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Moto News Weekly | GetzenRodeo | SX | ISDE | Dirt Track

Moto News Weekly for November 5, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Lettenbichler wins 2019 GetzenRodeo & claims 2019 WESS title
  • Gunter, Gall, Dack & Marmont all set for ASX Round 3 in Wollongong
  • Tommy Searle announces GP racing retirement
  • 2019 ISDE & Enduro Vintage Trophy set to kick off in Portimao
  • 2020 Australian Dirt Track & Track Championships announced
  • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Calendar Update
  • Speedway GP scoring & qualification revamped for 2020
  • 2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
  • 2020 Championship Calendars
    • 2020 AMA Motocross
    • 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
    • 2020 MXGP
    • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway

Lettenbichler wins 2019 GetzenRodeo & WESS title

Manuel Lettenbichler became 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion with a winning ride at the final round of the World Enduro Super Series, the GetzenRodeo in Germany over the weekend.

WESS GetzenRodeo Podium FM
2019 Overall Podium – 1) Manuel Lettenbichler, 2) Alfredo Gomez, 3) Jonny Walker – Image by Future7Media

In what was a fairy tale outing for the home favourite, Lettenbichler delivered a riding masterclass in front of thousands of passionate Enduro fans to win both the morning GetzenRace qualifier and afternoon GetzenChamp race, clinching the world title in emphatic style.

Putting in an incredible final charge in the closing moments of the GetzenChamp race, Alfredo Gomez secured second to jump from fourth to runner-up in the final series standings. A sixth-place finish on the day saw Jonny Walker slip to third in the championship.

WESS GetzenRodeo Start FM
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media

Entering the eighth and final round of the 2019 World Enduro Super Series as champion elect, Lettenbichler didn’t put a foot wrong all day. Taking control of the two-hour morning qualifier on lap one, he controlled his pace at the head of the 60-strong field of world-class Enduro riders.

WESS GetzenRodeo Atmos FM
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media

Going on to win the GetzenRace over Taddy Blazusiak and Walker set the tone for what was to follow in the all-important 80-minute plus one-lap GetzenChamp finale. With Gomez, Graham Jarvis, Billy Bolt and Mario Roman close behind, the outcome of the afternoon battle seemed too close to call.

WESS GetzenRodeo Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2019 GetzenRodeo

The 20 qualified riders blasted off the start line at 2.00pm sharp for what would become a gruelling battle. Lettenbichler wasted no time in establishing himself at the front and took the lead early on lap one. Behind him Gomez, Blazusiak, Walker and Jarvis all fought for position.

WESS GetzenRodeo crowd FM
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media

As the laps continued Lettenbichler appeared to pull clear of the field, but not from Blazusiak, with the Polish star picking up his pace during the final 30 minutes. Riding right up to Lettenbichler’s rear wheel entering the final lap, it set up a showstopper of an ending.

WESS GetzenRodeo Spectators FM
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media

Going for Gold, Blazusiak briefly took the lead but then crashed, giving Lettenbichler the breathing room he needed entering the final Red Bull X-Loop. With Lettenbichler riding clear to claim victory and become world champion, drama then struck Blazusiak when his bike stopped.

WESS GetzenRodeo Gomez FM
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion

“I’m over the moon, I can’t describe it. To be honest I nearly cried on the podium. It was such a long, tough race today and it’s been such a long season. To finish the year with a first place in front of my home fans would have been amazing, but to win the championship as well is unbelievable. I’m on top of the world right now. My plan for today in both races was to get away well and try to control the race from the front. I was a little nervous in this morning’s race but thankfully it all went to plan. I was honestly exhausted in this afternoon’s race – I couldn’t have given any more. When Taddy passed me, I knew I had to dig deep and carry on and thankfully I managed to get past him again and make it to the finish. The fans have been amazing too – I hope they enjoyed the race as much as I did.”

WESS GetzenRodeo Lettenbichler FM
Manuel Lettenbichler – Image by Future7Media

Capitalising on Blazusiak’s misfortune, Gomez incredibly worked his way past and into second – a move which ultimately sees him jump to second in the championship. With the top three decided, it was Bolt who ended his day in fourth, with Pol Tarres claiming his best result of the 2019 series with fifth.

Alfredo Gomez

“I’m very happy for myself and the team. I feel a little sorry for Taddy, but I actually damaged my bike on lap two and that meant I had a disadvantage for the rest of the race. I had a few crashes, but I think the race was tough on everyone – it’s so physical and the terrain is so technical, there is no time to rest at all. That and the fact that everyone else is pushing as hard as they can makes it really, really tough. I’m really pleased with my result and so happy with second in the championship – it’s what we were aiming for and it makes all the hard work worth it.”

WESS GetzenRodeo Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez
Taddy Blazusiak

“I’ve enjoyed the race and rode my heart out, only to lose out just at the end. It’s racing I know, but it seems I get a little more bad luck than others. I’m pleased with how I rode – the race was a little up and down but to catch Mani near the end and take the lead was fantastic. I was really pushing as hard as I could because I knew what I had to do to get second in the championship, unfortunately it just wasn’t to be. I have to be proud – I’ve not given up all year and that is the main thing.”

WESS GetzenRodeo Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak

With Walker unable to break inside the top-five with a sixth-place result, and with Gomez placing second, it meant the Brit would slip to third overall in the final standings. Jarvis pushed on to take seventh, with Sherco’s Mario Roman eighth.

Jonny Walker

“It was a really tough race today, I enjoyed it, but I’m a little disappointed not to get second in the championship. I had a good ride this morning, I just stayed consistent and tried to conserve some energy. This afternoon I really tried my best but it wasn’t quite good enough. Nevertheless, if you’d offered me third overall at the start of the year I would have taken it. I have struggled all year in the extreme stuff, but I know what I need to work on, and with a good winter to get back to 100 per cent, the plan is to come back next year and attack right from the start of the season.”

WESS GetzenRodeo Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker

Sweden’s Eddie Karlsson impressed by bringing his Sherco home in ninth, while Norway’s Ib Anderson completed the top-10 for Gas Gas.

With the 2019 season complete, the eight-round 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship begins with Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal on May 8-10.

World Enduro Super Series result from GetzenRodeo

  1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 10 laps 1:52:29.720
  2. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 10 laps 2:01:32.662
  3. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 9 laps 1:35:24.393
  4. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 8 laps 1:40:49.789
  5. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 7 laps 1:36:36.490
  6. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 7 laps 1:38:07.331
  7. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 7 laps 1:46:21.162
  8. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 6 laps 1:45:55.845
  9. Eddie Karlsson (Sherco – SWE) 5 laps 1:36:54.766
  10. Ib Anderson (Gas Gas – NOR) 4 laps 1:46:32.079

2019 World Enduro Super Series final standings

  1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 6110pts
  2. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4884
  3. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 4810
  4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 4620
  5. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 4450
  6. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4165
  7. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 4136
  8. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3560
  9. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 3415
  10. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 3130
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Gunter, Gall, Dack & Marmont all set for Australian SX Round 3

Supercross fans at the Yamaha Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship in Wollongong are set to enjoy the ultimate dose of Supercross nostalgia, with a second-to-none line up of supercross and motocross legends on November 9.

Australian Supercross Rnd Brisbane Osby
Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship next heads to Wollongong – Brisbane Round 1 pictured

The legends featured will be headlined by Illawarra local and Australian dirt bike champions Anthony Gunter (three-time Mr Motocross), Jay Marmont (eight-time Australian Champion) Ryan Marmont (four-time Australian Champion) and accompanied by motocross and supercross royalty Craig Dack, Stephen Gall and one of Australia’s most recent Champions Dean Ferris (three-time Motocross Champion), making it five decades worth of Champions (70, 80, 90, 00, ’10s) .

Often referred to as the golden era, the Mr Motocross titles were the most coveted prize on offer and between the names above have collected 11 of the 16 titles. (Dack four, Gall four, and Gunter three).

Anthony Gunter

“I will be riding my 1979 Mr Motocross bike, I look forward to being on the grid next to so many respected riders, Gally and I had incredible rivalries and to be next to him on Nov 9 in WIN Stadium will be something special. It’s great to see Supercross back in the Illawarra and I hope everyone comes to enjoy the atmosphere.”

Phil Lovett and Anthony Gunter
Phil Lovett and Anthony Gunter

The third round of the Australian Supercross Championship promises to be a spectacle both on and off the track and the addition of the Legends Parade is another great way for fans to enjoy a trip down Supercross/Motocross memory lane.

Stephen Gall

“Anthony and I were at the very start of Supercross in Australia, I retired from racing in 1990 but have been actively involved since. To see the sport continue to evolve is great to see. To be at the gates and look left and right to see riders from my era and more recent will be something special.”

Classic Dirt 2016 - Stephen Gall will always be Australia's G.OA.T. - Image by Greg Smith
Stephen Gall

CDR Owner and champion Craig Dack is equally as pumped to line up next to his old foe and put on a show for the fans on November 9.

Craig Dack

“To line up alongside some of the guys from my era not to mention some of my former CDR Yamaha team racers over the past 26-years will be such a special occasion. Geelong’s appreciation laps in 2018 was such a great thrill for us riders and the fans and I hope to see thousands of Wollongong’s fans enjoy it just as much.”

mx nationals coolum round mx cdr dacka ImageScottYa
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack

Final release tickets have just been made available starting at $30 for Children and $40 for Adults. The Australian Supercross Championship is supported and sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).

Yamaha Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship is proudly supported by Dunlop, MotorEx, Destination Wollongong, Westrac, 100%, Honda, M2R Helmets, Kawasaki, Fly Racing, Suzuki, UniFilter & Australian Motorcycle Festival.

Tickets to Yamaha Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on November 9 are on sale now via the www.ticketmaster.com.au website.

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Tommy Searle announces retirement from GP racing

Tommy Searle, long-time member of the Green family, has decided to retire from the FIM Motocross World Championships where he has been a leading player of the series for more than a decade.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Searle GP SL
Tommy Searle – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola

Having first ridden round the family garden at the tender age of two Tommy’s natural talent was evident at an early age and he and his parents jumped at the opportunity to join Kawasaki’s prestigious Team Green youth squad when he was old enough to move to the 85cc class.

A five-times UK youth champion the English teenager was enrolled into the official Molson Kawasaki MX2 World Championship team for the 2005 British GP at Matchams Park and responded eight days before his sixteenth birthday with a typically gutsy and enthusiastic ride, twice recovering from falls to score championship points in both motos and send a signal to the world that he would play a significant role in the sport throughout the years to come.

MXGP Bulgaria Rnd Searle GP SL
Tommy Searle

The following year he already finished eighth in his first full GP campaign with his first trip to the podium in Sweden and was runner-up in the world in each of the two following seasons before heading for America for two years.

Returning to Europe in 2011 with Team Monster Energy CLS Kawasaki he immediately revived his World title challenge, adding two more series medals, eight GP victories and twenty-six podiums to his CV over the next two years to close his MX2 career with his third series silver medal and a heart-pounding double-victory in front of his adoring home-country fans at Matterley Basin.

With fourteen career GP wins Tommy is Britain’s most successful GP rider in the MX2 class and ranks third in total victories across all classes to multiple world champions David Thorpe and Jeff Smith. His MXGP career was unfortunately interrupted by injuries but he remained a top-ten runner throughout the subsequent seven years and he played a significant role in consecutive Motocross of Nations podiums for Great Britain in 2017 and 2018.

MXGP Bulgaria Rnd Searle GP SL
Tommy Searle

A Green warrior to the core Tommy assisted the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team with competition development and further top-ten finishes during the closing stages of the 2019 campaign and signed off his Kawasaki career in style with the British national MX1 title. Recently a proud father to Alfie James together with wife Sophia, Tommy’s future racing focus will be the British motocross series.

Kawasaki thanked Searle for his commitment to the Green family throughout the past two decades and wished him all the best for the future in both his professional career and private life.

Tommy Searle

“After almost fifteen years racing at the top level – twelve full years in the world championship and two in America – my focus next year will just be racing in the UK. As a kid I never knew it was possible to achieve what I’ve done – it seems one minute I was racing schoolboy motocross with the family, the next I was on the GP podium at 16 years old, racing against the best in the world. Now in the blink of an eye I’m retiring from the GPs. I’ve had so many good memories of travelling around the world – I’ve lived the dream and have had the privilege to work with and race a lot of great people along the way. I never managed to win a world championship but I came close a couple of times and overall I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved with fourteen GP wins and podiums in the US as a young gun. I’ll always be grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. I want to say a massive thanks to the fans who have cheered me on – hopefully I gave you a few good memories over the years too – and of course a huge thank you to Kawasaki Motors Europe and Team Green UK for the past years working together! You have been a massive part of my career; cheers Steve Guttridge and Ross Burridge for the support and good times!”

MXGP Rnd Indonesia Searle
Tommy Searle
 
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2019 ISDE & Enduro Vintage Trophy set to kick off in Portimao

In little over a week more than five hundred riders from twenty-six nations will compete in the 2019 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) to be held in Portimao, Portugal from 11-16 November. This will mark the 94th edition of this huge and historic event, which remains the oldest competition in the FIM calendar.

ISDE Womens Day ImageJohnPearson
ISDE 2018 – Image John Pearson

Defending champions Australia, both in the World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy classes headline an entry packed with professional and amateur riders from as far afield as Canada and Japan, and with a strong showing from European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, not forgetting the participants from Argentina, Mexico and Guatemala.

This year’s ISDE will again include the fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy also. First introduced at the ISDE in Spain back in 2016, the competition for enduro bikes from yesteryear has also enjoyed growing support with over one hundred and twenty riders from nine countries included on the 2019 entry list.

ISDE Australian Team announced
The 2019 ISDE Australian Team has already been announced, check out the rider entries for a full list via the links below

With a combined entry just shy of six hundred and fifty riders the 2019 ISDE in Portugal is set to be another important chapter in the rich heritage of this unique event.

Check out the full 2019 International Six Day Enduro entry list here (link).

Check out the full 2019 Enduro Vintage Trophy entry list here (link).

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2020 WESS calendar and rename announced

From the start of 2020, the World Enduro Super Series will be officially known as the WESS Enduro World Championship, with WESS Promotion GmbH also announcing the championship schedule for 2020. Featuring eight rounds and extending into the United States, the WESS Enduro World Championship is set to grow in stature and popularity in 2020.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Start FM
The WESS gets a name update for 2020 – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

Now entering its third season, the WESS Enduro World Championship continues to thrive, strengthening its vision of a series that encompasses all Enduro formats while providing a global platform for both professional and privateer riders to compete together.

For 2020 the championship retains many of its world-renowned favourites from seasons one and two and includes the welcomed return of the popular Red Bull 111 Megawatt event in Poland. Breaking new ground, the championship heads to the United States and the well-established Tennessee Knockout.

WESS Megawatt Poland Rnd field
111 Megawatt 2018

Ensuring a varied and challenging start to the new season, established events Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) and Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) will see racing commence in May.

During the month of June, Austria’s iconic Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble will host round three, while Red Bull 111 Megawatt makes a welcome return to the WESS Enduro World Championship for round four.

Romania’s Red Bull Romaniacs will spectacularly kickstart the second half of the season in late July for round five. Then venturing outside of Europe for the first time and cementing itself as a true world championship, the United States’ most-prestigious Hard Enduro – Tennessee Knockout – will be eagerly anticipated on August 15-16.

Red Bull Romaniacs Final Final Climb
Red Bull Romaniacs

Switching gears to Cross-Country racing, the fabled Hawkstone Park in Great Britain will mark the penultimate round of the series in September with the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. Following its well-received addition to the 2019 series, Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro takes the honour of hosting an October championship finale in what’s sure to become a thrilling crowning of the Ultimate Enduro World Champion 2020.

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
 
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2020 Australian Dirt Track & Track Championships announced

Motorcycling Australia has announced the release of the 2020 Australian Dirt Track and Track calendar ahead of the highly anticipated season.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships Somersby Bailey ImgDaveLamont
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships – Image by Dave Lamont

The four 2020 Australian Dirt Track and Track Championships will each be run at a different venues across three states and territories: Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

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 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
 
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2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Calendar Update

Following a request from the Kurri Kurri Speedway Club, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the following date change for 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Championships.

Australian Senior Solo Speedway
The Australian Senior Solo Speedway – Image by Judy McKay

Due to unforeseen circumstances the initial qualifying/round scheduled for the January 2-3 at Kurri Kurri Speedway (NSW) has been changed to January 3-4, 2020.

MA advises that no other changes have been made to the Speedway calendar and thanked rider’s for their patience and understanding regarding this change of date.

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

Speedway GP scoring & qualification revamped for 2020

The stakes will be even higher in FIM Speedway Grand Prix finals after the SGP Commission confirmed changes to the scoring and qualification system from 2020. Riders will be awarded championship points according to their finishing position in the SGP meetings, rather than how many points they score in each heat.

SGP Calendar Announced
2020 Speedway GP points revamped announced

The system will see every rider who qualifies for the semi-final guaranteed at least nine championship points, with riders who fall short receiving eight or less on a sliding scale.

The winner of an SGP event will earn 20 championship points, with the runner-up 18, the third-placed rider 16 and the rider in fourth 14 points.

Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission (CCP) Armando Castagna explains the new system will add value to the championships by rewarding riders who reach finals and win rounds more regularly, ensuring an even more thrilling climax to SGP events.

Armando Castagna – FIM Track Racing Commission

“The main thinking for us is to harmonise our championship scoring system with other big sports events so that the winner always comes away with the most points, which will help attract and retain a wider audience for our sport.”

Phil Morris – SGP Race Director

“We want to reward those riders who get into the finals. Riders in the semi-finals will be giving their absolute all to get through as there is the potential to score an extra eight championship points. That’s a big swing and ensures there’s everything to race for when we reach that stage of the night, all building to a huge crescendo.”

Points scored by riders in their five heats will still be used to determine the eight riders who reach the semi-finals. The third-placed riders in the semi-finals will then be ranked ahead of the riders who finish fourth.

Smolinski leads SGP substitute rider line up
2019 Speedway GP

Of the two third-placed semi-final riders, the one who finished highest after the heats will be ranked fifth and receive 12 championship points, while the other will be ranked sixth and earn 11 championship points – with the existing countback system used to resolve any ties if riders finished level.

Likewise, the fourth-placed semi-final rider who scores highest in the heats will be ranked seventh, receiving 10 championship points, and the other fourth finisher will finish eighth and earn nine.

Meanwhile those who fall short of the top eight will be ranked according to the points they scored over 20 heats, again with the existing countback system used to decide any ties if riders finish level on points. Their overall finishing position in the meeting will determine how many championship points they are allocated on a sliding scale, with the rider ranked ninth scoring eight championship points and the rider in 16th spot earning one.

In another change for 2020, only the top six riders in the SGP World Championship will be guaranteed a place in the following season’s series – down from the eight automatic qualification places allocated this year.

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019

The top three from the GP Challenge will still qualify for the following season, while the winner of the Speedway European Championship series will also be guaranteed a spot in the SGP World Championship.

The line-up will be completed by five permanent wild cards, which will be selected by the SGP Commission.

FIM Speedway GP Qualification places

  • Top six in SGP World Championship standings
  • Top three at the GP Challenge
  • Winner of the Speedway European Championship
  • Five permanent wild cards selected by the SGP Commission
SGP scoring update
Speedway GP will boast a new point and qualification system in 2020

FIM Speedway GP Championship Points Awarded

1st: 20 points; 2nd: 18; 3rd: 16; 4th: 14; 5th: 12; 6th: 11; 7th: 10; 8th: 9; 9th: 8; 10th: 7; 11th: 6; 12th: 5; 13th: 4; 14th: 3; 15th: 2; 16th: 1; 17th: 0; 18th: 0;

 
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2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced

The FIM Speedway Grand Prix series heads for Russia next year as Togliatti joins nine returning venues on the 2020 SGP World Championship calendar.

Following the city’s successful Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Finals last July, the sport’s individual World Championship heads to the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium – one of the world’s finest purpose-built track-racing venues – on August 29, 2020.

SGP Calendar Announced
2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced

Russian stars Emil Sayfutdinov, Artem Laguta and Gleb Chugunov retained the country’s world team title on home shale last summer and now riders will go for individual glory in one of the biggest speedway meetings ever staged in Russia.

The SGP 2020 series launches with the PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland on May 16 at PGE Narodowy, with tickets already selling rapidly for Poland’s biggest speedway event.

That prestigious night of racing is followed by an historic German SGP in Teterow on May 30 as the Bergring Arena celebrates its 100th event and 90 years of racing at the venue with a must-see SGP and longtrack double-header weekend.

The action switches to Prague on June 13 as the Czech SGP returns to Marketa Stadium for a 24th straight year – extending the picturesque capital city’s record as the longest-serving SGP host.

After a month’s break the World Championship then resumes with a breathless few weeks, starting with one of the sport’s flagship events – the Adrian Flux British SGP at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 18. With the SGP series celebrating its 20th season of racing in the Welsh capital, fans can expect this year’s event to be bigger and better than ever.

Attention switches to Hallstavik just a week later as the Credentia Arena hosts the Swedish SGP on July 25.

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland

The summers hots up in Poland when the Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland returns to the storied Olympic Stadium on August 1 – a year on from staging what many have claimed was one of the all-time great SGP meetings, which saw Bartosz Zmarzlik top the podium on his way to the world title.

Another of the sport’s finest race tracks follows on August 15 as the Scandinavian SGP heads to Malilla.

Two weeks after the first-ever Russian SGP on August 29, Vojens Speedway Center plays host to the Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO on September 12 – the penultimate round of the season.

The action concludes with the Revline Torun SGP at the iconic Marian Rose Motoarena on October 3 as fans flock from all over the world to see the 2020 world champion crowned.

The calendar for the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations will be announced in due course.

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
 
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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 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
 
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Source: MCNews.com.au

Sepang top 10 a ‘tough race’ for pole-sitter Quartararo

News 4 Nov 2019

Sepang top 10 a ‘tough race’ for pole-sitter Quartararo

MotoGP rookie salvages seventh in Malaysian grand prix.

Image: Supplied.

Fabio Quartararo has described his top 10 finish at Sepang as a ‘tough race’ after he was unable to match the pace of the leaders despite starting from pole position.

The MotoGP rookie admitted he struggled to stop bike during the opening stages of the 20-lap outing, which saw him salvage seventh after what looked to be a really promising weekend.

“It was a really tough race, and I struggled a lot,” Quartararo declared. “My first lap was a disaster, and I couldn’t stop the bike – which is an issue we haven’t had all weekend. We couldn’t make the result we wanted despite having the pace to fight for much better, and we have to figure out why that was the case.

“We’ve got one more race to go this year and we need to focus on that so that we can go out well at Valencia, especially as we’re going there much more experienced than we were twelve months ago when we tested there.”

The Frenchman is ranked sixth in the championship and continues to lead the Independent standings as the series heads to Valencia in Spain on 17 November.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Gutted Maxwell takes positives from gritty ASBK campaign

News 4 Nov 2019

Gutted Maxwell takes positives from gritty ASBK campaign

Former champion falls short in final round at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Image: Foremost Media.

The dream winning result for Wayne Maxwell on return to Suzuki didn’t quite eventuate at Sydney Motorsport Park’s final round of season 2019 on Sunday, but he’s vowed to return for more next season.

Maxwell was one of the leading starts in a memorable Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) battle, which was finally won by newly-formed rival Mike Jones in a clutch performance.

At 37, the ever-determined Maxwell was left puzzled yesterday afternoon in Sydney after being unable to factor in the race for the title across both 13-lap premier class races on his way to P3 overall, however, positives were evident over the course of seven rounds.

“We definitely didn’t have what we needed to today,” Maxwell told CycleOnline post-race. “It’s easy to say that we were in it and that we lost it at the final round, but we really lost in with two DNFs early in the year – two things that we couldn’t control.

“Everything else that we could control, we did pretty well, so I’m super-proud of everyone at Team Suzuki Ecstar and proud of myself to come to a new team, get some strong results and improve my riding again. We have a lot of positives to take, even though we’re gutted. It’s hard to swallow.”

With Team Suzuki Ecstar understood to be considering downsizing ahead of 2020, despite both Maxwell and teammate Josh Waters being contracted through next year, it would be Maxwell in the box seat to retain a factory-supported GSX-R1000R if the team does scale back. He plans on getting to work on the project as soon as next week.

“After next week we’ll have a decent debrief and come up with a plan to tackle 2020 head-on,” he added. “I knew after race one that we needed something, but it’s difficult to make too many improvements between races. We tried something, but it wasn’t what we needed and we probably went a little bit in the wrong direction, to be honest.”

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycling Australia releases provisional 2020 calendar outline

News 4 Nov 2019

Motorcycling Australia releases provisional 2020 calendar outline

Probable dates and states for next year’s MX Nationals and AUS Supercross series.

Image: Foremost Media.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has released its provisional 2020 calendar outline, indicating the dates and locations for the MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship next season.

Still to be made official, the MX Nationals series is set to remain with 10 rounds, however will be run over seven weekends in comparison to the eight weekends it operated over this year.

An additional double-header is in line to be introduced, making it three for the season, while South Australia’s regular stop on the calendar appears to absent for 2020. Queensland is due to host four rounds over three weekends, including the traditional season-finale double-header.

The outline indicates the Australian Supercross Championship will expand to six stops in 2020, with Western Australia pencilled in as the season-opener – it would be the first time a national supercross has visited the state in over a decade.

South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland are listed to host a round, while the S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne are likely to finish off the series in New Zealand and Victoria.

However, it’s understood that contrary to the provisional calendar, the series will remain at five rounds depending if WA or NZ go ahead in an Australian championship capacity.

The 2020 Australian Junior Motocross Championship will take place earlier than usual on 6-11 July at Rockhampton in Queensland, while the Australian Four-Day Enduro (A4DE) and Finke Desert Race are scheduled for 6-9 May and the traditional 5-8 June weekend.

Notably missing from the provisional calendar outline that was released by MA is the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), the series operated by the governing body’s in-house events team.

Provisional 2020 MX Nationals calendar:
Rd1 – 22 March – New South Wales
Rds 2-3 – 4-5 April – Victoria
Rd4 – 3 May – Victoria
Rd5 – 24 May – Queensland
Rd6 – 28 June – Queensland
Rds 7-8 – 25-26 July – New South Wales
Rds 9-10 – 22-23 August – Queensland

Provisional 2020 Australian Supercross Championship calendar:
Rd1 – 3 October – Western Australia
Rd2 – 17 October – South Australia
Rd3 – 31 October – Queensland
Rd4 – 7 November – New South Wales
Rd5 – 14 November – TBC
Rd6 – 28 November – Victoria


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Positive Sepang outing for Zarco despite Mir clash

News 4 Nov 2019

Positive Sepang outing for Zarco despite Mir clash

Frenchman battling inside the top 10 before crashing out.

Image: Supplied.

LCR Honda fill-in Johann Zarco is extracting the positives from a strong showing at Sepang’s penultimate round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, despite crashing out after being taken down by Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar).

Zarco, who’s standing in for Takaaki Nakagami, qualified a promising ninth before battling well inside the top 10 during Sunday’s 20-lap encounter, however an aggressive manoeuvre by Mir saw the Frenchman crash suddenly out of the race.

Mir was handed a long-lap penalty for the incident, and while Zarco was evidently frustrated, the race proved to be one of his strongest of the year in just his second time out aboard the RC213V.

“I must be happy about the race,” Zarco stated. “I had good pace and I was back fighting with good guys. I still need to make another step to understand the bike better and ride this Honda better, but I feel there’s good potential that I can go faster and be with the top guys.

“Today has been a good race, it’s always difficult in Malaysia with the warmth, but I was giving my best and controlling things quite well. I had a good fight with Jack Miller for eighth position, I was a bit faster than him and tried to overtake him many times, but he was fighting hard.

“Then I tried to overtake him again three laps from the end and Joan Mir on the Suzuki tried an extreme overtake and totally pushed me away and I could not control the bike. It’s a shame, but what I keep in mind is that I was back in a good feeling and in a better position, so I need to keep pushing and learning and hopefully we’ll get a good result in Valencia.”

Zarco scored a fill-in ride with the satellite Honda squad after being benched by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, the number five cutting his two-year deal short less than a season in.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 | Euro5 engine, new look & more comfort

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Yamaha’s parallel twin Tracer 700 was a welcome new option in the middle-weight sports-touring market that arrived in Australia in 2017. 

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

For 2020 Yamaha have given the Tracer 700 a much more modern new look along with the first Euro5 version of the acclaimed 689cc, 2-cylinder CP2 engine.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 Key Points

  • New half fairing with aggressive new twin headlight face
  • Torque-rich 689cc CP2 engine, Euro5 compliant
  • Lightest in class, best power to weight ratio
  • Adjustable front and rear suspension
  • Aerodynamic screen with single-handed adjustment
  • Commanding riding position with comfortable ergonomics
  • Contoured dual seat for rider and passenger comfort
  • 17-litre fuel tank gives long range autonomy
  • Negative LCD instruments
  • Compact LED flashers, integrated in handguards
Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

2020 Yamaha Tracer 700 in more detail

Featuring twin slant-eye LED position lights and powerful twin LED projector headlights, the Tracer 700 comes with a modern and aggressive new look that has a whole lot more attitude than any other bike in the class.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

The compact and lightweight layered fairing emphasises the dynamic stance of this new sport tourer to give it a much more edgy feel.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Blending seamlessly into the fuel tank cover, Yamaha claim that this compact and aerodynamic fairing offers plenty of wind and weather protection for improved long-distance comfort. 

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

For 2020 the engine is updated with optimised fuel injection and ignition settings, revised air intake, optimised exhaust settings and a modified exhaust system that enable this ultra-reliable powerplant to exceed EU5 standards.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Delivering maximum power at 8750 rpm with maximum torque at 6500 rpm and with a wide band of linear torque the updated Tracer 700 grunts through to a revised secondary gear ratio to enhance responsiveness. 

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Featuring a lightweight tubular frame and equipped with a long aluminium swingarm that gives a 1,460 mm wheelbase, the Tracer 700’s compact chassis make this one of the most agile and exciting sport tourers.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

With the lowest wet weight in the class of just 196 kg combined with its torque-rich engine the Tracer 700 achieves the best power to weight ratio to give a truly outstanding riding experience.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

To allow the Tracer 700 owner to explore the full potential of the bike’s handling performance and enjoy every ride to the full, the new model is equipped with uprated 41 mm cartridge forks. The spring rate has been adjusted in order to optimise the roadholding characteristics, and the 2020 model is equipped with preload and rebound damping adjusters.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Together with the preload and rebound-adjustable rear shock, the bike is easy to set up to suit different rider weights and riding conditions and achieve the best balance of comfort and control.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

The 2020 Tracer 700 is fitted with a slim new aerodynamic screen with a higher optical quality that complements the aggressive new face and lightweight fairing. Using just one hand, screen height can be adjusted by over 60 mm to reduce wind buffeting for improved comfort at higher speeds – and redesigned handguards give added wind and weather protection that is sure to be appreciated on longer journeys.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

A more commanding riding position complements the new fairing the new model features 34 mm wider handlebars with an accessory bridge.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Together with the new seat design, the new handlebar enhances the ergonomics to give improved long-distance comfort and controllability.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Solo or two-up, the new single-piece seat offers increased comfort for the rider and passenger and offers greater freedom in choosing the right riding position. The front section blends smoothly with the tank and fairing to allow a firm knee grip, and the contoured profile gives added support to the rider during acceleration.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

For 2020 the rear of the seat is slightly higher, and this gives a more comfortable riding position for the passenger. The new seat also features stitch-type detailing that adds a touch of style.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

The impressive economy of the 689cc, CP2 engine means that the 17-litre fuel tank delivers a long range between stops, enabling the Tracer 700 rider to go all the way.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

One of the many new features on the Tracer 700 is the negative LCD instrument panel that features a clearly marked multi-function display. Spot colour is used on the rev counter and large gear position indicator – and the rider can easily adjust the display using a remote switch on the left handlebar.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Compact and lightweight LED flashers are fitted, and at the front they are incorporated into the new handguards.

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

The new model is expected to be at Yamaha dealers starting early in Q2, 2020. 

Yamaha Tracer
2020 Yamaha Tracer 700

Source: MCNews.com.au

MotoGP Riders reflect on the #MalaysianGP

2019 MotoGP
Rnd 18 – Sepang – Malaysia

Rider Quotes


Maverick Viñales – P1

“It was an incredible race. We prepared for the race really well all weekend. I felt I had a big potential after the first lap. I took the lead after the first two splits and I kept pushing, pushing, and pushing. Honestly, I’m so happy. We did a good job. What a shame in Australia, because that was a race where I felt I had a lot of potential too, but being in first place here is amazing. I would like to dedicate this race to Munandar, the kid that passed away yesterday. He was my favourite in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. I offer my condolences to all the family.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Vinales
Maverick Viñales

Marc Marquez – P2

“It was an incredible race, a great first lap. Maybe the best of my career, alongside Mugello 2015 – I watched this lap last night to see what I did! It was a very nice first lap but unfortunately the tyre dropped a lot in those first three laps and I lost a little time with Miller. Viñales was faster than us today and the target was the podium. I tried to do like in Phillip Island and stay right behind him but the gap was too big at 1.1 seconds and I made a mistake and dropped back. I’m happy with my race, but you can’t imagine how happy I am for my brother’s victory – he deserves it so much. It’s an incredible day but we also have to remember Munandar, a young and talented rider who we unfortunately lost. A big hug to his family and friends.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Marquez Alex Marc
Marc Marquez and brother Alex who was crowned Moto2 World Champion in Malaysia

Andrea Dovizioso – P3

“I’m very pleased because it was the fastest race we’ve ever done at Sepang in the dry, and so we have to be satisfied with this result. We knew that with a good start we could have aimed for a good result, but unfortunately in the race I didn’t have the same feeling as I had in practice: the tyres dropped a lot and I couldn’t stay with Viñales and Marquez. Pity because I was hoping I could, but in any case I’m happy with this podium, which is very important for me”.

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

Valentino Rossi – P4

“I had a good start, but then on the first straight some riders overtook me. After that I was very competitive. I managed to set the fastest race lap, a new track record, and made several overtakes, until I got close to Dovizioso. Together with Dovizioso we had a good fight. It was very nice. I was a little better in the twisty parts of the track, but Dovizioso was faster on the straights. I hoped that I could be quicker on the last laps, but I couldn’t. We are faster in the turns, but it is also true that we stress the tyres more when we are cornering. So, at the end I wasn’t as fast as I was at the beginning, but I’m happy because the degradation was less than usual. At the end I’m satisfied, because during this weekend I rode well, and I learned a few things. We are making improvements, trying to use all the potential of the M1. At the end I managed to keep off Rins, but I’m very sorry because I didn’t make the podium, then I would have been even happier. Now we will do our best in Valencia.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Rossi
Valentino Rossi

Alex Rins – P5

“It was a really difficult race because it was so hot and humid, but I tried to give my maximum. I felt a lack of traction at the beginning of the race, but it got better after a while and I was eventually able to catch Valentino and Dovi. In the end it wasn’t possible to over-take them, but I’m still pleased to bring home 5th. I’m really looking forward to going to Valencia, I hope we can enjoy the race there.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Rins
Alex Rins

Franco Morbidelli – P6

“We can’t complain, because it was a good weekend all round even if we were expecting a little more from the race. I didn’t quite have the right feeling when we got going though, which is something we need to investigate – but even with that, we were able to bring the bike to the end in sixth place and as the top Independent Team rider. I was losing something in acceleration to the other guys, and then having to ride harder in braking to make up the difference. We’ve got one race left in Valencia to try and get that podium finish at long last.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Morbidelli Quartararo
Franco Morbidelli

Fabio Quartararo – P7

“It was a really tough race, and I struggled a lot. My first lap was a disaster, and I couldn’t stop the bike – which is an issue we haven’t had all weekend. We couldn’t make the result we wanted despite having the pace to fight for much better, and we have to figure out why that was the case. We’ve got one more race to go this year and we need to focus on that so that we can go out well at Valencia, especially as we’re going there much more experienced than we were twelve months ago when we tested there.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Jack Miller – P8

“The start was very good and I tried to take my rhythm trying to control the race pace. From lap three, however, the feeling with the front tyre dropped a lot and I couldn’t push anymore. It’s a shame because I felt like I had the pace to fight for the podium. The contact with Rins? It was a very strange race, I suffered a lot of attacks maybe over the limit. But these are races.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Miller Zarco Mir Petrucci
Jack Miller

Danilo Petrucci – P9

“It was another very difficult race: I was making a comeback towards the end but in the last five laps I felt a very strong vibration at the rear and I couldn’t continue pushing hard. In the race I struggled a lot because my back is still hurting after last Sunday’s crash in Australia, and I couldn’t do any more. It’s a pity about the problem I had at the end of the race, but in any case I tried to bring home the best result.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Mir Petrucci Clash
Danilo Petrucci and Joan Mir clash

Joan Mir – P10

“This was the hardest race of my life, physically I suffered a lot and I found I couldn’t breathe very well. This stems from the lung injury I sustained in Brno, in these humid conditions I find it very hard and it shows I’m not quite fully recovered. This affected my race, but in the end I could get another Top 10 and it’s all good experience for me. It will be nice to go home now and prepare for the final race in Spain.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Mir Espargaro
Joan Mir

Pol Espargaro – P11

“It was not like a European race where we are fighting for a top ten, normally, but to come from where we did on Friday means I am pleased. There was a lot of set-up [work] and thinking going on during the nights and the team have done a very good job. It is amazing to turnaround the weekend like we did. We were improving much more than the others. Now to the final race and then Valencia will be a fun test and Jerez as well: the new engine is coming, the new chassis is coming, the whole package. It looks very promising.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Pol Espargaro Aleix
Pol Espargaro

Pecco Bagnaia – P12

“It was a very difficult race. We started with great expectations but it was not possible to do what we hoped to do. From the first lap I had no rear grip and I couldn’t take advantage of the acceleration. In my best race lap I did the same time set in FP1. So we have to check the data to find a solution and finish the season in Valencia in the best possible way.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Bagnaia Mir Aleix
Pecco Bagnaia

Aleix Espargaro – P13

“I cannot be pleased with this race, especially because I had a decidedly better pace than my finishing position reflects. Unfortunately, our limitations in acceleration make it very difficult to overtake. I lost time today behind Bagnaia and in the battle with Pol. In the end, I limited the damage, even in terms of gap. Now we’ll prepare our best for Valencia and next season.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Aleix Espargaro
Aleix Espargaro

Jorge Lorenzo – P14

“At the start of the race it was very difficult with the other riders around, the turbulence disturbed my pace a lot. But there are some positives because I was able to be within seven tenths of my best lap time for the whole race. Obviously, we are still not fast enough but we are getting closer and closer to the goal of being 30 seconds from the winner after my crash in Assen. The two points we earned are important to help the team fight for the Team Championship in Valencia, this is the main objective now.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Lorenzo Syahrin
Jorge Lorenzo

Mika Kallio – P15

“If we think about the feeling on Friday then it was already a bit better yesterday but we were still suffering quite a lot. For me it was a case of not being able to get the best out of the tyres. I started the race quite well and managed to gain a few positions and reached the group where Pol was riding but saw I didn’t have much of a chance to stay there. I lost a lot of time on the fast sections and corners. I just couldn’t follow them and it’s a shame. Now to Valencia and it is always nice to finish the season – hopefully – in a good way.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Kallio Lorenzo
Mika Kallio

Hafizh Syahrin – P16

“The race itself was very hard and, for sure, very emotional for me, as – for the moment – it was my last home Grand Prix in the MotoGP class but I will return with the Moto2. I hope all the fans enjoyed the race here, I couldn’t do more. I appreciate all the support a lot and I want to say a huge thank you to my team, who were there for me from my first moment on, worked hard and never got tired to help me. I really enjoyed this moment and I hope I can come back strong next year.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Syahrin Malaysia
Hafizh Syahrin

Karel Abraham – P17

“It is a shame because I believe we could have fight for the points, we had the pace, a good set-up and we were ready. The start was not bad at all but next to me was Mika Kallio, he pushed me a little bit and I went last. The biggest problem was when I tried to overtake the riders and in the last corner Jorge Lorenzo pushed me to the right over the kerbs, I could not stop the bike and I had to go to the gravel and almost stop the bike so I lost a lot of time there. It was a nightmare race because I was racing against myself lap by lap trying to arrive to the riders in front but I just could not make it.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Karel Abraham
Karel Abraham

Johann Zarco – DNF

“I must be happy about the race. I had good pace and I was back fighting with good guys. I still need to make another step to understand the bike better and ride this Honda better, but I feel there’s good potential that I can go faster and be with the top guys. Today has been a good race, it’s always difficult in Malaysia with the warmth, but I was giving my best and controlling things quite well. I had a good fight with Jack Miller for eighth position, I was a bit faster than him and tried to overtake him many times, but he was fighting hard. Then I tried to overtake him again three laps from the end and Joan Mir on the Suzuki tried an extreme overtake and totally pushed me away and I could not control the bike. It’s a shame, but what I keep in mind is that I was back in a good feeling and in a better position, so I need to keep pushing and learning and hopefully we’ll get a good result in Valencia.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Miller Zarco
Johann Zarco

Cal Crutchlow – DNF

“Today was a difficult race, we’re very disappointed with the result of crashing out of the Malaysian Grand Prix. Today I got a really bad start and on the first lap found myself really far back in the field already. I tried to make progress and I was in a group that eventually finished around eighth place, but I had a bad feeling with the tyres today and didn’t feel good grip from the track or with our bike setting. Over the weekend I felt we’d made progress and could have had a good result today, but after the bad start I struggled to have the pace of going with the front guys. With the crash, I made a small mistake in the braking as I was trying everything to find the grip with the front tyre and unfortunately I locked the front. But we’d had a good last few races and now we look forward to the season finale in Valencia.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow

Andrea Iannone – DNF

“It was a strange race. I didn’t have a bad pace, but I was slow in speed, staying in the slipstream for a long time and things did not improve. The temperatures began to rise, including the front tyre temperature, and I struggled until the crash. We have work to do, but I have peace of mind. I’ll be ready when we are able to make an important step forward.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Iannone
Andrea Iannone

Massimo Meregalli – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director

“What a superb win! Maverick has been strong all weekend, and his confidence was really high, but he had quite the task ahead of him. Breaking away from the rider field early on was his strategy from the start, but it‘s never easy. He executed it perfectly though. His riding was outstanding during the whole race, and to take the win by such a distance is incredibly rewarding. It‘s well-deserved for both him and the team. They have been working non-stop these last few weeks. This victory tastes even sweeter after he came so close last weekend, and it moves him up to third in the championship standings, which is a nice extra benefit. The only thing that could have made this day even better was if Vale would have been able to get a place on the podium too. He came so close to third place but just missed out because of the lack of top speed. Anyway, he rode a very solid race and definitely didn‘t stop trying. It was good to see him keep up his pace without too much trouble with tyre degradation, even if fourth place was the maximum result for him today. This weekend has been a great moral boost, because both riders were competitive. We now get to rest a bit before we go to Spain for the final round of the season in Valencia in two weeks‘ time, where we hope to put on a good show again!”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Vinales Team
Maverick Vinales and team

Razlan Razali – Petronas SRT Team Principal

“It has been an incredible first Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix for Petronas Sepang Racing Team as a squad represented across all three classes. The support at Sepang International Circuit was phenomenal and we thank everyone who came to cheer us on. On track, we had mixed results today. In Moto3, John McPhee was hampered after a racing incident so wasn’t able to fight for the podium. Ayumu Sasaki showed good pace but unfortunately finished the weekend with a broken hand. Adam Norrodin was also doing quite well in the Moto2 race until he crashed too. In the MotoGP race, Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo weren’t able to capitalise on their first and third positions on the grid – but we were able to take the best Independent Team award, to extend Fabio’s lead in the Independent Riders’ award, and to stay ahead of Suzuki in fourth in the overall team championship so there’s plenty of reason for good home cheer! We’re already looking forward to finishing the final round of the championship strongly in Valencia.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Petronas SRT Sepang
Petronas SRT

Wilco Zeelenberg – Petronas SRT Team Principal

“In many ways, it was a fantastic weekend as we were very fast with both Franco and Fabio on Friday and Saturday, and then we secured the Independent Team trophy on Sunday. This was one of our targets for the season so it is a real accomplishment for us to achieve this. Of course, we aren’t completely happy with the race results; if you’re on the front row of the grid then for sure you don’t expect to be sixth and seventh, but we head to Valencia with more experience and we hope to be fighting right at the front once more.”

Ken Kawauchi – Suzuki Technical Manager

“Compared to the last two or three races, today has been quite good. Last year we were able to get 2nd place, so we came into this race with high expectations. In the end it didn’t quite work out as we’d hoped. Alex fought well to 5th place, and Joan was also doing very well before the penalty. Both riders had strong pace today, but the results don’t quite reflect that. We’re ready to go to the final race and end the season in good form.”

MotoGP Rnd Malaysia Rossi Rins
Alex Rins chasing Valentino Rossi

Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager

“Today has been quite good. Alex did well and despite the damage to the fairing, and he got very close to the podium. We’re pleased with this 5th place. Joan didn’t feel very good physically, and he couldn’t quite show all his potential. He received a long lap penalty for something with we think was a racing incident. We have cleared the air with Johann Zarco, who actually came to apologise to us. But anyway, the decision went like that and we have to respect it. Overall, the weekend has been tough due to conditions, but we’ve had a solid race day.”

Mike Leitner – Red Bull KTM Team Manager

“We started the weekend in a tough way and with problems to find grip with the rear tyre. So we had to work hard to find the right setting, which we did session-by-session but we were not ready in time for qualifying and for a good grid position. From P15 we knew it would be hard for Pol to fight for a single digit result but we saw in morning warm-up when he was 9th that we’d made a step and that gave him confidence. Mika helped us a lot because he tried some ideas we had to make the bike better. In the end it was a hard race for everybody but mid-distance we had times similar to the group pushing for sixth-seventh but we were not part of that front group ‘train’. It was tricky to stay on two wheels and it is always hard to find the limit on this track. We have to thank Mika for his work and in the end he got a point and it was a shame that Hafizh just missed out. We are happy with the outcome even if we didn’t meet our usual target. We missed Miguel from FP1 onwards, which didn’t help us going forward with the bike. We wish him all the best because it looks like he will miss Valencia. We hope he will be back strong as soon as possible.”

Hervé Poncharal – Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Team Manager

“It was an emotional race for the entire Red Bull KTM Tech3 team and at the same time the last race for Hafizh Syahrin in MotoGP here in Malaysia for now. We know how much he was willing to race in front of his home crowd and we saw how much the crowd was supporting him and cheering for him, so I’m glad he could have an ok race. I think the last lap of celebrations was full of emotions. We are happy to have given that feeling to the crowd, to have given that possibility to Hafizh. He has done a steady race, but more than the race, I would like to thank him for what he did with us for these past two years. Still we got one race to go in Valencia, but that one was very special for him and for us. It’s been a good moment and I’d like to thank him for what he did and for being such a nice guy as well as such a great ambassador for MotoGP in his home country Malaysia. Regarding Miguel, as most of you have been informed, he is having an operation today in Europe on his right shoulder injured in Silverstone, following a crash. We are just hoping that everything is going to be fine. That was by far the best solution and we know he will be fully recovered within maximum two months, so he will miss Valencia, but he will be absolutely fit for the first tests in Sepang, which was the main point. I’d like to thank him a lot, because since Silverstone he’s riding in a lot of pain, he never gave up. He didn’t want to talk too much about it, but I know he was in a lot of pain, which is always a handicap and Miguel is a true gentleman, a real fast MotoGP rider. His rookie season was not easy, but he showed speed and a huge commitment, so we just can’t wait to see him back on the bike with full fitness.”

Piero Taramasso – Michelin

“This has been an ideal weekend to finish off a busy time with the fly-away races. We saw our tyres produce some excellent performances as we set the fastest outright lap, new pole and race lap records and a new race duration best. This is another indication of the performance the MICHELIN Power Slick tyres are giving the riders and with three different manufacturers, using three different configurations on the podium, it is another positive aspect and indication of what we are constantly trying to achieve. We have had four races in five weekends and have had to take on many different conditions, but we are pleased with the tour as a whole, because we have seen good, close, competitive racing, with the tyres giving consistent and fast performances at all the racetracks. Sometimes the weather was against us, but even in the most difficult of conditions the riders were able to use our tyres to give them the confidence they needed. We now head back to France, before we go to Spain for the final race of the year and then begin the preparation for 2020.”


MotoGP Results / Standings

Source: MCNews.com.au

Nishimura 2019 ATC Champion | Azman wins Race 2

2019 Asia Talent Cup

Round 6 – Malaysia


After an incident at Turn 10 on Lap 1 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup race on Saturday, Indonesian rider Afridza Munandar sadly passed away, with Race 1 Red Flagged immediately and subsequently cancelled.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia memory of Munandar DSC
Riders mourn the passing of Afridza Munandar with Race 2 run to commemorate him

Following the incident, Talent Promotion Director Alberto Puig gathered the IATC riders to ask how they would like to proceed – cancel further track action for the weekend or have Race 2 take place.

Every rider voted to race on Sunday, with Race 2 therefore going ahead, and held in memory of Afridza Munandar, with a minute of silence observed in remembrance of Munandar on the grid. The decision was also made to honour him by retiring his number, 4, from the ATC.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Pits DSC
Race 2 was held on Sunday, with a minute of silence

Race 2

Syarifuddin Azman won the final race of the season in Race 2 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup at Sepang International Circuit, putting the Malaysian flag the top step of the podium on home turf.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Podium DSC
Race 2 Podium – 1) Syarifuddin Azman, 2) Sho Nishimura, 3) Adenanta Putra

The man he beat to it was Sho Nishimura, who took second place after a race-long duel and secured himself the title of 2019 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion as key rival Takuma Matsuyama crashed out early.

Third place saw Indonesian Adenanta Putra emerge from a huge battle to take an emotional podium as the riders went racing in memory of Afridza Munandar.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Start ZA
Sho Nishimura took an early lead

Off the line it was Nishumira who got the best initial start, but Azman was the latest on the brakes as the Malaysian sliced through to take the holeshot. That left Nishimura in second and Matsuyama shuffled down to third, but the first drama hit before the end of the lap.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Adenanta Putra ZA
Adenanta Putra

Locked on to the back of Nishimura, Matsuyama looked like a man on a mission before it suddenly all went wrong, the number 11 overcooking it and sliding out of third – as well as likely ending his chances at lifting the Cup.

Nishimura and Azman disappeared into the distance in an impressive duel, the Malaysian more than able to keep the pace of one of the eventual Cup winner. More than that, he was also able to attack and held the lead heading onto the final lap – before Nishimura struck back at Turn 1.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Sho Nishimura ZA
Sho Nishimura

It didn’t last long. A few corners later the Malaysian swept back around into the lead, and that left Nishimura with the work to do. As Azman stretched his legs even further in the lead, the number 3 machine in second instead started looking behind him.

And for Azman, that was enough to reward his impressive ride with a first win of the year. Nishimura’s second, meanwhile, was enough to reward him the title of 2019 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Syarifuddin Azman ZA
Syarifuddin Azman

The mammoth fight for third was won by Putra as he fended off fellow Indonesian Herjun Firdaus, with Australian Jacob Roulstone impressing in fifth. A number of riders fell out that fight after some drama at the final corner though, with Tatchakorn Buasri, Shoki Igarashi, Harrison Voight and Kanta Hamada all failing to finish.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Harrison Voight ZA
Harrison Voight recorded a DNF

Sixth went the way of Piyawat Patoomyos as he got the better of Hildhan Kusuma, with Warit Thongnoppakun taking eighth and the last of that big fight for the podium to finish. Luke Power and Kadir Erbay duelled it out to complete the top ten in that order.

Nishumura takes the crown and Matsuyama is the runner up after a close season of competition in the IATC, with the two Japanese riders having had a big share of the wins between them.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Jacob Roulstone ZA
Jacob Roulstone put in a strong performance for fifth

We complete the year thinking of and racing for the late Afridza Munandar, who was confirmed as classified third overall after an emotional season finale. His award was collected by mechanic Daniel Parrado in his memory.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Herfoss gracious in narrow ASBK title defeat

News 4 Nov 2019

Herfoss gracious in narrow ASBK title defeat

Penrite Honda Racing rider relinquishes number one in Sydney.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Outgoing champion Troy Herfoss was gracious in defeat after narrowly losing out to Mike Jones (DesmoSport Ducati) in the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Just half a point separated the duo heading into the final race of the season yesterday afternoon at Sydney Motorsport Park, where they put on a thrilling display of riding.

Herfoss traded the lead with Jones on a number occasions across the 13 laps, however it was an error from a desperate attempt to regain the lead in the dying moments that ultimately saw the Penrite Honda Racing ace forced to accept runner-up in the championship.

The multi-time champion credited Jones for his exceptional riding, admitting he couldn’t stay in front of the Ducati pilot after several attempts.

“I’ve had a lot of close races before with a lot of good riders, and that is one I’ll definitely never forget,” Herfoss told CycleOnline.com.au. “With half a point it, it made it even more intense. We showed a lot of respect for each other and Mike did a great job – he rode really well – probably the best I’ve ever seen him ride.

“Hats off to him – it’s definitely one I’ll never forget, but I would’ve been nice to have won it. It’s not the result we came here to get, but we all did our best and put ourselves in the best position possible to win the championship.

“We were so close in the end – down to the last few corners, really. I tried so hard to win it and I fought so hard in the last few laps, but I just couldn’t stay in front of him.”

Herfoss has already signed to remain with Penrite Honda Racing in the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Lettenbichler crowned WESS champion in Germany

News 4 Nov 2019

Lettenbichler crowned WESS champion in Germany

Gomez and Blazusiak lock out the podium at season-finale.

Image: Supplied.

Victory at the GetzenRodeo in Germany has granted Manuel Lettenbichler the 2019 World Enduro Super Series (WESS) championship.

The KTM-supported rider produced a stand-out performance at the eighth and final round of the series, topping both the morning qualifying race and the main event.

To the delight of his home crowd, Lettenbichler also put the finishing touches to a memorable season, lifting the WESS crown ahead of Alfredo Gomez (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Jonny Walker (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing),

“I’m over the moon, I can’t describe it,” said Lettenbichler. “To be honest I nearly cried on the podium. It was such a long, tough race today and it’s been such a long season. To finish the year with a first place in front of my home fans would have been amazing, but to win the championship as well is unbelievable.

“I’m on top of the world right now. My plan for today in both races was to get away well and try to control the race from the front. I was a little nervous in this morning’s race but thankfully it all went to plan. I was honestly exhausted in this afternoon’s race – I couldn’t have given any more.

“When Taddy passed me, I knew I had to dig deep and carry on and thankfully I managed to get past him again and make it to the finish. The fans have been amazing too – I hope they enjoyed the race as much as I did.”

The German ace was joined on the round eight podium by Gomez and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au