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Wade Young wins 24MX Ales Trem Hard Enduro

The 2024 Ales Trem Hard Enduro has been run and won, with Wade Young making a surprise appearance on GASGAS machinery, after years riding Sherco. The South African came out swinging for a narrow win over previous team-mate Mario Roman.

Ales Trem Hard Enduro Podium – 1) Wade Young, 2) Mario Roman, 3) Alfredo Gomez

The ninth running of the Ales Trem Hard Enduro saw Young take victory by two-seconds, from Roman, while Alfredo Gomez rounded out the podium in a more distant third. Roman’s team-mate Teodor Kabakchiev then finished fourth.

Mario Roman – P2

“I’m very happy with the result of the weekend second and second. For sure, I would like to win because Alestrem is very important for us and it’s one of my favourite races and I am one of the best riders for this kind of races. But I came with an injury, my clutch finger which is one of the most important fingers or parts of the body. A week ago, I wasn’t sure if I could be able to race and now we almost win the the weekend. For the first two laps. I was saving energy and trying to get the base, as the boys were on fire. Because of the injury, I lose a lot of confidence, so I was trying to not crash and save energy, because I wasn’t sure how good would be my finger at the end of the day. And at the third lap, I ride full gaz and i catched Téo and Wade pretty fast in the first and second uphill. And from that I’ve been fighting with them especially with Wade. I get a good lead of five minutes gap and then at seven or ten minutes from the end, Wade chased me and we fight each other full gas until the Finnish flag, so it’s not a victory. But I feel like a victory because I, I did my 100 or even 200 today, and ‘everything was very good. Thanks to the team for the big effort, it was amazing on the mechanics, all the people around and it will be awesome to have all this team in other races as well.”

Mario Roman
Mario Roman
Alfredo Gomez – P3

“At the Ales Trem Hard Enduro from less to more, with a few falls in between… today my Rieju has behaved well.”

Teodor Kabachiev – P4

“This was the first race for the Sherco team and me since we joined forces. We managed to get a win in the prologue and a 4-th place in the 8 hour main race. Solid start. I am sure that we will only build from here!”

24MX Alestrom Hard Enduro Finishers

Pos Rider Time
1 YOUNG Wade 17:00:49
2 ROMAN Mario 17:00:51
3 GOMEZ Alfredo 17:19:21
4 KABAKCHIEV Teodor 17:30:24
5 WALKNER Michael 17:35:04
6 POIROT Fabien 17:54:56
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New Zealand’s Cole Davies tops 250SX Futures Main Event in Anaheim

Anaheim 2 saw the opening stop of the 250SX Futures development category, where new GASGAS amateur recruit Cole Davies won the Main Event to commence his 2024 AMA Supercross campaign in fine fashion on the top step of the podium.

Cole Davies
Cole Davies

Davies hails from Waitoki, New Zealand and battles Gavin Towers for the win, with the leading duo well clear of the rest of the field, third placed Parker Ross over eight-seconds off the winning pace.

Cole Davies
Cole Davies

250SX Futures Main Event Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 Cole Davies GASGAS MC 250F 9 Laps
2 Gavin Towers Yamaha YZ250F +00.632
3 Parker Ross Honda CRF250R +08.046
4 Preston Boespflug Suzuki RM-Z250 +13.616
5 Blake Gardner Kawasaki KX250 +15.134
6 Drew Adams Kawasaki KX250 +16.886
7 Landen Gordon Kawasaki KX250 +24.808
8 Tyler Mollet Husqvarna FC 250 +26.445
9 Kelana Humphrey GASGAS MC 250F +29.212
10 Dylan Rempel Kawasaki KX250 +31.138
11 Preston  Masciangelo GASGAS MC 250F +32.447
12 Hayden Robinson KTM 250 SX-F +42.208
13 Landin Pepperd GASGAS MC 250F +46.625
14 Kaden Lewis GASGAS MC 250F +47.489
15 Jesse Wessell Husqvarna FC 250 +53.279
16 Mark Fineis Yamaha YZ250F +53.663
17 Kile Epperson Honda CRF250R +55.217
18 Noah Smerdon KTM 250 SX-F +57.123
19 Noah Viney Honda CRF250R 8 Laps
20 Ethan Day Honda CRF250R +05.960
21 Reven Gordon Kawasaki KX250 +12.544
22 Alvin Hillan Honda CRF250R +32.372
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Another runner-up position for Mason Semmens at WORCS

Mason Semmens has grabbed another podium in the Pro 250 class at WORCS Round 2 held at Glen Helen Raceway, completing the podium behind Colton Aeck, with Kai Aiello third.

In the Pro 450 class Tyler Lynn took the win, followed by Dare Demartile and Trevor Stewart.

Mason Semmens – Pro 250 P2

“P2 for the day, was a battle for two hours, just came up that little bit short! Healthy and ready for the next one. Thanks everyone”

Mason Semmens
Mason Semmens

 

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Jorge Prado says goodbye to America and the AMA SX, as he heads for MXGP

Jorge Prado has said goodbye to America where he’s been competing in the AMA SX series with the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team, as he heads back over to Europe to defend his MXGP title.

Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado

“Saying goodbye to America, seeing a great progression on competition days. I finish the experience happy and knowing that this learning will possibly help me face the world of MXGP. I feel lucky to live here. Thanks to all the Spaniards who flew expressly to see me. To the affection of Latin Americans and America in general for the treatment received. It’s time to go back and keep training to fight for revalidate the title. Can’t wait to compete with N1.”

Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado

 

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Team Australia wins inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup

Team Australia led by six-time Australian champion Charli Cannon have taken victory at the inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup, with the Aussie team also comprising of Emma Milesevic (Honda), Madison Brown (Honda), Taylor Thompson, (Yamaha), Tayla McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Madi Healey (GasGas).

Charli Cannon led Team Australia to victory
Charli Cannon led Team Australia to victory

Team New Zealand were represented by Karaitiana Horne, Taylar Rampton, Breanna Rodgers, Hannah Powell, Letitia Alabaster and Melissa Patterson, with four-time FIM women’s motocross world champion Courtney Duncan providing counsil.

Held over three motos of 12 minutes plus one lap and incorporated into the Woodville senior women’s races, the team with the lowest score was declared winner.

Australia largely dominated the three races, Charli Cannon winning race one, with Taylor Thompson runner-up and New Zealand’s Karaitiana Horne rounding out the podium.

McCutheon, Milesevic, Healey and Brown were then fourth through seventh, and New Zealand’s Rampton, Rodgers and Powell rounded out the top-10.

Cannon again took the win in race two, with Australia locking out the top-five, McCutcheon second, Heley third, and Milesevic and Brown fourth and fifth.

Cannon wasn’t able to make it three from three in the third race however, McCutcheon finishing the weekend on a high note with the final win for Australia, Cannon runner-up and Thompson third. Australia again dominated the top five, Healey fourth and Brown fifth.

Charli Cannon

“I was nervous about racing – but I wanted to race for Australia, and if I could race, I was going to give it my all,” Cannon said. “Winning overall and playing my role in helping Team Australia secure victory in the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup is an experience I’ll never forget. Every member of the team did an amazing job.”

Team Australia consisted of Charli Cannon (Honda), Emma Milesevic (Honda), Madison Brown (Honda), Taylor Thompson, (Yamaha), Tayla McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Madi Healey (GasGas).
Team Australia consisted of Charli Cannon (Honda), Emma Milesevic (Honda), Madison Brown (Honda), Taylor Thompson, (Yamaha), Tayla McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Madi Healey (GasGas).

The full live stream can be watched at: https://aunzus.com/womens-motocross/ but a free account is required.

FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup individual standings

  1. Charli Cannon (Aust)
  2. Taylah McCutcheon (Aust)
  3. Taylor Thompson (Aust)
  4. Madison Healey (Aust)
  5. Maddison Brown (Aust)
  6. Karaitiana Horne (NZ)
  7. Emma Milesevic (Aust)
  8. Taylar Rampton (NZ)
  9. Letitia Alabaster (NZ)
  10. Breanna Rodgers (NZ)
  11. Mel Patterson (NZ)
  12. Hannah Powell (NZ)
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Jaimon Lidsey wins 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Solo Championship

Jaimon Lidsey is the 2024 FIM Oceania speedway champion after producing a blemish-free scorecard in the Gillman-hosted event on Saturday, January 27. The 2020 world under 21 champion came out all guns blazing in his opening heat, and then waltzed through the evening en route to victory in the final ahead of Tai Woffinden, Brady Kurtz and Justin Sedgmen.

Lidsey’s victory in the FIM Oceania Championship – promoted by the Speedway Riders Association of SA – continued a stellar summer for the 23-year-old from Red Cliffs, who won the Speedway Centenary meeting in North Brisbane before finishing fourth in the Australian title to wrap up a spot in 2024 Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) qualifying.

Jaimon Lidsey

“After being injured for most of the last Aussie summer, and then with Covid before that, I really haven’t had a good go at racing domestically for a while now, so the last couple of months have been great. I have been trying to win the Oceania Championship for ages, so to get the win and go through the card unbeaten was really satisfying. I didn’t feel too fast in practice, but when I started racing everything just clicked and came together. In the final, I got the jump before Tai came under me, but I passed him back on the second corner and held onto the lead for the rest of the race.”

Jaimon Lidsey wins 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Solo Championship
Jaimon Lidsey wins 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Solo Championship – Image by Judy Mackay

After a large chunk of the field had made the 400km road trip from Mildura to Gillman – Mildura’s 75th anniversary meeting was held the night before – to compete in the 2024 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship, the big guns immediately loomed large as Lidsey (15pts) completed the heats ahead of triple world champion Woffinden (13), Josh Pickering (13), Brit Sam Hagon (11), Kurtz (11) and Sedgmen (10).

Lidsey and Kurtz then progressed from the opening semi-final with Pickering and Fraser Browes eliminated, and the second semi saw Woffinden and Sedgmen make it to the decider at the expense of Hagon and Zane Keleher.

There were two major talking points ahead of the final: who would become the new FIM Oceania champion, and would Kurtz or Sedgmen lock in the final 2024 SGP qualifying spot?

Lidsey’s decisive early move on Woffinden emphatically answered the first question, while Kurtz also had Sedgmen’s measure as they flashed across the line in third and fourth.

FIM OCEANIA SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

  • HEAT SCORES: 1 Jaimon Lidsey 15, 2 Tai Woffinden 13, 3 Josh Pickering 12, 4 Sam Hagon 11, 5 Brady Kurtz 11, 6 Justin Sedgmen 10, 7 Fraser Bowes 9, 8 Zane Keleher 7, 9 Michael West 7, 10 Jacob Hook 7, 11 Sam Martin 5, 12 Dayle Wood 4, 13 Jack Morrison 2, 14 Declan Knowles 2, 15 Matt Marson 2, 16 Jake Turner 1.
  • SEMI-FINAL 1: Lidsey, Kurtz, Pickering, Bowes.
  • SEMI-FINAL 2: Woffinden, Sedgmen, Hagon, Keleher.
  • FINAL: 1) Lidsey, 2) Woffinden, 3) Kurtz, 4) Sedgmen.
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Justin Sedgmen wins 2024 Phil Crump Solo Classic

The Mildura Motorcycle Club has announced the winners at their 75th anniversary meeting, where Justin Sedgmen topped the GT On-Site Windscreens Phil Crump Solo Classic class, ahead of Brady Kurtz and Jaimon Lidsey. Fourth through sixth were then Josh Pickering, Sam Masters and Frederick Jakobsen.

2024 Phil Crump Solo Classic Podium
2024 Phil Crump Solo Classic Podium – 1) Sedgmen, Kurtz, Jaimon

In the Dudley Bradshaw Sidecar Shootout we saw Mick Headland/Brenton Kerr claim victory, ahead of Byren Gates/Michael O’Loughlin and Max Howse/Riley Commons, while the duo of Shane Rudloff/Scott Morris were fourth.

2024 Dudley Bradshaw Sidecar Shootout Podium
2024 Dudley Bradshaw Sidecar Shootout Podium – 1) Mick Headland/Brenton Kerr, 2) Byren Gates/Michael O’Loughlin, 3) Max Howse/Riley Commons, 4) Shane Rudloff/Scott Morris

 

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Tixier tops Indian Supercross opener, Moss second

The 2024 Indian Supercross Racing League kicked off in Pune over the weekend, with Jordi Tixier taking the opening 450 cc International win, while in the 250 cc International class it was Reid Taylor taking top honours.

In an exciting result for Australia’s Matt Moss he finished runner up in the 450 cc class, tying on points with Cedric Soubeyras, both riding for Bigrock Motorsports. Thomas Ramette and Paul Haberland then completed the top-five.

Behind Reid Taylor on the 250s, was Hugo Manzato, followed by Julien Lebau, Enzo Polias and Mickael Lamarque.

“Team work makes the dream work,” shared Moss, also congratulating teammate Taylor for his 250 cc win. “To say I’m pumped for this kid to get his first international win and first win is an understatement the smile says it all well done legend.”

2024 Indian Supercross Racing League - 250 International Top Six
2024 Indian Supercross Racing League – 250 International Top Six

 

2024 Indian Supercross Racing League - 450 International Top Six
2024 Indian Supercross Racing League – 450 International Top Six

 

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Harwood & Scott top 2024 Woodville GP

The 61st annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville is an important prelude to race meeting before the Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championships begins this weekend, and Australian import Jed Beaton’s first time riding for the Altherm JCR Yamaha team proved a good one, settling for second in the MX1 class.

Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton

Beaton was second overall, behind Hamish Harwood, while Jack Treloar rounded out the top three in the premiere class.

Jed Beaton

“It’s been a long time between races for me and it was good to get back behind a start gate and get the intensity that only racing brings. I felt pretty good on the bike, but also think there is room for improvement and the New Zealand champs will be the perfect place to get myself and my bike 100% before the start of the ProMX championship in March.”

Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton

In MX2 Altherm JCR Yamaha took the win, James Scott a point clear of Madoc Dixon, with Cody Cooper rounding out the top three.

Altherm JCR Yamaha supported rider Nelson’s Wills Harvey claimed the MX125cc class title in what was his first senior class win. It also earned the 17-year-old the Roddy Shirriffs Memorial Trophy, as the youngest senior class winner aged under 19.

Woodville GP MX2 Podium
Woodville GP MX2 Podium – 1) James Scott, 2) Madoc Dixon, 3) Cody Cooper

Other notable results for the team in the junior categories, which raced on Saturday, were achieved by young Yamaha supported riders Jack Ellingham who won the 125cc class and the Townley brothers Levi (1st 13/16 85cc; 2nd 12/14 125cc) and Jaggar (1st 11/12 85cc).

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YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup set for big year in 2024

Yamaha’s award-winning bLU cRU program has seen a surge in popularity. The number of youngsters racing off-road as part of the bLU cRU has increased by 53% over the past two years, with more than 600 YZ riders from 29 countries set to compete for a place at the 2024 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale this season. This is the largest entry since Yamaha Motor Europe launched the unique bLU cRU program in 2015.

2024 Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup
2024 Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup

As in previous years, the Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup will see riders aged from 8 to 16 years racing throughout Europe and competing for a place on the start gate at the Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale in front of a huge and typically enthusiastic crowd, the world’s media and the biggest teams in the sport.

Some ‘famous’ surnames feature on the rider list, including Augusts Reišulis, younger brother of Yamaha stars Kārlis and Jānis, and Nixon Coppins, son of MX star and JCR Yamaha Manager Josh Coppins. The 29 different nations registered represent every corner of Europe, bringing a cosmopolitan feel to the bLU cRU patch of the paddock when they come together at the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale.

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2024 FIM Speedway of Nations to decide SON2 champion

Eight of the sport’s top under-21 teams will compete over an epic 28 heats for the FIM Speedway of Nations – SON2 title in Manchester on Friday, July 12.

The FIM Team Speedway Under-21 World Championship is staged as part of the FIM Speedway of Nations – the sport’s world team championship for 2024, which takes place at Britain’s National Speedway Stadium from July 9-13.

Great Britain was due to sit out the 2024 event after finishing seventh in Riga. But after being seeded into the competition as host nation, they will now join an eight-team field, expanded from seven in 2023, featuring Poland, Denmark, Latvia, Australia, Germany, Czech Republic and the returning Swedish team, which missed the 2023 competition after finishing seventh in 2022.

With 28 heats and the sport’s under-21 world team crown on the line, René Schäfer, FIM race director for SON2, is expecting a dramatic night of action in Manchester.

René Schäfer – SON2 FIM Race Director

“We looked at all the different options. With this being an under-21 event, the SON2 riders are the future of our sport, and we felt the right decision was to find a way to allow every team to race and give these riders the valuable experience of an FIM Speedway World Championships event. There will be no Semi-Final or Final to decide the champions. Every team will race against the other seven nations. The highest-scoring team at the end of it will be the world under-21 team champions, and we look forward to seeing who comes out on top.”

The FIM has confirmed the FIM Speedway of Nations world rankings ahead of the 2024 tournament, which sees Australia defend the title they won at the last FIM SON, staged at Danish venue Vojens in 2022.

The FIM SON rankings correspond to the countries’ finishing positions in the 2022 competition, with the SON2 rankings taken from the 2023 event in Riga.

2024 FIM Speedway of Nations rankings

2024 FIM Speedway of Nations rankings
2024 FIM Speedway of Nations rankings

 

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2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup confirmed

The FIM has confirmed a number of major changes to the 2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup series, with each round again having its own unique format as detailed in the respective Supplementary Regulations, but all still counting towards the overall standings.

2023 Enduro del Verano (Argentina) - Image by Frederik Herregods
2023 Enduro del Verano (Argentina) – Image by Frederik Herregods

In addition to the expanded six-round calendar that was published last month, the FIM Sand Races World Cup will now be contested across nine categories. These are Motorcycle (M), Motorcycle Junior 1 (MJ1), Motorcycle Junior 2 (MJ2), Quad (Q), Quad Junior (QJ), SSV (S), Vintage 1 (V1), Vintage 2 (V2) and Vintage Quad (VQ).

The Motorcycle category will have Overall, Veteran and Women classes while MJ1 and MJ2 will include both Junior and Women classes. Quad competitors will also have Overall, Veteran and Women classes while QJ will include Junior and Women classes.

To qualify for the Vintage categories, machines must be pre-1997 and be equipped with steel frames.

Consisting of races in five separate countries across two continents, the series runs from February to December and gets under way with the world-famous Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais from 2-4 February.

2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup Calendar

2024 FIM Sand Races World Cup Calendar
Date Round Location
2-4 Feb 2024 France – Enduropale du Touquet Pas-de-Calais FRA Le Touquet
24-26 Feb 2024 Argentina/Argentine – Enduro del Verano ARG Villa Gesell
12-13 Oct 2024 Great Britain/Grande-Bretagne – Weston Beach Race GBR Weston Beach
1-3 Nov 2024 Italy/Italie – Bibione Sand Storm ITA Bibione
22-24 Nov 2024 Portugal – Monte Gordo Sand Experience PRT Algarve
30-1 Nov/Dec 2024 France – Ronde des Sables FRA Hossegor-Capbreton
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Harri Kullas does the Aberdeen double at Rounds 5 & 6

FUS Marsh Geartec’s Harri Kullas scored an epic win in the Traxxas Pro Main Event at Aberdeen for round five of the 2024 British Arenacross Championship presented by Fix Auto UK.

In typical AX fashion, the intensely close Main Event podium was rounded out by Stark Future teammates Justin Bogle and Jack Brunell, representing the top three in the standings too.

Justin Bogle

Bogle held the lead for the majority of the race, with Harri gaining ground lap by lap until finally passing Bogle after a lengthy battle, treating the crowd to edge of the seat racing throughout.

Notably missing from the lineup was round four winner Conrad Mewse. Having initially planned to race Aberdeen, after MRI results, Mewse has been forced to take six weeks out of racing to recover.

The result saw Kullas close in on standings leader Brunell, with Bogle third, a point ahead of Mewse who won’t be going anywhere but down the standings with his injury preventing competition.

Jack Brunell
Jack Brunell

Harri Kullas then scored another win in the Traxxas Pro Main Event round six, the Main Event podium  rounded out byJack Brunell and Dirt Store Kawasaki’s Thomas Do.

Brunell holds on to his lead in the Championship by just one single point after round six, with Kullas not quite able to close down that gap. Four points separate Bogle (52) and Adam Chatfield (48) with Ashley Greedy also not far off on 46-points.

The penultimate round is held in Birmingham next week.

Arenacross Standings after Round Six

Pos Rider Points
1 Jack Brunell 72
2 Harri Kulas 71
3 Justin Bogle 52
4 Adam Chatfield 48
5 Ashley Greedy 46
6 Conrad Mewse 41
7 Thomas Do 34
8 James Mackrel 25
9 Dylan Woodcock 24
10 Luke Burton 20
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Speedway GP qualification places for 2025 increased to four

The stakes will be high in the 2024 FIM SGP Challenge at Czech track Pardubice in October as FOUR places in the 2025 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series will now be up for grabs.

Staged alongside Pardubice’s iconic Golden Helmet meeting, one of the sport’s most famous and prestigious open events, which takes place on Sunday, October 6, the FIM SGP Challenge is the hotly contested final round of the Speedway GP qualifiers, which sees riders from all over the world battle for their place on the sport’s biggest stage the following year.

Kvech qualified for Speedway GP at the 2023 FIM SGP Challenge
Kvech qualified for Speedway GP at the 2023 FIM SGP Challenge

The SGP Commission has increased the number of Speedway GP qualification places on offer at the FIM SGP Challenge from three to four, giving riders an additional opportunity to secure a life-changing spot in the SGP elite. As a result, four permanent wild cards – reduced from five – will be selected by the SGP Commission for the 2025 series.

The FIM SGP Challenge comes just six days after the 2024 SGP season reaches its climax at the FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Torun on September 28, meaning the Pardubice showdown will be the final chance for Speedway GP World Championship hopefuls to book their place for 2025.

The top six riders in the 2024 SGP series will qualify for the 2025 competition, along with the Speedway European Championship winner and the top four at the FIM SGP Challenge. The 2025 Speedway GP line-up of 15 riders will be completed by four wild cards.

The 2024 SGP series sees FIVE new riders make their full-time Speedway GP World Championship debuts. Latvia’s Andzejs Lebedevs, Germany’s Kai Huckenbeck and Poland’s Dominik Kubera received permanent wild cards, while Polish racer Szymon Wozniak and Czech star Jan Kvech made it via the 2023 FIM SGP Challenge in Gislaved, Sweden last August.

The 2024 Speedway GP series launches with the FIM Speedway GP of Croatia in Donji Kraljevec on April 27.

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Niedermaier tops 2024 FIM Ice Speedway qualifier

Germany’s Max Niedermaier snatched a dramatic Run-Off win from Heikki Huusko to claim overall victory at Örnsköldsvik’s Kallehov track over the weekend, as the Swedish city hosted the Qualifying Round of the 2024 FIM Ice Speedway World Championship.

Max Niedermaier - Image by Good-Shoot.com
Max Niedermaier – Image by Good-Shoot.com

The pair were locked together on fourteen points each after the action-packed programme of twenty Heats was completed with each rider scoring four wins and one second-placed finish. When they met in the second Heat of the afternoon it was Huusko who drew first blood, but when the top step of the podium was on the line it was Niedermaier who ran out winner in sub-zero conditions around five-hundred kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.

The top eight will now face defending champion Martin Haarahiltunen from Sweden along with Austria’s Franz Zorn and Germany’s Luca Bauer who finished second and fourth in 2023. Harald Simon from Austria, who finished third last season, will be unable to compete because of health issues and Germany’s Markus Jell – who was sixth – will take his place.

Sweden’s Niclas Svensson, who was fifth in 2023, is also sidelined with a back injury and he will be replaced by his father Stefan who ended last year in seventh.

They will be joined in both Finals by two FIM-selected permanent wild card riders and one local wild card.

2024 FIM Ice Speedway World Championship Qualifier

Pos Name Nation Points
1 Max Niedermaier Germany 14+3
2 Heikki Huusko Finland 14+2
3 Max Koivula Finland 12
4 Johann Weber Germany 11
5 Jimmy Olsén Sweden 11
6 Jasper Iwema The Netherlands 10
7 Jimmy Hörnell Lidfalk Sweden 10
8 Aki Ala-Riihimäki Finland 8
9 Andrej Diviš Czech Republic 7
10 Benedikt Monn Germany 7
11 Sebastian Reitsma The Netherlands 6
12 Hans-Olof Olsén Sweden 3
13 Jo Sætre Norway 3
14 Michal Knapp Poland 2
15 Josef Kreuzberger Austria 2
16 Martin Běhal Czech Republic 0
17 Seppo Siira Sweden DNR
18 Martin Börjegren Sweden DNR
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Source: MCNews.com.au

Uphill Battles: Moto2 is Having Trouble Finding Sponsors

Lack of diversity and narrowed availability make a flat no bueno for any dynamic motorsports event, least of all Moto2, when you’re apparently having difficulty landing a diversity of sponsors for your bikes. 

According to an interview held between Speed Week and Sito Pons – the owner of the Flexbox HP40 and Pons Racing 40 – brand diversity has been a worsening issue in Moto2. Pons himself has been with a Moto2 team since 2010 and has been faithful to his own manufacturer – Kalex – before KTM and MV Agusta (Moriwaki, FTR, TSR, MZ, Suter, and NTS) left. 

Today, the Moto2 circuit sports nearly all Kalex machines, with only two (Boscoscuro) machines from another maker for the previous season, threatening Moto2’s future of turning into a Kalex brand cup.

Sito Pons, on the particulars of Moto2's evolution in manufacturing politics. Media sourced from Speed Week.
Sito Pons, on the particulars of Moto2’s evolution in manufacturing politics. Media sourced from Speed Week.

“At the end of the day, KTM and the other manufacturers pursue a clever concept, because they advertise GASGAS or KTM and Fantic on the bikes, so viewers believe that these brands are hidden underneath,” explains Pons. 

“The advertising effect is huge, the effort is manageable, and this saves these [teams] a lot of money…[and we lack the support of a manufacturer.”

“Other Moto2 teams have such a ‘back-up,’ [so] it would be nice if we could have help from a manufacturer like Aprilia, Yamaha, or Honda.”

Kawasaki's newest addition to their partnership with Adidas: The ZX22. Media sourced from Kawasaki's press release.
Triumph's Moto2 contributions. Media sourced from Triumph.
Triumph’s Moto2 contributions. Media sourced from Triumph.

In short, Pons wants “more initiative from the Moto2 team operators of Yamaha, Honda, Fantic, KTM, GASGAS and Husqvarna, who could build their own chassis” – a fair demand to make, considering the slim pickings. 

What do you think?

Be sure to comment below, subscribe to our newsletter for the best of the latest hand-delivered to your inbox, and as always – stay safe on the twisties. 

*Media sourced from Speed Week, Motorcycle Sports, and Triumph*

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Moto News | Moss wins ArenaX Rnd 2 | Wilson to Japan | Hawkstone MX

Jay Wilson lands dream job racing All-Japan National MX

Yamaha’s Jay Wilson will be Australia’s next rider on the international scene after taking on a racing and development role with Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) in Japan for the 2022 season.

Jay Wilson

27-year old Wilson will fly out to Japan in the coming weeks to take up his new role as a factory Yamaha rider the All-Japan National Motocross Championship where he will contest the IA2 (250cc) division as well as assist in a coaching, testing and future product development role with Yamaha.

Jay Wilson

“This is the dream job for me as it encompasses the three passions I have in dirt bikes- racing, coaching and development, I still have the motivation to race and win championships and that is my primary role with Yamaha in Japan and the new venture has me motivated and as excited as I have ever been. I also get the opportunity to share my knowledge with Yamaha riders in Japan and hopefully I can assist them to race at a higher level and secure future success for Yamaha in the coming years as well as be a small part of their testing program for product development. It’s a huge opportunity and a big responsibility but one my family and I are looking forward to.

Jay Wilson

“With Covid, it has delayed things in many ways and has made this a little more difficult locking down dates but everyone behind the scenes at YMC and YMA have worked hard to get everything in line. I’m so thankful for their efforts as I’m taking my family with me, so it’s been more complicated than my trip to Sugo last year. I have been training here in Australia in preparation for the season ahead and things are beginning to ramp up as our departure gets closer. We will be based in Hamamatsu, close to Yamaha’s head office and test tracks and we are all looking forward to experiencing the Japanese way of life. The one constant is that I will be racing on a Yamaha YZ250F, which is a bike a love racing and proud to showcase in the All-Japan Nationals. I’m proud to be given this chance with Yamaha and even more proud to extend an already successful relationship not just between myself and Yamaha but also Yamaha Australia and head office in Japan.”

2022 All Japan Motocross Championship Calendar

Round Date Location
Round 1 April 9 and 10 Kyushu, Kumamoto
Round 2 May 14 and 15 Kanto, Saitama
Round 3 June 11 and 12 Cyugoku, Hiroshima
Round 4 July 16 and 17 Sugo, Miyagi
Round 5 September 10 and 11 Kinki, Nara
Round 6 October 8 and 9 Kyushu, Kumamoto
Round 7 October 29 and 30 Kanto, Saitama
Round 8 November 11 and 12 Sugo, Miyagi 

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FIM Hard Enduro adds Junior World Cup

New for 2022, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will feature a dedicated FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup to recognize and help promote young, rising talent within the sport, introducing a Junior category open to riders under the age of 22 (on January 1) will be introduced

The Junior class will be fully integrated into the Pro category, with riders racing side-by-side with the world’s best Hard Enduro riders, on the same tracks at the same time.

Keeping the selected rounds in Europe for 2022 will help to keep costs down and make participation more affordable for the primarily European-based Junior competitors.

For the inaugural season, the series will have the status of being the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup, with a plan to elevate it to the FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship in the future.


Josep Garcia joins 2022 GNCC for opening three rounds

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia will kick off his 2022 season by competing in the first three rounds of this year’s AMA Grand National Cross Country Series in North America. The young Spaniard will also take the opportunity to train with riders in the U.S. before returning to Europe and shifting his focus back to the FIM EnduroGP World Championship, which begins in May.

Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia

With their mass starts and three-hour duration, GNCC races are very different to the special test format of the EnduroGP World Championship. However, Garcia has shown in the past, including his two years contesting the WESS World Championship, that he’s more than capable of adapting his riding to unfamiliar conditions and challenges.

Josep Garcia

“After many years, I have finally got the chance to go to the United States and race in the GNCC. The plan is to compete in the first three rounds before returning to Europe for the Spanish and World enduro championships. It’s been a long-standing goal of mine to do some GNCC races and this year, thanks to KTM Factory Racing and KTM USA, I will fulfil my dream. At the Six Days last year, a lot of the American riders encouraged me to race the series, and now I’m really looking forward to doing some three-hour cross-countries. Winter training for me has gone very well. We have made some improvements to the bike in Italy with the team, and I definitely feel good and ready for a new challenge. There’s no pressure, so the plan is to go over there, try my best, and enjoy it.”

Josep Garcia lifting the EnduroGP trophy in 2021

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KTM Junior Racing Team 2022 line-up revealed

Kyle Harvey will join returning riders Kayden Minear, Jet Alsop and Cooper Ford on the official KTM Junior Racing Team for season 2022.

This year marks the fourth term with the team for Western Australian Minear. The 15-year-old will race the 125 SX and 250 SX-F at national and state level, while again contesting the ultra-competitive MX3 class in the Australian ProMX Championship. Minear finished third in the shortened MX3 series last year and is now eager to find the top step of the podium.

Kayden Minear

“I’m stoked to be back as part of the KTM Junior Racing Team. My ambitions are to go a little bit better in the MX3 class and to look at racing another Australian Junior Motocross Championship — hopefully, come away with a couple more Australian titles. It’s clear to see KTM is the best brand and being supported by the best manufacturer gives me added confidence entering the upcoming races.”

Kayden Minear

Three-time Australian junior champion Alsop will also be astride the 125 SX and 250 SX-F this year as he steps up to his first year racing the MX3 category in ProMX. The highly-rated teenager will also line up behind the gate at the Australian Junior Motocross Championship later this year, as well as a range of state-level events.

Jet Alsop

“I’m just super-excited to be riding for KTM again. It’s the best junior team in Australia, for sure. I would just love to get the best results I can and to make KTM proud again. With the KTM bike, we’ve got that peace of mind that we’re on good equipment and we can get a good result.”

Jet Alsop

Tasmanian talent Ford continues his association with the KTM Junior Racing Team this year, with the 13-year-old stepping up to the 13-U16 Years 85cc division and the two-time 65cc national champion will be one to watch as the season progresses.

Cooper Ford

“I’m super-excited to return to the KTM Junior Racing Team for 2022. Now stepping up to my 85 big wheel, I’m looking forward to a full year of racing, finishing up with the Australian Junior Motocross Championship. Riding a KTM just gives you an awesome feeling – they’ve got such good power, handling and everything.”

Meanwhile, KTM Junior Racing Team newcomer Harvey will be on the 85 SX at both the national and state level. The young Queenslander is no stranger to the top of the podium, with consecutive junior state titles across both Queensland and New South Wales. Harvey will also have his eyes on the number one trophy at the junior nationals in Rockhampton.

Kyle Harvey

“I am so pumped and excited to be a part of the KTM Junior Racing Team. I was blown away when I heard the news and will be forever grateful for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to 2022 and can’t wait to hopefully compete in the Australian titles later this year. I have a great support team who always push me to be my best. I‘ve worked so hard for this and I plan to work even harder, but just as importantly, have fun along the way. I can’t for the gates to drop!”

The KTM Junior Racing Team will continue to receive support from KTM Genuine Parts, KTM Powerparts, KTM Powerwear, Motorex, Troy Lee Designs, Dunlop, Kustom MX, ODI Grips and Funnelweb Filters through the 2022 season.


Royal Enfield’s Build.Train.Race returns to AFT in 2022

Now in its third year, Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program, which fosters women riders in building their own Royal Enfield race-ready motorcycles and provides guidance and training throughout an entire race season, returns for the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season.

Build. Train. Race. participants each receive a Royal Enfield INT 650 motorcycle which they design and modify into their own unique race bike. Crew Chief Erik Moldenhauer will work with the riders, providing technical advice and support throughout the build and race portions of the program while Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield racer Johnny Lewis will help provide on-track training.

Royal Enfield INT 650 (Interceptor 650)

Seven returning riders will be joined by eight new participants, growing the Royal Enfield BTR presence in the Progressive American Flat Track paddock to 15 racers over last season’s nine.

2022 BTR Flat Track Roster
  • Jaycee Jones, 23, Fallbrook, California
  • Lana Macnaughton, 32, Nampa, Idaho
  • Gabrielle Hughes, 24, Akron, Ohio
  • Nean Kiskela, 41, Portland, Oregon
  • Jillian Deschenes, 33, Otsego, Minnesota
  • Malary Lee, 31, Buda, Texas
  • Erin Ferris, 31, Graham, Washington
  • Anna Serena, 36, Miami Beach, Florida
  • Stephanie Pietz, 35, Mesa, Arizona
  • Kaiela Hobart, 28, Bremerton, Washington
  • Zaria Martens, 18, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
  • Alex Bumpus Mcdonald, 33, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  • Makenna Hiatt, 22, Camano Island, Washington
  • Moriah Hummer, 35, Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Mia Reese, 28, Woodstock, Illinois

Along with the team roster, the BTR Flat Track schedule increases in scope. On the heels of last season’s four-round circuit, the BTR program will visit seven Progressive American Flat Track venues in 2022.

Racing will begin at the Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile in Barberville, Florida, March 10, for “BTR Select,” which will invite returning riders, and new participants who have their builds complete, to compete in an exhibition race.

The first BTR Flat Track full-grid event will be the I-70 Half-Mile in Odessa, Missouri (April 23), after the entire field have completed their race bikes and training.

2022 Royal Enfield BTR Flat Track Schedule
Round Date Event Location
Round 1 Mar 11 Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile I Barberville, FL
Round 2 Apr 23 I-70 Half-Mile Odessa, MO
Round 3 Jun 11 Laconia Short Track Loudon NH
Round 4 Jul 16 Mission Foods Port Royal Half-Mile Port Royal, PA
Round 5 Aug 06 Black Hills Half-Mile Rapid City, SD
Round 6 Sep 24 Cedar Lake Short Track New Richmond, WI
Round 7 Oct 15 Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile III Barberville, FL

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Wally Brown Racing signs James Rispoli for AFT 2022

Last month, WBR announced it was developing a KTM 890 Duke with plans to field it in a limited schedule in the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class.

James Rispoli

Rispoli earned the 2020 Mission Production Twins championship on the strength of seven wins and four runner-ups and returns to the class following a season competing in the premier Mission SuperTwins category.

Wally Brown – Wally Brown Racing

“James is a great match for us this year. Testing is a critical part of building this race machine. We sought a rider that understands data and how it fits into a race program. With James’ extensive background in racing, we feel he is going to be a great asset to the team. Not to mention that he is a Production Twins Champion who has proven he can win on the track.”

James Rispoli

“I am really looking forward to working on this new project. After meeting Wally and learning more about his plan for 2022, I knew I wanted to be part of it. With his extensive background in four-wheeled racing, and my varied experiences on two wheels, we should make a great team. It’s going to be a lot of work, but with the support of Wally, and his team I am hopeful we will make great progress in a short period of time.”

Development is well underway of the Wally Brown Racing KTM 890 Duke with plans to debut at the Mission Red Mile I & II.

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AFT’s Grumpy Old Men Racing signs Brandon Price and Tyler Scott

GOMR (Grumpy Old Men Racing) has signed Brandon Price to compete in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class aboard an Indian FTR750 for the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season.

Brandon Price– Image Scott Hunter

GOMR – which previously competed as BriggsAuto.com Racing – will continue to be overseen by Johnny and Sarah Goad with mechanical assistance from Tom Draina and Caylee Goad, while Russ and Illene Briggs will provide the resources to back the operation.

Price’s aggressive style and tremendous work ethic – supported by veteran tuner Johnny Goad – promises to make GOMR a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.

GOMR will also field rising star Tyler Scott in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class. Scott – the reigning MotoAmerica Junior Cup champion – will run a limited Progressive AFT schedule in conjunction with his road racing efforts.

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Husqvarna’s Brian Bogers dominates Hawkstone Park MX

The Hawkstone Park MX has provided an opportunity for a number of MXGP riders to stretch their legs, ahead of the season kicking off, with Brian Bogers proving the man to beat, topping the MX1 class ahead of Glenn Coldenhoff and Thomas Kjer Olsen.

Brian Bogers

Bogers won MX1 Moto One by a huge margin, ahead of Coldenhoff and Harri Kullas. Moto Two saw Brent Van Doninck win, ahead of Thomas Kjer Olsen and Shaun Simpson, with Bogers down in seventh, but the finish awarding enough for the overall win.

Brian Bogers – P1

“It was not a bad day! I started fourth and worked my way into first in the first moto, so that was really good. It was unfortunate that I crashed in the second moto, so I was only seventh on a track that was very hard to pass on. I was pleased to salvage an overall victory in MX1! Overall, it was a good day. I am happy with my riding and hope that we can do our very best this season.”

Brian Bogers

MX1 Overall

  1. Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 39 pts
  2. Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) 37 pts
  3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (KTM) 35 pts

MX1 Moto One

  1. Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 29:37.465
  2. Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) 29:52.221
  3. Harri Kullas (Yamaha) 29:56.284

MX1 Moto Two

  1. Brent Van Doninck (Yamaha) 29:17.915
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (KTM) 29:23.576
  3. Shaun Simpson (KTM) 29:34.558
    … 7. Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 30:10.149

In MX2, it was Conrad Mewse who topped the event, ahead of Kay de Wolf and Tom Vialle, who were tied on 42-points, a single-point off the leader.

MX2 Moto one saw Isak Gifting claim the win from Vialle and de Wolf by five-seconds, while Moto Two was dominated by Conrad Mewse, with de Wolf runner up and Vialle third, for tight points at the top.

Kay de Wolf – P2

“Today was a good day! I had a little crash after the start in the first moto and had to make my way through – it was quite difficult. We had a little stop for a goggle change too! I still got third, so I knew that the speed was there. I made a few mistakes in the second moto, but still managed to finish second in the race and overall. It was a pretty good day and good practice that we can learn from.”

Kay de Wolf
Tom Vialle – P3

“Better than Lacapelle, and good to get into the sand for a race. I had two great starts. I struggled with some arm-pump in the first moto and couldn’t really ride my speed but the second moto was much better; I only lost the overall win on the last lap when I was stuck behind a backmarker. Anyway, the result was not critical here. It was important to work on the bike and we had some difficult riding conditions. I think we made a big step. It was good training and next week we will start the season for real.”

Tom Vialle

MX2 Overall

  1. Conrad Mewse (KTM) 43pts
  2. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 42 pts
  3. Tom Vialle (KTM) 42pts

MX2 Moto One

  1. Isak Gifting (KTM) 29:31.044
  2. Tom Vialle (KTM) 29:36.360
  3. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 29:37.220

MX2 Moto Two

  1. Conrad Mewse (KTM) 29:10.939
  2. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 29:12.833
  3. Tom Vialle (KTM) 29:14.364

The Super Final meanwhile saw Coldenhoff win by 2.5s, from Ben Watson and Bogers, who were separated by less than a second.

Ben Watson – Super Final P2

“We have three races under our belt now and can look forward to the opening GP next weekend. I feel we have made progress each week, particularly with the starts; I’ve been riding a little tight in the first moto each week with arm pump, but that was a lot better today and I ended up the day on a high note.“

Ben Watson
Super Final
  1. Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) 31:42.672
  2. Ben Watson (Kawasaki) 31:45.108
  3. Brian Bogers (Husqvarna) 31:45.976
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Matt Moss dominates Arenacross Round 2

Matt Moss has extended his lead at Swan Hill Arenacross Round 2, this time taking a clean sweep of all three races to claim 75-points, which he adds to his tally of 72-points from Round 1. As at the earlier round, Brett Metcalfe proved his closest competitor, with Joben Baldwin wrapping up the top-three in the AX1 Expert class.

Matt Moss topped the Arenacross Round 2 podium ahead of Metcalfe and Baldwin – Image Instagram (Matt Moss)

Race 1 saw Moss claim the win from Metcalfe by 0.452s, with Baldwin a more distance third, with the rest of the field at least a lap in arrears. Race 2 saw an even more dominant performance from Moss, this time winning from Metcalfe by 6.289s, while Baldwin closed down the gap to the leaders to 27s. Race 3 was Moss’s third win of the night, this time leading Metcalfe over the line by 2.373s, while third placed Baldwin was 38s off the lead.

The AX1 Expert results for Round 2 saw Moss leave with 75-points, Metcalfe on 66, and Baldwin on 60. Completing the top five was Elijah Wiese (52-points) and Cory Watts (50).

Blake Fox topped the AX2 Expert class meanwhile, with three wins from three races, ahead of a consistent Liam Andrews (66-points) and Wilson Greiner-Daish (60), who took second and third in each race respectively. Mackenzie O’Bree (54) and Caleb Goullet (43) completed the top five for the event.

In the AX Vets class we saw another sweep, by Brad Kennedy, winning all three races from Kane Scanlan who ran 2-2-2. Michael Dorman was third on 52-points, finishing 3-4-5, for a two-point buffer over Jacob Dimsmey whose seventh place finish in Race 1 meant third in races two and three wasn’t enough for the round podium. Michael Anthony completed the top five, racing 5-5-4.

AX1 Expert results

Pos Competitor Total R1 R2 R3
1 Matt Moss 75 25 25 25
2 Brett Metcalfe 66 22 22 22
3 Joben Baldwin 60 20 20 20
4 Elijah Wiese 52 18 18 16
5 Cory Watts 50 16 16 18
6 Allister Kent 35 14 13 8
7 Jack Pengelly 32 12 9 11
8 Max Closter 32 13 12 7
9 Rielly Lynch 31 6 11 14
10 Scott O’Connor 31 9 10 12

AX2 Expert results

Pos Competitor Total R1 R2 R3
1 Blake Fox 75 25 25 25
2 Liam Andrews 66 22 22 22
3 Wilson Greiner-Daish 60 20 20 20
4 Mackenzie O’Bree 54 18 18 18
5 Caleb Goullet 43 15 12 16
6 Ashley O’Meley 41 13 13 15
7 Brock Ninness 41 16 15 10
8 Kallam Orchard 36 12 11 13
9 Troy Mora 35 14 9 12
10 Jake Robb 31 10 10 11
11 Royce Anell 28 14 14
12 Taylor Thompson 27 11 16

AX Vets results

Pos Competitor Total R1 R2 R3
1 Brad Kennedy 75 25 25 25
2 Kane Scanlan 66 22 22 22
3 Michael Dorman 54 20 18 16
4 Jacob Dumsmey 52 12 20 20
5 Michael Anthony 50 16 16 18
6 Kane McQuarrie 45 15 15 15
7 Salvatore Germano 40 14 13 13
8 Daniel Phillips 39 13 14 12
9 Jason Skiel 37 11 12 14
10 Camron Robertson 31 9 11 11
11 darcy Lewis 30 10 10 10
12 Craig Rutherford 18 18

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King of MX qualifiers run in Hastings Valley and Leeton

King of MX qualifiers have run over the weekend, in Hastings Valley and Leefton, giving riders an opportunity to win a golden ticket to the main vent which will be held in Wagga Wagga, over the June long weekend.

There’ll be three more qualifiers offering opportunities into the main event, at Clarence, Moree and Appin, with King of MX encouraging riders to get their entries in early.

Korey McMahon swept the Hasting Valley results in the MX1 A-Grade class, ahead of Joel Evans and Zhane Dunlop, with Geoff Wallance, Nic Frayne and Colby Campbell running fourth through sixth respectively.

Brandon Steel topped the MX2 A-Grade category, ahead of Zac Zadravec and Korey McMahon, while the MX3 class saw Connor Towill the top performer, sweeping all three races ahead of Hunter Collins and Rory Fairbrother.

The MX Store Cup saw Matthew Prott take the win, from Brad Mercer and Christian Giudice, while Sienna Giudice topped the MXW, and Andrew Meldrum was top Vet.

At Leeton we saw James Davison top the MX1 A-Grade from David Thynne, with Davison also topping the MX2. Liam Jackson took a three-point victory after three races in the MX3, from Byron Dennis and Angus Pearce in third.

Matthew Kehlet swept the Vets class with three wins from Daniel Darby and Adam Beck, while Keira Collins was top MXW competitor, from Samantha McAurthur and Julie Collins.

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Alex Adamson wins Victorian 250 cc Speedway Solo Championship at Mildura

Alex Adamson has wrapped up the Victorian 250 cc Speedway Solo Championship title in Mildura over the weekend, taking the Final win from Noah Grabham after a night of close racing, with Brock White third and Ash Jansen fourth.

Sam Masters meanwhile won the Jason Lyons Solo Trophy 500 cc Final.


Standing Construct Husqvarna set for MXGP 2022

Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing will represent the brand in the MXGP World Championship in 2022, with Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers competing aboard proven FC 450 machinery.

Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing – Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers

The team looks to build upon its highly positive 2021 term in the MXGP World Championship which brought multiple podiums and top-five results for both riders.

Pauls Jonass

“We’re not far away from the new season which is really exciting and moving over to race on Husqvarna machinery again, I really feel that 2022 will be a great season for myself and the whole team. Being able to stay with the Standing Construct team is perfect for me as we put in a lot of hard work before last season, and I know that this will give us a solid foundation going into 2022. We have goals to achieve together and I think that what we have built up over the last year will make a big difference this year. This off season has been really short and a lot of hard work has been done in preparation for the first round. With the team we have been really busy adjusting to the new bike and so far, everything has been positive and I felt comfortable on the FC 450 right away. Overall, I’m super excited for 2022 and I can’t wait to get started.”

Pauls Jonass
Brian Bogers

“I’m really excited for the new season. The move over to Husqvarna machinery has not been a big change and the Standing Construct Husqvarna team has provided me with an amazing bike, just like they did last year. We’re going back to a two-day format for GP weekends in 2022 which is another positive change for me as there will be a lot more track time to really dial in the bike for each round. It’s not too long until the new season starts and I’m really excited for round one at Matterley Basin. The Standing Construct team is amazing and feels like a family to me, so this will for sure help me to achieve my goals. In 2021 I claimed many top-five results so my goal for 2022 will be to be up front and inside the top five more consistently. With this team and my new bike I’ve no doubt that I can achieve this.”

Brian Bogers
Tim Mathys – Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager

“We are really proud that we have the confidence of Husqvarna Motorcycles to officially represent the brand in MXGP. As they are one of the pioneers of offroad bikes with such a great history and reputation, it’s a really exciting new chapter for the team. We have enjoyed a great two years running the GASGAS program in MXGP and I think we did a good job with winning an MXGP round and getting several podiums, but now being responsible to represent Husqvarna in the biggest motocross championship in the world is another huge honour. With Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers, we have two riders who have proven to be able to ride inside top five in MXGP, and with their age I think the extra experience from the past season will make them even stronger in 2022. Both riders feel very comfortable within the team and we are very happy with their professionalism, so that’s a good base to keep working from. We will keep the same crew for the new season. Everyone is very experienced, and they have all been working together for many years. With Wim van Hoof overseeing the team I am convinced we have one of the most capable teams in the paddock so I look forward to 2022 with lots of confidence.”

Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing – Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers

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Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP teams break cover

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are revved up and ready to get the new season underway. Back with a familiar yet strong line-up in 2022, both teams are looking fit, fast and motivated for the new MXGP season, which will kick off at the spectacular Matterley Basin venue in Winchester, England, next weekend.

Reigning MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux has moved up from the 250cc class, MX2, to the 450cc class, MXGP. The 21-year-old ‘Power Rookie’ was drafted into the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team at the end of 2021 and is poised to race a YZ450FM inside the premier class alongside his new teammates Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 line-up

Last year was one for the history books for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team, as they enter their 25th year in blue this season. The team won their first-ever MX2 World Championship with Maxime Renaux in 2021 and became the first-ever Yamaha team to secure the gold and silver medals inside the MX2 World Championship in the same season. As a result, Yamaha also successfully defended the Manufacturers’ world title.

Back for more in 2022, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team has retained its young stars Jago Geerts and Thibault Benistant.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | Duffy update | Junior Speedway | Internazionali D’Italia | Lacapelle Marival

Regan Duffy injury update

While competing in round six of the Western Australian State Motocross Championship held at the Shrubland MX Park last October, KTM Racing Team’s Regan Duffy was involved in a significant incident where he was impacted by multiple bikes during the first lap of the opening MX1 race.

Regan was treated by medical staff at the track before being airlifted to a local hospital where he was placed in an induced coma to stabilise his condition. He was then transferred by air to a hospital in Perth, where on arrival, Regan underwent major surgery.

Regan Duffy

Now, four months later, he has shared an update on the experience and where he is as of now.

Regan Duffy

“Hey everyone. I haven’t been the most transparent person throughout the course of this injury but who can blame me really. I just haven’t felt like I was ready to let everyone know some of the details as it’s a bit confronting I suppose. So I’ll dive straight in.

“On October 17 2021 I was involved in a freak accident at the final round of the state championships in Western Australia in which another bike ran me over unintentionally due to my front wheel being taken out from someone else. The race got red flagged (cancelled) and the medics along with close family and friends rushed to my aid. Straight away they noticed I wasn’t right as I was not responding and was coughing up a lot of blood (I was dying).

“The medics did all they could and the helicopter was called but it was unable to land due to certain circumstances so I was placed in an ambulance and rushed to Bunbury regional hospital. I had torn the Aorta off my heart and was bleeding out on the inside along with collapsed lungs. Among some other injuries. Bunbury hospital did all they could giving blood transfusions to me through the blood bags and clamping the artery on my heart that was damaged.

“My Dad and family were advised that I was in a stable condition and should start driving to Royal Perth hospital. As I was put into the helicopter my condition worsened dramatically I went into a state of traumatic cardiac arrest and was losing blood rapidly. I unfortunately had a traumatic stroke also where I sustained a hypoxic ischaemic brain injury. I’m led to believe I was brought back from death multiple times on that flight. One doctor telling my dad it was the worst flight in his life.

“I landed into Fiona Stanley Hospital (yes they sent my dad and family to the wrong hospital) and went straight into critical care in the ICU. I was put into an induced coma and they split my sternum open and did open heart surgery putting in artificial stents and the like. It was eight days before I woke up again. Following that I spent multiple more weeks in the ICU continuing to recover. I had many doctors and nurses baffled at how I had survived let alone not been disabled or have permanent damage to parts of my body.

“The doctors told my dad I would be in hospital for a minimum of six-months but with sheer will power and wanting to prove the doctors wrong along with my loved ones beside me everyday I refused to believe it and was home in four weeks. I did however suffer from pneumonia a couple weeks into being home and had to get my lungs drained of a serious amount of fluid.

“Since being home I have just been working on my left arm and hand as it was totally paralyzed from my stroke. Now fortunately after a lot of hard work I’m down to trying to regain the fine motor skills in my hand which is proving to be the most difficult part of the arm. I’m still waiting to be fully cleared of my heart but did recently get cleared of a large blood clot I had in my arm which is great.

“Now the question on everyone’s mind. ‘Will you race again?’

“You can bet that I am going to try because I’ll never give up on the sport I love! I have slowly been getting more seat time on my pit bike and electric bike. I’m feeling stronger each time. Less than two months after the accident I had my first roll around on the pit bike which was a bloody good feeling haha. Anyway I’m really looking forward to posting some photos and videos of me getting out there on my play bikes and most of all in the future jumping back on my big bike! So much love for all my family, friends and supporters. #RD72”


2022 Graham Baker Shield nomations open

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Graham Baker Shield, held each summer at Sidewinders U16 Junior Speedway.

The Memorial Shield honours Graham Baker who, along with Roy Bitmead, had the vision and foresight to build a stand-alone junior speedway track and club (Sidewinders) more than 40 years ago in Wingfield, and will come to life on Saturday, February 19th.

With the U16 125cc Australian Championship to be held on the same track this coming April, this will be one of the last chances to have a serious hit out before hand – so this meetingis one not to miss!

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2022 American Flat Track to stream on Facebook

Following the announcement of a new television broadcast agreement with FOX Sports, Progressive American Flat Track has announce that fans will be able to watch all 18 rounds of action live on Facebook during the 2022 season.

It all came down to the Charlotte Half-Mile in AFT
AFT to stream practice and qualifying for free on Facebook in 2022

Livestreaming coverage on Progressive American Flat Track’s Facebook page will be free of charge up until Opening Ceremonies, allowing fans to watch Practice and Qualifying at no cost.

Fans can then purchase access to watch Opening Ceremonies, Semis, Main Events and podium celebrations via Facebook Paid Online Events for $3.99 (USD) if purchased 24 hours or more in advance, or $4.99 if purchased on the day of the event.

2022 American Flat Track Calendar
DATE EVENT
March 10, 2022 Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile I
March 11, 2022 Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile II
March 19, 2022 Mission Foods Texas Half-Mile
April 23, 2022 I-70 Half-Mile
May 28, 2022 Mission Foods Red Mile I presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington
May 29, 2022 Mission Foods Red Mile II presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington
June 11, 2022 Laconia Short Track
June 25, 2022 Lima Half-Mile
July 2, 2022 Mission Foods New York Short Track
July 16, 2022 Mission Foods Port Royal Half-Mile
July 30, 2022 Peoria TT
August 6, 2022 Black Hills Half-Mile
August 13, 2022 Castle Rock TT
August 20, 2022 Law Tigers Sacramento Mile
September 3, 2022 Springfield Mile I
September 4, 2022 Springfield Mile II
September 24, 2022 Cedar Lake Short Track
October 15, 2022 Mission Foods Volusia Half-Mile III
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2022 FIM Hard Enduro calendar confirmed

It’s all systems go for the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with an eight-round championship now confirmed for 2022, including three new venues and the return of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. You can see the schedule below.

WESS Erzbergrodeo Hare Scramble Rnd Start
Erzbergrodeo Hare Scramble

It’s worth noting that while initially included in the provisional 2022 schedule, it was decided not to include Poland’s HERO Challenge in the final calendar. After listening intently to competitors, teams and fans, while working closely with event organisers, it was agreed to omit the race from the calendar. The goal is to return in 2023 with a much tougher and extreme version that matches its championship counterparts. The event will go ahead in 2022, though without FIM Hard Enduro World Championship status.

2022 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship schedule

Round Event Location/Date
Round 1 Minus 400 Israel, April 5/6/7
Round 2 Xross Serbia, May 18/19/20/21
Round 3 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Austria, June 16/17/18/19
Round 4 Red Bull Abestone Italy, July 9/10
Round 5 Red Bull Romaniacs Romania, July 26/27/28/29/30
Round 6 Red Bull TKO USA, August 13/14
Round 7 Red Bull Outliers Canada, August 27/28
Round 8 Hixpania Hard Enduro Spain, October 7/8/9

2022 ProMX Round 2 entries open

Entries for the 2022 Penrite ProMX Championship, presented by AMX Superstores are now open for Round 2 at Mackay, Queensland scheduled for 10th April 2022.

Due to a number of classes being oversubscribed in 2021 and for Round 1, riders are encouraged to enter early in order to avoid disappointment.

Australian ProMX Championship – Image by RBMotoLens

Entries are available via RiderNet (link) or a link can be found via competitor info on the ProMX website, closing Sunday 3 April at 11:59pm.

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Charli Cannon joins Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team in 2022

16-year-old female motocross sensation, Charli Cannon, will join Rhys Budd and Alex Larwood on the Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team and contest the Women’s division during the 2022 Pro MX Championship.

Charli Cannon

The Sunshine Coast based Cannon, a four-time national junior girls champion on 85 and 125 cc machinery, graduated to the senior division late in the 2021 season and is determined to keep her climb up the ladder at a rapid rate as she pits herself against the best female riders in the country for the three round championship scheduled for Wonthaggi, Gilman and Coolum throughout the year.

Charli Cannon

She will also contest selected rounds of the MX3 championship (14-17 year old) at the Pro MX.

Charli Cannon

“I was so excited to get this offer from the Yamalube Yamaha Team and have a major team support me in racing. Mike and Nash have gone above and beyond to support me and I’m really looking forward to getting the season under way. Having the support of the team has taken a weight off the shoulders of my family but I also understand the responsibility that comes with it. The hard work begins now as Yamaha and the Yamalube team have invested in myself, and I want to reward them for it. My bike is awesome, and my pre-season is going well. We have some local races to contest in the coming weeks before the opening round of the Pro MX Women’s class starts at Wonthaggi in late March.”


Jeffrey Herlings undergoes heel surgery

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings has completed a surgical process to fix a broken heel bone in his left foot due to a mishap while riding in Spain on Monday January 31.

Jeffrey Herlings

The Dutchman organised travel back to his home in Belgium and after consultation, underwent surgery performed by Dr Stefaan Verfaillie (who worked on his previous ailment in 2019) to insert several screws and a supporting plate to fix the damage.

For the full details see:
MXGP Champion Jeffrey Herlings has foot surgery after practice crash


Hero Motosports Team Rally adds Ross Branch to line-up

Hero MotoCorp – has further strengthened its rider line-up by bringing onboard leading international rider, Ross Branch.

A top athlete and a trained commercial pilot from Botswana, Ross Branch is a three-time South African Cross Country Champion and a seven-time winner of the Botswana 1000 Desert Race – earning the nickname ‘Kalahari Ferrari’.

Ross Branch – Hero MotoSports Team Rally

“I am thrilled and extremely honoured to be joining a team that’s making the headlines for all the right reasons. I’ve been tracking the growth of Hero MotoSports for the last couple of years, and have often been amazed at how quickly this young team has made it to the top league. I’m joining the team at a great time, and I hope I’ll be able to do my best to deliver great results. I look forward to riding alongside some of the best and promising riders in the sport, who are also my good friends. I thank Hero MotoCorp for putting their faith in me, and I consider it a great honour to be representing the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters at some of the world’s toughest races!”

Ross Branch
Ross Branch
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SDM Team Corse’s 2022 line-up and livery breaks cover

Betamotor has announced the renewal of its partnership with SDM Team Corse, with Jeremy Van Horebeek and Alessandro Lupino campaigning their RX 450 machines in MXGP. Here’s a look:

Jeremy Van Horebeek

Jeremy Van Horebeek

Alessandro Lupino

Alessandro Lupino

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Grabham crowned at NSW U16 Junior Speedway

By Peter Baker

A new champion in Noah Grabham was crowned and others left disappointed after the running of the M & K Eklund Transport New South Wales Under 16 Speedway Championship at the Central Coast Junior Motor Cycle Club track at North Somersby last Saturday.

Noah Grabham and Beau Bailey – Image by David Lamont

The weather held off and the track staff worked wonders to allow some of the country’s best junior speedway riders to turn on an enthralling programme of races.

At the end of a meeting that produced plenty of close and exciting racing there was a dramatic championship decider, and an outcome that in the eyes of some observers was controversial.

The 20 heat races decided the top three riders who progressed direct to the A Final – and there were no surprises who that top trio was.

Bathurst rider Noah Grabham finished top on countback with 14 points, after being beaten only in his final heat by Beau Bailey, ahead of Queensland champion Jordy Loftus who lost only to Grabham.

Bailey was next on 13 with a third place behind Loftus and Cooper Antone in his first heat and then four wins.
The next four riders on the scorechart had to contest the cut-throat B Final from which only the winner went in to the decider.

That turned out to be Albury Wodonga rider Cooper Antone who gated brilliantly and host club rider Lachlan Russell could not overhaul him, after both had scored 11 points in their heats.

The other B Finalists were Queenslanders Anika Loftus and Jai Bainbridge who finished in that order.

With the top four riders lined up for the final there was sure to be drama – Grabham led but as Loftus tried an outside pass he actually lost second place as Bailey came through on the inside. As Bailey continued his inside charge there appeared to be some contact with Grabham who ran off the track.

Such happenings always place officials in an awkward position, but they have to make a decision that invariably never pleases everyone.

The decision was that Bailey was excluded with the win awarded to Grabham ahead of Loftus and Antone.
Fans were left rewarded for their patience as track staff turned a saturated surface in to an extremely raceable track that allowed the youngsters to show off their talents, albeit two hours later than the planned start time.

Even among the riders who did not make the finals there is plenty to enthuse about as even the least experienced riders showed enough to suggest that all will progress with coaching as part of the Speedway Experience Coaching programme led by former world No. 3 Craig Boyce.

The U16 NSW Junior Speedway Podium – Loftus, Grabham, Antone

One of the bottom half of the field was the only girl from New South Wales in the line-up, Ruby James from the Kurri Kurri Junior club who received the Encouragement Award at the meeting.

NSW U16 Junior Speedway Final Result

  1. Noah Grabham
  2. Jordy Loftus
  3. Cooper Antone
    1. Beau Bailey (Excluded from results)

B Final

  1. Cooper Antone
  2. Lachlan Russell
  3. Anika Loftus
  4. Jai Bainbridge

Other Scores

  • Lachlan Hawgood 7
  • Sonny Spurgin 7
  • Cooper Freebairn 6
  • Riley Conner 6
  • Billy Brown 5
  • Jacob Adamson 3
  • Bailey Carpenter 2
  • Ruby James 2
  • Dustin Constable 1
  • Preston Craft (Res.0) 0
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Jayden Rykers tops WA State SX over the weekend

Jayden Ryker has won the Berry Sweet Supercross Round 1 over the weekend in the SX1 class, sweeping the four motos from Evan Browne, with Jake Fewster filling out the overall podium. Joshua Bell and Matthew Johns rounded out the top five respectively.

Topping the SX2 was Codey Rowe, who also swept his four races, also winning from Evan Browne, while Jordan Minear was third overall. Steven Fairham and Jack Du Feu were fourth and fifth respectively.

Sonny Pellicano won the Junior Lites, Dean Porter topped the Veterans, and Patrick Butler was top in the 85cc/150cc 12-U16 Yrs class.

Jayden Rykers

“Last minute entry to the WA State Supercross Championship on the weekend. Nothing else can replace the feeling of gate drops! We had four six-lap sprints and the Empire Kawasaki made the job easy with four holeshots and four wins. Thanks @stelios_lia and On Point Moto & Suspension for some suspension changes.”

SX1 Overall

Pos Competitor Total R1 R2 R3 R4
1 JAYDEN RYKERS 100 25 25 25 25
2 EVAN BROWNE 88 22 22 22 22
3 JAKE FEWSTER 75 20 20 15 20
4 JOSHUA BELL 60 14 12 16 18
5 MATTHEW JOHNS 58 16 14 14 14
6 JULIAN CUTAJAR 56 8 13 20 15
7 KYAL GILLESPIE 54 18 18 18
8 CHRISTIAN SILVESTRO 53 12 15 13 13
9 BLAKE KLANJSCEK 49 7 16 10 16
10 ZACH SANDOW 43 11 9 11 12

SX2 Overall

Pos Competitor Total R1 R2 R3 R4
1 CODEY ROWE 100 25 25 25 25
2 EVAN BROWNE 84 18 22 22 22
3 JORDAN MINEAR 76 16 20 20 20
4 STEVEN FAIRHAM 69 15 18 18 18
5 JACK DU FEU 57 10 16 15 16
6 MATTHEW MARSON 57 11 15 16 15
7 JIORDAN GIACOPPO 54 12 14 14 14
8 TRAVIS PITTER 49 13 11 12 13
9 JARRED BOARDMAN 44 7 12 13 12
10 HAIDEN HILLS 42 9 13 9 11

Honda Racing Australia dominate Wonthaggi Open 2022

Honda Racing Australia took part in the Wonthaggi Open this past weekend as they prepare for the Australian Motocross Championship. Riders from the Factory and Ride Red teams competed to better prepare themselves for Round 1 of the Aus-Pro MX which is also held in Wonthaggi.

Factory Honda’s Kyle Webster qualified first and won all three 25min + 1 lap motos aboard his HGS powered 2022 CRF450R.

Kyle Webster

“This was a great hit out for the team. We made subtle changes following each race, learnt a lot and made some improvements. I am happy with where we are at 7 weeks out from round 1 of the Australian Championship.”

Kyle Webster

In the MX2 class, it was newly signed Factory Honda rider Wilson Todd who took the overall win after qualifying fastest out of all riders and classes combined. Completing his first event on the Honda, Wilson displayed extraordinary speed, and hailed the weekend as a success.

Wilson Todd

“My main reason for flying down was for testing and to put in some time on the bike. I am not at full race fitness so taking the overall win was a surprise for me. We are much more prepared with the bike than I thought we would be, and I feel the changes we made over the weekend were positive. We still have an extensive two weeks of testing ahead of us, but I am wrapped where we are at already. My Terrafirma Honda CF250R got me two holeshots and is definitely competitiver.”

Wilson Todd

Emma Milesevic had a great return to racing, winning the overall in the women’s class on board her Factory Honda CRF450R. This weekend she also competed in the Pro MX1 class taking two fourth place finishes.

The Honda Genuine Ride Red Team did exceptionally well this weekend; Campbell Williams won the MX3 class, Brodie Petschauer finished 3rd in MX3, and Ebony Harris finished third in the Women’s class.

Ride Red’s newly sign Liam Andrews was thrilled with his third overall in the MX2 class against some of Australia’s fastest factory riders.

Liam Andrews

Honda Australia Racing’s director Yarrive Konsky was proud of everyone’s efforts.

Yarrive Konsky

“It was a great weekend for all Honda riders. We all worked well together. I was proud of the RIDE RED riders and the factory team made a lot of progress. Everything we learnt this weekend will help us be better prepared for round 1 of the Australian Motocross Championship.”

Round 1 of the AUS-PRO MX championships starts March 27th in Wonthaggi.

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Tim Gajser tops Internazionali D’Italia

Tim Gajser has topped the MX1 and Supercampione classes in the Internazionali D’Italia after two rounds, across Alghero and Riola Sardo in Sardinia.

Tim Gajser

At Alghero, Jeremy Seewer topped the MX1 from Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez. However Round 2 in Riola Sardo it was Gajser on top from Jorge Prado and Jeremy Van Horebeek. That left Gajser on 47-points, from Alberto Forato on 36-points and Tom Koch level with Aussie Mitch Evans on 28-points.

2022 Internazionali D’Italia

In the MX class Jago Geerts won in Alghero, from Cornelius Toendel and Jakon Fredriksen, while in Riola Sardo Toendel won from Simon Langenfelder and Hakon Osterhagen. That leaves Toendel on 47-points, ahead of Langenfelder (40-points) and Fredrikson (36-points).

Jago Geerts

The Supercampione class saw Gajser dominate in Alghero, ahead of Seewer and Geerts, while in Riola Sardo it was Gajser winning from PRado and Toendel. As a result Gajser holds 50-points, to Toendel on 34 and Tom Koch on 31.

Jeremy Seewer and Tim Gajser

Internazionali D’Italia Championship Overall
MX1

  1. GAJSER Tim (SLO) 47-points
  2. FORATO Alberto (ITA) 36
  3. KOCH Tom (GER) 28
  4. EVANS Mitchell (AUS) 28
  5. SEEWER Jeremy (SUI) 25

MX2

  1. TOENDEL Cornelius (NOR) 47-points
  2. LANGENFELDER Simon (GER) 40
  3. FREDRIKSEN Hakon (NOR) 36
  4. LAPUCCI Nicolas (ITA) 33
  5. GUADAGNINI Mattia (ITA) 31

SUPERCAMPIONE

  1. GAJSER Tim (SLO) 50-points
  2. TOENDEL Cornelius (NOR) 34
  3. KOCH Tom (GER) 31
  4. LANGENFELDER Simon (GER) 30
  5. FORATO Alberto (ITA) 28
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Ben Watson warms up for MXGP at Lacapelle Marival Masters

Ben Watson and Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP continued their build-up to the up-coming FIM World MXGP Motocross Championship as an impressive runner-up at the Lacapelle Marival Masters in central France.

Ben Watson

With the opening round of the world series just two weeks away and the Lacapelle track surface soft, rutted and unpredictable in the wake of heavy rain during the days before the race the Englishman sensibly avoided any unnecessary risks in the early races.

In the first MX1 moto he quickly moved forward to fifth place before settling into a solid pace which kept the chasers off his rear wheel. The Brit was just inside the top twenty at the start of the second moto after spinning at the gate; staying out of trouble through the early laps he advanced majestically through the pack during the second half of the moto to secure another top-six finish with podium-speed laps to the chequered flag.

Lacapelle Marival Masters

The KRT rider saved the best for last as he showed he is acquiring the start technique for his new mount to round turn one second in the SuperFinal and hound the leader for the entire twenty-four-minute race.

The results saw Watson second overall, behind Maxime Renaux, while Jeremy Seewer was third.

The Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP will complete its pre-season programme next weekend at Hawkstone Park in central England.

Ben Watson

“In the end the track got really technical and it showed in the results; there was just the one main line early in the day and that got really bumpy, deep and choppy so the start was important with not much chance to pass. I rode a little tight in the first race, but that’s normal at this time of the year. It’s the same in training but I get faster throughout the day; it’s nice that the GPs can return to the two-day format this year to get that out of the way. In the second race I just spun on the gate; towards the end I started making moves and was happy with that. I got a better start in the SuperFinal and could follow the leader all moto. Overall it was another positive day; we came here to work and learn and we did just that. Now we head to my “home” race at Hawkstone which will be another good preparation; we’ve had hard pack and ruts here, sand at Hawkstone and three races again.“

Ben Watson

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Spa-Francorchamps undergoing €25 million major works

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has undergone extensive safety upgrades, the result of changes mandated by both the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Fédération Motocycliste de Belgique (FMB), ahead of the second round of the 2022 EWC season but remains international motorbike racing’s answer to an adrenalin-filled rollercoaster ride.

Central to the changes, which have been ratified by the Fédération Internationale de l’Autombile (FIA) in line with car racing requirements, are expanded run-off areas at several corners, the repositioning of safety barriers in some sections, plus the realignment of the Speaker’s Corner left-hander, albeit for bike use only.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Additional infrastructure work and the construction of a purpose-built grandstand at the top of Raidillon has also been undertaken for a total cost of €25 million.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
François Ribeiro – Head of Discovery Sports Events

The two- and four-wheel motorsport community will soon be very impressed with the high level of safety work ongoing at Spa-Francorchamps right now. Once completed and homologated by the FIA and FIM this April, Spa will be even more special and appealing as a track to all drivers and riders than ever before. The 24H SPA EWC Motos has all the ingredients to become a true classic of the FIM EWC calendar, on par with 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, the Suzuka 8 Hours and the 24 hours of Bol d’Or in terms of prestige and importance but probably greater in terms of the sporting and technical challenge facing our riders and teams. The team at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Discovery Sports Events and PHA Claude Michy are working flat out together to deliver an excellent event for fans to experience and remember forever. It’s a great honour to welcome Spa-Francorchamps into the FIM EWC family and to see the sporting level of the championship rising year on year. We cannot wait for more endurance racing history to be made at Spa on 4-5 June.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Melchior Wathelet – Board Chair, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

We are delighted to welcome the FIM EWC, an internationally renowned championship, to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. I would like to thank our partner François Ribeiro from Discovery Sports Events of course, but also FIM and FMB for their confidence and finally the teams and riders who can’t wait to take part in this great event. Our teams are working tirelessly and hand in hand with event coordinator Claude Michy and his team. We are also happy to offer an exceptional weekend of entertainment. On track with the 24H SPA EWC Motos but also the three support series that will complete the programme: the 4 Hours of Spa Classic, the FIM Sidecar World Championship and finally the International Bridgestone Handy Race. Around the track there will be many animations and experiences to ensure we can welcome fans in the best conditions.”

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

The 24H SPA EWC Motos is due to begin at 14h00 CET on Saturday 4 June, marking the first time since 2001 that a round of the FIM Endurance World Championship takes place on the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Senna Agius Profile/Interview | His plans for Europe along with some ASBK appearances in 2022

Senna Agius Profile


It’s not far off the mark that as a young junior rider Senna Agius may well have been described as a prodigy. Claiming 14 Australian dirt track and motocross titles, along with 19 State titles in the disciplines, it is a good indicator that the youngster from south of Sydney has a modicum of talent.

Senna Agius - Image by Andrew Kenny Visual94
Senna Agius at the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships in 2017 – Image by Andrew Kenny Visual94

It’s also safe to assume that Senna has had one major life goal since a very young age; to be a world champion motorcycle racer.

After talking with the 16-year old, it soon becomes apparent that he is extremely articulate, analytical and displays a maturity far beyond his years. Attributes that will hold him in very good stead as he chases his dream of being MotoGP World Champion.

Asia Talent Cup Rnd Thailand R Senna Agius ZA
Senna Agius – Asia Talent Cup Round 4 – Thailand, 2018

Born in the rural setting of Camden, in the south-western outreaches of Sydney (NSW), he was brought up in a perfect environment to pursue his racing aspirations and spent the vast majority of his time charging around a paddock.

Senna stated racing on the dirt in 2013, and three years later took to the bitumen at the earliest opportunity to hone his considerable skills in road racing aboard a Honda NSF100 and in 2017 competed in the Australian Junior Road Racing titles, finishing second in the 85cc two-stroke class even though he didn’t compete at all rounds.

His focus was already on the bigger picture of international competition and at the end of 2017 Senna was selected to compete in the 2018 Asia Talent Cup. He finished 17th with his best result an eighth place in the second race of the season at Qatar.

Asia Talent Cup Motegi R Senna Agius ZA
Asia Talent Cup 2018 – GP of Japan – Senna Agius

For 2019 he gained plenty of frequent flyer points as he competed in the MFJ All Japan Championship – GP3 Class with a brace of six place finishes his best results. At the same time he was commuting back and forth to Australia to contest the ASBK Supersport 300cc title. The title went down to the wire at the final round at SMSP with another young champion Max Stauffer as his main rival, Agius took the crown by a solitary point.

ASBK TBG Round SMP Supersport Champion Agius Stauffer Ford TBG FinalRnd
Senna Agius took out the Australian Supersport 300 Championship in 2019 ahead of Max Stauffer and Hunter Ford – TBG Image

For the past two seasons Senna competed in the helter-skelter class of the CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship but didn’t manage to deliver the results his determination and talent warranted, but as they say, that’s racing at the top.

Agius returned to Australia to compete in the final round of ASBK Supersport 600 at the Bend but after a sterling effort in practice and qualifying to be third on the grid, he was forced to withdraw from the weekend because of a mix up in quarantine protocol.

Senna Agius in action at The Bend – Image RbMotoLens

While he didn’t get to strut his stuff that weekend, Senna has made up for it in 2022. Riding a Honda at the St George Summer Series in early January he broke the 13-year-old Supersport lap record set by multiple Australian champion Jamie Stauffer way back in 2008. He was also quick when he joined the Australian Supersport regulars at the recent Phillip Island pre-season test.

Senna Agius recently broke the long-standing 600 Supersport lap record at SMSP onboard Honda’s new CBR600RR – Image RbMotoLens

For 2022 Senna will step up to the CEV Moto2 class and There’s something about the opportunity for Senna, his attitude and suitability to the larger bike that gives the impression that this year may be his very best year on the international scene.

Senna Agius also rode at the recent Phillip Island ASBK Test – Honda CBR600RR – Image RbMotoLens

Senna Agius is delaying his return to Europe so he can compete in the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship later this month at Phillip Island in the Supersport class.  If the planets align sufficiently, Senna will also return from Europe in time to compete in the final two rounds of ASBK, but at this stage is unsure as to which class he will compete in on his return.


Senna Agius

DOB 9 June 2005

Lives: Camden


MB: First up, well done on breaking such a long standing lap record at the Creek recently, and great to see you at The Bend before the authorities stepped in.

SA: “Thanks mate, but we couldn’t do much about that although we didn’t do anything wrong. It was just an ulnacky government change. It wasn’t something I did wrong.”

Senna Agius
Senna Agius recently broke the long-standing 600 Supersport lap record at SMSP onboard Honda’s new CBR600RR – Image Half Light

MB: What actually happened in that regard?

SA: “When you land in Australia you have to be in your home state for seven days before you go interstate. I filled out the form and the first day we were in SA it was nine days since I had returned to Australia, and I had done the seven days quarantine at home. At this point, as you know, the cases went up overnight. I had my green entry form for SA for The Bend and the rules changed overnight ,from seven days to 14. I was at nine days. They tracked everyone down and they told us we had to go back and abide by the rules.”

Senna Agius in the pits at The Bend in December – Image RbMotoLens

MB: Thats unbelievable. It’s always changing day to day. What a disappointment for you.  Last couple of years doing CEV with Sic 58, how was that, because personally, I don’t think your results were a fair indication of your riding talent?

SA: “Look, I had a character building two years with Sic 58. For me, honestly you had to be there to understand the progression because on paper and TV it didn’t look like I was doing what I was expected to do, but I was learning. Maybe it’s a question of my riding style and the little bike, proving to be a little bit more difficult than my riding style with a bigger bike, but the team was fantastic, and I’ve learnt a tremendous amount to take into the future as a person, and as a rider for other teams and other categories. I am forever grateful for what they taught me . It’s true that I didn’t get the results that I feel that I worked for but thats all part of it, but I guess we come across that over the years. I feel that I’ve taken those hard times and am turning it into a progression. I am very excited for the future.”

Senna Agius at SMSP in December – Image RbMotoLens

MB: So Is your size that much of a disadvantage on those little machine?

SA: “I don’t particularly believe so because some people make it work. It’s true that maybe the ergonomics for me, I get a bit more “crampy” after a certain amount of laps or it gets little bit more difficult, but I don’t believe that is the sole reason why I didn’t do super well.

MB: Would you be willing to discuss the reason or keep that to yourself?

SA: No not really. I’d just like to move on, if thats alright.

Senna Agius recently broke the long-standing 600 Supersport lap record at SMSP onboard Honda’s new CBR600RR – Image Half Light

MB: “That’s okay. If you don’t want to say, you don’t need to say. I’m just thinking you’re there its going to happen and gel for you sooner or later. I think now that you are getting on this 765; you proved at the Bend you can sure ride a bigger bike. – I wish you’d hung around for those races, you Broc and Tommy would’ve had some great battles, as you proved with the lap record at Eastern Creek. Were you doing much riding on a Moto2 machine when you were over there?

SA: “I started doing a lot of days in the second half but not a tremendous amount of riding. Me and Steph Redman from coach49 started training with me halfway through the year, so we progressed quite quickly when she came onboard, but we got a few days in. I have a Yamaha over there and a Honda over here, and the Honda is 180-degrees a different motorcycle to the Yamaha, so it helps to understand the power.”

MB: So I guess the learning curve starts all again when you jump on the Moto2 machine. Have you managed to sample one of them yet?

SA: “I had a few days on the Honda version. It’s been in the CEV traditionally In previous years; they were using the old Hondas with a Kalex frame, but the rules have changed for this year; we are on the 2021 Kalex Triumph 765 from last year.

MB: You’re going to love the triple…

SA: “Yeah, I got to sample the Honda but I am excited because I gelled with it. By the time we got to the second day I was there or thereabouts happy with how I was riding. The times that were coming and how it was all working, the team is fantastic and I am super excited.”

MB: Who is the team?

SA: “Promo Racing Team, based in Barcelona. I live in Andorra.

MB: With the rest of the boys.

SA: “Yeah, I am near Jack, I am friends with Jack but I rarely get to see him. He’s away a lot and obviously we have different schedules.”

Senna Agius – Image RbMotoLens

MB: This year obviously you would want to win the championship – like any rider, but the other side of the coin is that you have to take baby steps cause you’re learning a new bike, a new team and a new championship.

SA: “I feel that I have set my expectations higher than I did in the Moto3 class, because I’ve ridden on similar machinery and I am feeling super good on bigger bikes. I am definitely keeping two feet on the ground, but focused because I truly believe we can hit the ground running.

MB: So how’s your feeling with your confidence – you’re sounding very confident and champing at the bit to get going compared to how you were feeling with your second year in the Sic58 team?

SA: “I am not thinking too much about the championship this year because everyone is going to be on new equipment and there are some super fast riders retuning to that championship. Everyone would love to win it. If we focus on round by round we could be in a good spot at the end ,but my second year in the Moto 3 I was confident about that as well . Maybe I am a little bit more confident than I was in the second year of the Moto 3 I wanted to keep progressing.

“I actually made a very solid improvement in the second year and actually went faster than all my times in 2020 but everyone improved, the field got quicker again. I am sure that is the case with a lot of riders who didn’t get the results they wanted but I 100% improved and I was actually quite happy. The team were happy with my results and improvements, so that year for me was okay.

“I feel if the rule change to enter the world championship didn’t happen we were very, very serious in doing a third year in CEV Moto3, but once the rule changed that you cant enter world championships until 18 ,that meant that I would have to do another two years in CEV Moto 3 and I felt – and everyone around me told me and really steered me into the position to get out of it while I can and get onto a big bike.

Senna Agius – Image RbMotoLens

MB: Thats excellent to hear mate. With last year were you getting depressed or frustrated as the year went on, when it wasn’t gelling for you, or were you copping it on the chin and thinking “it’s going to get better sometime”?

SA: “At the beginning of the year maybe I didn’t handle the first two rounds when I came home and the attitude of the weekend transferred into my moods during the week and the weeks rolled on. Leon Camier and all my guys in Andorra, sat me down, not pulled me into line, not angry with me, but we had a serious talk of how to handle this as no situation is going to be ever perfect. When there are bad ones, like the first few rounds of CEV Repsol was, of how to handle that , because if I handle it in the future in the way I did those weeks, I am not going to enjoy the sport anymore. I learnt my lesson because a few months later I had a very good preparation and a very good start to the weekend at Misano, and then I came down with a crazy illness that we cant begin to describe what happened. That took me out of the event and I handled that one really well. That was a completely missed opportunity to maybe do my best weekend, but we handled that well and we left the attitude at the track. We started again so I corrected myself. Another lesson learnt last year.

MB: You sound like you are pretty hard on yourself.

SA: “Yes yes I am. I dont give myself much leeway.

MB: When you mention Leon, will you still have much contact with him next year, now you are moving on?

SA: “Yeah, Leon is Team Manager of HRC in WorldSBK so that takes away his presence a bit. After he retired he got straight into that gig ,and that takes a lot of his time but he’s happy to work with me next year. Everything he has brought to the table to help me is fantastic and he believes in me, and I believe in him, and everything he has brought me. It’s not just him, but all the guys he’s recommended to work with so we have a really good group at the moment. We keep in contact with each other and Leon oversees it all.

Steph Redman helping out Senna at the recent St. George Summer Series round at SMSP – Image RbMotoLens

MB: Will Steph be going back with you this year?

SA: “Yep Steph is going to come back this year. She is putting in a lot of effort and that just drives me to put in the same amount of effort and motivation into training and racing.”

Senna Agius with Steph Redman – Image RbMotoLens

MB: So you have been putting in heaps of training and push bike riding?

SA: “Yeah last year we clocked nearly 12,000 kilometres on pushbikes, and that is my main source of cardio. It’s something I will enjoy later into life. I take it pretty seriously.”

MB: Well, you have a good place to be doing it in Andorra up at those heights so that’s got to be good?

SA: “Yes it’s really good. I cant complain.

MB: All the best mate. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you kick it this year with the Moto2 class.

SA: “Thanks Bracksy, hopefully it’s going to be a great year.”

Senna Agius – Image RbMotoLens

Source: MCNews.com.au

Maxxis unveil Race & Win Rewards program for amateurs

MAXXIS Australia Race & Win


Join the MAXXIS Race & Win Rewards program to earn points towards cash-back offers, tyre give-aways and free merchandise, in this new initiative from Australian Maxxis distributor A1 Accessory Imports.

The all-new, interactive, online rewards program is designed for riders competing at amateur motocross events in 2022. The online rewards program allows you to earn points at each race to unlock exclusive offers and tyre giveaways! Challenge your friends during the year and climb the MAXXIS leaderboard.

Choose any tyre from the all-new MAXXIS motocross range and register online! The MAXXIS all-star line-up includes: Maxxcross MX-SM (Sand/Mud), Maxxcross MX-ST (Race-Spec/Soft Terrain), Maxxcross MX-SI (Soft/Int.), Maxxcross MX-IH (Int./Hard)

MAXXIS Maxxcross MX tyres
How does the program work?

At each event, points are allocated based on the riders overall finishing position and accumulate race-to-race to unlock offers. MAXXIS have engineered the points system to give all riders the opportunity to unlock multiple offers over the season. The higher your position, the faster you can unlock their offers. Riders can earn extra points when racing at any eligible event during the season.

Family & Single Rider Accounts

Racing solo? Create a single rider account for yourself. Track your points and redeem exclusive offers under the one account.

MAXXIS Australia Race & Win Rewards Program 2022

Racing with a full army? Create an account and add multiple family members to your portal. Track points and redeem exclusive offers for each family member.

Eligible Events:

To kickstart the program, MAXXIS have partnered with three major grass-roots events in Queensland and New South Wales. With plans to add more in the future.

  • Queensland:
    • Sunshine State Motocross Championships
    • South East Queensland Junior MX
  • New South Wales:
    • King of MX State Championships

Don’t see your local series on the list? We’d love to hear from you! Send MAXXIS an email to request a series for next year. [email protected]

MAXXIS Australia Race & Win Rewards Program 2022

Register now to receive a MAXXIS hat & factory tyre stickers FREE!

MAXXIS Australia Race & Win Rewards Program 2022

Register here: www.maxxismoto.com.au/race-win

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | Moss dominates Arenacross Rnd 1 | Riders talk Anaheim 2


Sunderland celebrates GasGas’s Dakar win in Mattihhofen

The entire GASGAS family congratulated Sam Sunderland on his outstanding performance at Dakar Rally in Mattighoffen in Australia, with history made for the manufacturer in just their third try at the Dakar. For Pierer Mobility AG which includes KTM and Husqvarna, it also marked their 19th title.

Sam Sunderland and the GasGas Team

To celebrate the 2022 Dakar victory in style, Sam Sunderland handed over the trophy at the Headquarters to Stefan Pierer, before riding his winning Dakar bike through various buildings to the delight of all employees.

Sam Sunderland

“It’s incredible to celebrate my Dakar win with everyone from GASGAS, I will remember this day forever. This really was a team effort with so many people at the factory in Austria fully behind the rally program, so it’s amazing to share this special result with all of them. This Dakar win really does feel so much better than my first! It’s my first rally win with GASGAS and things couldn’t have gone any better. The bike worked perfectly from the start, which made things a lot easier, as this year’s race was one of the toughest I’ve ever done. It’s been five years since my first win and with it being such a tight race this year, it makes this victory much sweeter.”

Stefan Pierer – CEO PIERER Mobility AG

“Winning our 19th Dakar Rally title and to bring back the trophy to Mattighofen is a very special moment for everyone here in the company. It clearly underlines our commitment to this very special event and writes a positive new chapter in our incredible Dakar history. Sam’s performance was truly impressive. With the support of the GASGAS team, he managed the race perfectly, fighting hard and using his experience perfectly. This is a result everyone involved in GASGAS can be very proud of.”

Sam Sunderland and the GasGas Factory team
Pit Beirer – Motorsport Director

“Sam has done an incredible job at this year’s Dakar. It was a long fight, with many challenges to overcome, but with the support of the whole Motorsports team he was able to bring the trophy back to Austria. We are so proud of all the hard work the whole GASGAS team have put in to achieve their first Dakar win – it’s an historic victory and hopefully just the first success in what will be a successful year for the brand. When you think about what goes into a race like Dakar – the preparation, the logistics, the trucks, everything that goes on behind the scenes – all of this must come together to claim a win at one of the toughest events on the motorsport calendar. This is another important step in the onward progression of the GASGAS brand.”

Robert Jonas – Vice President Motorsports Offroad

“To win the Dakar Rally is a huge achievement for both Sam and the GASGAS Factory Racing team. We are extremely proud of the victory and definitely thankful to the hard work of so many. Sam did an amazing job, maintaining good speed and consistency at this year’s race, as well as navigating well through every stage to ensure he stayed near the top of the standings. And with such a dedicated team behind him, that performance was rewarded with a win at the world’s toughest rally raid. Congratulations to Sam and the whole of GASGAS Factory Racing.”

Sam Sunderland and the GasGas Factory team

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Riders Talk 2022 AMA Supercross Round Four, Anaheim II

450 Main

Ken Roczen took the early lead ahead of Shane McElrath, Malcolm Stewart and Jason Anderson. Eli Tomac was fifth ahead of Marvin Musquin and Chase Sexton on lap one.

Eli Tomac

Malcolm Stewart moved up to second place on the following lap and then both Jason Anderson, and Eli Tomac, followed by Chase Sexton pushed McElrath further back to sixth.

Jason Anderson was on a charge and took Stewart for second place, two laps later Tomac did the same to relegate to Stewart back to fourth.

Jason Anderson

Jason Anderson reeled in Ken Roczen and the two then collided in the sand resulting in Roczen going down. Roczen was all the way down in 18th place by the time he was back up and running, while Anderson now led the race.

Meanwhile Chase Sexton had moved up to third place after passing Stewart.

Jason Anderson then jumped a little too far through a rhythm section and ran wide which allowed Tomac through to the lead.

Dylan Ferrandis

Tomac then took it home all the way to the chequered flag and now leads the championship by six-points over Chase Sexton, the Honda man finished third tonight.

The second place for Anderson moved him up to third place in the points standings.

Ken Roczen managed to make his way back up to 13th but that was a hefty blow to his title aspirations, the German drifting back to ninth place on the points table. However, things are still pretty tight as he is only 23-points away from the championship lead, and there is a hell of a lot of racing still to go this season.

Supercross next heads to Glendale in Arizona for round five of what is a 17-round championship.

Eli Tomac – P1

“It feels great to get this win. It also feels good to get this win for everyone behind me. The team has been working so hard, and what we’ve been able to do and how we’ve been able to improve each weekend is awesome. We’ve just been inching our way forward and fine-tuning every week, so it feels so good to get everyone that result that we all work for. The track was so cool, with really technical rhythm sections, and my motorcycle was so good tonight. I could put it wherever I wanted to – inside, outside – and it was good for the distance, so that’s exciting for us.”

Eli Tomac
Jason Anderson – P2

“To come away with second tonight was solid. I felt a bit off all day and that led to a few mistakes in the heat race which set me back as far as gate pick. When it came time for the Main Event, I knew I could put it all together aboard my KX™450SR and fight for a win on this track. I made the most of the start and came out of the first turn about fifth. I executed a few really quick passes to get out front and was leading the race until I mistimed that triple-triple line after the finish. I was able to get the rhythm clean the rest of the race and my speed was strong throughout. It’s nice to have a podium finish tonight, I just have a few things to clean up to improve for next weekend.”

Jason Anderson
Chase Sexton – P3

“I felt really good tonight. This weekend the whoops section of the track was unpredictable and had a lot of edges, but I feel like I managed them well. The track was good though. I had fun all day. It was a pretty technical track especially with a long set of whoops and a long rhythm section that was pretty tough. It was nice to have a long lap time and not so many laps in the main event though. My bike felt good all day but it’s an ongoing process; I just have to be better. I stalled my bike once but only lost a second or so. Eli [Tomac] and Jason [Anderson] were riding really good, but I expect to be in the mix with the frontrunners this year. Last year I learned a lot so I’m trying not to make those mistakes I made last year. I want to be on the podium every weekend and racing with these guys. I just have to get better for next weekend.”

Chase Sexton
Dylan Ferrandis – P4

“We had a really challenging track, but I was feeling good on the bike, and the lap times were great all day. I finally got a good start in the heat race, which I was really happy about, and finished third. In the main event, I went on the outside, which wasn’t ideal, but I didn’t really have a nice spot on the inside. It was an okay start, but I got pinched in the first turn and was pretty far back in position. Then I just charged the best I could, made many passes, and finished fourth. The bike is good, and I felt strong in the whoops, so there are a lot of positives from today, but after the podium last week, I wish I would have finished on the box again. This season, the competition is tough, so it’s not always easy. I just gave everything I had, and fourth was my position today.”

Dylan Ferrandis
Marvin Musquin – P6

“I wanted to rebound this weekend and not do what I did last weekend. I was in a decent position off the start and made a mistake, missed a rhythm and lost one or two spots, but I ended up sixth tonight. I had the potential to do a little better but man, it was difficult for me through the whoops, I was losing time there, but the rest of the track I was doing great. Overall, a little bit more consistent Main Event, a little better fight and we move forward to the next round.”

Marvin Musquin
Justin Barcia – P7

“All-in-all, it was a good day. We were having a lot of fun in practice! I felt like it was one of my better practices of the year so far and I was getting comfortable on the bike. I got a really bad start in the Main Event and with how the field is so fast right now, I wasn’t able to get where I wanted to be so seventh was the best finish I could pull off tonight. I’m going to go back to the drawing board, get my starts dialed and we’ll be back in Phoenix and ready to be back on the podium!”

Justin Barcia
Cooper Webb – P8

“Extremely tough night tonight at A2. I didn’t get a great start and I was pretty buried in the pack early on. I was able to make some passes and get up to around seventh, and then ended up falling backwards a few spots. I was able to get back up, make some more passes and ended up eighth. Definitely not a great night at all, but the only thing we can do now is regroup and try to get better for next weekend in Arizona.”

Cooper Webb
Ken Roczen – P13

“Our weekend was a nightmare. I’ve been struggling lately with my bike setup, just not really getting comfortable. It was a tough one for us but we did decent; when nighttime comes, it seems like we always get our stuff together. I got second in the heat race, and we got the holeshot in the main event. Things were going pretty decent. I struggled with the whoops so that was definitely not my strong point; I almost went down there once, and the same lap I got taken down by [Jason] Anderson – unfortunately left the door open. Probably not the right turn for him to put on a pass, but obviously it got me and I crashed pretty hard right there. I had to make a stop after that to get all the sand out of my goggles, and our night was pretty much over after that; I could only salvage 13th place, but we never gave up. We’re quite a few points down. It’s a bummer, but I’m looking forward to next weekend to get some consistency in and do some training and riding; I couldn’t really do that last week. Hopefully we’ll head to Phoenix with a bit more confidence and more riding time under my belt.”

Ken Roczen

450 Main Results

Pos Rider Bike Laps/Interval
1 Eli Tomac Yamaha 20 Laps
2 Jason Anderson Kawasaki +04.619
3 Chase Sexton Honda +06.644
4 Dylan Ferrandis Yamaha +15.997
5 Malcolm Stewart Husqvarna +18.695
6 Marvin Musquin KTM +20.387
7 Justin Barcia GASGAS +35.384
8 Cooper Webb KTM +42.691
9 Dean Wilson Husqvarna +44.500
10 Shane McElrath KTM  +54.115
11 Max Anstie KTM +57.597
12 Brandon Hartranft Suzuki +59.753
13 Ken Roczen Honda +1:00.886
14 Justin Bogle Suzuki +1:12.661
15 Mitchell Oldenburg Honda 19 Laps
16 Kyle Chisholm Yamaha +05.101
17 Alex Martin Yamaha +29.954
18 Josh Hill KTM +30.994
19 Ryan Breece Yamaha +41.038
20 Fredrik Noren KTM 18 Laps
21 Justin Brayton Honda 14 Laps
22 Aaron Plessinger KTM 2 Laps

450 Championship Standings (Round 4 of 17)

Pos Rider Rnd1 Rnd2 Rnd3 Rnd4 Total
1 Eli Tomac 17 19 23 26 85
2 Chase Sexton 18 14 26 21 79
3 Jason Anderson 13 26 15 23 77
4 Cooper Webb 23 16 19 15 73
5 Justin Barcia 21 21 14 16 72
6 Malcolm Stewart 16 18 18 18 70
7 Dylan Ferrandis 7 17 21 19 64
8 Marvin Musquin 19 15 13 17 64
9 Ken Roczen 26 10 16 10 62
10 Aaron Plessinger 14 23 17 1 55
11 Dean Wilson 11 13 9 14 47
12 Max Anstie 9 8 11 12 40
13 Shane McElrath 5 9 10 13 37
14 Brandon Hartranft 6 7 8 11 32
15 Joey Savatgy 15 12 27
16 Justin Brayton 10 12 2 24
17 Adam Cianciarulo 12 11 23
18 Mitchell Oldenburg 8 7 8 23
19 Kyle Chisholm 5 6 7 18
20 Alex Martin 6 3 6 15
21 Josh Hill 0 3 5 5 13
22 Justin Bogle 0 1 0 9 10
23 Ryan Breece 1 0 4 4 9
24 Fredrik Noren 3 2 3 8
25 Justin Starling 2 4 0 6
26 Cade Clason 4 0 4
27 Joan Cros 0 2 0 2
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250 Main

Vince Friese and Michael Mosiman got the best starts but Christian Craig was soon on the move and up to third after the first few turns.  Jo Shimoda then took the battle back up to Craig to move back up to that third position. Jalek Swoll and Hunter Lawrence were fifth and sixth respectively at this early juncture.

Shimoda and Craig

Mosiman moved through to the lead as Friese and Craig tussled over second position, after the championship leader had got the better of Shimoda once again. Their battle was allowing Mosiman to break away a little. Hunter Lawrence was now up to  fourth with 12-minutes still left on the shot clock.

Christian Craig eventually broke away from Friese and chased down Mosiman. With five-minutes remaining Craig put a fairly stiff move on Mosiman, the GASGAS rider came back at him at the next turn and could have pushed him over the edge but instead kept his riding clean and stayed in second, that was a pivotal moment in the race.

Hunter Lawrence

Hunter Lawrence was attacking the track while trying to look for a way past Vince Friese for third place with two-minutes left on the clock. Jo Shimoda was not out of that battle either and could capitalise if either Friese or Lawrence make a mistake. The situation was tight with two laps to run.  Friese then went down in the whoops, perhaps succumbing to the pressure from Lawrence, Shimoda then hit Friese as the Kawasaki man had nowhere to go, it was ugly but both men were okay.

Up front Christian Craig had pulled away from Mosiman and that pair looked settled in those 1-2 positions while the incident between Friese and Shimoda had made Lawrence’s third place finish look safe.

Christian Craig

Christian Craig went on to victory and with it extended his championship lead over Hunter Lawrence to 11-points.  With second place Michael Mosiman strengthened his third place on the points table and is now only three-points behind Lawrence.

A great consistent start to the season for Lawrence, who, while not visiting the top step on the podium yet, he has been on the podium at every round so far this season.

Supercross next heads to Glendale in Arizona for round five of what is a ten round 250 West Championship.

Christian Craig – P1

“The day started out pretty good. The track was tricky and slippery, but I kept the ball rolling. I qualified well and then went into the heat race, had a good start, and battled with my teammate a little bit. I had a good ride in that one and was able to take the win. In the main event, I just focused on myself and clicked off my laps. I had a good battle with another rider and ended up passing him. I’m stoked to get my third win of the season and extend my points lead. We’re going to try and keep it going and not change anything; just keep doing what I’m doing.”

Christian Craig
Michael Mosiman – P2

“I’m stoked to be here! It’s not too often that these things happen and when they do, I’m just going to enjoy it. Such a good race with Christian, he’s riding so good – I learned a thing or two from him and I think he learned a thing or two from me. We had clean racing out there and it was an absolute blast! I’m going to enjoy it tonight and work on some things. I look forward to challenging him all year and see if we can get some more wins.”

Mosiman and Friese
Hunter Lawrence – P3

“We had a tough day at Anaheim 2, as we just didn’t have the pace. We were kind of struggling from the get-go – a little behind the eightball from the start; we had our work cut out for us. The track was tough during the main event, and everyone was similar in regards to pace. It wasn’t a track that people got fatigued on at all; it felt like the distance was easy on the track tonight, but the track was rough. It was a tough one, but we’re looking to rebound, come back strong and kick Phoenix off with a bang.”

Hunter Lawrence
Nate Thrasher – P4

“It was a good day overall. We had a good qualifying and a good heat race; I just made a couple of mistakes that kind of cost me the win. I didn’t get the best start in the main event and had to come from behind. I just didn’t get around people fast enough and got a little tight there at the end. It wasn’t my best ride, but I felt like I had the speed tonight for a podium and was maybe even able to fight for a win. It was a tough race, and I did the best I could, but it’s not where I want to be. We’re going to keep fighting and keep working, and maybe next weekend, go for a podium.”

Jo Shimoda – P7

“I had an okay start and quickly moved my way to fifth. Most of the race I was in fifth position and just slowly catching up until late in the race when I could see the podium position right there ahead of me. With only a couple of laps left I was really close to third and then Friese crashed in the whoops, and I collided with him. It’s unfortunate that we both fell, but my riding is improving, and I think we made small improvements overall tonight so I’m looking forward to Glendale next weekend.”

Jo Shimoda

250 Main Results

Pos Rider Bike Laps/Interval
1 Christian Craig Yamaha  16 Laps
2 Michael Mosiman GASGAS +02.948
3 Hunter Lawrence Honda +16.945
4 Nate Thrasher Yamaha +23.396
5 Jalek Swoll Husqvarna +45.865
6 Carson Brown KTM +50.552
7 Jo Shimoda Kawasaki +53.867
8 Carson Mumford Suzuki +56.395
9 Robbie Wageman Yamaha +1:01.748
10 Derek Kelley KTM +1:09.971
11 Dylan Walsh Kawasaki 15 Laps
12 Cole Thompson Yamaha +00.528
13 Mitchell Harrison GASGAS +09.070
14 Logan Karnow Kawasaki +29.284
15 Dominique Thury Yamaha +32.073
16 Hunter Schlosser Yamaha +33.303
17 Justin  Rodbell Kawasaki +42.440
18 Mcclellan Hile Honda +54.119
19 Vince Friese Honda 14 Laps
20 Kaeden Amerine KTM +2m12.603
21 Richard Taylor Yamaha 9 Laps
22 Chris Blose GASGAS 5 Laps

250 West Championship Standings (Round 4 of 10)

Pos Rider Rnd1 Rnd2 Rnd3 Rnd4 Points
1 Christian Craig 26 26 21 26 99
2 Hunter Lawrence 21 23 23 21 88
3 Michael Mosiman 17 19 26 23 85
4 Jo Shimoda 16 16 18 16 66
5 Nate Thrasher 11 18 15 19 63
6 Vince Friese 18 17 19 4 58
7 Carson Mumford 13 9 17 15 54
8 Robbie Wageman 15 13 9 14 51
9 Cole Thompson 9 11 14 11 45
10 Seth Hammaker 23 21 44
11 Carson Brown 10 13 17 40
12 Chris Blose 12 14 10 1 37
13 Garrett Marchbanks 19 15 1 35
14 Jalek Swoll 16 18 34
15 Dylan Walsh 6 0 12 12 30
16 Derek Kelley 2 11 13 26
17 Dilan Schwartz 8 12 6 0 26
18 Dominique Thury 14 3 8 25
19 Ryan Surratt 7 7 8 0 22
20 Mitchell Harrison 10 10 20
21 Logan Karnow 5 6 9 20
22 Devin Harriman 1 8 7 0 16
23 Hunter Schlosser 4 5 7 16
24 Dylan Woodcock 4 5 9
25 Kaeden Amerine 3 0 3 3 9
26 Justin  Rodbell 2 6 8
27 Mcclellan Hile 0 0 5 5
28 Brandon Ray 0 4 4
29 Gared Steinke 0 2 0 0 2
30 Richard Taylor 0 2 2
31 Jerry Robin 1 0 0 1

Source: MCNews.com.au

Jacob Roulstone Interview/Profile | A chat before Jacob heads to Europe

Jacob Roulstone Profile

Jacob Roulstone is another of Australia’s many talented riders that will be competing in two prestigious championships in Europe this year as he graduates from two years in the European Talent Cup into the recently rebranded FIM Junior GP World Championship (formerly the CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship), as well as competing in the 16th running of the Red Bull Rookies Cup (RBRC).  Along with fellow countryman, Harrison Voight it will be a doubled-pronged attack of Aussie representation in both classes for ’22.

In the past few years, Jacob has flown under the radar, as he chases that “yellow brick road” of dreams. He may have gone unnoticed by many on the outside, but he’s been making a big impression on many in the race paddocks, and that’s why this year, he has his best prospects of success thus far in his relatively short road racing career. 

While he has done plenty of laps of the dirt and bitumen in Australia, the majority of his road racing experiences have been in Asia and Spain. It’s not through choice. It’s just the way it’s all unfolded.

Roulstone kicked off his international travels with the Asia Talent Cup in 2019 where he finished 11th, with five top ten finishes from the 12 races contested.

Asia Talent Cup Selections Jacob Roulstone
Jacob Roulstone – Asia Talent Cup 2019

In that year he also competed in Australia in the new Oceania Junior Cup as well as the 300cc classes but due to date clashes with the ATC, missed three rounds of the ASBK titles.

At the end of 2019 he received an offer to compete in the European Talent Cup, a class of the Spanish CEV Championships, with the Leopard Impala Junior Team and the decision was made to relocate.

With the onslaught of the plague, it was almost over before it started. No sooner had Jacob and his mother, Leah arrived in Spain, the country went into complete lockdown. The pair were confined to their hotel room for 105 days and for the first 10 weeks of lockdown they weren’t allowed out of their room. Contemplate that predicament…

That confined experience would test the mettle of anyone, but for a 15-year-old champing at the bit to go racing and explore new frontiers, it would’ve been extremely challenging – to say the least! 

And not only for Jacob. 

Parents would empathise with Leah’s plight being locked in a as she attempted to cook up a storm with just a microwave oven and a single hot-plate! There’s only so much hotel room service food one can handle at the best of times, let along in a lockdown

Thankfully, the season was contested and at the completion of his first year in the ETC, Roulstone finished a very creditable 17th overall with a brace of top ten finishes. 

OJC Round RbMotoLens Jacob Roulstone
Jacob Roulstone – OJC 2019 – Image RbMotoLens

Pretty impressive considering the circumstances. Especially in a field stacked with locals who knew all the vagaries of the local tracks that hosted the ETC after racing on the tracks for years.

The progression and improvement continued in the ETC last year, after he signed again with the Leopold Impala Junior team. 

Jacob kicked off the year perfectly with a win at the opening round at Estoril (Portugal), however he had to wait until the final round at Valencia to climb the podium again: In the first race of the final round, he finished second, 0.120 sec off the win and backed that up with third place in his final race in ETC, for ninth overall. 

After two years in the European Talent Cup, Jacob makes the move upwards into the newly-named “Junior GP” category with the highly regarded, and vastly experienced personnel involved with the Aspar Gas Gas Junior Team, owned by multiple world champion and living legend, Jorge “Aspar” Martinez.  

Jacob Roulstone seen here running #12 in the FIM CEV Repsol series late in 2021

Being signed to the team is a massive dose of credibility and the faith they have in Jacob’s ability. For a rider to sign with Team Aspar you have to have that “something”. 

It’s not all about money, as some may have you believe, as all riders – particularly Spaniards – dream of a ride in Aspar’s team. 

Jacob’s signing for the future is also kudos to Aspar for looking outside the locals of the Iberian peninsula to sign the Australian teenager, when there may have been plenty of attractive alternatives. 

Martinez has not only taken notice of his efforts, but has brought him into the fold, and not with just a short term plan. There are long tern goals pencilled in for the teenager, if Roulstone can deliver.

Hopefully with the faith shown by Martinez, in the next year or so, Jacob’s name and his talents will become more familiar to followers of road racing, not only in Australia, but worldwide. 


Jacob Roulstone
DOB: 4 Feb 2005
Lives: Jamberoo (NSW)

Mark Bracks: So where did you start? Were you a dirt tracker like many others? 

Jacob Roulstone: “Firstly, I started with MX for a bit of fun. When I was younger, Dad did a bit of road racing so we were always around that. We tried some flat track and enjoyed that, traveling all over for a couple of years. I won three Australian Championships in 85-150cc Big Wheel  and 80cc modified.

“I also rode an NSF100 at the local kart track, every week nothing major, just working on the small bike. My father wanted me to be able to push the small bikes around, lose the front, lose the rear and learn on an old Moriwaki 80 as well around places like Eastern Creek and Wakefield, with the St George club. and then at Broadford and at Phillip Island.

Asia Talent Cup Selections Jacob Roulstone
Jacob Roulstone was selected for the 2019 Asia Talent Cup and made the cut, hence the emotion in this shot taken at the try-outs

“In 2018 we went to the ATC try-outs and I was fortunate to be invited to do the ATC in 2019, where my best result was a fourth.

“Also in 2019, I did the new Oceania Junior Cup and the 300cc classes as well. I never really gelled with the 300 bikes. At the time I was only quite small, and very light, and it was difficult to move around on the larger machine.

“I suit the Moto 3 and the European Talent bikes a lot better, but I have shot up in the last year.

“After the ATC I went to Europe for the 2020 European Talent Cup with the Leopard Impala Junior Team, riding a Honda NSF250R, the same bikes as ATC except we had more data. When I went over to Europe I was a year older than a lot of the riders because they do stuff a lot earlier now.

“For ’22 my dreams are coming true as I have been signed with the Aspar Gas Gas junior team. They are a very good team.

Jacob Roulstone joins GasGas Aspar Team for 2022

“As well, I have been lucky enough to be selected for the RBRC as well.

“The Gas Gas Moto 3 is pretty much a KTM, like the Rookies bike, so they are quite similar. If we were on a Honda , like in the ETC, it would be more difficult to jump from one to another.”

Bracks: How do you rate your last couple of years?

Roulstone: “Really good. In 2020 I had not many expectations. It was a learning year; what it was like living over in Europe. I learnt all the data engineering, all the differences so you can ride over there as it is very different to here; how they ride. They’re a lot more aggressive. A lot faster. 

“In 2021 they were about two-seconds faster than in 2020. I don’t know why. It was just ridiculous. They’re closer to Moto3 times which is incredible. 

“To finish ninth in the championship out of 50 riders is quite good and to be the first of the  internationals, I think up to 15th, the rest were Spanish is very good too. It was productive year and I am extremely happy with it.”

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Jacob Roulstone ZA
Jacob Roulstone put in a strong performance for a fifth place result in the Asia Talent Cup round at Sepang late in 2019

Bracks: No doubt that had a bearing with where you have ended up with the team for this year.

Roulstone: “Absolutely. You could be the best kid but you still have to have the results.”

Bracks:  But you have to behave off the bike as well.

Roulstone: “Yes for sure. You don’t want you or your team to be disrespectful. Sometime you have to bite your lip if there is an issue. You always have to be thinking about that. My parents have taught me quite well in that regard.”

Bracks: You seem to have had a similar path to Harry Voight racing against each other growing up and now in the same class again this year? 

Roulstone:” Yeah we were doing the same thing with dirt track for awhile so we have raced against each other a bit but I think he went to road racing a year or so before I did. Should be fun to be on track with him again like back in 2019 with the ATC.”

Bracks: So are you learning a trade or anything?

Roulstone: “I am still doing school. I do school every day. I have a tutor. I don’t like sitting around doing nothing . I do distance education. It’s a little bit like home schooling but all the work is already set out for us. I do that every morning until about 1 o’ clock then I’ll do all my exercises, go to my trainer, gym or we go riding or something along this lines. It’s all pretty serious. I will definitely do some studies in engineering or something like that.  I do enjoy that. If I don’t make it I can’t do nothing. I have to have something to fall back on.”

Bracks: Where are you based over there? 

Roulstone: “We live north of Barcelona near Gerona on the Costa Brava. We live at one of the old team bosses houses. We still have a great relationship with all of them which is good. Even though I have left their team we are still a part of the family. They help me with everything; my training and help me with riding. It’s difficult sometimes over there, but we have good relationships with people which makes a big difference.”

Bracks: So are you pretty fluent with Spanish now? 

Roulstone: “I can understand what they are talking about, but i find it very difficult to speak. Hopefully this time next year I’ll be able to speak it fluently. That’s my goal for the year, besides riding.”

Bracks: Spanish or Catalan as you live in Catalunya? 

Roulstone: “I haven’t had my sights on learning Catalan whatsoever. It’s too difficult. (with a laugh).”

Bracks: Yeah I know exactly what you mean. It sounds like you’ve got your heart set on being in Spain for the next few years then?

Roulstone: “Absolutely. It’s the place to be.

“This year is a learning year like 2021 was; learning a new team and a new bike. They are a high profile team, so there will be expectations, so I’ll be going out and trying to win each time but its going to be extremely… a lot more difficult than it was. I’m not having huge expectations but every time I go out, I’ll try and win. That’s just me. 

“In the RBRC I believe I can go quite good. My goal is to get two years in each championship to do this year, then next year.  In just about every session I want to be top ten and my goal is to finish with a podium or two. It’s going to be difficult. But I have the right team, I have the right people around me who I believe can get me there.

“I wanted to bring my crew chief and mechanics but they couldn’t  do it for one reason or another. I have new everything: Two new mechanics and two new data engineers but it’ll be good as with rookies and Moto3 I have the same mechanics so I’ll be able to get a good relationship with them.

“I will have to learn with my new data engineer. They are good people. It’s all learning and taking in the experience.”

Bracks: Do you get on with other riders?

Roulstone: “We have a good little group of internationals; a Canadian and American. It’s the group we train with during the week. I try to have a good relationship with all the riders. Some struggle with that but I’ve been able to set up good relationships with the Spanish and some, I am great friends with.”

Bracks: So when does this year’s adventure start? 

Roulstone: “We are leaving on February 7. We have an Aspar training week the day after we arrive so we head straight down to Valencia.”

Bracks: All the best, with the next chapter, mate.

Roulstone: “Thanks, Bracksy. I’ll be giving it a good crack!”

Source: MCNews.com.au