Coming to a theater near you October 14, three three years and 300 interviews in the making, ”the definitive examination of the global custom motorcycle phenomenon,” a film by Gareth Maxwell Roberts – ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for Oil in the Blood.
This isn’t a film about motorcycles, say the producers, it’s a film about motorcycle people and “a culture that’s exploded from a niche within a niche to exerting considerable influence over the mainstream motorcycle industry… a maker movement that champions individuality over mass consumerism, the custom culture has revitalised motorcycling, renewing an interest in building and maintaining machines, encouraging unprecedented levels of creativity and experimentation whilst attracting a new generation on two wheels.”
It’s powered by Ducati’s recently engineered 1,103cc V-4 engine that was engineered using its vast MotoGP experience. In typical Italian fashion, the engine delivers an exhilarating experience like few other motorcycles made. It’s paired to an electronics package that is near the top of the class with a re-engineered chassis that is vastly more competent than the 1199/1299. Together, it’s the ideal recipe for eating miles of asphalt.
Landbridge Transport and YRD backed Superbike Team set to contest 2020 Australian Superbike Championship with Aiden Wagner
Every time Aiden Wagner has stepped on a Superbike in Australia he has won races. From the very first time he rode a Superbike, as stand-in rider for an injured Jamie Stauffer at Eastern Creek a few years ago, Wagner won straight off the bat.
Aiden Wagner with mechanic Dan Williams and Team Honda boss Paul Free after taking out race one on his Superbike debut at Sydney Motorsports Park early in 2015. Wagner was offered a ride with Team Honda for the remainder of that season but elected to go overseas. – Image by Trevor Hedge
In 2014 Wagner had won the Australasian FX Supersport Championship thus when Stauffer was out injured early in 2015, Paul Free put the then 20-year-old Aiden on the Team Honda Racing Fireblade.
Aiden Wagner and Team Honda boss Paul Free – They had never talked until days before the race meeting at SMP where Wagner went on to stun the field – Image by Trevor Hedge
Wagner returned Free’s faith by stunning the cream of Australia’s Superbike riders. Wagner not only won the first ever Superbike race he contested, after having to fight his way through the field, but he also lowered the Sydney Motorsports Park lap record to 1m30.666s along the way…
Aiden Wagner had to fight his way up from outside the top five. A new lap record 1m30.66 promoted him up into the leading trio and the youngster went on to win on debut. – Image by Robert Parker
Team Honda wanted to retain Wagner for the remainder of the season but the youngster had dreams of racing overseas, and chose to chase those dreams. That decision and the experiences that followed were costly, in more ways than one.
Aiden Wagner celebrated victory on his Superbike debut at Eastern Creek in 2015
Wagner turned down that plum domestic ride in favour of putting some of his own funding and backing into a World Supersport campaign, with the Intermoto Express Team. On paper, at least, everything looked good. The bikes ridden by other riders in the squad, Lucas Mathias and PJ Jacobsen, had proven competitive. Countryman Andrew Pitt was in the team, and had helped orchestrate the deal to get Wagner on board. However, the team quickly fell apart and had all their motorcycles, truck and equipment seized by Czech Police. Wagner was left high and dry, and seriously out of pocket…
Aiden Wagner – Donington 2015
Pitt then managed to help get Wagner a seat on an FIM Superstock GSX-R1000 Suzuki at Portugal. He immediately impressed the team and was invited to stay on, but then a ride with Pedercini Kawasaki ride was put in front of him. He chose the Pedercini route but was taken out by his team-mate in his first outing and then landed at PTR Honda. A mount that proved uncompetitive.
Aiden Wagner – Portimao FIM 1000 STK – 2015
Wagner then moved to the GRT Racing team on an exotic MV Agusta but the machine proved a little too exotic, it was a season plagued with problems.
Aiden Wagner at Sepang in 2016 – Image by GeeBee
For 2017 he signed again for the WSS, this time back on a Honda with Gemar Lorini. Things started out well with a seventh place at the season opener at Phillip Island, Wagner then backed up with an eighth place finish at the next outing in Thailand.
Aiden Wagner – Phillip Island 2017
From the outside, things looked to be on the up, but during the fourth round at Assen Wagner seriously injured his shoulder. Aiden was only getting second-hand cast-off parts off his team-mate’s bike and the team were running out of money. It looked as though he was perhaps on a hiding-to-nothing so the Queenslander headed home for shoulder surgery and sat out the remainder of the year. Wagner also had a left knee reconstruction late in 2017.
Aiden Wagner – PTR Honda 2018 – Phillip Island – Image by TBG
In early 2018 Wagner did perform a fill-in role for PTR Honda at Phillip Island but was physically not able to ride at his potential. He then focussed on rebuilding his strength, riding motocross and also mentally recovering from what had been a sorely testing few years in Europe. The time away seemed to serve him well.
2019 ASBK Round One – Aiden Wagner – Image Rob Mott
Wagner was back in domestic competition early in 2019 and again, his speed was stunning and the results came instantly. Wagner took pole at this year’s season opener with a 1m32.191s, almost half-a-second quicker than anyone.
Aiden Wagner – ASBK Round One 2019 – Image Rob Mott
Wayne Maxwell pipped him at the post for the win in the opening Superbike encounter by 0.147s, but the pair clashed in the second race.
Aiden Wagner – Maxwell tumbles – Image Rob Mott – ASBK Round One 2019
Wagner and Maxwell touched as they negotiated turn 12, and it was Maxwell that came off second best, while Wagner went on to take the race win.
Wagner and Halliday tussle – Rob Mott Image
Aiden then went on to another victory in the final race of that weekend to win the round, and take the early lead in the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship.
It was an amazing comeback that ruffled the feathers of the ASBK Superbike regulars, and clearly announced that the 24-year-old was going to be a real contender for the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship.
Then ASBK went to Wakefield Park…
Wagner was baulked by a number of riders that left pit-lane right in front of him as he barreled down the Wakefield Park main straight at full pelt during Friday practice. He was left with nowhere to go, it was take out a number of riders from behind at 250 km/h, or head for the dirt. He chose the dirt, and it bit him hard.
Aiden Wagner’s big off at Wakefield Park while taking evasive action to miss riders that had exited pit-lane at an inopportune moment – TBG Image
The onus is on the riders leaving pit-lane to check the track is clear, and due to the wall almost all the way to the exit onto the main straight at Wakefield Park, it can be quite hard for riders to tell what is coming down the chute.
Wagner was left with one completely destroyed YZF-R1, while he himself was also well battered. Wagner tried to ride the opening Superbike race later that weekend at Wakefield Park but after three laps his shoulder popped as he hit the brakes for turn one. Game over. His shoulder now so badly damaged it was even popping out while he slept.
Aiden Wagner – Wakefield Park – Image by Rob Mott
The young Queenslander was off for more shoulder surgery, this time around really major surgery.
Aiden Wagner had surgery earlier this year to rebuild his shoulder – May 2019
Bone was cut from his pelvis to help rebuild his shoulder, and his humerus also had somewhat of a cut and shut job to aid in the shoulder reconstruction.
Aiden Wagner had surgery earlier this year to rebuild his shoulder – May 2019
Now, four months on from that surgery, Wagner is now fighting his way back to full strength and fitness ahead of a full-on assault on the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship in a Landbridge Transport Superbike Team, complete with YRD backing.
He has been working hard with a physio as he moves towards regaining full movement in his shoulder, and expects to hit the gym early next month.
He is not permitted to ride until the end of the year, and will start out with training on a motocross bike before he takes to the tarmac again.
At this stage the new team, managed by Sam Costanzo, will be a single rider Superbike effort and, effectively, somewhat of a satellite Yamaha set-up with YRD backing under the Landbridge Racing banner.
Wagner is hoping to recreate the sort of team he had around him at the start of season 2019, and this time around will also have Sam Costanzo onboard pulling it all together and managing proceedings.
If his previous form is anything to go by, it is clear that Aiden Wagner will be fighting for the 2020 Australian Superbike Championship from a stronger base than ever come round one next season.
This weekend the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship circus moves to Circuit Nevers Magny-Cour in France for the final European round of the year. Even if there are still three rounds to go before the end of the Championship, the French round could mark an important stage in the run-up to the world titles of the three classes.
In WorldSBK Jonathan Rea dominates the overall standings with a 91-points lead over Ducati rider Àlvaro Bautista. Rea could add a fifth World Superbike Championship title this weekend.
In WorldSSP it is an open challenge among the Yamaha riders of the Bardahl Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team with Swiss native Randy Krummenacher enjoying a slim 10-point advantage over team-mate Federico Caricasulo.
The fight for the WorldSSP300 title is more open, albeit only among Kawasaki riders, but this class has only two races to be run since it will not race in Argentina. Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez leads the standings with a lead of 38-points over Dutchman Scott Deroue and 47 points over defending Champion Ana Carrasco.
Nevers Magny-Cours
Inaugurated almost 60 years ago in 1960, the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit is 4411 metres long and has nine right-handers and eight to the left. This track is characterised by sudden deceleration and re-acceleration changes, interspersed with medium length straights, with plenty of small altitude changes. In its default layout it also provides a hairpin (Adelaide) with one of the heaviest braking points present among the international circuits, arriving from a fast straight.
The asphalt has a smooth and regular surface and therefore offers little natural grip, especially in case of low temperatures or in the wet. Moreover, in some points the riders are called to brake in the downhill sections putting the front tyre under stress.
WorldSBK
Dogged determination and unrivalled resilience – Jonathan Rea would never have imagined wrapping the championship up at Magny-Cours after the first 11 races of the season. But that is the situation that the Northern Irishman finds himself in as he could secure title number five at the technical French track. Having achieved the double at the track in 2018, Rea’s form at Magny-Cours is good in recent years: three more wins, three further poles and four other podiums. Can anyone topple the championship-elect?
Race Two Podium at Portimao 2019
34-year-old Alvaro Bautista is Rea’s nearest and only mathematical challenger in the race to the crown in 2019. Having never been to the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Alvaro Bautista’s prospects of taking points away from Rea seem slim – although 2019 has already dealt the unforeseeable. “Until the mathematics say no, you have to fight” was what the Spaniard declared after his win at Portimao and it is that mentality that will keep the fight alive. Will he rock up to another new track and put Rea’s championship celebrations on ice?
Tom Sykes, Alex Lowes, Leon Haslam
The battle for third place in the overall standings is still raging on behind the leading duo, as Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) heads team-mate Michael van der Mark by just five points. Lowes may be under threat from his Dutch team-mate if last year’s form is anything to go by.
Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is fifth in the standings and has three podiums to his name at Magny-Cours, as well as his last pole position to-date coming at the circuit in 2015.
Behind Haslam by just six points is Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkish Puccetti Racing), with the 22-year-old Turkish rider aiming for a podium at a seventh different circuit of the season.
19 points further back is Chaz Davies will look to utilise his three wins at Magny-Cours in order to close in on the battle for third.
Tom Sykes was a double winner back in 2013 at Magny-Cours, although BMW as a manufacturer have never before achieved a victory at the French circuit.
WorldSBK Championship Points Standings
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Jonathan Rea
490
2
Alvaro Bautista
399
3
Alex Lowes
249
4
Michael Van Der Mark
244
5
Leon Haslam
229
6
Toprak Razgatlioglu
223
7
Chaz Davies
204
8
Tom Sykes
183
9
Marco Melandri
153
10
Sandro Cortese
116
11
Michael Ruben Rinaldi
107
12
Jordi Torres
106
13
Loris Baz
87
14
Markus Reiterberger
67
15
Leandro Mercado
51
16
Eugene Laverty
43
17
Leon Camier
26
18
Lorenzo Zanetti
21
19
Alessandro Delbianco
21
20
Ryuichi Kiyonari
20
21
Peter Hickman
14
22
Thomas Bridewell
12
23
Yuki Takahashi
11
24
Michele Pirro
10
25
Samuele Cavalieri
6
26
Hector Barbera
3
27
Takumi Takahashi
1
World Supersport
Heading to France as championship leader, Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) knows that he has no room for mistakes in this crucial time of the year. The Swiss rider has been leading the standings from the first round of the year at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. He missed the podium just once in the UK, and with four wins, eight podiums and three Superpoles he has used consistency as his key weapon against the opposition.
Randy Krummenacher
But Krummenacher is not the only rider who has taken steady steps towards the title throughout all the season. His teammate Federico Caricasulo is only 10 points behind him with three wins, nine podiums and three pole positions.
Local hero Jules Cluzel (GMT94 YAMAHA) is currently third in the championship standings, 48 points behind Krummenacher, and is looking forward to putting on a strong performance at his home round.
Still chasing his first win onboard the Kawasaki ZX-6R, Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) arrives at Magny Cours after having taken his third back-to-back podium for 2019 in Portugal. The 2017 WorldSSP World Champion seems to have finally found his feet with the green machine of the Italian team, and at his home round the Frenchman will look forward to proving it again. On the other side of the Puccetti’s garage, Japanese rider Hikari Okubo will continue to aim for his first WorldSSP podium in his career.
World Supersport Championship Points Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Randy Krumme
193
2
Federico Caricasulo
183
3
Jules Cluzel
145
4
Lucas Mahias
98
5
Hikari Okubo
82
6
Thomas Gradinger
70
7
Raffaele De Rosa
69
8
Corentin Perolari
59
9
Isaac Vinales
45
10
Peter Sebestyen
43
11
Ayrton Badovini
37
12
Loris Cresson
36
13
Jules Danilo
32
14
Hannes Soomer
28
15
Hector Barbera
22
16
Federico Fuligni
13
17
Lorenzo Gabellini
10
18
Kyle Smith
10
19
Jack Kennedy
9
20
Glenn Van Straalen
9
21
Rob Hartog
9
22
Jaimie Van Sikkelerus
9
23
Kevin Manfredi
8
24
Brad Jones
7
25
Miquel Pons
6
26
Massimo Roccoli
6
27
Tom Toparis
5
28
Maria Herrera
5
29
Gabriele Ruiu
4
30
Luca Ottaviani
4
31
Daniel Valle
3
32
Mattia Casadei
1
World Supersport 300
The championship is on the line for World Supersport 300, as three riders go into the Pirelli French Round with the chance of becoming champion. However, only one can win it this weekend: Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) has a 38-point advantage over Scott Deroue (Kawasaki MOTOPORT), and needs just a top four finish to secure the crown. However, this is WorldSSP300, where a top four finish is certainly easier said than done…
Manuel Gonzalez
He may have only taken his first win of the season at Portimao, but Scott Deroue won’t go down without a fight in WorldSSP300. The Dutchman has been twice-third in the standings at the end of the season and has been one of the more consistent riders in the class. However, bad luck in 2019 has seen Deroue on the back foot. Deroue must take more than 14-points or more from Gonzalez to take the fight to the floodlights of Losail.
SSP 300 Podium at Portimao – Scott Deroue P1 – Manuel Gonzalez P2 – Ana Carrasco P3
Defending champion Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300) must win at Magny-Cours and hope that Gonzalez is 14th or lower. She cannot afford to have anything less than a win at Magny-Cours if she is to take the championship down the final round of the season. Just eight points from the opening the opening two races and not taking advantage of Gonzalez and Deroue’s Donington Park issues have been pivotal. Magny-Cours is where Ana claimed the World Championship #1 plate last year.
Ana Carrasco – 2018 World Supersport 300 Champion
There’s no mathematic chance of Andy Verdoïa (BCD Yamaha MS Racing) winning the championship in 2019, so the Frenchman heads home to race for nothing but pride and glory. His two podiums of 2019 have come in the last three races, showing great improvement throughout the season. He leads the French charge as the field arrives at Magny-Cours, whilst also remaining in the battle for third place with Carrasco. Just 14 points behind Deroue, Verdoïa may even find himself improving to second, should events transpire against his rivals.
13-points behind Verdoïa is 2017 WorldSSP300 champion Marc Garcia, who is leading the battle for fifth position overall. The Jerez Race 1 winner jumped to fifth in the championship at Portimao and now sets his sights on bridging the gap to those ahead of him. On his last appearance at Magny-Cours, Garcia took victory from 11th on the grid, highlighting that anything is possible. One point behind Garcia is Victor Steeman (Freudenberg KTM Junior Team) whilst his teammate, Jan-Ole Jahnig, is just one point further back.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Watson conquers 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country
Briar Bauman crowned AFT Twins Champ
Mikey Rush wins AFT Singles at Minnesota Mile
Kolby Carlile tops AFT Production Twins at Canterbury Park
Toni Bou sweeps 2019 TrialGP championship
2019 AORC Wrap-Up
Leon Madsen claims British SGP win in Cardiff
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
Ben Kelley extends KTM contract
AMA announces 2020 rider numbers
Watson conquers 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country
Nathan Watson delivered the goods to claim a home win at round six of the World Enduro Super Series – Hawkstone Park Cross-Country in the UK. The rider showed his class on the physically demanding Shropshire course to take victory over Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker.
2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media
Saturday – Sprint Enduro
Britain’s Nathan Watson sprinted to victory on the opening day of racing at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. Delivering the goods on home soil, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider topped Saturday’s Sprint Enduro to claim pole position for Sunday’s Cross-Country race. Making it a 1-2 for KTM, teammate Josep Garcia – the 2018 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country winner – was second, with British wildcard entrant Alex Snow bringing his Gas Gas home in third on Saturday.
Nathan Watson – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media
Glorious weather greeted the 500-plus entry for the opening day of competition at round six of the WESS. Conditions were perfect for racing at the iconic venue with a two-stage Motocross and Enduro loop set to test competitors. The Enduro special test – ridden four times – weaved its way through the surrounding woodland, while the Motocross test – also ridden four times – saw riders blast their way around the famous, sandy motocross circuit.
At the head of the field Garcia was quick to lay down his marker. Despite riding with a recent hand injury, he showed no weakness on the bumpy Enduro test and led the way as they moved over to Motocross test.
Eager to close in on Garcia, Watson chipped away at the Spaniard’s lead to close the 10-second gap before increasing his own advantage to 10 seconds by the end of the day.
Josep Garcia – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media
With the leading duo breaking away from the chasing field, both Snow and Finland’s Romi Kytonen battled head-to-head for third. Snow held a slender four-second advantage at the end of the Enduro tests, but Kytonen fought back on the Motocross section. Closing the gap with each run, he came within one-tenth of a second of Snow for fourth.
The battle for top-five was equally fierce between Jonny Walker and championship leader Manuel Lettenbichler. Walker held the upper hand after the Enduro tests, but with Lettenbichler coming on strong in the Motocross portion, the duo went to the wire, with Walker just hanging on to take fifth.
Sunday – Cross-Country
Nathan Watson delivered the goods on Sunday of the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. The rider showed his class on the physically demanding Shropshire course to take victory over Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker. Placing as runner-up in Great Britain, Lettenbichler extends his lead in this year’s race to become the Ultimate Enduro World Champion.
Nathan Watson claims 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Saturday’s glorious weather gave way to scattered showers, but it did little to dampen the race action, as riders blasted off the Hawkstone Park start line, it was Alex Snow who took the initial holeshot with Walker and the ensuring pack of riders close behind. There was immediate drama when both Watson and 2018 winner Josep Garcia were slow to start. Watson fared better than his teammate and was quickly mid pack, while Garcia had work to do after leaving the start in last position.
By the end of lap one, Walker was in the lead but Watson was up to second with Lettenbichler, Taddy Blazusiak and Snow chasing. Garcia was battling through the field and closing in on the top-10. A lap later and Watson was out front.
Exiting the mid-distance fuel stop of the two-hour and 30-minute race, Watson had increased his advantage to over one-minute from Lettenbichler and Walker. Controlling the pace for the second half of the race, he rode on to take a memorable win with Lettenbichler and Walker rounding out the podium.
Behind the top three, Blazusiak put in a strong charge in the closing stages to take fourth, with Garcia regrouping following his bad start to place fifth. Snow showed his pace for sixth, while Will Hoare impressed with seventh.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by DunlopGraham Jarvis – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round seven in Spain for the BR2 Enduro Solsona on October 4-6.
Nathan Watson – P1
“I’m super-happy to win today. I felt a lot of pressure coming into this weekend because it seems everyone expected me to win. Obviously, I got second here last year, so I was extra-motivated this weekend. Winning the Sprint Enduro gave me some confidence for today, but then I got a bad start and was near last. I made some aggressive passes early on to fight my way back up to the front. Once I got into the lead I felt so comfortable and was able to control the pace. I’m feeling pretty confident now going into BR2 Enduro Solsona.”
Nathan Watson – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Manuel Lettenbichler – P2
“I came into this round with no expectations at all, but the plan was to collect as many points as possible for the overall standings. I thought if I could do a little better than last year and get inside the top-five it would be amazing because there are so many fast guys out there. I got a really good start and managed to find a good rhythm, so the whole race went really well – I surprised myself a little. Although my result here gives me quite a confidence boost going into the next round, it’s going to be really different racing in Spain. I’ll give it my best as always and if we can get a good result it will be a boost heading to Getzenrodeo.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Jonny Walker – P3
“It’s great to get a podium at my home race. I led the race for a little bit too, which was good. I knew the guys would be fast so it was always going to be tough to be right up there. I made a really good start and set about chasing down the leader, he had a crash which put me in front and from then on I just tried to get into a good rhythm rather than push too hard early on because I knew it was going to be a really tough race. I’m looking forward to Solsona now, we’ve got a two-week break to rest a little then hopefully come back strong in Spain and challenge for the podium again.”
Jonny Walker – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Placing as runner-up in Great Britain, Lettenbichler extends his lead in this year’s race to become the Ultimate Enduro World Champion.
Taddy Blazusiak – P4
“I really enjoyed the race today. I’m a little disappointed not to have finished on the podium again but all-in-all the race went well. I tried to settle into things early on and my speed was good. Mani got past me but then I could see I was closing in on Jonny for third. I got within about 10 seconds but then made a mistake and lost everything I had gained. Towards the end I still felt strong enough to push again but after one lap, I really started to suffer with the blisters on my hand and decided to settle for fourth. The next round in Spain is like a second home race for me so I’m going to try an heal my hand over the next two weeks then head to Solsona and give it all I have.”
Taddy Blazusiak – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Josep Garcia – P5
“It was a really tough race for me today. I knew it would be hard coming into today so close after hurting my hand, but yesterday went really well and I felt quite confident. Unfortunately, I had trouble at the start and set off right at the back. It wasn’t too bad, but I knew I would have to push hard to make my way to the front. I made a few mistakes then and ended up crashing a few times, which knocked my confidence. Each time I felt comfortable to push again I ended up making another mistake. I’m not too happy with fifth but I’m looking forward to the next round in Spain now and hopefully come out of that one on top.”
Alfredo Gomez and Graham Jarvis both put in creditable rides at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country to finish in eighth and ninth places respectively, and currently hold second and third in the overall WESS standings.
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Alfredo Gomez – P8
“I tried my best today but had a few crashes, which knocked me back a little. The track became so rough and it was really tough to ride for over two hours. Overall, I’m happy with my performance – I got eighth, which is not bad and earned good points for the championship. I’m looking forward to the next one now.”
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Graham Jarvis – P9
“I felt good today, I got an okay start and managed to get into a good rhythm. I was around 12th or 13th but got past a few riders ahead of me, so I’m pleased to equal my result from last year and get ninth. The fitness is there, which is the main thing. It can really wear you down out there so I’m happy with the result. It’s always good to race in England, too. It’s a shame it didn’t suit my style a little better, but I’m glad to get some good points in the bag.”
Graham Jarvis – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
The World Enduro Super Series continues with Round 7 in Spain for the BR2 Enduro Solsona on October 4-6.
Nathan Watson topped the podium from Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series 2019 standings (After round 6)
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4420 points
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 3920
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 3654
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 3470
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3280
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 3165
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3070
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 3031
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2725
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 2270
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Briar Bauman crowned AFT Twins Champ
American Flat Track crowned Briar Bauman the 2019 AFT Twins Champion following Saturday evening’s wild and intense Minnesota Mile at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.
2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium
Even though multi-time reigning champion Jared Mees did all he could by winning his seventh AFT Twins Main Event of the season in runaway fashion, both he and Bauman were well aware all Bauman needed to do to lock up the crown was finish on the podium — something he’d already accomplished 14 times in 16 attempts this season.
While he ultimately made it 15 to clinch the title, Bauman’s crowning achievement did not come without drama or adversity – not by a long shot. The first of Bauman’s obstacles came early, as he was involved in a high-speed crash in the early stages of the Main Event that also involved his brother, Bronson Bauman, Rookie of the Year Brandon Price, Stephen Vanderkuur and Sammy Halbert.
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mil
Bauman’s crew worked frantically during the stoppage to repair his heavily damaged machine, beating the odds and getting it back out for the restart. However, as a result of his crash, his path to the podium would have to begin from the back row as opposed to the front.
Immediately following the restart, a second red flag was issued due to another two-rider crash. The local curfew forced a 10-lap reduction in the Main for the third and final restart, which meant Bauman would only have 15 laps to feel out his rebuilt machine, master the tricky racing conditions, and fight his way forward past the world’s best dirt track racers.
2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile
Nevertheless, he did so with gusto, owning a bold, high line which he used to claw his way up to the fight for second that was being waged by Bryan Smith and Jeffrey Carver Jr.
In one final breathtaking moment, Bauman and Smith came together exiting Turn 4 for the final time. That clash allowed Smith to just beat him to the line for second, but in the end, third was good enough for Bauman to realize his lifelong ambitions.
Briar Bauman
“I don’t know if I can put words on this right now. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. I used to have posters of Bryan and Jared hanging in my room growing up. And to win it… I can’t even put it into words. I don’t even know what else to say.”
Briar Bauman celebrated his victory with a lap on the back of Jared Mees’ bike
Mees showed his class by taking Bauman on his victory lap.
Jared Mees
“My goal was to win these last two races. Being 35 points down, it was really going to take some extremely bad luck for Briar — which almost happened to him. But he has a phenomenal team and they worked endlessly to get that bike put back together and back up front. I knew once he re-entered the race he was going to get third. Hats off to him and his team, and huge hats off to Indian Motorcycle for clinching their third championship. It’s hard to lose that #1 plate, especially after the domination we’ve had the last two years. But it went to the best guy this year, and I’m looking forward to next year to get it back.”
Carver – who scooped three holeshots on the night – finished fourth with Henry Wiles completing the top five.
2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Jared Mees, 2) Bryan Smith, 3) Briar Bauman
AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result
#
Rider
Bike
Gap
1
Jared Mees
Indian FTR750
15 Laps
2
Bryan Smith
Kawasaki Ninja 650
2.931
3
Briar Bauman
Indian FTR750
3.038
4
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
Indian FTR750
3.73
5
Henry Wiles
Indian FTR750
7.812
6
Bronson Bauman
Indian FTR750
12.78
7
Brandon Robinson
HD XG750R Rev X
14.075
8
Jarod Vanderkooi
HD XG750R Rev X
17.534
9
Robert Pearson
Indian FTR750
20.662
10
Davis Fisher
Indian FTR750
23.37
AFT Twins Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Briar Bauman
322
2
Jared Mees
295
3
Bronson Bauman
234
4
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
210
5
Brandon Robinson
191
6
Jarod Vanderkooi
190
7
Henry Wiles
167
8
Robert Pearson
159
9
Sammy Halbert
153
10
Davis Fisher
148
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Mikey Rush wins AFT Singles at Minnesota Mile
Following 15 thrilling laps of AFT Singles action, Mikey Rush edged Ryan Wells by an impossibly close 0.004 seconds for victory at the checkered flag. Rush didn’t appear headed toward a photo finish on Saturday night when he opened up a 0.799-second lead on the opening lap. That only seemed even more obvious when he stretched that advantage out to more than 1.2 seconds a pair of laps later.
However, ‘16 class champ Wells located a fast line that he used to successfully track Rush down, setting the stage for an incredible test of courage and tactics to determine the win between the two.
Wells looked to be exactly where he wanted to be on the final lap, lining Rush up for a drafting maneuver on the final straight. However, when he attempted to execute it, he managed to pull up alongside Rush but no further – running out of steam just a couple inches short of what he needed to beat his adversary to the stripe.
Mikey Rush – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile
The narrow victory was Rush’s third win of the season and a satisfying consolation prize on the night he was officially eliminated from contention for the ’19 Roof Systems AFT Singles crown.
Mikey Rush
“Ryan showed me a killer line, and I stuck with it after he got by me. I made it work, and I knew my Honda was on point tonight – it runs like a champ. Big thanks to the whole team and everyone who supports us.”
Mikey Rush – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile
Championship leader Dalton Gauthiermoved a big step closer to winning that title by finishing in fourth, one position behind rookie standout Dallas Daniels.
Gauthier may have been a bit too eager to lock the title up a round early; the ultra-talented rider actually jumped the start and was sent from Row 1 to Row 4. All that did was add a bit more drama to Gauthier’s ongoing championship pursuit, as he ultimately overhauled chief rival Dan Bromley – and everyone else that stood in his way short of the podium finishers.
Mikey Rush and Ryan Wells race to the finish line – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile
Meanwhile, defending class champ Bromley finished the Main down in 10th, dropping him to 21 points back (281-260). As a result, Bromley’s hopes of a repeat are still alive – albeit barely – with one race to go.
AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result
#
Rider
Bike
Gap
1
Mikey Rush
Honda CRF450R
15 Laps
2
Ryan Wells
Yamaha YZ450F
0.004
3
Dallas Daniels
Yamaha YZ450F
1.489
4
Dalton Gauthier
Husqvarna FC450
1.584
5
Trent Lowe
Honda CRF450R
2.224
6
Morgen Mischler
KTM 450 SX-F
2.648
7
Max Whale
Kawasaki KX450F
3.541
8
Chad Cose
Suzuki RMZ 450
6.153
9
Brandon Kitchen
Honda CRF450R
6.275
10
Dan Bromley
KTM 450 SX-F
8.766
AFT Singles Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Dalton Gauthier
281
2
Dan Bromley
260
3
Mikey Rush
255
4
Chad Cose
186
5
Jesse Janisch
183
6
Ryan Wells
177
7
Shayna Texter
169
8
Morgen Mischler
158
9
Max Whale
132
10
Kevin Stollings
109
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Kolby Carlile tops AFT Production Twins at Canterbury Park
Kolby Carlile made certain the AFT Production Twins championship fight would go down to the season finale with a clutch performance to score his second victory of the season.
2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile
Chad Cose threatened to escape at the start, but Carlile put his head down and extracted the most from an evolving high line to systematically reel in Cose. On lap 8, Carlile finally drafted up alongside and dove up the inside of his quarry to snatch away the lead.
Cose attempted to return the favor a lap later but couldn’t quite make it stick. From there, he found himself on the back foot, as the two leaders’ battle stretched them more than a full straightaway out in front of the rest of the field.
Chad Cose and Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile
Carlile shook free at the end to claim the checkered flag with a 2.195-second margin of victory. Cose had nearly seven seconds on third as their intense battle for the win pushed the two more than a full straightaway out in front of the remainder of the field.
Kolby Carlile
“I really couldn’t have gone any faster. I just can’t thank my team enough… and I can’t thank them any better than by coming out here and getting the win, so that’s what I did today.”
Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile
Cody Johncox picked up his second podium of the season in third, successfully outdueling title hopefuls Cory Texter and Ryan Varnes.
Varnes recovered from a rough start in which he nearly looped his Kawasaki coming off the line and plummeted back through the field at the start. With his title chances flashing before his eyes, Varnes quickly regrouped and somehow managed to weave all the way up to fourth and latch onto Johncox’s rear wheel in third.
Dallas Daniels – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile
However, a subsequent mishap dropped Varnes out of podium contention and all the way down to an eventual sixth-place result. Even more crucially, it allowed Texter to get back around him and finish in fourth, further extending the points differential separating the two.
In fact, Varnes’ sixth-place finish combined with Carlile’s triumph saw Carilie step forward and seize control of second place in the title chase heading into next weekend’s season finale. The new runner-up now trails championship leader Texter by 15 points (180-165) with Varnes still very much in the mix in third at 162.
2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Kolby Carlile, 2) Chad Cose, 3) Cody Johncox
AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result
#
Rider
Bike
Gap
1
Kolby Carlile
Yamaha MT-07
15 Laps
2
Chad Cose
Kawasaki Ninja 650
2.195
3
Cody Johncox
Yamaha MT-07
8.951
4
Cory Texter
Yamaha MT-07
9.877
5
Dalton Gauthier
HD XG750R Rev X
11.687
6
Ryan Varnes
Kawasaki Ninja 650
17.788
7
Morgen Mischler
Kawasaki Ninja 650
23.708
8
Jeffery Lowery
Kawasaki Ninja 650
31.563
9
Andrew Luker
Kawasaki Ninja 650
57.467
10
Brock Schwarzenbacher
Kawasaki Ninja 650
14 Laps
AFT Production Twins Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Cory Texter
180
2
Kolby Carlile
165
3
Ryan Varnes
162
4
Dalton Gauthier
136
5
James Rispoli
116
6
Chad Cose
114
7
J.R. Addison
111
8
Cody Johncox
109
9
Ben Lowe
100
10
Kevin Stollings
90
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Toni Bou sweeps 2019 TrialGP championship
With seven wins out of seven events, Toni Bou closed out the 2019 TrialGP World Championship. The Repsol Honda Team rider claimed top honours in the Spanish TrialGP held in the Ciudad Deportiva of La Nucía, where Takahisa Fujinami took the third step of the podium.
Toni Bou – 2019 TrialGP – Spain
The final trial of the season was by no means easy. The steep areas and the lack of time to conclude the first lap proved a hindrance for riders. Toni Bou finished the day accruing the least marks, thus achieving a 14th consecutive victory in Trial World Championships and a 112th in elite competition. With the title already sealed in the previous outing in France, Bou has completed a full-house of wins in all the trials disputed this season.
Takahisa Fujinami – 2019 TrialGP – Spain
Takahisa Fujinami fought hard for a place on the podium in La Nucía with his endeavours finally paying dividends.
Toni Bou
“Having a perfect season and winning all races has been spectacular. After exceeding 100 wins, this was the challenge that I was lacking and I am very happy to have achieved it. In addition, I am also very happy to be able to tie with Jordi Tarrés on 14th consecutive victories. We always want more, so we hope to start next season continuing this good spell. Today’s trial was tough, the sections were very slippery and we had very little time, so we made a lot of mistakes. Luckily, everyone made mistakes but our opponents picked up more marks. I am very happy to be able to finish the season this way. Thank you very much to the whole team for making it possible.”
Toni Bou topped the podium from – 2019 TrialGP – Spain
2019 TrialGP of Spain Results
#
Rider
Nat.
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
160
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
134
3
FUJINAMI Takahisa
JPN
112
4
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
96
5
CASALES Jorge
SPA
81
6
DABILL James
GBR
80
7
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
69
8
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
66
9
KADLEC Franz
GER
64
10
PRICE Jack
GBR
49
2019 TrialGP Standings
#
Rider
Nat.
Team
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
36
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
43
3
FUJINAMI Takahisa
JPN
Repsol Honda Team
64
4
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
Gas Gas
65
5
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
67
6
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
69
7
CASALES Jorge
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
70
8
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
83
9
DABILL James
GBR
Beta Factory Racing
89
10
PRICE Jack
GBR
Gas Gas
89
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2019 AORC Wrap-Up
After eleven rounds across six weekends the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) concluded last weekend at Hedley in Victoria. Here’s a look at the season that was…
E3
Its fair to say that Daniel Sanders simply dismantled his rivals this year in the E3 category. The 25-year-old was in a class of his own taking the round win in every race this year. Sanders’ stats in the E3 category continues to grow as he now has racked up 22 victories from a total of 35 round starts.
Daniel Sanders
This year’s championship marks Sanders’ fourth title in the AORC series. He now has taken out the 19 & Under Championship in 2014, E2 title in 2018 and the E3 championship this year and 2016.
Sanders’ nearest rival throughout the year was Andrew Wilksch, who was 63-points behind who managed to stand on the podium at every round, apart from round three.
The biggest upset for the year would have to be Beau Ralston, who injured himself. Ralston scored second place at the first six rounds of the year before his season was put on hold, so it’s a case of what could have been.
At the end of the championship, Ralston found himself in sixth place in the standings with 148-points to his name. Jesse Lawton was able to salvage third place in the championship and get back to finish in the championship and finish off his best season.
E2
Just like Sanders in the E3 class, Daniel Milner also made the season his own in the E2 class by romping to victory in every round this year. Josh Green tried everything he could to put up a fight to Milner but was unable to prevail and had to settle finishing second in all of the eleven rounds this year. Still, it was an improvement from last year as Green did finish third in 2018 with six second places and three third places.
Daniel Milner
Jérémy Carpentier, who made the jump from E1 to E2 this year certainly put on a solid show in 2019. With seven visits to the podium this year and three top five finishes, it was enough to hand the Frenchman third place for the year finishing 37-points behind Green.
Brad Hardaker, who took out third place at round six, battled through injuries in the first part of the year and was still pretty consistent, which showed in his overall position for the year. At the end of the jigsaw puzzle Hardaker finished in fourth place, scoring 148-points for the year.
E1
Luke Styke has become the second rider in the sports history to win back-to-back championships in the E1 division. Styke, who now has 15 wins in the E1 class just held onto the championship win by 18-points, beating Lyndon Snodgrass, who last year finished second in the E2 championship.
Luke Styke
Fraser Higlett this year dropped from second to third in the overall standings. Unlike last year, his season has not exactly been consistent. Last year saw Higlett scoring two race wins, six seconds and two thirds, while this year he has only been able to win one round, which came at the fifth round, one second and five thirds. The third place in the championship went all the way down to the wire between Higlett and last year’s EJ champion, Michael Driscoll. Driscoll just missed out on third place by three points.
EJ
For 2019, Kyron Bacon leaped up to the EJ class after finishing second in last year’s J4 category. A total of seven round wins, two second places and third places saw the 17-year-old winning the title beating Josh Brierley, who again finished second in the EJ class for another year running, by 30-points.
Kyron Bacon
Last years J4 champion, Korey McMahon, round the EJ championship in third place, eight points off Brierley and along the way picked up three second places and seven second place finishes to his credit.
Women
Once again Jess Gardiner proved just to good for the field, racking up her fifth championship, which has not been done in the sports history in the Women’s class. Not only that, but the 26-year-old of course has scored over 2000 championship points and after the weekend just gone, she now has a total of 2,063 championship points to her name.
Jess Gardiner
While Gardiner might be the Queen at her game at the moment, Honda RideRed’s Emma Milesevic has proven to be a future star of the sport. After switching from motocross to AORC this year, the Victorian based rider came on strong from the word get go. Her first-round win came at Broken Hill and took out another win in South Australia at the ninth round of the championship. In total, nine podium finishes for the Honda rider who finished 28-points off from Gardiner.
Milesevic just hung onto second place in the championship tussle, beating Emelie Karlsson by just one slender point. What was looking like a winless year coming up for the Swedish rider, Karlsson broke through during Saturday’s cross-county event to win her fourteenth AORC round win, beating Milesevic and Gardiner.
Danielle Foot guided the #885V Motul Pirelli Sherco Off-Road machine to fourth place in the championship, which was also her first year in the AORC series.
Juniors
The J4 class was the closest finish out of all the championships in the AORC series. Mackenzie Johnson took out the championship by one point ahead of Blake Hollis. Round eight and nine which Hollis missed proved to be costly in the end. However, it is what it is…
Blake Hollis – 2019 AORC
Riley McGillivray took out the J3 class by locking up ten round wins for the year. 44-points down on him was Kodi Stephens.
It was back-to-back championship wins for Billy Hargy in the J2 class, who finished 14-points ahead of Max Phillips and Campbell Hall who was 21-points down.
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Masters & Vets
Kirk Hutton won every round bar the final two rounds, purely because there was no need for him to roll up as he locked up the title the round before. This left Peter Rudd to finish second in the championship, but took out the final two rounds. It was really a two-horse race between the pair.
Kirk Hutton – 2019 AORC
Lee Stephens to had a great year. He took out a total of nine wins which handed him the title win over Chris Thomas and former 2017 Veterans champ Jason Perace.
This brings the 2019 AORC season to a close, proving that Australia’s Enduro talent is growing in leaps and bounds. Please stay tuned for further AORC updates as well as the 2020 calendar, which will be released in due course.
Leon Madsen claims British SGP win in Cardiff
British FIM Speedway Grand Prix winner Leon Madsen says completing a Warsaw and Cardiff golden double is an awesome feeling – whether or not he’s crowned world champion. The Dane topped the podium ahead of Emil Sayfutdinov, Bartosz Zmarzlik and Jason Doyle at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
Madsen was delighted to have won at both of the SGP series’ biggest venues in his first full World Championship season. He’s currently third in the standings on 109 points – nine behind series leader Zmarzlik, who has 118 going into the title-deciding REVLINE Torun SGP of Poland on October 5. Sayfutdinov is second on 111.
While Madsen knows claiming the sport’s biggest prize in a fortnight will be no easy task, he admits his Warsaw and Cardiff wins would represent a sweet consolation prize.
Leon Madsen
“I had a talk with my girlfriend at home before the meeting; I said ‘I might not be world champion this year, but wouldn’t it be nice to win the two biggest events on the calendar and finish off as No.1 in the Polish Ekstraliga rankings. At the moment, I am No.1 in the Polish rankings. I have won the two biggest events and I am very happy about that and proud as well. If I don’t win the championship, it’s kind of a plaster on the wound to win those two big events.”
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium
Madsen is determined to finish of SGP 2019 with at least a medal to show for an impressive debut season, which has seen him defy a disc problem in his back and an ankle injury to pile up the points.
Sayfutdinov heads to Torun seven points short of Zmarzlik. While he was gutted not to overtake Madsen for victory in the Cardiff final, he was content with a healthy 17-point haul. And now he’s determined to hunt down Zmarzlik for top spot.
Third-placed Zmarzlik is 15 points away from guaranteeing the SGP 2019 world title – irrespective of what his rivals score in Torun. This target will decrease with every point dropped by Sayfutdinov and Madsen.
With Zmarzlik racing the title decider in his homeland, there’s no doubt the spotlight will shine brightest on him. But he admits he felt more pressure in Cardiff, where he has reached the final on all of his four visits.
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium
SGP World Championship Standings
Bartosz Zmarzlik 118
Emil Sayfutdinov 111
Leon Madsen 109
Fredrik Lindgren 98
Martin Vaculik 88
Maciej Janowski 80
Patryk Dudek 75
Matej Zagar 74
Jason Doyle 73
Artem Laguta 69 …16 Max Fricke
2019 British SGP Scores
Leon Madsen 17
Emil Sayfutdinov 17
Bartosz Zmarzlik 15
Jason Doyle 13
Fredrik Lindgren 11
Martin Vaculik 9
Antonio Lindback 9
Matej Zagar 9
Maciej Janowski 7
Artem Laguta 6
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
This weekend the Nation’s best junior motorcycle riders from across the country will invade the Central Coast to battle it out in the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship for a two-day event on September 28-29 at Allen Park MVR Speedway, in Somersby, New South Wales.
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby – Image by David Lamont
Although some riders may be young in age, they are much older in experience, skills and talent if the results shown at the recent Central Coast Cup event were any indication. With strong competition likely from Queenslanders, Riley Nauta, Nate Hicks, Steph Connors, Lenny and Henry Snell.
Flying the flag for Victoria is Cooper Antone, Jed Fyffe and Oli Bergic, while Sam and Tom Drane, Noah Grabham and Beau Bailey will try and do the Central West NSW proud.
Being just a few riders to beat if they want to be crowned champion. Forbes brothers Tom and Sam Drane along with Queenslander Riley Nauta have just returned from 6 weeks of competition racing long track in America.
Riders from seven through to sixteen will compete in their individual classes to hold the title of 2019 National champion. Several previous winners of this event have continued on to hold World Championships.
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby – Image by David Lamont
The weekend entertainment will not only be provided by the high quality of the competitors but on the Sunday the crowd will be treated by a special appearance and demonstration ride by clinically blind Australian Ben Felten who is the current Guinness World Record and FIM record holder for the fastest land speed by a blind motorcycle rider.
Practice will commence at 9.30am followed by racing on the Saturday and racing opening from 9.30am on the Sunday. Entry fee of $10.00 per car will cover you for the two days of competition.
Ben Kelley extends KTM contract
KTM Motorsports is proud to announce the contract extension of recently-crowned back-to-back GNCC XC2 250 Pro Champion Ben Kelley, who will join the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team in 2020 to compete in the premier XC1 Open Pro class in the AMA Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series.
As a member of the KTM-Supported Trail Jesters KTM Racing Team since 2017, Kelley has spent a majority of his career with the KTM brand where he has achieved many great milestones as a young racer. Now a two-time GNCC XC2 Champion, Kelley remains undefeated in the current series as he continues to vie for a perfect season in 2019.
Ben Kelley
“I am really excited to be joining the FMF KTM Factory Racing team going into the 2020 season. I have high hopes for next year and look forward to moving up to the premier XC1 class in GNCC.”
Ben Kelly – Image by Ken Hill
Antti Kallonen – FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager
“I’m very pleased to see Ben graduate from the Trail Jesters KTM Racing Team. We’ve been supporting him and the team for a few years now and this is the result of a great feeder program and now he’s ready to take on the premier class. Obviously, we’re looking for a very bright future for Ben as he’s already shown an enormous amount of potential in the XC2 class. Now he will be on a bigger bike in the premier class and our expectations are high, as are his, so we’re looking forward to the next three years and beyond.”
In addition to finishing out the last three rounds of the GNCC Series, the 23-year-old will go on to represent the U.S. Junior World Trophy Team on Nov. 11-16 at the 94th edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Portimao, Portugal.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
AMA announces 2020 rider numbers
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the professional competition numbers for pro-licensed riders competing in AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, for the 2020 season.
2019 AMA Supercross – Image by Hoppenworld
Each rider uses the assigned professional number for competition. In addition, the current champion runs the No. 1 plate, instead of an assigned professional number when competing in the class or region in which the No. 1 plate was earned. When competing in a class other than the class in which the championship was earned, the rider must use the professional number assigned.
2020 Top 100 & Career Pro Numbers for SX and MX
* Career Numbers – ** New Career Number for 2020
Rider # (Class)
Rider
1 (450SX)
Cooper Webb
1 (450 Class)
Eli Tomac
1 (250 Class)
Adam Cianciarulo
1W (250SX)
Dylan Ferrandis
1E (250SX)
Chase Sexton
2*
Cooper Webb
3*
Eli Tomac
4*
Blake Baggett
6*
Jeremy Martin
7*
Aaron Plessinger
9**
Adam Cianciarulo
10*
Justin Brayton
11*
Kyle Chisholm
12*
Shane McElrath
13
Colt Nichols
14**
Dylan Ferrandis
15*
Dean Wilson
16*
Zach Osborne
17*
Joey Savatgy
18*
Weston Peick
19*
Justin Bogle
20*
Broc Tickle
21*
Jason Anderson
22*
Chad Reed
23*
Chase Sexton
24**
R.J. Hampshire
25*
Marvin Musquin
26*
Alex Martin
27*
Malcolm Stewart
28
Michael Mosiman
29
Cameron McAdoo
30
Brandon Hartranft
31
Fredrik Noren
32**
Justin Cooper
33*
Josh Grant
34
Tyler Bowers
35
Hunter Lawrence
36
Garrett Marchbanks
37
Martin Davalos
38
Kyle Peters
39
Jordan Bailey
40
Mitchell Oldenburg
41
Ty Masterpool
42
Ben Lamay
43
John Short
44
Kyle Cunningham
45
Jacob Hayes
46*
Justin Hill
47
Lorenzo Locurcio
48
Henry Miller
49
Chris Blose
50
Benny Bloss
51*
Justin Barcia
52
Austin Forkner
53
Jimmy Decotis
54
Jordon Smith
55
Martin Castelo
56
Justin Starling
57
Derek Drake
58
Sean Cantrell
59
Josh Osby
60
Mitchell Falk
61
Alex Ray
62
Christian Craig
63
Jess Pettis
64
Vince Friese
65
James Weeks
66
Enzo Lopes
67
Jerry Robin
68
Nick Gaines
69
Carlen Gardner
70
Dylan Merriam
71
Ryan Breece
72
Robbie Wageman
73
Chase Marquier
74
Mitchell Harrison
75
Coty Schock
76
Mike Alessi
77
Kevin Moranz
78
Jake Masterpool
79
Isaac Teasdale
80
Thomas Covington
81
Anthony Rodriguez
82
Cade Autenrieth
83
Jett Lawrence
84
Jo Shimoda
85
Cole Martinez
86
Josh Cartwright
87
Ramyller Alves
88
Logan Karnow
89
Marshal Weltin
90
Killian Auberson
91
Ryan Sipes
92
Austin Politelli
93
Blake Wharton
94*
Ken Roczen
95
Carson Brown
96
Justin Thompson
97
Chris Howell
98
Bradley Lionnet
99
Brandan Leith
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Gardner struggled to overcome set-up woes at Aragon
Section: Competition
Australian Moto2 contender salvages P13 in Spain.
Image: Supplied.
Remy Garnder admits it was difficult to overcome set-up challenges at the Aragon grand prix last weekend, which put the Australian on the back foot for the 21-lap Moto2 encounter.
Qualifying in P13, the SAG Racing contender was unable to progress throughout the Spanish race, crossing the line in the same position he started.
“Qualifying was a disaster and we were struggling all weekend to be honest,” Gardner admitted. “The problem is grip – after one lap I had nothing left. We planned to try something in the warm-up but there was overnight rain which compromised us a little.
“The race itself was awful. Qualifying ruined what we could do in the race and Friday ruined what we could do in qualifying, so that was the story of the weekend really. We made mistakes with regards to tyres and set-up, but to be fair in the race the bike was the best it had been all weekend, I just lost too much time fighting for the lower positions.
“Unfortunately, that’s the way it goes. The mid-race pace was good, I just lost too much at the beginning. It was the first weekend that we haven’t really been there, so we just need to regroup, and come back strong in Thailand and the remaining flyaway races before the season ends in Valencia!”
Garnder is ranked 12th in the championship standings as the series heads to Thailand on 6 October.
Ficeda have introduced Dunlop’s next generation intermediate-to-hard terrain off-road MX tyre – the Geomax MX53. Designed to offer more performance in a wider variety of terrains, the MX53 excels on hard-packed tracks while also offering greater versatility in intermediate riding conditions.
Dunlop’s new Geomax MX53 intermediate to hard terrain tyre
With upgraded technology, the Dunlop MX53 aims to offer riders more versatility with better performance. This is in part due to the all-new tread pattern on both the front and rear tyres. A revolutionary horseshoe shaped cluster of knobs has been added to the front tyre. This acts as a giant claw to dig into the ground and give the rider improved traction on hard-packed terrain and maximizes braking grip.
The Geomax MX53 now also features Dunlop’s patented ‘Progressive Cornering Block’ technology on the front tyre. This technology, commonly known as Block-In-A-Block, allows enhanced flex on each knob resulting in ultimate grip and even more biting edges.
This bold new pattern of blocks have a hollowed-out portion on the center tread, resulting in less stiffness in the center of the tyre, giving riders better feedback and more compliance. Paired with a taller profile, this new MX53 front tyre provides gentler handling, more traction, higher lean angles and better maneuverability when compared to its predecessor.
Dunlop Geomax MX53
Dunlop’s patented Block-In-A-Block technology on the rear tyre borrows from the success of the upgrades in technology added to the Geomax MX33, Dunlop’s soft-to-intermediate tyre. Incorporating these block designs that have already proven successful now give the MX53 more biting edges, increased grip and enhanced flex on each individual knob. These elements all contribute to enhance durability and performance in harder terrains.
The compound that was chosen for the MX53 tyres has a high number of molecular polymer particles. This results in a higher fracture strength, meaning more durability. Dunlop has also added more fine carbon particles. The carbon particles are what give the Geomax tyres their legendary grip. More durability, more grip. What more could you ask for?
Dunlop Geomax MX53 with Progressive Cornering Block technology on the front tyre
The MX53 lineup is now shipping and will be available at all off-road dealerships by the end of the month. Pre-order from your local dealer now: www.ficeda.com.au/dealerlocator (link)
Podium ‘out of reach’ for Parkes in challenging Sepang ARRC outing
Section: Competition
Points leader records 4-5 scorecard at the Malaysian round.
Image: Supplied.
Australian Broc Parkes says he figured the podium would be out of reach at Sepang’s penultimate round of the 2019 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) after experiencing a pair of close calls due to a lack of rear grip.
The Yamaha Racing Team Asean rider, who sat out of his regular duties in the Endurance World Championship (EWC) last weekend following a clash in dates, recorded a 4-5 scorecard, enabling him to hang onto the points lead with a 19-point advantage.
“Basically I couldn’t get any rear grip in the race so it was really tough,” Parkes explained. “I could tell it would be like that from the first few laps so I tried several ways to get around it. I almost highsided twice, so I figured the podium would be out of reach.
“I thought about the championship and tried to ride as best I could without crashing. In the end Azlan Shah won and picked up a lot of points, but on the last lap I tried hard and got fourth so that was good.”
The next stop on the ARRC calendar is the season finale, scheduled for November 29-1 December at Chang International Circuit in Thailand.
Australian supercross and motocross legend Chad Reed has declared going racing in the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship is his highest priority, however he’s acknowledged his future beyond a selection of off-season events in 2019 remains unclear.
The two-time supercross champion contested this year’s series with JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing, earning a podium at Detroit before suffering multiple season-ending injuries at Seattle.
The New South Welshman, who’s been contesting a selection of auto racing events, was thought to be remaining with the factory Suzuki team next year, however uncertainty within the squad over recent months has prompted Reed to assess multiple avenues for 2020.
Admitting he’s not stressed about locking down a deal next year, the number 22 is concerned about securing support and a bike for the array of off-season races he’s contracted to, including the Paris supercross, S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne.
“I’m a little stressed, but when I say stressed, I’m stressed because I have off-season races that I’ve signed contracts for – I’m not stressed on January,” Reed explained on the RacerX podcast. “I have Paris, New Zealand and Australia – they’re right around the turn, and I had big goals of this off-season being one that’s such a different one to what it’s turning out to be.
“Now I’m a little on my back foot trying to figure out what to do. But I’m not stressed on next year – at this point, I’ve finally come to a point in my life – and it’s weird to sit here and say this because I’ve always been scared to say it – but I’m not scared anymore – I was always been scared of ‘what if I can’t race?’
“Do I want to race in January next year? 100 percent. That’s definitely the highest of high priorities, but I’m past the point of begging for a ride, begging for a job and begging for a good bike. I don’t have that in me right now.”
At 37 years of age, Reed holds the all-time podium record of 132 in AMA Supercross, and also boasts 249 starts in the premier class.
Provisional 2020 MotoE World Cup calendar unveiled
Section: Competition
Two key changes introduced for next year’s championship.
Image: Supplied.
A first-look at the 2020 MotoE World Cup calendar has been released, with the provisional outline confirming two keys changes for next year.
In 2020 there are more rounds planned at more circuits, where MotoE will take on the TT Circuit Assen and the season finale now set for Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
The 2019 MotoE series, the inaugural season of the electric-powered category, was delayed after a devastating fire destroyed the entire fleet and equipment in March at a Jerez test.
Provisional 2020 MotoE World Cup calendar: Rd1 – 3 May – Jerez, Spain Rd2 – 17 May – Le Mans, France Rd3 – 28 June – Assen, Netherlands Rd4 – 16 August – Red Bull Ring, Austria Rds 5-6 – 12-13 September – Misano, Italy
