Tag Archives: Motorsport

Historic Winton races return

The 44th Historic Winton race event for classic motorcycles and cars returns in May 2021 after being cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 endemic.

Sadly, it’s a scaled-back event with no spectators allowed at the Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla in Victoria.

That’s a shame as Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting not only attracts some great historic motorcycles to race, but also for displays and trade stalls.

The 43rd Historic Winton in 2019 attracted more than 400 historic racing motorbikes, sidecars and cars from the 1920s to the 1980s.

The 44th Historic Winton for historic car and motorbike competitors will be held on 2223 May 2021 under a Tier Three COVID Permit, says organiser Len Kerwood.

Attendance will be restricted to competitors, pit crews and officials.

At this stage, no public tickets will be available, and invitations to clubs for displays will not be possible.

“We are saddened that our event will not take its usual shape, and have not made this decision lightly,” Len says. 

“However, the costs involved in the strict COVID Safe compliance and the continually changing Government requirements, has led us to this decision.

Veterans MC Victoria Chapter

“Our loyal supporters; the spectators, car and motorcycle clubs, sponsors, advertisers and trade vendors will be greatly missed, however the running of the scaled back event will continue to support historic motorsport and keep Historic Winton alive for future years.”

But keep your fingers crossed because, if COVID restrictions are eased, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for spectators.

“If eased restrictions are in place, it may be possible to have spectators, but this will be determined in coming weeks,” Len says.  

Stay tuned for announcements on the Historic Winton website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP vs Formula One: Which is Faster, Two Wheels or Four?

While it was very nice of MotoGP to put out droves of content for free, nothing quite compares to the thrills of live, high-speed motorbikes. After a long wait, MotoGP has returned with a new schedule, with a sleek stack of races across Europe and a few more earmarked to take place in North America, South America, and Asia, pending confirmation. As of 19 July, MotoGP is back, with the Circuito de Jerez hosting the first of a confirmed 13 races that’ll give the super-powered bikes a place to burn some rubber and compete for the championship. Alongside MotoGP, another high-velocity sport has made its return, Formula One, so we thought it prudent to check out the two racing tournaments side-by-side to see if two wheels are faster than four.

The insane speeds of MotoGP bikes

The Qatar tests from February 2020 laid down some incredible speeds. Top of the pile was Jack Miller on a Ducati, clocking in at 355.2 kph (220.7 mph). Close behind was Danilo Petrucci at 352.9 kph, Francesco Bagnaia at 351.7 kph, and Johann Zarco at 350.6 kph; all of whom were also riding a Ducati bike. It may be surprising that, despite his dominance, Marc Marquez doesn’t have the fastest bike in MotoGP, with his Honda reaching a top speed of 346.1 kph. The top speed of these Qatar tests wasn’t too far off of the record, with the Ducati of Andrea Dovizioso hitting 356.5 kph (221.5 mph) at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley.

Away from the track, manufacturers are pushing the limits of what we thought was possible on two wheels with absurdly fast models. In the electric motorcycle space, Venturi’s BB2.5 prototype hit a staggering 495 kph (307.6 mph) in testing, while they say their BB3 model can hit unheralded heights of 700 kph (434.96 mph). As for what can be purchased on the market, the 2019 MTT 420RR is claimed to be the fastest motorcycle, with a top speed of 273.4 mph (440 kph). The speeds put up by the stars of MotoGP and commercial companies have set the bar very high for four-wheeled vehicles.

Four wheels competing at the highest level

Formula One is regarded as one of the most intense sports in the world, with the top speeds of F1 cars during races hitting absurd heights. In 2005, the bar was set at the Italian Grand Prix, with the McLaren-Mercedes driven by Juan Pablo Montoya getting to 372.6 kph (231.5 mph). It took 11 years, but during practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, one Valtteri Bottas crept over the bar by hitting a top speed of 378 kph (234.9 mph) in 2016. Much like in MotoGP, having the fastest car doesn’t necessarily lead to victory, with the Ferrari hitting the fastest speed of 336.7 kph (209.1 mph) in 2020, and yet they don’t lead the way.

He may be the clear back-up driver to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, but Bottas is still laying down some incredible speeds to take points, finishing the race headlining F1’s return, the Austrian Grand Prix, in first place. Bottas claimed the top spot, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari came in second, and Lando Norris in the McLaren-Renault came in third after Hamilton was deducted points. Such a display from Bottas and his historic speeds have earned the Finn a lot of favour and, as of 6 July, he’s the second-favourite at 2/1 to win the Drivers’ Championship while topping the standings. Of course, not everyone can drive an F1 car, with the fastest four-wheeler on the market being the almighty Bugatti Chiron Sport, which hits 261 mph (420 kph) with the pedal down.

Two vs Four: split decision

When comparing motorbikes and cars at the highest levels of competition, the vehicles of MotoGP come up just a little bit short on those of Formula One. At 221.5 mph on a bike to 234.9 mph in an F1 car, Moto GP is slower, but both are incredible speeds to hit in the heat of competition and while utilising the skill required to navigate tracks and other drivers. As reaffirmed by Red Bull, F1 cars can go faster around a track than MotoGP motorbikes. On the commercial side, however, those seeking the fastest speeds should opt for a top-of-the-range motorbike, with the 2019 MTT 420RR’s top speed of 273.4 mph eclipsing that of the Bugatti Chiron Sport’s 261 mph.

So, in the world of motorsport, the conditions are in place to allow the four-wheeled Formula One cars to go faster than MotoGP’s two-wheelers. However, if you want to own the fastest bike or car, you’ll find the top speeds in a motorbike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

5 Steps To Make Your Dream Of Becoming A Pro Motorcycle Rider Come True

Have you ever dreamed about riding on a beautiful motorcycle like a pro? And would you ever like to take part in international competitions for motorcycle races? We already know your answer to both questions is “yes”. So, let’s see how you can get closer to the world of the two-wheels seriously and effectively.

Insight In The World Of Motorcycle Races

pro motorcycle riders

It’s honest to tell you that starting a career in this field is not that easy. Besides that, consider that not all the new motorcycle riders that enter the world of competitions can reach large popularity among worldwide followers. Only the bravest can do it, but this doesn’ t mean that you aren’t the perfect guy to skyrocket in the motorcycle field! All you should do is to try it and see what it happens then.

There’s much to talk about motorcycles and the entire industry that rotates around the two-wheels. Probably, one of the best-known aspects of it is connected to gambling. Motorcycle races are indeed one of the most appealing sports betting options picked by thousands of fervent followers each week. You can place your bet on your favorite motorcycle rider or motorcycle brand by going to local sports betting venue or by picking a recommended and 100% safe online guide like https://www.casinosnavi.com/. If you prefer comfort and 24/7 availability, your best choice is the latter one. Take a minute and visit the guide to discover the best sports betting virtual venues selected by proven Japanese experts of all kinds of sports and racing.

winnerBefore You Start Thinking Big

Your dreams matter – that’s why you can’t think of a life without making your dreams come true. Especially if you are young, your dreams seem to weight even more on your life decisions. If you are intentioned to become the next great motorcycle rider of our times, make sure you are truly ready to that before you even start moving your first steps into this industry.

First and foremost, riding a motorcycle is different than becoming a pro rider. A pro rider has to take long practice sessions, he has to learn and master the skill. It’s not for the pleasure of riding a two-wheeled one, but for the goal of winning in the next competition. As you can see, it’s a completely different thing. So, make sure this is what you want for your life, your future career, and human relationships.

Basic Steps That Will Get You In

You want to try it. Great choice! Now, it’s time for you to take note of the basic steps that will allow you to get in the motorcycle industry as a pro:

  1. Pick the right motorcycle
    The first requirement for a pro rider is to own a pro motorcycle model. You should first try different models to find out the best one for you, it’s a matter of personal feeling so you won’t find any benefit in asking people on this point. Just make sure the motorcycle you are riding gives you a sense of freedom, comfort, and it fits your body.
  2. Appropriate trainingtraining
    Like any other sport, training plays its part and you can’t become anyone without it. Training is precious to learn the skill, the tricks, and to get more familiar with the vehicle responsiveness to specific changes of directions or other maneuvers. Moreover, training can get you mentally and physically ready for any competition.
  3. Practice tips
    Although you’ll have to ride your motorcycle on a track made of asphalt, it’s always recommended to take some practice on different kinds fo tracks, like gravel roads, off-road tracks, unsurfaced roads, and any kinds of terrains that expose you to new challenges to overcome. This tip will help you refine your riding techniques, as well.
  4. Put on the right gear
    As to motorcycle gear, you have plenty of choices. However, not all pieces of gear in the market are the same value for professional use. Let your trainer advise you about the best models, brands, size, and kinds of gear that will keep you comfortable and safe when driving during practice sessions and competition.
  5. Tires
    Finally, make sure to come always well equipped with the perfect tires for your motorcycle. During your practice and training sessions, make sure your motorcycle has the right tires on. Avoid changing tire brand unless you have enough time to try the new brand and see if it fits you well.

Ready to go? If you are even more enthusiastic about starting a career as a pro than you were a day ago, it’s a sign that you are ready to give it a try. Contact an expert trainer to get more information on how you can get started training.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

2020 MotoGP calendar announced

The 2020 MotoGP Championship will finally go ahead with between 13 and 17 races from July 19 in Spain, at the Jerez – Ángel Nieto Circuit.

The official calendar has now been released by FIM and Dorna Sports.

The first event on March 8 in Qatar for the MotoGP class was cancelled and subsequently all other events were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

MotoGP events will be squeezed into a four-month period with several events run twice at the same circuit.

There are 13 events in Europe confirmed with four more events outside the continent still to be confirmed.

Australia is not included in the calendar.

The first MotoGP race of the 2020 season will be held on Sunday 19 July on the Circuito de Jerez- Ángel Nieto, which will also host a second GP on the following weekend, on 26 July. Subsequently, the calendar will become very demanding on riders and teams with races almost every weekend.

The championship could also see the Grand Prix of the United States (Austin), Argentina (Termas de Rio Hondo), Thailand (Buriram) and Malaysia (Sepang), which have not yet been confirmed and which could bring the season up to the deadline of December 13.

2020 MotoGP calendar2020 MotoGP Calendar2020 MotoGP Calendar

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Jack Miller to ride for factory Ducati team

Aussie MotoGP rider Jack Miller, 25, has signed with the official Ducati Team for the 2021 MotoGP World Championship.

The agreement for next season includes an option to extend the contract for 2022.

Miller won the German IDM 125ccc championship in 2011 and was runner-up in the 2014 Moto3 championship.

The Townsville racer made his MotoGP debut in 2015 at the age of 20 and joined Ducati in 2018 with the Pramac Racing Team, the factory-supported team of the Bologna manufacturer.

He has one MotoGP win to his name and finished last season eighth overall in the standings last year, taking five podiums.

Miller follows former MotoGP champ and fellow Australian Casey Stoner who last gave Ducati a taste of championship victory in 2007.

Dream come trueJack Miller helmet motoGP biushfire appeal

Dream come true for Miller

“I always had dreams of becoming a fully-fledged factory rider,” he says.

“Fair to say I didn’t think it would happen with me sitting at home in Townsville having not raced for six months, but 2020 has been a strange old year.

“But it’s done, and having my 2021 plans sorted out so early is so exciting with what I’ll be doing, and in many ways a dream come true for me.

“When I got to MotoGP in 2015, this is what I was always chasing, so to have it actually happening is a bit surreal. But it’s the reality, and it feels bloody good.”

Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali says that since Jack arrived in the Pramac Racing Team, he has “grown steadily, proving himself one of the fastest and most talented riders in the championship”.

“So we are happy that he has agreed to ride the official Desmosedici GP bike of the Ducati Team next year,” he says.

“We are convinced that Jack has all the right skills to fight continuously for the positions that matter, in every race, starting already this season with the Desmosedici GP20 of the Pramac Racing Team, and taking a further step forward next year thanks to the support of the Ducati Team.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Virus travel bans hit motorsports

Travel bans are set to throw international motorsport such as MotoGP, World Superbkes and the Isle of Man TT into disarray this year.

In a rapidly changing world of travel bans, the first round of the MotoGP at Losail, Qatar, this weekend was cancelled yesterday (2 March 2020).

Then Thailand announced it had postponed the second round, but only hours later cancelled the whole event.

The decisions follow the postponement of the 2020 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, the Moto2 and Moto3 races this weekend in Qatar will still go ahead as the riders were already in the country for testing.

One of the main reasons for the cancellation is that so many riders come from Italy where the contagion has spread rapidly, even causing Vespa and Ducati museums to close.

Ducati museum on Google MapsDucati museum

Travel bans

Qatar has now enforced a two-week quarantine on direct flights from Italy.

That should also affect the World Superikes which is due to be staged there next weekend (13-15 March 2020).

However, there is no announcement yet about that event.

How far the MotoGP and World Superbikes schedule will be affected is anyone’s guess.

The North and South American MotoGP rounds in April may go aead because they do not have travel bans … yet.

But then the MotoGP and WSBK return to Europe where talk of travel bans is growing.

Even the Isle of Man has issued a statement about its TT events from 30 May to 12 June.

Isle of Mann TT Superstock sart travel bansIsle of Mann TT

“The Isle of Man Government is carefully monitoring the Island’s position regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) with a cross-government working group established to regularly review the changing situation,” organisers say.

“While the threat to the public in the Isle of Man remains low, a number of future contingency scenarios are being considered. This is usual practice and is in line with the WHO advice for preparations in case of a pandemic.

“The risk is low and preparations for this year’s TT remain on schedule. Work will continue as usual in order to ensure another successful TT. 

“The Organisers, in partnership with the Department for Enterprise and the Isle of Man Government and in line with experts in the UK, will continue to monitor the situation.”

If we’re stuck at home with this virus there won’t even be anything decent to watch on TV!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aussies do us proud in tough African rally

As we celebrate Australia Day weekend and Toby Price’s podium finish in last week’s Dakar Rally, let’s also celebrate three Aussie riders in an equally tough African rally.

Three Australians competed in the gruelling 14-day 2020 Africa ECO Race from France to Senegal.

The event is probably closer to the original Dakar Rally when it was held in Europe and Africa before shifting to South America after a 2008 terrorist threat cancelled the event. This year it moved to Saudi Arabia to “follow the oil money”!

Aussies do us proud

Matt Sutherland African rallyMatt Sutherland

Australia was proudly represented at the Africa ECO Race by Matt Sutherland (KTM), Andrew Houlihan (KTM) and Peter Caldwell (KTM).

Matt, who was born in Ballarat but now lives in Vancouver, was a late entry replacing a rider in Lyndon Poskitt’s Team Races 2 Places who had to withdraw due to illness. Matt finished the rally in seventh place.

“It was a crazy hard race,” he says.

Matt Sutherland African rallyMatt Sutherland

Andrew (pictured top of the page) from Albury is an experienced international off-road racer. He finished 21st outright and is on a mission to compete in the Dakar next year.

“I came with no expectations other than to finish,” says Andrew.

“I had a couple of bad days and a few really good days.”

He has already had great success in Australia and now has backing from Coca-Cola Energy for next year’s Dakar.

2020 Africa ECO Race Andrew HoulihanAndrew Houlihan

Peter, who now lives in Saudi Arabia, finished 36th after losing plenty of time in an early stage when he got lost in the sand dunes.

He finished 30 hours off the pace so even finishing the tough event was a great achievement.

Peter Caldwell Africa RallyPeter Caldwell

African event

Riders struggled over the 14-day event with the demanding terrain, some stranded in the desert for up to 30 hours. One stage has to be cut short due to multiple serious crashes requiring evacuations by helicopter.

The Africa ECO Race is an annual rally raid that starts in Europe and retraces much of the path of the original Paris-Dakar rally, ending on the banks of the famous pink lake – Lac Rose – in Senegal.

The event started after the 2008 Dakar was cancelled one day before it was due to start amid fears of a terrorist attack in Mauritania.

While the Dakar was relocated to South America, diehard fans were disappointed it had left Africa.

So the ECO Race was created to ensure the original format and character of the Paris-Dakar continued.

Matt Sutherland African rallyMatt Sutherland

Andrew says they travelled through “some of the toughest terrain in the world.”

“Whilst the Dakar Rally is the best known rally in the world, the Africa ECO Race is often referred to as the real race to Dakar as it retraces much of the old Paris-Dakar route and finishes at the original end point in Dakar, Senegal.”

This year’s event started under lights in Monaco on 4 January 2020.

Competitors then travelled to the port of Savona in Italy to board a ferry which took them to Tangier in Morocco.

From there they competed for 12 days racing over a distance of 6,500km through the mind-blowing landscapes of Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal.African rally

Each stage was between 300 to 750km, with the average day being a distance of 400 to 500km.

The race was won by Italian Allesdandro Botturi on a Yamaha, ahead of mostly KTM riders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Good Samaritan Toby Price on Dakar podium

A Good Samaritan act, shortened and cancelled stages and incorrect roadblocks hampered Toby Price in his valiant efforts to win his third Dakar Rally.

Despite all the hurdles, Toby finished on the podium today as the best KTM rider after a strong third place in the 429km 12th and final stage.

 

The event was won by American Ricky Brabec (Honda), the first American to win the gruelling event held for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

Ricky also brought to an end KTM’s winning streak of 18 titles with his 16-minute win over Chilean Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna).

Toby Price Good Samaritan Dakar RallyToby congratulates Ricky

Good Samaritan

Toby had said he was “comforted” by the fact that he virtually sacrificed his third rally win by being the first to stop for fallen rider Paulo Goncalves in the seventh stage.

Sadly Paulo later died and the eighth stage was cancelled in his honour, leaving less opportunity for Toby to make up time. The 10th stage was also cut short when too many riders crashed.

In the wake of these setbacks, Toby’s podium finish is a truly champion effort.

Toby Price Dakar rallyToby celebrates with victory donuts!

Toby wasn’t the only Aussie who did us proud in the Dakar as both a tough competitor and aa Good Samaritan.

Mr Consistency, Rodney Faggotter (Yamaha, Queensland) finished most stages in the top 20 and recorded career best 13th outright and a sixth in one stage.

Rodney Faggotter Good Samaritan Dakar RallyRodney Faggotter

Like Toby, on the 10th stage Rodney stopped to help a crashed rider and was given the time back by the officials.

“I had a solid 2 weeks and rode the most ‘in control’ but also at the best I have ever done,” Rodney says.

“The riders in front of me are the best rally riders in the world and most of them full time athletes. I’m pumped to be near and amongst these guys!”

Fellow Aussies Ben Young (KTM), Matthew Tisdall (KTM) and Trevor Wilson have also done well to keep going. 

Ben Young Toby Price attacks in last-ditch Dakar effortBen Young

Ben as finished 70th with an overall 58th position in his second Dakar.

Trevor finished 62nd today and was 70th overall in his debut. The Brisbane schoolteacher flies back home today and will have a celebration party at the Eaton Hills Hotel tomorrow from 1pm.

Trevor Wilson Dakar RallyTrevor Wilson

Matt finished in last place at 100th and placed last in 96th!

However, even to finish a gruelling Dakar is a massive feat and to have all four Aussie entrants complete the event is a tribute to their heroics.

About a third of the 158 field did not finish due to crashes or mechanical failures.

Five women made it to the finish of the Dakar led by Laia Sanz in 17th place overall, with Dutchwoman Mirjam Pol, South Africans Kirsten Landman and Taye Perry, and Spaniard Sara García also in the general classification.

For the first time the Dakar rally was run in the one country, Saudi Arabia, after being run in 35 countries on three continents since 1978.

Toby aids firefightersToby Price Dakar Rally super marathon stage

Like many Aussie sports stars and celebrities, Toby is raising money for the bushfire appeal.

He is auctioning his starting jersey and pants for firefighters

Toby is also doing his bit for the current critical bushfire situation by auctioning his starting jersey and pants with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

It is open worldwide, just send in your bid in Australian dollars on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Current highest bid is still $13,001.

Auction closes on tomorrow (18 January 2020) at 5pm (AEST).

If you can’t bid, please donate on this link. Sp far he has raised more than $5000.

Jack Miller's MotoGP helmetJack Miller’s MotoGP helmet

Meanwhile, Aussie MotoGP racer Jack Miller put his 2018 MotoGP helmet up for auction to raise money for the bushfire crisis.

The auction has closed with 22 bids and the winner bidding $18,000.

Jack will sign and send the helmet to the winning bidder.

Two-time MotoGP champ Casey Stoner says he will auction an old race suit for the first time, but no details are available yet.

Meanwhile, Deus Ex Machina founder Dare Jennings is raffling off his 1977 Triumph T140V.

Triumph bushfireDeus Trumpy

Money raised will be split among the Australia Red Cross, Save The Animals and Rural Fire Service.

You have the chance to win it by making at least a $50 donation via PayPal.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Toby Price stages last-ditch Dakar attack

Toby Price has staged a last-ditch attack on American Ricky Brabec’s lead in the penultimate stage of the Dakar Rally but failed to make up enough time.

The Australian two-time Dakar winner attacked early and clawed back almost six minutes on the Honda rider who seemed to take it easy.

Toby’s attack placed him fifth on the 379km special stage that included about 80km of sand dunes. It was the second part of a two-day marathon stage with no outside help for the riders.

Top 5 finishers on stage 11

POS. EXP. DRIVE-TEAM MARK-MODEL TIME VARIATION PENALITY
1 5 ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING 04H 09′ 22”
2 2 RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM 04H 09′ 31” + 00H 00′ 09”
3 16 RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM 04H 12′ 10” + 00H 02′ 48”
4 17 MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 04H 12′ 15” + 00H 02′ 53”
5 1 RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM 04H 15′ 11” + 00H 05′ 49”

The leading KTM rider is now third overall with only the largely ceremonial final stage to come tomorrow.

That would mean Ricky becomes the first American to win the Dakar and also end KTM’s record winning streak of 18.

Ricky Brabec attackRicky Brabec

Toby had said he was “comforted” by the fact that he virtually sacrificed his third rally win by being the first to stop for fallen rider Paulo Goncalves in the seventh stage.

Sadly Paulo later died and the eighth stage was cancelled in his honour, leaving less opportunity for Toby to make up time.

Toby’s likely podium finish is still a very commendable feat.

“It’s been a good stage and at the moment Honda just needs to protect their lead,” he says.

“The guys are riding fast and riding smart. It’s definitely making it hard for us to try and make up that gap.

“We’re doing our best, we’re trying to keep in the fight. We’ve only got one more day to go. We’re at the end of day eleven.”div class=”videoWrapper”>

(Sorry about the ads. They’re Dakar’s not ours.)

Top 5 outright rankings

POS. EXP. DRIVE-TEAM MARK-MODEL TIME VARIATION PENALITY
1 9 MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 38H 33′ 28”
2 5 ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING 38H 47′ 24” + 00H 13′ 56”
3 1 RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM 38H 56′ 02” + 00H 22′ 34” 00H 02′ 00”
4 2 RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM 39H 03′ 21” + 00H 29′ 53”
5 12 MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 39H 03′ 37” + 00H 30′ 09”

Other Aussies

Dakar Rally Rodney Faggotter attackRodney Faggotter

Other Aussies have also performed well throughout the rally while more than 50 competitors have dropped out from crashes or mechanical failure.

Mr Consistency, Rodney Faggotter (Yamaha, Queensland) has finished all but yesterday’s stage in the top 20.

He finished today in 19th place and is ranked 13th outright.

On the previous stage he stopped to help a crashed rider and was given the time back by the officials.

That have him an outstanding best sixth place on the 10th stage.

Ben Young Toby Price attacks in last-ditch Dakar effortBen Young (foreground)

Fellow Aussies Ben Young (KTM), Matthew Tisdall (KTM) and Brisbane schoolteacher Trevor Wilson have also done well to keep going.

Ben finished 58th which would be his best result yet. It puts him at 57th outright in his second Dakar.

Trevor finished in 8oth position and is now 76th outright, while Matt was 94th and is now 96th and last.

Trevor Wilson Dakar Rally Trevor Wilson on debut

For the first time the Dakar rally is being run in the one country, Saudi Arabia, after being run in 35 countries on three continents since 1978.

Toby aids firefightersToby Price Dakar Rally super marathon stage

Like many Aussie sports stars and celebrities, Toby is raising money for the bushfire appeal.

He is auctioning his starting jersey and pants for firefighters

Toby is also doing his bit for the current critical bushfire situation by auctioning his starting jersey and pants with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

It is open worldwide, just send in your bid in Australian dollars on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Current highest bid is still $13,001.

Auction closes on Saturday (18 January 2020) at 5pm (AEST).

If you can’t bid, please donate on this link. Sp far he has raised abouot $5000.

Jack Miller's MotoGP helmetJack Miller’s MotoGP helmet

Meanwhile, Aussie MotoGP racer Jack Miller put his 2018 MotoGP helmet up for auction to raise money for the bushfire crisis.

The auction has closed with 22 bids and the winner bidding $18,000.

Jack will sign and send the helmet to the winning bidder.

Two-time MotoGP champ Casey Stoner says he will auction an old race suit for the first time, but no details are available yet.

Meanwhile, Deus Ex Machina founder Dare Jennings is raffling off his 1977 Triumph T140V.

Triumph bushfireDeus Trumpy

Money raised will be split among the Australia Red Cross, Save The Animals and Rural Fire Service.

You have the chance to win it by making at least a $50 donation via PayPal.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Toby Price slides in shortened Dakar stage

Toby Price has dropped further off the lead after the marathon 534km 10th stage of the Dakar Rally was substantially shortened for safety reasons following several crashes.

Organisers said their rescue helicopters were all deployed for fallen riders and with strong winds picking up, they decided on a shortened stage.

The Aussie title defender and leading KTM rider finished fourth, some three minutes behind Joan Barreda Bort (Honda, Spain), losing another couple of minutes to outright leader Ricky Brabec (Honda, USA).

If Brabec is victorious, he will be the first American to win the event and break KTM’s streak of 18 wins.

Toby says he is still “comforted” by the fact that he virtually sacrificed his third rally win by being the first to stop for fallen rider Paulo Goncalves in the seventh stage.

Sadly Paulo later died and the eighth stage was cancelled in his honour, leaving less opportunity for Toby to make up time.

Shortened course

Toby Price slips in shortened courseToby tackles the dunes

“Today’s stage was cut short due to safety reasons,” Toby says.

There were a lot of drops throughout the course and I guess when we’re all traveling at such high speeds they do catch you out. I hope there were no serious injuries today and wishing those injured competitors a fast recovery.

“The cancellation of today’s stage has made it that much tougher for us to make up the time we needed. I was hoping to start a little further back tomorrow to make up that time but unfortunately that won’t be happening.

“We’re still in this race and aiming to get to the finish line strong.”

“Now I can really focus on the small number of remaining days to try and close this gap up to the lead,” he says.

Toby is dedicating his race to the loss of his friend, Paulo or “Speedy”.

Toby Price slips in shortened courseToby out on his own

Top 5 rankings

1 9 MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 34H 12′ 18”
2 5 ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING 34H 38′ 02” + 00H 25′ 44”
3 12 MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 34H 39′ 27” + 00H 27′ 09”
4 1 RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM 34H 40′ 51” + 00H 28′ 33” 00H 02′ 00”
5 17 MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020 34H 53′ 49” + 00H 41′ 31” 00H 01′ 00”

Other AussiesRodney Faggotter shortened

Today it was fellow Aussie Rodney Faggotter (Yamaha) who stopped to help a fallen rider.

“He’s going to be ok and got him in the chopper,” says the veteran Queensland competitor.

Rodney stopped in the neutral zone and said it seemed they had run out of choppers to ferry the injured riders.

The consistent rider had his first non-top-20 finish with a 39th placing which only drops him one place to 134th outright.

Despite the big dropout of injured riders in the shortened stage, the other Aussie bike competitors are still in the event.

Fellow Aussie Ben Young (KTM) finished 76th and moves up three spots to 6oth in his second Dakar while Matthew Tisdall (KTM) finished 101st and moves up two spots to 97th.

For the first time the Dakar rally is being run in the one country, Saudi Arabia, after being run in 35 countries on three continents since 1978.

Toby aids firefightersToby Price Dakar Rally super marathon stage

Like many Aussie sports stars and celebrities, Toby is raising money for the bushfire appeal.

He is auctioning his starting jersey and pants for firefighters

Toby is also doing his bit for the current critical bushfire situation by auctioning his starting jersey and pants with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

It is open worldwide, just send in your bid in Australian dollars on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Current highest bid is still $13,001.

Auction closes on 18 January at 5pm (AEST).

If you can’t bid, please donate on this link. Sp far he has raised abouot $5000.

Jack Miller's MotoGP helmetJack Miller’s MotoGP helmet

Meanwhile, Aussie MotoGP racer Jack Miller put his 2018 MotoGP helmet up for auction to raise money for the bushfire crisis.

The auction has closed with 22 bids and the winner bidding $18,000.

Jack will sign and send the helmet to the winning bidder.

Two-time MotoGP champ Casey Stoner says he will auction an old race suit for the first time, but no details are available yet.

Meanwhile, Deus Ex Machina founder Dare Jennings is raffling off his 1977 Triumph T140V.

Triumph bushfireDeus Trumpy

Money raised will be split among the Australia Red Cross, Save The Animals and Rural Fire Service.

You have the chance to win it by making at least a $50 donation via PayPal.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com