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

July 27, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 28, 2020

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Dutch International Motocross

MX1

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

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

Glenn Coldenhoff MX1 winner

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

Romain Febvre = points with Coldenhoff

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

MX2

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

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

Jed Beaton

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

Results – 2020 Dutch International

MX1 – Overall

Glenn Coldenhoff (GasGas) 47pts
Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 47
Gautier Paulin (Yamaha) 38

MX1 – Race 1

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

MX1 – Race 2

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

MX2 – Overall

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

MX2 – Race 1

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

MX2 – Race 2

Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 19 laps, 33:09:002
Ben Watson (Yamaha) 33:09:818
Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 33:29:039
5. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 33:47:382

Broc Tickle to Fill in for Plessinger

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

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

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

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

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS

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

Broc Tickle – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

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

2020 Australian Motocross Championship update

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

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

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

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

Further announcements will be made in due course.

Motorcycling Australia Events Update

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

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

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

2020 Australian Senior Track Championship – Cancelled

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

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

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

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

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

e-FMX World Championship series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TiMX Download Links:  Android – Apple

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

M.A. confirm take over of Australian Motocross Championship

July 10, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

2020 Australian Motocross Championships

To ensure Australia’s premier Motocross Championship continues as a strong platform for its members, and the industry as a whole, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have made the decision to take over the promotion and management of the 2020 season; following the recent departure of Kevin Williams and Williams Event Management (WEM) as the series promoter.

MA is currently in discussions with numerous motocross clubs to secure venue availability and dates for a 2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar.

The response has been very positive, and MA is confident of a five to six rounds championship, between early September and early November along the East Coast is feasible.

The 2020 updated calendar is set to include multiple rounds in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, but will obviously depend on government COVID-19 rules and regulations.

MA are confident with its experience and success promoting the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) and Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), that the Australian Motocross Championships can prosper moving forward.

MA CEO – Peter Doyle

“The prospect of the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship not being able to commence, even in a COVID environment, would have been detrimental to the sport, for the industry and clearly a sad day situation for our members”.

“A national motocross championship is a critical component of a healthy motocross scene in Australia and MA wants to ensure the future success of the series as well as help develop future Australian world champions in the sport.

“We know riders and teams are eager to race, and we are working very hard to develop a 2020 season that will showcases the best motocross action.

“In this difficult COVID-19 environment MA plans to tap into every resource we have, work with the clubs and our partners to ensure that we can provide teams and fans with a realistic championship calendar.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

A chat with Gavin Eales and Travis Whitten

July 9, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Business and racing

The old catch cry line of, ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ has never been more appropriate for two of Yamaha’s motocross teams. They sell the product they race and race the product they sell and use racing as a vital marketing tool in their respective businesses.

Travis Whitten is owner of WBR Motorcycles in Echuca Victoria. The Whitten family have been involved in racing for a long time now, both as racers themselves and now running a team for Yamaha at the national motocross and supercross championships.

WBR stands for Whitten Brothers Racing and race is what they do. Whether it is a national event or with their costumers in the northern Victorian region, you don’t need to look too hard to find a Whitten at a dirt bike race these days.

Gavin Eales is the owner of Serco, a motorcycle distribution company based in Brisbane. The majority of the products Serco import and distribute are used on their race bikes, everything from the Yoshimura exhausts to the Answer gear on their riders.

Serco stands for Stationary Engine Repair Company and what started out as a little mower servicing shop nearly 50 years ago, is now a major player in the motorcycle industry, at a wholesale, retail and racing level.

Both companies and the people in them have long links to racing in some way, shape or form. Eales and Serco started in drag racing, then became involved in speedway but it was when the four-stroke boom of the late 90’s came, that Serco really grabbed another gear and increased their profile in the motorcycle industry.

Australian Supercross Rnd Brisbane TravisWhitten — WBR’s Travis Whitten

For Whitten, the racing bug bit him and his family, then came the pit bike trend and WBR jumped on it with a travelling show of 50cc FMX that toured regional centres and performing at country shows. As the business grew, so did their investment in racing and they now boast one for the few semi-trailers in the pit paddock that not only houses their riders but offers support to their costumer base at several events around the country.

We cornered these two guys to get a quick state of play and how racing has helped their business.

Covid-19 has changed the world, how has your business coped with the pandemic?

TW: “At first, we were very nervous as no-one knew what to expect and the unpredictability of the virus had everyone guessing as to what was going to happen next. But after a few weeks, things seemed to settle down and suddenly people found themselves with a bit more time on their hands and were looking for some recreation to take their mind off things. Dirt bikes proved to be a good way for people to do that and the social distancing didn’t really come into effect. You could simply ride your bike. So, since early April, sales have been strong, and we have been extremely busy keeping up with demand.”

GE: “Like everyone in the industry, we had a month on instability where we weren’t sure what was happening next. We used that time to catch up on a lot of the smaller aspects of the business that get over-looked when you are busy and we got on top of a lot of things. But after that, it has been extremely busy, and we have been pinned. Sales have been strong across all our brands and business is good at the moment.”

Serco Jay Wilson U sx rd — Jay Wilson won the Under-19 Supercross Championship with Serco Yamaha in 2013

Both of you are passionate about racing, why did you get involved with racing and what impact does it have on your business?

TW: “We were passionate first as a competitor, then as a fan so we were just drawn to dirt bikes and the sport in general. As far as an impact goes, it can be hard to measure but my belief is that it has been huge. Since we have become involved in racing we have become the number 1 Yamaha dealer in Victoria and also the number 3 dealer nationally in dirt bikes sales and that comes on the back of our investment in racing and growth of our race team.”

GE: “Serco has always been involved in racing in one form of another. We are a racing family and even now while our main focus is motocross and supercross, we still assist teams and riders in all other disciplines, from drag racing to dirt track. The impact it has is also significant and it even runs through the staff here. They take an interest in what the race team does and our results, it gives the sales team a useable and successful platform to sell our products.”

Luke Clout and Jay Wilson raced for Serco Yamaha in 2014 MX Nationals

Can you see the growth of your business as you have become more invested in racing?

TW: “Yes, we can. We started with Yamaha in 2016 and the growth in sales as been huge in that time. People know if they buy a Yamaha through us that we have a lot of knowledge on the product that not just benefits the racer, but also just the regular bike buyer. We are only fairly new to racing at a national level in the grand scheme of things but having the WBR name used at a national level has no doubt helped our profile and in returned bought business to us.”

GE: “As far as impact goes, no doubt racing has been part of the growth of Serco. It’s much more difficult to measure these days but I can recall times when a photo of our race bikes would appear in a magazine with a new part and we would sell 20 of them that day. The digital age makes it harder to follow and maybe a little slower in some ways to see the impact but there is no doubt racing has been a big benefit to Serco.”

Serco SX Luke Styke sx rd — In 2013 Serco Yamaha’s Luke Styke won both the MX2 MX Nationals Championship and the SX2 Supercross Championship. Gavin Eales celebrates with Luke Styke

When looking at a new product to stock or import, does racing have an input into those decisions of what you would like to sell or stock?

TW: “It does as we only want to use a product that we have faith in and believe it offers a benefit to the rider and a performance gain to the bike. And people also know that when buying that product from us, we can offer the best advice to getting the most from it and we use it because we think it benefits our riders and leads to better results.”

GE: “The product must be good and be able to sell itself so the race team requirements are secondary to us when electing what products to import. From there, the use of that product in the race team becomes part of our marketing strategy. We can to test, work with and gain valuable knowledge of that product in the real world and pass on that info to dealers and riders.”

Serco Yamaha’s Jackson Richardson has made it back to back Australian Supercross Championship victories — Serco Yamaha’s Jackson Richardson made it back to back Australian Supercross Championship victories in 2017 with Serco Yamaha

With racing ground to a halt, what have you been doing with your weekends?

TW: “I’m fortunate in that we just had a baby girl so at the start of the virus and things were shut down, the time away from racing allowed me to spend time with her and my partner and get our new little family settled. But, I also realise just how much I miss racing. As a team we can’t wait to get back to the track and get stuck into it as its been a part of our lives and as a family, we just love doing it.”

GE: “I have actually had the chance to use my boat and get out on the water. During a normal season, we race 15-18 times a year but with nothing on the weekends, I have been able to spend some time on the boat and enjoy the water around South East Queensland.”

Serco yamaha MX Nat champs — Serco Yamaha victorious with Wilson Todd in 2018

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly | MXGP returns in Latvia | Forkner injuries severe

July 7, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 7, 2020

MXGP to return with Latvian triple header

An updated 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar has been issued with a much-anticipated return to racing following a four month break due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The common goal has remained to preserve the maximum number of events in order to make a credible Championship, supporting all the stakeholders with the aim of saving the jobs of everyone in our sport.

Now even if the situation has not yet become completely clear with regards to COVID-19 MXGP starts to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and with the calendar announced MXGP will concentrate a very intense championships into three months for all classes.

The season will resume with a triple race in Kegums for the MXGP of Latvia, Riga and Kegums, with the first event scheduled on the 8-9 of August, followed by a mid-week special on the 11-12 of August, and the final Latvian stop concluding on the 15-16 of August. The Latvian circuit will undergo changes for each event, providing the riders with three completely different racetracks. As it stands, in Latvia there will be a total of 1,000 spectators permitted, with a promise that if the situation improves, numbers will be increased.

The updated calendar will unfortunately see the cancellation of the MXGP of Czech Republic, the MXGP of Sweden and MXGP of Finland from the 2020 MXGP calendar with all being postponed to 2021.

The MXGP of Germany, previously as TBA, as well as the MXGP of Indonesia and Asia scheduled to be held in November have been also postponed to 2021 while the MXGP of Emilia Romagna changed the venue hosting a double-race in Faenza – MXGP of Italy and MXGP of Emilia Romagna – and an additional race in Mantova for the MXGP of Lombardia have been included together with a triple race in Lommel, Belgium as the Monster Energy MXGP of Flanders, MXGP of Limburg and MXGP of Lommel.

The 2020 MXGP Calendar then foresees the MXGP of Trentino scheduled at a later date and the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina as penultimate and final event respectively. The MXGP of Russia and the MXGP of Portugal are part of the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar as TBC for the moment depending on the ongoing national conditions.

Unfortunately, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France has been postponed to 2023 due to the high restrictions for COVID-19 which forbid mass public gatherings in France. Infront Moto Racing are now working with Steve Dixon to bring the 2020 Monster Energy FIM MXoN to Matterley Basin (UK); the event, which is nearly three months away will conform to the outdoor event guidance regulations.

From September onwards, at almost every event spectator number limits will be in place, but organisers hope that by then the situation will be much better, and they will be able to welcome larger crowds. Every country has different protocols concerning the COVID-19 restrictions, therefore prior to each event we will inform all the stakeholders, media and fans concerning the specific restrictions they will need to follow.

With many events running consecutively one after the other, in order to provide the riders with a better recovery period, the MXGP and MX2 race action will be concentrated into one day, with free/timed practice taking place in the morning and the main races starting from 1200 into the afternoon. Whereas the day before each event the European Championship and/or the Women’s World Championship will be run.

At the Monster Energy FIM MXoN the participants will take points for the MXGP and MX2 World Championships, Infront Moto Racing and FIM are working on the regulations keeping in mind the format, the principle and the soul of the MXoN to be maintained.

As always, fans will be able to follow all the race action of each MXGP, MX2, European and Women’s Championship race on the MXGP-TV.com.

MXGP Points Standings

Herlings, J.NED KTM 94
Gajser, Tim SLO HON 85
Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 68
Desalle, C. BEL KAW 60
Paulin, G. FRA YAM 58
Coldenhoff, G. NED GAS 56
Jasikonis, A. LTU HUS 53
Prado, Jorge ESP KTM 47
Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 42
Van Horebeek, J. BEL HON 39
Evans, M. AUS HON 34
Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM 31
Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 26
Jacobi, Henry GER YAM 23
Bogers, Brian NED KTM 23

Team HRC ready to start their engines in MXGP

After a break of what will be five months by the time of the next gate drop, Team HRC are set to resume the MXGP season on August 9th at the Latvian track in Kegums, an hour south of Riga. In what is a much-changed calendar from the before the COVID-19 outbreak, this new schedule looks set to include multiple rounds at the same venue, midweek races, and an all-new one-day format.

This is a major step forward for a campaign where reigning world champion Tim Gajser was on the podium at the only two rounds held so far. With two moto wins out of the four races, the Honda CRF450RW rider was in a strong position before the postponement of the season and he’ll be looking to come back where he left off in Kegums, for what is scheduled to be three races in seven days.

Tim Gajser

“I was really surprised to see the new calendar, especially to do three races in Kegums and also three races in Lommel, in the deep sand. It is how it is though, so I know I need to work hard in the deep sand between now and then and try to get as ready as possible. I’m just looking forward to going racing again after such a long break. I miss the races, the weekends at the race tracks so I’m excited to get back to it. I’m not sure how this one-day format will work completely but it will mean that track time is much more critical and we need to be ready to work on bike setup quickly and efficiently. Thankfully I know I have a really good team around me so I’m confident we can cope. Really though, I am just happy that they have released a calendar and we are going racing in one month’s time.”

For his Aussie team-mate Mitch Evans, this break has allowed him to recover from the shoulder injury which he sustained in Valkenswaard at round two, and with a further five weeks until the first moto, he’ll be hoping show the speed that saw him finish third in the first moto of the year in Great Britain.

Mitch Evans

“I’m happy to see the new calendar come out. It looks like it should go ahead finally, at least I’m optimistic that it should be getting back racing soon. The one-day format will be a new thing for the MXGPs, but for me it is just like racing in Australia where we have practice and qualifying in the morning and then two motos in the afternoon, so I should feel at home with it. At the moment, with my injury, I’ve had one day back on the bike and I did some flat-track riding. I’ll do this for the first month and then see the surgeon at the end of July and then hopefully get the all-clear to start racing after that. Obviously, it’ll mean I’ll only having one week to really get ready on a normal track, to see how my shoulder feels before we go racing in Latvia, so I’m not sure if I’ll be 100% by then, as we’ll have to see how the shoulder keeps progressing. Hopefully it holds up well and feels good when I’m riding and then we’ll make a decision before that weekend. I’ve never had an injury like this, with this much time off the bike so it’s been tough. I’m really happy to be back on the bike though and getting back into normal training and with an exact date in mind, to build towards and see the rest of Team HRC, the fans and the MXGP paddock again.”

Austin Forkner injury update

Austin Forkner had a major crash in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross finale at Salt Lake City and this week revelead just how series his injuries were. The 21-year-old Missouri native had to have his spleen removed and also lost a third of his pancreas along with numerous other injuries to internal organs, including major bruising to his liver and kidneys. Forkner said it was by far the most painful thing he has have ever experienced and that the fist five or six days I was in hospital were horrible. He opens up about the injuries in this social media post.

Jesse Dobson joins Serco Yamaha

Only days after Jesse Dobson was officially released from his contract with RecoveR8 KTM the talented 23-year-old Queenslander has confirmed he will race under the Serco Yamaha banner for the remainder of the 2020 season, competing at the Australian Motocross Championships on the teams’ YZ250F in the MX2 division Dobson will join current Serco Yamaha Team member Aaron Tanti to form a strong team for the 2020 racing season.

Jesse Dobson

“2020 has been a crazy year already but I’m glad to have found a home for the remainder of the year. I have test rode the bikes and met everyone in the team and racing can’t happen fast enough for me as I’m desperate to fly the Serco Yamaha flag and be surrounded by a great race team. This year I hit the reset button a little on my career and knew I had to change a few things to reignite my racing. This lead me back to the MX2 class and now to Serco Yamaha and I have a really positive vibe about it all and look forward to being apart of such a successful and long established team.”

Dobson comes into the Serco Yamaha fold to cover the loss of Dylan Walsh. The logistics of running a New Zealand based rider during a season interrupted by Covid-19 proved too much and both parties agreed to move on and explore other avenues.

“First of all, I would like to thank Dylan (Walsh) for his efforts during the start of the year and racing the New Zealand Motocross Championships with our support. When the Covid lock down came and international travel proved difficult, we acknowledged that it would be difficult to continue and Dylan has since left to explore options in the US,” explains Serco Yamaha owner, Gavin Eales. “We then assembled a bit of a list of the available riders and Jesse Dobson was the stand out. He has great speed and experience, is Queensland based and very determined to get his career back on track. Our initial test with him proved successful so now we are full steam ahead with him and hoping to get some local racing under our belts before the Australian Motocross Championship kicks off in the coming months.”

2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships
Entries Open

Entries are now open for the 2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships to be held at Bangor, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, on September 26 and 27, 2020.

The Championships will be run by the Keyneton Motorcycle Club and held at Mungeree Homestead, “Hogan Family Property”, Survey Road, Bangor, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

The 2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships will offer competition in all classes and returning in 2020 is the Mini Trial, a support class on a shortened course of 10 sections, with 3 laps each day – for all riders aged 4 to 9-years-old on mini wheeled bikes.

Camping is available to competitors and officials at the venue from 8am Thursday 24th to Monday 28th September. Please contact Tyler Hogan on 0429 665 240. Showers available with a gold coin donation.

COVID-19 requirements and restrictions will be in place, please refer to supplementary regulations for further information.

Supplementary regulations are available HERE

YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup’s Postponed Till October 2020

Due to the existing COVID-19 pandemic, Yamaha Motor Europe, Infront Moto Racing and FIM Europe have agreed to postpone the 2020 YZ 125, 85 and 65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cups which were scheduled to take place at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France on the weekend of September 27th to a later date, which is likely to be in October. The exact date and location of the event will be announced when more information is available.

A record 286 young riders are signed up to the 2020 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup across the YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 classes. This year, the number of national championships bLU cRU riders will participate increased from 17 to 21 as Yamaha continues to expand its pool of talent across the continent.

2020 will mark the fourth edition of the highly popular YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup and the second edition of the YZ85 and YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cups which were introduced at the start of 2019.

As was the case in 2019, the top three finishers of each SuperFinale race, as well as two wildcard riders, will automatically be invited to the bLU cRU Masterclass at the end of the year. The winner of the 125, 85 and 65 categories in the Masterclass will have the fantastic opportunity to earn support from Yamaha Motor Europe next year, following in the footsteps of last year’s winners: Latvian Mairis Pumpurs, who won the YZ125 class and now races for the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team, as well as our 85cc and 65cc winners Dex Kooiker from The Netherlands and Freddie Bartlett from Sweden, who now have added support from Yamaha Motor Europe.

2020 Lima Half-Mile Postponed

Due to COVID-19 regulations in the areas surrounding Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, OH, the promoters of the Lima Half-Mile have had to postpone its doubleheader race dates scheduled for Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2020.

American Flat Track is working closely with the promoter, Allen County Fairgrounds and the local health officials to help secure a date that will accommodate its current schedule and provide the best experience for its fans, competitors and staff.

More Speedway GP events cancelled

Due to ongoing global health concerns and crowd restrictions in Russia and Germany in light of COVID-19, the 2020 Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix and 2020 Aztorin German FIM Speedway Grand Prix have been cancelled.

The events were scheduled to take place at Anatoly Stepanov Stadium on August 29 and Teterow’s Bergring Arena later this year respectively.

Following discussions with the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium and Bergring Arena, we are pleased to announce that both the Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix and the Aztorin German FIM Speedway Grand Prix will return in 2021.

The Aztorin German FIM Speedway Grand Prix will take place on Saturday, May 22, while the Russian FIM Speedway Grand Prix’s timing will be announced at a later date.

Czech Republic National series

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing restarted their engines with two ‘warm-up’ appearances in the initial rounds of the 2020 Czech national motocross series where current MX2 FIM World Championship leader Tom Vialle celebrated a victory and a runner-up podium finish.

The MX2 crew of Vialle and Rene Hofer (with EMX European Championship rider Liam Everts also in competition) travelled to the Czech Republic for the first two rounds of six in the domestic contest. The events at the Dalecin and Kaplice circuits were some of the first in Europe to take place after wide international lockdown restrictions in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Vialle flew to a 1-1 set of moto wins at Dalecin on his works KTM 250 SX-F while Hofer was also fast to gain 2nd place overall at the hard-packed opener. The Frenchman and Austrian had last competed at the Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard on March 8th.

A week later at Kaplice Vialle ran MX2 Grand Prix rival Jago Geerts close for victory: the gap was less than a second between the two riders in the second moto. Vialle lifted the red plate again on the podium thanks to a 2-2 scorecard as Hofer rode securely to 5th position overall (having qualified fastest) and Everts made the top ten with 10th spot.

The Czech outings helped both 18-year olds get back into a race groove ahead of the MXGP series reconvening in Latvia on August 9.

Tom Vialle

“A pretty good weekend again and I’m happy with the week we’ve had here in the Czech Republic. The track was really good for passing, even if there were a lot of lappers from pretty early in the race and there was only really one line: you had to be patient and ended up losing some time, so that made things tricky. I had the best lap-time in both motos and had a great feeling on the bike. In the end it was good training. Now we’ll have a small break before working in Belgium this next month and then the GPs start again!”

Czech Republic MX2 Championship standings

Tom Vialle, KTM, 94 points
Rene Hofer, KTM, 76
Richard Sikyna, KTM, 74
Jago Geerts, Yamaha, 72
Michael Sandner, KTM, 60

Yamaha to host Facebook Live reveal of 2021 Motocross Range

Yamaha Motor Australia has announced it will present the 2021 Yamaha motocross range during a special Facebook Live event at 10 am on Friday, 10 July.

YMA will present all the MX models from the YZ65 through to the YZ450F allowing viewers to get a close look at the full range just hours after the international embargo is lifted.

Viewers can interact with the live stream via the comments sections and will be encouraged to ask questions and generate further online discussion about the new releases.

Following the broadcast, a copy of the presentation will be hosted on the Yamaha Motor Australia Facebook page.

An event has been set up on the Yamaha Motor Australia Facebook page, allowing people to register their intention and receive a reminder when the stream is about to go live.

Click Facbeook logo below for the event page or click get reminder to be notified when broadcast starts

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly – GNCC – AORC – Royal Enfield to race Flat Track

June 30, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 30, 2020

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

2020 GNCC
Round Seven – Millfield, Ohio

The 2020 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, continued with day two of racing at the 31st Annual Wiseco John Penton GNCC on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio plays host to The John Penton GNCC each year, which continues to be the longest running event on the circuit.

As racing got underway it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell jumping off the line first to earn the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award. During the opening lap Russell would have company from his teammate Ben Kelley, who moved into the lead as they came around to timing and scoring. Russell would make the pass for the lead on the second lap, and never look back. Russell would lead the way for the remainder of the race, pushing his gap to 58 seconds by the time the checkered flag flew after three hours of intense racing. Russell earned his 66th career overall win, and continues to hold the points lead after seven rounds of racing.

Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Josh Strang was off to a top three start, and would move into second overall on the third lap of racing. Strang would push for the duration of the race, reaching almost complete exhaustion by the time the checkered flag came out. Strang continues to hold second overall in the National Championship points standings, with just 33-points separating him and Russell.

Kailub Russell (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) earned his 66th career overall win at The Wiseco John Penton. PC: Ken Hill

After a top five start to the day, FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor was on a mission to land on a podium finishing position for the second time this season. Baylor would put his head down and push through the dusty, hot conditions to move into third overall by lap three of racing. Baylor would continue to push, and on the last lap would come through timing and scoring just 4 seconds behind Strang. After seven rounds of racing Baylor sits fourth overall in the XC1 Open Pro standings.

Grant Baylor (FactoryONE Shercro) came through to earn third overall on the day in Ohio. PC: Ken Hill

FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Benjamin Kelley came through leading the opening lap of racing in Ohio, but would soon be faced with multiple battles at what would be his second race back after recovering from his shoulder injury. Kelley continued to battle with Strang and Baylor for the first half the race, eventually settling into the fourth place position for the last couple of laps.

Finishing fifth in XC1 and sixth overall on the day was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn. Ashburn would start the day out coming through fourth overall on lap one. He would continue to hold his position, battling with fellow XC1 competitors for the first half the race. Ashburn fell into the fifth place position on lap three of six, and would hold that position until he was met with the checkered flag.

Coming through eighth on lap one was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Joshua Toth. Toth would put his head down and push, making the necessary passes to finish out the day sixth in the XC1 Open Pro class. Continuing his stay on the East Coast was FMF/Maxxis/RPM KTM/KLIM/SIDI’s Dante Oliveira. Oliveira would come through to earn seventh in the XC1 class after a hot and humid three-hour race.

Craig DeLong (Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna/Kari Resources) took home the XC2 250 Pro class win at round seven. PC: Ken Hill

In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing/Kari Resources’ Craig DeLong coming through to take the class win, as well as finishing fifth overall on the day. DeLong would finish over two minutes ahead of his fellow XC2 competitors. This was DeLong’s third win of the season, which also moved him into the points lead in his class.

Factory Beta USA’s Cody Barnes earned his first podium finish of the season in the XC2 class with a second place finish. Barnes had a great jump off the line and would set himself up in the third place position to start off the day. On the third lap of racing, Barnes made the move into second and would continue to push for the remaining laps of the race.

Trail Jesters KTM’s Jonathan Girroir had work his way up to a podium finish after starting off the race back in fifth place. Girroir steadily made his way through the pack of riders, making the necessary passes he needed to earn a spot in the top three. After the seventh round of racing, Girroir sits third in the XC2 points standings.

Becca Sheets (BABS Racing Yamaha/Maxxis) earned her sixth WXC class win of the season on Sunday PC: Ken Hill

The Anzac invasion of the women’s category continued but it was Ohio’s hometown hero Becca Sheets that came out on top ahead of New Zealand’s Rachael Archer and Australia’s Tayla Jones. Sheets had her work cut out for her after coming through fourth on the opening lap. However, she would put her head down and push, moving into the lead by the second lap of racing. Sheets remains the points leader in the class with just one more round before summer break.

AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer made her way into second place after starting her day out in third. Archer continued to push throughout the morning race, but was unable to catch Sheets in the lead and remains third in the WXC points standings.

Rockstar Energy/Lan Mills XC’s Tayla Jones held the early in Ohio, but would soon be faced with battles as she fell back to fourth in the class on the second lap of racing. Jones picked up the pace, making the move past Factory Beta USA’s Rachel Gutish to overtake third place in the WXC class once again. Jones held onto third for the final spot on the podium.

Round Seven Overall

Kailub Russell – XC1 – KTM
Josh Strang – XC1 – Kawasaki
Grant Baylor – XC1 – Sherco
Ben Kelley – XC1 – KTM
Craig Delong – XC2 – Husqvarna
Jordan Ashburn – XC1 – Kawasaki
Joshua Toth – XC1 – KTM
Cody Barnes – XC2 – Honda
Jonathan Girroir – XC2 – KTM
Michael Witkowski – XC2 – Yamaha

Overall GNCC Championship Standings

Kailub Russell (205)
Josh Strang (172)
Jordan Ashburn (111)
Craig DeLong (108)
Michael Witkowski (98)
Jonathan Girroir (92)
Grant Baylor (85)
Cody Barnes (74)
Liam Draper (61)
Ricky Russell (59)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

Craig DeLong (178)
Michael Witkowski (179)
Jonathan Girroir (164)
Cody Barnes (125)
Liam Draper (108)
Thorn Devlin (89)
Ryder Lafferty (75)
Jonathan Johnson (73)
Simon Johnson (69)
Ryder LeBlond (64)

Women Round Seven

Becca Sheets – Yamaha
Rachael Archer – Yamaha
Tayla Jones – Husqvarna
Rachel Gutish – Beta
Korie Steede – TM
Mackenzie Tricker – KTM
Brooke Cosner – Sherco
Shelby Rolen – KTM
Taylor Johnston – KTM
Alli Phillips – Husqvarna

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Tomac and Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2021

Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team in 2021

Kawasaki has announced that Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo will return to the Monster Energy Kawasaki racing team for the 2021 season. The Monster Energy Kawasaki riders aboard KX450 motorcycles will feature the newly-crowned 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Champion and three-time defending AMA Pro Motocross Champion, Tomac, and reigning 250 Pro Motocross Champion, Cianciarulo, after a successful rookie season of supercross winning the 2019 Monster Energy Cup and capturing two podium finishes during the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season.

“We have a very strong 2021 team roster,” said Kawasaki Racing Senior Manager, Dan Fahie. “We are prepared to continue our championship journey with both Eli and Adam. We had an unusual, yet successful 2020 supercross season and look to continue that into the motocross season as well. We have learned a lot about our KX450 and are in a good place heading into outdoors and 2021 with the development of the motorcycle.”

2021 will mark Tomac’s sixth year with Monster Energy Kawasaki, as he relentlessly remains a top contender in the premier class. Tomac captured the coveted 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Championship title after earning seven wins and 12 podiums of the 17 rounds. Tomac currently sits sixth on the all-time 450SX race wins list with 34 wins, and also sits fourth on the all-time 450MX race wins list with 22 overall wins and 44 podium finishes. Tomac cemented his legacy as an elite champion, becoming only the fifth rider in history to win titles in both the 450SX and 250SX classes as well as AMA Pro Motocross Championships in both classes.

“I’m at home with Monster Energy Kawasaki,” said Tomac. “I feel we have an outstanding team in place, an excellent KX450 motorcycle and a common goal of winning races and championships. I couldn’t be happier with how the supercross season ended as we clinched our first 450SX championship. Now our focus will be on winning our fourth consecutive Pro Motocross Championship and continuing to let the good times roll.”

Meanwhile, Cianciarulo kicked off his 450SX rookie campaign by taking the crown at the Monster Energy Cup and he backed that up by showing his speed on the bike by qualifying fastest at seven of the eight races he competed in and earning two podiums before his season was cut short due to injury. As the reigning AMA Pro Motocross 250 Champion, Cianciarulo looks to be a top championship competitor in the premier class this motocross season.

“Monster Energy Kawasaki is the team I have loved for so long,” said Cianciarulo. “What a journey it’s been to get to this point. Most people know it’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of this team at the top-level of the sport and I’m looking forward to putting in the work and continuing to improve and grow. I’m honored to be on what I believe to be the best team in the sport and to have been part of the Kawasaki Team Green program for all of these years. We’re halfway through my rookie year and the team has been so supportive. I truly believe we’re on our way to reaching our ultimate goal of winning races and championships.”

The 2020 AMA Pro Motocross Championship drops the gate on Saturday, July 18th at Ironman MX in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team in 2021 Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Royal Enfield racing American Flat Track

August will mark the return to racing for American Flat Track (AFT) and Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield will debut its FT racer at AFT Rounds 5 & 6 on August 28-29 , when Moto Anatomy’s Johnny Lewis takes the track for the first time in the AFT Production Twins class.

Lewis planned to unveil the concept FT at the Daytona AFT round in March, but due to COVID-19, the races were rescheduled. Despite the AFT season being temporarily postponed, Lewis is logging hours at his Center Hill, Florida training facility on the Royal Enfield FT concept. With the help of Royal Enfield, Harris Performance and S&S Cycle, the development of the FT has continued. Lewis will officially present the Royal Enfield FT at Volusia County Speedway on July 17.

“The Royal Enfield FT concept has already shown promise so far.” said rider and team owner Johnny Lewis. “We’re already seeing great results from the motorcycle. The team at Harris Performance and Royal Enfield have done a great job with the chassis, and we’ve already begun working through small adjustments based on my feedback. With the way the schedule is shaping out with small tracks, we could surprise many people.”

Lewis will be joined at select AFT rounds with the all-female Build Train Race participants starting with the Atlanta Short Track at Dixie Speedway October 2-3 and will return for the AFT season finale in Daytona Beach October 15-16. During these rounds, the women will conduct a special exhibition aboard their custom INT650 flat track motorcycles as part of the AFT event schedule.

Additionally, Lewis will host a Royal Enfield Slide School at select rounds. During the Slide School sessions, participants will receive coaching from Lewis and learn the basics of flat track aboard track prepped FT411 Himalayan motorcycles.

American Flat Track will kick off its 2020 season with the first-ever Volusia Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.

AORC Set and Ready to Return

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore will fire back into action with a double header of sprint racing at Murray Bridge, South Australia on August 1 and 2.

With State borders opening up, M.A. are excited that we can continue their world-renowned 2020 championship which will include 8 rounds to be held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and for the first time in Tasmania. Rounds 1-4 were held earlier this year.

The Yamaha AORC has previous world champions including the 2019 World Champion Junior Team and overall second placed Australian ISDE team, and we will continue to have the best riders in the world competing in the Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore.

“We have a world class field of riders from our junior riders, right through to our senior men’s and women’s classes, who we know are eager to get back on track and continue the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented, by MXstore,” said MA Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo.

“Our Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore, has produced world class racing this year and we know riders, teams and officials are eager for rounds five and six at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

“We thank everyone from our riders, officials and sponsors for their support and patience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while there will be some restriction in place at events, we are very excited to get back on track.”

As a racing community there will need to be an understanding that it will not be a return to sport as usual.

Certain State and Federal Government restrictions and measures will likely remain in force but we are confident that together if we follow government guidelines and practice good personal hygiene our championship will continue to prosper.

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar

Round 5 & 6 August 1-2 Murray Bridge, SA
Round 7 & 8 August 29-30 Nowra, NSW (rescheduled event, new date)
Round 9 & 10 September 19-20 Omeo, VIC
Round 11 & 12 October 17-18 Wynyard, TAS

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Tony Cairoli and KTM renew contract

Nine-times FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli will push for yet another title in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors in 2021 for what will be his eighteenth season in Grand Prix and the twelfth on a works KTM SX-F.

The 34-year old Sicilian and his crew, helmed by Claudio De Carli, united with the KTM Motorsport Department in 2010 and instantly delivered the factory’s first title in the premier class with the innovative KTM 350 SX-F. Cairoli remained undefeated until 2014 and then used the latest generation of the KTM 450 SX-F to secure his ninth crown in 2017. In total the KTM/Cairoli package has given the manufacturer six championships in the last decade.

In terms of achievements, popularity, professionalism, longevity and enduring passion for motocross, Cairoli is the reference in MXGP and is still fiercely competitive at a time when the category has vast depth of talent and speed.

Cairoli will again form part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s MXGP ‘Dream Team’ on KTM 450 SX-Fs alongside Jorge Prado and Jeffrey Herlings; boasting a combined number of fifteen championships.

Tony Cairoli: “I’m really motivated for another good season next year so I’m really happy with the renewal of my riding contract. We’ll see what 2020 has in store but my goal is to aim for the championship and again in 2021. I’m very proud to have been so long with this factory team and I still want to write some pages in the history of KTM motocross.”

Tony Cairoli – Image by Ray Archer

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “It says a lot for Tony as a rider and a person and an athlete that he is still so competitive when MXGP is at a top level. He could have walked into other teams when it was clear he wanted to continue in 2021 but it was important for us to extend his story with KTM and that couldn’t make us any happier. We have no doubt that he has the desire to go for a tenth title either in the season we will eventually have in 2020 or in 2021. It makes us all very proud to have a team with the caliber of Tony, Jeffrey and Jorge. I believe we can be the ones to beat again in MXGP with this strong trio and combined with the whole team and technical crew with Claudio, Davide, Dirk and everybody who makes the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team tick.”

Claudio de Carli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Tony expressed his willingness to ride for at least another year and this obviously makes us happy and confirms his truly unique character and attitude for the sport. His final choice to remain with KTM gives us great satisfaction because it also confirms the good job we have been doing responding to his technical requests and the strong bond we have established over many years. Next season Tony will be in his twelfth year with KTM, and with my crew for the eighteenth. I think this says it all! We’re really proud of him and would like to give thanks to KTM for making this next chapter possible.”

Motorcycling Australia to run 2020 MX Nationals
WEM steps down a year earlier than planned

Williams Event Management held a press conference on Friday morning confirming their withdrawal from their role as promoter of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

Kevin Williams first got involved with the running of the Australian Motocross Championships in 1995 at Traralgon, and has effectively had stewardship of the MX Nationals since 1997.

Today does not mark the complete end of Kevin’s 25-year-old involvement with Australian Motocross but it does end the role of WEM as the promoter of the Australian Motocross Championship, which under WEM stewardship was rebranded as MX Nationals.

Kevin understandably got quite emotional when it got to the point where he officially confirmed that he is stepping away from his role as a promoter due to not being able to effectively deliver a viable championship this year due to the ongoing restrictions put in place by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe that it is highly like that in this instance Motorcycling Australia will step in to fill the void and ensure that the season does go ahead in some form, and that form of course will see WEM still involved in some way and assisting in affecting an orderly transition.

We see it as unfortunate that Kevin and his crew will not be able to have a lap of honour, so to speak, and go out on a high as originally planned at the culmination of a successful 2020 season.

On a personal note, I have always appreciated Kevin being forthright and honest with me at every juncture throughout the 21 years I have been running MCNews.com.au.

The brand ‘MX Nationals’ belongs to WEM and we believe discussions are being held between Kevin Williams and Motorcycling Australia about the ownership of that brand. However, it seems likely that M.A. will likely revert to referring to the series as the Australian Motocross Championship, or some anagram that represents motocross, but follows the established M.A. naming regimen of breaking that down to an acronym like they have with AORC and ASBK.

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Open Letter from Kevin Williams

“The purpose of this letter however, is to thank everyone who has been involved in the MX Nationals series in our twenty three year run.

“Motocross has been a part of my entire life and essentially my life’s work since I began working with the Australian Motocross Championships before it became the MX Nationals. The time I have spent growing the series with my wife Christine and our three children Jake, Aiden and Brodie by my side is something I will forever cherish.

“Although as a part of racing, I may not have seen eye to eye with many of you throughout the years, the racing family at the core of this industry has been a fantastic part of my life and something I will truly miss. My love for the sport, preserving its integrity and growth has been a driving factor and provided the continual motivation needed to allow me to strive for progress in Motocross within Australia and putting our riders on the map globally as a Motocross powerhouse.

“During our time together we have had many high’s that include bringing MXGP to the iconic Broadford Circuit, seeing many great Champions leave Australia to successfully take on the world with Chad Reed, Craig Anderson, Michael Byrne, Brett Metcalfe, this list goes on. To see the next generation of Jed Beaton, Mitch Evans, Luke Clout and the Lawrence Brothers having international success in the present day makes me extremely proud to see where the talent is at in Australian Motocross. We have also lost great Champions such as Andrew Mcfarlane and Jono Porter, their time with the series and the impact they made on everyone’s lives will never be forgotten.

“I want to take this final opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of the MX Nationals family during our time together. From the numerous staff at WEM, the riders and teams, to all of our sponsors and stakeholders, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything we have achieved to grow the sport together.

“Yours in the sport

“Regards,

“Kevin Williams.”

— ENDS —

Motorcycling Australia Statement

Motorcycling Australia (MA) wishes to thank Williams Event Management (WEM), Kevin Williams and his family for more than two decades of dedication to the MX Nationals.

After 23 years Williams today made the tough decision to step away from the sport and the promotion and management of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

In an emotional press conference this morning, Kevin Williams thanked fans, riders, industry and sponsors.

“It’s been a long journey and a major part of my life, but we didn’t expect COVID, and we didn’t expect not to go racing this year, but we are proud of what we achieved over 23 years,” Kevin said.

“I’ve always made decisions from a position of passion for the sport, and I want to thank everyone for being a part of the journey.

“I encourage all riders and members of the sport and industry to support their local clubs and hopefully we can see some opportunity for national racing when borders open up properly.

“Thank you everybody for your great support.”

MA CEO Peter Doyle said: “Kevin Williams and his team have poured their heart and soul into running the MX Nationals and we thank them for more than 20 years of tireless work”.

“The MX Nationals have faced plenty of challenges in those 20 years and Kevin, his team and partners, have boasted many success stories, with a myriad of riders using the championship as a stepping stone in their careers to race in America and Europe.

“The MX Nationals are a critical component of a healthy motocross scene in Australia and to create opportunities for riders to progress into world championship series.”

MA is now in the process of reviewing the 2020 championship operations, format and dates to see how the series will proceed for the remainder of 2020 in the COVID-19 period.

Further announcements will be made available in due course.

— ENDS. —

The latest update to the calendar is included below, but one would imagine that is all up in the air right now.

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

R1	Conondale QLD	Aug 9th
R2	Maitland NSW	Aug 15th /16th
R3	Newry Vic	Sept 6th
R4	Horsham Vic	Sept 12th/13th
R5	Gympie QLD	Oct 4th
R6	Coolum QLD	Oct 10th/11th

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

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

WEM confirm immediate withdrawal as MX Nationals promoter

June 26, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

MX Nationals 2020 to be run by M.A.

Williams Event Management held a press conference this morning confirming their withdrawal from their role as promoter of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

Kevin Williams first got involved with the running of the Australian Motocross Championships in 1995 at Traralgon, and has effectively had stewardship of the MX Nationals since 1997.

We see it as unfortunate that Kevin and his crew will not be able to have a lap of honour, so to speak, and go out on a high as originally planned at the culmination of a successful 2020 season.

On a personal note, I have always appreciated Kevin being forthright and honest with me at every juncture throughout the 21 years I have been running MCNews.com.au.

Open Letter from Kevin Williams

“The purpose of this letter however, is to thank everyone who has been involved in the MX Nationals series in our twenty three year run.

“Yours in the sport

“Regards,

“Kevin Williams.”

— ENDS —

Motorcycling Australia Statement

Motorcycling Australia (MA) wishes to thank Williams Event Management (WEM), Kevin Williams and his family for more than two decades of dedication to the MX Nationals.

After 23 years Williams today made the tough decision to step away from the sport and the promotion and management of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

In an emotional press conference this morning, Kevin Williams thanked fans, riders, industry and sponsors.

“I’ve always made decisions from a position of passion for the sport, and I want to thank everyone for being a part of the journey.

“I encourage all riders and members of the sport and industry to support their local clubs and hopefully we can see some opportunity for national racing when borders open up properly.

“Thank you everybody for your great support.”

MA CEO Peter Doyle said: “Kevin Williams and his team have poured their heart and soul into running the MX Nationals and we thank them for more than 20 years of tireless work”.

“The MX Nationals are a critical component of a healthy motocross scene in Australia and to create opportunities for riders to progress into world championship series.”

MA is now in the process of reviewing the 2020 championship operations, format and dates to see how the series will proceed for the remainder of 2020 in the COVID-19 period.

Further announcements will be made available in due course.

— ENDS. —

The latest update to the calendar is included below, but one would imagine that is all up in the air right now.

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

R1	Conondale QLD	Aug 9th
R2	Maitland NSW	Aug 15th /16th
R3	Newry Vic	Sept 6th
R4	Horsham Vic	Sept 12th/13th
R5	Gympie QLD	Oct 4th
R6	Coolum QLD	Oct 10th/11th

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

MX Nationals major announcement on Friday

June 25, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

MX Nationals

A somewhat ominous alert went out to the media today that a ‘2020 MX Nationals Major Announcement’ will be made via an on-line press conference on Friday at 1000.

In a recent interview we conducted with MX Nationals promoter Kevin Williams, he indicated the following;

“At the end of the day these are commercial decisions, we can’t sit here doing nothing for the next few months waiting. We need to have some firm direction by the end of next month (that is now) to make an educated call on whether we go ahead or not.

“By the end of June, if they are not giving us guidelines that by August-September we can run with viable crowds then we would not be able to get going. To stage one of these events, preparing the track and venue, there is no change out of 30k for a club to stage a round, let alone our costs. .. We need to be able to get 1500 or 2000 through gate to make that even start to look viable.

“In our previous forecast we went longer than most did, with our August prediction for round one, but if by the middle of June they are not starting to indicate that crowd numbers will be opened up around that time then we might have to make a call… If they said that from the middle of August they were looking to allow crowds, then we would reshuffle the dates again and look towards getting on the starting gates, but if much longer than that, then we would potentially have no MX Nationals this year.

“I won’t be in a position to go more than nine months without an income. We should have to start a new path, what that could be I have no idea. While I am stepping away from life as a promoter in 2021, I am still in discussions with AME about being involved in their Supercross plans. And am also talking to clients about various consultancy work. Not the best time to find yourself unemployed I guess, but we are all in this together and will get through to the other side eventually…”

MCNews.com.au believes that the uncertainty around the championship due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, and the extra financial pressures and risks that has put on Williams Event Management, will lead to WEM stepping away from their role as a promoter a year earlier than planned.

So where will that leave the 2020 MX Store MX Nationals?

We believe that it is highly like that in this instance Motorcycling Australia will step in to fill the void and ensure that the season does go ahead.

The latest update to the calendar is included below, but one would imagine that will have some more fine tuning in the weeks ahead. We will bring you the official slant on things tomorrow morning after discussing the matters further with Motorcycling Australia management.

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

R1	Conondale QLD	Aug 9th
R2	Maitland NSW	Aug 15th /16th
R3	Newry Vic	Sept 6th
R4	Horsham Vic	Sept 12th/13th
R5	Gympie QLD	Oct 4th
R6	Coolum QLD	Oct 10th/11th

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly – Chad signs off – SX Champs crowned

June 23, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 23, 2020

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Chad Reed message to fans

Chad Reed’s farewell tour that calls to an end his professional racing career has been playing out all year but Sunday night in Salt Lake City was his final emotional goodbye… The lead image on this story is from 2015 at Oakland. Watch this without getting a leaky eye….

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Eli Tomac – 450 SX Champion

The final showdown of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship saw Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac capture his first 450SX championship in Salt Lake City, Utah by securing more than enough championship points with his fifth-place finish on Sunday. Tomac earned the title in dominant fashion, with seven wins and five additional podium finishes during the 17 rounds aboard his KX450.

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

Tomac kicked off the finale in a familiar way by topping the charts in qualifying in the 450SX class with a fastest lap of 49.438. After tying with the competition for first place in the final qualifying session, the AMA had to go to ten-thousandths of a second to determine who was fastest, which landed Tomac his fifth pole position of the season.

Keeping the momentum rolling into 450SX Heat 2, Tomac got off to a great start in fifth and remained there for more than half of the race. As the time ran down, Tomac began to make his move on arguably the most technical track raced in Utah and passed two other riders to finish third.

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

As the gate dropped on the final 450SX Main Event of the 2020 season, Tomac got tangled with riders in Turn 1 but was able to avoid any kind of disaster, starting in 10th. Maintaining his cool, calm and collected demeanor, Tomac began to put in laps and gradually pick off riders, making his way to sixth by Lap 9. Tomac made one last pass a few laps later to cross the finish line in fifth, earning Kawasaki’s 11th 450SX championship as well as the 2020 Manufacturers Cup award.

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

The day was a victory for all as Monster Energy Supercross is the first professional sport to complete their series after being suspended due to the global pandemic. Tomac has expressed many times that the silver lining of the time off was being able to see the birth of his daughter and he is now the first rider in history to win the title as a father, making it even more special to earn on Father’s Day.

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

Eli Tomac

“This is just so cool, to win my first 450SX title. This championship is literally the last carrot that I was chasing, especially after coming up short for the past three years. I have worked so hard for this and can’t thank the Monster Energy Kawasaki team and entire company enough for all of their support and for helping me finally achieve this goal for myself and everyone who is a part of this program. It has been a long time coming and we set ourselves up for success starting from day one of this series and just kept fighting till the end.”

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

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Click Here for our massive race reports from the AMA SX finale

Supercross Quotes

Zach Osborne – P1

“That was a great race for all three of us. It feels amazing to get some results here at the end of the season for my team. It was an incredible day and I’m just really proud for the whole team to be on the podium. It’s been an amazing trip in Salt Lake City.”

Jason Anderson – P2

“All-in-all, it was a good trip in Utah and ending it on a high note with all three of us on the podium was good. I enjoyed Salt Lake City, so let’s do this again and get ready to go for outdoors.”

Dean Wilson – P3

“I was a bit tight running up front but I just tried to play it cool and smart. My goal was to get on the box and that’s what I did. I’m stoked to get a third place, lead some laps and end this SX season the way I wanted to. I would have liked to have more podiums but I’m super happy from where I came from at the beginning of the season barely being able to ride my bike, to being where I need to be now. I believed I could do it and I’m stoked.”

Eli Tomac – P5 (Champion)

“This is just unbelievable, especially under all of the circumstances. I just look back at my entire lifetime of riding, the wins, the losses, and overcoming it all with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team. There was a point in time we didn’t know if we would be able to get back to racing and here we are finishing business. I am so incredibly happy and proud we finally did it, it’s unbelievable.”

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

Broc Tickle – P6

“Today was a huge step in the right direction for me. I started the day off better in practice and improved throughout practice and qualifying. In the heat, I grabbed my first holeshot in a long time. I started sixth in the Main and managed to stay strong and steady. This was huge for me and the JGR squad. Thank you to everyone who has made the Salt Lake City racing possible and for the support in getting me back to where I belong.”

Cooper Webb – P8

“It was a rough Main Event. I kind of struggled with the track a little bit and I didn’t ride my best race but I came back to eighth, so I was able to secure second in points. I obviously wanted to keep the podium streak going but it is what it is. Overall, it was a great season and we’ll get ready for outdoors.”

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450 SX Final Championship Points

Eli Tomac 384
Cooper Webb 359
Ken Roczen 354
Jason Anderson 287
Justin Barcia 272
Zach Osborne 252
Malcolm Stewart 252
Dean Wilson 239
Justin Brayton 227
Justin Hill 213
Aaron Plessinger 207
Blake Baggett 200
Martin Davalos 178
Vince Friese 155
Adam Cianciarulo 129
Chad Reed 113

250

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Shane McElrath – P2

“I’m pretty disappointed that I didn’t get the championship this year, but since I’ve been on this team I’ve learned so much and grown so much as a person and a rider. I’m learning from my mistakes and looking forward to moving on to the Outdoors.”

Dylan Ferrandis – P4

“I’m pretty pumped about the way I ended this season even though I had a very difficult day. It was the most difficult day of my life. There was so much emotion today after having to win the LCQ. I’ve never had to race an LCQ in my four years of supercross and to have to come through today with the championship on the line, that was tough. I secured my championship in the Main to get back-to-back 250SX West titles. It is more than a dream come true. Thanks to my team, my wife and my trainer DV (David Vuillemin). I’m so happy!”

250 SX East Final Championship Points

Chase Sexton 218
Shane McElrath 209
Jo Shimoda 122
Garrett Marchbanks 119
Enzo Lopes 107
Jeremy Martin 105
Jalek Swoll 104
Kyle Peters 94
Pierce Brown 92
RJ Hampshire 80
Colt Nichols 74
Jace Owen 69
Chris Blose 65
John Short 64
Jordan Bailey 64

250 SX West Final Championship Points

Dylan Ferrandis 200
Justin Cooper 180
Austin Forkner 176
Brandon Hartranft 158
Michael Mosiman 139
Alex Martin 124
Derek Drake 120
Mitch Oldenburg 109
Luke Clout 106
Jett Lawrence 97

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Penrite Honda reflect on AMA campaign

The AMA Supercross Championship has ended and Australia’s Penrite Honda Racing proved their competitiveness against the best teams in the West and East coast of America. Team Owner Yarrive Konsky is positive the experience was well worth the effort and is grateful for the opportunity and is proud of everyone’s results.

Luke Clout – Image by Hoppenworld

“We were the highest placed privateer team in the West Coast Championship and we were the highest place privateer team in the West vs East shootout. We beat and challenged some factory teams and riders throughout the year and most importantly we have learnt a lot and we are grateful for the chance to compete. I also want to congratulate all of the champions. It was an amazing championship. Feld and the entire industry made us feel welcome” said Konsky.

Luke Clout – Image by Michael Antonovich

Mitchell Oldenburg and Luke Clout finished 8th and 9th respectively in the West Coast Championship. Mitchell finished the Championship with a 10th place finish in the West vs East Shootout.

Luke Clout – Image by Hoppenworld

“The season has been hard fought, tearing my knee early in the season certainly set me back. To finish 8th overall with a 10th in the final race against the fastest 40 riders is okay, but I know I should be further up. The bike, team and effort were worthy of a better result. Riding injured all season affected my results,” said Oldenburg

Mitchell Oldenburg – Image by Michael Antonovich

Australia’s Luke Clout suffered a crash in qualifying at the final round which side lined him for the main event. Whilst it was not the way he wanted to finish the season, he is being positive about this years’ experience.

Luke Clout – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

“We were going to do a few rounds to prepare for next year and we ended up racing the entire Championship, which was an amazing experience. To claim 9th overall in my first year was okay. My best result was a 5th, which was also okay. I would have liked to finish higher; I would have liked to achieve a podium but what I have learnt this year is priceless. It was my first full season in America, and I am racing the best guys in the world and I have gained invaluable experience. I will be better prepared for next year,” said Clout.

Luke Clout – Image by Michael Antonovich

The team’s season isn’t finished, in fact Team Owner Yarrive Konsky believes the season will prove logistically challenging as they face racing through to December.

“Due to COVID the Australian Championships hasn’t started and I believe we will be racing through to December. I am thankful for the American Supercross Championship. All our partners in Australia benefited from the international live broadcasting and media attention we received,” said Konsky.

Penrite Honda duo Luke Clout and Mitchell Oldenburg at Oakland – Image by Hoppenworld

The team could not have achieved this creditable feat without the support of their amazing partners. Special thanks go to Australia’s Penrite Oil, Honda Australia and particularly American Honda.

Luke Clout – Oakland – Image by Hoppenworld

“Everyone’s support made this possible but notably, without Penrite Oil we would have struggled to make it work. Penrite Oil continues to support Australian’s no matter where they are and they should be commended for their generosity to motorsport here in Australia and abroad.” concluded Konsky.

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Vets MXdN – Postponed Until 2021

The 2020 Vets MXdN were to take place on the weekend of the 12th & 13th September but having considered all of the data and information available, the reluctant decision has been taken to postpone the event until 2021. The provisional date will be the 11th & 12th September 2021.

The main reasons are based around social distancing which includes the safety of all riders, officials and spectators, with so many people on site for the duration of the weekend.

Secondly, it would be impossible for the social part of the event, the evening bar and disco, to take place and this does form an important part of the event for so many people.

Thirdly, with the UK Government having made fourteen days quarantine compulsory for most of our foreign friends at the moment, it would not be a true International event if so many are unable to attend.

The organisers originally set the criteria that the whole of the UK moved into level two of the Government Guidelines for the situation which states – Covid 19 is present in the UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low. We are currently still at level four which is a long way off this being met.

You will be aware that with so many riders requesting an entry into the event creates a large logistical problem. Therefore, it has been decided that all entries (and reserves) who have been successful, will be held over for the revised date and therefore entry fees will not be refunded. However, if any rider does not wish to take up this option, they should contact the Event Manager ([email protected]) before 30th June when a refund (as stated in the Supplementary Regulations) will be made.

Ivan Tedesco Vet MXdN at Farleigh Castle

M.A. announces racing re-start

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced the re-start of racing for thousands of riders across the country with the release of an updated 2020 National Championship calendar.

The MA National Championship calendar includes AORC, MX Nationals, Junior and Senior Track, Junior Motocross, Classic and Post Classic Dirt Track, Trial, ATV MX, Speedway, Speedway, Senior and Junior sidecars and Supermoto.
With the opening up of State borders, MA is pleased in being able to produce such an extensive

National Championships calendar in the current climate, but is aware additional COVID restriction may be enforced which may impact the existing calendar.

“For thousands of racers across Australia, it’s time to dust off your bikes and get out there,” said MA CEO Peter Doyle. “With changing COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, it had been impossible for MA National Championships to run, but together with clubs, promoters, SportAus and the Victorian Government – Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions who are supporting Creative, Tourism, Sport and Major Events, we have been able to ensure that the 2020 MA National Championship competitions can now be held.”

Luke Styke – 2020 AORC will be back in action from early August in South Australia

Competition activity may resume in compliance with state and national guidelines and regulations. As a sporting community there will need to be an understanding that some State and Federal Government restrictions and measures may remain in place and impact the running of events – such as social distancing requirements or no or limited crowd numbers.

To ensure no further restrictions are imposed on our sport all members are encouraged to follow government guidelines and practice good personal hygiene.

2020 Australian Motorcycle Racing Calendar

August 1-2	AORC Rounds 5-6	Murray Bridge, SA
August 9	MX Nationals Round 1	Conondale, QLD
August 15-16	MX Nationals Round 2-3	Maitland, NSW
August 29-30	AORC Round 7-8	Nowra, NSW
September 6	MX Nationals Round 4	Newry, VIC
September 12-13	MX Nationals Rounds 5-6	Horsham, VIC
September 19-20	Australian Senior Track Championships	Quirindi, NSW
September 19-20	AORC Rounds 9-10	Omeo, VIC
September 26-27	Australian Junior Track Championships	Gunnedah, NSW
September 26-27	Australian Trail Championship	Bangor, SA
September 26 – October 3	Australian Junior Motocross Championship	Rockhampton, QLD
October 3-4	Australian Classic & Post Classic Dirt Track Championship	Temora, NSW
October 4	MX Nationals Round 7	Gympie, QLD
October 10-11	MX Nationals Rounds 8-9	Coolum, QLD
October 10-11	Australian Womens MX Nationals Rnd 1-2	Coolum, QLD
October 17-18	AORC Rounds 11-12	Tasmania
October 17-18	Australian ATV MX Nationals	Kilcoy, QLD
October 17	Australian Supercross
October 23-25	Australian Senior Dirt Track Championship	Fairburn Park, ACT
October 31	FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship	Gilman, SA
November 7-8	Australian Speedway Snr Sidecar Championship	Mildura, VIC
November 7-8	Australian Speedway Jnr Sidecar Championship	Mildura, VIC
November 21	Australian Supercross
November 28	Australian Supercross
November 28-29	Australian Supermoto Championship	Prosperine, QLD
December 12-13	Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship	North Brisbane, QLD

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Weekly | MX Nationals in jeopardy

May 26, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

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MX Nationals need clarity from government

A lack of government clarity on border openings and crowd restrictions has WEM now unsure of viability of a 2020 MX Nationals Championship

MX Nationals might not even get out of the gates this year unless governments make some decisions

In light of the recent pandering for headlines by individual state premiers we thought it might be worth checking in with MX Nationals promoter Kevin Williams as to the problems being faced by MX Nationals.

Trev – It was only a few weeks ago when it looked as though the MX Nationals had a fairly clear projected series schedule for the running of the 2020 MX Nationals calendar. The Queensland Premier recently stated that there are no guarantees that Queensland will open its borders in September, let alone by the August 9 date that you have scheduled in the most recent draft calendar for round one at Conondale, that must be causing you some consternation?

Kev – “Look basically where I am sitting at the moment…We knew there was a little speculation in our last proposed dates, but we were recently encouraged by the Victorian government staring to open things up. I guess we are in 14-21 day period to see what happens. My gut is that voter sentiment will decide when various governments move to ease restrictions in other states, and I can’t see them being closed through September.

“But then of course we also need clarity on the numbers of people that are going to be allowed. If we are only allowed 500 people then the numbers just don’t stack up. The clubs need to make money and realistically that requires a minimum of 1500 paying spectators to come through the gates.

“Rugby League Commisioner Peter V’landys recently announced a plans to allow crows in July yet that plan today has been slammed by the Australian Medical Association as ‘absurd and dangerous’.

“We have put to some deadlines on what we can. We will review again in a couple of weeks, essentialy by the middle of June we are going to need some clarity in regards to borders and crowd numbers. If we are 80 per cent confident that the restrictions will be eased to allow the numbers we require then we roll the dice..

“At the end of the day these are commercial decisions, we can’t sit here doing nothing for the next few months waiting. We need to have some firm direction by the end of next month to make an educated call on whether we go ahead or not.”

Trev – Might it be just too risky to potentially schedule any rounds in Queensland this year, when the Premier wants an indefinitely dated exclusion zone around the Sunshine State? And the voters seem to be backing her, let’s face it half of QLD would secede given half the chance…

“Currently we are seeing very small numbers of new infections, if people generally do the right thing, then we should be okay. Will we get a second wave? I think that is likely, going on history, how that will look in Australia who knows..

“Even within Victoria, if we are limited to a few hundred people through the gates we simply can’t run. The only thing that can work for us is time, meanwhile we just stare into the crystal ball…”

So potentially you are saying MX Nationals might not run at all this season?

Kevin Williams might not even get to have his chance for his last lap as MX Nationals promoter this year…

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Supercross is back this weekend

Supercross gets back underway this weekend after its COVID-19 enforced hiatus.

The series will resume on May 31 and will run through a June 21 conclusion.

The last race was held at Daytona in early March so when the gates drop in Salt Lake City on May 31 it would have been almost three months since riders felt the heat of competition.

This fast conclusion to the season will see seven quick-fire rounds ran over the space of only three weeks running two events per week, one on a Wednesday and another on the Sunday.

The events will all run without spectators making the events a distinctly made for TV affair and every round will take place inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Sat Lake City, Utah.

Each round will have only one main event race.

450SX Standings

Pos	Rider	Points
1	Eli Tomac	226
2	Ken Roczen	223
3	Cooper Webb	197
4	Justin Barcia	195
5	Jason Anderson	170
6	Malcolm Stewart	152
7	Justin Hill	141
8	Justin Brayton	129
9	Dean Wilson	129
10	Adam Cianciarulo	128

2020 SX Calendar

Rnd 11 May 31
Rnd 12 June 3
Rnd 13 June 7
Rnd 14 June 10
Rnd 15 June 13
Rnd 16 June 17
Rnd 17 June 21

Supercross is back this weekend

FIM Hard Enduro World Cup

It finally seems as though the stalemate between the FIM World Enduro GP and WESS might finally be heading towards some sort of resolution towards an FIM Hard Enduro World Cup. FIM representatives recently stated; ‘Ongoing and positive negotiations and communication took place with KTM/WESS with regards to the FIM Hard Enduro World Cup, it was expected that a final agreement be reached within a short period.’

Billy Bolt – 2020 SuperEnduro World Championship

American Flat Track

American Flat Track this week announced a relaunch of its 2020 race schedule featuring doubleheader race weekends and kicking off on July 17 and 18 with the Volusia Half-Mile at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. The revised schedule features 18 races over nine doubleheader weekends and culminates in a two-day finale during Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach.

In addition to NBC Sports coverage on NBCSN and live streaming of all 18 events via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, AFT has worked diligently toward the goal of having fan attendance at all of its venues. This would include the implementation of new health & safety protocols that will help provide a safe environment for fans, competitors and staff, including reduced capacity, staggered seating, mobile ticketing, cashless transactions and enhanced sanitation.

AFT officials continue to collaborate with public health experts to develop this comprehensive plan in accordance with all federal, state and local requirements. All race-day procedures have been thoroughly reviewed and will continue to be examined and updated to follow specific guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities.

At all American Flat Track events new guidelines and protocols will include:

Reduction in ticket availability to conform with state and local guidelines for sporting events
Reserved seating areas to include buffer zones to provide ample space between fans
Fans entering the venue will be provided with complimentary facial coverings
Enhanced sanitation and disinfection protocols with frequent cleaning throughout the facility
Enhancements to mobile ticketing and elimination of printed tickets
Cashless, contactless transactions for concessions and merchandise
Regular medical screening of staff and competitors

As an additional precaution, there will be no public access to the paddock area and AFT officials have suspended Fan Walk, rider autograph sessions and paddock upgrades for the remainder of the season. Event-specific health & safety procedures will be updated to meet or exceed state and local requirements as they are updated over the coming months. Through an updated communication protocol, AFT and its promoter partners will provide regular updates to fans via press releases, website updates, social media posts, email distribution and text messaging.

Careful consideration has been given to secure a full 18-round race schedule that is logistically possible for riders, teams and staff, while also providing the opportunity for fan attendance. Following a thorough review of state guidelines and consultation with local officials by AFT’s promoter partners, certain events that were originally scheduled for 2020 have been cancelled.

AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter

Updated 2020 American Flat Track Schedule*

July 17 (Fri): Volusia Half-Mile I – Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
July 18 (Sat): Volusia Half-Mile II – Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
July 31 (Fri): Lima Half-Mile I – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
August 1 (Sat): Lima Half-Mile II – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
August 28 (Fri): TBA, Northeast U.S.
August 29 (Sat): TBA, Northeast U.S.
September 5 (Sat): Springfield Mile I** – Illinois State Fairgrounds – Springfield, IL
September 6 (Sun): Springfield Mile II – Illinois State Fairgrounds – Springfield, IL
September 11 (Fri):Williams Grove Half-Mile I – Williams Grove Speedway – Mechanicsburg, PA
September 12 (Sat): Williams Grove Half-Mile II – Williams Grove Speedway – Mechanicsburg, PA
September 25 (Fri): TBA, TX
September 26 (Sat): TBA, TX
October 2 (Fri): Atlanta Short Track I – Dixie Speedway – Woodstock, GA
October 3 (Sat): Atlanta Short Track II – Dixie Speedway – Woodstock, GA
October 9 (Fri): TBA, NC
October 10 (Sat): TBA, NC
October 15 (Thu): AFT Season Finale I – Daytona Beach, FL
October 16 (Fri): AFT Season Finale II – Daytona Beach, FL
*As the situation, regulations and protocols regarding COVID-19 progress, dates and venues listed above are subject to change.
**AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will participate in the Springfield TT on Friday, September 4.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Weekly | GNCC | SX is back | Reed to KTM

May 19, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

May 19th, 2020

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

GNCC Round Four

GNCC was back in action in Georgia on the weekend and KTM’s Kailub Russell came out on top with a narrow four-second win over Josh Strang in round four of the series to extend his championship lead to 28-points ahead of the Kawasaki mounted Aussie.

Becca Sheets got the better of Aussie Tayla Jones for the win in the Women’s Division.

Bulldog GNCC – Overall Results

Kailub Russell – KTM (XC1 Open Pro)
Josh Strang – Kawasaki (XC1 Open Pro)
Craig Delong – Husqvarna (XC2 Open Pro 250)
Layne Michael – Yamaha (XC1 Open Pro)
Ryder Lafferty – Husqvarna (XC2 Open Pro 250)
Jordan Ashburn – Kawasaki (XC1 Open Pro)
Josh Toth – KTM (XC1 Open Pro)
Grant Baylor – Sherco (XC1 Open Pro)
Michael Witkowski – Yamaha (XC2 Open Pro 250)
Andrew Delong – Honda (XC1 Open Pro)

GNCC Championship Standings

Kailub Russell 120
Josh Strang 92
Craig Delong 64
Jordan Ashburn 60
Ricky Russell 59

2020 Australian Trial Championships
South Australia- September 26-27

The 2020 Australian Trial Championships will be run September 26 and 27, at Mungeree Homestead, Bangor, Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Rescheduled from earlier in the year due to COVID-19, the 2020 championships will now be hosted by Team Hogan (land owners), and the Keyneton MCC who are six-time runners of the championships, along with Trials SA.

The 2020 Australian Trial Championships will offer competition in all classes and provide on-site camping for the weekend.

Also returning in 2020 is the Mini Trial, a support class on a shortened course of 10 sections, with 3 laps each day – for all riders aged 4 to 9-years-old on mini wheeled bikes.

Entries are expected to open on July 1 and remain open until August 31, to give everyone around the country as much time as possible to plan their trip, dependent on travel restrictions.

2019 Australian Trial Championships – Image by Johnno’s Trials Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

MA Calls For EOI To Promote The 2021 Australian Motocross Championship

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified promoters and clubs who are interested in organising and running the 2021 Australian Motocross Championship.

The Australian Motocross Championship is the nation’s blue-ribbon MX series and has continued to produce some of the world’s best MX riders over many years.

The closing date for these applications is Friday, June 26, 2020.

Upon receipt of your Expression of Interest, MA will engage with you further on the specific championship requirements.

MX Nationals – Image by iKap

Chad Reed switches to KTM

Chad Reed recently participated in an Instagram chat with Pro Circuit where he detailed how the KTM switch unfolded.

Chad Reed

“I was told that we were done until September-October. So basically, I was just getting a motorcycle that I wanted to ride for the summer. Mountain Motorsports is a dealer for everyone and kind of like for me at this point in my career it gives me a fun opportunity to ride some bikes. I loved my Husky when I rode it, and you know so I was just kind of doing it for a little bit of fun. One thing led to another, I really enjoyed the bike, I liked it, then I got the word we were going back racing and I had already sold all my bikes.

“But really, to answer the question, I enjoyed it. I loved the brakes, transmission, how light it is, all the things you want from a race bike at the highest level, this bike comes like that production, so it’s just a great starting point. The one thing I struggled with most when I rode my Husky, a lot of people want to know that question, I didn’t have the resources back then with the time that we had, to have access to the good WP suspension. This time around I have been lucky enough to have access to that and that has played such a huge role, working with a company that the bike is built around. So far so good, I really like it. It brings back some fun memories, a lot of the things you do to improve certain feelings, you are going back 15/16 years to my steel chassis days, so it’s funny to have all that stuff in the back of your memory bank and a lot of that still works.”

Reed also went into some of his favoured accomplishments and the whole two-stroke v four-stroke thing, you can listen to the whole interview below.

SX is back late this month

Supercross is gets back underway late this month after its COVID-19 enforced hiatus.

The series will resume on May 31 and will run through a June 21 conclusion.

The last race was held at Daytona in early March so when the gates drop in Salt Lake City on May 31 it would have been almost three months since riders felt the heat of competition.

This fast conclusion to the season will see seven quick-fire rounds ran over the space of only three weeks running two events per week, one on a Wednesday and another on the Sunday.

The events will all run without spectators making the events a distinctly made for TV affair and every round will take place inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Sat Lake City, Utah.

Each round will have only one main event race.

2020 SX Calendar

Rnd 11 May 31

Rnd 12 June 3

Rnd 13 June 7

Rnd 14 June 10

Rnd 15 June 13

Rnd 16 June 17

Rnd 17 June 21

Roger De Coster, Director of Motorsports, KTM

“We are so happy to finally have this plan in place. We started feeling pretty bored after being off for this long without racing and now there is a sensation of life and energy again. And, it is cool for Supercross to be one of the first professional sports back!”

450SX Standings

Pos	Rider	Points
1	Eli Tomac	226
2	Ken Roczen	223
3	Cooper Webb	197
4	Justin Barcia	195
5	Jason Anderson	170
6	Malcolm Stewart	152
7	Justin Hill	141
8	Justin Brayton	129
9	Dean Wilson	129
10	Adam Cianciarulo	128
11	Aaron Plessinger	125
12	Blake Baggett	109
13	Vince Friese	108
14	Zach Osborne	105
15	Martin Davalos	92
16	Tyler Bowers	60
17	Chad Reed	49
18	Kyle Chisholm	44
19	Benny Bloss	34
20	Ryan Breece	31

Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly WrapJuly 28, 2020

Dutch International Motocross

MX1

Glenn Coldenhoff MX1 winner

Romain Febvre = points with Coldenhoff

MX2

Jed Beaton

Results – 2020 Dutch International

Broc Tickle to Fill in for Plessinger

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS

Broc Tickle – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

2020 Australian Motocross Championship update

Motorcycling Australia Events Update

2020 Australian Senior Track Championship – Cancelled

e-FMX World Championship series

e-FMX World Championship seriesFirst 12 of 16 players confirmed

2020 Australian Motocross Championships

Business and racing

Moto News Weekly WrapJuly 7, 2020

MXGP to return with Latvian triple header

MXGP Points Standings

Team HRC ready to start their engines in MXGP

Austin Forkner injury update

Jesse Dobson joins Serco Yamaha

2020 GasGas Australian Trial ChampionshipsEntries Open

YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup’s Postponed Till October 2020

2020 Lima Half-Mile Postponed

More Speedway GP events cancelled

Czech Republic National series

Czech Republic MX2 Championship standings

Yamaha to host Facebook Live reveal of 2021 Motocross Range

Click Facbeook logo below for the event page or click get reminder to be notified when broadcast starts

Moto News Weekly WrapJune 30, 2020

2020 GNCCRound Seven – Millfield, Ohio

Round Seven Overall

Overall GNCC Championship Standings

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

Women Round Seven

Tomac and Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2021

Royal Enfield racing American Flat Track

AORC Set and Ready to Return

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar

Tony Cairoli and KTM renew contract

Motorcycling Australia to run 2020 MX NationalsWEM steps down a year earlier than planned

Open Letter from Kevin Williams

Motorcycling Australia Statement

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

MX Nationals 2020 to be run by M.A.

Open Letter from Kevin Williams

Motorcycling Australia Statement

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

MX Nationals

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

Moto News Weekly WrapJune 23, 2020

Chad Reed message to fans

Eli Tomac – 450 SX Champion

Supercross Quotes

450 SX Final Championship Points

250

250 SX East Final Championship Points

250 SX West Final Championship Points

Penrite Honda reflect on AMA campaign

Vets MXdN – Postponed Until 2021

M.A. announces racing re-start

2020 Australian Motorcycle Racing Calendar

MX Nationals need clarity from government

A lack of government clarity on border openings and crowd restrictions has WEM now unsure of viability of a 2020 MX Nationals Championship

Supercross is back this weekend

450SX Standings

2020 SX Calendar

FIM Hard Enduro World Cup

American Flat Track

Updated 2020 American Flat Track Schedule*

GNCC Round Four

Bulldog GNCC – Overall Results

GNCC Championship Standings

2020 Australian Trial ChampionshipsSouth Australia- September 26-27

MA Calls For EOI To Promote The 2021 Australian Motocross Championship

Chad Reed switches to KTM

SX is back late this month

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 28, 2020

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

Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 7, 2020

2020 GasGas Australian Trial Championships
Entries Open

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 30, 2020

2020 GNCC
Round Seven – Millfield, Ohio

Motorcycling Australia to run 2020 MX Nationals
WEM steps down a year earlier than planned

Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 23, 2020

2020 Australian Trial Championships
South Australia- September 26-27