Tag Archives: Henry Jacobi

Moto Wrap | AMA MX | MXGP | WESS | GNCC | SGP

Moto News Wrap for May 21, 2019 by Darren Smart

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

The LATEST News

  • Roczen & Cianciarulo win AMA Motocross at Hangtown
  • Villopoto wins at Hangtown
  • Gajser and Prado win MXGP of Portugal
  • Kras wins Portuguese EMX
  • FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019
  • Duvall wins Ohio GNCC
  • Madsen wins SGP of Poland
  • Garcia wins WESS in France
  • Brayton set for 2019 Aussie SX Championships
  • Chad Reed returns for 2019 AUS-X Open
  • Wollongong SX to feature ‘Speed & Style’ Championship
  • James Stewart finally announces retirement

Roczen & Cianciarulo Win AMA Motocross at Hangtown

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicked off last weekend with the Bell Helmets Hangtown Motocross Classic and it was Ken Roczen who got the overall in the 450 class while Adam Cianciarulo bounced back from a tough loss in supercross to win the 250 class overall.

AMA MX Rnd Roczen JK MX Hangtown
Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld

450 Report

The opening moto saw riders taking on a track that was breaking down faster than usual thanks to rain in the lead up to the weekend and there were battles right from the get-go but the real head-turner was Roczen blowing by Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson and early leader Cooper Webb to take the lead before the completion of the opening lap.

AMA MX Rnd Tomac JK MX Hangtown
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Once he had a clear track Roczen quickly put multiple seconds between he and Webb, while Anderson, Zach Osborne and Tomac rounded out the top five but Tomac made his way by Osborne before actually passing Anderson for third but Anderson quickly got back around the defending champ then started his way to the rear wheel of Webb.

With ten minutes to go the rain began to fall and Anderson’s pace increased, while Tomac’s dropped which carried the two riders into different directions with Anderson moving by Webb for second as Tomac lost a spot to Osborne to be in fifth.

AMA MX Rnd Anderson JK MX Hangtown
Jason Anderson – Image by Hoppenworld

Despite the rain, Roczen continued his flawless ride all the way to the finish where he took the opening moto win by 15 seconds over Anderson, Webb and Tomac who was gifted fourth when Osborne crashed in the slippery conditions.

In muddy conditions Marvin Musquin emerged with the second moto holeshot over Webb, Tomac and Roczen but it wasn’t long before Tomac was in the lead ahead of Roczen and the two soon opened up a gap over Anderson who got by his training partners in Osborne, Webb and Musquin.

AMA MX Rnd Webb JK MX Hangtown
Cooper Webb – Image by Hoppenworld

Roczen’s impressive early pace allowed him to jump by Tomac into the lead but the Honda rider couldn’t shake Tomac and as they approached lapped riders just before the halfway point it worked to the benefit of Tomac who seized the moment to dive to the inside the reclaim the lead.

From that point on, he left Roczen and the rest of the field behind taking the chequered flag by 43 seconds over Roczen while a resilient Musquin never backed down in his pursuit of Anderson for third, and successfully got back around, but in the closing laps a hard charge from Osborne ultimately put the rookie onto the moto podium.

AMA MX Rnd Musquin JK MX Hangtown
Marvin Musquin – Image by Hoppenworld

Roczen’s 1-2 outing provided him with his first win since the final round of his championship-winning 2016 season. Since then he has endured through a pair of career-threatening injuries to each of his arms, in which he was forced to fight his way back from more than 10 total surgeries. It’s been a long and difficult road, but Roczen was able to prevail for the 16th win of his career.

 Ken Roczen

“It’s been a very, very long time [since I won a race]. Overall the whole day was good,” said Roczen. “It’s difficult at the first race to know what to expect [from yourself] and to know where everyone else is. I just did my best every time I was on the track and it got us a win. It was really sloppy out there and [when conditions are like that] it can easily go in either direction [bad or good], so it feels good that we ended up on the positive side of it.”

AMA MX Rnd Roczen JK MX Hangtown
Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld

Tomac’s second-moto win vaulted him to second overall (4-1), while Anderson rounded out the overall podium in third (2-5) so Roczen holds a slim four-point lead over Tomac in the 450 Class standings heading into the second round. Anderson sits nine points back in third.

As for the Aussies and Kiwis, factory Yamaha fill-in rider Dean Ferris came back from two bad starts to end the day with 11-8 moto finishes for ninth overall while Todd Waters took his privateer Husqvarna to 12-13 finishes for a credible 12th outright, but there was a disappointing result for Cody cooper who earned 15th in the opening moto before not finished the second mud moto.

AMA MX Rnd Roczen Tomac Anderson Podium JK MX Hangtown
450 Class Overall Results
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (1-2)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (4-1)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (2-5)  – Image by Hoppenworld

450 Moto Results and Overall

  1. Ken Roczen 1-2
  2. Eli Tomac 4-1
  3. Jason Anderson 2-5
  4. Zachary Osborne 5-3
  5. Cooper Webb 3-6
  6. Marvin Musquin 7-4
  7. Justin Barcia 8-7
  8. Blake Baggett 6-10
  9. Dean Ferris 11-8
  10. Justin Bogle 10-9
  11. Jake Masterpool 13-11
  12. Todd Waters 12-13
  13. Ben Lamay 14-12
  14. Cole Seely 9-18
  15. Fredrik Noren 17-17
  16. Toshiki Tomita 36-14
  17. Taiki Koga 23-15
  18. Dylan Merriam 20-16
  19. Cody Cooper 15-40

450 Class Championship Standings

  1. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 47
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 43
  3. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 38
  4. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 36
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 35
  6. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 32
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 27
  8. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 26
  9. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 23
  10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 23
    …12. Todd Waters, Australia, Husqvarna – 17
    …19. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Honda – 6
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

250 Report

Justin Cooper narrowly grab the holeshot over Chase Sexton and Cianciarulo while Hunter Lawrence started well outside the top ten but that wouldn’t last for long with the Aussie flying his way into the top ten.

AMA MX Rnd CooperJ JK MX Hangtown
Justin Cooper – Image by Hoppenworld

Up front Cooper successfully held on to that advantage and established himself as the early leader, with Cianciarulo slotting into second and Sexton into third but with about eight minutes left the Kawasaki rider was all over Cooper’s rear fender, but the Yamaha rider withstood the charge and used lapped riders to his advantage to extend the lead once more.

Hunter Lawrence had forced his way up to sixth place after passing teammate RJ Hampshire and just as they were closing in on fifth placed Colt Nichols, Hunter high sided over an inside rut and was clipped by Hampshire’s footpeg gouging a wound across Lawrence’s arse.

AMA MX Rnd Lawrence JK MX Hangtown
Hunter Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld

Cooper went wire-to-wire on to take the second moto win of his career by 1.8 seconds over Cianciarulo, who rode to an uneventful second-place finish but the battle for third came down to the final corner, where a moto-long charge by Dylan Ferrandis, who started sixth, culminated with a stellar last lap in which he stole third from Sexton as they came to the line.

Lawrence dropped all of the way back to 18th but managed to climb back to 11th place, four places ahead of fellow Aussie Wilson Todd who was up to 12th at one point in the moto.

With rain falling, the deciding moto got underway with Nichols earning then holeshot from Cianciarulo who quickly moved to the lead while Cooper and Ferrandis were at the tail end of the top ten as Lawrence and Todd sat just outside the top ten.

AMA MX Rnd Ferrandis JK MX Hangtown
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld

With the track deteriorating to a slippery mess, Cianciarulo easily opened up a considerable margin over the rest of the field but as the moto wore on, Ferrandis and Nichols began to inch closer to second placed Alex Martin but the Suzuki rider was able to hang on to the runner up spot while Nichols and Cooper got around Ferrandis in the dying laps

In the end Cianciarulo took the moto win by 16.3 seconds over Martin, Nichols, Cooper and Ferrandis while Todd finished in a sensational ninth place, three places ahead of a struggling Larence.

AMA MX Rnd Nichols JK MX Hangtown
Colt Nichols – Image by Hoppenworld

Cianciarulo’s 2-1 effort gave him the second overall win of his career in his first start since the 2017 season, following knee surgery last summer. He becomes the 32nd different rider to earn a 250 Class victory at      Hangtown.

 Adam Cianciarulo

“It means a lot [to get this win], for all the kids out there that watch us, we go through such peaks and valleys. [This win] is a testament to understanding that the most important shot is your next one. You’ve got to keep fighting. It feels great to get a win at the opening round of the [Pro Motocross] season and start this summer off on a high note.”

AMA MX Rnd Cianciarulo JK SX Vegas
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld

Cooper’s resilient second moto landed him in the runner-up spot (1-4) for the second time in his career. Nichols (5-3) and Ferrandis (3-5) ended up in a tie for third, but by virtue of his better result in the final moto Nichols earned the tiebreaker.

Cianciarulo establishes a four-point lead over Cooper in the 250 Class standings entering the second round, while Nichols and Ferrandis sit 11 points back.

AMA MX Rnd Cianciarulo Coopr Nichols Podium JK MX Hangtown
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (2-1)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (1-4)
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (5-3) – Image by Hoppenworld

250 Moto Results and Overall

  1. Adam Cianciarulo 2 -1
  2. Justin Cooper 1-4
  3. Colt Nichols 5-3
  4. Dylan Ferrandis 3-5
  5. Chase Sexton 4-6
  6. RJ Hampshire 6-7
  7. Michael Mosiman 7 -11
  8. Alex Martin 23-2
  9. Shane McElrath 14-8
  10. Christian Craig 13-10
  11. Hunter Lawrence 11-12
  12. Wilson Todd 15-9

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 47
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 43
  3. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 36
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 36
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 33
  6. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 29
  7. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 24
  8. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 22
  9. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 20
  10. Christian Craig, El Cajon, Calif., Honda – 19
  11. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 19
  12. Wilson Todd, Australia, Husqvarna – 18
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Villopoto wins at Hangtown

The Hangtown Motocross Classic fans at Prairie City OHV Park were treated with seeing multi AMA motocross and supercross champion Ryan Villopoto taking on a field of 32 riders and win the first round of the 125cc All-Stars race.

AMA MX Rnd AS Villopoto JK MX Hangtown
Ryan Villopoto – Image by Hoppenworld

RV piloted his No. 2 Yamaha to victory ahead of fellow YZ rider Robbie Wageman while 16-year-old Brandon Ray rounded out the podium in third aboard a KTM.

125cc All Star Results

  1. Ryan Villopoto, Yamaha
  2. Robbie Wageman, Yamaha
  3. Brandon Ray, KTM
  4. Wyatt Mattson, Husqvarna
  5. Carter Dubach, Yamaha
  6. Tyler DuCray, KTM
  7. Angus Riordan, KTM
  8. Cole Barbieri, Suzuki
  9. Dennis Stapleton, Husqvarna
  10. Ty Freehill, Yamaha
  11. Derik Denzin, Yamaha
  12. John Ayers, Husqvarna
  13. Antonio Calavano, KTM
  14. Bryson Olson, Honda
  15. Conner Degraaf, KTM
  16. Toline Tyler, KTM
  17. Hunter Cross, KTM
  18. Talon Gorman, Honda
  19. Steven Stultz, Yamaha
  20. Jared Lang, Honda
  21. Dylan Simao, Yamaha
  22. Geoff Wills, KTM
  23. Tyler Edmondson, Honda
  24. Aron Martin
  25. Wyatt Bullen, Kawasaki
  26. Brooks, KTM
  27. Blaine Holdsclaw, Yamaha
  28. Derek Cappiello, Yamaha
  29. Chase Forsberg, KTM
  30. Nick Roby, Kawasaki
  31. Jeremy Ryan, KTM
  32. Ryan Eager, Suzuki

Gajser and Prado Win MXGP of Portugal

The Portuguese circuit of Agueda has hosted the sixth round of the 2019 World Motocross Championship and it was Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado who went 1-1 in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.

MXGP Portugal Rnd MX GP PH
MXGP of Portugal 2019

MXGP Report

Antonio Cairoli was in a winning position in both of the MXGP motos but the KTM rider stalled briefly in the opening moto while leading and tipped over in the second moto while in the same position and both times Gajser was right there to take advantage of the situation to claim both moto wins, the overall and to reduce Cairoli’s championship points lead to 34 points

MXGP Portugal Rnd Antonio Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Cairoli took 2-2 for 2nd overall ahead of Arnaud Tonus who reached the podium with hard fought 3-3 finishes while Clement Desalle, Jeremy Seewer, Pauls Jonass, Julien Lieber, Romain Febvre, Glenn Coldenhoff and Gautier Paulin rounded out the top ten.

Tim Gajser

“Last weekend was tough, so I tried to forget it and just focus on this weekend. I was feeling good yesterday and also today, the riding was good, and I had two good starts. It was great racing and I am really happy to win both races, hopefully we can carry that moment to the next round.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser
Antonio Cairoli

“On one side I’m happy because this is the goal to be on the podium and always consistent but on the other side I’m disappointed of course. I am happy like I said but focused on the next one where I will try to be consistent and not make these mistakes.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Arnaud Tonus

”It feels amazing, it is hard to find the right words at the moment, I have been through a lot so it is good to be up here. I really had to fight today, in the first race I was battling with Jeremy (Seewer) and he passed me in the beginning of the race so I had to come pass him back, it feels even better knowing that I fought to make it happen. I am super happy and I hope that I can keep it going.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus

MXGP Results

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:00.609
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.197
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:17.885
  4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.240
  5. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:28.880
  6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:29.847
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:35.562
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:51.205
  9. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:52.970
  10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:53.969

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:47.988
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:10.604
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:12.909
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:15.819
  5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.856
  6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.225
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:22.115
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:24.630
  9. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:27.080
  10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:30.999

MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 40
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33
  5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29
  6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 28
  7. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 28
  8. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 27
  9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 26
  10. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 22

MXGP ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 285 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 251
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 197
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 175
  5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 166
  6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 153
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 137
  8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 136
  9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 122
  10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 120

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

MX2 Race Report

Prado took the opening moto holeshot and eased away for an easy win over Thomas Kjer Olsen, Jago Geerts and Mitchell Evans but in the second moto Prado was forced to pass the fast starting Roan Van de Moosdijk for the lead and usually that is where the action stops for the lead but this time Mitch Evans decided he wanted to have a run at the front and soon passed Van de Moosdijk and Prado for the lead.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Evans held the lead for four laps before Prado found his way through to take the lead and the eventual win ahead of Henry Jacobi, Evans and Kjer Olsen.

This was Prado’s 5th 1-1 result of 2019 and despite Kjer Olsen finishing second overall but it was a bitter sweet moment as he also lost the championship lead to Prado while for the second time in his rookie MX2 season Evans reached the podium in 3rd position.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Portugal 2019

As for Jed Beaton, the Husqvarna pilot was a solid 12th in the opening moto despite a crash and a stall but the second moto went pear shaped with his bike being landed on after an early crash forcing the Aussie to DNF the race. Beaton sits 13th in the championship.

Jorge Prado

“This is the closest race to a home GP for me, we are very close to Spain and there are so many fans that came out and many were cheering for me, I really enjoy it. When I went onto the podium they went crazy so it is great to have a race like this and it was a great weekend. For me it was important to get the red plate because I feel more comfortable with it but it is tough to keep so I try to not make any mistake but in motocross you never know.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“I felt like my riding all weekend was really good so that was a huge positive. I felt pretty calm all weekend and I had a lot of confidence in my riding along with my technique on the bike. I am kind of bummed out about the mistake I made on the start of race 2 but it could have been much worse and I got up to 4thwhich was pretty good. I am just going keep working and focus on myself to be the best that I can, not worrying about much else.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Mitch Evans

“It feels great to be back on the podium, we had a few tough weekends with some little injuries and my fitness dropped off because of it. We are finally back to the normal program and I am feeling a lot better which also gives a lot confidence coming into the weekend.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jed Beaton

“It’s been a tough GP for me. I’m pretty beaten up and, yeah, things just didn’t go well despite two good starts. I went down in the second turn in the first moto so I just pushed as hard as I could. I stalled my bike at the end of the wave sections after passing about 10 riders, so I went back to last again. I gave everything to get to 12th, which I think was a good result considering what happened. I was about sixth off the start in the second heat but clashed with another rider over one of the jumps. I got landed on, my bike got landed on and it was pretty messed up and bent. There was no point in continuing so unfortunately I had to retire.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Portugal 2019

MX2 Results – Portugal MXGP

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:07.339
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.304
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:27.504
  4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.329
  5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +0:34.618
  6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:35.418
  7. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:44.519
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:45.789
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:51.829
  10. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +0:53.710
    …12. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36:03.407

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:47.966
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:03.912
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:05.411
  4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:12.005
  5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:23.210
  6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Honda), +0:36.473
  7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:41.227
  8. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:43.706
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:45.287
  10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:46.503

MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 38
  4. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 36
  5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 24
  6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 23
  7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 23
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 22
  9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20
  10. Mitchell Harrison (USA, KAW), 18
    …21. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 9

MX2 ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 250 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 247
  3. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 193
  4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 170
  5. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 164
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 155
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 155
  8. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 128
  9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 127
  10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 122
    …13. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 87

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Duncan Dominates Portugal WMX

Portugal hosted the second round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and it was Kiwi flyer Courtney Duncan who not only won both motos but also took over the championship lead.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Duncan won the opening moto by 12 seconds ahead of Larissa Papenmeier and Nancy Van De Ven before dishing out a similar performance in moto two to take the win over Van De Ven and Papenmeier so the championship leaders red plate now belongs to Duncan with 89 points while former championship leader Van de Ven is four points back in second.

Aussie Tahlia TJ O’Hare struggled in the tough conditions to score just 7 points over the two motos for 19th outright to now sit 13th in the championship.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Duncan will now return to New Zealand to continue her training before taking the red plate into round 3 in Loket, Czech Republic, July 27-28.

Courtney Duncan

“I was really happy with the weekend; the goal was to put two solid races together and I did that.  I got blocked in at the first turn in that second race, but I didn’t panic, sorted out a good place to make a clean pass and could race away. I’m just taking it race by race at the moment and not really thinking about the championship, but I’m stoked to get the double win and take the red plate to the next round. We’ve got a nine week break now, so I’ll be going back to New Zealand to keep doing the work and come out swinging at Loket.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

WMX Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 25:37.493
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:12.938
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:20.911
  4. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:49.788
  5. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +0:59.251
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:07.227
  7. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:13.030
  8. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:34.821
  9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:39.651
  10. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:42.185

WMX Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 24:51.296
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:30.514
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:45.003
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:08.450
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +1:13.670
  6. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:14.835
  7. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:24.616
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:25.103
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:28.714
  10. Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Husqvarna), +1:39.760

WMX Overall Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 42
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 42
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 34
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 29
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 28
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 27
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 23
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 20

WMX ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 89 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 85
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 82
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 67
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 63
  6. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 61
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 54
  8. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 54
  9. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 49
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 37

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Kras Wins Portuguese EMX

Portugal hosted the third round of the EMX2t championship and it was Mike Kras who grabbed his second overall in as many rounds to take over the championship points lead by one over Brad Anderson.

Kras won the opening moto from Todd Kellett and Youri van t Ende while Anderson was back in eighth before the second moto also went to Kras with Anderson in second ahead of Andero Lusbo.

Now leading the championship by 1 point over Anderson, Kras, and the rest of the field will head to Russia’s south in 3 weeks’ time for round four at Orlyonok.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Result

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:58.291;
  2. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:06.600;
  3. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:14.879;
  4. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:16.610;
  5. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:17.066;
  6. Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:23.102;
  7. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:25.081;
  8. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:27.130;
  9. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:27.656;
  10. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:28.476.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:52.732;
  2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:05.300;
  3. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:07.202;
  4. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:09.878;
  5. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:11.292;
  6. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:27.263;
  7. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:28.560;
  8. Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:34.053;
  9. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:43.325;
  10. Ben Putnam (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:44.770.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 50 points;
  2. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 38
  3. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 37
  4. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 36
  5. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 35
  6. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 34
  7. Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 28
  8. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, YAM), 25
  9. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 24
  10. Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 21 p

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 119 points
  2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 118
  3. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 101
  4. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 95
  5. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 88
  6. Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 86
  7. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 82
  8. Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 60
  9. Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 59
  10. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 59


FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019

Youthstream have announced the venue and timing of the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and FIM Junior Motocross World Cup! On the 13-14th of July 2019 Junior Motocross riders from around the world will head to the famous circuit of Trentino in Italy’s North.

The event will return to Italy eight years after its last visit in 2011. The 2019 edition will take place at the same venue as the MXGP and MX2 World Championship of Pietramurata. The two-day event will host practice and qualifying sessions Saturday followed by racing of the three classes, 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc, on Sunday. Riding for themselves and also their country with the results of nations makes the event one of a kind and always creates a great atmosphere of both comradery and competition.

FIM Junior Motocross World Cup
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019

The world class facility has been a long time favorite of riders and fans with its stunning backdrop and amazing surroundings. The venue, aside from being in one of the most passionate motocross countries in the world, is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Milan, Venice, and Verona.

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship includes the 125cc and 85cc two stroke categories plus the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup. Along with returning competitors and even previous champions the junior rising talents of motocross will all be going to Trentino from different countries racing at the unique race for the chance to become an FIM Junior Motocross World Champion!


Duvall Wins Ohio GNCC

Thad Duvall has won the sixth round of the 2019 GNCC which was held in Ohio last weekend and in doing so has reduced his points deficit to championship leader Kailub Russell to just 13 points.

GNCC John Penton Kailub Russell KH
Kailub Russell – Image by Ken Hill

Duvall scored his second win of the year at Ohio ahead of Russell and Trevor Bollinger while Steward Baylor Jr and Josh Strang rounded out the top five.

XC1 Open

  1. Kailub K Russell – 165
  2. Thaddeus Duvall – 152
  3. Steward Baylor Jr – 123
  4. Trevor Bollinger – 111
  5. Josh V Strang – 83

Ben Kelly is undefeated the XC2 class and took the Ohio win over Craig Delong and Evan Smith while Austin Lee and Michael Witkowski rounded out the top five.

XC2 250 Pro Result

  1. Benjamin M Kelley – 180
  2. Michael Witkowski – 119
  3. Evan Smith – 107
  4. Austin Lee – 91
  5. Liam Draper – 78

Becca Sheets got her second win of the season in the WXC class over Aussie Mackenzie Tricker and Rachael Archer while defending champion Tayla Jones had a shocker with a rare ninth place finish.

WCX Result

  1. Becca N Sheets – 160
  2. Tayla Jones – 153
  3. Mackenzie Tricker – 125
  4. Rachael Archer – 107
  5. Shyann Phelps – 85
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Madsen Wins SGP of Poland

The much-awaited opening round of the 2019 FIM Speedway World Championship got underway with the Boll Warsaw FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland last weekend and the surprise winner was Danish star Leon Madsen who pounced on a Fredrik Lindgren error to hit the front and win the final.

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland

Madsen didn’t win any of his regular heats, but made it into the semis on eight points, before finishing second to Niels-Kristian Iversen in semi-final two to reach his maiden SGP final where he got his first win of the night when it mattered most and the European champion celebrated wildly with a 50,000-plus crowd.

Madsen made no secret of his bold SGP ambitions ahead of the meeting as he targets World Championship gold. But he insists he’s not piling the pressure on himself to land the world title at the first attempt.

Leon Madsen

“I don’t need to be No.1 this year. I am here to gain a lot of experience, especially on tracks like Warsaw. I am not here just to take part. I am here to fight for the championship. It was a good round tonight and I clocked a lot of points. If I can be consistent all season, things could be quite good. But I’m not setting the bar higher. I’m just in this game to fight for the championship. I don’t put it as a goal that I must be No.1 or in the top three. You are obviously here to fight for the championship and I feel I have the quality to do that.”

Despite recovering from a crash and coming third in the final it is Patryk Dudek who topped the World Championship standings with his 16-point haul.

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland
Patryk Dudek

“Before the last heat, I heard my name and I was thinking ‘oh, but let’s see what happens after the heat!’ I was third, so that’s not bad. I would like to say a big, big thank you to the fans. This night was tough for me and the season has been tough for me. Today was great. I want to say a big thanks to my team, my family and my sponsors. I hope to stay in the same position at the next round. But we will see.”

It was his third straight Warsaw final and Fredrik Lindgren was delighted to leave the PGE Narodowy cauldron of noise with another podium finish.

Fredrik Lindgren

“Overall I am very happy, I really enjoy racing here in front of this crowd. It is intense and you have to give 100 percent for all four laps. I am disappointed not to win after the start I made in the final. I made a huge mistake on lap two to lose the winning position. But I am also very happy with the way I was racing, the points I scored and the way our team worked together.”

It was far from the prefect start to the championship for the Aussie duo of Jason Doyle and Max Fricke who scored 6 and 5 points respectively after a full night of racing.

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Doyle kicked off in fine form, marking a strong return from injury not even two weeks prior. As the evening progressed, Doyle’s injuries weighed heavy, but the Australian star remained steadfast as he focussed on racking up as many points as possible. Doyle finished Round 1 of the 2019 SGP with five points, landing in 13th place in the World Championship standings.

Jason Doyle

“The bike is good and the crowd is awesome! We’re just trying to get the right set up at the moment because the conditions are different from practice, as we expected. Tonight we’re just trying to get points and stay consistent.”

Newcomer to the SGP line-up, Fricke tackled what was undeniably an intense environment, finishing Saturday night with three points. Now sitting on 16th place in the World Championship standings, Fricke suffered a blow when he crashed out during one of his heats, however the young Australian remained the image of positivity as he reflected on the turn of events.

Max Fricke

“I’m really grateful for this call up! It’s not something I ever expected to happen this year so I’m really grateful for this experience and to be able and come out in front of a huge stadium. I picked up a few points, learnt a lot, and lead a few laps in the end, but I threw it away, which is on me. Hopefully we can come back sometime during the year and do some more rounds of the SGP.”

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland Podium

Boll Warsaw SGP Result

  1. Leon Madsen 13
  2. Fredrik Lindgren 15
  3. Patryk Dudek 16
  4. Niels-Kristian Iversen 14
  5. Bartosz Smektala 10
  6. Bartosz Zmarzlik 10
  7. Antonio Lindback 10
  8. Robert Lambert 8
  9. Martin Vaculik 7
  10. Matej Zagar 7
  11. Emil Sayfutdinov 6
  12. Tai Woffinden 6
  13. Jason Doyle 5
  14. Janusz Kolodziej 4
  15. Artem Laguta 4
  16. Max Fricke 3
  17. Dominik Kubera DNR
  18. Rafal Karczmarz DNR

World Championship Standings

  1. Patryk Dudek 16
  2. Fredrik Lindgren 15
  3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 14
  4. Leon Madsen 13
  5. Bartosz Zmarzlik 10
  6. Antonio Lindback 10
  7. Bartosz Smektala 10
  8. Robert Lambert 8
  9. Matej Zagar 7
  10. Martin Vaculik 7
  11. Tai Woffinden 6
  12. Emil Sayfutdinov 6
  13. Jason Doyle 5
  14. Artem Laguta 4
  15. Janusz Kolodziej 4
  16. Max Fricke 3

Garcia Win WESS in France

Spain’s Josep Garcia has won round two of the World Enduro Super Series, storming to victory at France’s Trèfle Lozérien AMV ahead of Jamie McCanney and Nathan Watson.

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Josep Garcia FM
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

For 2019, the second round of the WESS championship proved a challenge for the 600-plus riders competing with continuous rain throughout the three days of racing at France’s most-prestigious Enduro – Trèfle Lozérien AMV – ensured the 719 kilometres of riding were both physically and mentally demanding for all.

Josep Garcia

“To get my first WESS victory of 2019, and also to create a little piece of history by being the first non-French winner here at Trèfle Lozérien, is amazing. The conditions really didn’t suit me – I’m not really a big fan of wet, slippery mud. But I pushed hard on all special tests and, well, everything went perfectly. Coming here straight from Extreme Lagares wasn’t easy but I knew this race was going to be important to my WESS championship.”

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Josep Garcia FM
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

Behind Garcia the battle for the remainder of the podium places was fierce but McCanney held his ground over his rivals to take the runner-up result.

Jaime McCanney

“Right from when I started walking the special tests here in France I knew Josep Garcia would be the rider to watch. When conditions weren’t too wet, or when they suited the 450 more, I managed to win some tests. And I’m really pleased about that. But Garcia was really strong throughout the event. I’ve been away from enduro racing for some time now, firstly getting over a shoulder injury and surgery and then focusing on rally. To come here and get the result I’ve got is really great. Despite the weather it’s been a great event. I can’t say if I’ll be back for more WESS racing, but I’d love to compete at Hawkstone if my schedule allows it.”

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Jamie McCanney FM
Jamie McCanney – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

Entering the final special test it was all to play for between Watson and Julien Gauthier for third with Gauthier holding just one tenth of a second in hand over the KTM rider and with both riders putting it all on the line, Watson edged out Gauthier by just over one second to snatch the final step of the podium in the last few moments of the race.

Nathan Watson

“I’m really happy with third overall, this is the first Classic Enduro I’ve raced since this event 12 months ago, so I came into it a little unsure what to expect but also confident that it would suit me. I had a consistent three days and kept things upright over the 15 special tests, which was really important. I’ve really enjoyed racing the 450 – being able to keep things smooth in these conditions has really helped me. Things were really close coming into the final test, just half a second between third and fourth overall. Thankfully, I managed to jump up one position to third, which was a great way to end the race.”

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Nathan Watson FM
Nathan Watson – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

For Gauthier it was not to be and with his fourth place result it also marked the first time in the event’s history that a French rider wasn’t present in the top three positions. After a strong ride on day two, Tarroux slipped down to fifth, with teammate Theo Espinasse (FRA) completing the top six.

The eight-round World Enduro Super Series continues with round three at Austria’s Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble on May 30 – June 2.

Results – Round 2: Trèfle Lozérien AMV 2019

  1. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 01:03:07.557
  2. Jaime McCanney (Yamaha – GB) 1:03:49.586 +42.029
  3. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1:03:55.612 +48.055
  4. Julien Gauthier (Yamaha – FR) 1:03:57.013 +49.456
  5. Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco – FR) 1:04:10.136 +1:02.579
  6. Theo Espinasse (Sherco – FR) 1:05:04.311 +1:56.754
  7. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas – FR) 1:05:10.817 +2:03.260
  8. Emmanuel Albepart (Yamaha – FR) 1:05:21.908 +2:14.351
  9. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 1:05:31.888 +2:24.331
  10. Joe Wootton (Husqvarna – GB) 1:05:52.828 +2:45.271
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Brayton Set for 2019 Aussie SX Championships

Justin Brayton is the first of the international riders to confirm that he will compete in this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne on November 30 at Marvel Stadium as part of his attempt to win a fourth straight Australian Supercross Championship.

Justin Brayton

“The AUS-X Open is one of the greatest events outside of the US, and having been so close to winning it before, I’m determined to come back faster and ready to win in November. The racing at Sydney was always incredible but I think moving to Melbourne, into such an awesome stadium, is going to take Supercross racing in Australia to the next level and I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans in Australia. Marvel Stadium will be the closest thing Australia gets to the World Championship. The track will be full-sized and I have no doubt both the racing and the atmosphere will be electric on November 30.”

AMA Supercross FInal Brayton JK SX Vegas
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld

The AUS-X Open Melbourne is the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).

“I’m so pumped to be returning to Australia in 2019 and fighting for the Australian Supercross title for a fourth straight year with Penrite Honda Racing,” Brayton said. “I have the most amazing team when I head down under to race, and it would be awesome to bring home the trophy again, especially in front of the huge Melbourne crowd.”


Chad Reed returns for 2019 AUS-X Open

Two-time World Champion Chad Reed has announced he’ll be back to race on home soil this November 30 at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, as tickets go on sale from for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open.

Chad Reed flying high at the Monster Energy AUS X Open Sydney
Chad Reed at the AUS-X Open in Sydney in 2018

The 37-year-old will head to Victoria to race for the first time since 2012 and his first time racing in Melbourne since 2000, where he says he’ll be looking for redemption. The legend sat out the 2017 event due to injury and was unable to complete a fairytale comeback last year, with the 2018 World Champion Jason Anderson (USA), taking the win.

Chad Reed

“I’m definitely looking for redemption, to come out and work hard and just be better prepared on all levels myself, the bike, the team, so I can hopefully take out that AUS-X crown. Getting back to Melbourne to race will be awesome, it’s been a long time since I’ve raced there, I love the city, and I’ve never been to Marvel Stadium before so I’m really looking forward to it.”

AMA SX Rnd Chad Reed Pits JK SX Seattle
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld

Tickets for the event will be available exclusively through Ticketmaster.com.au, starting from $39.95, and are expected to sell out fast.

Australia’s largest Supercross event, the AUS-X Open, has proven successful for the Aussie hero since its inception, including back-to-back wins during the first two years in 2015 and 2016, and Reed says he’s proud to have watched the event grow over the past four years and how it has significantly changed the Australian Supercross industry.

Chad Reed

“My favourite thing about AUS-X Open as a rider and an athlete is it’s such a reflection for me, remembering back to when I was eight years old watching all the Australian greats in a Newcastle motordrome, and now seeing it, [AUS-X Open] being held at Marvel Stadium at the highest level makes me real proud to be apart of the sport. I was around for the first ever AUS-X Open in Sydney and I’m really proud to see how it’s grown into Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. It’s so hard to put into words the energy that you get at a stadium like Marvel, a stadium filled with 35-45,000 people, there’s just nothing like it. And really why I still, at 37-years-old, choose to do this as my day-to-day job. I love it, and I can’t replace that feeling and I’m always excited to come back for more.”

Reed does a shooey after winning the AUS X Open Sydney
Chad Reed after winning the 2016 AUS-X Open

Reed will not have it all his own way in Melbourne, with what will arguably be the most competitive field of international supercross racers, to ever line up on Australian soil. More of the world’s biggest names in Supercross and Freestyle Motocross, including recent World Championship winners, will be announced in the coming days.

Already confirmed to compete on November 30, are current World Number 10 and defending Australian Supercross Champion – Justin Brayton, as well as 2019 World Supercross Championship Rookie of the Year and current World Number 8 – Joey Savatgy.

The 25-year-old American rider had an incredible rookie season in the premier 450SX1 class of the 2019 World Championship and is expected to be hard to beat at the AUS-X Open.

Joey Savatgy

“I can’t wait to head Down Under for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open. The calibre of riders that the event brings each year makes me so pumped to get out there and take it to the world’s best on Aussie soil. Racing Chad Reed at home, is certainly not going to be easy, but a challenge I’m ready for.”

Rookie of the year Joey Savatgy World Supercross Championship
Joey Savatgy competing in the World Supercross Championship

The largest international Supercross and action sports event in the world outside of the USA, the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, will feature the world’s best riders going head-to-head on a full-sized World Championship style Supercross track for the first time ever inside Marvel Stadium.

It will also be an engineering feat, arguably unmatched by any Supercross event in the world, as supports imported and constructed in the lower level carpark, prepare to handle the immense pressure of up to 6,000 tonnes of dirt, machinery and infrastructure, all positioned within Australia’s largest indoor stadium.

Featuring live music and entertainment, stunning pyrotechnics and the world’s best freestyle motocross riders battling to win the best-trick and best-whip competitions; the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne is an incredible entertainment spectacle for all ages.

The AUS-X Open Melbourne is the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA). *$39.95 Silver Tickets will incur additional transaction and booking charges.


Wollongong SX to Feature ‘Speed & Style’ Championship

Troy Bayliss Events have announced that the Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championship will be held on Saturday the 9th of November at Wollongong WIN Stadium – coinciding with Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championships.

Recover Australian Speed and Style Championship will feature at Wollongong
The Australian Speed & Style Championship will also be featured at Wollongong

The exclusive feature for fans attending the Wollongong Supercross, Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championship will be run and won on the night, in a thrilling elimination style winner takes all format.

Australian and International riders are invited to compete, with the winner crowned the Official Australian Speed & Style Champion by sanctioning body Motorcycling Australia.

Speed and Style is a unique sport that originated at the American X-Games and combines the technical racing skills of Supercross with the incredible talents of Freestyle Motocross, giving fans an unbeatable mix of speed and wow.

Riders will race head-to-head, across whoops, over jumps and around berms with the added obstacle of a steel up-ramp and 75-foot gap for a finish line, allowing riders to perform backflip variations, huge whips and much more. Riders are judged based on a combination of time and the difficulty of tricks performed within the short action-packed race.

ASBK Test Wakefield TDJimagesDay Wayne Maxwell Troy Bayliss
Troy Bayliss right – TDJ Images
Troy Bayliss

“If you haven’t planned your trip to Wollongong Supercross yet, I suggest you do. Not only will fans be treated to an incredible night of Bar to Bar Supercross Action they will now be on the edge of their seats watching the best in the business compete for the Recover8 Speed & Style title. Troy Bayliss Events welcomes Recover8 as the official partner to the Australian Speed & Style Championship. Recover8 is a brand new supplement product that is being widely promoted as a go-to product by many elite athletes here in Australia and around the world, and makes for a perfect fit for this exciting feature.”

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

James Stewart finally announces retirement

James Stewart, the seven-time AMA Motocross and Supercross Champion, who has not raced since July 23, 2016, has finally announced that he is retiring from the sport.

James Stewart

“Where I’m at in my life, I think it’s time to say I’m retiring. I’ve retired, it’s hard for sure, because I love racing and I love the fans, I love the opening ceremonies, I love the autograph lines, but I don’t miss the sweat and tears and training and having to feel like you have to win every race and having to be James Stewart. I don’t love doing that anymore.”

James Stewart has FINALLY announced his retirement
James Stewart retires

Stewart had a controversial career where he at times put other riders at risk with his brash riding style and while he was once known as the “fastest man on the planet,” he was also known as the “fastest soil sampler on the planet” with multiple crashes tainting what was supposed to be a dominating and long career – of which neither materialised.

Stewart retires with 20 career 250/450 Class wins in AMA Pro Motocross (fifth all-time) and 28 career 125/250 Class wins (first all-time) and 50 supercross wins.

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Source: MCNews.com.au

Honda’s Tim Gajser wins in Portugal | Prado tops MX2

MXGP 2019

Round 6 – Agueda, Portugal


MXGP arrived in Agueda, Portugal where it was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser claiming the round win after two dominant performances, that left Tony Cairoli settling for second, helping Gajser close in on the championship lead.

MXGP Portugal Rnd MX GP PH
MXGP of Portugal 2019

In MX2 it was a great weekend for Mitch Evans claiming third overall with a 4-3 result, while Jed Beaton had to settle for nine-points with a 12th place in Race 1. Jorge Prado claimed the round win from Thomas Kjer Olsen and the championship lead in the same swoop, with just three-points separating the two.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Agueda’s clay soil is rich with color but the racing was even more vibrant as thousands of fans filled the trackside hills to take in the action. Graced with blue skies and sunshine the track was prepped to perfection but the riders of MXGP and MX2 still had their hands full as it developed into a challenging circuit as racing progressed.


MXGP

MXGP Racing started with a Fox Holeshot from Antonio Cairoli – his eighth this season – while Cairoli’s main competitor so far this year, Tim Gajser, was in second through the first corner and immediately gave chase to the Sicilian.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019

The front runners were first followed by Arnaud Tonus, Jeremy Seewer, and Gautier Paulin. Paulin however fell out of the top five on the opening lap which left him to resume the race nearly dead last. His teammate Tonus went from fourth to third with a pass on fellow countryman Jeremy Seewer.

The two Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team riders Clement Desalle and Julien Lieber held down fifth and sixth from the start with Lieber taking the lead role.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Desalle GP PH
Clement Desalle – MXGP of Portugal 2019

About three quarters of the way through the race Gajser’s continual pressure paid off when Cairoli stalled the engine out of corner and although he was able to get back going it was all the #243 needed to take over the lead. Cairoli latched right onto the Slovenian and during the final two laps made a push to pass but the sprinting speed of Gajser got the better of the Italian.

Behind Gajser and Cairoli at the finish was Tonus, Seewer, Lieber, Desalle, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Paulin rode at an incredible pace through the field moving in and out of the race line to come from last to 15th.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tim Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Race 2 started with a Fox Holeshot from Tonus for his first time this year but Desalle took the lead and Cairoli slid into second position by the first downhill. Gajser was in fifth behind Seewer but made it into fourth by the end of the first lap. Paulin was off to a much better start in sixth meanwhile, with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre adding to the YZ frenzy in seventh.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Portugal 2019

As Desalle led Cairoli it was Gajser making passes first on Tonus for third and then both Cairoli and Gajser got by Desalle in the same section. Cairoli was into the lead but within one lap a mistake saw him fall and drop to fifth. With Gajser in the lead Cairoli immediately retook fourth position then after four laps both Tonus and the #222 passed Desalle.

With four laps to go Cairoli passed Tonus to get into second but Gajser was already long gone taking an emphatic overall victory via double race wins for the second time this season. Cairoli took 2-2 for second overall while Tonus reached the podium in his stunning ride and hard fought 3-3 finishes.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Tim Gajser – P1

“It was really great to come away with two wins and the overall here in Portugal. I put last weekend behind me and I knew that if I focused and rode like I know how to ride, I could do well at this Agueda track. Still, to get both moto victories is a great confidence booster and backs up my win in Trentino very nicely. I now have the fastest laps in the last four motos so my speed is good and I know I am feeling strong too. These back to back races are tough but I head to France really happy with my riding and confident that the bike and I are working well together. A big thanks to the team for working so hard to help make this happen, and let’s keep up the effort!”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Antonio Cairoli – P2

“On one side I’m happy because the goal is to always be on the podium but in another way I’m disappointed. In the first moto I made a silly mistake and I stalled the bike but I could get back to Tim. In the second I was swapping lines. Where I crashed was a lottery, there was a lot of mud and I chose another line at the last moment and there was a rock that twisted my front end. I’m happy I didn’t hurt myself.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Arnaud Tonus – P3

“It feels amazing to be back on the podium. It’s hard to put the feeling into words actually. I just feel thankful. Really thankful. Thankful to my team, and to Yamaha, and all of the people who support me for sticking behind me through what was the toughest time in my career. To be back up here after all of that is so cool. I am so happy and especially because I had to fight really hard for this result. I was passed and I had to pass people back and fight really hard, and that just makes a result like this so much sweeter, to know that I fought for it.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Clément Desalle – P4

“It was a decent day if we consider that I couldn’t ride so much during the past weeks and there some positive points. It was great to lead the second moto with a very good rhythm for so many laps and that’s encouraging for the next rounds. I continue to recover from my knee injury and I feel that it’s coming better each week. The other positive point are my starts, and then to score a sixth and a fourth give me good points for the championship. Physically it’s still tough to maintain such a high intensity for the entire race but I know that I will be able to continue to improve my condition in the coming weeks.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Desalle GP PH
Clement Desalle – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jeremy Seewer – P5

“I had a positive weekend. I had two good starts from a bad gate pick, especially on this kind of start. I had good speed this weekend. I finished fourth in the first race which was really good because I struggled yesterday, but I felt good today. Second race was really good again, I settled in fifth, but the entry into the wave section here is really tricky. There are rocks, ruts, kickers, no kickers, lots to consider and every lap you get there, the bike handles differently. I got kicked sideways on the last lap and slid it out. I lost five spots. I still reached my goal, so this is positive for the next races.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Pauls Jonass – P6

“I’ve really enjoyed the GP of Portugal. It’s a track I’ve always liked and the conditions were pretty much perfect here. I guess I was feeling good after my podium result in Italy last weekend, but it also feels good to get a strong result in more normal conditions. My physical fitness is improving all the time and as it does I’m able to enjoy racing a 450 more and more. I didn’t get the best of starts here, but I made some important passes in the first laps of both races, which really helped me. The track was fast and a lot of riders were really pushing hard, so it wasn’t easy to make passes. I rode consistently during both motos, which was also important. I feel like I’m making some good progress, which gives me extra motivation to keep working hard with the team.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Portugal 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo

MXGP Results – Portugal MXGP

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:00.609
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.197
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:17.885
  4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.240
  5. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:28.880
  6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:29.847
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:35.562
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:51.205
  9. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:52.970
  10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:53.969

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:47.988
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:10.604
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:12.909
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:15.819
  5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.856
  6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.225
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:22.115
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:24.630
  9. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:27.080
  10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:30.999

MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 40
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33
  5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29
  6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 28
  7. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 28
  8. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 27
  9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 26
  10. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 22

MXGP ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 285 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 251
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 197
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 175
  5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 166
  6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 153
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 137
  8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 136
  9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 122
  10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 120


MX2

MX2 racing was also full of action starting with Jorge Prado taking again scoring the Fox Holeshot while behind him a second turn pile up held back several riders. Michele Cervellin was in second on the opening lap, but Henry Jacobi surged past along with Thomas Kjer Olsen a short time later.

MXGP Portugal Rnd MX GP PH
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019

The race then ended abruptly for Cervellin when he crashed in spectacular fashion during lap 7. Honda 114 Motorsport’s Mitch Evans took over the fourth position Cervellin crashed out of with the Mathys Boisrame getting into the top five as well. Evans then lost fourth to both Boisrame and Jago Geerts. Boisrame was shifted back seven laps later when Geerts and Evans took fourth then fifth away.

Back at the front Olsen made a pass on Jacobi with two laps to go and as Jacobi pushed to reclaim the spot he instead fell and lost four positions on the last lap. Prado took the race win with Olsen 2nd ahead of Geerts, Evans, and Boisrame.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019

MX2 Race 2’s Fox Holeshot was taken by the wildcard EMX250 entry of Roan Van de Moosdijk, however Prado got the better of Van de Moosdijk into the second corner and took the lead. Van de Moosdijk dropped back to fourth while his teammate Jacobi moved to third.

Prado lost his lead to the Australian Mitch Evans before the end of the first official lap and held it for another four while Prado looked for an opportunity to pass. Cervellin returned to race after his crash earlier in the day and though banged up was in the top five as the race progressed.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Olsen made a mistake and had a back of the pack start but surprisingly didn’t crash after clipping another rider. By the sixth lap Olsen had worked up to fifth from tenth passing Cervellin and a handful of others in the process. With five laps remaining Jacobi made a pass on Evans to take over second and a lap later Olsen made one more pass to get into fourth past Van de Moosdijk.

All the while Prado continued to lead before taking the checkered flag for his 5th 1-1 result of 2019. Olsen finished 2nd overall but it was a bitter sweet moment as he also lost the championship lead to Prado. For the second time in his rookie MX2 season Evans reached the podium in 3rd position.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado on the MX2 podium – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jorge Prado – P1

“This is the closest race to a home GP for me, we are very close to Spain and there are so many fans that came out and many were cheering for me, I really enjoy it. When I went onto the podium they went crazy so it is great to have a race like this and it was a great weekend. For me it was important to get the red plate because I feel more comfortable with it but it is tough to keep so I try to not make any mistake but in motocross you never know.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen – P2

“Generally, I’m very pleased with how I’ve ridden here in Portugal. Losing the red plate isn’t great, I never wanted that, but again my speed has been good and to get second overall after a tough second moto is great. I felt good all weekend, and I’d been looking forward to the GP. Things are heading in a good direction so plenty of positives from the both races in Portugal. I got a good start in the opening race and worked my way from fifth to third. The pace was really strong and we were all pushing really hard and using a lot of energy. Second in that first race was really good. I was pretty lucky in the second race that I didn’t go down entering the first corner – I ended up going right when the corner went left. I had a lot of work to do after that and just rode as hard as I could. Working my way back to fourth was good. Carrying the red plate into more GPs would have been nice, but nothing changes now that I don’t have it. I want it back. I want to be winning races. I just need to keep focused and work on consistent starts.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Mitch Evans – P3

“It feels great to be back on the podium, we had a few tough weekends with some little injuries and my fitness dropped off because of it. We are finally back to the normal program and I am feeling a lot better which also gives a lot confidence coming into the weekend.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Henry Jacobi – P4

“Normally with a fourth overall I would be happy, but it’s a little bit disappointing because I was third or second during the first race until I had a big crash in the waves on the last lap. I tried to pass back Olsen but he changed his line and took mine so I had to use a different one too but there was a stone and I saw it too late. It was a big crash; I was even wondering if I would be able to race the second moto as my hand was painful but I decided to have a go, made a good start and didn’t feel any pain! I eventually passed Evans for second and it remains very good for the championship so we can’t be unhappy tonight.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jacobi GP PH
Henry Jacobi – MXGP of Portugal 2019

MX2 Results – Portugal MXGP

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:07.339
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.304
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:27.504
  4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.329
  5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +0:34.618
  6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:35.418
  7. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:44.519
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:45.789
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:51.829
  10. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +0:53.710
    …12. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36:03.407

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:47.966
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:03.912
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:05.411
  4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:12.005
  5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:23.210
  6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Honda), +0:36.473
  7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:41.227
  8. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:43.706
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:45.287
  10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:46.503

MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 38
  4. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 36
  5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 24
  6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 23
  7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 23
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 22
  9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20
  10. Mitchell Harrison (USA, KAW), 18
    …21. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 9

MX2 ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 250 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 247
  3. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 193
  4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 170
  5. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 164
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 155
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 155
  8. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 128
  9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 127
  10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 122
    …13. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 87


WMX

MXGP and MX2 weren’t the only world championship classes racing this weekend in Portugal as the fastest riders of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship returned for the WMX round of Portugal.

MXGP Portugal Rnd WMX Start
WMX Start – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Following the opening round in the Netherlands at Valkenswaard it was Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen carrying the red plate into Agueda this weekend. Saturday hosted the first race of the two-day, two race, event and unfortunately for Verstappen her winning ways would not be repeated. Instead it was Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Courtney Duncan who dominated the field for his win of the year.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

At the start of race 1 Verstappen crashed and by the time she was back up she was buried at the back of the field. Larissa Papenmeier led Duncan down the first downhill with Nancy Van De Ven in third. Before the opening lap was complete Duncan took the lead from Papenmeier on the inside of one of the turns.

JK Racing Yamaha’s Lynn Valk pressured Van de Ven for third but was unable to pass her Dutch compatriot. Meanwhile Verstappen fell again dropping from 16th to 20th forcing her to go back to work all over again. Digging deep Verstappen made her way up to 10th but in the lead it was Duncan, all race, taking the win ahead of Papenmeier, Van de Ven, Valk, and Sara Andersen.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

WMX Race two took place this afternoon and Van de Ven rocketed into the first turn taking the holeshot and lead over Duncan and Papenmeier with Line Dam also in the mix. Verstappen’s weekend went from bad to worse getting caught in a pile up with 2 other riders.

Duncan didn’t take long to get past Van de Ven making a pass stick during the second lap and never looking back. Sara Andersen and Line Dam then had a battle but Andersen came out as the faster of the two Danes. Valk also passed Dam for her best ever WMX result while Verstappen never gave up charging through the field for a second day in a row.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

At the finish Duncan took the race win making it her second year in a row going 1-1 in Portugal but her first overall victory of 2019. 2ndand 3rdin the race, Van de Ven and Papenmeier were also second and third overall. The top five overall was filled out by Andersen and Valk as Verstappen’s resilience salvaged 9thoverall. The championship leaders red plate now belongs to Duncan with 89 points total which is four ahead of Van de Ven now in second.

Courtney Duncan

“I was really happy with the weekend; the goal was to put two solid races together and I did that.  I got blocked in at the first turn in that second race, but I didn’t panic, sorted out a good place to make a clean pass and could race away. I’m just taking it race by race at the moment and not really thinking about the championship, but I’m stoked to get the double win and take the red plate to the next round. We’ve got a nine week break now, so I’ll be going back to New Zealand to keep doing the work and come out swinging at Loket.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Duncan will now return to New Zealand to continue her training before taking the red plate into round 3 in Loket, Czech Republic the 27th and 28th of July.

MXGP Portugal Rnd WMX Podium
WMX Podium – MXGP of Portugal 2019

WMX Results – MXGP of Portugal

WMX Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 25:37.493
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:12.938
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:20.911
  4. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:49.788
  5. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +0:59.251
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:07.227
  7. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:13.030
  8. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:34.821
  9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:39.651
  10. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:42.185

WMX Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 24:51.296
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:30.514
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:45.003
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:08.450
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +1:13.670
  6. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:14.835
  7. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:24.616
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:25.103
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:28.714
  10. Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Husqvarna), +1:39.760

WMX Overall Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 42
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 42
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 34
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 29
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 28
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 27
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 23
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 20

WMX ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 89 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 85
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 82
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 67
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 63
  6. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 61
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 54
  8. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 54
  9. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 49
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 37

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | SX | MXGP | EMX | EnduroGP | Sonora Rally

Moto News Wrap for March 26, 2019 by Darren Smart

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

The LATEST News

  • Musquin and Ferrandis win in Seattle SX
  • Chad Reed OUT of 2019 Season
  • 2019 A4DE postponed – Date TBA
  • Cairoli and Kjer Olsen storm Matterley Basin MXGP
  • Forato and Anderson win EMX in Great Britain
  • Prado sits out MXGP of Great Britain
  • Herlings to return to MXGP in May
  • Holcombe dominates EnduroGP
  • HRC’s Ricky Brabec wins the Sonora Rally
  • Ryan brothers shine at Casey Stoner Cup

Musquin and Ferrandis win in Seattle SX

Seattle hosted last weekend’s round of the AMA Supercross Championships and it was French riders Marvin Musquin and Dylan Ferrandis who won the 450SX and 250SX West main events respectively after an action-packed and somewhat controversial night of racing.

AMA SX Rnd Starts JK SX Seattle Cover
AMA Supercross Round 12 – Seattle – Image by Hoppenworld

The race was reasonably stagnant right up to the chequered flag with Musquin, Roczen, and Tomac filling the.  Musquin took his second consecutive win but as far as the points go he was docked seven points for jumping through a medical flag.

Marvin Musquin

“I know what I did wrong, I have no excuses, I was leading and going for it and I saw the yellows (flags) and I did slow down but I did jump, but this doesn’t take away from my win because after that I slowed down and was looking back and Kenny was right behind me but I put in a solid main, I am really happy with my riding and that doesn’t take anything away (from the win), so I am really happy.”

AMA SX Rnd Musquin JK SX Seattle
Marvin Musquin – Image by Hoppenworld

Chad Reed lost traction as the field entered the second jump section at Seattle on the weekend, and sustained a hefty injury list from the clash, with eight broken ribs, a broken scapula and a collapsed lung. But blamed nobody but himself. See below for more details.

450SX Main Event Results

  1. Marvin Musquin
  2. Ken Roczen
  3. Eli Tomac
  4. Cooper Webb
  5. Joey Savatgy
  6. Dean Wilson
  7. Blake Baggett
  8. Zach Osborne
  9. Cole Seely
  10. Tyler Bowers

AMA SX Rnd Musquin Roczen Tomac Podium JK SX Seattle
450SX Main Event Results – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin
Ken Roczen +02.361
Eli Tomac +07.407

450SX Points after 12 of 17 Rounds

  1. Cooper Webb – 262
  2. Marvin Musquin – 248
  3. Eli Tomac – 243
  4. Ken Roczen – 239
  5. Blake Baggett – 200
  6. Dean Wilson – 180
  7. Joey Savatgy – 159
  8. Chad Reed – 151
  9. Justin Barcia – 144
  10. Cole Seely – 142

250 West Coast Report

Cianciarulo made a mistake in the whoops late in the race, handing Ferrandis a handy lead with one lap remaining but Cianciarulo was able to close right back up on Ferrandis and even went for an unlikely block pass on the final turn. He came up short so it was Ferrandis’ first main win in America while Cianciarulo, Decotis, Mosiman and Chris Blose rounded out the top five ahead of RJ Hampshire who came back to sixth after the start straight crash.

AMA SX Rnd Starts JK SX Seattle
AMA SX Round 12 – 250 Start – Image by Hoppenworld

Cianciarulo now holds a 12-point lead over Ferrandis as they head to Houston next weekend while the big losers at Seattle were Shane McElrath and Nichols with the third and fourth placed riders in the points scoring zero on the night thanks to McElrath pulling out after practice with a back injury and the first lap crash of Nichols.

Dylan Ferrandis

“It has taken me three years in America to get my first win, I have suffered a lot of bad starts but tonight I got a good start then my teammate (Nichols) crashed right in front of me so I took the lead and I was leading the main which is new for me so I just tried to ride with no mistakes, Adam was right on my back and it was really challenging for me but I think for the future this is going to help me a lot.”

AMA SX Rnd Ferrandis JK SX Seattle
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld

250 West Coast Main Event Results

  1. Dylan Ferrandis
  2. Adam Cianciarulo
  3. Jimmy Decotis
  4. Michael Mosiman
  5. Chris Blose
  6. RJ Hampshire
  7. Mitchell Harrison
  8. Cameron McAdoo
  9. Enzo Lopes
  10. Justin Starling
AMA SX Rnd Podium JK SX Seattle
250 West Coast Main Event Results – Image by Hoppenworld
Dylan Ferrandis
Adam Cianciarulo +00.571
Jimmy Decotis +23.247

250 West Coast Points after 7 of 11 Rounds

  1. Adam Cianciarulo – 163
  2. Dylan Ferrandis – 151
  3. Shane McElrath – 123
  4. Colt Nichols – 121
  5. J. Hampshire – 103
  6. Michael Mosiman – 99
  7. Chris Blose – 98
  8. Cameron McAdoo – 94
  9. Jimmy Decotis – 94
  10. Garrett Marchbanks – 85

250 East Coast Points after 6 of 9 Rounds

  1. Austin Forkner – 151
  2. Chase Sexton – 125
  3. Justin Cooper – 123
  4. Alex Martin – 92
  5. Martin Davalos – 89
  6. Mitchell Oldenburg – 88
  7. Brandon Hartranft – 82
  8. Kyle Cunningham – 81
  9. Kyle Peters – 79
  10. Jordon Smith – 70
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Chad Reed OUT of 2019 Season

Superstar Chad Reed has been forced out of the remainder of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship following injuries received in a multi-rider pile-up at Seattle last weekend.

AMA SX Rnd Crash Reed Multiple JK SX Seattle
Reed has a hefty injury list from the clash, with eight broken ribs, a broken scapula and a collapsed lung. – Image by Hoppenworld

Reed was on the inside of Cooper Webb going through the second right hand corner of the main event but his JGR Suzuki spun up as he was trying to launch into the next rhythm section and with the rest of the field flying down to the left his Suzuki spewed directly into the path of a heap of riders bringing Ryan Breece and Justin Brayton down before Kyle Chisolm was left with no choice but to land right on top of Reed.

Via social media the 32-year-old Reed announced that the crash has resulted in the multi supercross champion having to sit out the remaining five rounds.

Chad Reed – Instagram

“Yesterday was fun. Finally a halfway technical track; The whoops were so freaking awesome loved every pass, unfortunately a mistake in the main was costly. Eight broken ribs, broken scapula and a collapsed lung. I’m bummed my year comes to an end with five to go.”

AMA SX Rnd Chad Reed Pits JK SX Seattle
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld

2019 A4DE postponed – Date TBA

Motorcycling Australia (MA) have advise all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE), that the event has been postponed, with a date to be confirmed in due course, find below further details:

The top Masters riders about to head off on Day 3
A4DE 2018 – Image by Jeff Mawston

Motorcycling Australia (MA) Statement

“Due to government approvals surrounding the environment in which the 2019 A4DE will take place, the date for this prestigious event has been delayed. To ensure that the area spanning the event’s four days are supported and protected to best of the Motorcycling New South Wales Enduro Committee’s and Far South Coast Motorcycle Club’s abilities, this change in date is vital to the success of the A4DE 41st anniversary.

“To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, full refunds due to the date change will be provided, if requested, within 21 days. For a full refund please contact the A4DE secretary via [email protected].

“For further information surrounding the event and how to enter, please head to the A4DE website and Facebook. “MA and A4DE appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Further updates regarding the 2019 A4DE official date will be released via MA in due course.”


Cairoli and Kjer Olsen storm Matterley Basin MXGP

Perfect weather and a huge crowd gave Great Britain’s Matterley Basin circuit a boost as it hosted the second round of the FIM World Motocross Championship last weekend and it was Tony Cairoli who clinched his second win of the season while Thomas Kjer Olsen rode the wheels off his Husqvarna in the MX2 class to take his first win of the year.

MXGP UK cairoli start
Tony Cairoli in the lead

MXGP Report

Despite a shoulder injury Cairoli garnered his 87th GP victory with 1-2 moto results but you would have to say ‘the man’ of the GP was Tim Gajser who had a massive high-speed crash while leading the opening moto only to bounce back to finish third THEN get it all together to win the second moto ahead of a determined Cairoli.

Gautier Paulin’s 2-3 gave him third overall ahead of Clement Desalle, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Arnaud Tonus, Max Anstie, Jeremy Seewer, Arminas Jasikonis and Julien Lieber so after two rounds Cairoli leads the championship by just 8 points over Gajser who in turn has a 15-point lead over Paulin.

Tony Cairoli

“It was a great weekend and this track is for sure one of my favourites but, today it was very difficult to push from the beginning. I couldn’t really push because I am stiff on my right shoulder and neck which gave me arm pump right away. Hopefully I can be 100% again for the next race but overall, I’m really happy, of course for the championship everything is going well and this is my goal.”

MXGP UK antonio cairoli
Tony Cairoli

Tim Gajser is proving to be Cairoli’s main competition so far this season.

Tim Gajser

“Today was a special day for me and I’m really happy to finish on the podium. The first race I had a good start I was behind Tony and managed to pass him quickly but made a little gap then I made a mistake … thankfully I could continue. I was really happy to win the second race and I’m looking forward to next weekend. We can see that we are going to the right direction so we will continue pushing hard with the team and everybody I’m just happy that the pace and everything is finally back.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Gajser bavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo

Gautier Paulin’s second round on the Yamaha earned the French star a solid podium.

Gautier Paulin

“Every weekend on the box is a good weekend. I was happy with the first moto. In the second moto I was riding stiff in the beginning, but overall, we had a good weekend and made a big step forward since Argentina. This was always the goal and this is what we are working really hard towards. I am really happy with my team Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and the work they are putting in.”

Dean Ferris started the opening moto just inside the top 30 but as you would expect our fastest 450 rider made his way to 15th with lap times that were comparable to the like of Max Anstie, Arminas Jasikonis and Glenn Coldenhoff but a fall at the start of the second moto not only put pay to what should have been a great weekend for Ferris and it looks like he has picked up a knee injury.

Dean Ferris

“It was a tough weekend, but I got more comfortable in every session. I thought the last fifteen minutes of the race I found my groove and had some really good lap-times, so I was content with that. In moto two, I went down on the start and I have hurt my knee, so that will need to be assessed.”

MXGP UK ferris action
Dean Ferris

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 36:37.831
  2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:01.956
  3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.473
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:24.293
  5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:26.271
  6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.618
  7. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:45.107
  8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.683
  9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:49.675
  10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:56.271

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 36:01.717
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.709
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:54.204
  4. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:57.637
  5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:00.564
  6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +1:05.984
  7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:20.385
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:22.071
  9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:26.697
  10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:28.257
MXGP UK mxgp podium
2019 MXGP Podium – Matterley Basin, UK – 1) Tony Cairoli, 2) Tim Gajser, 3) Gautier Paulin

MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 47 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 45 points
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 42 points
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 32 points
  5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 31 points
  6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 30 points
  7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29 points
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 22 points
  9. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 21 points
  10. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 17 points

MXGP Championship Top Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 97 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 89 points
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 74 points
  4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 66 points
  5. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 65 points
  6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 56 points
  7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 50 points
  8. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 39 points
  9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 39 points
  10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 38 points
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

MX2 Report

Olsen’s dominant weekend ended with a perfect 1-1 score to take the overall ahead of the hard charging Henry Jacobi’s 2-3 and Tom Vialle’s 3-4 which put the second-generation French motocross star on the podium in his second ever MX2 GP.

MXGP UK thomas olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen

Thomas Kjer Olsen’s first win of the season is not only a confidence booster but the Husqvarna rider now has a 16 point lead over second placed Jacobi in the championship and more importantly a 44 point lead over defending champion Jorge Prado who was forced to sit out the GP with a shoulder injury.

Thomas Kjer Olsen

“It was amazing to go 1-1 for the first time and it was even better when I was on the podium and they gave me the red plate because I didn’t realize I would be leading the points. Overall I had a great weekend, I felt really good out on the track, I had great energy and I felt really comfortable, we even made improvements every time I was out so I was really happy with that and how the whole team is working.”

MXGP UK thomas olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen

Jacobi is supported by F&H Kawasaki but it is far from being a factory team.

Henry Jacobi

“I had some special lines that I was seeing and nobody else took. 2nd overall is really good for us, the team, you know we are not a factory team, but we made some really good steps over the winter with F&H Racing.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Jacobi
Henry Jacobi

Australian riders Jed Beaton and Mitch Evans had mixed success with Beaton’s return to racing after an injury kept him out of the opening round earned the Husqvarna rider tenth overall with a 9-13 finishes while Evans finished 15th overall after a DNF in the opening moto and an eighth in moto two.

Jed Beaton

“I had a really good weekend here at Matterley Basin. It was my first GP after many months, and I felt strong on the bike. It was good to get a top-10 in the opening moto. In the second moto I was close to the top-10 again and ended up finishing in 13th place. Getting a top-10 result in the overall is really positive for the rest of the season. There’s still a long way to go in this series. I’m pretty happy with where I am, hopefully I can start building from here.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Jed beaton action
Jed Beaton
Mitchell Evans

“My weekend started well with a fourth in the qualifying race on Saturday, but Sunday I struggled with my starts. After a bad start in the first race I crashed whilst trying to fight my way forward. After a pit stop to fix a damaged clutch, I found myself almost a lap down and unfortunately, due to the track having such a long lap, I was unable to make up any positions. Another bad start in race two left me with a lot of work to do. I was able to fight my way back to eighth. I am happy with my riding and fitness after ten days of sitting on the couch following Argentina, due to an infection in my knee. We will work on my starts this week and be more prepared for next weekend! Thanks to my team and everyone supporting me!”

MXGP UK evans action
Mitch Evans

The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is this weekend for the MXGP of The Netherlands in Valkenswaard.

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 35:01.449
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:04.278
  3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.160
  4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.500
  5. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:30.179
  6. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:35.271
  7. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:36.018
  8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:44.908
  9. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:50.189
  10. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:54.010

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 37:10.022
  2. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:09.936
  3. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:16.035
  4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.935
  5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:20.044
  6. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:38.635
  7. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:43.577
  8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:46.268
  9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.765
  10. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:59.920
MXGP UK olsen podium
2019 MX2 Podium – Matterley Basin, UK – 1) Kjer Olsen, 2) Henry Jacobi, 3) Tom Vialle

MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 50 points
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 42 points
  3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 38 points
  4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 35 points
  5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34 points
  6. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 28 points
  7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 28 points
  8. Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 22 points
  9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20 points
  10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 20 points

MX2 Championship Top Ten

  1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 94 points
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 78 points
  3. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 71 points
  4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 65 points
  5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 63 points
  6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  7. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 50 points
  8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 49 points
  9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 45 points
  10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 41 points

Forato and Anderson win EMX in Great Britain

Elberto Forato and Brad Anderson have won the opening rounds of the EMX250 and EMX2T classes respectively at the Matterley Basin round of the FIM World motocross Championships last weekend.

MXGP UK EMX action at Matterley Basin
EMX250 Start – Matterley Basin

EMX250 Report

The EMX250 class is now age limited to 23 years of age and the overall winner was clearly Forato who led every lap on the way to a perfect weekend while Stephan Rubini took second with 3-5 finishes ahead of Roan Van de Moosdijk finished third with 6-3 scores.

Alberto Forato

“For me it was a good weekend, I lead from the first lap of every race, so I was able to focus on myself and I want to do this every weekend. It is a different bike and a different team this year but now I am really comfortable with everyone, the bike, the mechanics, and everything so it is good for me.”

EMX250 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), 32:04.381
  2. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:07.871
  3. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:13.441
  4. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:17.624
  5. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Honda), +0:20.202
  6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:24.296
  7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:25.668
  8. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), +0:29.951
  9. Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), +0:31.131
  10. Caleb Grothues (AUS, Yamaha), +0:53.522

EMX250 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), 32:24.557
  2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), +0:09.886
  3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:22.042
  4. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Honda), +0:23.370
  5. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:26.631
  6. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, Yamaha), +1:01.793
  7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +1:06.422
  8. Michael Ivanov (BUL, KTM), +1:10.730
  9. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:13.653
  10. Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), +1:17.062

EMX250 Championship Top Ten

  1. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 50 points
  2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 36
  3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 35
  4. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, HON), 34
  5. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 30
  6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 29
  7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28
  8. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 23
  9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 22
  10. Michael Ivanov (BUL, KTM), 22
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

EMX2T Report

The EMX2T class is the newest category of EMX racing and with this weekend being the first round of the championship a long list of riders entered for their chance to become the first winner and in the end it was Brit Brad Anderson who earned the overall with 1-1 moto results ahead of Vaclav Kovar’s 3-2 results while Andrea Gorini battled hard to go 6-4 for third overall.

MXGP UK EMXT action
EMX 2T Start – Matterley Basin

EMX2T Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 32:30.711
  2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:11.823
  3. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:18.398
  4. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.185
  5. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:29.117
  6. Andrea Gorini (SMR, Yamaha), +0:41.229
  7. Jamie Law (GBR, KTM), +0:48.410
  8. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:51.244
  9. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:53.367
  10. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.018

EMX2T Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 31:53.709
  2. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:13.016
  3. Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:23.472
  4. Andrea Gorini (SMR, Yamaha), +0:31.933
  5. Ben Putnam (GBR, Yamaha), +0:39.101
  6. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:41.262
  7. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:42.289
  8. Matt Burrows (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:53.431
  9. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:57.771
  10. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:59.480

EMX2T Championship Top Ten

  1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 50 points
  2. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 42
  3. Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 33
  4. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 33
  5. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 30
  6. Ben Putnam (GBR, YAM), 26
  7. Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 24
  8. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 22
  9. Matt Burrows (GBR, HUS), 21
  10. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, HUS), 21

Prado sits out MXGP of Great Britain

Defending MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado did not take part in the second round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship last weekend in Great Britain after sustaining a shoulder injury thanks to a crash while practicing three weeks ago.

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Jorge Prado RA
Jorge Prado – Image by Ray Archer

Prado did complain of a sore left shoulder after the crash but the Spaniard continued to prepare for Matterley Basin but felt the condition of the joint deteriorate and become more painful.

Further detailed medical examination with renowned surgeon and specialist Dr Claes in Belgium revealed a haematoma under the left shoulder blade was causing the discomfort so the best course of recovery involves rest, and Prado will return for another check-up on Tuesday 26th for further evaluation ahead of the Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard.

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Jorge Prado RA
Jorge Prado – Image by Ray Archer
Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM Team Manager

“After such a strong start to the season for the team and Jorge it is disappointing for everyone that he and Jeffrey are now missing Matterley Basin and the first European round of 2019. Unfortunately this is part of the sport but, fortunately, it could be worse and we hope Jorge will be back on the bike very quickly. We’re in good shape and we are confident, and we believe this will not be such a big setback for us in what is a long season.”


Herlings to return to MXGP in May

In the wake of a complex operation on his broken right foot, MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings has stepped-up his physical training program with a view to start riding his Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F in late April and return to competition in the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship action sometime in May.

MXGP Rnd Italy Jeffrey Herlings RA
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Ray Archer

The four-times World Champion was already missed the opening two Grands Prix and he will also miss Holland and Italy but will then hopefully be counting the days until he can again be behind a FIM World Championship gate.

Jeffrey Herlings

“Rehab has been going very well and I cannot wait to be back and to throw a leg over the bike again. I want to be back at the GPs as quick as possible but we cannot say which race yet until I get some riding time. I’m also able to step-up my cycling and swimming now. For sure we’ll miss the next three rounds and we also don’t want to rush things and risk a setback.”

MXoN Herlings MX JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Australia to host MXGP in 2020?

There was some noise made at the British GP last weekend with Australian GP promoter Willie Thomson on hand to hold talks with Youthstream, but it must be noted that nothing is concrete right now and that Thomson has yet to convince the WA government to foot the bill.


Holcombe dominates opening EnduroGP round

EnduroGP Rnd Bikes Town
2019 EnduroGP Round 1

In almost perfect conditions Germany hosted the opening two rounds of the World EnduroGP Championships and it was defending champion Steve Holcombe who dominated both days but it was Aussie Will Ruprecht who etched his name in history to win Friday night’s Super Test against the best in the world before backing that up with a pair of podiums in the Junior class.

EnduroGP Rnd Germany Steve Holcombe FM
Steve Holcombe celebrates the win in Germany – Image by Future7Media

Holcombe won the overall EnduroGP class as well as the E3 class and Brad Freeman dominated the E1 class while it was Loïc Larrieu and Eero Remes who shared victories in the E2 class.

EnduroGP Rnd Loic Larrieu TM
Loïc Larrieu – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Steve Holcombe

“It’s difficult to sum up how much of a surprise it is to win both days. My goal was to podium and claim strong points, so as you can imagine a double victory in EnduroGP and Enduro 3 is a huge result to take. I didn’t have a great Super Test on Friday – I never really do – but I wanted to push hard from the beginning on Saturday to see where I was at. That strategy paid off and I won by 70 seconds. I went with that tactic again on Sunday and made things count on the opening two laps. I ran out of steam a little on the final lap but knew that with the effort I’d put in earlier on, barring any major mistakes, I could win. We’ve a couple of weeks now until round two in Portugal, so the plan remains unchanged – keep working with the goal of getting stronger. I know there’s room to improve. Finally, a huge thanks to Beta and all the team – a result like this is very much a team effort.”

EnduroGP Rnd Holcombe
Steve Holcombe – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Danny McCanney

“I finish third today, I’m a little disappointed, but overall I’m very happy with my weekend. I can’t wait to continue the season and gain some more good results.”

EnduroGP Rnd David Knight TM
Danny McCanney – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Brad Freeman

“I’m happy because today (day 2) I was able to increase my pace to catch up with Danny. I’m still a long way from Steve, but I’m happy to be on this 100 per cent British podium.”

EnduroGP Rnd Freeman
Brad Freeman – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Eero Remes

“The first day was very disappointing for me and the team, but I told the team that the season is very long and we are going to catch up. I feel good and this victory in E2 is a first great reward.”

Akrapovic Super Test Award Standings

  1. Wil RUPRECHT 10 points
  2. Benjamin HERRERA 9
  3. Thomas OLDRATI 8
  4. Daniel MCCANNEY 7p
  5. Steve HOLCOMBE 6
  6. Kirian MIRABET 5
  7. Hamish MACDONALD 4
  8. Andrea VERONA 3
  9. Loïc LARRIEU 2
  10. Alex SALVINI 1

EnduroGP Day 1 Top 10

  1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
  2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
  3. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
  4. Christophe NAMBOTIN – France
  5. Loïc LARRIEU – France
  6. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
  7. Albin ELOWSON – Sweden
  8. Christophe CHARLIER – France
  9. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
  10. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
EnduroGP Rnd Germany Steve Holcombe Podium FM
Steve Holcombe on the podium

EnduroGP Day 2 Top 10

  1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
  2. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
  3. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
  4. Eero REMES – Finland
  5. Alex SALVINI – Italy
  6. Loïc LARRIEU – France
  7. Davide GUARNERI – Italy
  8. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
  9. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
  10. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
EnduroGP Rnd Freeman
Brad Freeman – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1

E1 Day 1 Results

  1. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
  2. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
  3. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
  4. Davide GUARNERI – Italy
  5. Rudy MORONI – Italy
EnduroGP Rnd Germany E Day podium
E1 Day 2 Podium – EnduroGP Round 1 Germany, 2019

E1 Day 2 Results

  1. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
  2. Davide GUARNERI – Italy
  3. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
  4. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
  5. Rudy MORONI – Italy
EnduroGP Rnd Loic Larrieu TM
Loïc Larrieu – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1

E2 Day 1 Results

  1. Loïc LARRIEU – France
  2. Albin ELOWSON – Sweden
  3. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
  4. Giacomo REDONDI – Italy
  5. Antoine BASSET – France
EnduroGP Rnd Germany E Day podium
E2 Day 2 Podium – EnduroGP Round 1 Germany, 2019

E2 Day 2 Results

  1. Eero REMES – Finland
  2. Alex SALVINI – Italy
  3. Loïc LARRIEU – France
  4. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
  5. Antoine BASSET – France

E3 Day 1 Results

  1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
  2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
  3. Christophe NAMBOTIN – France
  4. David ABGRALL – France
  5. Anthony GESLIN – France
EnduroGP Rnd Germany E Day podium
E3 Day 2 Podium – EnduroGP Round 1 Germany, 2019

E3 Day 2 Results

  1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
  2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
  3. Anthony GESLIN – France
  4. David ABGRALL – France
  5. Dennis SCHROETER – Germany

EnduroGP Juniors

The Junior classes were as hard fought as the senior division and it was Italian Andrea Verona who came away with victory in both days but Ruprecht kept him honest all weekend in the overall Junior class and the J1 class while Jack Edmondson and Enric Francisco shared victories in the J2 class with Kiwi Hamish Macdonald dominating the J3 class.

Andrea Verona

“This might be the most beautiful victory of my career so far. When I lost so much time this morning after the bike stopped in the Cross Test I knew I had the potential to win. My body hurts because I really attacked all day, but I’m super happy.”

EnduroGP Rnd Germany Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona
Wil Ruprecht

“I don’t know what to say to you, I am so disappointed, I cracked under the pressure, I crashed three times on the last test. Andrea was the better man and he deserves it. I can only try to learn and improve after such a defeat.”

EnduroGP Rnd Wil Ruprecht
Wil Ruprecht (Team Yamaha Johansson MPE) – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1

The next round of the Maxxis FIM EnduroGP World Championship will take place in Portugal in the city of Valpaços from May 3rd to 5th.

Junior – Day 1

  1. Andrea VERONA – Italy
  2. Théophile ESPINASSE – France
  3. Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
  4. Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
  5. Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium

Junior – Day 2

  1. Andrea VERONA Italy
  2. Wil RUPRECHT Australia
  3. Théophile ESPINASSE France
  4. Enric FRANCISCO Spain
  5. Jack EDMONDSON United Kingdom

Junior 1 (J1) – Day 1

  1. Andrea VERONA – Italy
  2. Théophile ESPINASSE – France
  3. Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
  4. Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
  5. Thomas DUBOST – France

Junior 1 (J1) – Day 2

  1. Andrea VERONA – Italy
  2. Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
  3. Théophile ESPINASSE – France
  4. Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
  5. Thomas DUBOST – France

Junior 2 (J2) – Day 1

  1. Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
  2. Enric FRANCISCO – Spain
  3. Leo LE QUERE – France
  4. Emanuele FACCHETTI – Italy
  5. Till DE CLERCQ – France

Junior 2 (J2) – Day 2

  1. Enric FRANCISCO – Spain
  2. Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
  3. Emanuele FACCHETTI – Italy
  4. Ruy BARBOSA – Chile
  5. Jimmy WICKSELL – Sweden

Youth Cup – Day 1

  1. Hamish MACDONALD – New Zealand
  2. Claudio SPANU – Italy
  3. Matteo PAVONI – Italy
  4. Alejandro NAVARRO HUERTAS – Spain
  5. Hugo SVARD – Finland

Youth Cup – Day 2

  1. Hamish MACDONALD – New Zealand
  2. Matteo PAVONI – Italy
  3. Claudio SPANU – Italy
  4. Hugo SVARD – Finland
  5. Nathan BERERD – France
x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

HRC’s Ricky Brabec wins the Sonora Rally

The Sonora Rally takes place in the border region between Mexico and the United States near the Gulf of California and after five day Monster Energy Honda Team’s American rider Ricky Brabec claimed victory for the second time in the five year history of the event.

Sonora Rally Ricky Brabec imgBoydJaynes
Ricky Brabec – Image by Boyd Jaynes

In conditions that varied from high speed arid tracks to 500km of sand dunes, Brabec set the pace of the race from the start, grabbing victories in the first three stages, which opened a significant margin of more than half an hour over rivals before the American masterfully managed the two final days of rallying, before reaching the final finish-line in the Sonora region capital with a 37’15” gap back to his nearest second place rival.

Ricky Brabec

“This rally was the first of the year for me so I was excited to just be able to ride the big bike again with some navigation. This desert to me is like home and very close from my home town so it makes it easy to show up with a small crew to race and as well to train. The terrain is sandy in spots with great dunes and a little more south is rocky hard pack, there’s a little of everything and for this I believe it’s proven training grounds.  Looking forward to the rest of the year racing and training; hungry for more and to top it off Dakar 2020 will be in a good way, I believe. We must stay strong in the fight.”

Sonora Rally Ricky Brabec imgBoydJaynes
Ricky Brabec – Image by Boyd Jaynes

Ryan brothers shine at Casey Stoner Cup

Kurri Kurri hosted the Casey Stoner Cup last weekend and for the second weekend in a row the Ryan brothers have dominated a major dirt track meeting with Harrison Ryan winning the Junior Cup minutes before older brother Connor led the field home in the eight-lap Senior Cup.

While Harrison scored big winning margins in an unbeaten run over the two days of racing in the 13-16 years age class, Connor was made work much harder.

In the Junior Cup Wade O’Keefe and Jayden Rodgers followed Harrison Ryan home to complete a clean-sweep of placegetters from the host club but in the Senior Cup it was Coffs Harbour rider Bailey Spencer who lead for the opening six laps before one mistake was punished as Connor Ryan and then Boyd Hollis took over the front running.

In other senior classes Connor Ryan also won the Pro 450 final over Hollis and North Queensland rider Harry Maxwell before Taree rider Blake Wilby topped the very competitive Pro 250 class ahead of Brisbane rider Ben Montgomery and Taree’s Kye Andrews, while Anthony Farrell was best in the Over 35s.

All junior classes produced plenty of close battles with Bray Bowden (13-16 years) and Noah Grabham (7-10s) both scoring class victories after winning all five rounds, while Gold Coast rider Viv Muddle amassed nine wins and a second placing to win both of his classes.

There was more success for Taree riders with Cody Wilby and Will Bisley finishing 1-2 in the 80cc class, while Hayden Nelson also scored a class win as did Cameron Dunker and Jayden Holder but perhaps the most stirring win came in the 65cc – 9 to 13 years final when diminutive Forbes rider Beau Bailey led home Jayden Holder and Gold Coast rider Riley Nautam less than hour after Bailey had crashed heavily in an earlier race.

The next major dirt track meeting is the 30th staging of the Trackmasters at the Barleigh Ranch track on the weekend on April 13 / 14.

x Dunlop Gen Web Banner
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Source: MCNews.com.au

Cairoli tops British MXGP | Kjer-Olsen dominates MX2

2019 MXGP of Britain – Round 2

Tony Cairoli goes 1-2 to claim MXGP round win


MXGP Qualifying may have put Tim Gajser at the top of the standings yet when the gate dropped it was Antonio Cairoli who took the early Fox Holeshot and lead, only for that to be soon taken away by none other than Gajser, who then put in a blistering pace to create a gap.

MXGP Rnd Britain SANAYEI GP
MXGP Start – British MXGP

Behind the former World Champions, it was Jeremy Van Horebeek, but he was passed by Gautier Paulin and then made a mistake which allowed Ivo Monticelli and Clement Desalle through.

Behind Van Horebeek it was Arnaud Tonus and now Jeremy Seewer. Three laps into the race Van Horebeek made it back past Monticelli and into the top 5.

MXGP Rnd Britain Desalle
Clement Desalle

Only a lap later Gajser took a violent high-speed crash while leading Cairoli but miraculously sprung back to his feet and rejoined the action on his damaged Honda in third position barely ahead of Desalle.

Surprisingly Gajser wasted no time putting in more fast laps even as his broken front number plate dangled on the bent bars. Gajser instead of stopping or even slowing won over many fans as he pulled away from Desalle and closed in on Paulin.

MXGP Rnd Britain Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin

Max Anstie made a hard charge to move from 12th into seventh, while Cairoli took the race win and Gajser took third behind Paulin.

Race 2 started in similar fashion when Cairoli took the holeshot and Gajser took the lead but this time Gajser’s gap was bigger. Paulin was the third veteran who found himself at the front but the rider in fourth was new Arminas Jasikonis who had Seewer giving chase.

MXGP Rnd Britain Tony Cairoli RA
Tony Cairoli – Image by Ray Archer

Jasikonis’ teammate Jonass was sixth before being passed by Van Horebeek but then held seventh until fading four positions in the last five laps.

The top five never changed positions during the race. Cairoli made a late charge in an attempt to catch Gajser, but it was too late, and the Slovenian claimed the Race 2 win 1.7 seconds ahead of the Sicilian and a massive 54 ahead of Paulin in third.

MXGP Rnd Britain Gajser bavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo

The overall win went to Cairoli for his 87th time and who later revealed a shoulder injury, but Gajser’s ride was remarkable when considering his rebound from the race 1 crash.

Paulin’s 2-3 gave him third overall as Desalle took fourth and Van Horebeek placed fifth leaving the top five riders shuffled but unchanged since Patagonia. The series will now head to Valkenswaard for the MXGP of the Netherlands next weekend.

MXGP Rnd Britain Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass
Tony Cairoli

“It was a great weekend and for sure this track is one of my favourites. I had difficulty to push from the beginning because of a problem during the week and I was stiff. It meant I got arm-pump after three-four laps. I had to be careful because on this track if you are tight then you’ll crash because it is tricky and there are a lot of strange ruts and kickers. I was cautious and in the end it paid off. Hopefully I can be better for next week in the sand. For the championship everything is going well and that’s my goal.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Tony Cairoli RA
Tony Cairoli – Image by Ray Archer
Tim Gajser

“We had a great weekend! I was feeling great on the bike and the track both yesterday and today. I’m really happy to finish on the podium on this special day for me. The first race we started well and the beginning was good, but then I made a mistake and I fell down and finished third. The second race was better as I took the same start and worked my way to the front and I’m just so happy to win my first race in more than a year, after all my injury problems so I’m thankful and happy. A huge thanks to all the team because they all put in huge amounts of work and it’s paying off. We will continue working hard and to keep pushing!”

MXGP Rnd Britain Gajser bavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo
Gautier Paulin

“Every weekend on the box is a good weekend. I was happy with the first moto. In the second moto I was riding stiff in the beginning, but overall we had a good weekend and made a big step forward since Argentina. This was always the goal and this is what we are working really hard towards. I am really happy with my team Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and the work they are putting in.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin
Clément Desalle

“It was not an easy weekend as yesterday I injured my hand in the crash and when I woke up this morning it was still painful so I knew it would be a tough day with so many big jumps on the track. My first start was ok from the fourteenth gate and I scored a fourth position, not so bad in the circumstances. My second start was much better, but at the end of the first downhill, in the same corner where I had crashed in the qualifying race, another rider hit my front wheel and I crashed with several other riders including my teammate. From there I came back from last to seventh to save important points. Now I will take care of my hand and recover during the week as we have another GP next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Desalle
Clement Desalle

Filling in for Romain Febvre, Dean Ferris’ return to racing did not go to plan. The Australian got faster with every lap completed throughout the weekend, but did not get a chance to prove his potential with a fall at the start of Race 2 cutting his Grand Prix short. Ferris fears a knee injury and will be examined by medical professionals.

Dean Ferris

“It was a tough weekend, but I got more comfortable in every session. I thought the last fifteen minutes of the race I found my groove and had some really good lap-times, so I was content with that. In moto two, I went down on the start and I have hurt my knee, so that will need to be assessed.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Dean Ferris
Dean Ferris

MXGP of Britain Race 1

  1. CAIROLI Antonio ITA 6:37.831
  2. PAULIN Gautier FRA +1.956
  3. GAJSER Tim SLO +4.473
  4. DESALLE Clement BEL +24.293
  5. VAN HOREBEEK Jeremy BEL +26.271
  6. TONUS Arnaud SWI +27.618
  7. ANSTIE Max GBR +45.107
  8. SEEWER Jeremy SWI +46.683
  9. JASIKONIS Arminas LTU +49.675
  10. LIEBER Julien BEL +56.271

MXGP of Britain Race 2

  1. GAJSER Tim SLO 36:01.717
  2. CAIROLI Antonio ITA +1.709
  3. PAULIN Gautier FRA +54.204
  4. JASIKONIS Arminas LTU +57.637
  5. SEEWER Jeremy SWI +1:00.564
  6. VAN HOREBEEK Jeremy BEL +1:05.984
  7. DESALLE Clement BEL +1:20.385
  8. COLDENHOFF Glenn NDL +1:22.071
  9. SIMPSON Shaun GBR +1:26.697
  10. MONTICELLI Ivo ITA +1:28.257
MXGP Rnd Britain mxgp podium
MXGP 2019 – Round 2 MXGP Podium

Results MXGP Matterley Basin 2019 Top 5

  1. Tony Cairoli (ITA) Red Bull KTM (1-2)
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO) Honda (3-1)
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA) Yamaha (2-3)
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL) Kawasaki (4-7)
  5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL) Honda (5-6)

MXGP Standings following Round 2

  1. CAIROLI Antonio ITA 97
  2. GAJSER Tim SLO 89
  3. PAULIN Gautier FRA 74
  4. VAN HOREBEEK Jeremy BEL 66
  5. DESALLE Clement BEL 65
  6. JASIKONIS Arminas LTU 56
  7. SEEWER Jeremy SWI 50
  8. JONASS Pauls LAT 40
  9. SIMPSON Shaun GBR 39
  10. ANSTIE Max GBR 39
    …23. Dean Ferris AUS 6

MX2

The MX2 class saw battles in both races as the field fought for championship points, with  Race 1 starting with Tom Vialle taking the Fox Holeshot for the second time this season.

MXGP Rnd Britain Tom Vialle RA
Tom Vialle claimed the holeshot – Image by Ray Archer

Vialle led but was under pressure from Thomas Kjer Olsen and Dylan Walsh, while in the thick of the racing was Ben Watson and Henry Jacobi.

Watson made an unfortunate error dropping the bike early in the race dropping him from fourth back to ninth. Watson’s teammate Jago Geerts also suffered from mistakes while running inside the top ten putting the two Kemea Yamaha’s in a difficult position.

MXGP Rnd Britain Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen

By the second lap Olsen took the top spot from Vialle, who then lost out to the moves of Jacobi as well when the German passed him on the outside. Local hero Conrad Mewse moved up to fourth from 11th before a mechanical issue on the last lap.

MXGP Rnd Britain Tom Vialle RA
Tom Vialle – Image by Ray Archer

Olsen’s lead started to be chipped at by Jacobi but the title hopeful kept his cool and held the spot through to take the checkered flag and his first race win this season. Mewse’s fourth position was taken by Watson, but Mewse managed to limp his bike across the finish in sixth just behind Michele Cervellin.

Race 2 proved that KTM and Vialle made the right choice as he took his third 4 Fox Holeshots so far in 2019. Vialle again had Walsh just behind along with Olsen, Jacobi, and Calvin Vlaanderen.

MXGP Rnd Britain Jacobi
Henry Jacobi

Olsen took second from Walsh before the first lap was complete, while Mathys Boisrame fought in the top five on his Honda CRF250. A mistake from Jacobi allowed Vlaanderen to get past who then took third from Walsh.

Jacobi recovered and found his form to get past Walsh as well and his speed allowed him to catch the front runners and Vialle who had dropped a spot to Vlaanderen. With less than two laps to go Jacobi flew past Vialle, moving the German into third in the race but second overall.

MXGP Rnd Britain Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton

Olsen’s dominant weekend continued winning Race 2 by 9.9 seconds over Vlaanderen. In the overall it was Olsen’s 1-1 taking first, Jacobi’s 2-3 took second, and Vialle’s 3-4 put the Frenchman on the podium in his second ever MX2 race.

Thomas Kjer-Olsen

“It’s just awesome to go 1-1 here in the UK. My weekend was really good – I won the qualifying moto and then went on the claim the overall in MX2 with two more wins. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. It’s been a long time since I got the overall win and I was happy to do it at this cool track. Matterley Basin has always been a track that I enjoy riding and this weekend I did my best to collect as many points as possible for the championship. I felt comfortable all weekend and my best moto was the last one, where the track was at its roughest. I have so much full confidence in my bike, and so much trust in all the members of my team. It was good to pay them back with this win. I also secured the red plate for the first time. Now the goal is to hold onto it and push hard during the upcoming races.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen
Henry Jacobi

“My first race was pretty good. I had some special lines and I saw that nobody else was taking them so I thought that maybe I could win this race. I went for it, but I started my attack a little too late; I came up short in some corners and I just missed my opportunity. I had hoped to time it better in the second race; my start was OK in fourth or fifth, but then I got stuck a little bit during the first ten minutes as I wanted this podium so much; I put myself under a little bit of pressure and rode too tight during the first ten minutes. But then in the last fifteen minutes I found a good rhythm to pass Vialle and secure the second position overall, which is good for me and for the team. We made some really good steps during the winter; the team has only been in the world championship for a few years but everyone is doing a fantastic job and we had a very good winter preparation. I never had such a professional winter training and the Kawasaki suits me really well; I like the control in the corners and our trainer is so clever and give me such good advice. We are here now, second in the points, and we are determined to stay there!”

MXGP Rnd Britain Jacobi
Henry Jacobi
Tom Vialle

“It was a really good weekend: I had ridden well during the week and it fed into the practice sessions and both motos. I’m really happy with my starts because being at the front helps me find my rhythm: it is so important. I think a very good winter has helped with my transition from EMX to MX2. My feeling on the bike is another positive thing. Today has been a big step for me.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Tom Vialle RA
Tom Vialle – Image by Ray Archer
Calvin Vlaanderen

“It wasn’t the greatest weekend, to be honest. I’m happy that I could finish off strong with a second place in the second race, but the whole weekend I actually struggled a lot. This was especially the case in the qualifying race and the first moto today, I didn’t really have a good rhythm and I seemed to be fighting the track a bit too much. I’m happy though that I could rebound for the second race and ride like I know how to ride and get that second place. It is good for my confidence and going into the week ahead, it’s good motivation to keep pushing and make sure I come out swinging next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Vlaanderen bavo
Calvin Vlaanderen – Image by Bavo
Jed Beaton

“I had a really good weekend here at Matterley Basin. It was my first GP after many months, and I felt strong on the bike. It was good to get a top-10 in the opening moto. In the second moto I was close to the top-10 again and ended up finishing in 13th place. Getting a top-10 result in the overall is really positive for the rest of the season. There’s still a long way to go in this series. I’m pretty happy with where I am, hopefully I can start building from here.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Jed beaton action
Jed Beaton

Unfortunately Team Honda 114 Motorsports rider Mitchell Evans suffered early on in moto one, and while he was running a pace that matched the leaders, he was unable to get himself back in points scoring contention. The second moto was much better though as he finished in eighth place after fighting through the field from outside the top 15.

Mitch Evans

“P34 and P8 moto scores today. Bad starts both motos didn’t do me any favours. After a small crash in Moto 1 I had to make a pit stop to fix my clutch to stop it from slipping which left me almost a lap down. Will continue to work on my starts and we should be sweet. Thanks Honda 114 Motorsports.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans

MX2 Race 1

  1. KJER OLSEN Thomas DEN 35:01.449
  2. JACOBI Henry GER +4.278
  3. VIALLE Tom FRA +16.160
  4. WATSON Ben GBR +28.500
  5. CERVELLIN Michele ITA +30.179
  6. MEWSE Conrad GBR +35.271
  7. POOTJES Davy NDL +36.018
  8. VLAANDEREN Calvin NDL +44.908
  9. BEATON Jed AUS +50.189
  10. WALSH Dylan NZL +54.010

MX2 Race 2

  1. KJER OLSEN Thomas DEN 37:10.022
  2. VLAANDEREN Calvin NDL +9.936
  3. JACOBI Henry GER +16.035
  4. VIALLE Tom FRA +16.935
  5. WATSON Ben GBR +20.044
  6. GEERTS Jago BEL +38.635
  7. POOTJES Davy NDL +43.577
  8. EVANS Mitchell AUS +46.268
  9. CERVELLIN Michele ITA +54.765
  10. WALSH Dylan NZL +59.920
  11. BOISRAME Mathys FRA +1:02.388
  12. VAESSEN Bas NDL +1:04.331
  13. BEATON Jed AUS +1:13.298
MXGP Rnd Britain mx olsen podium
MXGP 2019 – Round 2 MX2 Podium

Results MX2 Matterley Basin 2019 Top 5

  1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN) Husqvarna (1-1)
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER) Kawasaki (2-3)
  3. Tom Vialle (FRA) Red Bull KTM (3-4)
  4. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA) Honda (8-2)
  5. Ben Watson (GBR) Yamaha (4-5)

MX2 Standings after Round 2

  1. KJER OLSEN Thomas DEN 94
  2. JACOBI Henry GER 78
  3. VLAANDEREN Calvin NDL 71
  4. VIALLE Tom FRA 65
  5. WATSON Ben GBR 63
  6. PRADO GARCIA Jorge SPA 50
  7. POOTJES Davy NDL 50
  8. EVANS Mitchell AUS 49
  9. GEERTS Jago BEL 45
  10. CERVELLIN Michele ITA 41
    …16 BEATON Jed AUS 20

Source: MCNews.com.au