Tag Archives: Hail Baja

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

Moto News Weekly Wrap
December 22, 2020

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What’s New:

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

Adrien Van Beveren wins Hail Baja II

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

Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2

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

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

Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2

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

Adrien Van Beveren

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

Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2

Overall 2020 Hail Baja Results (Provisional)

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

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WA Junior Speedway Solo & Sidecar champs crowned

By Graeme Sinden, Images by Jon Gall and Graham Veasey

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

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

Junior 125cc Solo champion Mitch McDiarmid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WA Junior 125cc Solo Sidecar Title

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

WA Junior 250cc Sidecar Title

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

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

Justin Sedgmen – P1

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

Jacob Hook – P3

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

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

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

Victorian Senior 500cc Championship

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

Victorian Junior 125cc Championship

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

Victorian Junior 250cc Championship

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

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

Jake Rumens

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

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

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

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

Jobe Dunne

Western Australia

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

South Australia

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

Tasmania

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

Victoria

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

NSW

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

Queensland

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

2021 Australian Off-Road Championship Updates

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

2021 AORC calendar

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

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

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

AORC Josh Green
Josh Green – AORC 2020

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

Matthew Falvo

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

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

AORC Junior Coaching

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

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

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

NSW AORC Junior Coaching day

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

Lang Lang, Victoria, AORC Junior Coaching day

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

Crows Nest, Queensland, AORC Junior Coaching day

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

Three Bridges, Victoria, AORC Junior Coaching day

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

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2021 ProMX Championship expands classes

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

2021 ProMX

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

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

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

MXW

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

VETS

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

125 Cup

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

Classic Motocross Evolution Cup

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

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

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Laia Sanz set for GasGas Dakar 2021 campaign

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

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing

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

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing

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

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

Laia Sanz – GASGAS Factory Racing

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

Laia Sanz

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

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

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

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

ISDE competitor Ty Tremaine – Photo by Mary Rinell

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

Erek Kudla – AMA Off-Road Racing Manager

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

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

AMA West ISDE Qualifier Series

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

AMA East ISDE Qualifier Series

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

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

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

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

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

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2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies calendar announced

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

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

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2021 Racing schedule

2021 Provisional MXGP Calendar

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

2021 Yamaha AORC presented by MXStore calendar

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

2021 Australian Pro MX calendar

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

2021 Speedway GP Calendar

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

2021 Australian Senior Speedway Solo calendar

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

2021 Australian Speedway events

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

2021 Provisional Australian Supercross dates

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

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

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

2021 Finke Desert Race
11-14 June – Northern Territory

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

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

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

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

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | Hail Baja | AORC | AMX Open | Signings | Dakar

Moto News Weekly Wrap
December 15, 2020

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What’s New:

  • Honda and Penrite dominate AMX MX Open
  • Van Beveren claims Hail Baja opener victory
  • Australian Off-Road Championship confirm 2021 classes
  • 2021 ProMX rider number applications open
  • Jay Wilson & Levi Rogers remain with Yamalube Yamaha for 2021
  • Toni Bou & Takahisa Fujinami return for 15th season with Repsol Honda Team
  • Ben Watson talks stepping up to MXGP for 2021
  • Jo Shimoda joins 2021 Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team
  • Hero MotoSports Team Rally announce 2021 Dakar line-up

Honda and Penrite dominate AMX MX Open

The AMX MX OPEN has been dominated by the Penrite Honda Team, with Brett Metcalfe taking the all new CRF450R to an impressive victory in the PRO 450 class, while Kyle Webster won the PRO 250 class, and Emma Milesevic took out the Women’s class win.

Emma Milesevic, Kyle Webster, Yarrive Konsky, Brett Metcalfe

The victories marked the finish a successful seven-year relationship between Penrite and Honda.

Yarrive Konsky

“We have experienced great success during our relationship. Penrite has achieved double digit growth most years and we aided in the development of their products through our teams testing and winning results. Its an exciting time for motorcycle racing, the industry is up, there is a new promotor for the motocross championship, and we are maintaining our racing program in Australia, it’s disappointing to see Penrite take a different direction but I understand their position and appreciate their years of support. We won seven championships together which is a credit to everyone involved and I want to thank everyone at Penrite for their support.”

The team will announce its 2021 line-up later this month.

AMX MX Open – PRO 250 Results

Pos Rider Total R1 R2
1 Kyle Webster 70 35 35
2 Rhys Budd 62 30 32
3 Jai Constantinou 62 32 30
4 Brodie Ellis 56 28 28
5 Liam Andrews 52 26 26
6 Hugh Roache 47 23 24
7 Ricky Chalmers 46 21 25
8 George Knight 44 22 22
9 Wilson Greiner-Daish 44 24 20
10 Jack O’Callaghan 43 25 18
11 Jordan Holt 41 20 21
12 Caleb Goullet 36 17 19
13 Shane Mason 34 18 16
14 Cooper Van Vilit 31 16 15
15 Royce Anell 23 23

AMX MX Open – PRO 450 Results

Pos Rider Total R1 R2
1 Brett Metcalfe 70 35 35
2 Kirk Gibbs 60 28 32
3 Kyle Webster 60 30 30
4 Jai Walker 60 32 28
5 Joel Green 52 26 26
6 Levi McManus 50 25 25
7 Jake West 47 23 24
8 Bryce Ognenis 47 24 23
9 Caleb Goullet 22 22
10 Jackson Coulson 21 21
11 Ryan Perry 20 20
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Van Beveren claims Hail Baja opener victory

Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Official Team’s Adrien Van Beveren has won the opening Hail Baja – the first of two bajas to be held as part of the Hail Rally – following victory on both stages of the two-day event. Using the race as preparation for the upcoming Dakar Rally, the Frenchman enjoyed a trouble-free run through the competition, enjoying the tricky navigation found throughout both stages.

2020 Hail Baja – Adrien Van Beveren

Comprising a short, two-day schedule and covering a total distance of 692 km, the first Hail Baja provided plenty of positive training for Adrien. Welcoming the challenge that lay ahead, and very much using the event to further familiarise himself with true desert terrain, he was the first rider to set off into the sand dunes surrounding Radifah on the opening stage.

Relying solely on his roadbook skills, Adrien confidently tackled the tricky navigation and with his pre-race training clearly paying dividends, the Frenchman delivered a mistake-free ride to claim the stage win.

2020 Hail Baja – Adrien Van Beveren

Heading into the desert surrounding the city of Jubbah for day two, the 29-year-old initially navigated his way through a number of rocky sections before safely reaching the day’s sand dunes that formed a large part of the 347km stage. Going on to cross the finish line with a comfortable advantage, he secured the event’s overall victory and rounded out two days of enjoyable and constructive racing in style.

Confident with both his riding and the set-up of his Yamaha WR450F Rally, Van Beveren is now looking ahead to December 15 and the second leg of the Hail Rally. With a similar race format on offer, it will be his final competitive outing in desert conditions ahead of the Dakar Rally in January.

2020 Hail Baja – Adrien Van Beveren
Adrien Van Beveren – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Official Team

“This race was such great training for the Dakar Rally. Despite being called a Baja, this was just the name for the event and it was a true rally, with tricky navigation. I’m really pleased with my decision to race as the terrain and navigation was just like what is expected at the Dakar. It was cold starting early in the mornings, close to zero, but I really enjoyed both stages once I got into them. I’m here for training and I felt great on my bike, so I’m really happy. I’m now looking forwards to Tuesday for the second rally here and to continue with my preparation ahead of Dakar.”

2020 Hail Baja – Adrien Van Beveren

Hail Baja Overall Provisional Classification

  1. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 5:38:22
  2. Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) 6:26:47 + 0:48:25
  3. Mishal Alghuneim (KTM) 6:57:33 + 1:19:11
  4. Riyadh Saud Alshammari (Yamaha) 6:59:14 + 1:20:52
  5. Abdulmajeed Abdulaziz Aakhulaifi (Yamaha) 7:12:06 + 1:33:44
  6. Anas Al Ruhayany (KTM) 7:22:16 + 1:43:54
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Australian Off-Road Championship confirm 2021 classes

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Australian Championship, presented by MXStore, will see the return of 14 classes of competition for 2021. 2020 saw a record number of riders enter with expanded classes and in 2021 the highly competitive classes return with  something for all types of riders, from Juniors to the world’s best off-road riders.

Daniel Sanders
2020 AORC – Daniel Sanders

Returning for 2021 will be the Junior Girls 85cc to 200cc 2-stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke bikes for those aged 12 to under 16-years-old at all rounds. Plus the National Cup Classes – the 85cc 2-stroke and 150cc 4-stroke (SW) and Junior 65cc Cup – for those aged 9 to under 12-years-old.

Also returning in 2021 is the successful and competitive 2 Stroke Cup, while the EJ development class continues where under 18 riders can compare their times against the E1, E2, and E3 classes in the hope to step up later in the year or the following year.

Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo, said the 2021 Australian Off-Road Championship was shaping up to be the best yet.

Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager

“We are very excited for the 2021 season with 14 classes of competition returning, significant rider interest, and new venues for the Championship, we can’t wait to get the season under way. We saw last year the fantastic competition in our junior classes and we hope to continue to help them develop in 2021 and hopefully like our AORC and World Champion Daniel Sanders, they too can become future AORC and World ISDE Champions. Again, we will have significant support from key industry sponsors for the 2021 season to make our Championship even better. With new venues in 2021 as well as returning some old stomping grounds which are rider favourites, we believe next year will be even bigger and better.”

Jessica Gardiner
2020 AORC – Jessica Gardiner

2021 AORC Classes

  • Senior Championship Classes
    • E1: 100cc to 200cc 2-Stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-Stroke
    • E2: 220cc to 250cc 2-Stroke and 275cc to 450cc 4-Stroke
    • E3: 290cc to 500cc 2-Stroke and 475cc to 650cc 4-Stroke
    • EJ: All powers (Rider must be 18 years or under on 1 January 2021)
    • Veterans: All Powers (Rider must be 35+ years of age before 1 January 2021)
    • Masters: All Powers (Rider must be 45+ years of age before 1 January 2021)
    • Women: All Powers
  • Junior Championship Classes
    • J2 12 to under 15 years: 85cc 2-stroke & Up to 150cc 4-stroke
    • J3 13 to under 15 years: 125cc to 200cc 2-stroke & 200cc to 250cc 4-stroke
    • J4 15 years: 125cc to 200cc 2-stroke & 200cc to 250cc 4-stroke
    • JG (Girls) 12 to under 16 years: 85cc to 200cc 2-stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke
  • National Championship Classes
    • 2T – 2 Stroke Cup – 125cc up to 250cc 2-Stroke (Feature at all rounds)
    • J1 9 to under 12 years: 85cc 2-stroke and 150cc 4-stroke (SW) (Feature at all rounds)
    • JJ 9 to under 12 years: 65cc (Feature at rounds 1, 2, 5 ,6, 7, 8, 9 & 10) (11& 12 TBC)

In the coming week the AORC has promised the announcement of a number of exciting developments for its classes in 2021.

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2021 ProMX rider number applications open

The 2021 ProMX rider number applications have now opened and can be accessed here or from the team app in documents. The 2021 Rider Number List can be accessed here or can be downloaded from team app in documents. Riders need to read through these documents to reserve their race numbers and take the first step to be ready for the first gate drop.

2021 ProMX

In 2021 the main mode of communications to the riders and teams will be through the use the ProMX Team App. It’s as easy as downloading Team App and search ‘ProMX’!

Riders have been encouraged to pass on this information to any riders whom it may be relevant. Round 1 of the 201 ProMX championship will kick off in Wonthaggi, Victoria on April 11, 2021. You can find the full ProMX calendar below.

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Jay Wilson & Levi Rogers remain with Yamalube Yamaha for 2021

Jay Wilson and Levi Rogers will again fly the flag for the Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team for the 2021 motocross and supercross season. The team runs all the inhouse Yamaha brands of Yamalube, GYTR, Yamaha Motor Insurance, Yamaha Motor Finance and bLU cRU at the forefront, combined with the use of brands like SCOTT, Just 1, Dunlop, DID, NGK and JT Sprockets from Yamaha Australia’s sister company, Ficeda Accessories, making it a true manufacturer based team.

The duo of Wilson and Rogers make a great contrast of youth and experience and with both riders contesting the MX2 and SX2 championships on the potent YZ250F, where they will be able to learn and bounce off each other in a positive fashion.

Jay Wilson

For Wilson, he will spearhead the team and continue the successful relationship that has seen him win several championships with Yamalube Yamaha Racing over the years. While he did consider a move to the 450cc class, Wilson is happy to remain on the YZ250F and with a majorly updated machine, he is excited to get stuck into pre-season testing and development.

Jay Wilson

“My goals heading into 2020 were to have a dominant year on the 250 and move to the 450 class for 2021 but with the year the racing world has had, I have just pushed everything back a season. My motivation is as strong as it’s ever been and I think I have yet to hit my peak as a rider in terms of both speed and fitness. I have found a real interest in off bike training which I didn’t always have and with Levi and Kota around last year, they were a good motivational tool for me as both of them are so enthusiastic about riding and racing, that it naturally rubs of on me. I feel fresh and ready to go and as always we have a great team that’s willing to do what it takes to get success. The goal is to win, and that’s what we are out to do.”

Alongside him will be 17 year old, rising talent, Levi Rogers. Rogers has come through Yamaha’s Junior Racing program and then moved to the team in 2020 to contest the MXD class. But with the MXD class altered for 2021, Rogers has made the leap into the deep MX2 field for the new season, but the extra competition holds no fears for him.

Levi Rogers

“Although we didn’t do any national racing in 2020, I was able to get some state based racing in where I was able to line up against a lot of the national MX2 riders at several events and experience how things roll. I battled with them at a few of the tracks that were on the national calendar over the last few years so it was a confidence boost that I wasn’t too far from them and I could learn from first hand racing experience. I took on what I needed to improve on, found areas that I was strong in and think that experience has assisted my in preparation for 2021. I’m willing to do the work and looking forward to taking as many things in from Jay and establishing myself as a solid MX2 competitor.”

Levi Rogers

The Queensland based team will start out the year contesting a couple of regional events as a tune-in for the commencement of the Pro MX.


Toni Bou & Takahisa Fujinami return for 15th season with Repsol Honda Team

Honda’s 2021 Repsol Honda Trial Team has now been revealed and will be represented by the returning duo of Toni Bou and Takahisa Fujinami, tackling a fifteenth season in top fight competition.

Toni Bou and Takahisa Fujinami

The two trial aces will once again defend Repsol Honda Team colours for a 15th consecutive year, during which time they have accrued over 200 podium finishes in the Trial World Championship and more than 120 victories. Of these, Toni Bou has an outdoor victory tally of 116, with 158 podiums and 14 outdoor titles. His total in the indoor discipline reads 66 trial victories and another 14 world titles.

Toni Bou
Toni Bou

The new season will also mark Takahisa Fujinami’s 26th season in elite competition. Since his world championship debut back in 1996, Fujigas has spent no less than 22 seasons in the top five, claiming the world championship title in 2004, as well as amounting 33 victories and 167 podium finishes.

Toni Bou and Takahisa Fujinami
Toni Bou

“Time flies very quickly. It’s the fifteenth season with the team and… it’s amazing! We have enjoyed 14 consecutive years with double titles and there’s really nothing else to say. We are living a dream and we must try to continue along this track even through these difficult times. Let’s hope that 2021 is characterized as a more normal year and that the COVID-19 vaccine will get rid of the problems. We’re just hoping to have a normal season.”

Toni Bou
Takahisa Fujinami

“I am very happy to have been competing with Honda for 26 years and to continue one more season in the greatest team in the world. It couldn’t be any better for me. And alongside Toni Bou too! Over all these years we have worked on the bike to make the best motorcycle in the world and I can only add that he is the best team-mate I’ve ever had. It will be a new challenge in 2021, after a very strange year in 2020, which left a bitter taste in my mouth. I think that in a normal season I will be able to finish the year in a much better position.”

Takahisa Fujinami celebrating 25 seasons of competition
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Ben Watson talks stepping up to MXGP for 2021

Ben Watson will enter the premier class with positive momentum after drawing the curtains on his MX2 career with two impressive Grand Prix wins in the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team in 2020,

Ben Watson

“My first year in the 450cc class could bring some huge surprises so I don’t want to make a real solid strategy as I could easily be led down the wrong path. I want to go into the new season with an open mind and take every opportunity during the winter to be better. My last season in MX2 couldn’t have been weirder. The Coronavirus pandemic struck after just two rounds, which meant I had to head home with no bike for over two months. It gave me a lot of time to recap and realise how much I wanted to be better. When the restart happened in Latvia, I was immediately better and then it just clicked in Lommel. I was able to ride exactly how I knew I could ride. I managed to finish the final six rounds with five podiums and two GP wins.”

Ben Watson

Watson was one of only five MX2 Grand Prix winners in 2020, and as a result of his evident speed, skill and determination, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 star who has reached the 23-year age limit in MX2, was rewarded with a place on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for 2021.

Ben Watson

“When I crossed the line to take my first ever Grand Prix victory there were too many things going through my head actually to take in during that moment. It was quite a long time after the day had ended when it really settled in that I had won a GP and that dream of standing on the top step as a kid had become a reality.”

Jago Geerts and Ben Watson

The MXGP class is the fastest and most competitive class in motocross. It will demand a different approach and another level of experience and skill. Towering at 183cm tall and weighing in at 78 kilograms, it is predicted that Watson will be better suited to the YZ450FM as opposed to the YZ250FM that he has raced for the past three seasons.

Ben Watson

“I do believe the YZ450FM will suit me and my style a lot more. Not many people have seen me ride the big bike, but a lot do say they think it will be better for me. I am heavy and tall for a 250, but I would say it is more about the way I ride a bike. I don’t like to be aggressive and sometimes on a 250 I do miss that aggression. I believe I will be able to make the 450 more suited to my riding style whereas with a 250 I just wanted as much power as they could give me.”

Ben Watson

Watson can already see the advantage of having well-established MXGP riders Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff as Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP teammates in 2021.

Ben Watson

“Jeremy and Glenn are two of the best teammates I could ask for. I am looking forward to getting started with both the guys as they seem to be open to riding and training together and just generally helping each other improve. They were both successful in MX2 and have continued that success into MXGP, so I think they can help me with the transition to the 450 and give their opinions on what they think I should or shouldn’t do entering this new challenge. I know I will enter the new season blind having never raced most of the MXGP riders before, but that is what makes this new chapter so exciting. I am going to gain so much experience and I look forward to developing in a lot of different ways.”

Ben Watson

Jo Shimoda joins 2021 Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team

The decorated Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team adds depth to an already stacked roster with the addition of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross ‘Rookie of the Year’ Jo Shimoda for the 2021 racing season. Shimoda joins long-time Team Green racer Austin Forkner along with Jordon Smith, Cameron McAdoo, and the most recent Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green amateur motocross graduate Seth Hammaker aboard their all-new 2021 KX250 motorcycles.

Jo Shimoda joins the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team in 2021
Jo Shimoda

“Honestly, I wasn’t too sure what next year would look like for me, but thanks to the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and Mitch Payton, I couldn’t be more excited for next year,” said Shimoda. “It feels really good to be with such an iconic team like the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team and to know that they believe in my ability enough to give me a chance this year. I was able to test the all-new KX250 a couple of times and on my first day, I was over jumping everything because of how fast it was! I am just really thankful and excited for this opportunity and I plan to make the most of it.”

Shimoda and the 2021 Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki racing team are positioned for another championship campaign and have begun preparations for the 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Jo Shimoda
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Hero MotoSports Team Rally announce 2021 Dakar line-up

Close on the heels of an exciting win at the BAJA Portalegre, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp, unveiled its plans for the Dakar Rally 2021.

The 2021 Hero MotoSports Team Rally

Participating with a full strength three rider team, Hero MotoSports will take on the Dakar 2021 with the 2020 FIM Cross-Country BAJAs World Cup winner – Sebastian Buhler, 2019 Pan Africa Rally winner – Joaquim Rodrigues and ace Indian rider – CS Santosh.

Sebastian Buhler

“My first year with Hero MotoSports has been an exciting one. Though there weren’t many opportunities to race in 2020, I am glad that we are entering the Dakar Rally after two impressive runs in the recent months. We utilized the time away from racing in training on the new bike and that kept our energies high. For me personally, entering the Rally straight after the Baja win will help to stay focused. All I can say is that I am thrilled to be a part of the Hero MotoSports family and looking forward to the Dakar 2021 Rally.”

Joaquim Rodrigues, Sebastian Buhler, CS Santosh

This will be the second official appearance for Sebastian in Hero colors at the Dakar, while it will be the fifth appearance for both JRod and Santosh.

Joaquim Rodrigues

“Dakar Rally will not be the same for me after the tragic experience of January 2020. It ha.s been a tough year for me and my family. However, the experience has taught me a lot – how to stay undeterred and resilient in the worst of situations and the team has also supported me a lot to keep me motivated and engaged. While we didn’t have much time to prepare this year, our testing sessions on the new bike and the recent runs at BAJA Portalegre and Andalucia Rally 2020 helped me overcome my fears and find the momentum as I made the comeback. It’s going to be a tough emotional battle for me but I’m ready to face it and take on the Dakar for one more time.”

CS Santosh

“This has been an exceptional year with limited races and opportunities to train, yet we are satisfied with the preparations that we underwent ahead of Dakar Rally. I have tried to make the most of the situation and used this time to train hard and help the team in the development of our new bike. The new bike offers great performance and maneuverability so I am really excited to ride it at the Dakar. The Dakar Rally is coming back with a new set of rules and routes, so it is going to be an interesting one this year and I am looking forward to it.”

The Hero MotoSport Team 450 Rally

The riders will take on the Dakar challenge on a new Hero 450 Rally bike, which now features a new 450cc engine and evolved chassis. The engine, developed especially for rally sport, offers improved top speed and acceleration. With an optimum weight balance, better rider ergonomics, more voluminous fuel-tank, improved suspension and cooling system, the new bike is built for juggling the dual roles of covering long strides at a heightened pace.

The Team will also be seen in a new Livery, sporting a futuristic “Barcode” inspired design, to showcase the team’s technical edge. In view of the ongoing pandemic, it was a comparatively shorter #RoadToDakar for the Team in 2020. Yet, the Team made its presence felt with an impressive comeback in competitive racing with the BAJA Portalegre and the Andalucia Rally. Gaining valuable race-experience, all three riders of the Team utilized these races to acquire some saddle time and proficiency, ahead of the Dakar 2021.

The Hero MotoSport Team 450 Rally
Wolfgang Fischer – Hero MotoSports Team Rally Team Manager

“This is an emotional return for us at Dakar after the tragic event earlier this year. We are determined to put on a good show. While we were away from racing for quite some time due to the pandemic, we utilised the time to develop the new bike and conduct thorough testing sessions with our riders, thus, keeping the team engaged and motivated in the most challenging times. We are excited for the next few weeks as we aim to sustain our momentum and garner good results this year. The new bike is performing well and the Team looks stunning in the new Livery.”


Danny McCanney joins Sherco Factory Racing Team

Britain’s Danny McCanney is joining the Sherco Factory Racing Team to compete in the next EnduroGP season. The Isle of Man rider will line up on a 300 SE and make his return to racing in the E3 category riding a two-stroke.

Danny McCanney joins the Sherco Factory Racing Team

As an experienced rider, Danny will be the leader of a young and ambitious team, with Antoine Magain, Hamish Macdonald, Jack Edmondson and Enric Francisco joining him on the EnduroGP Team.

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2021 Racing schedule

2021 AMA SX calendar

Date Event Venue Location E/W
Jan 16 Houston 1 NRG Stadium Houston, TX East
Jan 19 Houston 2 NRG Stadium Houston, TX East
Jan 23 Houston 3 NRG Stadium Houston, TX East
Jan 30 Indianapolis 1 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN East
Feb 2 Indianapolis 2 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN East
Feb 6 Indianapolis 3 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN East
Feb20 Glendale 1 State Farm Stadium Glendale, AZ West
Feb 23 Glendale 2 State Farm Stadium Glendale, AZ West
Feb 27 Glendale 3 State Farm Stadium Glendale, AZ West
Mar 6 Daytona* Daytona Int. Speedway Daytona Beach, FL East
Mar 13 Arlington 1 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX West
Mar 16 Arlington 2 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX West
Mar 20 Arlington 3 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX West
Round 14 TBD TBD TBD TBD
Round 15 TBD TBD TBD TBD
Round 16 TBD TBD TBD TBD
Round 17 Salt Lake City Rice-Eccles Stadium Salt Lake City, UT TBD

2021 Provisional MXGP Calendar

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

2021 Yamaha AORC presented by MXStore calendar

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

2021 Australian Pro MX calendar

Rnd Date Location
1 Apr-11 Wonthaggi, Victoria
2 May-02 Canberra, ACT
3 May-30 Gilman, South Australia
4 Jun-27 Maitland, NSW
5 Jul-25 Wodonga, Victoria
6 Aug-08 TBC, Queensland
7/8 August 14-15 Coolum, Queensland

2021 Speedway GP Calendar

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

2021 Australian Senior Speedway Solo calendar

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

2021 Australian Speedway events

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

2021 Provisional Australian Supercross dates

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

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

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

2021 Finke Desert Race
11-14 June – Northern Territory

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

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

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

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

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