honours during the Saturday night final, backing that up with a strong second place on Sunday.

Dean Wilson

“Obviously last year went really well – I won the first night and then backed it up with a second on the second night, which was awesome. But just the overall atmosphere and vibe – to come and see Australia and Sydney during the summer time was incredible, and I can’t wait to head back down under.”

Pauls Jonass Signs with Husqvarna

Husqvarna Motorcycles have signed Pauls Jonass to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team, where the 21-year-old Latvian will compete on Husqvarna’s FC 450 machine throughout the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Pauls was crowned the 2011 85cc Junior World Champion, winning the 125cc Junior Motocross World Championship two years later the the World MX2 Championship in 2017 so at just 21 years of age, Jonass is one of the most promising young riders on the circuit.

Pauls Jonass – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

“I’m really excited to be part of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team. The switch to the MXGP category is a big move for me but I can’t wait to get started. Joining such an acclaimed team gives me a huge amount of motivation to continue working hard in order to achieve my goals. I’m looking ahead to a great future with the team. I’ve known Antti [Pyrhönen] and the rest of the team members for some years already and it feels good to start working with them. Following my knee surgery last month, my goal right now is to start riding my Husqvarna at the earliest possible time. I want to maximise my time on the bike, so I can be fully-fit and ready to enter this exciting new season in the MXGP category.”

Diego Clement – Head of Motorsport at Husqvarna Motorcycles

“We are extremely happy to have former MX2 World Champion Pauls Jonass join our team. We truly believe Pauls has the potential to become a frontrunner in the extremely competitive MXGP category. Pauls is one of the most experienced motocross racers of his generation and already a three-time World Champion. His speed is never in doubt, and he has impressed us, as he has the wider motocross community, with his ability to perform on varying track conditions. It’s going to be an exciting new season and we are all looking forward to seeing Pauls do battle against the MXGP class elite aboard our FC 450 machine.”

Kimi Räikkönen – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (IceOne) Team Owner

“With Pauls joining our team the goal is to continue our success. The Motocross World Championship is the most competitive global motocross series and we’re pleased to be strengthening our team with a former World Champion. I am confident all members of our team will give their best to help Pauls achieve his goals in the MXGP class.”

Antti Pyrhönen – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP Team Manager

“We are all looking forward to working with Pauls Jonass as he starts an exciting new chapter in his professional motocross career. Everyone knows Pauls is an extremely hard working rider, which we know will help him fit in perfectly with our team. Already being a world champion speaks volumes about his capabilities. He is both physically and mentally strong and has demonstrated time and again that he is able to excel even under the toughest conditions. We all can’t wait to start working with this young and extremely talented rider.”

Seewer Second at Sugo

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s debutant Jeremy Seewer got the next chapter in his MXGP career off to a positive start in Sugo, Japan, with a silver medal performance at the final round of the 2018 All Japan Motocross Championship.

Jeremy Seewer

“It was a very special weekend from many points of view. It’s been different but a really nice experience, it was a nice track, very technical. I was second two times, but the result was not so important today, it was just about having fun and I had a lot of fun out there today. Now, I look forward to a few days of testing.”

Saturdays’ rainfall made for challenging conditions. Seewer’s versatility was highlighted as he took to the track for the first time on board his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP YZ450F in the early hours of Sunday morning and after a few minor suspension adjustments, managed to set the second fastest lap time in the Qualifying Practice session.

The sun beat down on the Sugo circuit ahead of race one where Seewer chased Japan’s defending champion Kei Yamamoto and the former two-time World Champion Tim Gajser around the first corner before following Gajser past Yamamoto a few turns later. As the terrain improved, so did his lap times and after moving into second-place the 24 year-old focused on adapting to the track conditions but suffered from arm-pump almost instantly and had to ease off the pace and settle for second.

After making some more suspension changes ahead of race two, changes that would reduce the chance of arm-pump on the tight, compact, rough and rugged Sugo circuit, Seewer felt more comfortable in the final race where he pulled an outstanding holeshot on board the standard YZ450F that he was riding. Despite being on a standard bike, Seewer still looked fast and ‘at home’ for the full 17-Laps as he charged hard to another second place finish, and second overall for the weekend.

Following his first podium appearance with the Monster Energy Factory Yamaha MXGP Team, Seewer will remain in Japan for three days of testing before he returns home to Switzerland where he plans to rest for a few weeks before resuming his off-season preparation in December.

Young Returns for Wildwood Rock

South African Wade Young has raced his Factory Sherco to victory at the 2018 running of the infamous Red Bull Romanics then backed that up with emphatic victories at the 111 Megawatt in Poland and again at the Sea to Sky event in Turkey and he is now focused on winning this weekend’s Wildwood Rock Extreme on the outskirts of Melbourne.

The 22 year-old Red Bull athlete arrived in Australia just in time for the Moto GP at Phillip Island last weekend where he was able to see the elite of road racing up close and personal for the very first time.

Wade Young

“I really enjoy Australia, it’s so different to everywhere else I race around the world yet it’s so similar to back home in South Africa. It was so cool to bet at the Moto GP. It was the first time I have seen Moto GP live and it was great to cheer on my countrymen Brad Binder and Darryn Binder. It was a cool way to start off this visit to Australia before I race Wildwood this weekend.”

Young and his Sherco Factory mechanic Franck Boulisset are now preparing for the Wildwood Rock Extreme at the Motul Pirelli Sherco Team workshop in Melbourne with Boulisset fine tuning a Sherco 300 SE-R supplied by Sherco Australia.

Despite winning the 2017 Wildwood Rock Extreme by a comfortable margin and currently enjoying career-best form, Young remains focused on the task ahead of him this Sunday.

Wade Young

“2018 has definitely seen some of my biggest results but I have also had some bad luck and not achieved all the results I was after, so I’m looking forward to Wildwood. It’s not super-hot and not a super long race but the rock garden section is tough going. It’s really hard and quite physical and high intensity and I expect the track to be a bit harder than last year.”

The four-hour race will test rider and machine but with Young in peak physical condition, it’s hard to look past the defending champion as a possible winner.

Stephen Tuff

“Wade is a beast of a competitor, he’s confident in what he does yet remains humble and never gets too far ahead of himself. It’s a pleasure to watch him in action because he can do things on a motorcycle most of will never be able to do. Watching him navigate seemingly impossible obstacles leaves me with pure admiration for his dedication to becoming the best extreme enduro rider in the world.”

The 2018 Wildwood Rock Extreme is on this Sunday at 227 Feehans Road, Wildwood, just 15-minutes-drive from Melbourne airport. On-track actions begins at 9.00am with the main race starting at 11.00am.

S-X Open Auckland to host KTM Junior Supercross Challenge

The KTM Junior Supercross Challenge will make its highly-anticipated New Zealand debut during the 2018 Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland next month, set to take centre-stage at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, 24 November.

Just two weeks following its second AUS-X Open Sydney appearance alongside the S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship series opener, there will be a total of 10 aspiring supercross stars aged between seven and eight years old who will take to the track on supplied KTM 50 SX machinery at round two.

Patrick Stafford – Manager, KTM New Zealand

“We’re very excited to introduce the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) in New Zealand. It’s been a long time coming, to have an international supercross event here in New Zealand, and it’s awesome to be a part of it. The KJSC has been extremely successful in the United States, as well as Australia, so we are looking forward to seeing the successful applicants take part in S-X Open Auckland at Mt Smart Stadium. This will be an incredible experience for KJSC riders and we are certain they will remember it for a lifetime to come!”

What Racing is Left for 2018?

There is still plenty of motocross, supercross and enduro events between now and the New Year with the most prominent being the AUS-X Open this coming weekend then the 2018 ISDE in Chile – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:

Australasia

• Australian Supercross Championships – Nov. 9-10 – AUS-X Open – Sydney
• New Zealand Supercross Championships
  • Nov. 24 – SX Open – Auckland
  • Dec. 1 – South Waikato
  • Dec. 15 – Southland

America

• 2018 AMA EnduroCross Series – Nov. 3 – Boise, ID
• 2018 World Vet Championships – Nov. 3-4 – Glen Helen, CA
• THOR Mini Olympics – Gainesville, Florida – Nov. 18-24
• 2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
• 2018 AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Nov. 9-11 – Primm, NV
• Canadian Triple Crown Supercross
  • Nov. 3 – Quebec
  • Nov. 17 – Hamilton

Europe

• Stuttgart Supercross – Nov 10. Stuttgart, Germany
• World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Nov. 10 – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands
• ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
• 2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
• French Sand Championship
  • Dec. 2 – Rd3 – Saint Leger de Balson
  • Dec. 9 – Rd4 – Hossegor
  • Jan. 6 – Rd5 – Grayan-et-L’Hopital
  • Jan. 27 – Rd6 – Le Touquet

Source: MCNews.com.au