2021 Australian Speedway Champs officially cancelled
Motorcycling Australia, in conjunction with the MA Track Commission and key stakeholders, have now advised the 2021 Australian Speedway Senior Solo, Australian U21’s and Australian U16’s 250cc Championships have been cancelled, along with postponing the 2022 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Championship.
Australian Speedway Senior Solo Championship
With so much uncertainty around the State border restrictions, as well as lockdowns and the lack of availability of international flights and with a significant number of riders currently overseas a decision as early as possible as important.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) and the Australian Track Commission have been in consultation with riders and clubs and are now concentrating on delivering a successful condensed 2022 Championship calendar pending Government restrictions around Covid-19.
April 1–3 – Australian U16’s 125cc Individual & Teams Speedway Championships – Sidewinders SA
November 26 – Australian U16’s 250cc Speedway Championship – Gillman Speedway SA
November 26 – Australian U21’s Speedway Championship– Gillman Speedway SA
December 2-3 – Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship – TBA
Eli Tomac joins Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing for 2022
Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing will welcome Eli Tomac to the team for the 2022 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season, joining the newly crowned 2021 Pro Motocross Champion Dylan Ferrandis, while Christian Craig will join the duo for the outdoor season stepping up to the Yamaha YZ450F.
Tomac brings with him a wealth of experience and is a proven championship contender. In addition to his three consecutive Pro Motocross 450MX titles from 2017-2019, he added the coveted 450SX Championship to his resume in 2020. The Coloradan has amassed an impressive number of victories and is the winningest rider currently active in both premier class championships.
Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing
“I’m really excited about this next chapter of my racing career with the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team. With the recent success of the team, motorcycle, and crew members in place, I know we will be ready for the challenge of winning races. January can’t come soon enough!”
Eli Tomac joins Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing
The Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing 450 Team is fresh off of a great debut in the premier class. After a solid start in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship with all three riders earning their first 450SX podium and finishing comfortably inside the top-10 in the standings, the team had a stellar Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season.
In addition to Ferrandis securing the title a weekend early, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. earned Manufacturer of the Year honors, and the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team was named Team of the Year. The series also awarded Jeremy Coker Team Manager of the Year and the 450 Mechanic of the Year went to Ferrandis’ mechanic, Alex Campbell.
Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing 450 Team Manager
“We’re really happy to have Eli on board next season. He is a proven championship contender and an incredible athlete. Together with Dylan and then Christian joining us for the outdoor season, we have a great line-up and look to be fighting up front for the number-one plate in both championships. This year was a great first year in the premier class for the team and an absolutely incredible Pro Motocross season. We look to build on that and are really excited for the 2022 season.”
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Husqvarna and Jason Anderson part ways after seven years
Husqvarna Motorcycles thanked Jason Anderson for his hard work, commitment, and racing achievements during the last seven years, as following a highly successful relationship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, the American’s time with the team has now drawn to a close.
Jason Anderson – 2021 AMA SX Round 17 – Image by Jeff Kardas
Since joining Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in 2015 to compete on FC 450 machinery in the 450 class, Jason Anderson has entered each AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross season as a genuine title contender.
The highlight of Anderson’s time with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna came in 2018 when he was crowned 450SX champion. The victory marked the first 450 supercross title for Husqvarna Motorcycles with Jason’s performances and championship result also making a notable contribution to the brand’s international standing, as well as adding to their now 106 World Championship wins. During his time with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Jason won seven 450SX Main Events and claimed 27 podium finishes.
Jason Anderson – 2021 AMA SX Round 2 – Image by Jeff Kardas
Further success was achieved outdoors in the 450 Pro Motocross series, with Anderson claiming 16 overall podium results and a career-best championship finish of fourth in 2019. Outside of racing in America, Anderson won multiple Australian Supercross Championship races and represented Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations on two occasions.
Stephen Westfall – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager
“It’s been an honour to have worked with such a talented and committed racer like Jason. His dedication and talent, together with his willingness to always put the work in, ensured he was always the best rider he could be. It’s unfortunate that his time with the team coincides with him being injured as he was showing some great speed early on in the Pro Motocross season. On behalf of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, I wish Jason well and look forward to seeing him at the races in the future.”
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Monster Energy Kawasaki welcome Anderson to the team
Jason Anderson will join Adam Cianciarulo with the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team for 2022, alongside testing and development rider Broc Tickle.
Monster Energy Kawasaki to run Anderson and Cianciarulo in 2022
Anderson closed out his amateur racing career with Kawasaki Team Green, winning the AMA Horizon Award aboard a KX250 before moving on to become a 250 Supercross West Champion, now reunited with Kawasaki, Anderson is prepared to repeat his former success and fight for premier class supremacy in both the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championships.
Jason Anderson – Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team
“It’s great to join the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team for 2022. I’m ready to start working with the team to have a successful run right out of the gate when we go racing in January. The bike is proven, and the many accolades of the team speak volumes to what we can achieve together. I’m looking forward to the good times ahead.”
Meanwhile, Cianciarulo hopes to see his record-setting amateur years with the Kawasaki Team Green race team and success underneath the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team awning reach a culmination in 2022 with his goal of championship contention in the upcoming year of premier class racing.
Building from his AMA Pro Motocross Rookie of the Year honors that came along with second place in the 2020 450MX Pro Motocross standings, Cianciarulo led 51 laps during the 2021 season and secured three overall podiums. Cianciarulo now looks to capitalize on a full off-season of development with the team to claim the top step of the podium in 2022.
Adam Cianciarulo – Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team
“I’m ready for the 2022 season. I’ve had a lot of great experiences in my first two seasons with the team. We have made major strides together and are positioned to perform at our very best in this upcoming year of racing. I look forward to continuing to improve and reaching our goals together.”
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2022 Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team roster breaks cover
With the 2022 racing season marking nearly three decades of success, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team has revealed five-rider lineup for the upcoming season. The team will field the established Austin Forkner, Cameron McAdoo, Jo Shimoda and 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year, Seth Hammaker. Kawasaki also welcomes long-time Team Green amateur rising star Jett Reynolds to the fold as he graduates into the pro ranks.
Austin Forkner
As one of the most successful teams in the paddock, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki boasts an resume that includes the most combined supercross and motocross wins in the 250 class and 29 total championships.
Mitch Payton – Pro Circuit Owner
“We have a skilled group of riders on the team for the 2022 season. With seasoned riders like Austin, Cameron, and Jo returning, last year’s rookie sensation Seth ready to begin his sophomore season and Jett making his pro debut; we are in a good spot to compete for both 250 West and East Supercross titles. Everyone on the team including riders, staff and personnel, are preparing for the new season to begin and we expect to finish on top of the podium.”
Returning for a seventh season with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki squad in 2022 is Austin Forkner. The 12-time 250 Class race winner has high hopes to return to his winning ways this season after his promising 2021 supercross title campaign was cut short due to injury.
Cameron McAdoo
McAdoo is also back under the Kawasaki tent for the upcoming season. Coming off a career-best season in 2021 that saw McAdoo collect his first AMA 250 Supercross win, the Iowa native is keen on improving his third-place finish in the Supercross 250 West Championship point standings.
Back for his second year with the Kawasaki team is Shimoda. Building on a stand-out 2021 season, the Japanese-born rider secured a career-first 250SX Class win along with six podiums last season and appears ready to use his experience running up front to mount a championship fight.
Jo Shimoda
Entering his sophomore season, Hammaker returns to the Kawasaki squad with his first career 250SX Class win and three AMA Supercross podiums under his belt. Last year’s rookie stand out heads into the new season with expectations to battle for race wins and podiums.
Seth Hammaker
Making his professional debut with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is Reynolds. Carrying nine AMA Amateur National titles and the 2017 Monster Energy Cup Supermini Class championship, Reynolds is set to make an immediate impact for the team in both series at the beginning of the 2022 season.
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Rallye du Maroc returns in 2021!
With the 2020 edition cancelled due to the global pandemic, it has been two years since the Rallye du Maroc has been held in the Kingdom of His Majesty Mohammed VI. From 7 to 13 October, housed in a bivouac outside Zagora, the race returns to the desert. Hand in hand, the Moroccan authorities, ODC Events and their local partners have put all their energy into making the running of the rally possible.
David Castera
“Each year, the Rallye du Maroc takes on ever more importance in the country. It is no longer simply a case of us organising an event on our own, with permission from the Moroccan authorities. The Rallye du Maroc is now the fruit of a common enterprise, the will and help of the authorities, partners such as Maroc Telecom, Afriquia or OCP, and the tourism industry, right down to the small businesses and service providers who are close to us on the ground, happy and proud to be working again. A strong relationship between us has been forged in this very special context. This edition will be one of resilience for us all.”
Rallye du Maroc 2019 – Toby Price
As a reward for the efforts made over the last few weeks by all involved in resurrecting the Rallye du Maroc, the number of entrants expected at administrative and technical scrutineering on Thursday 7 October will break all records. 160 bikes and 100 cars are expected to arrive at the bivouac in Zagora next week eclipsing previous figures.
All the official teams are present and 27 riders are registered in RallyGP, while there are no less than 99 in Rally2.
In RallyGP, we see the best drivers in the cross-country discipline. KTM’s Matthias Walkner leads the provisional classification of the 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and is joined in Morocco by the current FIM World Champion Sam Sunderland, Toby Price and Kevin Benavides.
Yamaha has entered Rally Kazakhstan winner Ross Branch, Adrien Van Beveren and Andrew Short.
Husqvarna, meanwhile, will run machines for Luciano Benavides and Skyler Howes, while Daniel Sanders rides for Gas-Gas.
Honda will participate in its first rally of the season with Pablo Quintanilla, Ricky Brabec, Nacho Cornejo and Joan Barreda. Hero will also be present with Franco Caimi, Sebastian Bühler and Joachim Rodrigues, while Sherco lines up with Lorenzo Santolino, Rui Gonçalves and Harith Noah.
Two Juniors will also be in the starting blocks in RallyGP: Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) and Tomas de Gavardo (KTM).
Between the competitors, their entourage and the organisation, the 2021 Rallye du Maroc caravan will number 850 people, housed for almost ten days in the ephemeral bivouac of Zagora.
David Castera
“If I had asked for such a bivouac in France or anywhere else in the world, people would have thought I was insane,. The know-how of the nomads and their capacity to adapt is phenomenal. Nothing is impossible, the answer to every question is always ‘machi moushkil’, literally ‘no problem’. And they always manage to pull it off, sometimes really incredible feats. The Rallye du Maroc no longer simply bears the name of a country, but that of its people, who share with us the values of solidarity and pushing one’s limits that have always been intrinsic to rally-raid.”
2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Man.
Points
1
Mathias Walkner
KTM
58
2
Gregorio Caselani
Honda
38
3
Skyler Howes
Husqvarna
36
4
Daniel Sanders
Gas Gas
33
5
Franco Caimi
Hero
32
6
Adrien Van Beveren
Yamaha
31
7
Ross Branch
Yamaha
25
8
Sebastian Bühler
Hero
24
9
Luciano Benavides
Husqvarna
24
10
Andrew Short
Yamaha
23
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Charlotte Half-Mile set for AFT finale
Following 15 fiercely fought Progressive American Flat Track rounds, the season-ending Honda Charlotte Half-Mile will determine the 2021 Grand National Championship under the lights at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, October 8.
Briar Bauman
As they arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina, reigning two-time Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and living legend Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) are separated by just four points. That means both factory Indian stars are in position to secure the 2021 crown from the top step of the podium, simple as that.
It gets a bit more complicated should another rider play the spoiler and steal away the victory. Should that happen, Mees’ slight lead earned on the strength of an active four-race win streak provides him an advantage in that he could still take the title by finishing close behind Bauman on track.
Considering their combined ability, winning percentage, and motivation, it may seem unlikely that another rider is able to elbow ahead with so much on the line, but Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) managed to do just that (twice) in last year’s similarly tight DAYTONA finale.
Jared Mees
The scenario of a title-shifting upset just became that much more realistic with the news that Jeffrey Carver, Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing/DPC/KullyCo/Bigelow Indian FTR750) has been added to the entry list. As a reminder, in last year’s late-season battle in Charlotte, Bauman and Mees traded the lead back and forth until privateer Carver shot past them both en route to a huge win. A repeat effort could literally decide which bike the #1 plate is brandished upon in 2022.
The field is stocked with potential spoilers, including Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).
AFT Singles
The 2021 AFT Singles championship will be determined in Charlotte as well. While there doesn’t appear to be much room for drama as in the premier class, if second-ranked Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) manages to dethrone defending class champ Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), you can bet some serious drama went down.
Max Whale – 2021 AFT Sacramento Mile II
With 20 points and the tiebreaker working in his favor, Daniels merely needs to finish 13th or better in the Main even if Australian Whale wins. And if Whale doesn’t win, Daniels doesn’t need to do anything but collect his trophy.
Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F) is nearly as safe in third with Daniels’ teammate, Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), 18 points back in fourth.
Last year’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was a classic, with Daniels clinching the title thanks to a last-lap pass for victory over Mischler. Whale finished fourth, just 0.201 seconds back of the win, which sets the table nicely for another spectacular scrap on Friday night.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Last season, Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) scored a holeshot-to-checkered flag win in Charlotte. The situation was considerably different, as Texter was desperate just to keep his slim 2020 AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines title hopes alive at the time.
Cory Texter – 2021 AFT Sacramento Mile I
Now he comes into the finale having already locked down a second-career AFT Production Twins championship. That said, Texter is a racer’s racer and one making up for lost time spent as a long-time journeyman pilot. He’s unlikely to lack for motivation even with the title already taken care of.
Meanwhile, AFT Production Twins championship runner-up honors are still up for grabs with Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) nine points up on Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) with one race to go.
The evening also presents one final chance for the likes of Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Jesse Janisch (No. 96 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) to get a win before the year is out.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Charlotte Half-Mile will also feature the season finale of Royal Enfield’s hugely popular BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program and the penultimate round of the innovative Super Hooligan National Championship. BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. showcases the talent, versatility, competitiveness, and enthusiasm of female motorcyclists in its own action-packed style, while the outlaw-minded Super Hooligan series features customized heavy street bikes competing at a road race circuit, a Short Track, a Half-Mile and an asphalt oval to determine the nation’s most all-around skill heavy street bike racer.
The Honda Charlotte HM will also feature all the pomp and circumstance befitting a season finale off the track as well. NASCAR superstar Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE will serve as the evening’s Grand Marshal ahead of the weekend’s NASCAR doubleheader at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Al-Balooshi wins 2021 Qatar International Baja
The UAE’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi sealed outright victory in the motorcycle category of the Qatar International Baja after the third desert selective section that was held in punishing heat on Saturday.
Mohammed Al-Balooshi
MX Ride Dubai’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi delivered a polished performance over the closing 249.68km selective section that started at Al-Kharsaah and included a tricky final passage through the sand dunes near the Inland Sea, south of Doha, where temperatures rose into the low forties Centigrade.
He completed the gruelling stage in just under nine minutes shy of five hours to seal a 10min 57sec victory over British youngster Robert Wallace in the motorcycle section. The latter’s consolation was sealing top spot in the FIM Juniors category.
Mohammed Al-Balooshi
“It was a very tough two stages but I am happy that we managed to bring the bike home and win this round of the FIM Bajas World Cup and extend our championship lead. I am a little bit disappointed that Abdullah Abuaisheh could not start because it is good to have your main rival competing. I thank him for letting me use his front wheel. I damaged mine. Now I will go to Portugal for the last round, which is double points. I started off with third in Dubai, a win in Jordan and a win here. But I have a torn ligament in my shoulder. I was nursing it home and managed to win. I probably only rode at 60 or 70%.”
The UK’s Andrew Newland rounded off the podium places and Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Shatti overcame a fall to finish fourth. Richard Dors and Makis Rees-Stavros rode strongly on the final day to snatch fifth and sixth.
Unfortunately, x-rays confirmed Martin Chalmers’s worst fears and the Qatar-based Australian was forced to withdraw from the motorcycle event with two broken ankle bones and ligament damage. It was testament to his determination that he had completed the second stage in first position and managed to put his bike into Parc Ferme to restart, albeit with eight minutes of penalties later added to his time.
Round Seven of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship took place over the weekend, as riders duked it out at the 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team going 1-2. Alfredo Gomez took the win and Billy Bolt extended his championship lead on Sunday, while KTM’s Manuel Lettenbichler completed the podium.
Alfredo Gomez wins the 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro from teammate Billy Bolt and KTM’s Manuel Lettenbichler
Always a threat on home soil, Gomez came on form at just the right moment to secure a memorable win in the deciding Sunday ‘The Lost Way’ race. After Bolt topped proceedings on Friday and Saturday, many thought the British rider would keep that momentum rolling through Sunday, but hopes of a clean sweep failed to materialise.
Bolt won Saturday’s Campoo X-Treme multi-lap cross-country, which totalled three laps of a massive 54-kilometre course, with just 15 minutes to rest and make repairs in between each lap, ensuring the racing was intense, and exhausting.
Campoo X-Treme Qualifying Video:
With the Friday endurocross results deciding the start positions for the Campoo X-Treme, Bolt made the very best use of his pole to take the holeshot. Despite momentarily falling behind main championship rival Red Bull KTM’s Manuel Lettenbichler, the Husqvarna rider took the win by just eight seconds. Third place went to Jonny Walker, just over 12 minutes down on the Bolt.
Sunday would see the top-10 qualifiers facing a Le Mans style start where they have to run into the famous Hixpania cave, before firing their bikes into life and heading off.
Alfredo Gomez – 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro
In total 50 qualified riders faced the tough battle of a three-hour The Lost Way race, and Gomez was up for the fight. Fast and clinical around the intense five-kilometre course, Gomez barely put a wheel out of place as he found his flow on the technical rocky climbs and steep quarry walls.
Despite a late push from Bolt, Gomez had enough in hand entering the final extreme loop. Mastering the last climb, the Spaniard crossed the finish line as the well-deserved winner.
In comparison for Bolt, The Lost Way was filled with ups and downs. Although making good the Le Mans start, he failed to hit the rhythm he’d shown during the previous two days. Working his way up the leaderboard, he began to come on strong as the race entered the second half.
Billy Bolt – 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro
But with Gomez comfortably out front, it was a gap he couldn’t close. In the fight for this year’s championship honours, in finishing as runner-up, Billy extends his lead over closest rival Lettenbichler, by two points, making it three in total.
Sitting second behind Gomez after the opening lap, Lettenbichler was in a strong position to take back the championship lead. However, Bolt was closing in and pretty soon the duo were locked in a battle for second.
Not quite able to keep Bolt at bay, Lettenbichler slipped behind him, and as Bolt upped his pace in the closing laps, he had to settled for third.
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro
Behind the top three, the race was filled with plenty of drama as the overnight rain made an already tough course even harder. Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman fought his way through for fourth.
Entering round seven third in points, Wade Young (Sherco) lost ground to Bolt and Lettenbichler with fifth in Spain. Putting in a strong performance, GASGAS Factory Racing’s Michael Walkner was sixth, while Britain’s Jonathan Richardson (Husqvarna) impressed, coming home seventh.
The 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship concludes with the eighth and final round of the season at Germany’s GetzenRodeo on October 30.
The 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro was the penultimate round of the season
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) – P1
“I’m so happy to take the win here in 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro, it’s definitely been a tough race, but it feels so good to do it in front of the Spanish fans. I saved some energy for today and it has certainly paid off. I took the lead on lap one and just felt good straight away. I managed to focus on myself and not make too many mistakes. It felt awesome to cross the finish line as the winner!”
Alfredo Gomez – 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) – P2
“On the first two laps today I struggled a lot to be honest. I found it hard to find my rhythm and ended up making too many mistakes, losing energy and time. At the refuelling I made a few adjustments to the bike and then the second half of the race went much better. I made a bit of a gap on Mani and even started to claw back some time on Alfredo ahead, but it was too little, too late. Full credit to Alfredo today, he was in a different league.”
Billy Bolt – 2021 Hixpania Hard Enduro
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) – P3
“We were a little worried this morning coming into the main race because of all the rain we had overnight, but it’s turned out ok and the traffic wasn’t too bad out there. I wasn’t feeling 100 percent last week and I think my fitness definitely suffered today. Despite that, I think I rode a good race and I’m happy to finish on the podium again. The guys ahead were riding really well, and with today’s result it means I’m three points behind Billy going into my home race at GetzenRodeo, so there is everything still to play for. I’m really excited for that one, and I’ll give it my best as always.”
Teutschenthal in Germany hosted Round 10 of the FIM World Motocross Championship and it was the two championship leaders in Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado who won all motos in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.
MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo
MXGP Report
The Teutschenthal circuit was incredibly rough this year with deep ruts throughout the hard packed and undulating circuit but Gajser made it all look easy on his factory Honda to take the opening moto win from four Yamaha riders in Arnaud Tonus, Jeremy Seewer, Romain Febvre and Gautier Paulin before blitzing the second moto ahead of Pauls Jonass, Tonus, Paulin and Max Anstie.
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019
With another 1-1 performance, Gajser extended his series points lead over the absent Antonio Cairoli to 83 while second overall went to Tonus with 2-3 moto results ahead of his teammate Gautier Paulin with 5-4 scores.
Tim Gajser
“I am very happy and I had a lot of fun. I made the races easier with the starts, because I took holeshots in both heats and today I couldn’t wait for Indonesia already. What I was missing in the first half of the season was the starts but now they’re better, the start was great in the first race. I took the FOX Holeshot and made a gap but made a mistake and I crashed, but then I managed to make a gap again and I looked forward to the second race. I am enjoying racing very much now. The weekend couldn’t have gone better.”
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019
Arnaud Tonus
“First race was crazier even if I could finish second when I passed Seewer at the last lap, then in the second race I needed to push at the end to keep the third position but then also Gautier made the podium on the last lap passing Anstie, and this is super cool for the team and for the great job they do for us.”
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Germany 2019
Gautier Paulin
“It has been a long time since my last podium, I had a crash in Portugal, not a lot of luck in France and in Latvia I needed to pick it up, but I was really tired about this crazy period, eventually now I’m back on the box and I am so thankful to be on the podium with Arnaud Tonus. We are back in the game.”
Arnaud Tonus & Gautier Paulin – MXGP of Germany 2019
MXGP Championship Top 10
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 441 points
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 358
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 289
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 288
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 288
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 249
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 225
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 220
Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 219
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 208
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MX2 Report
Like Gajser, Prado proved too strong around the hard pack circuit of Teutschenthal with a win in the opening moto ahead of Tom Vialle, Henry Jacobi, Thomas Kjer Olsen, Bas Vaessen and Jed Beaton before taking a 14 second victory over Mathys Boisrame, Vialle, Kjer Olsen and Beaton in moto two.
MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo
So Prado again went 1-1 and took his ninth Grand Prix victory of the year while second overall was Vialle and third was Boisrame on his first MX2 Podium.
Jorge Prado
“I started the weekend a bit weak and didn’t have a good feeling, but today I turned it around and I felt better in the second race. It was a tough track but it was cool to race here. The second race was another great one for me. I felt very good compared to the first race, and I am very happy about it. Another 50 points and I’m very happy with the weekend.”
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Tom Vialle
“This second place is good for me and for the whole team. I felt good all weekend. Training with Joel Smets has also helped me a lot.”
Tom Vialle – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Mathys Boisrame
“It was incredible and I am very happy for my first podium. I have a good feeling with my bike. The feeling in the second race was very good and I am happy with my first podium. It is MX2 and not easy.”
Mathys Boisrame – MXGP of Germany 2019
Heartbreak for Aussie Mitch Evans who was looking for a way around Kjer Olsen in the opening moto only to crash hard and was forced out of the rest of the weekend while Beaton ended up sixth overall on the day to now sit 11th in the points.
A crash ended Mitch Evans’ weekend – MXGP of Germany 2019
Jed Beaton
“I’m really happy with the way things have gone this weekend. To get sixth overall is another very important step forwards. I felt like both races were pretty similar really, just with a fall in the first moto that cost me some places. I didn’t get the best of jumps from the start in either race, but I held a tight line around the first turn and made up some places. That put me around 10th and I just pushed hard from there. Falling in the first race cost me some places but overall I was pleased with my riding. Fifth in the second race was good – it’s been a while since I’ve been racing with the guys near the front so it’s just good to be back racing there. It’s a really positive way to the end the GP. To be hitting some good form mid-way through the season is great. I’m looking forward to the overseas races now, and hope I can build on today’s results.”
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo
MX2 Championship Classification Top 10
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 447 points
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 403
Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 313
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 284
Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 283
Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 246
Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 226
Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 204
Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 185
Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 179
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
German EMX Won by Rubini & Guyon
Teutschenthal in Germany hosted the latest round of the EMX250 and EMX125 Championships and it was Stephan Rubini who won both 250 motos while Tom Guyon went 2-1 to win the 125 class.
Roan Van de Moosdijk – MXGP of Germany 2019
In the championship points, it is Rubini who took the Red Plate with 251pts, followed by Alberto Forato with 241pts and Roan Van De Moosdijk with 238pts while the lone Aussie in this series in Caleb Grothues was disqualified from the event after riding his damaged Yamaha into the pit exit during qualifying.
EMX250 Overall Top 10
Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 50 points
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 44
Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 40
Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 36
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 29
Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 25
Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, KTM), 25
Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 25
Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 25
Bastian Boegh Damm (DEN, KTM), 23 p.;
EMX250 Championship Top 10
Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 251 points
Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 241
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 238
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 167
Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 137
Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 133
Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 111
Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 103
Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 91
Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 88
Despite Guyon’s victory it is Mattia Guadagnini who still leads the series points after finishing with 1-13 moto results so heading to the next round Guadagnini holds a 13 point lead over Guyon.
EMX125 Overall Classification
Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 47 points
Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 40
Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 40
Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 33
Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 31
Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 29
Florian Miot (FRA, YAM), 29
Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 27
Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), 19
Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), 16
EMX125 Championship Classification
Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 218 points
Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 205
Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 149
Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 147
Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 146
Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 132
Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 128
Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 93
Guillem Farres Plaza (ESP, KTM), 87
Eddie Jay Wade (GBR, KTM), 76
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
GNCC of West Virginia Falls to Kailub Russell
The Snowshoe GNCC in West Virginia hosted round eight of the 2019 Grand National Cross Country and it was once again Kailub Russell who came away with the win in the premier XC1 class while Ben Kelley remains undefeated in the XC2 class.
Russell extended his championship points lead to 48 with the XC1 class win over Steward Baylor, Ricky Russell, Jordan Ashburn, Grant Baylor, Cory Buttrick, Andrew Delong and Josh Strang.
Kailub Russell – Image by Ken Hill
Kelly now holds an incredible 92 point lead in the XC2 class with the win over Craig DeLong and Kiwi Liam Draper while in the WMX class championship leader in Aussie Tayla Jones didn’t finish the event handing the win and points lead to Becca Sheets.
XC1 Open Pro – Bike – Class Results
Kailub K Russell
Steward Baylor Jr
Ricky A Russell
Jordan Ashburn
Grant Baylor
Cory Buttrick
Andrew R Delong
Josh V Strang
Thaddeus Duvall
XC1 Open Pro – Bike – Class Points
Kailub K Russell – 225
Thaddeus Duvall – 177
Steward Baylor Jr – 166
Trevor Bollinger – 127
Josh V Strang – 92
XC2 250 Pro – Bike – Class Results
Benjamin M Kelley
Craig B Delong
Liam Draper
Alex Teagarden
Ryder Lafferty
XC2 250 Pro – Bike – Class Points
Ben Kelley – 240
Michael Witkowski – 148
Evan Smith – 125
Austin Lee – 121
Craig B Delong – 113
Liam Draper – 111
WXC – Bike – Class Results
Becca N Sheets
Rachael Archer
Mackenzie Tricker
Tayla Jones
WXC – Bike – Class Points
Becca N Sheets – 215
Tayla Jones – 183
Mackenzie Tricker – 159
Rachael Archer – 153
Korie Steede – 118
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Waters and Wilson Storm Gympie MX National
The sprawling Queensland town of Gympie hosted Round 6 of the MX Nationals and it was Todd Waters and Jay Wilson who took the top honours in the MX1 and MX2 classes respectively.
Todd Waters being chased by Kirk Gibbs and Hayden Mellross
Thor MX1 Report
On a fast and flowing natural terrain circuit the MX1 riders were on fire blitzing their way around a circuit that offered a lot to the riders in the way of passing opportunities, but the opening moto was all Waters despite constant pressure from a fresh looking Brett Metcalfe and the pair hit the chequered flag well ahead of Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout.
Moto two had a lot of passing early which saw championship leader Clout crashing hard but by mid moto it was a four-way battle with Waters, Gibbs, Hayden Mellross and Metcalfe freight-training through the gum trees that lined the circuit just as Clout slid his way into 10th place.
Todd Waters
With a few laps to go Gibbs made the move past Waters into the lead and the two combatants went toe to toe right to the finish with Mellross and Metcalfe not far behind while Jesse Dobson, Dylan Long and Clout rounded out the top seven.
Waters 1-2 was enough to give him the overall round win while Gibbs’ 3-1 was good for second while Brett Metcalfe was third overall but as far as the championship points go Water has taken over the lead by 3 ahead of Clout and 5 ahead of Mellross.
Kirk Gibbs
“It was good to get things back on track and finish up with a good result here. More importantly, the way I rode was what mattered and to be able to pass all the guys at the head of the championship and take the moto win means more to me than finishing on the podium for the day. I just need to focus on the way I ride and doing my best laps and the results will continue to flow for the rest of the season. Thanks to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team who always put in 100% and its nice to reward everyone on the team and our supporters a podium this weekend.”
Brett Metcalfe
“I am so happy for everyone on the team. Everyone has been working hard and it paid off this weekend, it feels great to be back up there! It’s always reassuring when you get a good start and build a solid momentum as the day goes on. The break between rounds 5 and 6 has allowed my injury to heal so I am riding back to my potential. I battled back from a mediocre start and once I caught the lead group, it was tight and track condition made it difficult to pass anyone, the dust was intense so ultimately I took fourth. We have a couple of weeks to find some more pace and work on setup. I just want to win, simple as that and I can’t wait for Round 7 in Maitland.”
“It wasn’t a great day and I didn’t ride my best, but I was able to salvage what I could and I’m still only three points from the lead in the championship. There are only five points between three of us in the championship and now it comes down to not making any mistakes and keep putting myself in good position to win races and rounds. Next round is at Maitland, a track that I have raced at a few times and enjoy riding so I will put this one behind me, focus forward for the next round and get things back on track there.”
Securing his first career Superpole and following it with 6-5 finishes for sixth overall, Jesse Dobson has once again shown that he is the fastest privateer in the MX1 (450cc) class.
Jesse Dobson
“I’m really happy to get back to the form I expect after Murray Bridge. I know that I have the speed, and the FC450 is an awesome bike right out of the box, so to take out Superpole was a great start to the day. I spent some time testing suspension with Paul Baericke, and I’ve been riding with Nathan Crawford a lot in the break, and it’s really helped me take another step forward. I didn’t get the starts I needed, especially in the second moto but I felt really good on track, and although it got more technical as the day went on, I was able to move forward in both races. The guys at MX Farm have done a great job, and the track is only going to get better, so thanks to WEM for getting us to such a great venue, and thanks to the crew at MPE Husqvarna, I’ll switch over to a brand new FC450 for the final four rounds of the year!”
Jesse Dobson
MX1 – Raceline Superpole
Jesse Dobson – 1:59.656
Luke Clout +1:59.866
Kirk Gibbs +2:00.924
Brett Metcalfe +2:01.014
Todd Waters +2:21.576
Thor MX1 Moto 1 – Top Ten
Todd Waters 14 Laps Race Time: 29:25.020
Brett Metcalfe +0.773
Kirk Gibbs +23.767
Luke Clout +24.851
Hayden Mellross +37.623
Jesse Dobson +47.614
Caleb Ward +51.167
Jayden Rykers +1:07.289
Richie Evans +1:23.398
Connor Tierney +1:29.192
Fastest Lap: Todd Waters – 2:03.970
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Thor MX1 Moto 1 – Top Ten
Kirk Gibbs 14 Laps – Race Time: 29:55.384
Todd Waters +0.679
Hayden Mellross +1.855
Brett Metcalfe +3.307
Jesse Dobson +15.624
Dylan Long +19.231
Luke Clout +31.941
Jayden Rykers +32.080
Caleb Ward +45.700
Richie Evans +1:02.154
Fastest Lap: Todd Waters – 2:05.823
MX1 Round 6 Overall Top Ten
Todd Waters – 67
Kirk Gibbs – 65
Brett Metcalfe – 60
Hayden Mellross – 56
Luke Clout – 52
Jesse Dobson – 51
Jayden Rykers – 46
Caleb Ward – 46
Richie Evans – 43
Dylan Long – 42
MX1 Championship Top Ten After Round 6
Todd Waters – 332 Points
Luke Clout – 329
Hayden Mellross – 327
Jayden Rykers – 253
Justin Rodbell – 24
Kirk Gibbs – 245
Brett Metcalfe – 241
Jesse Dobson – 227
Richie Evans – 217
Erki Kahro – 190
Motul MX2 Report
The MX2 class was looking like a Wilson Todd white-wash after the opening back-to-back motos where Todd won both despite serious attention from Jay Wilson in moto one and Nathan Crawford in moto two.
Wilson Todd
When the gates dropped on the third and final MX2 race of the day it was Joel Evans who grabbed the holeshot with Luke Reardon and Todd close behind but it all turned to poo early in the lap with Evans going down and taking his fellow Husqvarna rider in Todd down with him.
Jay Wilson soon took over the lead and would go on to take the moto win ahead of Crawford, Aaron Tanti, Kyle Webster and Todd so the overall goes to Wilson over Todd and Crawford but Todd keeps his championship points lead of 24 over Webster and 25 over Wilson.
Jay Wilson
“Wow, its just amazing how things work out, after the first two motos where I was over riding and crashing, I went into race three just looking to ride well and post a result I could be proud of. Winning the round was the last thing on my mind. I didn’t get a great start but made some passes early and managed to hit the lead. I just put down the best laps I could and managed to build a five second lead. It wasn’t until two laps to go that I saw my pitboard that had 1st = 1st that the overall become possible. It was my first moto win of the year. I was a bit fortunate to get the overall win, but I will take it and it just goes to show that you have to keep on plugging away, never give up, and anything can happen. Thanks to my team and my family for another massive effort and we can now look forward to the next round and keep the podium streak going.”
Webster then finished fourth in the afternoon’s final moto to take fifth overall on the day.
Kyle Webster
“Having had a great mid season break with excellent results at Manjimup (third) and the NSW MX titles (first) I was really keen to get back to the Nats. But I never really settled into the track at Gympie on the day and just had to make the most of it. I tried to find my mojo by moto three, and was happy to be able to keep second place in the championship standings. The next round will be important and I will be pushing hard to stay up the front.”
Gympie MX2 Round Points
Jay Wilson 61
Wilson Todd 61
Nathan Crawford 60
Pirelli MX2 – Timed Qualifying
Wilson Todd 1:58.538
Nathan Crawford 1:59.300
Jay Wilson 1:59.491
Aaron Tanti 2:00.394
Kyle Webster 2:01.055
Bailey Malkiewicz 2:02.047
Isaac Ferguson 2:02.539
Dylan Wills 2:03.321
Tomas Ravenhorst 2:03.336
Morgan Fogarty 2:04.256
Pirelli MX2 – Back to Back Race 1 Top Ten
Wilson Todd 7 Laps – Race Time: 14:42.760
Aaron Tanti +3.244
Kyle Webster +8.533
Nathan Crawford +16.917
Bailey Malkiewicz +21.017
Jay Wilson +21.830
Dylan Wills +33.230
Cooper Pozniak +40.975
Joel Evans +42.885
Isaac Ferguson +43.419
Fastest Lap: Wilson Todd – 2:03.718
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Pirelli MX2 – Back to Back Race 1 Top Ten
Wilson Todd 7 Laps – Race Time: 14:49.408
Kyle Webster +4.477
Nathan Crawford +10.396
Aaron Tanti +12.672
Jay Wilson +13.589
Dylan Wills +26.099
Morgan Fogarty +27.054
Isaac Ferguson +34.180
Bailey Malkiewicz +35.273
Cooper Pozniak +51.539
Fastest Lap: Wilson Todd – 2:04.020
Pirelli MX2 – Moto 2 – Top Ten
Jay Wilson 9 Laps – Race Time: 19:20.620
Nathan Crawford +1.057
Aaron Tanti +3.006
Kyle Webster +13.190
Wilson Todd +33.362
Dylan Wills +36.061
Bailey Malkiewicz +40.524
Morgan Fogarty +50.981
Luke Reardon +56.701
Ricky Latimer +1:02.519
Fastest Lap: Nathan Crawford – 2:06.677
MX2 Round 6 Overall Top Ten
Jay Wilson – 61 Points
Wilson Todd – 61
Nathan Crawford – 60
Aaron Tanti – 60
Kyle Webster – 60
Dylan Wills – 50
Bailey Malkiewicz – 48
Morgan Fogarty – 43
Isaac Ferguson – 39
Tomas Ravenhorst – 38
MX2 Championship Top Ten After Round 6
Wilson Todd – 344 Points
Kyle Webster – 320
Jay Wilson – 319
Nathan Crawford – 272
Aaron Tanti – 272
Dylan Wills – 256
Bailey Malkiewicz – 246
Ricky Latimer – 209
Cooper Pozniak – 206
Riley Dukes – 202
Pirelli MXD Report
As per usual the action in the MXD class was fast and furious but it was championship leader in Regan Duffy who came away with the overall ahead of his closest river Max Purvis while Noah Ferguson claimed his maiden MXD podium result finishing in 3rd for the round.
Duffy will take a 17 point lead over Purvis as the whole MX Nationals circus heads to Maitland on July 14.
Motul MXD – Timed Qualifying
Regan Duffy – 2:02.150
Noah Ferguson – 2:02.454
Maximus Purvis – 2:02.454
Rhys Budd – 2:02.951
Mason Semmens – 2:03.794
Brodie Ellis – 2:04.167
Liam Walsh – 2:04.763
Mason Rowe – 2:05.351
Jai Walker – 2:05.455
Jack Kukas – 2:05.848
Motul MXD – Moto 1
Maximus Purvis – 9 Laps – Race Time: 19:13.299
Regan Duffy +6.021
Noah Ferguson +6.202
Mason Semmens +7.232
Jai Walker ++1 Lap
Jayce Cosford +1 Lap
Liam Walsh +1 Lap
Mason Rowe +1 Lap
Tye Jones +1 Lap
Mackenzie O’Bree +1 Lap
Motul MXD – Moto 2
Regan Duffy – 9 Laps – Race time: 19:31.740
Maximus Purvis +3.326
Mason Rowe +33.730
Jayce Cosford +40.893
Noah Ferguson +41.679
Brodie Ellis +1 Lap
Tye Jones +1 Lap
Jai Walker +1 Lap
Rhys Budd +1 Lap
Liam Walsh +1 Lap
MX2 Round 6 Overall Top Ten
Regan Duffy – 67 Points
Maximus Purvis – 67
Noah Ferguson – 56
Mason Rowe – 54
Jayce Cosford – 53
Jai Walker – 49
Tye Jones – 46
Brodie Ellis – 45
Liam Walsh – 44
Mackenzie O’Bree – 41
MX1 Championship Top Ten After Round 6
Regan Duffy – 356 Points
Maximus Purvis – 339
Rhys Budd – 293
Brodie Ellis – 263
Mason Rowe – 261
Noah Ferguson – 253
Jack Kukas – 233
Jayce Cosford – 231
Jai Walker – 230
Liam Walsh – 223
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Musquin & Cooper win in Florida
The WW Ranch Motocross Park in Florida hosted the fifth round of the AMA Motocross Championship and on a tough and technical layout it was Marvin Musquin and Justin Cooper who came away with the overall wins in the 450 and 250 classes respectively.
AMA Motocross Championship 2019 – Round 5 Florida
450 Report
Musquin was forced to come from just outside the top five to win the opening moto from Ken Roczen, Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb, Zach Osborne, Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, Blake Baggett and Dean Ferris but the second moto was all Tomac with a wire-to-wire win ahead of Osborne, Musquin, Anderson, Webb, Barcia and Ferris.
Marvin Musquin
Musquin’s 1-3 scores carried him to the eighth overall win of his career and ends a six-race winless streak and despite his slow start to the afternoon, Tomac’s win in the final moto vaulted him to the runner-up spot in the overall classification (7-1), while Osborne’s late pass on Musquin landed him third (5-2).
Marvin Musquin
“I tried [to catch Tomac]. I knew I had the overall, but winning both motos is the best. I just kind of ran out of energy there at the end. I’m a little disappointed. I didn’t see Zach coming [from third], but it’s still good. I salvaged third place in the moto, and that was good enough to earn the overall.”
Marvin Musquin
Tomac leaves Florida with a six-point lead in the 450 Class standings over Roczen, who finished sixth (2-10). The win allowed Musquin to climb from fifth to third, 31 points out of the lead.
Eli Tomac
“The difference from Moto 1 to Moto 2 was the result of a bad start in the first one. Not sure what happened there. I got a much better Moto 2 start and had a better feel on the bike. I’m happy to get through the heat today. The sand was a serious challenge and it changes things up for us, but overall it was a good day.”
Eli Tomac
Dean Ferris continues to impress with two solid top-ten rides.
Dean Ferris
“Overall, I’m pretty happy with today, I got two really mediocre starts, which kind of made it hard for me, but I put in a big charge. Made a lot of passes in the first moto and was able to get to 10th. In the second moto, the start was a little better. I felt really strong all moto in spite of the heat. I think my big off-season in Australia training in the heat and getting ready for this outdoor championship really helped me today. So I’m really stoked that I could push through and pick up a couple more positions late in the moto because my fitness was strong. We made some improvements while testing throughout the week, as stuff turns out. I’m looking forward to Southwick; onward and upward.”
Dean Ferris
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (1-3)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (7-1)
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (5-2)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (3-4)
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (4-5)
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (2-10)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-6)
Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha (10-7)
Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Honda (9-8)
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (8-9)
450 Class Championship Standings
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 215 points
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 209 points
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 184 points
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 182 points
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 117 points
Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 114 points
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 99 points
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
250 Class
The 250 class had plenty of action with Chase Sexton riding the wheels off his Honda to win the opening moto ahead of Justin Cooper, Michael Mossiman, Dylan Ferrandis, Adam Cianciarulo, RJ Hampshire, Alex Martin and Hunter Lawrence before Ferrandis earned the second moto win over Cooper, Cianciarulo, Lawrence, Mossiman and Martin as Sexton sat in the pits with heat exhaustion.
Justin Cooper
Cooper’s consistent 2-2 results were enough to give him the first professional win of his career, edging out Ferrandis (4-1) who in turn got the nod over Cianciarulo who saw his four-race win streak come to an end in third (5-3) while Lawrence showed plenty of pace to recover from less than stellar star to end up 5th overall.
Justin Cooper
“I won because I got out front, and that felt good. That Moto 2 was the longest moto of my life. I’m just so spent right now. To win in this heat really says something, and it feels great to finally get this the win off my back.”
Justin Cooper
Despite seeing his win streak come to an end, Cianciarulo still has a firm hold on the championship point lead, where he sits 18 points ahead of Cooper. Ferrandis is third, 35 points out of the lead.
Adam Cianciarulo
“I don’t want to take anything away from these guys. They were ripping all day and were just better than me. I just didn’t feel great today. I didn’t really gel with the track, and my body didn’t really feel great. I’m fortunate to have the start like I had with all those wins, and I’m happy to leave here with a podium when I wasn’t at my best.”
Adam Cianciarulo
The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will reach its halfway point next Saturday, June 29, with the MB Tractor & Equipment Southwick National from New England’s legendary The Wick 338.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (2-2)
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (4-1)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (5-3)
Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna (3-5)
Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (8-4)
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (7-6)
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (9-7)
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (6-11)
Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Yamaha (13-8)
Jordan Bailey, Orlando, Fla., Husqvarna (10-12)
250 Class Championship Standings
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 222 points
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 204 points
Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 148 points
Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 142 points
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 129 points
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 116 points
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 79 points
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
McCanney and Salvini share EnduroGP wins
Rovetta in Italy hosted the fifth round of the Enduro GP Championships and it was Daniel McCanney who scored the overall win on day 1 before Alex Salvini recovered from a poor result to win day two.
Danny McCanney – EnduroGP 2019
The rain drenched opening day seemed not to worry McCanney who easily accounted for defending champion Steve Holcombe and the hard charging Matteo Cavallo but the second day saw sunshine which seemed to favour Salvini who stormed to the win over Loïc Larrieu, Antoine Basset, Holcombe and McCanney.
Championship leader Brad Freeman ended up with 7-10 results so his points lead is down to just 4 ahead of Holcombe but Freeman continues to have a healthy 37 point lead in the E1 class while Salvini and Holcombe continue to lead the E2 and E3 class championships respectively.
EnduroGP of Italy – Saturday
The weather had its say on Day 1 of competition at the fifth round of the FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship. The legendary ‘Valli Bergamasche’ race is known for being tough and unpredictable, and this was certainly the case on Saturday as very violent storm swept through the Rovetta area all day long. This altered the race conditions drastically and EnduroGP’s competitors spent a hellish day between rain, mud, and thunderstorms.
Four men shared the top spot over the course of the day, taking it in turns to lead. Matteo Cavallo, Thomas Oldrati, Steve Holcombe and Danny McCanney all had their time in the spotlight, but it was the Manxman who took the spoils at the end of the long and punishing day.
Steve Holcombe – EnduroGP 2019
The 2018 Junior World Champion, Cavallo took control of the race at the start of the day, leaving Thomas Oldrati in his wake, with the local rider overwhelmed by the presence of his many supporters. The two Italians were followed closely by a rider who loves these kind of conditions: the quadruple World Champion, Holcombe. The Brit seemed on great form despite his health woes.
The four protagonists had an absolutely fantastic battle over the three laps which made up today’s racing. The top position alternated between Cavallo and Oldrati, and then back to Holcombe. But it was Danny McCanney who put an end to this constant switch up when the factory Beta rider pipped his rivals by 6 thousandths of a second. His compatriot Holcombe had to settle for second, while Matteo Cavallo completed the top three overall. Oldrati finished 4th ahead of Loic Larrieu.
Loic Larrieu – EnduroGP 2019
Further down the leaderboard was EnduroGP points leader Brad Freeman who had to seriously grit his teeth all day and deal with immense pain. The young Brit limited the damage by finishing an amazing 7th. Also riding injured is Alex Salvini who took a valuable 9th place.
After his victory in last night’s Akrapovic SuperTest, Antoine Meo finished 11th on the day, more than a minute and a half down on the winner.
Antoine Meo – EnduroGP 2019
In the E1 category, Matteo Cavallo took his first ever senior class win in front of his adoring fans. Thomas Oldrati and an ever impressive Brad Freeman rounded out the top three. In E2, Larrieu was able to overthrow Salvini and take an important victory ahead of Christophe Charlier and the ultra-consistent Benjamin Herrera.
Danny McCanney narrowed the gap in E3 title race, winning in front of Holcombe and David Abgrall.
Danny McCanney – EnduroGP 2019
In Junior, TM Racing rider Andrea Verona took his eighth victory out of a possible 9. After a ‘blip’ on Day 2 in Greece where he ‘only’ finished 3rd, the Italian rider was back on top form. The weather conditions and the state of the tests did not prevent Verona from being dominant. He won by more than a minute ahead of Theo Espinasse. Britain’s Jack Edmondson completed the podium.
The J1 category was also taken by Verona, ahead of Espinasse and Roni Kytonen. In J2, we saw an excellent victory from Edmondson. Chile’s Ruy Barbosa and local man Emanuele Facchetti filled out the rest of the podium.
Junior 1 – Day 1 Podium
In the 125cc Youth Cup, Matteo Pavoni took his second victory of the season, this time in front of his home fans. Hamish Macdonald, returning from injury made a great comeback with second place despite still suffering physically. Sardinia’s Claudio Spanu gave his all in the final test of the day to take a podium on Italian soil.
One race after David Knight took the Open Senior title, the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup saw another rider crowned. Portugal’s Goncalo Reis is 2019’s Open 2-Stroke winner. Joining him on the podium were Nico Ranbow and Benet Gomez.
Open 4-Stroke belonged to Robert Riedel’s today as he took a surprise win in front of Pietro Enrico Collovigh and Tom Ellwood, who could only managed third with his Kawasaki.
David Knight kept his pace and took another win in the Senior category. Werner Muller and Duccio Graziani were second and third respectively.
Despite the party atmosphere reverberating around the hills of Rovetta and Clusone, a good night’s sleep will be in order for the exhausted riders. Day 1 at the ‘Valli Bergamasche’ tested everyone to their limits – especially those brave riders who are already injured. Sun is promised for Sunday, but whatever the weather, this Acerbis Grand Prix of Italy 2019 will go down in history.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
EnduroGP of Italy – Sunday
After the incredibly violent storms on Day 1, it was a total turn around for Sunday, with hot weather and sunshine the order of the day. However, the race conditions on this second day of the Acerbis Grand Prix of Italy were still very tricky, with waterlogged tests still very slippery and rutted. Physically and emotionally drained after Saturday’s action, the riders still gave us an absolutely unforgettable race day
Alex Salvini – EnduroGP 2019
Alex Salvini proved once again that he is still one of the top guns in Enduro, shrugging off the pain of his dislocated shoulder, ‘Rocky’ won his home GP in front a fervent crowd. This victory meant so much for the Honda rider, as he scored maximum points in E2 and EnduroGP. Feeling emotional at the finish line, Salvini collapsed, leaning on his ‘tifosi’ (home fans) for support. The rider from Bologna took victory by a considerable margin over his opponents – he was more than 42 seconds ahead of runner-up: Loïc Larrieu.
Loic Larrieu
“I’m a guy from the South, I’m not used to so much rain or being cold, especially in the summer! The day was really complicated, I started off badly but I managed to recover and I’m happy to win in E2, when I really thought that I was going to finish a long way down the order.”
Loic Larrieu – EnduroGP 2019
The factory TM rider seemed much more comfortable in the sun than in the rain, he won 5 tests today (4 Cross and 1 Enduro). In fact, he has been very consistent on all terrains since the start of the year, and despite losing out to Salvini, these latest good results should give him an extra boost before the final two rounds.
One of the most impressive performances of the day came from Antoine Basset. Riding well and with no real mistakes, Basset took 3rd step on the EnduroGP podium. He was in the Top 5 of every test on Sunday, and the Frenchman may well have turned a corner before the summer break.
Steve Holcombe was the first rider to take the reins on Sunday, leading at the end of the first lap. After relinquishing the lead, he managed to stay on the podium for most of the day, but in the end his virus got the better of him and Holcombe dropped down to fourth at the end of the day. However, he can be very satisfied and proud of his overall performance in recent weeks as his health has suffered.
Steve Holcombe – EnduroGP 2019
Danny McCanney had a contrasting Day 2, the overall winner on Saturday lost a full minute on the first test of the day when he hit a rock and the chain came off his TM Racing machine. This unfortunate moment cost him over one minute and he dropped to 21st place! He fought hard all day to finally finish an amazing fifth in the overall standings.
Danny McCanney
“I’m thrilled, this first EnduroGP win means lot to me. The day began badly – my chain came off in the first Extreme test, but when the rain started pouring down I felt very comfortable with the conditions. I am really happy with today’s result!”
Danny McCanney – EnduroGP 2019
By just 4 points, Brad Freeman leaves Italy with the golden plate still affixed on the front of his Beta Boano bike. But without showing extreme courage and putting himself through excruciating pain, he would have certainly lost this lead.
Freeman finished 10th on Day 2, and even won the last run through the Technomousse Extreme Test. The Brit will go to Turin on Tuesday to undergo surgery for the fractured collarbone he has been suffering with since the Grand Prix of Greece. The summer break has come at just the right time for the brave Beta Boano rider.
Brad Freeman
“I feel very bad, I am in such a lot of pain. My condition got worse every turn and the last lap was really hard. I have to really mentally prepare for tomorrow’s race day.”
On this thrilling second day, there was a reshuffle in many of the classes and lots of epic battles too! Let’s take a look at each class…
In E1, Thomas Oldrati won in front of his home crowd. As a long standing regular rider in World Enduro, he has amassed a lot of fans, and they were happy to see him on the top step. Completing the podium were Rudy Moroni and Brad Freeman.
Alex Salvini – EnduroGP 2019
The hero of the day in the Italian crowd’s hearts was Alex Salvini, who took a fantastic win as well as the lead of the E2 category. French duo Loic Larrieu and Antoine Basset rounded off the top three.
Amazingly, Steve Holcombe signed off another win in E3, at the expense of McCanney and Anthony Geslin.
Steve Holcombe
“The GP of Italy is always an incredible event and this year it was one of the best ever – the amount of people who came out to watch the race was incredible. The weather made it an interesting one, with one wet day and one dry day. I enjoyed it as much as I can the way my physical condition is at the moment. Overall, I’m really pleased with my results. Coming so close to winning on day one and then finishing second is a little frustrating, but still a great result all things considered. On Sunday the opening two laps were ok for me, but then I struggled during the third lap – in the rocky cross test and the enduro especially. But that’s what I expected. Being just four points from the lead of the EnduroGP championship is something I really wasn’t expecting, but with just two rounds of the championship remaining it means that everything is to play for. Now it’s all about rest and recovery the best I can. There’s a good break before the next round of the series so I’ll use that time to monitor where I’m at with the virus and do all I can to get back into the best shape.”
Steve Holcombe – EnduroGP of Italy 2019
The title appeared to belong to Andrea Verona from the start of the season as the flawless Italian rider dominated the first 5 Grand Prix of the year. Winning 9 out of 10 days of racing so far, the youngster kept the competitive Junior class at bay in all conditions and over all terrains. A little like his compatriot, Matteo Cavallo, did in 2018, Verona has proven that he will be a star of the future.
Matteo Cavallo
“What a day! I have not often experienced this type of racing conditions in Italy, it was crazy. But I’m so happy to take my first E1 win, and to have been running at the front of EnduroGP during the day. Now that I have tasted victory I want more! But for now I am very tired, I think i’ll go to bed immediately and only get up again tomorrow morning!”
Theo Espinasse saw the victory pass him by as he crashed in the last Maxxis Cross test of the day. Disappointed to miss out, Espinasse promises to win one by the end of 2019!
Although the Frenchman will have to fight with Enric Francisco, who has only one goal for the remainder of the season: to defeat “The Shark”, Andrea Verona. Third on Day 2, the Spaniard was satisfied to have been able to finish such a difficult GP on the podium.
Naturally, the J1 class was won by Andrea Verona, ahead of Espinasse. Belgium’s impressive Antoine Magain took the 3rd step on the podium. In J2, Enric Francisco took a strong victory, beating Ruy Barbosa and Jack Edmondson.
Andrea Verona – EnduroGP 2019
In the Youth Cup 125cc category Claudio Spanu took his first World victory by just 0.4 of a second over the rider who had beaten him by 0.06 of a second in the Spanish GP: Matteo Pavoni! The podium was 100% Italian since Spanu and Pavoni were joined by an extremely promising Manolo Morettini. Is the future of Enduro going to be Italian?
In the Champion Lubes Enduro Open World Cup, the winners of the day are very similar to those of the day before! David Knight took another top step in the Senior class, ahead of Werner Muller and local man, Andrea Belotti. Goncalo Reis made his mark in Open 2-Stroke by winning both days of the Acerbis GP of Italy, ahead of Benet Gomez and Nico Ranbow. In the Open 4-Stroke class, Robert Riedel did the double. Thomas Elwood and Pietro Enrico Collovigh filled out the podium.
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Once again the ‘Valli Bergamasche’ did not disappoint, not only living up to expectations – but exceeding them! This classic Italian event gave us two fantastic days of racing, and a wild party atmosphere! The huge crowds were thrilled by the stars of EnduroGP all weekend long.
Now it’s time for the riders and paddock personnel to have a well deserved rest…. EnduroGP be back in action on 14th and 15th of September for the Czech Republic Grand Prix in the Uhlirske Janovice region.
EnduroGP Podium – EnduroGP of Italy 2019
Enduro GP – DAY 1
Daniel MCCANNEY
Steve HOLCOMBE
Matteo CAVALLO
Thomas OLDRATI
Loïc LARRIEU
Christophe CHARLIER
Brad FREEMAN
Benjamin HERRERA
Alex SALVINI
Antoine BASSET
Antoine MEO
Enduro GP – Day 2
Alex SALVINI
Loïc LARRIEU
Antoine BASSET
Steve HOLCOMBE
Daniel MCCANNEY
Christophe CHARLIER
Thomas OLDRATI
Benjamin HERRERA
Rudy MORONI
Brad FREEMAN
Enduro GP – Day 2 Podium
Enduro GP – Championship Points
Brad FREEMAN – 164
Steve HOLCOMBE – 160
Daniel MCCANNEY – 144
Alex SALVINI – 96
Loïc LARRIEU – 93
E1 Class – DAY 1
Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
Kirian MIRABET – Spain
Rudy MORONI – Italy
E1 Class – DAY 2
Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
Rudy MORONI – Italy
Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
Kirian MIRABET – Spain
Gianluca MARTINI – Italy
E1 – Day 2 Podium
E1 Class – Championship Points
Brad FREEMAN – 190
Thomas OLDRATI – 153
Matteo CAVALLO – 142
E2 Class – DAY 1
Loïc LARRIEU – France
Christophe CHARLIER – France
Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
Alex SALVINI – Italy
Antoine BASSET – France
Antoine MEO – France
E2 Class – DAY 2
Alex SALVINI – Italy
Loïc LARRIEU – France
Antoine BASSET – France
Christophe CHARLIER – France
Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
E2 – Day 2 Podium
E2 Class – Championship Points
Alex SALVINI – 142
Loïc LARRIEU – 141
Christophe CHARLIER – 134
E3 Class – DAY 1
Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
David ABGRALL – France
Anthony GESLIN – France
PHILIPPAERTS – Italy
E3 Class – DAY 2
Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
Anthony GESLIN – France
David ABGRALL – France
Manuel MONNI – Italy
E3 – Day 2 Podium
E3 Class – Championship Points
Steve HOLCOMBE – 191
Daniel MCCANNEY -179
Anthony GESLIN – 140
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Jarvis Wins Hixpania Hard Enduro
Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro was round four of the World Enduro Super Series and it was veteran Graham Jarvis who has claimed the overall win and his podium-topping ride also sees the Brit become the new leader in the race to become this year’s WESS champion.
Graham Jarvis
“What an event and it’s crazy to think I’m leading the WESS now. I’m not going to get too excited just yet though and my plan is to take each race as it comes. Romaniacs is going to be the game changer – hopefully I can at least finish it this year. It was a tough race today I was still tired from yesterday – it was fast but there were still some technical bits. I think everyone was really feeling it and I know I was on the limit today.”
Graham Jarvis – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Mario Roman
“It feels amazing to take the win in the final race. I had such a tough time yesterday on the Cross-Country, crashing six times and bending my handlebars. Despite that I still pushed hard and managed to finish fourth. Today, I wasn’t thinking too much about points, I just wanted to take the win. Graham was really strong and all the others were right up there at the beginning. Halfway through I was thinking it’s not possible to keep going for another hour-and-a-half, but I kept going and we did it. I don’t know how many fans came out to watch the race and cheer on the riders, but to hear them all shouting my name made it possible to keep going and finish the race, so thank you very much to them.”
Mario Roman – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Entering the final day of racing having won the previous two days, Alfredo Gomez was unable to respond to the attack by Jarvis. Admitting to struggling early on, he could only finish fifth for the runner-up result.
Alfredo Gomez
“I tried to push as hard as I could today, but just ran out of strength in the last half of the race – no power at all. All I could do was to keep on going, try not to crash and stay on the bike. It was great fun racing out there with all the home fans cheering. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring home the win for them but overall, I am happy with how the race has gone and I gave it my all. Congratulations to Graham, he did it again.”
Alfredo Gomez – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Putting in a strong ride on Sunday for fourth, Billy Bolt ended his weekend fourth overall while charging his way to third in Sunday’s Lost Roads, Manuel Lettenbichler completed the overall top five.
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round five at Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania on July 30 – August 3.
Hixpania Hard Enduro Overall
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – ESP) 44 points
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 44
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 43
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 40
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 36
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 30
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 29
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 25
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 21
Xavier Leon (Husqvarna – ESP) 19
Top 3 1) Jarvis, 2) Gomez, 3) Roman – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
WESS Championship Standings (After Round 4 of 8)
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 2690 points
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 2570
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 2540
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 2314
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2155
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 2125
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 2090
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 1900
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1631
Travis Teasdale (KTM – RSA) 1610
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Toni Bou Continues Win Streak in the Netherlands
Zelhem in the Netherlands hosted the fourth round of the TrialGP World Championship and once again it was Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou who stormed to victory over Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo.
Toni Bou
The Zelhem course proved to be a demanding one where it was easy to make mistakes in overly-easy sections but Bou took control from the off-set and kept the field in check right until the very end where he earned top spot on the podium with just one penalty picked up on the first lap – five points for time – and an error-free second lap.
Repsol Honda Team get no rest for now, as next weekend, 29th and 30th of June, sees the fifth round of the TrialGP campaign in Belgium.
Toni Bou
“Today we were very clear that it was a day of endurance. At the start of the race, a small mistake would have put you behind, so we knew that it would be tough. We did as well as we could for such a trial. It was a pity about the time penalty on the first lap, since I had a good second lap with zero points. I am in a good moment of riding and physical fitness, so I am very happy. Also thanks to the team for all their work.”
Toni Bou
TrialGP of Netherlands 2019 Top 10
BOU Toni
RAGA Adam
FAJARDO Jeroni
FUJINAMI Takahisa
BUSTO Jaime
CASALES Jorge
DABILL James
KADLEC Franz
BINCAZ Benoit
RICE Jack
TrialGP of Netherlands 2019 Podium – 1) Toni Bou, 2) Adam Raga, 3) Jeroni Fajardo
TrialGP Rider Standings
BOU Toni – 80 – Repsol Honda Team
RAGA Adam – 66 – TRRS Factory Team
FUJINAMI Takahisa – 53 – Repsol Honda Team
FAJARDO Jeroni – 50 – Gas Gas
DABILL James – 42 – Beta Factory Racing
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Cairoli and Herlings injured
Red Bull KTM rider Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings were forced to sit out last weekend’s Grand Prix of Germany which was the tenth round of eighteen in the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship.
Tony Cairoli
Herlings re-injured his right leg just prior to winning the first race at Kegums in Latvia last Sunday after which the Dutchman was forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix with a hairline fracture at the base of his tibia bone and underwent minor surgery to insert a small reparatory screw this week. The 24 year old will remain in a cast and airboot for almost two weeks before he can again go through the physio, rehab and training process to be back on his KTM 450 SX-F.
Cairoli fell in the second race last weekend and dislocated his right shoulder and despite initial scans being positive the joint continues to be painful so further examinations will take place in two weeks time to know the exact extent of the damage.
Jeffrey Herlings – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Robert Jonas – VP of Offroad
“We had some amazing success in the last two years in the MXGP class and that has so much to do with our riders, our excellent team and all the support we have in place. Now we are experiencing the hard part of motocross but we know this is part of sport unfortunately. We don’t like it but we have to accept it and do our best to help Jeffrey and Tony get better and soon be in a position to be fighting at the front again.”
Connor Guillot wins R&D Husky TC65
Thanks to R&D Husky, 50cc 7 to under-9 racer Conner Guillot has won a brand-new Husqvarna TC65 at the 2019 The King of MX NSW State Motocross Championships.
Dave Cooke
“When you look at the 50cc seven to under nine class, it’s full of talented young racers learning their craft, with the older kids in the group usually also racing in the 65cc seven to under nine class as they progress. This means that it can be quite tough for the younger riders to win races, so we really wanted to give them something else to race for to reward their hard work, and Jeff (Mackin) from R&D Husky agreed. So, at the 2019 King of MX, any 50cc racer who qualified for the final, that didn’t have a 65cc endorsement, would be in the running to win a brand-new Husqvarna TC65, complete with custom King of MX graphics thanks to Tee N Cee.”
Motorcycling NSW has a relationship with the team at R&D for a long time, through their generous sponsorship of many state and club events. Not only was Connor the highest finishing racer in the 50cc seven to under nine State Championship without a 65cc endorsement, he raced to second overall in the class behind Kyle Harvey after scoring 2-1-3 results across the three championship races.
Australian Supercross kicks off in Brisbane
Troy Bayliss Events have announced that the opening round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship will return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on the 12th of October.
Australian Supercross Championship
Troy Bayliss Events surveyed a number of teams, manufacturers and riders, including three-time Australian Supercross Champion, America’s Justin Brayton in the quest to find an excellent venue for the Queensland round in 2019.
All parties unanimously touting Brisbane Entertainment Centre the best venue for bar-to-bar racing action and edge-of-your-seat entertainment for fans.
Troy Bayliss
“It’s been a great move for the series with many teams congratulating Troy Bayliss Events on its decision to go to such a quality venue. History shows indoor arenas create high levels of exciting and entertaining Supercross racing. Fans are treated to an experience like no other, the tracks are tight and produce incredible racing full of passes.”
Troy Bayliss
Fans will be right on top of the action on October 12 with comfy seating and zero chance of weather issues, the night of action is set to be spectacular. Freestyle Motocross will also feature as one of many additions within the night’s program.
Bayliss suggested the move to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre will draw more international riders to Australian Supercross Championship teams.
Troy Bayliss
“Some manufacturers have already indicated more international talent will be competing in the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship due to the inclusion of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. We want to make sure the series kicks off with a bang in 2019 and this venue will allow us to do that. The Supercross Masters era and more recently in Sydney, Supercross sold out arenas year-on-year and we expect the same in Brisbane. It’s one-night-only, we won’t be announcing another night closer to the event, the stadium holds 9500 fans and we have removed allocation for corporate and hospitality requirements so we expect the night to sell out well in advance.”
Round 1 in Brisbane will run a completely unique ‘Double Header’ format this year, with SX1 & SX2 classes contesting two main event finals, with points from each determining the round champion resulting in more racing for the fans.
Glyn Griffiths – Honda Australia Motorcycles.
“The Australian Supercross Championship reaches new markets and hits a diverse range of people which is what we need, we have been fortunate to win three championships in a row on the Honda CRF450R with Justin Brayton. We are excited with where Supercross is heading in Australia and look forward to Round 1 starting at Brisbane.”
Pre-sale tickets are available from 12 pm Tuesday 25 of June, and fans are urged to sign-up now at troybaylissevents.com to secure the best seats in the house. General Ticket Sales will be available from Wednesday 3 July and begin from as little as $40.00 through Ticketek.
Exclusive VIP packages will also be available to fans that include the full VIP experience, incredible gifts plus track walk, private meet and greets and of course, the closest seats to the action money can buy.
General public arriving between 4 – 5 pm can experience the free Pit Party outside the arena, giving all fans the opportunity to meet and greet the riders and teams. Gates Open at 5 pm and the Main Event is from 6 pm – 9 pm. For all latest Australian Supercross Championship news and updates go to www.australiansupercross.com.au.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
RC V BT at New Zealand SX Open
Ricky Carmichael and Ben Townley will go head-to-head for the first time ever on New Zealand soil at this year’s Monster Energy S-X Open at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on November 16.
This will be the first time that Carmichael and Townley have raced side-by-side since 2007 and they will be joining Chad Reed and Jason Anderson at the second NZ SX Open.
Ricky Carmichael
“I couldn’t be more excited to be racing in Auckland this November 16, it will be my first time ever racing there, and I’m excited to put on an epic show for the fans at Mt Smart Stadium. BT and I have raced together many times before, and he’s always been a tough guy to beat, and it’s been a long time since we’ve gone bar-to-bar. We raced plenty back in the day at the GOAT Farm, he was easy to beat then, and I reckon he’s gonna be easy to beat now, so I think I’m going to have to beat him in front of his home crowd in Auckland on November 16.”
Ricky Carmichael
Townley put in a fantastic showing at last year’s inaugural S-X Open Auckland, after taking down rival Ronnie Mac and his Internationals Team, to win the International Showdown feature race, capping off a huge win for Team ANZACs over the Internationals and plans to back it up again in 2019.
Ben Townley
“I’ve had plenty of battles with RC back in the day when I based myself out of his training facility in the US in 2006 and ’07. Ricky never let any cameras in the ‘GOAT Farm’ back then and was always so secretive about the place, truth be told he just didn’t want anyone to know how much I was beating him by in his own backyard! It’s going to be awesome to battle head-to-head against Ricky again and it’s a massive win for Kiwi sports fans that the GOAT is coming to New Zealand to put on a show for us at Mt Smart Stadium on November 16. He might be an old boy now but Ricky still has plenty of tricks in the bag so I’ll be training hard to ensure I take home the trophy for the ANZACs again!”
Ben Townley #8
S-X Open Auckland will also form the fourth round of the Australian Supercross Championship, the first time an event in New Zealand will be a part of the Australian series, and will feature the Triple-Crown Final race format, with non-stop, high-intensity action that will have fans on the edge of their seats, for the entire duration of the event.
The S-X Open Auckland database pre-sale commences June 20 from 12pm NZST with public on-sale becoming available from June 26 12pm NZST via Ticketmaster, tickets start from $39.00*. Sign up for pre-sale at www.sxopen.com
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Max Fricke gets Norrbil Swedish SGP call up
Max Fricke will bid to put his Hallstavik home-track knowledge to good use after being called up for the Norrbil Swedish SGP on July 6. The SGP second reserve steps into the meeting in place of the absent Greg Hancock, who continues to care for wife Jennie, who is battling breast cancer in California.
Max Fricke – Image by Haggis Hartman
The Australian joins Rospiggarna team mate Robert Lambert in the meeting, with the British champion already drafted in to cover for the injured Tai Woffinden.
The opportunity comes as a boost to Fricke after he topped the ANLAS Czech SGP scorechart in Prague on 12 points, before exiting at the semi-final stage.
Lambert has also taken his SGP chance with both hands, reaching the semis in both Warsaw and Krsko, before missing out on six points in Prague.
Both men will be keen to make the most of their local knowledge when they join their Rospiggarna colleague and SGP regular Jason Doyle in the field for one of Sweden’s biggest nights of racing.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
The 2019 Hixpania Hard Enduro was held across three days, and made up Round 4 of the World Enduro Super Series.
Graham Jarvis took the overall win on Sunday, tied on 44-points with Alfredo Gomez. Mario Roman won the Sunday event.
Graham Jarvis claims the Hixpania Hard Enduro win in 2019
Leaving Round 4, Jarvis holds a 120-point lead over Lettenbichler, with Mario Roman a further 30-points behind. Afredo Gomez and Billy Bolt complete the top five.
SuperEncierro Friday
Getting this weekend’s three-day race underway in spectacular style the medieval town of Aguilar de Campoo in northern Spain was treated to some world-class Enduro racing. In the heart of the town square, a short-but-challenging Superenduro course was laid out for the 350 competitors, all of which entertained thousands of spectators who lined the trackside.
SuperEncierro – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Home favourite Alfredo Gomez made a winning start to Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro, with victory in Friday’s SuperEncierro Prologue. Making it a 1-2 for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Billy Bolt joined his teammate on the podium for second, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jonny Walker completed the top three.
Alfredo Gomez topped Friday’s racing – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Building on Friday’s SuperEncierro Prologue, day two at the Hixpania Hard Enduro saw the 350 competitors compete in a challenging Cross-Country race. A tough 50-kilometre loop marked out around the town’s nearby lake, it saw the pro riders in the Knight category complete three energy-sapping laps.
Campoo X-Treme – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Putting in a strong and commanding ride on the second day of racing at Hixpania Hard Enduro, Afredo Gomez once again triumphed in front of his home crowd to claim victory in the three-lap Cross-Country. In what proved to be an excellent day for Husqvarna, Gomez was followed home by his teammates Graham Jarvis and Billy Bolt in second and third respectively.
Campoo X-Treme – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Saturday Campoo X-Treme Top 5
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4:40:48.790
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 4:41.14.980
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 4:43:34.070
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 4:45:31.614
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4:49:34.667;
Sunday Mitas Lost Roads
In the final hotly contested battle, it was Mario Roman who narrowly beat Jarvis for the win in Sunday’s Mitas Lost Roads Hard Enduro race, securing him an overall podium result of third. Event leader Alfredo Gomez placed fifth in Sunday’s race, slipping to second in the event’s overall classification.
Graham Jarvis – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
The third and final day of racing saw the 70 riders who qualified through from Saturday’s Campoo de X-Treme race tackle the tough and demanding Lost Roads Hard Enduro. During the two-hour 30-minute race, a short-course laid out around a challenging quarry and surrounding forest pushed competitors to their limits.
A Le Mans style start saw riders race on foot to their bikes, which were located in a cave. Roman was first to enter with Taddy Blazusiak hot on his heels. The duo swapped and changed the race lead during the opening two laps as everyone settled into the rhythm of the race.
Taddy Blazusiak – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Knowing that only a top-two result would suffice if rival Gomez were to place fifth or better, Jarvis determinedly worked his way towards the front of the field. With one hour to go both Jarvis and Roman had broken clear of Manuel Lettenbichler in third. Battling closely, they entered the final lap wheel-to-wheel.
Roman managed to edge clear slightly as they entered the finishing arena, however a mistake on a downhill allowed Jarvis to momentarily regain the lead. But Roman was eager to impress his home crowd and fought his way back in front to power up the final climb for the final day’s race win.
Alfredo Gomez – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Although losing the battle, Jarvis ultimately won the war, with second place enough to give him the overall Hixpania Hard Enduro win and with it move to the top of the championship standings.
Graham Jarvis – P1 Overall
“What an event and it’s crazy to think I’m leading the WESS now. I’m not going to get too excited just yet though and my plan is to take each race as it comes. Romaniacs is going to be the game changer – hopefully I can at least finish it this year. It was a tough race today I was still tired from yesterday – it was fast but there were still some technical bits. I think everyone was really feeling it and I know I was on the limit today.”
Graham Jarvis – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Entering the final day of racing having won the previous two days, Gomez was unable to respond to the attack by Jarvis. Admitting to struggling early on, he could only finish fifth for the runner-up result.
Alfredo Gomez – P2 Overall
“I tried to push as hard as I could today, but just ran out of strength in the last half of the race – no power at all. All I could do was to keep on going, try not to crash and stay on the bike. It was great fun racing out there with all the home fans cheering. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring home the win for them but overall, I am happy with how the race has gone and I gave it my all. Congratulations to Graham, he did it again.”
Alfredo Gomez – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Putting in a strong ride on Sunday for fourth, Billy Bolt ended his weekend fourth overall. Charging his way to third in Sunday’s Lost Roads, Lettenbichler completed the overall top five. The World Enduro Super Series continues with round five at Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania on July 30 – August 3.
Nathan Watson – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Mario Roman – P3 Overall
“It feels amazing to take the win in the final race. I had such a tough time yesterday on the Cross-Country, crashing six times and bending my handlebars. Despite that I still pushed hard and managed to finish fourth. Today, I wasn’t thinking too much about points, I just wanted to take the win. Graham was really strong and all the others were right up there at the beginning. Halfway through I was thinking it’s not possible to keep going for another hour-and-a-half, but I kept going and we did it. I don’t know how many fans came out to watch the race and cheer on the riders, but to hear them all shouting my name made it possible to keep going and finish the race, so thank you very much to them.”
Mario Roman – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Billy Bolt – P4 Overall
“I’m so happy with my result today I really wasn’t expecting to do so well. I didn’t get a good start and was down in ninth for the first few laps. I was really feeling it and after hurting my shoulder yesterday I just had no power at all today. I tried to stay mistake-free and avoid having to muscle the bike around too much. I was making a good pace and started picking off the riders in front. I saw Alfredo towards the end and really went for it to catch and pass him. There’s still a lot of work to do to get somewhere close to where I was last year, but I’ve definitely achieved a lot of personal goals this weekend.”
Billy Bolt – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Jonny Walker – P6 Overall
“I’m happy with my riding over the course of the weekend, but my result isn’t where I want to be. I made a stupid mistake yesterday and bent my handlebars, that cost me about seven minutes. I rode well after that and tried to save my wrist as best as I could, five hours on the bike was a long time though. I started off well today but after about an hour-and-a-half I started to struggle a bit. When you’re going up and down hills like that it’s so tough on your arms and I ran out of strength. With a bit of a rest now before Romaniacs I’ll try to work on my strength and come back stronger.”
Jonny Walker – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Taddy Blazusiak – P7 Overall
“I have gone through a lot of pain this weekend but I saved some points and my result isn’t too bad considering. I have got a few weeks to heal now as I’m sure I won’t have done my finger any good. Luckily there is a good break before Romaniacs at the end of July.”
Josep Garcia – P9 Overall
“The event has been ok – I’m happy to take good points from the weekend and it’s always good to race in front of your home crowd. Yesterday’s cross-country went well and I finished inside the top 10 so today I was able to start in the cave, which was good fun. There were some sections in yesterday’s race and today that were perhaps a little too extreme, I think there needs to be the correct balance for all riders. We have Romaniacs next and I have a year’s experience now so at least I know what to expect. I’ll keep working hard with my training and hopefully get a good finish next round.”
Josep Garcia – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Hixpania Hard Enduro – Results WESS Round 4
Top 3: 1) Graham Jarvis, 2) Afredo Gomez, 3) Mario Roman- Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
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