Tag Archives: Jed Beaton

Aussies do well in mid-week MXGP in Italy

2020 MXGP

Round 7 – MXGP of Città di Faenza


Round seven of the FIM Motocross World Championship concluded overnight in Faenza for the MXGP of Città di Faenza, the second of the trio of races happening in the Emilia Romagna region.

MXGP – Round Seven Overall
1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 44 points
2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 41 p.
3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 39 p.;

The Grand Prix itself, saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sweep the podiums in MXGP and MX2 as Jorge Prado and Tom Vialle were victorious in the categories. For Prado this was a special moment as he took his first MXGP career overall win, during his rookie season. Meanwhile his KTM team-mate Tom Vialle took his first double race win of the season in MX2.

MX2 Overall
1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 50 points
2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 40 p.
3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 38 p

Though it was a bittersweet day for the KTM squad as one name missing from the races was the MXGP Championship leader, Jeffrey Herlings. The red plate holder crashed during free practice, landing awkwardly on the second jump and taking most of the impact on his upper body. As a result, the Dutchman missed out on the GP after being taken to hospital for further checks as a precaution.

Jed Beaton

For the Aussies abroad Jed Beaton starred in the second MX2 Moto with a brilliant second place but P12 in the opening Moto meant that his combined result gave him fifth overall for the round. Beaton now ranks fourth in the MX2 Championship standings.

Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton

“It was a decent day overall and to get second in the second race was a solid. It’s been a little while since I was on the podium. First moto wasn’t great but considering that I was hit by a bike and taken off track I’m lucky to not be injured. When I got going my arm was really sore and I rode steady for a couple of laps to feel it out. The adrenaline kicked in then I put my head down. Got back to 12th despite another crash so that wasn’t too bad. Race two was way better. The track was watered quite heavily so it was a little icy for a few laps. I pretty much rode my own race. Good start, stayed upright and clicked off laps and second place is awesome. I’m looking forward to carry this momentum in to the next round on Sunday.”

Jed Beaton

Bailey Malciewicz scored 15th in the opening MX2 bout after what had been a lightning start, followed by 20th in the second to place 19th for the round. Bailey is 25th on the points table.

Bailey Malciewicz

Nathan Crawford was 17th in the opening MX2 Moto but slipped to 29th in the second bout as things just did not fall his way.

Nathan Crawford and Bailey Malciewicz

Mitch Evans, the sole Aussie in the premier MXGP class continues to prove his credentials, carding 9-4 results to earn P7 for the round and now ranks 11th in the championship ahead of Jeremy van Horebeek and Jordi Tixier. If not for arm-pump issues he would have improved his overnight score after also running up the front in the opening Moto before fading later in the Moto.

Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans

“Very good day which started off well in timed practice, where I was in first position for awhile in the session. That was a cool feeling but I knew the racing was the main focus. In the first moto I got a really good start but struggled a bit with arm-pump due to probably pushing too hard at the beginning. I wasn’t riding myself and ended up in ninth which I wasn’t too happy about, but I put it behind me for moto two. I didn’t get quite such a good start in race two but I kept pushing the whole moto and made some passes and I was battling with the front guys, which was very satisfying to be back up there and running their pace. I was really happy with how that race went, finishing fourth and now I’m looking forward to getting some more top fives when we race again on Sunday.”

Mitch Evans

Next Sunday Monte Coralli will host the last race of the triple header with the Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna, the eighth round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship.


MXGP

As the gate dropped for the first MXGP race of the day, it was Jorge Prado who claimed the first Fox Holeshot of the day. He was closely followed by Team HRC’s Mitch Evans, Jeremy Seewer of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre, Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Tim Gajser of Team HRC.

MXGP

Evans was looking impressive as he was pushing to pass Prado for the lead, though Seewer was edging closer to the Honda rider and was becoming a real threat in the race.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis was among a group of riders who crashed out on the first lap and was down outside the top 20 on the opening laps.

By lap 3, Seewer was already in second after successfully passing Evans. Then came Febvre who also passed the Australian and moved himself into P3. Cairoli was next to pass Evans and then came Gajser.

Mitch Evans was held back by arm-pump problems in the opening moto

A couple of laps later we saw a change in the lead as Seewer was finally able to find a way to pass Prado and move into P1.

Evans then continued to lose positions as he struggled with arm-pump, as Alessandro Lupino of Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing was the next rider to pass the factory rider, and then came Glenn Coldenhoff with his Standing Construct GasGas Factory machine, pushing Evans down to 8th.

As Seewer extended his lead to 3.2 seconds, Prado was starting to come under pressure from Febvre, with the top three riders holding a nice gap to Cairoli who was fourth at the time.

With 3 laps to go, Seewer was already 6.6 seconds ahead, with Prado a further 6 seconds or so ahead of Febvre. Meanwhile further down the field, Jasikonis was up in 10th after passing Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing.

With 2 laps to go, Evans then came under fire from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin, who pushed the Honda rider down to 9th.

In the end, Seewer went on to take his first ever MXGP race win, as Prado crossed the line second and Febvre third.

The second MXGP race saw Prado and Cairoli out in the lead, with Prado taking yet another Fox Holeshot. Meanwhile Seewer was down in 14th after a difficult start, which left him with a lot of work to do if he wanted to fight for a podium spot.

Prado then led the way as Gajser moved into P2 pushing Cairoli down a position. It then didn’t take long for Gajser to catch Prado and start to apply the pressure for the lead.

Tim Gajser

Meanwhile, Seewer was working to make up the positions as he moved in 7th and caught on to the back of Desalle. He struggled to pass Desalle for quite some time, and even missed out on a position as Febvre also caught up to the pair and was able to pass both.

On lap 5 Gajser became the new race leader after passing Prado, with Cairoli third and Evans having another solid run in fourth ahead of Coldenhoff and Febvre.

Jasikonis was having a much better start to the race in the second MXGP race as he moved into the top 10 and caught up with Desalle, who he passed on lap 6 for 8th in the race.

Tim Gajser

Moments later it seemed like Prado was pushing for his first MXGP race win as only 0.7 seconds kept him from Gajser. And as Gajser defended the lead from the KTM rider, his team-mate started to challenge Cairoli, who he passed. Evans then continued to push forward, even setting the fastest lap of the race, which gave us hopes of potentially seeing a HRC 1-2 in the second heat.

As the race progressed, Seewer found himself on the ground, though he did not lose any positions.

Jeremy Seewer

Evans then caught on to the back of Prado, but as the race progressed, he started to make a few mistakes as Cairoli switched up a gear and started to go after the Australian. With just 2 laps to, Cairoli was able to move past Evans and finish the race in 3rd.

In the end it was Gajser who took his first race win in Faenza, with Prado finishing second once again and Cairoli third, on his 250th Grand Prix attendance!

It was a special moment for Jorge Prado who took his first ever MXGP overall victory, with Gajser finishing second and Seewer taking to the first step of the podium despite finishing the race in 7th.

In terms of the championship, despite missing the Grand Prix, Herlings remained the championship leader, with Cairoli a further 22 points back in second and Gajser 4 more points back in third.

Jorge Prado

“Already a podium in Latvia was already a big achievement for me after a rough start to the year and now getting this win. Winning is so difficult because you have to put together two good races together and two good starts and these guys are pushing hard. In every single race you give it all until the last lap. I had two good starts, just two mistakes in both races which maybe cost me a race win. I’m still very happy because that last race was a very tough one, I was pushing very hard and I really wanted to get that win, but I’m supper happy. Just doing a 35 minute race in a track like this is rough and to battle with these guys until the last lap is even more challenging, these guys are pushing at every single lap and you got to stay there and if you go a bit slower they pass you everywhere, if one passes you everybody starts passing you. Last Sunday I got passed a lot so this time I’ve got to stay on two wheels but give it my all and I got the second position for first overall.”

Tim Gajser

“Being back at the front is a good feeling. The last couple of rounds have been a struggle for me with a little bit of bad luck and some mistakes so today I’m quite satisfied, first of all I had a little bit of bad luck but anyway I did my best and finished 5th, in the second one I got the win so I’m happy. I was putting a lot of pressure in the beginning of the season about the championship, so now I just want to go out there and have fun, ride like I know and that’s the goal now for the future”.

Tim Gajser
Jeremy Seewer

“First of all, the day started really well. In the first race I got a good start, got good flow and could take the lead and finally I won a race. It felt really good to be on the top in the MXGP class. And then the second race started horrible and I can’t even explain why my start was horrible, my bike just dropped completely on the RPM and stood still, had to go through the pack and was around fifteenth. Managed really well but then, Desalle is really hard to pass, I got stuck behind him for a few laps. I played catch-up, started to catch the first group and then I tried to get Romain and had a small crash. That was it, still on the podium and overall still a positive day with a race win and having a good position. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Jeremy Seewer
Tony Cairoli

“It was difficult today. My goal for these three GPs here was to finish on the podium each time as I tend to struggle a bit more on these kinds of tracks. We made it last Sunday and just missed out by one point today. It’s not the best result but, overall, I’m quite happy and next Sunday we’ll have another chance. We have to stay calm and look to take good points every time.”

Romain Febvre

“The first race was really good. I had a good start and was third; I was happy with my riding but after twenty minutes I lost the contact with the leaders when I made a mistake in front of the pits. I pushed hard to recover but on the last lap I made another small mistake. My second start was not so good. I rode a strong opening lap to come through but the leaders were already a long way in front when I finally got to sixth; I had some nice battles with Seewer, Coldenhoff and Clement, but in the end I had to be satisfied with sixth. I’m a little bit disappointed as a podium was possible with a better start, but that’s racing!“

Romain Febvre
Glenn Coldenhoff

“I’m happy with my riding despite the end result not necessarily showing it. Today was an improvement on Sunday so I’m happy with this. Last weekend I wasn’t quite on the pace but today I was, in qualifying and in the races. Race one was crazy during the opening laps so for the second race I moved closed to the inside to avoid this. There was still a lot of bar banging and I managed to break away in fifth place. The gap to fourth wasn’t so big but we are all running a similar pace at the front, so it was hard to catch and make a pass. I’m looking forward to Sunday where I’m sure I can challenge for better results.”

Glenn Coldenhoff
Clement Desalle

“It was a little better than last weekend; I feel some improvement. My first start was not so good and I made some mistakes in the early laps so I finished eleventh. My second start was really good in third position, but I’m not back on the form of some rivals at the moment due to the situation with my neck and my back; eleventh and ninth are not so bad as this time last week I wasn’t even sure I would be able to race. My second race was better; for sure it was the best of the last four here at Faenza. At the end of the race I still have some pain in my back; I hope that with some more rest and physical training it will be better on Sunday. I want to thank the team for their support during this difficult period.”

Clement Desalle
Gautier Paulin

“I didn’t have a good day today. I am not happy with how it went. In the first moto I had a big mistake on turn-two, I jumped long and slid on a rut and went sideways and off the track. I rejoined around 17th and came back to eighth. In the second race, I made some small mistakes and found it hard to find my base. I am definitely going to take some rest now and do my best to regroup for the third round here. I definitely want to do good and I am looking forward to it because I have everything I need. My bike is working awesome, so I am ready to have a good third round in Faenza. This is all I need!”

Gautier Paulin

MXGP of Città di Faenza Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto Weekly | Beaton podiums at Dutch International | Calendar Updates | E-FMX

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 28, 2020

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Dutch International Motocross

MX1

In his first competitive outing since round two of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Glenn Coldenhoff lined up on home soil for the Dutch International onboard the new GasGas Factory Racing MC 450F machine. A strong start in race one enabled Coldenhoff to shadow race leader Romain Febvre for the duration of the moto, making a charge for the lead as the race neared its conclusion. The 29-year-old was able to pull to within one second of the race lead, ultimately ending the moto in a strong second place.

Glenn Coldenhoff

Moto two saw history made with Glenn Coldenhoff taking GasGas’ maiden international motocross race win. Charging to the moto two holeshot, a small mistake on the opening lap relegated Coldenhoff to second position before he formed part of a four-rider battle for the win. Able to take control of the race at the halfway stage and withstand pressure from many of his MXGP rivals, Glenn took the race victory and with it the overall win.

Glenn Coldenhoff MX1 winner

It felt great to be back racing. I’ve worked really hard and put in a lot of time training and riding and it showed today. Ahead of this weekend I picked up a small foot injury and I was unable to ride for five days but it’s fully healed and I’m 100%. Qualifying was good, third place. My reaction on the start wasn’t great in race one and I had to push hard to move forwards. I was riding a little tense as I’ve not raced for such a long time so second place was a great way to return to racing. In race two I pulled a huge holeshot. I then made a little mistake and dropped back to second. I was able to regain the lead at the halfway point and then it was a charge to the end, we were all pushing so hard for the win and I’m really happy to have taken the race and overall win for myself and the team.

Glenn Coldenhoff
Romain Febvre = points with Coldenhoff

It was my first race for five and a half months so it was great just being behind a starting gate again! I was fastest in the timed practice period, got two good starts and had two good motos; it was even better than what I could expect for such a race as you inevitably feel tense when you didn’t race for a while. I had a good feeling all day long. The first moto was good as I led from start to finish. In the second race I was second behind Coldenhoff and passed him after a few laps; I was leading the race but the track was rough as usual in The Netherlands and I made several small mistakes. Glenn and Paulin passed me, but then I could overtake Gautier again to finish just behind Glenn. It was a good weekend; I’m very happy with everything – the bike, the team, my condition – and now we have one more race next weekend in Axel before the MXGP of Latvia.”

MX2

Jed Beaton made a strong start in race one, ending the opening lap in third place. Among a frantic group at the head of the field, Beaton’s FC 250 machine powered him into first position on lap four as he led many of his MX2 World Championship rivals. Slipping back to third place the Australian kept the lead riders in sight during the remaining laps of the race.

Race two in Arnhem was somewhat uneventful for Beaton. After working on his starts over recent months, he fired out of the gate and ended lap one in a strong fourth place. At the midway stage of the race the Australian was in sixth, shadowing his teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen who later tipped over on the final lap, gifting fifth position to Beaton. With his 3-5 moto finishes, Jed placed fourth overall.

Jed Beaton

It was great to be back racing today and get some gate drops ahead of the GPs starting again. It’s been a long time since we’ve been racing so the nerves were back and it was good to get them out of the way before Latvia in two weeks. I rode a little tight in the first moto, which is to be expected after so much time off the bike. It was great to lead some laps during the middle part of that race. I’ve been working on my starts a lot lately and that showed today, two good starts and I tied for third overall with almost all of the MX World Championship riders so I’m really happy with where I’m at.”

Jed Beaton

Results – 2020 Dutch International

MX1 – Overall

  1. Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 47pts
  2. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 47
  3. Gautier Paulin (Yamaha) 38

MX1 – Race 1

  1. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 19 laps, 33:12:079
  2. Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 33:14:977
  3. Jeremy Seewer (Yamaha) 33:24:310

MX1 – Race 2

  1. Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 19 laps, 33:27:549
  2. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 33:29:131
  3. Gautier Paulin (Yamaha) 33:296:23

MX2 – Overall

  1. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 50pts
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (Husqvarna) 37
  3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (Kawasaki) 36
  4. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36
Thomas Kjer Olsen

MX2 – Race 1

  1. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 18 laps, 31:50:993
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (Husqvarna) 31:52:600
  3. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 32:00:031

MX2 – Race 2

  1. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 19 laps, 33:09:002
  2. Ben Watson (Yamaha) 33:09:818
  3. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 33:29:039
    5. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 33:47:382
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Broc Tickle to Fill in for Plessinger

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team has signed Broc Tickle for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season to fill in for Aaron Plessinger who continues to focus on his return to full fitness after a training injury last week.

Plessinger dislocated his wrist while training for the upcoming Outdoor season earlier this month at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. The 2018 250MX Pro Motocross Champion underwent surgery to repair it and quickly began the rehab process, but unfortunately the time-line for recovery could take 12 weeks.

Tickle is eager to make his debut aboard the factory-prepped Yamaha YZ450F at the season opener at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on August 15. The 2011 250SX West Champion brings a lot of experience to the effort and is ready to get rolling with his new team to get some top results in the Outdoor season.

After being delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule is action packed with nine rounds starting with the season opener in mid-August in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee and finishes in Pala, California on October 10.

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS

Unfortunately, Aaron was injured last week just as we were ramping up for the start of the motocross season. We are excited to have someone with Broc’s experience on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory team and are looking forward to getting the Pro Motocross season started!”

Broc Tickle – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

I’m super excited about this opportunity and grateful to be a part of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team for the outdoor season that starts up here in a couple weeks. For myself, I’m just really looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity, and a good group of people around me. We’ll start off at Loretta’s and build from there.”

2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Calendar

2020 Australian Motocross Championship update

Further to the recent announcement by Motorcycling Australia (MA) that the management and promotion of the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship will be brought in house and the intention of announcing a five to six round MX calendar this week, MA can provide a further update for teams, riders, its members and motocross fans across Australia.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MA has constantly and closely monitored the heath crisis developments and has regularly been in consultation with the national sporting body – Sports Australia and government departments to receive the latest updates and advice. The recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria and NSW over the past two weeks, and the increasing restrictions being imposed, have forced a re-evaluation of the original September to November time-line, although M.A. are still hopeful of a late September start if possible.

These circumstances have now resulted in a delay in announcing the 2020 Australian Motocross calendar as MA, its partners and its host clubs work tirelessly to ensure a multi round championship is possible for 2020.

All efforts are still focussed on an east coast based championship, but any final decision and announcements will depend on government COVID-19 rules and regulations at that time. MA remains committed to communicating regularly with the national MX community as updates become available.

Further announcements will be made in due course.

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Motorcycling Australia Events Update

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is monitoring the current health crisis developments which is impacting the running of Australian National Championships across the country.

Due to the recent spike in cases in Victoria and NSW, the following events scheduled for late September to early October are currently under review. The final decision regarding these events will be announced on Monday 17th of August 2020. Should further information be available at an earlier date, this will be communicated.

  • KTM Australian Junior Motocross – 26 September-3 October – Rockhampton, QLD
  • GASGAS Australian Trial Championship – 26-27 September – Bangor, SA
  • Australian Junior Track Championship – 26-27 September – Gunnedah, NSW
  • Australian Classic and Post Classic Dirt Track – 3- 4 October – Temora, NSW

2020 Australian Senior Track Championship – Cancelled

In response to the ongoing developments and health concerns in relation to Covid-19 and Government imposed restrictions on travel and border closures, the Tamworth Motorcycle Club (TMCC) in consultation with Motorcycling Australia (MA) have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Australian Senior Track Championship schedule for 19th – 20th September at Qurindi Showgrounds in NSW.

With daily Government policies in relation to Covid-19 travel, border closures and restrictions the TMCC in consultations with MA have come to the conclusion that it now impossible for the event to continue.

Discussions are being held with MA for the TMCC to hold the 2021 Australian Senior Track Championship at Qurindi next year.

The decision to cancel any Australian Championship is not taken lightly by MA and we take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this required decision.

All riders who have entered the event will be contacted by TMCC Club President – Paul Slade in due course.

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 e-FMX World Championship series

As the countdown gets closer to the upcoming e-FMX World Championship series with NIGHT of the JUMPs and the all new Mobile Game, TiMX : This is Motocross, 4 more names have joined the first season of competitive Freestyle Motocross gaming.

Taka Higashino (JPN)

Unfortunately, due to the continuing delays on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, the most recent update for both platforms has continued to be mixed in with the slow approval process on each online store which all App Developers are currently experiencing.

At NIGHT of the JUMPs, the decision was made in the interest of a far greater experience for both the Professional Riders in this competition, and fans of our content, by delaying the start of the first season with just a short amount of time to allow Google and Apple to clear their backlog of App Updates in this difficult time. In the meantime, Aussie Adrenaline, the creators of TiMX have been working around the clock on more features for the game for subsequent updates.

NIGHT of the JUMPs are proud to announce the next 4 big name FMX riders who will compete in the opening e-FMX World Championship series including X Games Gold Medallist and one of the most stylish riders on the planet, Taka Higashino (JPN).

Having competed at NIGHT of the JUMPs in Tours, France (2015), Taka Higashino is Japan’s greatest FMX export when he became the first Japanese rider to compete in X Games, and has taken 3 Gold Medals in Freestyle MX discipline throughout his career. Taka is also known as the creator of the California Roll body varial, a trick which he will be able to land within the new Mobile Game.

Taka Higashino (JPN)

While Taka is a trick machine, one of America’s next generation Freeriders who looks for the craziest jumps he can find, Colby Raha (USA), will also join the series. Raha has also bagged a couple of X Games Gold Medals, in the discipline of Quarter Pipe Highest Air (2017) and the Real Moto video series in 2019. Raha is all about Freeriding and throwing the dirtiest whips over the gnarliest of jumps which he showed in effortless style at the first ever Freeride Competition, Red Bull Dirt Diggers in 2019.

Colby Raha (USA)

The Italian Warhorse, Massimo Bianconcini will also step up to compete in the first ever eSport series with NIGHT of the JUMPs. Throughout his stellar career at NIGHT of the JUMPs, Bianoconcini has set the Highest Air record of 11.5 metres in Torino, Italy in 2012 and also has taken 5 Highest Air Championship titles, and also the Silver and 2 Bronze Medals at X Games Step Up. Throughout Bianconcini’s career at NIGHT of the JUMPs, he has continually battled Jose Miralles in FMX and Highest Air. These two World Championship judges will now go head to head against each other in the first round of the e-FMX Championship for bragging rights in the Judges Box.

Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)

Australia has continually fostered all new FMX talent, and in 2020 it seems this will continue with the inclusion of the Aus-X Open FMX Best Trick Winner, Jayo Archer. After landing his first ever Double Flip in competition and taking the gold over Australia’s Double Flipping champion, Josh Sheehan, Jayo has turned his sights on another of Sheeny’s legacies, the Triple Backflip.

While Jayo is currently training to try land the Triple Flip from the Moon Booter, he will be putting his time into trying to pull as many virtual backflip rotations on each jump to take down Sheeny in the first round head-to-head battle in the new TiMX FMX tournament. If Jayo can land the Triple Flip from the Moon Booter, it could also signal a massive change to FMX for the future, as Josh Sheehan is the only man to land the trick from the mammoth one-off ramp at Travis Pastrana’s house in 2015.

Jayo Archer (AUS)

NIGHT of the JUMPs is proud to announce the Social Media Partnership with Extreme throughout the first season of the e-FMX World Championships.  For over a quarter of a century, Extreme has been involved in all things Action Sport from Television Show production to Extreme Sport Events, and this partnership within the esports world represents some of the early over that Extreme are making into the fast growing industry.  Fans of Extreme will also be able to watch the entire e-FMX World Championship series Live from the Extreme Facebook channel, and watch the recap videos across their social media channels.

FC Moto, one of the world’s biggest Motorcycle Parts and Gear Retailers and Online Stores has backed the production of the all new e-FMX World Championship. With FC Moto’s expertise in the Online world, opening an all new market of Virtual Sport and accessibility for fans to view the action and vote for their favourite rider has just become so much easier.

The updated Start Date will be released in the very near future.

Colby Raha (USA)

 e-FMX World Championship series
First 12 of 16 players confirmed

  • Josh Sheehan (AUS)
  • Maikel Melero (ESP)
  • Pat Bowden (AUS)
  • Adam Jones (USA)
  • Edgar Torronteras (ESP)
  • Javier Villegas (CHL)
  • Jose Miralles (ESP)
  • Fred Kyrillos (BRA)
  • Colby Raha (USA)
  • Taka Higashino (JPN)
  • Jayo Archer (AUS)
  • Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)

TiMX Download Links:  
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Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | AMA SX | MXGP | EMX | WMX | NZ MX

Moto News Weekly for March 3, 2020

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What happened this week

  • Ken Roczen tops 450SX in Atlanta
  • Chase Sexton claims the Atlanta SX win and lead
  • Strong Aussie showing at MXGP opener in Great Britain
  • Courtney Duncan opens 2020 WMX campaign with double wins
  • Liam Everts tops EMX125 in Great Britain
  • Gibbs and Purvis take NZ MX lead at Hawke’s Bay
  • AMA Supermoto Championship kicks off in April
  • 2020 FIM ISDE pre-registration opens soon
  • Jeffrey Herlings signs new KTM MXGP contract
  • 2020 Championship Calendars
    • 2020 AMA Motocross
    • 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
    • 2020 MXGP
    • 2020 American Flat Track
    • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
    • 2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
    • 2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
    • 2020 Australian Track Championship
    • 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
    • 2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
    • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
    • 2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
    • 2020 King of MX
    • 2020 Australian Motocross National Championship
    • 2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship

Ken Roczen tops 450SX in Atlanta

For full results see: Roczen wins in Georgia to level points with Tomac (link)

Eli Tomac arrived in Georgia off the back of a fairly dominant performance in Texas. The Kawasaki rider started on the front foot overnight in Atlanta by recording the fastest lap in qualifying and then also won his Heat race ahead of the 450 Main.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Starts SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Starts SX ATL Kardy

Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Ken Roczen was second fastest in qualifying and had won the other Heat ahead of Jason Anderson and Justin Brayton. The 450 Main looked likely to be shaping up as a Tomac versus Roczen showdown…

Roczen scored the holeshot aheead of Davalos and Friese while a slow-starting Tomac was in seventh place sandwiched between Wilson and Brayton.

Jason Anderson and Justin Barcia then both demoted Tomac further down the field over the first couple of laps. The move by Barcia seemed to light a fire under Tomac who then upped his aggression in response.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Brayton Barcia Multiple SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Brayton Barcia Multiple SX ATL Kardy

Justin Barcia – Image by Hoppenworld

A lap later though Tomac got caught up with Baggett in a left-hander. The Kawasaki man made a move up the inside that Baggett was not expecting, the two got tangled up and both hit the deck, Tomac rejoining the race way down in 14th place.

As the race approached the half-way mark Roczen was nine-minutes clear of second placed Davalos who in turn had two-seconds on Justin Hill.  Friese was fourth, Barcia fifth and Anderson sixth. Tomac was working his way back up the field and working on taking tenth spot from Justin Brayton.

Tomac got Brayton then pushed past Stewart, Friese and Plessinger to move up to seventh place behind Cooper Webb with four-minutes remaining. Both Webb and Tomac passed Justin Hill to move up to fourth and fifth respectively.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb SX ATL Kardy

Cooper Webb – Image by Hoppenworld

Justin Barcia had worked his way past Tomac earlier on and streaked his way through the field to a hard fought second place finish

Justin Barcia had worked hard to force his way through the field during the middle part of the race and on the run to the flag had a three-second buffer over third placed Davalos. That second place somewhat of a triumph for Barcia.

Up front though it was Ken Roczen all on his lonesome. Taking the chequered flag 13-seconds ahead of Barcia, despite backing off considerably on the last two laps and just cruising home.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Podium SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Podium SX ATL Kardy

Ken Rozcen – Image by Hoppenworld

Webb and Tomac fought hard over fourth place all the way to the flag but it was the Kawasaki man that won that battle to score 19-points that sees Tomac tied with Roczen at the head of the points table ahead of Monster Energy AMA Supercross Round Ten at Daytona Beach next weekend.

Chad Reed scored a 15th place finish to add eight-points to his season tally which now stands at 39-points, and ranks him 17th in the standings.

The win for Roczen made it a double for Honda in Atlanta as Sexton had won the earlier 250 SX East Main.

Ken Roczen – P1

“These wins just keep getting sweeter and more fun each time! I’m so happy with how tonight went and stoked to have the red plate again. The last couple weekends have been tough but I’ve managed to minimize the damage, which was huge for us because it put us in a good position for a situation like today. With all the chaos, we made up seven points in one night and now are tied for the points lead again. The battle continues for the championship.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Podium SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Podium SX ATL Kardy

Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld

Justin Barcia – P2

“What a crazy race. I started middle of the pack and made lots of passes in the beginning. I kind of got into a groove in the middle and was behind a couple guys waiting for some mistakes to capitalize on something. They started falling apart a little and I was able to move into second towards the end and just rode really solid. The track broke down a lot. It was the roughest supercross I’ve ridden in a while, but all in all, I felt really good and the bike was solid. I can’t thank the whole team enough for making good changes on the bike all day and always believing in me.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Barcia SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Barcia SX ATL Kardy

Justin Barcia – Image by Hoppenworld

Cooper Webb – P3

“That was probably the hardest race I’ve ever had. I was way back and just put my head down and tried to do the best I can. I got a few gifts from the guys ahead of me but man, it was painful. I knew it wasn’t going to be fun or easy, but that’s racing. It’s a long way out but the only thing keeping me going is this championship, so we’ll do whatever we can.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb Multiple SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb Multiple SX ATL Kardy

Cooper Webb – Image by Hoppenworld

Eli Tomac – P4

“The main event didn’t go as planned, but the good news is we live to fight another day and line back up next weekend at one of my favorite tracks, Daytona. There are still positives to take away from today; we were fastest qualifier, won our heat race, and we never gave up in the main event, and battled hard all the way to the very end to salvage as many points as possible. We are going to put this race behind us and be ready to rock next week in Daytona!”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Tomac SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Tomac SX ATL Kardy

Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Standings

Pos Rider Total
1 Eli Tomac 200
2 Ken Roczen 200
3 Justin Barcia 177
4 Cooper Webb 176
5 Jason Anderson 151
6 Malcolm Stewart 137
7 Adam Cianciarulo 128
8 Justin Hill 127
9 Justin Brayton 116
10 Dean Wilson 113

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Chase Sexton claims the Atlanta SX win and lead

RJ Hampshire scored the holeshot from Chase Sexton and Shane McElrath when the third round of the 250 East AMA Supercross Championship got underway on Saturday night in Atlanta.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Hampshire Sexton Multiple SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Hampshire Sexton Multiple SX ATL Kardy

RJ Hampshire – Image by Hoppenworld

McElrath and Sexton started tussling for position after a few laps and their battle allowed Hampshire a little breathing space. After the first few thrusts from McElrath, Sexton then stepped his pace up a gear to stretch away and close on to the tail of McElrath once again.

Jeremy Martin, Garrett Marchbanks and Jordon Smith were fourth, fifth and sixth with ten-minutes remaining. Sexton finally made a move past Hampshire with eight-minutes left on the shot clock. Hampshire is well known for making hard passes and taking no prisoners, Sexton returned the favour with a very fair but forceful pass for the lead when Hampshire opened the door.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta MartinJ SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta MartinJ SX ATL Kardy

Jeremy Martin – Image by Hoppenworld

The leaders were now encountering a lot of lapped traffic and at this point of the race it was working somewhat in the favour of Sexton. Jeremy Martin went down out of fourth place and was relegated back to tenth place by the time he was up and running again.

Sexton continued to pull away from Hampshire, the Husqvarna man then lost touch with Sexton and was getting pressured by McElrath in the latter stages of the race. Hampshire held on for that second place though with McElrath finishing in third place at the flag.

Sexton the clear victor and extends his 250 SX East Championship lead to five-points over McElrath.

Chase Sexton

“HOTlanta was a good one! Honda Racing US sweep with Ken Roczen and I taking both heat and main wins! I’m super thankful to be apart of a great team and to have the people behind me that I do! Fans were awesome all night as well! You guys are great.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Sexton McElrath Multiple SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Sexton McElrath Multiple SX ATL Kardy

Chase Sexton – Image by Hoppenworld

RJ Hampshire – P2

“Each week we’re going to continue to get better. Getting those holeshots felt good and we had a good flow out there. I want to win but I also want to be in this thing [championship] a few weeks from now, so we’re going to continue to fight week in and week out.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Hampshire SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Hampshire SX ATL Kardy

RJ Hampshire – Image by Hoppenworld

Shane McElrath – P3

“I felt really good during the day, even in the Heat race. We made a few bike changes for the Main that we thought was going to be good, which was kind of my call. I was struggling with the track quite a bit, but I’m learning a lot. It was tough to get third. I felt like I should have been able to win, but I was struggling with a lot of things. So we’ll work on those this week and we won’t make those same mistakes twice.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta McElrath SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta McElrath SX ATL Kardy

Shane McElrath – Image by Hoppenworld

Jordan Smith – P4

“Honestly, I am happy with today’s performance. I would have liked to be closer to those front three guys battling for a podium position at the end, but after last week’s rough ride I am just happy to be back up towards the front of the pack where I belong. I just need to work on cleaning up a few things and we’ll be right where I expect us to be. The last time I raced Daytona was in 2018 and I won at the iconic track, so I am excited to get back down there and try to do it again.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Martin Smith Multiple SX ATL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Martin Smith Multiple SX ATL Kardy

Joradn Smith chases Jeremy Martin – Image by Hoppenworld

250SX East Standings

Pos Rider Total
1 Chase Sexton 75
2 Shane McElrath 70
3 RJ Hampshire 61
4 Garrett Marchbanks 53
5 Jordon Smith 47
6 Jeremy Martin 44
7 Jo Shimoda 44
8 Josh Hill 41
9 Enzo Lopes 36
10 Joey Crown 31

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Strong Aussie showing at MXGP opener in Great Britain

The first round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) season has concluded at Matterley Basin, with Jeffrey Herlings and Jago Geerts taking the overall victories in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively, as sunny weather on Sunday set the stage for a fantastic day.

For the full report see:
Evans fifth, Beaton fourth at UK MXGP opener (link)

Aussie Mitch Evans kicked off the season on form, claiming third in Race 1, while a more challenging Race 2 still saw him in the top ten, with seventh. This leaves Evans in fifth overall heading to Round 2.

Mitch Evans

“It was a good weekend, excluding the start of that second moto. Everything else went really well. In the first moto I had a good start, avoiding some of the early race carnage and made my way into second for a little bit. Unfortunately, I struggled with my breathing a bit because of my chest infection and finished third. I felt a lot better in the second moto although I had to push throughout the race because of the bad start. I used a lot of energy to get around guys as fast as I could and I hit a bit of a wall with eight minutes to go. Overall it was a good weekend though, I’m happy with my MXGP debut and now I get ready for Valkenswaard next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

In MX2 top Australian was Jed Beaton in fourth overall, with second in Race 1, and sixth in Race 2. Fellow Aussies Nathan Crawford and Wilson Todd took 14th and 17th overall respectively, at the season opener.

Jed Beaton

“It was a good weekend for me. Fourth overall is a great result for the first Grand Prix, although I’m a little disappointed to miss the podium because of a small crash in the second race. In the first moto I had a good start, found some nice lines and came from eighth to second, which was great. I felt good and, yeah, it was good to get that result in the books. Second moto, it took a while to settle into a rhythm and then I just washed the front wheel out in a corner, losing a few places and I finished the race in sixth. For the upcoming rounds I just need to be a little more patient. Overall, it’s been a great day and there are plenty of positives to take into round two next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Jed Beaton

MXGP Rnd Jed Beaton

Jed Beaton

Nathan Crawford

“Qualifying was a really challenge – especially for me coming from Australia. I’ve never race in condition that cold, windy and rainy. It was definitely something that I hadn’t been through before, so it was quite a shock. We tried to prepare for it and did our best in the tough conditions. In race one I got a mid-pack start, but made some good passes on lap one. I was hovering around 10th position and then had a big crash and after that I was just surviving and trying to get through the race. In race two it was an OK start, but not great – so I set about battling my way through and ended the race in 10th place. The second trace was definitely better for me and that gives me something to build on.”

2020 MXGP Standings after Round 1

Pos Rider Nat. Man. Points
1 Herlings, J. NED KTM 47
2 Gajser, Tim SLO HON 38
3 Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 38
4 Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 35
5 Evans, M. AUS HON 34
6 Paulin, G. FRA YAM 32
7 Desalle, C. BEL KAW 32
8 Coldenhoff, G. NED GAS 30
9 Jacobi, Henry GER YAM 23
10 Prado, Jorge ESP KTM 21
11 Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM 13
12 Jasikonis, A. LTU HUS 13
13 Cervellin, M. ITA YAM 13
14 Tonus, Arnaud SUI YAM 13
15 Bogers, Brian NED KTM 12
16 Paturel, B. FRA HON 11
17 Van Horebeek, J. BEL HON 11
18 Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 9
19 Lupino, A. ITA YAM 6
20 Guillod, V. SUI HON 5
21 Sterry, Adam GBR KTM 2
22 Petrov, Petar BUL KTM 2
23 Vlaanderen, C. NED YAM 2

MX2 Standings after Round 1

Pos. Rider Nat. Man. Points
1 Geerts, Jago BEL YAM 43
2 Vialle, Tom FRA KTM 40
3 Haarup, Mikkel DEN KAW 40
4 Beaton, Jed AUS HUS 37
5 Hofer, Rene AUT KTM 35
6 Forato, A. ITA HUS 28
7 Olsen, T. DEN HUS 26
8 Van De Moosdijk, R. NED KAW 22
9 Mewse, Conrad GBR KTM 22
10 Boisrame, M. FRA KAW 21
11 Renaux, Maxime FRA YAM 21
12 Guadagnini, M. ITA HUS 15
13 Sydow, Jeremy GER GAS 15
14 Crawford, N. AUS HON 14
15 Watson, Ben GBR YAM 14
16 Fernandez, R. ESP YAM 11
17 Todd, Wilson AUS KAW 8
18 Harrison, M. USA KAW 7
19 Sikyna, R. SVK KTM 6
20 Vaessen, Bas NED KTM 5
21 Östlund, Alvin SWE HON 4
22 Gilbert, Josh GBR HUS 3
23 Horgmo, Kevin NOR KTM 2
24 Rubini, S. FRA HON 2
25 Lesiardo, M. ITA KTM 1

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Courtney Duncan opens 2020 WMX campaign with double wins

Defending Women’s World Motocross Champion (WMX) flying Kiwi Courtney Duncan has begun her 2020 campaign with a double victory this weekend – demonstrating to her rivals that she is a returning force to be reckoned with.

MXGP Rnd Britain Courtney Duncan

MXGP Rnd Britain Courtney Duncan

Courtney Duncan

Battling through deep mud and ruts at the season-opening MXGP Great Britain at the popular British circuit of Matterley Basin, 24-year-old Otago motocross queen Duncan bagged the maximum 50 points on offer over the two races on her 2020 Kawasaki KX250. Riding for the England-based Kawasaki Dixon Race Team, she was the first to admit she took some time to warm into her winning ways.

Courtney Duncan

“I’m happy to go 1-1 here at the opener. I felt a little bit rusty. A little bit off the pace but that’s a given, since I haven’t raced in six months. I’m very happy to walk away with the full 50 points and I think we can be proud of that especially given the conditions – they weren’t easy. They were pretty difficult out there with a lot of mud. I’m stoked to get the first round win, I couldn’t ask for more. I can only go up from here. My goal is to just continue to improve and I think I can do that. The more bike time I get on the race bike with testing, I can up the pace. I look at improving each day and each race as it comes.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Courtney Duncan

MXGP Rnd Britain Courtney Duncan

Courtney Duncan – Image courtesy of MXGP

During the first race, Courtney Duncan took the holeshot closely followed by Nancy Van De Ven who was flying out of the gate. Van De Ven led the race for two laps, before crashing out, allowing Duncan to run her #1 plate out front, followed by Kiara Fontanesi who made some quick moves in the first laps to move into second. Meanwhile Lynn Valk moved up to third.

The top three stayed the same for the entire race, as Van De Ven tried to fight off Larisa Papenmeier. Papenmeier was able to pass the Dutch rider with two laps to go, to secure her spot in the top four of the race, with Van De Ven finishing fifth.

MXGP Rnd Britain Larissa Papenmeier

MXGP Rnd Britain Larissa Papenmeier

Larissa Papenmeier – Image courtesy of MXGP

In race two, Duncan got off to another flyer, leading Van De Ven, Valk, Papenmeier and Amandine Verstappen. By lap 4, Papenmeier passed Van De Ven for second securing herself the second spot on the podium, as she remained in the position for the entire race.

From then on there was not much change with the leaders, as Duncan continued to lead Papenmeier, with Van De Ven, Verstappen and Valk rounding out the top 5.

Kiara Fontanesi was making her way back up the chart, following a start in the top 10 and by lap 5 was up in P6 after gradually passing riders each lap. Also doing the same was Mathilde Martinez who finished the race in seventh behind Fontanesi.

MXGP Rnd Britain Kiara Fontanesi

MXGP Rnd Britain Kiara Fontanesi

Kiara Fontanesi – Image courtesy of MXGP

The top three were Courtney Duncan securing the first overall victory of the season, followed by Larissa Papemnemier and Kiara Fontanesi.

MXGP Rnd Britain Courtney Duncan

MXGP Rnd Britain Courtney Duncan

Courtney Duncan

WMX – Race 1 Top 5

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 28:54.805
  2. Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, KTM), +0:11.560
  3. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:17.018
  4. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:31.542
  5. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +1:20.495

WMX – Race 2 Top 5

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 28:37.429
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:05.505
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:27.613
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:31.137
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:32.200

WMX – Overall Classification Top 5

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 40
  3. Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, KTM), 37
  4. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 36
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 36

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Liam Everts tops EMX125 in Great Britain

Liam Everts secured his first overall victory in the EMX125 class over the weekend, at Round 1 of the MXGP championship held at Matterley Basin in Great Britain.

MXGP Rnd Britain EMX Podium

MXGP Rnd Britain EMX Podium

EMX125 Podium – Image courtesy of MXGP

In the opening race Everts got off to a flying start, followed by Kjell Verbruggen and Maxime Grau. By lap two Verbruggen was in second, as Grau went missing, dropping down to 13th position.

By lap 4, Verbruggen was coming under fire from Rasmus Pedersen and a crash saw the Dutch rider drop down to 35th. Pedersen then moved to third as Kevin Brumann passed for second place.

Finding good rhythm around the British circuit, Everts was able to pull away from Brumann, finishing the race with an impressive 24.122 second lead! Pedersen finished third, while Cato Nickel and Meico Vettik placed fourth and fifth. Local riders, Joel Rizzi and Eddie Jay Wade made the Brits proud with a ninth and tenth place finish.

In race two, it was Brumann who took the holeshot and led the race for four laps, before Everts was able to chase him down on lap 5, with Florian Miot and Grau in third and fourth.

MXGP Rnd Britain Kevin Brumann

MXGP Rnd Britain Kevin Brumann

Kevin Brumann – Image courtesy of MXGP

Grau moved up to third, but less than a lap later Miot passed him back to secure third. While the top three stayed the same, Haakon Osterhagen found his way past Andrea Bonacorsi.

It was Liam Everts who took the race win, overall victory and red plate, going into Round 2 as championship leader.

Liam Everts

“I wasn’t expecting when I came here, second race was a bit tough for me but I had good starts during the weekend. I’m super happy to win here after my dad (Stefan Everts) did 14 years ago. This victory is for him.”

MXGP Rnd Britain Liam Everts

MXGP Rnd Britain Liam Everts

Liam Everts – Image courtesy of MXGP

EMX125 Race 1 Top 5

  1. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 33:17.460
  2. Kevin Brumann (SUI, Yamaha), +0:24.122
  3. Rasmus Pedersen (DEN, KTM), +0:34.977
  4. Cato Nickel (GER, KTM), +1:23.920
  5. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), +1:36.878

EMX125 Race 2 Top 5

  1. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 30:50.463
  2. Kevin Brumann (SUI, Yamaha), +0:10.584
  3. Florian Miot (FRA, KTM), +0:20.625
  4. Haakon Osterhagen (NOR, KTM), +0:25.385
  5. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), +0:26.749

EMX125 Overall Classification

  1. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 50 points
  2. Kevin Brumann (SUI, YAM), 44
  3. Florian Miot (FRA, KTM), 35
  4. Haakon Osterhagen (NOR, KTM), 32
  5. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), 31

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Gibbs and Purvis take NZ MX lead at Hawke’s Bay

Altherm JCR Yamaha riders Kirk Gibbs and Maximus Purvis were two men on a mission, storming into the lead of their Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship classes over the weekend in Hawke’s Bay.

Riding their respective Yamahas in the series’ penultimate round at Ngaruroro Raceway, near Fernhill, the two took the upper hand in their title hunts, ahead of the championship wrapping up in Taupo, in a fortnight.

Sunshine Coast-based Gibbs was untouchable in the premier class on his YZ450 – qualifying first and winning three from three races.

Kirk Gibbs took the round win from Cody Cooper and Hamish Harwood, with Kayne Lamont fourth and Brad Groombridge fifth.

The top-notch results give him a five-point lead over defending champion Cody Copper and 29-point buffer over Hamish Harwood in third.

Kirk Gibbs

“It was a really good day for me. I’ll go home and work on some more things that Josh [Coppins – Team Manager] and BT [Ben Townley] gave me to work on. It’s so helpful to have such good people to get information from. I’ll go there with a good mindset and put a couple of good races in and try to bring it home.”

New Zealand MX Rnd Altherm JCR Yamaha Kirk Gibbs MX

New Zealand MX Rnd Altherm JCR Yamaha Kirk Gibbs MX

Kirk Gibbs – Image by Clmintiepix

Maximus Purvis went 2-1-4, with the final race result slightly lower after the 19-year-old Mangakino flyer crashed on the last lap, while in second.

Maximus Purvis and Dylan Walsh were tied on 65-points for the round win, with James Scott third overall, Josiah Natzke fourth and Caleb Ward fifth.

Maximus Purvis

“It definitely feels good to be leading the points going into the last round. I’ve been trying to chip away at it and now I just have to finish it off with some good results at Taupo.”

New Zealand MX Rnd Altherm JCR Yamaha Maximus Purvis MX

New Zealand MX Rnd Altherm JCR Yamaha Maximus Purvis MX

Maximus Purvis – Image by Clmintiepix

Christchurch’s Dylan Walsh displayed some of the form that saw the 22-year-old crowned the British Motocross Championship’s MX2 winner last year, with a 4-2-1 results’ set on his Yamaha YZ250F.

Dylan Walsh

“Round three was a big improvement for me. We made huge changes during the week on the suspension and it paid off. I was able to get the round win and show what I was capable of.”

New Zealand MX Rnd Altherm JCR Yamaha MX Dylan Walsh

New Zealand MX Rnd Altherm JCR Yamaha MX Dylan Walsh

Dylan Walsh – Image by Clmintiepix

Maximus Purvis now holds the MX2 lead on 183-points, with Josia Natzke second on 179-points, with James Scott third overall on 172. Dylan Walsh is currently fourth on 161 points, with Caleb Ward fifth.

MX1 Round Results

  1. Kirk Gibbs (YZ450) – 75
  2. Cody Cooper – 64
  3. Hamish Harwood – 62
  4. Kayne Lamont (YZ450) – 54
  5. Brad Groombridge – 46

MX1 Standings

  1. Kirk Gibbs, 211 points
  2. Cody Cooper, 206
  3. Hamish Harwood, 182
  4. Kayne Lamont, 149
  5. Brad Groombridge, 138

MX2 Round Results

  1. Dylan Walsh (YZ250F) – 65
  2. Maximus Purvis (YZ250F) – 65
  3. James Scott – 58
  4. Josiah Natzke- 53
  5. Caleb Ward – 53

MX2 Standings

  1. Maximus Purvis, 183 points
  2. Josiah Natzke, 179
  3. James Scott, 172
  4. Dylan Walsh 161
  5. Caleb Ward, 143

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AMA Supermoto Championship kicks off in April

The 2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship Series sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association, kicks off 2020 in Primm, Nev., on April 4-5, with the 2020 season to feature two rounds at new venues, including one in Honolulu at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on May 2. The remainder of the schedule includes four events in the United States and Canada. The other new venue is Colorado National Speedway, which hosts Round 3 on May 30.

AMA Supermoto National Championship Series by Steve Alkyer DRT Racing

AMA Supermoto National Championship Series by Steve Alkyer DRT Racing

2020 AMA Supermoto Championship – Image by Steve Alkyer, courtesy DRT Racing

The Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada, round is sanctioned by the Canadian Motorcycle Association. That round, coupled with the event in Sturgis, S.D., determines the FIM North America Supermoto Championship.

Ken Saillant – AMA Track Racing Manager

“This year’s AMA Supermoto National Championship Series schedule features a great mix of proven venues and new markets for one of motorcycling’s youngest competition disciplines. We’re looking forward to another year of intense supermoto competition.”

Supermoto racing includes a mix of street-style racing and motocross. Riders compete on tracks that feature dirt and pavement sections with jumps and turns. Venues can range from football stadiums to closed-course streets or parking lots. The AMA Supermoto National Championship Series is promoted by DRT Racing.

For more information about the 2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship Series, visit www.drtracinginc.com.

2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship Series

  • April 4-5: Primm, Nev.: Anthony Hart Memorial Race
  • May 2: Honolulu, Hawaii: Aloha Stadium
  • May 30: Dacono, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway
  • June 12-13: Austin, Texas: 25th Annual Republic of Texas Rally
  • July 31-Aug. 2: Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada: 51st Grand Prix of Trois-Rivières (CMA/FIM North America sanctioned)
  • Sept. 11-12: Sturgis, S.D.: 8th Annual Streets of Sturgis (AMA/FIM North America sanctioned)

2020 FIM ISDE pre-registration opens

FIM ISDE pre registration opens

FIM ISDE pre registration opens

2020 FIM ISDE pre-registration opens

Preparations are already underway for the 95th edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) that will be hosted in Rivanazzano Terme in northern Italy from 31 August to 5 September. The pre-registration phase that closes on 30 March 2020 is now opened on www.fim-isde.com.

PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSES 30 MARCH

All riders (World Trophy, Junior World Trophy, Women’s World Trophy Teams and Club Teams / riders) must contact their National Motorcycling Federation (FMN) to register. Login access will only be given to FMNs. Same procedure apply for riders wishing to compete in the Enduro Vintage Trophy (Teams and Individuals). Federations have to complete the relevant online form before the pre-registration closing date.

CONFIRMATION OF SELECTED TEAMS ON 15 APRIL

At the end of the first phase, depending on the number of pre-registrations, Club Teams will be informed about the selection of their teams by their National Motorcycling Federation. The National Motorcycling Federation must then pay the relevant 25% deposit of registration fee relating to the number of Club Teams confirmed. At this stage, each National Motorcycling Federation will be asked to fill the detailed information about the team(s) and riders as soon as is possible to do so.

FINAL ENTRY PHASE FROM 1 MAY TO 30 JUNE

The National Motorcycling Federation must pay the remaining 75% of the registration fee for all Teams as confirmed on 15 April. The National Motorcycling Federation must have fully completed the entry form and details about team(s) and riders as soon as is possible to do so, and before 30 June.


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Jeffrey Herlings signs new KTM MXGP contract

Four-times FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings has signed a new contract with his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team and will remain ‘in orange’ for a further three years until the end of the 2023 MXGP season.

The 25-year-old Dutchman inked his deal on the eve of the British Grand Prix this weekend and the opening round of twenty in the 2020 MXGP series; his fourth in the premier class and eleventh in the FIM World Championship all with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Ray Archer

The association began in 2009 when Herlings was signed to make his MX2 GP debut for the 2010 season as a fifteen-year old. He claimed his first top-three race finish in just his second moto at the Grand Prix of Bulgaria at Sevlievo, celebrated his first podium at Mantova in Italy for round two and then started an incredible seven-year unbeaten streak of wins a few weeks later at his home event at Valkenswaard; scene of his very first 1-1 clean sweep.

Since that initial term in 2010 Herlings has gone on to accumulate 86 Grand Prix victories in two classes and ace titles in 2012, 2013, 2016 (all MX2) and then 2018 (MXGP) with KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F machinery. In that time there have been some astonishing performances – such as the first moto chequered flag in Latvia last summer, taken with a broken foot – and also some tough moments when he conceded likely titles in 2014 and 2015 due to injury. His peerless 2018 MXGP campaign saw #84 own 17 from 19 Grands Prix and classify as runner-up in the other two outings.

Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Ray Archer

Herlings is already the most successful Dutch rider in the history of the sport and is third on the list for all-time Grand Prix triumphs. In 2019 he added the Motocross of Nations Chamberlain trophy to his heaving collection of silverware.

Jeffrey Herlings

“I’m very, very happy. I have been with KTM since 2009 so by the end of this next contract it will be fifteen years together. I’m excited to stay in the orange family and I have been working with Pit [Beirer] and the entire crew since the beginning and I was fourteen. I’m blessed to be able to do it for another three years; four including this one about to start. It is also good to have this done before the weekend and GP1 of 2020. KTM is where my heart is, and they are my family. I’m thankful that they trust in me, and I believe in them, the bike and all the people I work with. I’ll be racing with them until I’m 28 and I’m super-happy, hopefully there many more happy days ahead.”

Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Ray Archer

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director

“This contract definitely means a lot to me personally because it was back in 2009 that we gave this young kid and his family our word that we’d take good care of him and he had a great future in front of him: we wanted to be a partner in that. We went through so many ups and downs with Jeffrey and he has collected all of his wins and titles with us – just one brand. It was actually quite emotional to know he could spend his career with just one company. I’m really happy that we could agree everything so early for another three years and I wish him a healthy and strong season and hopefully an even longer association with us when he’s stopped racing.”


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2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

  • May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
  • May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
  • June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
  • June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
  • June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
  • July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
  • July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
  • July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
  • August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
  • August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
  • August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

  • Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
  • Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
  • Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
  • March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
  • March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
  • March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
  • April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
  • April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
  • April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

  • March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
  • March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
  • March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
  • April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
  • April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
  • May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
  • July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
  • July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
  • August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • September 13 – China, (TBA) –
  • September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
  • September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 American Flat Track

  • Round 1. March 14: Daytona 200 &  TT – Daytona Speedway, FL
  • Round 2. March 28: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
  • Round 3. April 4: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Speedway, Concord, NC
  • Round 4. May 2: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
  • Round 5. May 9: So-Cal Half-Mile – Perris Speedway, Perris, CA
  • Round 6. May 16: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
  • Round 7. May 30: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
  • Round 8. June 13: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Speedway, Loudon, NH
  • Round 9. June 20: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Round 10. June 27: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  • Round 11. July 4: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
  • Round 12. August 9: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
  • Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
  • Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
  • Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

  • Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
  • Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
  • Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
  • Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
  • Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

  • Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
  • Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
  • Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
  • Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
  • Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
  • Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
  • Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
  • Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

  • May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
  • May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
  • June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
  • July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
  • July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
  • August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
  • August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
  • August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
  • September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
  • October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

  • April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
    • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
  • October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
    • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

  • May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
    • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
  • September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
    • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD 22 – 23 February 2020
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW 14 – 15 March 2020
  • Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW 18 – 19 April 2020
  • Round 7 & 8: Murray Bridge, SA 1 – 2 August 2020
  • Round 9 & 10: Omeo, VIC 19 – 20 September 2020
  • Round 11 & 12: Wynyard, TAS 17 –18 October 2020

2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1: December 7, 2019 – Krakow, Poland
  • Round 2: January 4 – Riesa, Germany
  • Round 3: January 18 – A Coruna, Spain
  • Round 4: February 1 – Budapest, Hungary
  • Round 5: March 14 – Lodz, Poland

2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West Calendar

  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East Series
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 16-17: Madd Moose, Marquette, Mich.
    • July 4-5: Tough Like RORR, Tamaqua, Pa.
    • July 18-19: Fallen Timbers, Little Hocking, Ohio
    • Aug. 1-2: Battle of the Goats, Taylorsville, N.C.
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road West Series
    • Feb. 8: King of the Motos, Lucerne Valley, Calif.
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 2-3: EnduroFest, Reno, Nev.
    • June 6-7: Last Dog Standing, Devore, Calif.
    • June 20-21: Stix and Stones, Kellogg, Idaho
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship
    • Aug. 14-16: Trials Training Center, Sequatchie, Tenn.

2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 – June 13: Diedenbergen DE
  • Round 2 – July 26: Boves-Cuneo IT
  • Round 3 – September 5: Morizès FR
  • Round 4 – October 3: Pardubice CZ

2020 King of MX Calendar

  • Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final **Run & Won**
  • Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 5 -April 18-19, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Dargle – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Final – June 6-8, Cessnock

2020 Australian Motocross National Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
  • Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
  • Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
  • Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
  • Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
  • Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23

2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship

  • Round One – Balclutha, 1st February 2020
  • Round Two – Rotorua, 23rd February 2020
  • Round Three – Hawkes Bay, 1st March 2020
  • Round Four – Taupo, 15th March 2020

2020 AMA Supermoto National Championship Series

  • April 4-5: Primm, Nev.: Anthony Hart Memorial Race
  • May 2: Honolulu, Hawaii: Aloha Stadium
  • May 30: Dacono, Colo.: Colorado National Speedway
  • June 12-13: Austin, Texas: 25th Annual Republic of Texas Rally
  • July 31-Aug. 2: Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada: 51st Grand Prix of Trois-Rivières (CMA/FIM North America sanctioned)
  • Sept. 11-12: Sturgis, S.D.: 8th Annual Streets of Sturgis (AMA/FIM North America sanctioned)

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Evans fifth, Beaton fourth at UK MXGP opener

2020 MXGP

Round 1 – Great Britain

The first round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) season has concluded at Matterley Basin, with Jeffrey Herlings and Jago Geerts taking the overall victories in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively, as sunny weather on Sunday set the stage for a fantastic day.

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

Aussie Mitch Evans kicked off the season on form, claiming third in Race 1, while a more challenging Race 2 still saw him in the top ten, with seventh. This leaves Evans in fifth overall heading to Round 2.

In MX2 top Australian was Jed Beaton in fourth overall, with second in Race 1, and sixth in Race 2. Fellow Aussies Nathan Crawford and Wilson Todd took 14th and 17th overall respectively, at the season opener.


MXGP

Going into the weekend, the overall winner for the MXGP class was hard to predict. With a full line-up of extremely strong riders, who have been training hard this winter, the list of favourites was never ending.

MXGP Rnd Tim Gajser hondaproracing bybavo

MXGP Rnd Tim Gajser hondaproracing bybavo

Tim Gajser

Following Saturday’s practice session, Tim Gajser was among the top favourites as he clocked in the fastest lap-time during the session. Second was Arminas Jasikonis, followed by Antonio Cairoli.

In the opening race of the weekend, it was Jeremy Seewer who claimed the first FOX Holeshot of the season, closely followed by Herlings and Gajser. Team HRC’s newest recruit and MXGP rookie, Mitch Evans, also got off to a flying start in fifth. But on the downhill corner after pitlane Gajser found himself in trouble as he banged bars with Jeremy Van Horebeek, which left him having to fight back from 13th position.

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

On the opening lap, Evans was moving quick as he made a move on Jeremy Seewer. The 2013 MXGP of Great Britain winner, Clement Desalle also got a good start in fourth, before getting cross-rutted in the second lap and falling to seventh.

As Herlings continued to lead, Seewer found his way back past Evans, knocking the factory Honda rider down to P3. Meanwhile the battle for fourth, fifth and sixth was on between Cairoli, Desalle and Glenn Coldenhoff. Desalle did muscle his way past the GasGas Factory rider, while Cairoli was able to maintain his fourth place position.

MXGP Rnd Antonio Cairoli

MXGP Rnd Antonio Cairoli

Antonio Cairoli

Towards the end of the race, Gajser found himself battling the 2019 MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado, with the Honda rider able to pass the MXGP rookie. He then set his sights for higher positions, but a crash on the last corner before the finish line of the last lap left him having to settle for P8 in the race, allowing Gautier Paulin to move up a position to P7.

In the end it was Herlings who took the race win with a 11.879-second lead over Seewer in second. Having a fantastic ride and making an impressive debut to his MXGP rookie campaign was Mitch Evans who placed third in the race.

MXGP Rnd Tim Gajser

MXGP Rnd Tim Gajser

Tim Gajser

In race two, it was Henry Jacobi who took the FOX Holeshot, but Gajser moved swiftly into the lead, with Cairoli following him to also pass Jacobi. Meanwhile Herlings was behind in fourth and Paulin in fifth. Bad luck for Evans, who came around the first turn virtually last, left him with a lot of work to do in the second MXGP race.

By lap 4, Herlings was already charging, making a pass on Cairoli for second position. Gautier Paulin was sitting in third, where he remained throughout the race, also keeping Desalle at bay in fourth. From then onward the top five remained the same until the race concluded, while the battles heated up behind.

MXGP Rnd Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Matterley Basin

MXGP Rnd Jeffrey Herlings KTM SX F Matterley Basin

Jeffrey Herlings

Mitch Evans found himself moving quickly through the ranks, and by lap 5 was already in sixth position as he passed both Seewer and Jacobi. Seewer then came under threat by Coldenhoff, with the Dutch rider able to make the pass stick on lap 11.

With two laps to go, Desalle and Coldenhoff found themselves in an intense battle, with the two riders getting close to each other on several occasions, but the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider stayed strong to finish fifth. Desalle team-mate Romain Febvre did not line up at Sunday’s races as for an injury to his knee during the past week, he’ll be back racing in Valkenswaard next week.

MXGP Rnd Jeremy Seewer

MXGP Rnd Jeremy Seewer

Jeremy Seewer

Gajser claimed the race win and with it a second overall, while Herlings made a strong come-back as the overall Grand Prix winner. Cairoli finished third both in the race and the podium. Mitch Evans finished seventh in Race 2 and took home 34 championship points in fifth overall.

Jeffrey Herlings – P1

“The first race out of twenty and I was consistent: two good starts, led the whole first moto, got into third pretty quick behind Tony and took second. The track was sketchy and the sun was really low. It is still that time of the year where it gets dark quite early, so it was hard with the shadows. I didn’t want to take any risks and I was happy with second. It was a good weekend and I think we improved the bike over the winter because this was the first real test, let’s say. I am looking forward to Valkenswaard now and my home GP.”

MXGP Rnd Jeffrey Herlings Mitchell Evans

MXGP Rnd Jeffrey Herlings Mitchell Evans

Jeffrey Herlings

Tim Gajser – P2

“I’m happy with how this first round of the season went. Just I had a couple of crashes in the first moto, with one right at the beginning of the race which meant I started from dead last. I worked my way through the field to finish eighth, after the second crash right at the end dropping me one spot. In the second race I was hoping to get a good start and show my riding a bit better and that’s what happened. With the low sun and the ruts, the track was really quite tricky but I felt good and the moto felt comfortable. Second overall isn’t too bad after my first moto so now we move onto Valkenswaard for a new challenge.”

MXGP Rnd Tim Gajser hondaproracing bybavo

MXGP Rnd Tim Gajser hondaproracing bybavo

Tim Gajser

Antonio Cairoli – P3

“It is nice to be back on the podium after so many months without racing. My shoulder has improved a lot in recent weeks but last week in Belgium I twisted my right knee and heard a crack. I thought ‘the season is finished already’. I went to the doctor and he confirmed a second-degree PCL tear. I taped the knee very hard yesterday and today and all the ruts out there were not helping. I just need to work as much as possible on the muscle to make it as stable as possible. So to be on the podium at this track and these conditions is amazing and I’m motivated again to work really hard and try to build it up. We will see what we can do next.”

MXGP Rnd Antonio Cairoli

MXGP Rnd Antonio Cairoli

Antonio Cairoli

Jeremy Seewer – P4

“It was a strange weekend because of the time schedule, so we lined up with no time on the track, but it was the same for everyone. I started off with an epic holeshot, like a whole bike length ahead of everyone, so that was super cool. I finished second, so that was a really positive start to the season, and it proved we did a good job in the winter because the track was really technical and tricky. In the second race, I had contact with another rider and he damaged my brake. So, I had to ride without my brake for the whole race which made it super tough. I think I still took good points, so I am happy with this and my speed is good. It is just a shame I couldn’t stand on the podium today, but we will keep working and be back next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Jeremy Seewer

MXGP Rnd Jeremy Seewer

Jeremy Seewer

Mitch Evans – P5

“It was a good weekend, excluding the start of that second moto. Everything else went really well. In the first moto I had a good start, avoiding some of the early race carnage and made my way into second for a little bit. Unfortunately, I struggled with my breathing a bit because of my chest infection and finished third. I felt a lot better in the second moto although I had to push throughout the race because of the bad start. I used a lot of energy to get around guys as fast as I could and I hit a bit of a wall with eight minutes to go. Overall it was a good weekend though, I’m happy with my MXGP debut and now I get ready for Valkenswaard next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

MXGP Rnd Mitch Evans hondaproracing bybavo

Mitch Evans – Image by Bavo

Gautier Paulin – P6

“I’m in the game. I felt good all weekend long, it was just a strange weekend. Riding a new bike on such a tough track, with not a lot of time on the track, and then with the weather being off and on, rain and then sunshine and then rain. I got sideways out of the gate and then it was tough to come back through the pack. I crashed but got back to seventh. In the second race I got to fourth pretty quickly, but I really struggled with the sun. I didn’t want to pull my laminates off because I didn’t know if it was going to rain or not. I am really happy with the team; they are all working really hard. The feeling is good, and the season is long.”

MXGP Rnd Gautier Paulin

MXGP Rnd Gautier Paulin

Gautier Paulin

Clément Desalle – P7

“It was my first GP since June last year; that’s a long time but I immediately had a good feeling. The schedule was much lighter yesterday because of the weather; we had only one session to learn the track and work on the settings. I got a good start in the first race and was fourth, close to the third guy, when I made a mistake coming into a corner as a rut was soft; I crashed but I came back, made another little mistake but still finished fifth. I used a lot of energy in this race, and in the second one I was fifth after the first corners and kept this position to the finish; it’s been a pretty good weekend and my speed was good but we’ll continue to work to do even better.”

Glenn Coldenhoff – P8

“It was a solid weekend for me, two sixth-place finishes is a very good start to the championship. Qualifying yesterday wasn’t great, which didn’t give me the greatest gate pick for today’s races. But it was what is was and this morning in warm-up I felt great and posted the third fastest time. That gave me some confidence heading into the races. My first moto start wasn’t great, but I pulled through from around 10th to sixth, so it was good to get the championship started with a positive result. The second moto was very similar to the first. I felt good, felt like my speed was there and had some good battles. I know that if my starts are better I can fight with the guys that were ahead of me this weekend. I’m looking forward to the next GP, it’s one of my favourites and I hope to get some solid results there too.”

MXGP Results – Round


Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | Tampa SX | X-Trial | French MX


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Toni Bou claims fifth win at Bilbao X-Trial

Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou has taken his fifth victory of the FIM X-Trial season in Bilbao, increasing his leadership in the series, in a dominant performance ahead of Adam Raga and Benoit Bincaz.

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao

This is the second occasion that Bilbao has hosted a race of the FIM X-Trial World Championship and the crowds saw Toni Bou make a hesitant start collecting, eight penalties – four more than his arch-rival Adam Raga. Even so, he successfully qualified for the second phase.

Bou made the second round count with better precision, making 12 points in the five zones which demanded highly technical level of riding. With this result, and being the best of his group, Bou  moved on to the final where he faced off with Adam Raga.

In a great final that saw very tight racing, Toni Bou won the victory with precision through the very demanding areas, with the Montesa Cota 4RT rider finishing with nine penalties against the 12 of Raga.

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao

The triumph leaves the Repsol Honda Team rider as the leader of the World Championship, with a growing 35-point advantage.

The sixth race of the X-Trial World Championship will be held on March 21 at Wiener Neustadt, in Austria.

Toni Bou

“It was a really demanding X-Trial right to the end and that makes this fifth victory of the season even sweeter. In the Final I probably took too many risks in some sections so I ended up suffering more than I needed to. But this season has been really competitive; Adam is riding really well, so this victory is really important as it leaves me in a great position to fight for the title.”

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao

X-Trial Bilbao 2020 Results

Pos Rider Nat. Team Points
1 BOU, Toni SPA Repsol Honda Team 20
2 RAGA, Adam SPA TRRS Factory Team 15
3 BINCAZ, Benoit FRA Beta Factory Racing 12
4 FAJARDO, Jeroni SPA Sherco Factory Team 9
5 MARCELLI, Gabriel SPA RG Team 6
6 CASALES, Jorge SPA Gas Gas Factory Team 4
7 GELABERT, Miquel SPA Vertigo Factory Team 2
8 MARTYN, Toby GBR TRRS Factory Team 1

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

X Trial Bilbao Rnd Toni Bou

Adam Raga, Toni Bou, Benoit Bincaz – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao

2020 X-Trial Standings

Pos. Rider Points
1 BOU, Toni 100
2 RAGA, Adam 75
3 FAJARDO, Jeroni 34
4 BINCAZ, Benoit 28
5 BUSTO, Jaime 28
6 CASALES, Jorge 28
7 MARCELLI, Gabriel 25
8 GELABERT, Miquel 24
9 MARTYN, Toby 2
10 TOULY, Kieran 1

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Beaton leads Husqvarna results at Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Bringing their pre-season racing schedule to a positive close, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton, Kay de Wolf and Pauls Jonass have all successfully completed their final warm-up race ahead of the start of the 2020 MXGP Championship.

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Jed Beaton

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Jed Beaton

Jed Beaton – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Competing in the Mastercross Lacapelle Marival event in France, Beaton secured the overall runner-up position in the MX2 class, with Pauls Jonass returning to competition following illness to finish fifth overall in the MX1 class.

With the recent Hawkstone International largely an exercise in survival due to the hugely challenging weather and track conditions in England last weekend, the Mastercross Lacapelle Marival delivered near-perfect track conditions and close racing across all classes.

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Pauls Jonass

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Pauls Jonass

Pauls Jonass – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Securing Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s best result in the MX2 class, Jed Beaton enjoyed two positive outings to claim a deserved overall runner-up result. Placing comfortably inside the top 10 off the start in each of the two MX2 motos, Jed spent much of the opening race in fourth before moving ahead of Jago Geerts with two laps to go.

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Jed Beaton

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Jed Beaton

Jed Beaton – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Race two saw Jed start well, completing the first lap in fourth. Taking some time to find his rhythm around the French track, the Australian settled into a strong pace during the second half of the moto to finish just four seconds behind eventual overall winner Tom Vialle. In the combined 450/250 Super Finale, Jed placed 12th, the third-highest MX2 class rider.

Jed Beaton

“Yeah, I’m pretty pleased with the way today went. It’s really nice to get to race a pre-season event that’s not super wet and is in good condition and has good grip. The two motos went well enough for me. In the first race I didn’t get the best of starts, I think I was down in fifth or sixth before getting up to third. I stayed there for quite a few laps, before the top two guys got into the lappers. It got pretty intense there for a while and I was able to close up a lot. Third was a good result. I took a little while to get into a rhythm in the second race although I was in second for most of the time. I felt like I rode a lot better in the second half and to finish second overall is positive ahead of the first GP in a couple of weeks.”

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Jed Beaton

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Jed Beaton

Jed Beaton – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Returning to action following several weeks away from competition due to sickness, Pauls Jonass secured fifth overall in the MX1 class aboard his FC 450 following fifth and fourth place results, before rounding out his participation at the French event with sixth in the Super Finale.

Pauls Jonass

“It’s been good to be back racing after a few weeks off, but I feel like things could have gone a little better today, still a few too many small mistakes. I got a good start in the first race and went too hard too soon, and that cost me mid-race. There were some pretty deep lines on the track and you needed to be smooth – I pushed a bit too hard. Things were better at the end of the race but there was no time left to really improve my result then. I got a great start in the second moto and really tried to be smooth. I made a few small mistakes, but things were better than race one. Overall, the event’s been great – really good conditions and apart from some small mistakes I’m happy. Two weeks before the first GP now so I’ll keep up the work and look forward to Matterley Basin.”

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Pauls Jonass

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival Pauls Jonass

Pauls Jonass – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Next up the team will compete in the opening round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship, the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin, England.

MX1 – Race 1
  1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 25:32.181
  2. Gautier Paulin (Yamaha) 25:44.528
  3. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 25:46.250
MX1 – Race 2
  1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 14 laps 25:21.600
  2. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 25:37.476
  3. Jeremy Seewer (Yamaha) 25:45.060
MX1 – Overall
  1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 50 points
  2. Jeremy Seewer (Yamaha) 38
  3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 37
MX2 – Race 1
  1. Tom Vialle (KTM) 13 laps 24:01.451
  2. Rene Hofer (KTM) 24:02.280
  3. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 24:03.144
MX2 – Race 2
  1. Tom Vialle (KTM) 13 laps 24:17.690
  2. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 24:21.893
  3. Nathan Crawford (Honda) 24:26.235
MX2 – Overall
  1. Tom Vialle (KTM) 50 points
  2. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 42
  3. Rene Hofer (KTM) 38
Super Finale (MX1 & MX2)
  1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 14 laps
  2. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki)
  3. Gauthier Paulin (Yamaha)
    …12. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna)

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Podiums for KRT at Lacapelle Marival Masters

The Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team completed its preparation for the motocross MXGP season in style with podium finishes for both Romain Febvre and Clement Desalle at the Lacapelle Marival Masters, with glorious weather and a stunning track in central France greeting teams for a perfect final shakedown before the start of the World Championship in two week’s time.

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival FEBVRE PH

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival FEBVRE PH

Romain Febvre – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Both KRT riders commanded a top five start in the first twenty-five-minute moto, the Belgian moving up the leaderboard from fifth on lap one to claim third place, just over a second from runner-up, at the chequered flag while the Frenchman recovered from a mid-race incident soon after claiming third to cross the line just a few seconds back in sixth.

Regrouping from a first turn incident which left him initially ninth in race two Desalle maintained his composure to advance to sixth at the finish while Febvre showed that he is already in perfect accord with his new mount as he pushed his KX450-SR up the leaderboard to finish second, even closing down the race-long leader mid-moto.

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival DESALLE PH

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival DESALLE PH

Clement Desalle – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

The two MX1 motos gave the KRT riders third and fourth overall before the final outing of the day which combined the leading riders from MX1 and MX2 in the SuperFinal. Desalle again missed a clean run through the first turn but took the opportunity to show his ability to run down the opposition as he advanced from fourteenth first time past the timekeepers to secure a stunning fourth at the close.

Febvre was even more impressive as he advanced rapidly from fourth to second, setting the fastest lap of the race as he chased down the leader and, like his teammate, confirming that he is ready both in terms of physical fitness and bike set-up prior to the opening round of the FIM World MXGP Motocross Championship at Matterley Basin in southern England on March 1st.

Romain Febvre

“It’s a great feeling to have such a strong day with good starts, good lap time and podium results. We have worked a lot with Jacky (Vimond) and I have made a lot of progress since Riola three weeks ago. I love my KX450-SR and we saw today that I got good starts even if this one here is really short to the first turn. I can say that tonight I am reassured; now we’ll go back home and practice on several different tracks to be ready for Matterley Basin.”

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival FEBVRE PH

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival FEBVRE PH

Romain Febvre – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival

Clément Desalle

“It was a good experience today, even if I didn’t get such good starts. We made some changes on the bike settings – that’s also why we do some pre-season races – and the time schedule was tough with three races but overall the day was OK. I hit my ankle in the first race but it’s nothing serious and I had a good race. This year I want to do a full season so it was not necessary to take risks today; I’m happy with the bike, we are right on schedule with our preparation and we’ll continue to work before the first GP.”

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival DESALLE PH

Mastercross Lacapelle Marival DESALLE PH

Clement Desalle – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival


American Motorcyclist Association honour Greg Hancock

AMA Charter Life Member Greg Hancock, from Costa Mesa, California, announced his retirement from professional racing on Feb. 15, having won his most recent Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Speedway World Championship in 2016.

His other FIM Speedway titles came in 2014, 2011 and 1997. In the United States, he won eight AMA Speedway National Championships. Hancock also won FIM Team and Pairs World Championships, as well as many European domestic league titles during his career.

Greg Hancock

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone at the AMA and the FIM for providing me the many years of incredible speedway racing, which basically became my life school. Although I am stepping away from competing, I do not plan to exit the scene. I have plans that will keep me close to the sport, and we’ll see where that goes in the weeks ahead.”

Greg Hancock – 2016 Speedway GP Melbourne

The history of American Speedway competition dates to the mid-1920s. One of the sport’s early stars was America’s first world champion, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Milne, who won the 1937 Individual Speedway Championship in London.

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Murray Bridge confirmed for 2020 AORC Rounds 7 & 8

South Australia’s Murray Bridge has secured Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) presented by MXstore, to be held on August 1 and 2, 2020, with the support of Rural City of Murray Bridge and Velocette Motorcycle Club.

Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo, said the 2020 Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore was shaping up to be the best year yet.

Matthew Falvo

“With World champion riders returning for action in 2020, we will have the best riders in the world competing at Murray Bridge. There has been plenty of interest from South Australian riders and we are very pleased with the enthusiasm, excitement and support not only from the riders but also round hosts – the Velocette Motorcycle Club and the Rural City of Murray Bridge. With new exciting venues in the 2020 AORC we are sure to again field upwards of 200 plus riders for each event in every state, we are sure the championship can only grow further.”

This announcement now finalises all venues for the 2020 Championship which will continue to use a double-header format when the Championships kicks off in just 8 days’ time.

Australian Off Road Championship AORC Calendar

Australian Off Road Championship AORC Calendar

2020 AORC Calendar


Revised dates announced for 2020 King of MX

Motorcycling NSW has taken the unavoidable step of rearranging the 2020 King of MX qualifier schedule, swapping the Bathurst and Lakes qualifier events after it became clear that other events in the Bathurst region would make logistics especially difficult for entrants.

Lake Macquarie will now host qualifier 3 on March 14-15, while the Panorama Motorcycle Club will shift to the qualifier 5 dates of April 18-19.

Dave Cooke – Motorcycling CEO

“We were made aware of some regional events in Bathurst that were going to have some impacts on entrants’ ability to find cost-effective accommodation, among other things, and so we began looking at our options. It became clear quite quickly, with some FIM events along with other local date restrictions, that a date change just wasn’t possible. After consulting with our partner clubs, the team at Lakes were able to come to the party, and essentially trade dates with Panorama to allow as little impact as possible to those planning on racing the events. While I agree it’s not ideal to have to change the calendar, I’m grateful to everyone involved who’s helped to find, what is a great solution. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who travelled to Bega over the weekend for the first qualifier. As all of Australia knows, the far south coast region of NSW was heavily fire affected, and I’m really proud that our sport could play a small role in bringing people back to the area and contribute to rebuilding this beautiful part of the state.”

With the King of MX firmly underway for 2020, all focus now turns to Narrabri, where, in just two weeks’ time, the second qualifier will get underway. There, another 126 Golden Tickets will be on offer, and over $1000 in prizes.

2020 King of MX Calendar

  • Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final **Run & Won**
  • Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 5 -April 18-19, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Dargle – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Final – June 6-8, Cessnock

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2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

  • May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
  • May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
  • June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
  • June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
  • June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
  • July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
  • July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
  • July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
  • August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
  • August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
  • August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

  • Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
  • Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
  • Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
  • March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
  • March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
  • March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
  • April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
  • April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
  • April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

  • March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
  • March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
  • March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
  • April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
  • April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
  • May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
  • July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
  • July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
  • August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • September 13 – China, (TBA) –
  • September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
  • September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 American Flat Track

  • Round 1. March 14: Daytona 200 &  TT – Daytona Speedway, FL
  • Round 2. March 28: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
  • Round 3. April 4: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Speedway, Concord, NC
  • Round 4. May 2: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
  • Round 5. May 9: So-Cal Half-Mile – Perris Speedway, Perris, CA
  • Round 6. May 16: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
  • Round 7. May 30: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
  • Round 8. June 13: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Speedway, Loudon, NH
  • Round 9. June 20: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Round 10. June 27: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  • Round 11. July 4: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
  • Round 12. August 9: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
  • Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
  • Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
  • Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

  • Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
  • Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
  • Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
  • Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
  • Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

  • Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
  • Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
  • Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
  • Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
  • Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
  • Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
  • Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
  • Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

  • May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
  • May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
  • June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
  • July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
  • July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
  • August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
  • August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
  • August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
  • September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
  • October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

  • April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
    • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
  • October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
    • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

  • May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
    • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
  • September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
    • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD 22 – 23 February 2020
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW 14 – 15 March 2020
  • Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW 18 – 19 April 2020
  • Round 7 & 8: Murray Bridge, SA 1 – 2 August 2020
  • Round 9 & 10: Omeo, VIC 19 – 20 September 2020
  • Round 11 & 12: Wynyard, TAS 17 –18 October 2020

2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1: December 7, 2019 – Krakow, Poland
  • Round 2: January 4 – Riesa, Germany
  • Round 3: January 18 – A Coruna, Spain
  • Round 4: February 1 – Budapest, Hungary
  • Round 5: March 14 – Lodz, Poland

2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West Calendar

  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East Series
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 16-17: Madd Moose, Marquette, Mich.
    • July 4-5: Tough Like RORR, Tamaqua, Pa.
    • July 18-19: Fallen Timbers, Little Hocking, Ohio
    • Aug. 1-2: Battle of the Goats, Taylorsville, N.C.
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road West Series
    • Feb. 8: King of the Motos, Lucerne Valley, Calif.
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 2-3: EnduroFest, Reno, Nev.
    • June 6-7: Last Dog Standing, Devore, Calif.
    • June 20-21: Stix and Stones, Kellogg, Idaho
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship
    • Aug. 14-16: Trials Training Center, Sequatchie, Tenn.

2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 – June 13: Diedenbergen DE
  • Round 2 – July 26: Boves-Cuneo IT
  • Round 3 – September 5: Morizès FR
  • Round 4 – October 3: Pardubice CZ

2020 King of MX Calendar

  • Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final **Run & Won**
  • Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 5 -April 18-19, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Dargle – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Final – June 6-8, Cessnock

2020 Australian Motocross National Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
  • Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
  • Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
  • Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
  • Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
  • Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23

2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship

  • Round One – Balclutha, 1st February 2020
  • Round Two – Rotorua, 23rd February 2020
  • Round Three – Hawkes Bay, 1st March 2020
  • Round Four – Taupo, 15th March 2020

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Wrap | Dakar | AMA SX | Beach Racing | Speedway

Moto News Weekly for January 14, 2020

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What happened this week

  • Dakar Rally mourns the loss of Paulo Gonçalves
  • Ken Roczen tops AMA Supercross Round 2 in Missouri
  • Austin Forkner closes in on 250SX lead
  • Nathan Watson continues French Beach Racing domination
  • Fricke crowned Aussie Senior Solo Speedway Champ
  • WA to host two International Solo Speedway friendlies
  • 2021 Australian Speedway Solo Championships EoI open
  • 2020 Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team unveiled
  • 2020 Championship Calendars
    • 2020 AMA Motocross
    • 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
    • 2020 MXGP
    • 2020 American Flat Track
    • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
    • 2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
    • 2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
    • 2020 Australian Track Championship
    • 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
    • 2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
    • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
    • 2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
    • 2020 King of MX
    • 2020 Australian Motocross National Championship Calendar

Dakar Rally mourns the loss of Paulo Gonçalves

After the accident which claimed the life of motorcycle rider Paulo Gonçalves, Stage Eight of the Dakar Rally 2020 was cancelled in the motorcycle category out of respect for the mourning of family and friends in the bivouac.

Paulo Goncalves

Paulo Goncalves

RIP Paulo Goncalves

Paulo won three Dakar Rally stages with Honda and claimed the runner-up spot in the 2015 edition. Previously after various victories in the 2013 world championship, Paulo clinched the title of FIM Cross-Country Rallies world champion in an epic triumph in Morocco. In 2014 he took the runner-up prize was third in the world championship in 2015 and 2017.

Paulo Gonçalves was a rider with Honda HRC, Monster Energy Honda Team from mid-2013 until mid-2019, joining Hero MotoSports Team Rally last year, and the spirited Portuguese rider won over the hearts of not only the entire team, but also all his companions in the bivouac, and of the fans.

Toby Price

“Paulo took off into the stage about five-minutes before me and I came over a small crest and saw a rider down and it was Paulo. Worst fears kicked in cause I knew this one was serious. I called for help ASAP and helped get him on his side (plus more serious checks). Then tried calling for more help and by this stage Stefan Svitko (also a champion) had arrived and was helping where he could. The first helicopter arrive and Luc Alphand was starting to help and as the medical helicopter arrived they were already on CPR and the doctors got to our sides and worked all they could. Helping holding drip bags, getting bags of medical equipment and guiding other riders around a bad scene. We all worked as long as we could but there was nothing we could do. I helped assist carrying him to the helicopter as it was the right thing to do. I was first at his side and wanted to be the last to leave. We will miss you’re smile and laughter in the bivouac Paulo. My last 250km of special stage was tough, I’m dehydrated from tears. At the moment I’m not even worried about the result, I couldn’t care. Many thoughts with family and friends on this day, we don’t start the rally day 8 for bike #8 in respect to family and friends and the loss of a HERO… Thank you to everyone for the messages of support worldwide, especially those from Portugal with all the kind things. We are human and this is nothing but just a race, I would give up all my wins to have any of my fellow racing mates back with us.”


Ken Roczen tops AMA Supercross Round 2 in Missouri

For the full report and results see:
Roczen victorious in Missouri | Jett Lawrence stars in 250 (link)

Zach Osborne scored the holeshotin the 450SX Main Event at the AMA Supercross Round 2 in Missouri, but Ken Roczen was all over him throughout the opening lap before then settling a little. Justin Barcia was in third place at this early stage of the race as Adam Cianciarulo worked his way up to fourth place after passing Jason Anderson.

AMA SX Rnd Starts SX STL Kardy Yarn

AMA SX Rnd Starts SX STL Kardy Yarn

AMA Supercross Round Two 2020

Roczen took the lead from Osborne and the Husqvarna man lost some time as the #94 Honda went past and that allowed Barcia to close and pass. Adam Cianciarulo and Jason Anderson were banging bars over fourth place but it was the more experienced Anderson that came out on top, Cianciarulo was then pushed further back to sixth place by Justin Brayton. Malcolm Stewart was running seventh ahead of Eli Tomac, Justin Hill and Blake Baggett.

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Adam Cianciarulo got his head down again eight-minutes in to the race and moved back past Brayton and up to fifth place, he then took fourth from Zach Osborne. A couple of laps later his Monster Energy Kawasaki team-mate Eli Tomac pushed Brayton further back to sixth place.

13-minutes into the race Roczen had a seven-second lead over Justin Barcia, who in-turn had three-seconds on Jason Anderson. Adam Cianciarulo was a further five-seconds behind in fourth place but with Zach Osborne, Eli Tomac and Malcolm Stewart right behind him.

AMA SX Rnd Cianciarulo SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Cianciarulo SX STL Kardy

Adam Cianciarulo

Adam Cianciarulo dropped the bike on the final lap while in fourth place but managed to pick the KX450F up and salvage seventh place ahead of Justin Brayton.

Almost three years since his last victory, after endless pain and extensive operations to try and repair horrific damage suffered to his arms, wrists and hands, the 25-year-old German stood again atop a supercross podium with what was a dominant victory.

Ken Roczen – P1

“This feels so surreal and is absolutely amazing. It’s been a long time coming with a lot of struggle in the process, so this is definitely one of the sweetest moments of my career. The emotions and joy from everyone is very special. I think tonight was just our night to win. The whole day was good, starting with feeling so much more comfortable on the bike than I did last week. We also grabbed a couple of solid starts in both races tonight. I rode really good in the heat race and even in the main. I’d say that I actually surprised myself and maybe the team a little with how the main event went; it was just our time to shine. I knew if I wanted to make it happen, I’d need to make my way to the front fast, so that’s what I did. I got around Zach [Osborne] quick and had a clear track, so then I just clicked off some great laps, putting a gap between myself and the field. At one point Justin [Barcia] seemed to close in a bit but I just focused on hitting my marks and managing my pace. The race felt really long because the lap times were fairly short; the tower was right after the finish so I could get a glance at the clock each lap—it seemed like it took forever! I’ve messed it up so many times in the last laps, so it’s not over until it’s actually over. I just tried to maintain a pace while also staying consistent and not making any mistakes. We’re going to enjoy this but then get back to work this week. This is a big confidence booster and really motivating for me to want to keep the momentum going.”

AMA SX Rnd Roczen Podium SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Roczen Podium SX STL Kardy

AMA Supercross Round Two 2020 – Ken Roczen tops the 450 Podium

Justin Barcia took second place ahead of Jason Anderson while Eli Tomac missed the podium in fourth. Zach Osborne took fifth place ahead of Malcolm Stewart. Australian Chad Reed failed to finish the race.

Justin Barcia – P2

“It was a pretty tough day for me. I was really sick all week, and I just had to be mentally tough and push through the difficulties I was having today. My heat race went really well. I got a bad start, but I fought through the pack and got up to third. I made some really great passes, so that was awesome. In the Main Event, I got a much better start and quickly moved into second. I was pushing really hard, but tonight the best I had was second. I rode really well, considering. I felt like I rode better today than I did in Anaheim. I just unfortunately was a little under the weather. So, all in all, a really good day. The team did a great job with the motorcycle and setting it up. I’m really looking to get better this week and feeling better for Anaheim.”

AMA SX Rnd Barcia SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Barcia SX STL Kardy

Justin Barcia

Jason Anderson – P3

“I’m just out here enjoying myself, I feel like I was riding pretty good in the Main. I got off to a good start and I kind of let the battling happen in front of me and then I worked my way through the guys I could and settled into third.”

AMA SX Rnd Osborne Anderson Multiple SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Osborne Anderson Multiple SX STL Kardy

Zach Osborne leads Jason Anderson

Eli Tomac – P4

“Well we didn’t finish the night where we wanted or should be, but the team and I will get back to work this week and get everything dialed before Anaheim next weekend. I know we’ll be focusing on my starts, which have really been hurting my chances at finishing on the podium, but we’ll get those dialed and make any other minor adjustments that need to be made so we can get back on top.”

AMA SX Rnd Friese Stewart Baggett Tomac Multiple SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Friese Stewart Baggett Tomac Multiple SX STL Kardy

Friese leads Steward, Baggett and Tomac

Justin Barcia retains the lead in the championship on 49-points while Ken Roczen moves up to second place on 43-points, four-points ahead of Adam Cianciarulo.

2020 AMA SX – 450SX Standings after Round 2

Pos Rider R1 R2 Total
1 Justin Barcia 26 23 49
2 Ken Roczen 17 26 43
3 Adam Cianciarulo 23 16 39
4 Jason Anderson 18 21 39
5 Eli Tomac 16 19 35
6 Blake Baggett 19 14 33
7 Cooper Webb 21 11 32
8 Malcolm Stewart 14 17 31
9 Justin Brayton 15 15 30
10 Zach Osborne 9 18 27
11 Aaron Plessinger 11 13 24
12 Justin Hill 12 12 24
13 Vince Friese 13 9 22
14 Dean Wilson 10 10 20
15 Justin Bogle 7 8 15
16 Martin Davalos 8 1 9
17 Chris Blose 3 5 8
18 Kyle Cunningham 0 7 7
19 Chad Reed 5 2 7
20 Benny Bloss 6 6
21 Tyler Bowers 6 6
22 Alex Ray 4 4
23 Kyle Chisholm 4 4
24 James Decotis 1 3 4
25 Fredrik Noren 2 2

Austin Forkner closes in on 250SX lead

Aussie teenager Jett Lawrence got a sensational start to the 250SX Main Event but Austin Forkner quickly swept past the Geico Honda youngster. Left on the deck on lap one was defending 250 West champ Dylan Ferrandis after he was rear-ended hard by Michael Mosiman. Ferrandis had to return to his mechanics in order to get damage to his machine repaired.

AMA SX Rnd Lawrence Forkner Starts SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Lawrence Forkner Starts SX STL Kardy

Jett Lawrence & Austin Forkner

Jett Lawrence maintained a strong second place over the opening laps while not letting Forkner to break away, while countrymen Luke Clout was running seventh and Aaron Tanti 12th.

Justin Cooper was fighting his way through the field with ten-minutes remaining, and moved past Hartranft for fourth place. A couple of minutes later he then dispensed with Christian Craig to move up to third.

AMA SX Rnd LawrenceJ SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd LawrenceJ SX STL Kardy

Jett Lawrence

Jett Lawrence was within a second of race leader Forkner for the first two-thirds of the race but five-minutes from the end Jett made a small mistake and clipped a tough-block which bent his rear brake pedal back around on to his peg. That bobble allowed Cooper to pounce and move through to second place. A lap later Lawrence stopped to see his mechanics where they bent the brake lever back off his peg and the 16-year-old rejoined the race in fifth place but with his podium chance now gone.

Forkner managed to withstand the pressure from the closing Cooper to secure the win while Brandon Hartranft secured the final step on the rostrum ahead of Alex Martin.

Austin Forkner – P1

“Man, what a tough day. It’s always a difficult pill to swallow when you end your day early, especially when you’re riding well and feeling good in the beginning. I made a small mistake in qualifying and just couldn’t really recover after that crash. I was hurting pretty badly, so the team and I all made the decision to call it a day and get checked out in hopes to recover quicker for the long season ahead.”

AMA SX Rnd Forkner Lawrence Multiple SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Forkner Lawrence Multiple SX STL Kardy

Austin Forkner

Justin Cooper – P2

“Last weekend I had it pretty easy. I was just out front clicking off my laps. This weekend was a different story. I felt good all day, but I didn’t put myself in the best positions in the races tonight. I just had to put my head down and take my time and come through the pack. Once you get the feeling of victory, you don’t want to lose it. But this feels like a win tonight. It was a good learning curve for me. We’re going to hold the red plate and we’re going to hold onto it tight. We’re going to fight for this championship.”

AMA SX Rnd Cooper SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Cooper SX STL Kardy

Justin Cooper

Brandon Hartranft – P3

“Honestly, I’m still in shock about what happened tonight, this podium couldn’t have come at a better time for me. The team and I have put in a lot of work this off-season and I definitely couldn’t have done this without them!”

AMA SX Rnd Hartranft SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd Hartranft SX STL Kardy

Brandon Hartranft

Jett Lawrence salvaged that fifth place after what had been a hugely encouraging performance for the youngster. Luke Clout took a great seventh, while fellow Aussie Aaron Tanti claimed 13th.

Jett Lawrence – P5

“Gave it everything I had last night. Unfortunately I clipped a damn tough block which wrapped my rear brake around my peg and locked on my brake causing me to come into pit lane. Thanks for all the messages and comments I appreciate it. thanks to my team and sponsors. Back to work this week!”

AMA SX Rnd LawrenceJ SX STL Kardy

AMA SX Rnd LawrenceJ SX STL Kardy

Jett Lawrence

Luke Clout – P7

“I felt more like myself tonight. Finishing 4th in the Heat was great and it’s much closer to where I want to be. I am getting more comfortable on the 250 as well.”

Justin Cooper is the 250 West Championship leader on 49 points following Round 2, five-points ahead of Austin Forkner. Jett Lawrence currently ranks equal fifth in the series with Alex Martin.

2020 AMA SX – 250SX Standings after Round 2

Pos Rider R1 R2 Total
1 Justin Cooper 26 23 49
2 Austin Forkner 18 26 44
3 Brandon Hartranft 16 21 37
4 Dylan Ferrandis 23 11 34
5 Alex Martin 13 19 32
6 Jett Lawrence 14 18 32
7 Jacob Hayes 12 17 29
8 Derek Drake 15 13 28
9 Christian Craig 21 1 22
10 Michael Mosiman 19 3 22
11 Mitchell Oldenburg 7 15 22
12 Carson Brown 8 14 22
13 Luke Clout 2 16 18
14 Cameron Mcadoo 17 17
15 Michael Leib 11 6 17
16 Killian Auberson 9 8 17
17 Robbie Wageman 10 5 15
18 Derek Kelley 4 9 13
19 Martin Castelo 12 12
20 Aaron Tanti 0 10 10
21 Mitchell Falk 1 7 8
22 Jay Wilson 6 6
23 Logan Karnow 5 0 5
24 Cheyenne Harmon 4 4
25 Chris Howell 3 3
26 Ludovic Macler 0 2 2

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Nathan Watson continues French Beach Racing domination

Nathan Watson has secured his third victory of the season in the Championnat de France des Sables, extending his series lead following a commanding win at round six in Grayan-et-L’Hopital.

French Beach Racing Rnd Nathan Watson Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Grayan et LHopital

French Beach Racing Rnd Nathan Watson Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Grayan et LHopital

Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert

The penultimate stop of the French Beach Racing championship saw competitors travel to the south west of France, near Bordeaux, for round five. A mixture of a high-speed sandy beach and rough dunes ensured a thorough and demanding test for all at Grayan-et-L’Hopital. High tides resulted in the original three-hour race distance being cut short to just over two hours.

At a course he favours, Watson wasted no time in positioning himself at the head of the field. Claiming a top-five start, he powered his KTM 450 SX-F into the lead on the opening lap. Comfortable out front he set the pace, pulling one minute and 20 seconds clear of his rivals as the race entered its latter stages.

However, unaware that organisers had cut the race distance from three hours to just over two because of a turning tide, Watson still completed his three scheduled fuel stops. Without risk of losing position, he went on to win by almost 50 seconds from Todd Kellett and Camille Chapeliere.

Nathan Watson

“Overall, I had a really great race today. As beach races go, this one went pretty much perfectly. I’m not sure what it is about this place but I enjoy coming here and love the mixture of open high-speed beach and rough sections in the surrounding forest. We made some changes to the bike to allow for more power and speed and that helped me get a good start. I was about top five, but made some quick overtakes and hit the front on the opening lap. I was able to lead every lap and felt comfortable controlling the pace. Towards the end the organisers cut the race short. I could have avoided an extra fuel stop to save time, but I had already done my three stops at that point, so although I lost time there thankfully it all worked out ok. It’s the final push now towards Enduropale du Touquet. I feel in a good place and go there confident and focused on defending my crown.”

French Beach Racing Rnd Nathan Watson Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Grayan et LHopital

French Beach Racing Rnd Nathan Watson Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Grayan et LHopital

Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert

The CFS: Championnat de France des Sables concludes with Round Seven at Enduropale du Touquet on 2 February.

Championnat de France des Sables Round 6: Grayan-et-L’Hopital Results

  1. Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 11 laps, 2:17.750
  2. Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 2:18.11.260 +49.510
  3. Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 2:19:08.530 +1:46.780
  4. Camille Chapeliere (FRA) KTM, 2:20:09.170 +2:47.420
  5. Richard Fura (FRA), Yamaha, 2:24.39.880 +7:18.130

Championnat de France des Sables Standings

  1. Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 720pts
  2. Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 645pts
  3. Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 556pts
  4. Jeremy Hauquier (FRA), KTM, 478pts
  5. Damien Prevot (FRA), Kawasaki, 455pts

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Fricke crowned Aussie Senior Solo Speedway Champ

Max Fricke has taken out the 2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championships in front of a packed South Australian crowd at Gillman Speedway, where fans were treated to the best racing this season. Riders diced all night in tight lines early in the heats before finding significant speed out wide later in the evening.

Despite Fricke securing the championship earlier in the night on points, it was Jack Holder who blitzed the field in the final race, with Fricke second, Rohan Tungate third, and Josh Pickering fourth. Holder’s Final win backed up his performance earlier in the night where he picked better lines and demonstrated superior speed.

Fricke played it safe at the finale to wrap up his second national title in succession and looks in fine form for his European campaign later this year.

Max Fricke

“It’s nice to know that it’s all wrapped up now and I can relax a bit. It’s really nice to know that I’ve come away with it (the championship) now. It’s nice to be able to put myself as a back to back champion with all the names on the trophy. I’m over the moon and can’t thank everyone enough.”

Max Fricke Gillman

Max Fricke Gillman

Max Fricke

2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship
Final Points

  1. Max Fricke 71
  2. Jack Holder 62
  3. Rohan Tungate 59
  4. Chris Holder 57
  5. Jaimon Lidsey 55
  6. Brady Kurtz 47
  7. Josh Pickering 38
  8. Sam Masters 37
  9. Ryan Douglas 26
  10. Zach Cook 20
  11. Rob Medson 20
  12. Justin Sedgmen 19
  13. Ben Cook 17
  14. Jordan Stewart 16
  15. Jack Morrison 6
  16. Patrick Hamilton 1

2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship
Round Five – Gillman Points

  1. Jack Holder 20
  2. Max Fricke 16
  3. Rohan Tungate 16
  4. Chris Holder 13
  5. Josh Pickering 13
  6. Jaimon Lidsey 12
  7. Brady Kurtz 10
  8. Sam Masters 8
  9. Ben Cook 7
  10. Rob Medson 6
  11. Justin Sedgmen 5
  12. Zach Cook 5
  13. Ryan Douglas 4
  14. Jack Morrison 1
  15. Jordan Stewart 1

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WA to host two International Solo Speedway friendlies

By Graeme Sinden

Western Australian motorcycle speedway followers are in for a huge treat come mid-January when the Speedway Motorcycle Club of WA host, not one, but two International Solo Speedway friendlies between Australia and Great Britain at their Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway complex near Wanneroo.

Solo Speedway Championship Australia vs Great Britain

Solo Speedway Championship Australia vs Great Britain

These two big nights of International solo racing between Australia and England are reminiscent of the official Test Matches that were regularly held at speedway venues around the country back in the ’80s and early ’90s including, Claremont Speedway in the days when Australia’s International solo Champion, Aub Lawson operated the famous venue and again when Con Migro took over the reigns as it’s Promoter.

Three times World Solo Champion, Tai Woffinden and his close friend, businessman, Limited WA State Sprintcar Champion and President of the Speedway Motorcycle Club of WA, Marshall McDiarmid formulated the plan to bring some young ‘Team England’ riders to Australia and race off in a couple of International Friendlies against some quality Australia riders.

The plan was to allow some up and coming young British riders to live, work and train together just as any professional team would do in an attempt to develop comradery, understanding, rider skills and indeed life skills and enable them to take these valuable experiences forward in the hope it will strengthen the UK World Cup Team in future years.

As the idea grew, the number of people in the planning process expanded and what initially started out as a thought bubble between two good friends, each with a passion for solo racing, will finally become a reality when these two great Nations face off against each other over two big nights of traditional solo speedway racing on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th January at Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway in Perth Western Australia.

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2021 Australian Speedway Solo Championships EoI open

Hot on the heels of the successful 2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship, Motorcycling Australia has today released expressions of interest for clubs or promoters to host the 2021 national speedway championships.

The 2020 five round Championship was a success because of the dedication and professionalism of local clubs and Australia’s world class riders.

Australian Solo Senior Speedway Round Rohan Tungate

Australian Solo Senior Speedway Round Rohan Tungate

Rohan Tungate – 2020 Australian Solo Senior Speedway Round 2

An Australian Championship is the pinnacle of competition in Australia and a great way to promote your club and your community whilst providing an opportunity for your local riders to compete amongst the best in Australia.

These meetings bring competitors and spectators from all over Australia.

Applications are open to clubs that wish to host the 2021 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship, Under 16’s 250cc Solo Championship and Under 21’s Solo Championship.

Upon receipt of Expression of Interest, Motorcycling Australia will send additional information on the specific championship and the requirements.

Expression of interest forms can be found on the Motorcycling Australia website www.ma.org.au


2020 Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team unveiled

Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced the 2020 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team, featuring team riders Thomas Kjer Olsen, Jed Beaton and EMX250 rider Kay de Wolf.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX Team

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX Team

2020 Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team unveiled – Image by Bavo Swijgers

With the opening round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship now only a little over seven weeks away, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team are currently based in Spain, at the Redsand MX Park facility, where all three riders are working on both their off-bike physical training and riding, aboard their FC 250 machines.

The team’s first official outing of 2020 will be the Hawkstone Park International in England on February 9. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team will then ready themselves for the start of the 20-round FIM Motocross World Championship, which kicks off with the GP of Great Britain on March 1 at Matterley Basin.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX Team Jed Beaton

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX Team Jed Beaton

Jed Beaton – 2020 Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 Team – Image by Bavo Swijgers

Rasmus Jorgensen – Team Manager

“With the start of the season not too far away now, things have been going really well recently. All riders took some much-needed time off at the end of last year before starting their physical preparations in November and returning to riding in December, in Belgium. Since the New Year we’ve been in Spain at Redsand MX Park and the atmosphere among the three riders is really positive – it’s great to see so much energy and willingness to work hard. Ahead of us are many more weeks of training and testing, but all riders are already feeling really comfortable and enjoying both the on and off bike work we’re doing. We’re all looking forward to the first race at Hawkstone.”

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2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

  • May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
  • May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
  • May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
  • June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
  • June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
  • June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
  • July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
  • July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
  • July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
  • August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
  • August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
  • August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

  • Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
  • Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
  • Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
  • Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
  • Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
  • March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
  • March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
  • March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
  • March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
  • April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
  • April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
  • April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
  • May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

  • March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
  • March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
  • March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
  • April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
  • April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
  • May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
  • June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
  • July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
  • July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
  • August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
  • August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
  • September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
  • September 13 – China, (TBA) –
  • September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
  • September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 American Flat Track

  • Round 1. March 14: Daytona 200 &  TT – Daytona Speedway, FL
  • Round 2. March 28: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
  • Round 3. April 4: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Speedway, Concord, NC
  • Round 4. May 2: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
  • Round 5. May 9: So-Cal Half-Mile – Perris Speedway, Perris, CA
  • Round 6. May 16: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
  • Round 7. May 30: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
  • Round 8. June 13: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Speedway, Loudon, NH
  • Round 9. June 20: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Round 10. June 27: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
  • Round 11. July 4: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
  • Round 12. August 9: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
  • Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
  • Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
  • Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
  • Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

  • Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
  • Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
  • Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
  • Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
  • Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

  • Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
  • Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
  • Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
  • Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
  • Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
  • Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
  • Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
  • Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

  • May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
  • May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
  • June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
  • July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
  • July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
  • August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
  • August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
  • August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
  • September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
  • October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

  • April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
    • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
  • October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
    • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

  • May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
    • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
  • September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
    • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD 22 – 23 February 2020
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW 14 – 15 March 2020
  • Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW 18 – 19 April 2020
  • Round 7 & 8: SA 1 – 2 August 2020
  • Round 9 & 10: Omeo, VIC 19 – 20 September 2020
  • Round 11 & 12: Wynyard, TAS 17 –18 October 2020

2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1: December 7, 2019 – Krakow, Poland
  • Round 2: January 4 – Riesa, Germany
  • Round 3: January 18 – A Coruna, Spain
  • Round 4: February 1 – Budapest, Hungary
  • Round 5: March 14 – Lodz, Poland

2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West Calendar

  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East Series
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 16-17: Madd Moose, Marquette, Mich.
    • July 4-5: Tough Like RORR, Tamaqua, Pa.
    • July 18-19: Fallen Timbers, Little Hocking, Ohio
    • Aug. 1-2: Battle of the Goats, Taylorsville, N.C.
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road West Series
    • Feb. 8: King of the Motos, Lucerne Valley, Calif.
    • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
    • May 2-3: EnduroFest, Reno, Nev.
    • June 6-7: Last Dog Standing, Devore, Calif.
    • June 20-21: Stix and Stones, Kellogg, Idaho
  • 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship
    • Aug. 14-16: Trials Training Center, Sequatchie, Tenn.

2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 – June 13: Diedenbergen DE
  • Round 2 – July 26: Boves-Cuneo IT
  • Round 3 – September 5: Morizès FR
  • Round 4 – October 3: Pardubice CZ

2020 King of MX Calendar

  • Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 5 – April 18-19, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
  • Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Sydney – Top 7 qualify for final
  • Final – June 6-8, Undisclosed Location

2020 Australian Motocross National Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
  • Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
  • Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
  • Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
  • Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
  • Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23

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Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | Cianciarulo tops Monster Energy Cup | Jett Lawrence stars

Moto News Weekly for October 15, 2019

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
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What happened this week

  • Cianciarulo & Lawrence star at 2019 Energy Monster Cup
  • Dean Wilson injured in Monster Energy Cup qualifying
  • Riders talk Australian Supercross Round 2 at Gillman Speedway
  • Middleton & McKinnon reign at 2019 Australian Trial Championships
  • Maxime Renaux claims 2019 French Beach Race opener victory
  • Nestaan-MX to run Husqvarna MX2 effort in 2020 with Jed Beaton

Cianciarulo & Lawrence star at 2019 Energy Monster Cup

The ninth annual Monster Energy Cup delivered the excitement promised by the biggest purse and most unique race format of any motorcycle race in the world. The event brought some new twists to Sam Boyd Stadium this year with the three Cup Class Main Events held on three different track variations, each requiring the racers one pass through a slower-route Joker Lane.

Monster Energy Cup Cianciarulo Tomac Multiple JK MEC
Adam Cianciarulo & Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

With a million dollars to any rider who could sweep the three Main Event format, it was Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo who edged out his teammate, two-time and defending Cup Champion Eli Tomac, for the event win and $100,000, proving this 450cc class rookie has the speed and the mental nerve to take on the competitive 450cc Supercross Class racers. All this on the weekend Cianciarulo celebrated his 23rd birthday.

Monster Energy Cup Main Tomac JK MEC
2019 Monster Energy Cup – Image by Hoppenworld

From the first gate drop the excitement of 35,424 fans spiked as Adam Cianciarulo grabbed the holeshot in his class debut and looked fast enough to gap the two racers behind him, Jeremy Martin, and Malcom Stewart, who were both in their first appearances since big injuries in previous seasons.

Monster Energy Cup Cianciarulo JK MEC
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld

Vince Friese, visiting three-time World Champion Tim Gajser, and defending Monster Energy Cup champion Eli Tomac, were right behind the top three. In the same stadium where a simple mistake cost him a Western Regional 250SX Class Supercross title just five months before, Cianciarulo made another small mistake; the Kawasaki rider washed out the front end in a corner and dropped back to fifth as Friese grabbed the lead.

Monster Energy Cup Friese Cianciarulo Multiple JK MEC
Vince Friese – Image by Hoppenworld

Tomac reached second place but then lost his bearings on which track section he was on and drastically mis-timed a triple jump. Tomac recovered and on lap six got into the lead. The top riders waited until the final lap to make their pass through the Joker Lane, a slow section comprised of three steep wall jumps separated by deep, white sand.

Tomac took the win, separating himself as the only rider in the running for the million dollars. His new teammate Cianciarulo crossed the checkered flag close behind in second. On the podium Tomac said about his mid-race mistake saying, “Our normal line right now is double double, [but] I went double triple. I totally brainfarted. That’s the track getting me right now. Gotta get my head straight here, ‘cos that was scary.”

Monster Energy Cup Tomac Gajser Multiple JK MEC
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Main Event #2 of the Cup Class proved that anything can happen in racing. Jeremy Martin jumped out with the holeshot with Friese close behind. Tomac was buried closer to tenth place than to first, and his teammate Cianciarulo was outside even the top ten. Tomac went to work fast, at times passing a different rider in two consecutive corners. By lap three he was up to second place, with Friese in sight right ahead.

Monster Energy Cup Jeremy Martin Friese Starts JK MEC CoverB
Jeremy Martin – Image by Hoppenworld

But then Tomac lowsided while landing off the roller on the track’s high-speed sweeper. He jumped back onto the bike, but the crash put him into tenth place and over eight seconds from the leader. At the midpoint Malcom Stewart passed his teammate Friese to take the lead and bring home the win.

Monster Energy Cup Friese Tomac Multiple JK MEC
Vince Friese – Image by Hoppenworld

It marked Stewart’s first race in nine months after an injury ended his Supercross season. Stewart was a happy man on the podium, “We’ve got another race to go. Hopefully we’re on the top step, if not, man, we’re already making dreams come true. I’ve already marked things off my checklist. It was just to win a Main Event. I said, ‘Let’s go, now the goal is to win this overall’… …This is what Monster Energy Cup is all about. This is what they wanted, you guys want a… three race battle? Here you go! You got it!”

Monster Energy Cup StewartM JK MEC
Malcom Stewart – Image by Hoppenworld

With Stewart taking the win, Cianciarulo finishing second, and Tomac working his way up to third, those three riders would go into Main Event #3 tied in points for a winner-take-all Vegas finale.

With $100,000 on the line Adam Cianciarulo, in his 450SX Class debut, in the stadium that ruined his Western Regional 250SX Class season just five months before, grabbed the holeshot with Tim Gajser and Eli Tomac close in tow. A few turns in, Cianciarulo got off balance on the edge of the track and had to roll the Finish Line jump, putting all three riders into a single turn at the same time.

Monster Energy Cup Cianciarulo JK MEC
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld

No positions were changed then, but when Tomac got around Gajser one turn later, the two Kawasaki riders, competing for the first time and tied in points, started a nine-lap battle for a six-figure payday. Tomac got around at one point on lap six of the ten lap Main Event, but Cianciarulo slipped back into the lead within a few feet.

Monster Energy Cup Gajser JK MEC
Tim Gajser – Image by Hoppenworld

Tomac turned up the pressure every lap and stayed right on Cianciarulo’s rear tire until lap nine, when he strategically took the Joker Lane in the hopes of turning a faster laptime and taking the lead when Cianciarulo was forced to take the Joker Lane on the final lap. On the final lap, the two riders took their respective lanes and in a nail-biter, Cianciarulo came out less than a bike length ahead. Tomac pressured for the remainder of the lap but Cianciarulo held strong and held on for the win and a $100,000 winner’s check.

Monster Energy Cup Podium Cianciarulo Kawasaki Tomac JK MEC
Adam Cianciarulo & Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld
Adam Cianciarulo

“My first thought was, ‘What I life I get to live!’ That whole race I knew he was behind me. We had a gap and I knew it was going to come down to the Joker Lane and – just the opportunity to race with Eli. He’s accomplished so much and just to be out there on the track with him. I’m stoked to be out there. Honestly, I always looked up to Eli and so just to be out there racing with him is unreal. And to come out on top of my first race is, I just can’t ask for anything better… It’s a little bit of redemption but to be honest with you I look at Vegas now – after winning the outdoor motocross championship – I look at Vegas as something that helped me get there. I really don’t look back on that race and think, ‘Oh, man.’ I think it’s really helped me grow. And what a better way, to get a Monster Cup win in 450. I always love coming here, even that night, it sucked, obviously, but I love Vegas and I’m just so grateful, can’t say that enough.”

Monster Energy Cup Cianciarulo JK MEC
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld

Tomac was disappointed but not down with his second-place finish.

Eli Tomac

“Going into the Joker, I thought I just couldn’t really make the pass anywhere stick, so I was like, ‘Let me get into this thing a lap early and see if I can make the speed up on the track.’ …basically [I] ended up in the same exact spot there, like you said eating a lot of roost. Great battle with Adam there. Coming out in the losing spot is going to get at me a little bit, but overall [it was a] really fun weekend, great weekend for the team, and man, that was a battle.”

Monster Energy Cup Tomac JK MEC
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Malcolm Stewart finished the Main Event #3, and in the overall standings, in third place. He was elated to be back competing up at the front.

Malcolm Stewart

“Just going out here and having fun and getting some gate drops just kinda sets a little barrier of where we’re going to be for the 2020 season. Just keep our heads down and keep moving forward… It’s been a long road for us. Nine months ago, we weren’t looking so hot, so the fact that I’m standing up here with a third overall means a lot to me. Like I said, getting up here, standing up here feels good and I just want to say congratulations to Adam, [for his] first win, that was awesome. For him to step into the 450SX Class and show us how it’s done that was pretty cool.”

Monster Energy Cup Stewart Podium JK MEC
Malcom Stewart – Image by Hoppenworld

Source: MCNews.com.au

Romain Febvre claims Czech MXGP win | Prado tops MX2

MXGP 2019

Round 13 – Czech MXGP, Loket


Loket hosted Round 13 of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship where it was Romain Febvre who put on a brilliant performance to win his first GP since 2016, taking the double win from championship leader Tim Gajser and Jeremy Seewer.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

In the MX2 Class Jorge Prado scored his 27th Grand Prix win, with a perfect 1-1 result at the Grand Prix of Czech Republic. The win extended Prado’s points lead in the series points, with 90 points separating Prado from second placed man Thomas Kjer Olsen, while second overall at Loket was Henry Jacobi and third Olsen.


MXGP Race 1

At the Gate drop of MXGP Race 1 Jeremy Seewer took the FOX Holeshot ahead of his teammate Romain Febvre and Tim Gajser, but Gautier Paulin pushed the HRC rider to the side and moved into third place. Gajser moved back past Paulin to get back into third place, and behind him came Paulin and Brian Bogers.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Jeremy Seewer F
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

Febvre made gains with a pass on Seewer for first place at the opening lap. After three laps Febvre held just over a second to Seewer, followed by Gajser, Paulin and Arminas Jasikoniswho moved past Bogers for fifth. A lot was happening mid pack as Pauls Jonass was all over Bogers for sixth place, while Jasikonis was doing the same to Paulin for fourth position.

After eight laps it was still Febvre leading with around four seconds between himself and Seewer, with Gajser losing ground on the two Yamaha riders. Gajser started pushing harder at the end of the race and closed up on Seewer for second place.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

After 13 laps Febvre held a four-second lead over Seewer with Gajser all over the Yamaha riders in third, then came Paulin and Jasikonis.

Gajser moved into second place after passing Seewer and added a few points to his championship lead. Gajser then easily pulled away from Seewer and seemed to be going after Febvre for the race win. Febvre though was too good and Gajser found himslef settled for the second place. Febvre won race 1 in Loket from Gajser and Seewer finishing third.

MXGP Race 2

Race 2 started nearly identical for Seewer who again took the FOX Holeshot and led the way ahead of Gajser, Paulin, Febvre and Arnaud Tonus. Febvre was quickly into third place and passed Paulin.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket MXGP Start JPA
MXGP Start – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

Tommy Searle also pushed hard as he moved into fifth place while Febvre moved forward in the early going of the race and looked to get to the front; the French moved into second place while Gajser seemed to back it down a little as both Seewer and Febvre were riding on the edge and very close. On lap three Febvre tried to make a pass on Seewer but couldn’t get past.

Gajser, after taking a little rest started pushing again and was back onto the two front guys. A brilliant battle for first place between the two Monster Energy Yamaha riders was set leaving Gajser sitting back watching it all. Febvre managed to move into first place on lap six.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

Gajser started putting massive pressure on Seewer for second and pushed to get past but had to wait. Gajser rode past Seewer to move into second and started chasing after the leader.

Back in ninth position Searle crashed into the wire fence and his bike was stuck dropping himself into 21st.

The top ten after seven laps was Febvre, Gajser, Seewer, Paulin, Tonus, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Jonass, Glenn Coldenhoff, Jasikonis and Max Anstie in 10th. After nine laps suddenly Gajser was onto Febvre with just two seconds separating them two front guys.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

Febvre settled and took command of the race, winning his third race of the season from Gajser and Seewer. Romain Febvre won the MXGP of Czech Republic at the Loket circuit on the back of a brilliant 1-1 performance and scored his first Grand Prix victory in three years.

Second overall was Tim Gajser with 2-2 scores and third Jeremy Seewer with 3-3 results. Tim Gajser goes to Lommel with 177 points ahead of Seewer and with a change to gain the title at the MXGP of Belgium.

Roman Febvre – P1

“I feel amazing. The whole weekend has been good for me. Right from the beginning my speed has been good, and I managed to go 1-1. I am really happy. It has been a long road back to victory and not an easy one. Many tough GP’s and some injuries. We are back! I am so happy, and happy for my team Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP. It means everything.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket
Tim Gajser – P2

“The track was really tough, it was hard and slick so I didn’t feel so comfortable on the track, but I’m quite happy with how the motos turned out. I took two good starts and I was riding smart and I didn’t want to push too much because it was easy to make a mistake. Overall it was a good weekend and I’m happy I could give all the Slovenian fans something to cheer about. They support me so much on the track and I could really hear them around the start straight bend each lap. So many of them made the trip and I am just really thankful for every one of them and it is just an awesome feeling to be out there and celebrating with them.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Gajser bybavoJeremy Seewer – P3

“I struggled to set-up the bike here, on a 450cc it’s really tricky because on a track like Loket we have a bike with so much power, but no traction. I managed to turn it around and find my flow. Romain was on another level today, but I think I had the same speed as Tim (Gajser), so it would have been nice to have kept second position. I am happy to be on the podium though, and the most amazing thing was to take three holeshots.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket
Gautier Paulin – P4

“4-4 was my place today. I was fast all weekend. Starts were key on this track. I did make a few mistakes, but that is part of racing. I am happy with the full crew and I am happy to be back at a good level and to be pain free, which is a big deal. Fourth was my place this weekend, so it was a good weekend overall.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket
Pauls Jonass – P6

“I guess I can say it’s been a decent GP for me – certainly not the worst, but also not the best. I had hoped to get better results coming back to Europe, but it’s like this. It’s good championship points, and sixth is a good overall result. Starts are so important here and I didn’t get the best of starts in either race. But I felt good in the first race and managed to make a few passes and, yeah, sixth was a good result. My pace wasn’t quite what I needed in the second moto. I felt ok, but I didn’t want to push too hard and take risks. Riding here is very different on a 450, but I enjoyed the GP. There aren’t too many races to go now, so the focus is to keep working and try and improve my position in the championship.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Pauls Jonass JPA
Pauls Jonass – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket
Arminas Jasikonis – P7

“I’m pleased with the way the weekend has gone. It didn’t start in the best way when I got caught up in the first turn crash in the qualification race. But I rode well to come from almost last to 10th. I really pushed hard and was feeling good coming into today’s races. My start wasn’t the best in the first race, but I felt like I made some good passes during the early laps and kept a good pace going throughout the race. I was behind Paulin during the last laps but couldn’t find a way pass and didn’t want to take risks. Fifth was a really good result. The second moto went pretty well but I felt like I wasn’t quite flowing with the track like I needed. Seventh overall is a big step in the right direction after the last few GPs and I’m really looking forward to Lommel now.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Arminas Jasikonis JPA
Arminas Jasikonis – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket
Arnaud Tonus – P8

“With how I felt, this weekend was quite OK. I was really sick for a week and a half. I had a bad bacterium that infected my body and made me very sick. In the last 10 days I could only ride once, so I knew it was going to be a tough GP. To come away with 10 and 5 in the races, was not so bad considering how I felt.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – 2019 Czech MXGP, Loket

Source: MCNews.com.au

Tim Gajser makes Honda history with MXGP of Asia win

MXGP 2019

Round 12 – MXGP of Indonesia, Semarang


Round 12 of the FIM Motocross World Championship took place over the weekend at the MXGP of Asia in Indonesia, heralding the second Indonesian round, this time in Semarang, where Tim Gajser topped the MXGP class for Honda, on the back of a perfect 1-1 result, further extending his considerable championship lead.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

The move makes Tim Gajser the most successful Honda MXGP racer in history for wins in a row, after taking seven consecutive wins in the MXGP class.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

In the MX2 KTM’s Jorge Prado also proved unstoppable, claiming the 1-1 result to clinch yet another round win, from fellow KTM rider Tom Vialle once again. Aussie Jed Beaton closed out the weekend in seventh following a 4-11 result, just falling outside the top 10 in Race 2, and holds 10th overall in the standings.


MXGP

Tim Gajser’s performances were nothing less than amazing – the Slovenian was looking confident as he led the MXGP field into the opening lap of MXGP first race taking his sixth FOX Holeshot of the season. Then came Pauls Jonass, Jeremy Seewer, Romain Febvre, and Arminas Jasikonis in fifth.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Gajser start
Tim Gajser took the Race 1 holeshot – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

After a lap the lead by the HRC rider was more than a second and riders were swapping positions throughout the field. Jeremy Van Horebeek moved into seventh, then back to 11th, and Gautier Paulin dropped from seventh to 10th.

After four laps it was Gajser with a two second lead, then Jonass, Seewer, Jasikonis and Arnaud Tonus fifth. Febvre went down hard while battling with his teammate Seewer and was forced to go out of the race after bending his front end. Jonass closed up on Gajser, but then Gajser quickened his pace and was two seconds up after six laps.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

Gajser continued to control the race up front and on lap nine he was still around two seconds ahead of Jonass, with Seewer third, Jasikonis fourth and Tonus fifth while Max Anstie had moved past his team-mate Ivo Monticelli for eighth position.

Jonass went down hard and dropped out of the top ten with an eventual race 1 disqualification result as he re-joined the race after leaving the track for ‘outside assistance’ while Tonus managed to pass Jasikonis for third.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

After 13 laps the lead by Gajser was more than six seconds over Seewer, with Tonus third, Jasikonis fourth and Glenn Coldenhoff fifth. Seewer crashed up the hill on lap 14 and handed Tonus the second place. Seewer then found himself in third place while Coldenhoff closed in on Jasikonis, until he succeeded to overtake. Gajser would win the opening MXGP race from Tonus and Seewer.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Seewer Febvre action
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

In the second MXGP race, it was Seewer who took the FOX Holeshot out front early ahead of Gajser, Jasikonis, Jonass and Tonus. Gajser was pushing hard to get into the lead and did just that after half a lap of the race.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Seewer start
Jeremy Seewer took the Race 2 holeshot – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

On lap two Jasikonis nearly crashed, but saved it, and Febvre also got sideways, but didn’t lose a position. Coldenhoff went past Jasikonis, and after three laps it was Gajser with more than two seconds over Seewer, with Tonus, Jonass, and Paulin inside the top five.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

Van Horebeek crashed and dropped back to 12th and by four laps in it was Gajser ahead of Seewer, Tonus, Jonass and Paulin. Six laps in and Gajser still held the lead, while Tonus made a mistake and Jonass moved into third place.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

Tonus wasn’t about to hand third place to Jonass and fought back and was right on the back wheel of the Husqvarna rider. Jonass moved forward Seewer and so did Tonus. A great battle for second place became the feature of the last laps of race 2. At the end of Race 2 it was Gajser who won his 15th race of the season followed by Jonass and Tonus.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

Gajser has won the MXGP of Asia with another perfect performance and 1-1 results. With his seventh Grand Prix win in a row the red plate owner has become the most successful Honda rider of all time for GP wins in a row. He also extended his points lead to 173 points over Jeremy Seewer who is now second in the points.

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Gajser podium
MXGP Podium – 1) Tim Gajser 2) Arnaud Tonus 3) Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

Second overall for the round was Arnaud Tonus and third was claimed by Jeremy Seewer.

Tim Gajser – P1

“I was having fun on both days this weekend. Unfortunately yesterday I had a crash in timed practice and I hurt my right ankle a little bit, but other than a bit of pain yesterday, it was certainly a great weekend again. In the first moto I had a great start, taking the holeshot and leading the whole race. In the second one, I started third and made quick pass, and then made another one a bit later in lap one before making a gap to control the race. I was really having fun out there although the track was a little slippery in some places, but I still got two moto wins so I can’t complain! I’m trying not to put pressure on myself on each weekend and I know if I can have fun, I can ride really fast and that seems to be working right now. It is also an honour to have the biggest win-streak for a Honda rider in world motocross, a lot of really talented riders have ridden on this great brand and it is amazing to have achieved this. I hope I can keep it going for as long as possible, and I must also thank Team HRC for helping me out so much and giving me all the support I need in order to do this.”

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Gajser Seewer podium
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019
Arnaud Tonus – P2

“It feels great to rebound from a tough weekend in Palembang a few days ago, and especially on this track. It was very hard to find the flow and a good feeling. It was very slippery, and it took me a while to feel good out there. I felt better today than yesterday. We changed quite a lot of things on the bike ahead of practice today and I already felt better, which helped a lot. It was important to take your time today. I really went step by step because it was too easy to make a mistake out there. Overall I am super happy.”

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019
Jeremy Seewer – P3

“It was a tough track. Yesterday I struggled a bit. I think the track crew did a good job on the track compared to yesterday because I know how tricky it is to prepare dirt like this. I am really happy on the podium for the second time in a row, it is really good for my confidence. Today I just wanted to go home healthy, I didn’t want to take any risks out there, so I settled for a place on the podium and I am happy with that. “

MXGP Asia Semarang Rnd Seewer finish
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Asia – Round 12, Indonesia – 2019

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | Hattah 2019 | MX | MXGP | SGP

Moto News Weekly for July 9, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Red flagged mud fest at Hattah 2019
  • Eli Tomac & Dylan Ferrandis top RedBud National
  • Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado win MXGP of Indonesia
  • Sam Sunderland wins Silk Way Rally Round 2
  • Emil Sayfutdinov claims first SGP win for six years in Sweden
  • 2019 Speedway of Nations Finals teams announced
  • Rockhampton to host 2020 KTM AJMX
  • Dean Wilson confirmed to join AUS-X Open Melbourne

Red flagged mud fest at Hattah 2019

The 2019 Hattah Desert Race will go down in history as one of the most challenging, yet shortest races since it began. Heavy rain and hail pounded the event shortly after the scheduled eight-lap race commenced. The sheer volume of water restricted emergency vehicle access and the decision was made to cut the event short to four-laps.

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Milner JPM
Daniel Milner – Image by John Pearson Media

KTM duo Daniel Milner and Lyndon Snodgrass delivered a spectacular 1-2 finish, despite the conditions, with Milner having qualified fastest following Saturday’s Prologue with a blistering 2m45.417s lap-time set in the Top 10 Shootout, while Snodgrass recorded the third-fastest lap overall.

Contested in difficult, muddy conditions after rain arrived on Sunday morning, Milner claimed his second-career Hattah victory and clinching the Over 450cc 4-Stroke class win in the process. Milner’s effort was even more remarkable since he has been recovering from a broken collarbone sustained six weeks prior to Hattah, as well as tendonitis, limiting his seat time in the lead-up to what is recognised as one of the most gruelling races in the sport.

Daniel Milner – P1

“It’s such a good feeling to win Hattah after breaking my collarbone six weeks ago and undergoing surgery before I then had tendon problems in the opposite arm once I was back on the bike. I’d only had four days on the bike and one day of testing, so to bring it home is an unbelievable feeling and the KTM 500 EXC-F is such a weapon to ride! Things went our way in the race and we didn’t miss a beat – the bike was very similar to how I rode it last year in terms of set-up. It really was a matter of making sure we could get through the race and it became a case of survival, so I was being as consistent as possible. The decision to cut the race short was the right one in those conditions and I’m really happy to get another outright win here, that’s for sure.”

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Milner JPM
Daniel Milner – Image by John Pearson Media

Snodgrass also put forward a phenomenal ride on the KTM 450 EXC-F to not only claim an outright podium, but also comfortably score the 251cc-450cc 4-Stroke class win over eight minutes clear of his closest rival.

Lyndon Snodgrass – P2

“Today was a crazy one with all that rain coming down, making it a really tough mud race in the desert, so to finish second outright and first in class was definitely awesome. The Prologue was important and we did well in that, so today I tried to have the cleanest race possible all the way through to the end – it was a matter of survival in those conditions by the time we got to the last lap and especially towards the end. The KTM 450 EXC-F was faultless all weekend and we managed to get one position better than last year, so I’m rapt with that result.”

Hattah Desert Race Lyndon Snodgrass JPM
Lyndon Snodgrass – Image by John Pearson Media

KTM riders filled four of the top five positions outright, including Lachlan Terry in fourth and Davey Motorsports KTM’s Mason Semmens in fifth. Semmens won the Under 19s division, while KTM-mounted Jess Moore was also victorious in the Ladies Tenacious Women of Hattah category.

Claiming second in his class and an very impressive third outright was Josh Green, who on board the WR450F contested the 251 to 450cc 4 stroke class and was in good form all weekend. Despite a heavy fall on lap two, Green soldiered on for a top result in his typical style.

Josh Green

“This race is always one of the toughest of the year in dry conditions so when you add a heap of rain, it just becomes even tougher,” Green begins. “My first lap was pretty good but then on lap two, with the track getting hammered by the rain, I went over the ‘bars as I tried to plough through a deep, boggy spot. I have done some damage to my wrist and I will need to get hat checked out this week as its really sore now but while I was still warm and had some grip strength, I kept on going. If it had gone the full distance, I’m not sure if the wrist would have held up but I was fortunate to get to the finish line with a good result. Thanks to the team again. They earned their money from this event.”

Hattah Desert Race Josh Green
Josh Green – Image by John Pearson Media

The Motul Pirelli Sherco duo of Andy Wilksch and Nathan Trigg also began the Hattah Desert Race weekend in good form. Trigg posting the sixth fastest qualifying time and Wilksch just missing out on the top ten in eleventh. When the main race began and the heavens opened up, both riders put their 500 SEF Factory models to task while mayhem spread through the field.

At the completion of the fourth lap, Wilksch had powered his way to sixth with Trigg close behind in seventh. It was a solid performance by both riders in incredibly wild conditions.

Andy Wilksch – P6

“Our weekend came together pretty good in the end. The race was short and sharp in comparison to what we prepared for and the 500 Factory definitely played a part in our success. The extra power made it easy and our bikes didn’t wear out. Reliability was key in those conditions. Our bikes are strong and reliable and with the track deteriorating so rapidly each lap, the power of the 500 let me make passes down the straights. The bikes just ate the conditions with ease. I’ve never been able to crack the top ten at Hattah before so to get sixth feels like a bonus.”

Hattah Desert Race Andy Wilksch
Andy Wilksch – Image by John Pearson Media

Nathan Trigg was relishing the challenge and despite suffering a crash while avoiding a lapped rider, Trigg thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a wet Hattah, and took seventh overall.

Nathan Trigg – P7

“I had a couple of stacks in the rain, but somehow I was having fun. It was actually the most fun I’ve had at Hattah. I was hoping to qualify a bit higher up the order for a better starting position, but I still got going okay. The bike was awesome and really strong. It was just unreal, and I had a ball riding it. I didn’t even know what position I was in towards the end, but I rode the best I could and was happy to get a good result.”

Hattah Desert Race Nathan Trigg
Nathan Trigg – Image by John Pearson Media

Jack Simpson was able to take third in the 450cc 4-stroke class, after qualifying seventh outright, while a scary crash in lap one cost him dearly as he lost precious time on the leaders.

Jack Simpson – P8

“I lost it on the first lap. I had one of the biggest crashes in my life, several riders commented on it after the race, one saying it was the biggest crash he had ever seen.  I am lucky to have gotten away with only bumps and bruises and I am fortunate that the bike was still rideable. The crash rattled me but once I got going I was riding on adrenalin.  The hardest part was racing in the conditions.  The track was flooded in some areas, people were creating new lines, and some parts of the track became 50 meters wide.  It ended up being a battle of survival.”

Hattah Desert Race Jack Simpson MG
Jack Simpson

Michael Driscoll took the win in the up to 250cc 4 stroke class on his WR250F and regardless of the conditions, was well in control of his division after a common sense start saw him soon gain the lead and never let it go, in a strong performance for the 19 year old off road gun, with 13th in the outright result as well.

Michael Driscoll – P13

“I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry after all that. I was so looking forward to this race and I know how much work everyone on the team put in for it, so it was such a shame to have these conditions to race in. The bikes are destroyed and it was sketchy getting around out there as the rain, the mud, the bog holes as well as fallen or stranded riders meant it was like riding through a mine field. It was good to get the class win and tick off another goal for the season but I feel for the guys having to clean all this mess up and get our team bikes back into good condition again. Thank you to them and all our team sponsors for a huge effort that will still be going long after this weekend is over.”

Defending Hattah Desert Race champion Daniel Sanders and the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team had a rough weekend, in contention for victory until encountering difficulties in the closing stages. Sanders had immediately established himself at the front of the field on race-day Sunday, which was greeted with torrential rain-soaked, muddy conditions.

It appeared Sanders was on his way to the win until the prevalent water caused a suspected problem with the electrics, forcing him to stop and rectify the issue with timely assistance from his Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team crew. He went on to claim 14th position outright despite losing 20 minutes and seventh in the Over 450cc 4-Stroke category.

Daniel Sanders – P14

“It’s very disappointing because the team and I put a lot of effort into this one event each year. Obviously the weather today played a part and we started strongly, but unfortunately, the issue meant we gave away the win because I felt as though the race was mine at that point. The track was full of puddles because of the rain falling and we were hitting them at high-speed, so that could have led to the problem. We ended up getting going again and I brought it home to the finish, but it wasn’t to be today.”

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Sanders JPM
Daniel Sanders – Image by John Pearson Media

Penrite Honda Racing’s 250cc rider Mark Grove pushed as hard as he could in the challenging conditions to take second in his class.

Mark Grove – P19

“It was harder to see than explainable, racing the 250cc in these conditions was twice as tough as it be if it was dry, the bigger bikes were creating roost that would fill your goggles in, people were crashing and it was even hard to see fallen riders.  I understand why they cut it short.  It was the toughest Hattah I have ever done.” Grove commented.

Hattah Desert Race Mark Grove
Mark Grove

Emma Milesevic, a Honda Genuine Ride Red rider also excelled on her way to second in the women’s class and 37th outright. This year marked the first time women had finished inside the top 40 outright and the team were very pleased with her commitment to the race.

Hattah Desert Race Emma Milesevic R
Emma Milesevic

Honda’s Junior Factory Rider Madi Healey, of team BCP Pro Circuit Honda took first place in the Junior girls class on the CRF250R, and convincingly so, winning by over 20 minutes. This was Healey’s hat trick event at Hattah, having won the last three years in a row.

Hattah Desert Race Madi Healey
Madi Healey

The second of the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team entries, Fraser Higlett, encountered difficulties of his own in qualifying and started from 38th, but quickly sliced his way to sixth in the opening laps before the treacherous conditions ultimately ended his day on lap three of the four run.

Fraser Higlett – DNF

“Today was a rough one for me in the end, but I did my best toward the start of the race and we were looking good for a number of laps. I charged through the field in the tough conditions all the way up to sixth, so that was positive and I was feeling good in the mud. To start out of 38th definitely made things harder than they could have been and I’m disappointed with how the race finished for me, but we will be back and I will see what I can do next year.”

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2019 Hattah Desert Race Outright Top 20

  1. Daniel MILNER 2:14:22.051
  2. Lyndon SNODGRASS 2:17:43.210
  3. Joshua GREEN 2:26:02.086
  4. Lachlan TERRY 2:26:03.909
  5. Mason SEMMENS 2:26:17.291
  6. Andrew WILKSCH 2:27:16.808
  7. Nathan TRIGG 2:28:35.600
  8. Jack SIMPSON 2:31:21.448
  9. Jeremy CARPENTIER 2:31:52.831
  10. Alex BOLTON 2:31:55.139
  11. Stefan GRANQUIST 2:32:52.585
  12. Sam DAVIE 2:33:07.569
  13. Michael DRISCOLL 2:33:40.942
  14. Daniel SANDERS 2:34:34.965
  15. William PRICE 2:35:27.517
  16. Lee STEPHENS 2:35:27.958
  17. Geoff BRAICO 2:37:40.882
  18. Broc GRABHAM 2:38:30.951
  19. Mark GROVE 2:38:40.017
  20. Jesse LAWTON 2:39:37.173

Senior Race

  1. Daniel MILNER 2:14:22.051
  2. Lyndon SNODGRASS +3:21.159
  3. Joshua GREEN +11:40.035

Up-to 250cc 4stroke

  1. Michael DRISCOLL 2:33:40.942
  2. Mark GROVE 2:38:40.017
  3. Hunter SEMMENS 2:39:37.576

Up-to 250cc 2stroke

  1. Danielle FOOT 3:00:07.677
  2. Jacob EUSTACE 3:00:23.466
  3. Nathan HOWE 2:14:53.708

251cc & over 2stroke

  1. Sam HANDLEY 2:15:51.541
  2. Michael COLLINS 2:42:29.845
  3. Trent PUDDY 2:45:31.076

251-450cc 4Stroke

  1. Lyndon SNODGRASS 2:17:43.210
  2. Joshua GREEN 2:26:02.086
  3. Jack SIMPSON 2:31:21.448

Ladies Tenacious Women of Hattah

  1. Jessica MOORE 2:46:54.604
  2. Emma MILESEVIC 2:49:28.301
  3. Jessica GARDINER 3:06:28.552

Under 19s

  1. Mason SEMMENS 2:26:17.291
  2. William PRICE 2:35:27.517
  3. Korey MCMAHON 2:41:00.258

Veterans 35-44yrs

  1. Lee STEPHENS 2:35:27.958
  2. David JONGEBLOED 2:53:43.870
  3. Steven POWELL 2:14:47.039

Masters 45yrs & over

  1. Kevin ARCHER 2:58:42.708
  2. Peter TAYLOR 2:16:24.770
  3. Lou STYLIANOU 2:18:12.841

Juniors – Small Wheel

  1. Angus RIORDAN 1:56:50.679
  2. Samuel PRETSCHERER +1:26.648
  3. Blake HOLLIS +3:45.381

Juniors – Big Wheels

  1. Angus RIORDAN 1:56:50.679
  2. Samuel PRETSCHERER +1:26.648
  3. Blake HOLLIS +3:45.381
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Eli Tomac & Dylan Ferrandis top RedBud National

The American motocross Independence Day tradition brought the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship to the seventh round of the 2019 season, with Michigan’s RedBud MX celebrating the 4th of July by kicking off the second half of the racing series with the RedBud National.

See the full report here:
Tomac & Ferrandis win 2019 RedBud MX National (link)

The storied track produced heated competition across both classes, with Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis claiming victory. Aussie Hunter Lawrence also went 8-4 for fifth overall.

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Starts JK MX RedBud
RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

Tomac’s third win of the season further strengthened his hold on the championship lead in the 450 Class. One year after he endured a misfortune-plagued afternoon at RedBud, the reigning champ returned in search of redemption and successfully grabbed his second victory in three years at the track. He’s now more than 30-points clear of Marvin Musquin in the standings.

Eli Tomac

“Overall, it was a really good day for us, I had been feeling good all day. It has been a little bit rough the last couple of weeks, but the first moto was a really good way to start the day and get things turned back around. I think that I had some better lines in the first moto, but I was able to move up and get the job done in the second moto.”

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Tomac JK MX RedBud
Eli Tomac – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (1-2)
  2. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (2-4)
  3. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (7-1)
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (3-5)
  5. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (6-3)
  6. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM (4-6)
  7. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (5-9)
  8. Benny, Bloss, Oak Grove, MO., KTM (9-8)
  9. Dean Wilson, United Kingdom, Husqvarna (12-7)
  10. Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Suzuki (8-13)
AMAMX Rnd RedBud Podium JK MX RedBud
450 Podium 1) Eli Tomac, 2) Jason Anderson, 3) Marvin Musquin – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

450 Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 304
  2. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 270
  3. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 264
  4. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 252
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 238
  6. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 227
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 170
  8.  Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 159
  9. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 150
  10. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 136

Ferrandis had been knocking on the door of his first win of the 250 Class season for several weeks, and he finally broke through with a dominant outing at RedBud.

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Ferrandis JK MX RedBud
Dylan Ferrandis – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

The Frenchman put forth the first 1-1 outing of the season in the division, which resulted in the third victory of his career. It marked the fifth RedBud victory for Star Yamaha in the past six seasons, and the win also moved Ferrandis into second in the 250 Class standings.

Dylan Ferrandis

Finishing the day with two moto wins and the overall, honestly I couldn’t have expected a better weekend. My bike was really good, and I felt very comfortable on it today. We improved a lot on it with the team, and I want to thank them all for the hard work they put in every day for me to get the best bike possible. Getting ready for the outdoors is tough after a long Supercross season, so it took me time but finally we are where we want. Now we’re going take some rest before getting back to work and get ready for Millville in two weeks.”

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Ferrandis JK MX RedBud
Dylan Ferrandis – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (1-1)
  2. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (5-2)
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (3-6)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (2-8)
  5. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (8-4)
  6. Ty Masterpool, Paradise, Texas, Yamaha (4-11)
  7. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (11-5)
  8. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna (10-7)
  9. Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (6-12)
  10. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, KTM (9-10)
AMAMX Rnd RedBud Podium JK MX RedBud
250 Podium 1) Dylan Ferrandis 2) Adam Cianciarulo, 3) Justin Cooper – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 307
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 282
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 281
  4. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 204
  5. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 200
  6. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 193
  7. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 173
  8. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 167
  9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 165
  10. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 129

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will take a weekend break before resuming on Saturday, July 20, from Spring Creek Raceway.

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Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado win MXGP of Indonesia

MXGP rolled into Palembang for the first of two back-to-back rounds in Indonesia, with Tim Gajser claiming the overall win despite tough competition from Romain Febvre, with consistency proving key, and Gajser now sitting on 488 points, with Antonio Cairoli in second place in the standings on 358 but continuing to recover from injury, prematurely ending his title fight.

See the full report here:
Gajser continues Honda streak in Indonesia | Prado wins MX2 (link)

Race 1 saw Tim Gajser take a clear win from Max Anstie and Jeremy Seewer, while Romain Febvre missed the podium in fourth.

MXGP Indonesia MX Gajser Anstie start qual
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Romain Febvre made his come-back in Race 2 with Tim Gajser taking runner up position, just 3.2-seconds back, with Glenn Coldenhoff taking the final podium position. Jeremy Seewer was just off the podium in fourth and currently sits third in the standings.

Tim Gajser

“I am really happy on how the GP went today, because after yesterday I knew it would bed hard to do two good races. The first race I could extend the lead and the second I had an amazing jump out of the gate and I was leading then I made a mistake and Roman and Jeremy passed me, but I managed to pass Jeremy but I didn’t even push for Roman as he was too far ahead. Eventually I felt really comfortable and I want to say a huge thanks to the team.”

MXGP Indonesia Tim Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Romain Febvre

“It has been too long since I won a race. I knew I had the speed since many GPs but I couldn’t make the start. I was frustrated. I had a good start in the second race, I was third, took the lead and made a gap and it was much easier than the first race. Now I am really looking for an overall win.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Febvre finish
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Jeremy Seewer

“It was a tough race even if my starts were great. This is one of the toughest races of the year for me but I’m happy on how the GP went. Now I just want to relax a bit before the next week in Semarang but it’s good that I could take some breathe on the championship chase. My season didn’t start really well but now that I’m having consistent results I just wish to keep going.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Febvre Seewer podium
Romain Febvre & Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

MXGP – GP Classification Top 10

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 47 points
  2. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 43
  3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 38
  4. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 37
  5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 36
  6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 30
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 27
  8. Brian Bogers (NED, HON), 22
  9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 22
  10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), 21
    …15. Lewis Stewart (AUS, KTM) 13
    …16. Adam Coles (AUS, Husqvarna) 11

MXGP – World Championship Classification Top 10

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 488 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 358
  3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 327
  4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 318
  5. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 304
  6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 271
  7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 256
  8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 246
  9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 245
  10. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 227
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In MX2 Jorge Prado added another win to his tally, however it wasn’t a clean sweep, with Thomas Kjer Olsen taking the Race 2 win, leaving Prado with 47-points to extend his championship lead, while Tom Vialle was second overall thanks to going 2-2, with Kjer Olsen third overall thanks to a 6-1 result.

MXGP Indonesia MX Prado start
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Race 1 went to Jorge Prado, with a clear win from Tom Vialle, while Maxime Renaux completed the podium. Aussie Jed Beaton came home in fifth.

In Race 2 Thomas Kjer Olsen took the win from Jorge Prado, with a consistent Tom Vialle third. Jed Beaton likewise remained consistent with another fifth place finish, claiming the same position and 32 championship points for the round.

Jorge Prado

“I was feeling good all weekend, the first race after the crash was quite difficult, but I could make it. I messed up the second race a bit, but I got to second and another GP victory. At the second race I had a good start, got into first, but my teammate was pushing and passed, and I got him at the end. The lap times were short and I struggled a bit. I am just happy with the win for the moment and I’m looking forward for next week.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Prado finish
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Tom Vialle

“I am really happy to have another fantastic weekend, it was very hot and the last five minutes of the second race were very hard, but I am very happy with this podium.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Vialle action
Tom Vialle – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“The first race was a struggle and I didn’t feel like myself and I was just trying to keep with my team-mate Jed who was riding good. The second race I think everyone was tired, but I really wanted that win and I made it, keeping my energies until the very end.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Olsen finish
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Jed Beaton

“It’s been another good GP for me. I felt like Germany was a really good step in the right direction, and that I was finally managing to put things behind me and deliver the pace I know I can. I kind of kept that momentum going here with two more strong results. It was a tough GP, we all knew the heat wasn’t going to be too much fun, but both races went well for me. I’m pleased things are moving in a good direction now, hopefully next weekend will be another positive weekend, too.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Beaton action
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

MX2 – GP Classification Top 10

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 47 points
  2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 42
  3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40
  4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 34
  5. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 32
  6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, HON), 28
  7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 26
  8. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 24
  9. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 24
  10. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 21

MX2 – World Championship Classification

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 494 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 443
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 334
  4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 326
  5. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 307
  6. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 246
  7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 228
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 224
  9. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 209
  10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 192
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Sunderland wins Silk Way Rally Round 2

Sam Sunderland has taken the win at Stage 2 of the Silk Way Rally in Russia, with 413.63 kilometres covered on similar mixed terrain to the opening stage. A 212km timed special offered an additional challenge, including fast hazardous stony tracks.

Silk Way Rally Stage Benavides MCH
Kevin Benavides retains the Rally lead, despite Sam Sunderland taking the Stage 2 win

Sunderland had completed Stage 1 in fifth and had his work cut out for him, in moving towards the series lead, which is still retained by Kevin Benavides, with eight seconds separating the two.

Kevin Benavides was lumped with opening the track for Stage 2 following his Stage 1 win, which he did from start to finish over 212 kilometres of special stage, full of narrow potholed track studded with rocks.

Sam Sunderland

“I’m happy to get stage two finished safely. The day started on similar terrain to yesterday on the forest tracks with lots of trees, vegetation and water splashes. It was extremely important to take note of every single kilometre on your road book and the dangers listed there. It was really important to concentrate on your notes and take in which danger was which. It was hard to get a reference today as there was no refuel, so I wasn’t sure how my pace was all day. It’s always great to win a stage but it wasn’t our strategy for today so we’ll move on an see how the remaining eight days go for us.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland – Image by Rally Zone
Kevin Benavides

“I opened the whole stage. We knew it would be hard and very technical with many stones and mud. The narrow tracks were difficult, but I enjoyed it in spite of it being very hard. I think I did it well and I was in a good position. It was technical, fast and with navigation over the final 50 kilometres. I nearly crashed into an animal but luckily he dodged out of my way! You have to be very attentive to everything. The rally is a game of chess, so let’s see how it turns out. I am happy with the result.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Benavides MCH
Kevin Benavides

Joan Barreda managed to make it through the tricky stage despite struggling to get the right feel and finished 2’40 adrift of the winner on the day and occupies fifth position in the general standings at a similar distance from the leader.

Joan Barreda

“I felt very good on the slopes today with lots of mud and some potholes with big rocks. I could not find the right feelings and I was looking forward to getting past this section. Then there was a faster part and I felt a lot better there. We finished the day without any problems; I am well placed at a minimum time behind the leader. Everything is going well. I hope that in Mongolia we will find more open stages and I can find places that suit my riding style better.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Barreda MCH
Joan Barreda

Stage 1 runner-up Luciano Benavides was second away for Stage 2 and the young Argentinian chose to back off slightly to ensure a safe result in the special. Luciano crossed the line in seventh place, close to three minutes down on Sunderland, and now lies fourth in the overall standings.

Luciano Benavides

“Overall, it was a good day for me. I was able to keep to a solid pace and really enjoyed the first half of the stage. Towards the end I lost my focus a little, the tracks were really fast with some tricky sections and I lost a little time there. After such a challenging stage I’m happy to reach the finish and now look forward to what tomorrow brings.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Luciano Benavides
Luciano Benavides – Image by Rally Zone
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Emil Sayfutdinov claims first SGP win for six years in Sweden

Russian racer Emil Sayfutdinov has celebrated his first FIM Speedway Grand Prix win for six years in Hallstavik, Sweden. Sayfutdinov had not celebrated an SGP success since topping the podium at the 2013 British SGP in Cardiff in a year which saw him mount a title charge, before his hopes were dashed by injury.

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019

The Salavat-born star heads to the Speedway of Nations finals in Russian on July 20 and 21 as World Championship leader after winning the Norrbil Swedish SGP final ahead of Martin Vaculik, Maciej Janowski and first-time finalist Max Fricke.

After a three-year absence from the series, Sayfutdinov has been battling to get back on top of the SGP rostrum since 2017. But despite achieving that aim in Hallstavik, he’s not going to celebrate this success for long with six riders separated by five points at the top of the standings.

Emil Sayfutdinov

“It feels amazing. I have been working for that for a long time – six years. When I came back to the SGP series in 2017, it was hard for me. I had my goal and a plan, but it didn’t work. Today everything worked very well and my team is also working very well, so I say thank you to them. I’ll just keep going and looking forward. I scored some good points and now I am leader with Dudek and Madsen. I am really happy about that. But to be honest, I have now forgotten about today. I am just concentrating and I know we have a lot more rounds and heats to come. We need to keep scoring the points and it will be good.”

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019

Slovak star Vaculik is firmly in the title hunt as he holds fifth place on 44 points – level with Bartosz Zmarzlik in fourth. While he was unable to take victory in Hallstavik, he was glad to pile up the points.

Third-placed Maciej Janowski – last year’s Hallstavik winner – was delighted to get back on to the SGP podium after a tough start to the season, hampered by the shoulder ligament injury which kept him out of the opening round in Warsaw.

Max Fricke took fourth in Sweden to claim 11-points, while Jason Doyle was 11th, with Doyle currently sitting eighth in the standings, and Fricke 12th.

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden Podium – 1) Sayfutdinov, 2) Vaculik, 3) Janowski

SGP World Championship Standings

  1. Emil Sayfutdinov 47
  2. Patryk Dudek 47
  3. Leon Madsen 47
  4. Bartosz Zmarzlik 44
  5. Martin Vaculik 44
  6. Fredrik Lindgren 42
  7. Niels-Kristian Iversen 32
  8. Jason Doyle 30
  9. Janusz Kolodziej 29
  10. Artem Laguta 27
  11. Matej Zagar 27
  12. Max Fricke 27
  13. Maciej Janowski 24
  14. Robert Lambert 24
  15. Antonio Lindback 23
  16. Tai Woffinden 15
  17. Bartosz Smektala 10
  18. Oliver Berntzon 7
  19. Vaclav Milik 4
  20. Matic Ivacic 2

Norrbil Swedish SGP Scores

  1. Emil Sayfutdinov 17
  2. Martin Vaculik 16
  3. Maciej Janowski 13
  4. Max Fricke 11
  5. Matej Zagar 10
  6. Fredrik Lindgren 10
  7. Bartosz Zmarzlik 8
  8. Niels-Kristian Iversen 8
  9. Leon Madsen 7
  10. Oliver Berntzon 7
  11. Jason Doyle 7
  12. Patryk Dudek 7
  13. Antonio Lindback 6
  14. Artem Laguta 5
  15. Janusz Kolodziej 3
  16. Robert Lambert 3
  17. Pontus Aspgren DNR
  18. Kim Nilsson DNR
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2019 Speedway of Nations Finals teams announced

The FIM Speedway of Nations Finals teams have been confirmed as defending champions Russia name an unchanged team for their title defence in Togliatti on July 20 and 21. With this year’s hosts making history when they won the inaugural SON Finals in Wroclaw last June – Russia’s first senior speedway World Championship of any kind.

Individual World Championship leader Emil Sayfutdinov, Artem Laguta and joint FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship front-runner Gleb Chugunov will bid to win back-to-back titles in front of a passionate home crowd in the biggest shale meeting ever staged in Russia.

Speedway of Nations Preview
2019 Speedway of Nations Finals teams announced

They face stiff competition from Poland, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Australia and Denmark, who all make the trip east in search of gold.

Poland welcome back Maciej Janowski, who was forced out of Race Off 1 in Landshut on May 4 after suffering shoulder ligament damage in a crash 24 hours before the German showdown. He takes Patryk Dudek’s place in the side, partnering world No.2 Bartosz Zmarzlik, with former World Under-21 champion Maksym Drabik named as their junior ahead of Bartosz Smektala.

Sweden name an unchanged team following their Race Off 1 triumph, with world No.3 Fredrik Lindgren partnering the in-form Peter Ljung and Filip Hjelmland named as their under-21.

Great Britain have been forced into a change since their Race Off 2 win in Manchester on May 11 after world champion and captain Tai Woffinden was sidelined with a fractured TH4 vertebra and a broken shoulder blade.

Former FIM Speedway Grand Prix regular Chris Harris steps in for Woffy, joining stand-in skipper Craig Cook and under-21 man Robert Lambert in a side bidding to build on the silver medal they clinched in Wroclaw.

Australia have drafted in Jason Doyle for the trip to Togliatti. He returns in place of Chris Holder after sitting out Race Off 2 due to injury. Hot on the heels of reaching his first ever SGP final in Hallstavik on Saturday, Max Fricke partners Doyle with national under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey named as their junior.

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Danish boss Hans Nielsen tracks the same three stars who battled their way through Race Off 2 as World Championship frontrunner Leon Madsen links up with seven-time national champion Niels-Kristian Iversen. Frederik Jakobsen is their under-21 rider.

Germany complete the Finals field with Erik Riss replacing Martin Smolinski in the side, with Kai Huckenbeck serving as captain. Lukas Fienhage is selected ahead of Michael Hartel as their under-21 man.

The seven sides will compete over 42 heats – 21 heats on Saturday and 21 on Sunday, with the top scorers progressing automatically into the Grand Final. The second and third-placed countries will then compete in the semi-final for the right to race the leaders for the world title.

Should the semi-final end as a 3-3, the team that scored the most points over 42 heats will progress to the Grand Final. And if the Grand Final ends all square, a run-off featuring one rider from each team will decide the world title.

Speedway of Nations Preview
Speedway of Nations 2019 Preview

2019 Speedway of Nations Final Team Line-Up

  • RUSSIA: 1 Emil Sayfutdinov (captain), 2 Artem Laguta, 3 Gleb Chugunov (U21). Also in squad: Grigory Laguta, Roman Lakhbaum (U21). Team Manager: Igor Dmitriev.
  • SWEDEN: 1 Fredrik Lindgren (captain), 2 Peter Ljung, 3 Filip Hjelmland (U21). Also in squad: Antonio Lindback, Alexander Woentin (U21). Team Manager: Morgan Andersson.
  • POLAND: 1 Maciej Janowski (captain), 2 Bartosz Zmarzlik, 3 Maksym Drabik (U21). Also in squad: Patryk Dudek, Bartosz Smektala (U21). Team Manager: Marek Cieslak.
  • GERMANY: 1 Erik Riss, 2 Kai Huckenbeck (captain), 3 Lukas Fienhage (U21). Also in squad: Martin Smolinski, Michael Hartel. Team Manager: Herbert Rudolph.
  • GREAT BRITAIN: 1 Craig Cook (captain), 2 Chris Harris, 3 Robert Lambert (U21). Also in squad: Tai Woffinden, Dan Bewley (U21). Team Manager: Alun Rossiter.
  • AUSTRALIA: 1 Jason Doyle (captain), 2 Max Fricke, 3 Jaimon Lidsey (U21). Also in squad: Chris Holder, Jordan Stewart (U21). Team Manager: Mark Lemon.
  • DENMARK: 1 Leon Madsen, 2 Niels-Kristian Iversen (captain), 3 Frederik Jakobsen (U21). Also in squad: Michael Jepsen Jensen, Patrick Hansen. Team Manager: Hans Nielsen.

Speedway of Nations Final Day 1 Draw

  • A: Germany
  • B: Denmark
  • C: Australia
  • D: Poland
  • E: Russia
  • F: Sweden
  • G: Great Britain

Speedway of Nations Final Day 2 Draw

  • A: Germany
  • B: Australia
  • C: Sweden
  • D: Poland
  • E: Russia
  • F: Great Britain
  • G: Denmark
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Rockhampton to host 2020 KTM AJMX

With the 2019 running of the KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship (AJMX) to be held in Gillman, South Australia, Motorcycling Australia have now also announced the 2020 location, with Rockhampton, Queensland locked in for July 6-11, 2020.

AJMX Penguin Tas Atmos
AJMX 2018 – Penguin, Tasmania

The KTM AJMX attracts competitors from all across Australia, as well as international hopefuls seeking to make their mark in Australia’s highly competitive MX scene.

Peter Dark – Rockhampton and District MX Club President

“It is a complete honour, and a reward for the effort our members have given to the sport for many years. The event will bring approximately 500 of Australia’s best junior racers from across every state in Australia, including a few international racers.”

Motorcycling Queensland General Manager Kim Rowcliffe said that the Rockhampton District Motocross Club was chosen to host the 2020 Australian Junior Motocross Championships due to its very strong credentials in delivering well run, well promoted, and successful motorcycle events.


Dean Wilson confirmed to join AUS-X Open Melbourne

AUS-X Open promoters have confirmed Dean ‘Deano’ Wilson will be back for his third consecutive year to compete at this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open at Marvel Stadium on November 30. The Scottish Thunder will return Down Under after fan outcry to bring the world Number #6 back to Australia left event organisers in a spin.

AMA SX Rnd Wilson Pits JK SX Houston
Dean Wilson – Image by Hoppenworld

The 27 year old raced to a career-best sixth overall during this year’s Monster Energy FIM World Supercross Championship as well as a third-place finish at the Houston round, but after an injury forced him out of the last two rounds, Wilson says he’ll be back for redemption in November and hopes to finish the year off with a bang.

Dean Wilson

“I’m super excited to be returning to the AUS-X Open again this year, my 2019 season was up and down, but I’ll be pushing hard for it in Melbourne, I’ll be definitely out there to get my redemption and come out on top. Obviously I’ve had some amazing results the past two years at AUS-X winning the Saturday night in 2017, and coming in second last year, I feel like I have what it takes third time around Down Under. Australia is such a sick place to visit and this time to be in Melbourne for the first time, I think it will make for the best year of AUS-X yet, the line-up is stacked and I can’t wait to take on the world’s best.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Wilson JK SX Atlanta
Dean Wilson – Image by Hoppenworld

Wilson will head to Melbourne for the first time ever, and go up against what is shaping up to be the best International Supercross line-up Australia has ever seen, consisting of two-time World Champion Chad Reed and 2018 World Champion Jason Anderson, world number 10 Justin Brayton, world number eight Joey Savatgy and many more local and international stars. Check out the video below to see Dean receiving his invitation.

Source: MCNews.com.au