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Moto News Weekly | Freeman claims EnduroGP title | TdN | GNCC

Moto News Weekly for October 1, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Brad Freeman ties up EnduroGP title in France
  • Hamish MacDonald claims first Kiwi Endurance World Title
  • Australia goes one better at 2019 TdN in Ibiza
  • 2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track run at Somersby over weekend
  • Thad Duvall claims 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC Overall Win
  • Jared Mees tops AFT season finale
  • Netherlands claims MXoN win from Belgium and Great Britain
  • 2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale wraps up
  • Cross-Countries Rally head to Rallye du Maroc
  • Road Racer Jessopp tries WESS at Hawkstone Park XC
  • 2019 KTM AJMX Interstate Challenge Teams Announced
  • 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule
  • Rene Hofer join Red Bull KTM MX2 effort full-time in 2020
  • Mathys Boisrame joins F&H Kawasaki
  • KTM takes over Gas Gas

Brad Freeman ties up EnduroGP title in France
Saturday Report

Saturday of the last weekend of EnduroGP competition in 2019 saw the tests of the GP of France challenge many of the riders, however quadruple World Champion Steve Holcombe got the job done and won the E3 category and with this new success, now boasts an impressive five titles in his young career.

EnduroGP France Brad FreemanimgEGP
Brad Freeman – Image by EnduroGP

Brad Freeman continued his momentum, the 2019 E1 World Champion offered up a repeat performance of the incredible pace he had in the Czech Republic. Highly focused and dominating the day, the Beta Boano rider finished as the best performer of the day by winning five tests.

Danny McCanney once again makes it an all British podium by accompanying the Beta pair on the podium. The TM rider won four tests today, a impressive feat against the likes of Freeman and Holcombe, as well as a charged up French contingent.

The first non-Brit is France’s Loïc Larrieu who, in front of his supporters, had a great day during which he won two tests. Alex Salvini put in a lot of effort and finished in the Top 5. The Italian suffered in the extremely demanding transfers of the Livradois lap.

EnduroGP France Loic Larrieu
Loïc Larrieu

In E1, there was no change as McCanney signed off on a new success in the class. He was ahead of a surprising Andrea Verona and another Italian joins them on the podium, Thomas Oldrati.

The fight in the E2 category was superb all day. It was Loïc Larrieu who snatched the victory at the expense of Alex Salvini. The two men fought blow for blow. But Larrieu, probably boosted by the many French fans, found the strength to win and separate himself and Salvini by just one point.

EnduroGP France Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini

Steve Holcombe did it, taking a new world title in the E3 category! His fifth in four years of Senior competitions. The Brit knew he could ‘save’ his very tough season with this success and have a reason to smile. Very emotional when he arrived back into the paddock, Holcombe dedicated his latest title to his team and all his relatives. Joining Holcombe on the podium were his season long rival, Danny McCanney and France’s ever-improving David Abgrall.

Steve Holcombe

“It’s amazing to win another world title. This is certainly a memorable one. It’s been a challenging season for me, so to finally collect the Enduro 3 World Championship is a huge relief. From dominating the opening round to coming extremely close to having the Epstein Bar Virus put an end to my season mid-way through the series, honestly, it’s been such a strange year. My goal was to defend my EnduroGP title, which I still have a mathematical chance of doing, but winning another Enduro 3 title after everything that’s happened is something I’m incredibly proud of. I have to say a huge thanks to my team, all my sponsors, my family and everyone who’s worked with me this season, helping me battle through some difficult moments. World title number five certainly wasn’t an easy one to win but it’s a special one.”

Steve Holcombe FM France EnduroGP Rnd
Steve Holcombe – Image by Future7Media

In the Junior category, Wil Ruprecht won despite the Epstein Barr virus that continues to wreak havoc with his health. The Australian has drawn on all his resources to get this second win in 2019.

It’s a great reward for him and Joakim Johansson’s team. Theo Espinasse was just over a second and a half behind the Australian, having provided a spectacular race as usual. The young Brit Dan Mundell accompanied these two on the podium, bringing more silverware to Sherco Factory.

The Junior 1 podium was identical to that of Junior Overall, with Ruprecht leading Espinasse and Mundell. In J2, Ruy Barbosa won ahead of Till De Clerco and Emanuele Facchetti. But a nod goes to Enric Francisco who, despite a big crash which left him battered and bruised, won the World J2 title, triggering euphoric celebrations for his team and manager, Ivan Cervantes.

Hamish Macdonald made a whole nation proud by becoming the first World Enduro Champion from New Zealand. The Sherco rider won the title after a very complicated season after Macdonald broke his collarbone in Spain. He pushed hard to recover and return to the top of the category. This title augurs really well for the Kiwi, who hasn’t yet realised the full extent of his success.

Hamish Macdonald

“I can not find the words, this title is just incredible! The season was very tricky when I broke my collarbone, and my rivals have pushed. All I can say is thank you to my team and my family, but also to the Edmondson family for welcoming me and taking care of me away from home all year. I still haven’t taken in what’s happening, but I can promise you that we’re going to celebrate tonight!”

On the first day of action, home favourite Nathan Bererd won in front of Sergio Navarro by less than a second! Macdonald climbed onto the final step of the podium in the Youth category.

The Enduro Woman Cup is back! For the second consecutive year, the best girls on the planet come to battle to win the Women’s World Cup at the final round of the season. And defending champion Sanna Karkkainen has a lot of work to do if she wants to retain her crown.

Jane Daniels surged to success by winning on Saturday. The Brit is ahead of Karkkainen and the Spanish rider Mireia Badia. Daniels is extremely motivated after the big disappointment she suffered in 2018, when she had to give up her title hopes after breaking her collarbone early in the weekend. Jane left no chances to her rivals, winning five out of the six tests.

The riders in the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup also fought it out on the tough terrain, chasing the best riders in the world. In Open 2-Stroke, after his absence in the Czech Republic, Gonçalo Reis has come back with a win. He won in front of Benet Gomez and a quick Jack Cadwallader.

In Open 4-Stroke, Belgium’s Mathias Van Hoof had announced he was hoping to take the top step on French soil – and he managed it! He took victory over Robert Riedel and Dylan Levesque. In the absence of the giant from the Isle of Man, David Knight, it was Andrea Belotti turn to win. The Italian had this first win of the year in Open Senior ahead of Enrique Gonzalez Vega and Patrik Andersson.

EnduroGP France Podio E Day
2019 EnduroGP of France – E3 Podium Saturday

2019 EnduroGP of France – Saturday Overall

  1. Brad FREEMAN United Kingdom 1:08:22.13
  2. Steve HOLCOMBE United Kingdom +19.86
  3. Daniel MCCANNEY United Kingdom +23.01
  4. Loïc LARRIEU France +36.69
  5. Alex SALVINI Italy +1:06.89
  6. Thomas OLDRATI Italy +1:18.78
  7. Giacomo REDONDI Italy +1:34.81
  8. Matteo CAVALLO Italy +1:37.44
  9. Joseph WOOTTON United Kingdom +1:39.40
  10. Antoine BASSET France +1:48.12
  11. Benjamin HERRERA Chile +2:05.48
  12. David ABGRALL France +2:11.83
  13. Antoine MEO France +2:17.26
  14. Christophe CHARLIER France +2:24.00
  15. Kirian MIRABET Spain +2:49.10
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Sunday Report

In an incredible end to the 2019 EnduroGP season, Sunday saw the supreme title of EnduroGP – overall Champion – still to be decided, with Brad Freeman giving it his all. And at the tender age of 23 he has taken the first EnduroGP title of his career. This incredible day in the sport also saw the world E2 crown awarded, as well as the Women’s World Cup.

EnduroGP France Thomas Oldrati
Thomas Oldrati

Brad Freeman continued to fly the Union Jack high. He is also the first rider to end Steve Holcombe’s reign. The Beta Boano rider broke his collarbone at the GP of Greece and had to ride in searing in pain to conquer the title. In addition to his E1 crowns in 2018 and 2019, and his Junior crown in 2017, Freeman now adds a fourth star to his list. All this bodes well for the future of the incredibly talented young rider.

Brad Freeman

“That’s it! We did it! I do not have a lot of words to describe what I’m feeling. This season was so complicated and tough, I can tell you that it took a lot of will to fulfil this dream. I am EnduroGP World Champion and it feels great!”

EnduroGP France Brad Freeman imgEGP
Brad Freeman

And what a performance from Loïc Larrieu today! Encouraged and boosted by the French fans, he attacked all day on Sunday, winning no fewer than six tests. The TM rider intelligently built up his lead and kept an eye on his opponent’s pace, upping his pace only when needed. Larrieu took his first world title, in E2, on home soil – what better way to do it?

Larrieu also owes his performance to an exceptional Alex Salvini, who pushed him to his absolute limits. The Italian made very few mistakes, and finished second overall in a Grand Prix that could easily have turned in his favour.

Loic Larrieu

“To win this title in front of the French public is something really special. This title represents a lot for me. I want to thank the entire TM Racing team, my entourage and my partners. It’s a great reward after a year that was difficult with a new constructor and little preparation. It’s just perfect, it’s my year.”

EnduroGP France Loic Larrieu
Loïc Larrieu

Steve Holcombe also fought gallantly all day. Freshly crowned in the E3 class, Steve promised to throw everything into the ring to try and beat Freeman, but this year it simply wasn’t enough. He finished third in this last GP of a difficult season.

Brad Freeman was fourth overall, doing ‘just enough’. Meanwhile, 2018 Junior World Champion Matteo Cavallo impressed everyone in his first Senior season, taking another Top 5 spot overall.

EnduroGP France Loic Larrieu
Loïc Larrieu

The E2 class was extremely exciting on this second day of racing in France. Loïc Larrieu became World Champion for the first time in his career, and in impressive fashion. Mastering the French terrain, he admitted he had to push all day. Alex Salvini was a fantastic rival for Larrieu , he always gives his all and fights with aggression and finesse. But the Italian once again had to swallow the heartbreak of losing out on the last day of the year. Behind this pair on the E2 podium was an ever-improving Joe Wootton.

Alex Salvini

“I got beaten again at the last race of the year, but this time it was nothing like what happened in 2018. This year the fight was really beautiful with Loic, and even though I am very disappointed not to be champion, I realised what I am capable of. This year was tough but I am happy to have managed to run my own team – we will come back even stronger.”

EnduroGP France Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini

In E1, Freeman won at the expense of Cavallo and Davide Guarneri.
Meanwhile, Steve Holcombe won the last E3 race of the year in front of his super-consistent compatriot, Danny McCanney and the legendary champion Christophe Nambotin, who has just taken part in his last GP.

Steve Holcombe FM France EnduroGP RndTheo Espinasse ended his 2019 season like a cannonball. The Sherco rider pocketed another win following his success in Uhlirske Janovice two weeks ago. He took Sunday’s victory ahead of Ruy Barbosa and a quick Dan Mundell. Espinasse also won the J1 class in front of Mundell and Antoine Magain. While J2 went to Barbosa, in front of wildcard Jed Etchells and Léo Le Quere.

In Youth 125, Sergio Navarro won in the last round against Nathan Bererd by a second and a half. 2019 EY Champion Hamish Macdonald closed out the podium positions.

Shy and quiet off the bike, Britain’s Jane Daniels is absolutely ferocious on the tests. After a flawless weekend, she wins the Enduro Women’s World Cup. As modest as talented, Daniels was finally able to claim a title that has eluded her in the past due to misfortune or bad luck. In 2019, she proved she is the fastest woman in the world on an enduro machine. 2018 champion Sanna Karkkainen didn’t have an answer for Daniels this weekend. Third on this world podium was Spain’s Mireia Badia.

Jane Daniels

“At last I have won this title that I have been waiting for so long! I am really happy and I am very proud to bring this trophy home with me!”

In the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup, the 2019 season has been a great success. The category gave a chance for a large number of riders who dreamed of rubbing shoulders with the best in the world, on the same course! It is mission accomplished for the first year of the Open Cup!

For this last round of the season in Open 4-Stroke we saw the same winner as Saturday – Belgium’s Mathias Van Hoof on his Beta. He took victory ahead of Robert Riedel and Dylan Levesque. In the Open 2-Stroke Gonçalo Reis concluded a brilliant season with another win. He was accompanied on the final podium of the year by Gomez Benet and Jorge Paradelo Rodriguez. In the Senior category, Andrea Belotti doubled up and won for the second time this weekend. The same duo as Saturday; Enrique Gonzalez Vega and Patrik Andersson accompanied him on the podium.

EnduroGP France Podio E Day
2019 EnduroGP of France – E3 Podium Sunday

The Grand Prix of France brilliantly concluded an EnduroGP season that was in every respect remarkable. Given the level of competition, excitement, and unpredictability shown this year, all eyes are already on 2020!

2019 EnduroGP of France – Sunday Overall

  1. Loïc LARRIEU France 1:05:47.21
  2. Alex SALVINI Italy +8.07
  3. Steve HOLCOMBE United Kingdom +22.33
  4. Brad FREEMAN United Kingdom +28.58
  5. Matteo CAVALLO Italy +42.42
  6. Daniel MCCANNEY United Kingdom +49.69
  7. Joseph WOOTTON United Kingdom +57.36
  8. Antoine BASSET France +1:48.98
  9. Davide GUARNERI Italy +1:57.15
  10. Benjamin HERRERA Chile +2:04.72
  11. Christophe NAMBOTIN France +2:13.23
  12. Christophe CHARLIER France +2:21.31
  13. Hugo BLANJOUE France +2:21.43
  14. Thomas OLDRATI Italy +2:23.34
  15. David ABGRALL France +2:30.89
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Hamish Macdonald claims first Kiwi Endurance World Title

Canterbury’s Hamish MacDonald has become the first New Zealand rider to win a World Enduro Championship. Originally from West Melton, MacDonald (20) was crowned the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Champion at the final round in Ambert, France over the weekend.

The victory was made even sweeter, after a tough season where the Sherco rider broke both the scapula bone in his shoulder and his clavicle, at May’s third round in Spain. He fought back hard to recover and return to the top of the category.

Hamish Macdonald

“I cannot find the words, this title is just incredible! The season was very tricky when I broke my collarbone, and my rivals have pushed. All I can say is thank you to my team and my family, but also to the Edmondson family for welcoming me and taking care of me away from home all year. I still haven’t taken in what’s happening, but I can promise you that we’re going to celebrate tonight!”

Hamish MacDonald World Enduro Champion
Hamish Macdonald – Image by Mastorgne Photography and Dario Agrati

He joined the Enduro GP last year after what had been a long time since a New Zealander took on the sport’s special tests. The last Kiwi to race in this series was Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley back in 2003. The tough enduro discipline is run on extended cross-country and off-road courses, featuring many different obstacles and challenges.

Already a multi-New Zealand Enduro Champion, MacDonald rides a Sherco with the support of Fabrizio Azzalin and his team Sherco CH Racing.

Motorcycling New Zealand’s General Manager Virginia Henderson says its been a golden few weeks for the country’s riders, with the sport producing two world champions within a month. Otago’s Courtney Duncan won the Women’s World Motocross Championship in September.


Australia goes one better at 2019 TdN in Ibiza

Team Australia arrived in Spain a week early this year ahead of the TdN assisting in their preparation for this year’s event. All riders (apart from Kristie McKinnon) riding in the final round of the FIM Trial GP before a week of training helping Australia to go into Ibiza strong with the added benefit of the terrain suiting our riders. The backdrop of this year’s TdN was spectacular, with sections right on the ocean across some concrete blocks along with a few other man-made sections.

FIM Trial Des Nations TdN Team Australia imgPepSegalesFIM
Team Australia – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM

2019 marks the 26th year that Team Australia have competed in the TdN men’s category and the 26th consecutive year, with Kyle Middleton having represented Australia 11-times, and joining Chris Bayles and Connor Hogan as a team for the fourth time.

Kristie McKinnon has also represented Australia 11-times, holding the record for Australian female trials riders, with Australia competing in the Women’s category for the 13th time in 2019, with McKinnon joined by Jenna Lupo and Lillie Yiatrou, who team up for the first time.

Kyle Middleton and Connor Hogan rode the qualification round for the men, finishing in an impressive fourth place, while Kristie McKinnon and Lillie Yiatrou rode for the Women qualifying in seventh.

FIM Trial Des Nations TdN Team Australia imgPepSegalesFIM
Team Australia – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM

After a hard day of riding, the men’s team of Kyle Middleton, Chris Bayles and Connor Hogan finished an impressive fifth place with a total of 18-points in the hotly-contested International Trophy after Germany took the win with a commanding victory over Sweden.

The women’s team of Kristie McKinnon, Lillie Yiatrou and Jenna Lupo scored 101-points to finish a place higher than 2018 in 7th with Spain taking the win ahead of Britain.

Kyle Middleton

“Our team was awesome, aside from probably two sections we were right there which leaves me wishing we could have had another shot at it. Also a special thanks for all the supporters and sponsors who helped get us here, including S3 Parts, GRO, Hebo and The Hell Team.”

With both teams happy with the improvements the focus is now on for the 2020 FIM Trial des Nation.

FIM Trial Des Nations TdN Team Australia imgPepSegalesFIM
Team Australia – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM

Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou once again led the Spanish team alongside compatriots Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo. Accruing a mere four penalty marks, the Spanish team dominated throughout the fifteen sections in Ibiza to clinch the 2019 Trial des Nations championship title. The victory represents a 26th national win, the 16th on the spin.

Toni Bou

“Today was an easy trial, where there was a lot of adherence in the sections, and we knew that we would have a tough job to make a difference. Finally, we rode a very intelligent trial – very good technically. We picked up two marks, both in section nine on each lap, where it was very easy to five. We cleaned the rest of the sections, so between the three of us we form a great team. Riding with them is always an honour. Congratulations to the organization for the trial.”

trialgp tdn men Spain
Toni Bou – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM

2019 International Trophy Results

  1. Germany – 1
  2. Sweden – 7
  3. United States – 8
  4. Austria – 11
  5. Australia – 18
  6. Czech Republic – 19
  7. Belgium – 30
  8. Switzerland – 48
  9. Ireland – 55
  10. Andorra – 119

2019 Trial des Nations Championship

  1. Spain – 4
  2. Japan – 19
  3. France – 24
  4. Great Britain – 27
  5. Italy – 45
  6. Norway – 95
trialgp tdn podiums ps
2019 Trial des Nations championship podium

2019 Women’s Trials Des Nations Result

  1. Spain – 3
  2. Great Britain – 10
  3. Norway – 18
  4. Germany – 22
  5. United States – 26
  6. France – 33
  7. Australia – 101
  8. Portugal – 147
  9. Switzerland – 287
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2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track run at Somersby over weekend

Only two riders were able to win more than one championship class over two days of exciting racing at the 2019 Honda Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships at the Allen Park track at Somersby on the weekend. Thirteen classes produced 11 different winners, and a string of other place-getters who all helped confirm that the future of the sport is in good hands.

Albury Wodonga rider Archie McDonald won both of the classes for the 11 to Under 13 years classes which is currently the most ‘red-hot’ of all the age brackets.

The always highly competitive 13 to Under 16 years classes produced the other dual winner in Forbes rider Tom Drane who was denied a third win in the last of the weekend’s final. After finishing runner-up in three other classes Gold Coast rider Seth Qualischefski finally got the better of Drane to add a win to his medal haul.

Qualischefski was a tireless performer on the weekend being one of a few riders to contest four classes, which in total meant he rode 84 laps of racing. There were also three other Gold Coast riders who claimed a championship class win.

Ashleigh Adamson took out the Girls class beating Ava Faulkhead from Mildura and Molly Fairey from Cobar to produce a very geographically diverse rostrum. Sympathy goes to Anika Loftus though from Brisbane won the first three rounds before she was injured.

The other Gold Coast successes went to Rory McQualter who added two third placings to his win, and Viv Muddle who placed third as he strived to make it a double.

Two other class winners also added to their medal haul with Cowra rider Noah Grabham adding two seconds to his win, while Kempsey’s Jayden Holder scored one third place.

Tom Drane will have to start making room for his brother Sam to build his trophy collection as Sam won his first ever Australian Championship.

The host club boasted one championship class winner in Lachlan Russell, a feat matched by the Kurri Kurri Junior Club thanks to a win by Thomas Bullen.

With such a classy line-up of talent assembled even qualifying for the finals in some classes was no easy feat, with some of the minor place-getters still left pleased with their efforts, including a number who gained their best ever results.

Special mention must be made of Kurri Kurri rider Cameron Dunker and Albury Wodonga rider Remmie Fyffe who were both dual place getters.

Riders travelled from as far afield as Townsville in the north, Cobar and Mildura in the west and Melbourne in the south with the much-travelled families praising the host club for its staging of the meeting.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Results
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track
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Thad Duvall claims 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC Overall Win

The second Annual Mason-Dixon GNCC concluded round 11 of the 2019 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series on Sunday, where dry, dusty and higher temperatures greeted the afternoon race, making it a rough course for many of the competitors.

Thad Duvall would manage to make it through the gruelling three-hour race, crossing the finish line 39 seconds ahead of the competition. With track conditions proving difficult for many other riders, Duvall and his team put in their best effort to keep pushing until the checkered flag came out. Duvall earned his fourth overall win of the season, and his second straight win at the Mason-Dixon GNCC in Pennsylvania.

GNCC Rnd Mason Dixon Mount Morris Thad Duvall KH
Thad Duvall – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill

Coming through second for the second race in a row was Ricky Russell. Throughout the day Russell would find himself battling it out with several different XC1 Open Pro riders, but he would manage to hold onto the second place position as the white flag came out indicating one more lap to go. Russell currently sits sixth in the points standings with two rounds remaining in the season.

With Kelley moving out of the XC2 250 Pro class, it was Liam Draper coming away with his first-ever XC2 class win. Drapers’ consistency paid off after starting out second in the class and making the move to first once when the two-lap card came out and then again on the last lap. Craig Delong came through second after battling his way to the front of the class ahead of Evan Smith.

GNCC Rnd Mason Dixon Mount Morris Liam Draper XC Pro class win KH
Liam Draper – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill

The FMF XC3 125cc Pro-Am class had a lot of changes of lead throughout the duration of the race. However, it would be Jake Froman coming out to earn his first-ever win. Jesse Ansley, who currently leads the class points, held the lead after grabbing the holeshot. Ansley would fight back for a second place finish with Chase Colville also battling back to round out the podium. Colville would hold the lead at one point in the race, but would suffer bike issues causing a long pit stop, to still fight back to third in the class.

Simon Johnson took home the top amateur honors with his 250 A class win and a 14th overall. Brody Johnson came through 15th overall and earned second in the 250 A class along with the amateur podium. Tristan Landrum came through third in the 250 A class, and 17th overall claiming the final spot on the amateur podium.

When the 10 a.m. race kicked off Tayla Jones grabbied the early lead. However, Becca Sheets made her way to the front of the pack, to make the pass for the first place position. Sheets and Jones would battle back and forth and after trouble on an uphill during the last lap, Jones made the pass on Sheets and came through to take the win.

GNCC Rnd Mason Dixon Mount Morris Tayla Jones KH
Tayla Jones – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill

Sheets finished second and Korie Steede battled forward to earn her place on the WXC podium for the first-time ever. Jones and Sheets made up the first two in the overall positions, but it would be Blayke Coler of the 125 B/C class working his way on adjusted time to the third overall position.

Tayla Jones

“Pumped to pull the holeshot on the weekend and brought home another GNCC Racing win. It was a tight race all day and with track conditions on the extremely dry side it made it really tough. Only two rounds to go for the season, ready to fight for it! Thank you to the @bauer651, the whole @rockstarhusky team and the Barnes’ for their help over the weekend and of course a huge shoutout to all of my awesome sponsors.”

As the 8 a.m. youth race took off it was Joseph Cunningham came through in the first place position, working towards earning the youth overall national championship. Nolette and Kuneff tried to apply the pressure up front, but would ultimately fall just short as Cunningham came through to the checkered flag first. Cunningham earned the Youth Overall National Championship, as Nolette took home second in the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class and overall with Kuneff behind him in third.

GNCC Rnd Mason Dixon Mount Morris Joseph Cunningham KH
Joseph Cunningham – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill

In the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class it was Grant Davis coming through the pack to earn his ninth win of the season. Davis currently sits first in the points standings as the series heads into the last two rounds. Jack Joy came through to take second in the YXC2 class followed by Garyson Smith clinching third and the last spot on the class podium.

XC1 Pro Event Results

  1. Thad Duvall (HQV)
  2. Ricky Russell (YAM)
  3. Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
  4. Andrew Delong (HON)
  5. Layne Michael (HQV)
  6. Kailub Russell (KTM)
  7. Josh Toth (KTM)
  8. Benjamin Kelley (KTM)
  9. Chris Venditti (KAW)
  10. Takanori Nakajima (YAM)

Overall National Championship Standings

  1. Kailub Russell (295)
  2. Thad Duvall (258)
  3. Steward Baylor Jr. (198)
  4. Ben Kelley (166)
  5. Trevor Bollinger (162)
  6. Ricky Russell (123)
  7. Andrew Delong (121)
  8. Josh Strang (103)
  9. Jordan Ashburn (113)
  10. Josh Toth (107)

XC2 250 Pro Event Results

  1. Liam Draper (KTM)
  2. Craig Delong (HQV)
  3. Evan Smith (HQV)
  4. Austin Lee (HON)
  5. Zach Hayes (KTM)
  6. Ben Parsons (HQV)
  7. Jesse Groemm (KTM)
  8. Dylan Yearbury (YAM)
  9. Samuel Evans (KTM)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

  1. Benjamin Kelley (300)
  2. Michael Witkowski (189)
  3. Craig Delong (188)
  4. Evan Smith (183)
  5. Liam Draper (172)
  6. Austin Lee (164)
  7. Ryder Lafferty (145)
  8. Jonathan Johnson (137)
  9. Alex Teagarden (123)
  10. Ben Parsons (113)
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Jared Mees tops AFT season finale

Jared Mees has topped AFT season finale in the Twins Main Event at the Meadowlands Mile, with Briar Bauman having already closed out the title in advance.

AFT Meadowlands Mile Twins Podium FA
Jared Mees topped the AFT Twins podium – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter

In the AFT Singles Dalton Gauthier claimed the championship win with a very safe 14th place finish, while Mikey Rush topped proceedings, with Australian Max Whale in eighth and ninth in the overall standings.

The AFT Production Twins Corey Texter took the title, despite a mechanical issue regulating him to 14th, with chief rival Kolby Carlile a DNF.

See the full report here:
Mees wraps up AFT season with Meadowlands Mile win

2019 AFT Twins Standings

Pos Rider Points
1 Briar Bauman 326
2 Jared Mees 320
3 Bronson Bauman 251
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. 223
5 Brandon Robinson 206
6 Jarod Vanderkooi 200
7 Henry Wiles 181
8 Robert Pearson 171
9 Davis Fisher 156
10 Sammy Halbert 156

2019 AFT Singles Standings

Pos Rider Points
1 Dalton Gauthier 286
2 Mikey Rush 280
3 Dan Bromley 277
4 Ryan Wells 197
5 Chad Cose 190
6 Jesse Janisch 183
7 Shayna Texter 172
8 Morgen Mischler 171
9 Max Whale 143
10 Kevin Stollings 121

2019 AFT Production Twins Standings

Pos Rider Points
1 Cory Texter 190
2 Ryan Varnes 182
3 Kolby Carlile 173
4 Dalton Gauthier 145
5 Chad Cose 139
6 James Rispoli 133
7 Cody Johncox 123
8 J.R. Addison 111
9 Ben Lowe 100
10 Kevin Stollings 90
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Netherlands claims MXoN win from Belgium and Great Britain

Team Netherands has taken the 2019 MXoN win, with Glenn Coldenhoff, Jeffrey Herlings and Calvin Vlaanderen proving unbeatable at Assen, with Team Belgium a distant second represented by Jeremy Van Horebeek, Kevin Strijbos and Jago Geerts, and Team Great Britain third with riders Shaun Simpson, Nathan Watson and Adam Sterry.

MXoN Herlings JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN – Image by Hoppenworld

See the full report here:
Dutch top sloppy home soil MXoN | Australia 15th due to mechanicals

2019 Motocross of Nations Classification

Pos Country Points
1 The Netherlands 18  
2 Belgium 47  
3 Great Britain 58  
4 Estonia 64  
5 France 68  
6 USA 68  
7 Germany 72  
8 Latvia 73  
9 Spain 73  
10 Denmark 77  
11 Switzerland 81  
12 Norway 87  
13 Slovenia 89  
14 Sweden 91  
15 Australia 93  
16 Italy 113  
17 Austria 122  
18 Ireland 150  
19 New Zealand 171  
20 Rep. of South Africa 151  

2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale wraps up

After two thrilling days riding on the international stage for the first time at the Motocross of Nations, the 2019 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup came to an end on Sunday with the YZ125 race. YZ125 riders faced heavy rain and difficult conditions on Sunday at the TT Circuit Assen, contesting the last 2019 SuperFinale race after the YZ65 and YZ85 riders competed on Saturday.

YZ bLU cRU SuperFinale
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale

As the gate dropped practice leader Mairis Pumpurs took the holeshot to establish a very strong lead. Behind him Bobby Bruce also built on his practice pace to take second, battling with Spanish rider #252 Raul Sanchez behind. As the track got more challenging every rider put their head down over the 20-minute race.

With Pumpurs sitting unchallenged in first place he took the victory nearly a minute clear, followed home by Sanchez, who battled past Bruce, in second and third respectively to complete the podium at the weekend’s most difficult and entertaining bLUcRU SuperFinale race.

For Pumpurs, Sanchez and Bruce, the bLU cRU Masterclass awaits in November in Spain, where they will be joined by two YZ125 wildcards as they further develop their riding skills under expert tutorials and guidance. From the Masterclass, one of the five YZ125 riders will then win a place with the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team for the 2020 EMX125 Championship.

YZ bLU cRU SuperFinale
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale podium

2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale Top 10

Pos Rider Nat. Bike Gap
1 Pumpurs, Mairis LAT Yamaha 00:00.0
2 Sanchez, Raul ESP Yamaha 00:57.9
3 Bruce, Bobby GBR Yamaha 01:10.3
4 Razzini, Pietro ITA Yamaha 01:22.1
5 de Beer, Ryan NED Yamaha 01:29.4
6 Modin, Arvid SWE Yamaha 01:41.9
7 de Lange, Sem NED Yamaha 01:48.6
8 Gimm, Daniel ITA Yamaha 02:12.3
9 Sagmalis, Antonis GRE Yamaha 02:33.6
10 Depoers, Simon FRA Yamaha 1 lap
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Cross-Countries Rally head to Rallye du Maroc

This Friday the 20th edition of the Rallye du Maroc is due to get underway, representing the fourth and final test of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and the final competition ahead of the Dakar Rally.

Fez, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the country’s cultural and religious centre, will host the forthcoming Rallye du Maroc, the fourth points-paying round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Desafio Ruta Rally Toby Price
Toby Price won the Rallye du Maroc in 2018

Morocco has always been a land of rally raid. The story began in 1982 with the arrival of Paris-Agadir, the first rally raid to run in Morocco. The following year, the rally took the name of ‘Atlas Rally’ and became the flagship rally to the Rally Raids calendar. The Atlas
Rally saw the best drivers and teams in the discipline run.

The Atlas Rally, after having changed hands from the company Larivièr et to ASO, disappeared at the end of the 90’s. It was then reborn in 2000 as ‘Rallye du Maroc’, under the leadership of Cyril Neveu and Jean Christophe Pelletier. The rally immediately became the major Moroccan rally and welcomed again the elite of rally raid.

In 2007, the company NPO, organiser of the Rallye du Maroc, was sold to Emma and Stéphane Clair and became an event in the FIM World Championship and the FIA World Cup. After 10 years at the head of the event, NPO sold the Rallye du Maroc to the company ODC, led by David Castera.

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Road racer Jessopp tries WESS at Hawkstone Park XC

As well as bringing together many of the world’s best Enduro racers, all looking to be crowned Ultimate Enduro World Champion, the World Enduro Super Series also attracts athletes at the pinnacle of other two-wheeled sports – competitors looking to dip a toe in the WESS waters. Round six of the series, the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, saw stars of mountain biking and road racing out in force all keen to wrestle the gruelling Shropshire sands.

Martin Jessopp Hawkstone Park Cross Country FM
Martin Jessopp – Image by Future7Media

During the two days of racing, mountain bike star Josh Bryceland, former mountain bike racer Rob Warner and Isle of Man TT racer Martin Jessopp lined up against some of the world’s best Enduro riders.

Better known for his accomplishments in road racing, Martin Jessopp is a two-time TT podium finisher having lapped the infamous circuit at over 131mph, along with winning the North West 200 three times.

At the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country he showed his talents carry across to dirt too, finishing Saturday’s Sprint Enduro third in Clubman 2T, before securing sixth in Sunday’s Original Fast Eddy Cross-Country.

Martin Jessopp

“I’ve been trying to spend more time riding Enduro, but I didn’t expect to do so well. I didn’t make too many mistakes and tried to save energy where I could. It’s been awesome to race alongside the Pro riders – in a way it’s kind of role reversal for me, which I enjoyed. It’s incredible to see how fast they can ride these conditions and hold their corner speed between the trees. A highlight was when Graham Jarvis came past and I tried to stick with him for a couple of corners before he disappeared!”

Martin Jessopp Hawkstone Park Cross Country FM
Martin Jessopp – Image by Future7Media

World Enduro Super Series – 2019 Calendar

  • Round 7: BR2 Enduro Solsona (Spain) October 4-6
  • Round 8: GetzenRodeo (Germany) November 2
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2019 KTM AJMX Interstate Challenge Teams announced

Motorcycling Australia have announced the riders who have been chosen to represent each of their states at the KTM AJMX Nationals in Gillman, South Australia this week.

These riders form part of the selection that is required for the Interstate Challenge Cup. That format is each state is to choose a team of eight riders from four different classes to compete for this cup. Eight out of the 13 team members must be named to the Race Secretary of the event by the end of practice.

AJMX Penguin Tas Atmos
AJMX 2018

Each of those competitors is then scored within their own class. At the end of the event, the team with the highest point scoring six team members from each state will have their final placings re-scored for an overall score. The state with the highest overall team score is the winner.

  • New South Wales
    • 2 Ky WOODS 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
    • 22 Connor TOWILL 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
    • 20 Ben NOVAK 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 14 – Under 16 Years
    • 264 Hunter COLLINS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 14 – Under 16 Years
    • 254 Jack DEVESON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
    • 294 Koby HANTIS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
    • 2 Taylor THOMPSON 100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 16 Years Girls
    • 25 Blake FOX 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
  • Tasmania
    • 756 Brodie FAULKNER 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
    • 7 Jay JENNINGS 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
    • 75 Cooper FORD 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
    • 759 Brydie HINGSTON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
    • 751 Angus PEARCE 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
    • 757 Jett BURGESS-STEVENS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
    • 757 Jett BURGESS-STEVENS 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
    • 76 Evan LOCKWOOD 100-125cc 2st 15 Years
  • Northern Territory
    • 198 Rhys Gwynne 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
    • 106 Mitchell Thorneycroft 85cc 9-U12 Years
    • 174 Clayton Bogucki 85cc 9-U12 Years
    • 100 Ryan Van Deventer 85cc 12-U14 Years
    • 100 Ryan Van Deventer 125cc 13-U15 Years
    • 141 Jayden O’Connor 125cc 13-U15 Years
    • 138 Thomas Bennett 125cc 15 Years
    • 521 Declan SMART 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
  • Western Australia
    • 68 Liam ATKINSON 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
    • 658 Mason BROWN 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
    • 60 Brock FLYNN 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
    • 602 Deegan FORT 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
    • 66 Kayden MINEAR 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
    • 66 Kayden MINEAR 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
    • 66 Jaylee RIMBAS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
    • 65 Seth SHACKLETON 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
  • South Australia
    • 5 Alex LARWOOD 100-125cc 2st 15 Years
    • 5 Wil CARPENTER 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
    • 51 Dakota COLLINS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
    • 52 Taj GOW-SMITH 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
    • 53 Jai HAY 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
    • 5 Emma HAYLOCK 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
    • 5 Alex LARWOOD 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
    • 5 Levi ROSSI 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
  • Queensland
    • 46 Taylah MCCUTCHEON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
    • 47 Ryan ALEXANDERSON 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
    • 42 Jet ALSOP 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
    • 494 Charli CANNON 100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 16 Years Girls
    • 4 Cooper DOWNING 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
    • 46 Kobe DREW 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
    • 401 Levi ROGERS 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
    • 45 Brad WEST 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 15 Years
  • Victoria
    • 37 Kipp ADAMS 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
    • 32 Jobe DUNNE 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
    • 352 Oscar FOX 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
    • 370 Connor GUILLOT 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
    • 32 Madison HEALEY 100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 16 Years Girls
    • 38 Thynan KEAN 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 15 Years
    • 34 Jake SANDERSON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
    • 39 Connar ADAMS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 14 – Under 16 Years
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2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule

The 12-round schedule for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing has been announced. The 49th season will once again visit 11 different states over the course of the summer, beginning with the legendary Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 16, and concluding with the Ironman National on August 29.

The most talented collection of riders on the planet will battle it out over the course of 24 motos across the 450 Class and 250 Class, pushing both their physical and mental limits in the most grueling conditions found in any motorsports championship. Their quest to capture the most coveted titles in motocross, the Edison Dye Cup (450 Class) and the Gary Jones Cup (250 Class), will bring these exceptional athletes to the most storied racetracks in the world, many of which boast legacies that span more than four decades.

AMA MX Rnd Starts JK MX Ironman
2019 Ironman National – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round 12 – Image by Hoppenworld

With three consecutive 450 Class titles to his credit, reigning champion Eli Tomac will look to make even more history next summer, seeking to become one of just two riders to hoist the Edison Dye Cup for four straight seasons.

AMA MX Rnd Tomac JK MX Ironman
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National – Image by Hoppenworld

He’ll welcome a new challenger to that title defense under the Monster Energy Kawasaki tent, where newly crowned 250 Class Champion Adam Cianciarulo will step up onto the big bikes as a teammate to Tomac, joining the likes of a deep list of fellow contenders that includes Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Jason Anderson, Zach Osborne, Cooper Webb and more.

AMA MX Rnd Cianciarulo JK MX Unadilla
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld

With Cianciarulo’s departure from the 250 Class, the title vacancy opens the door for a wide-open battle to claim the Gary Jones Cup, where Jeremy Martin, the lone former champion in the division, will battle it out alongside a promising group of up and coming talent, led by teammates Dylan Ferrandis and Justin Cooper.

2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule

  • May 16 – Hangtown Classic Prairie City SVRA Rancho Cordova, Calif.
  • May 23 – Fox Raceway National Fox Raceway Pala, Calif.
  • May 30 – Thunder Valley National Thunder Valley Motocross Park Lakewood, Colo.
  • Jun 06 – Florida National WW Ranch Motocross Park Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Jun 20 – High Point National High Point Raceway Mt. Morris, Pa.
  • Jun 27 – Southwick National The Wick 338 Southwick, Mass.
  • Jul 04 – RedBud National RedBud MX Buchanan, Mich.
  • Jul 18 – Spring Creek National Spring Creek MX Park Millville, Minn.
  • Jul 25 – Washougal National Washougal MX Park Washougal, Wash.
  • Aug 15 – Unadilla National Unadilla MX New Berlin, N.Y.
  • Aug 22 – Budds Creek National Budds Creek Motocross Park Mechanicsville, Md.
  • Aug 29 – Ironman National Ironman Raceway Crawfordsville, Ind.
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Rene Hofer join Red Bull KTM MX2 effort full-time in 2020

Rene Hofer will join Red Bull KTM as a full-time Grand Prix rider in 2020. The 17 year old impressed with three wild-card MX2 appearances in 2019 in what was his first full year of competition with the KTM 250 SX-F. The Austrian will give KTM factory presence in the MX2 class alongside Tom Vialle next season with double world champion Jorge Prado joining the MXGP category with Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings.

Rene Hofer Red Bull KTM MX
Rene Hofer joins Red Bull KTM MX2 full time in 2020

The teenager (who will turn 18 in the first days of 2020) is a former FIM Junior and European Champion and has risen through the ranks. He won EMX125 European Championship races in 2018 and was a contender for the title until a mid-season injury. Hofer claimed a podium finish and classified fourth in the EMX250 standings at his first attempt in 2019.

The rider from Linz joined the Grand Prix team for three appearances this summer; taking his first FIM world championship points in the Czech Republic and then scoring seventh place overall at the Grand Prix of Italy at Imola. He also represented Team Austria as one of the three best racers from his country for the 73rd Motocross of Nations at the TT Circuit Assen.

Hofer will be the first Austrian to represent the modern incarnation of Red Bull KTM, the first in MX2 and the third native in the factory team after Heinz Kinigadner and current VP of Offroad Robert Jonas.

Rene Hofer

“I’m super-excited. We’ve really worked for this over the last couple of years and my dreams are coming true right now. We were not sure if it would happen for 2020 but I showed some good speed in the second half of the season and also that I could compete in good positions in MX2. I felt confident in the class from the very first time, even if the weekend routine is pretty different from EMX. I’m so grateful to be able to have the chance to ride for the most successful team in the GP paddock and to have the best racing people around me as well as being able to learn from Tom. I’ve trained with him a few times now and he’s a really nice guy. He had an unbelievable rookie season and I think we can put in some solid preparation work over the winter to be ready for 2020. I turn 18 next year and I know I am ready for this step. For sure the result in Imola was very good but I will be hungry for more and I will bring in the very best effort from my side. I cannot forget to thank all the people who have helped me reach this stage of my career and who have helped shape me as a rider and as a human. I cannot wait to start work for 2020 but first I need to focus on this weekend!”

Rene Hofer Red Bull KTM MX
Rene Hofer joins Red Bull KTM MX2 full time in 2020

Mathys Boisrame joins F&H Kawasaki

Team F&H Kawasaki will line up the last two European champions in the 2020 FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship as 2018 champion Mathys Boisrame joins Roan van de Moosdijk in the Dutch team.

One of the youngest teams in the GP paddock, Team F&H Kawasaki has a short but already successful story as they have clinched MX2 GP podium results during each of the past two seasons as well as the 2019 European title.

Just a few years after its creation by Harry Fase, F&H has been involved in both the EMX250 and MX2 championships this season and it was the logical progression for the team’s European champion Roan van de Moosdijk to transfer to the MX2 World Championship. He will be joined in 2020 by Mathys Boisrame, the French youngster who recorded a top ten world ranking during his rookie MX2 GP campaign this season; the 2018 European champion, who turned twenty-one this summer, has shown great potential with numerous top ten results throughout the season and an overall podium in Germany. The team will line up three riders in the MX2 World Championship next year; the identity of the third exciting signing will be revealed soon.

Mathys Boisrame

“I’m really happy to finally join the F&H Kawasaki team as we already talked together last year after my European title. This year was a learning curve for me in the World Championship; I did my best with the material I had but for sure there’s a big step between the European and World Championship and I was so impressed when I did a test with the KX250 Kawasaki. The bike handles so well, is really powerful and the team is so professional that it didn’t take me long to know I wanted to sign with them. It will be a huge change for me as I will move to the team base in the Netherlands on November 1st; for sure it’s not easy to leave home but I know what I want. Being close to the team, working with Marc de Reuver and riding in the sand will bring me all the tools for us to succeed together.”

Kawasaki MATHYS FH PH
Mathys Boisrame joins F&H Kawasaki
Nathalie Fase – F&H Kawasaki Team Manager

“We had a great season winning the Dutch and European titles, finishing fifth and sixth in the World Championship and we are very happy to add Mathys Boisrame, the 2018 European Champion, to our team for the upcoming years! We look forward to the new season and hope to be able to push again for great podiums! All ingredients are in the house, so bring it on!”

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KTM takes over Gas Gas

As part of the deal with Gas Gas, KTM also secures a controlling stake in the Torrot electric motorcycles and bicycles business as part of the deal struck ith Black Toro Capital, the owners of both Gas Gas and Torrot.

This move further expands the KTM portfolio (Husqvarna, WP etc), which will in future, presumably due to its now much broader stake in even more brands, will be renamed to Pierer Mobility AG.

Gas Gas GG XC act
2019 Gas Gas XC 300

In this instance though it seems KTM have agreed to keep the Spanish Gas Gas plant in Girona for at least the next three years. Gas Gas was originally formed from the ashes of Bultaco when that brand went tits-up in the mid 1980s. Gas Gas merged with Ossa in 2014.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Dutch top sloppy home soil MXoN | Australia 15th due to mechanicals

2019 Motocross of Nations (MXoN)

Images by Hoppenworld

Team Netherlands were the favourite heading into the 73rd running of the Motocross of Nations, and came out with their nation’s first ever victory, as riders Glenn Coldenhoff, Jeffrey Herlings and Calvin Vlaanderen dominated.

MXoN Herlings JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings along with teammates Glenn Coldenhoff and Calvin Vlaanderen dominated the 2019 proceedings- 2019 MXoN

Serving up extremely wet, windy and challenging conditions, the deep Assen sand presented a myriad of challenges for all riders with the 2019 edition of the MXoN widely considered one of the hardest ever.

A rainstorm lashed the white sand of Assen, but thousands were in attendance with the stands of the TT-circuit filled with loud cheers and colours of the many national flags represented. The atmosphere was incredible as 20 nations battled it out for pride and glory for their home country as well as the highly sought after Chamberlain trophy.

MXoN Pits JB MXON
Conditions proved challenging due to heavy rainfall offering Team Netherlands an advantage

Team Netherlands victorious

It was Team Netherlands who took top honours, led by Glenn Coldenhoff with a 1-1 score card, with Jeffrey Herlings bringing home a 2-4, and Calvin Vlaanderen going 10-10, with the team’s worst score removed. That left Team Netherlands on 18-points almost 30-points ahead of the next closest contender.

Jeffrey Herlings

“The weather was not in the plan! I messed up my starts twice today so from an individual point of view I’m not satisfied. I almost won the first moto and then when down three times in the second but still managed to finish fourth. We wanted a 1-1 and that didn’t happen but what we really came here for today was to win as a Nation and we did that. My teammates did a great job and for such a small country to win this is amazing.”

MXoN Herlings JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN
Calvin Vlaanderen

“Last year didn’t go as planned but we came into this year feeling confident and even though the rain made it a bit harder, we still knew we had a really good chance of winning. For myself, I had a pretty good day and I came close to winning the MX2 class, which was my goal, but I came second and that was still good enough. I was second and third for the MX2 riders in each race, 10-10 in the overall classifications and I was happy with how I rode and especially happy to help the Netherlands win the Motocross of Nations. Last year I felt terrible and I felt like I let down the team but this year I am extremely proud to be a part of this winning team.”

MXoN Vlaanderen JK MXON
Calvin Vlaanderen – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN
Glenn Coldenhoff

“It was an amazing weekend and we had the crowd behind us: that gave us something ‘extra’. Tim rode well in the second moto and kept some pressure on me but I could keep him behind me. 1-1 again, and it definitely feels nicer than last year because of where we are.”

MXoN Coldenhoff JB MXON
Glenn Coldenhoff – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN

Second overall was Team Belgium as Jeremy Van Horebeek, Kevin Strijbos and Jago Geerts were consistent enough for yet another podium with 47 points.

MXoN Horebeek JK MXON
Jeremy Van Horebeek (pictured), Kevin Stijbos and Jago Geerts made up Team Belgium – 2019 MXoN

Third overall was Team Great Britain with Shaun Simpson, Nathan Watson and Adam Sterry on 58 points.

MXoN Simpson JK MXON
Shaun Simpson of Team Great Britain, along with Nathan Watson and Adam Sterry claimed third

Team Australia was represented by Dean Ferris, alongside debutantes Kyle Webster and Regan Duffy, looking to improve on Australia’s 2018 placing of fourth with a podium.

The Aussies kicked off the weekend in strong form in qualifying, with Kyle Webster third, after taking the holeshot. Regan Duffy qualified sixth, while Dean Ferris was tenth despite having to ride with no goggles.

It wasn’t to be however, with the team finishing in 15th on 93-points in the extremely challenging conditions. Dean Ferris claimed 15-30 results in the MXGP class with a mechanical DNF in the second moto for 15th overall, while Kyle Webster took a strong seventh in MX2 on the back of a 23-14 result. Regan Duffy was 10th in the Open class with an 11-33 result, with the latter another mechanical DNF.

Dean Ferris

“It wasn’t the result which we were after. We gave it everything. Heading into the last moto we had a real shot at the podium but the elements got the better of our bikes. So proud of Kyle Webster and Regan Duffy for stepping up for the challenge. Thanks for all the support everyone! Bit rough having a double mechanical DNF with just a few laps to go, but anyway we gave it our all and had a killer time playing in the mud.”

MXoN Ferris JK MXON
Dean Ferris – Team Australia – 2019 MXoN
Kyle Webster

“Unfortunately it wasn’t the result which we were looking for, but the boys had a good go and I can’t thank them enough for helping me to get here.”

MXoN Multiple Kyle Webster JB MXON
Kyle Webster – Team Australia – 2019 MXoN
Regan Duffy

“Massive thanks to everyone. I tried my hardest but the bike didn’t end up making it. Awesome riding by both Dean and Kyle. This weekend has been the greatest experience of my life.”

MXoN Duffy JK MXON Cover
Regan Duffy – Team Australia – 2019 MXoN

Gajser claims first Slovenian win & top MXGP honours

Overall class winners were Tim Gajser (Team Slovenia) in the MXGP class with a 1-2 result, Thomas Kjer Olsen (Team Denmark) in the MX2 class with an 8-8 and Glenn Coldenhoff (Team Netherlands) in the Open class with his 1-1.

MXoN Coldenhoff JK MXON
Glenn Coldenhoff took top honours in the Open class – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN

Gajser made a bit of history for Slovenia as his race win in the MXGP + MX2 moto was the first ever for their nation in this event. The HRC rider grabbed the holeshot but was pushed out in the second corner and had to spend the first half of the moto looking for a way to get back into the lead. Eventually he made the pass and despite some late pressure, he won the moto and proved once again that he is fastest 450cc rider in 2019.

In the third moto, his second, he once again grabbed the holeshot and led for the first three laps before a small tip-over dropped him two places. He regrouped quickly though and set about trying to regain the lead, and although he had the fastest lap of the race, he couldn’t make the pass he needed to go one-one.

Tim Gajser

“It was a good day. The weather wasn’t the best and the track became a bit of a mess but I took two good starts, two holeshots and then I was able to win the first moto too so it was good. I’m a bit disappointed to make that little mistake in the second moto when I was winning but I came back very close to the leader at the end so overall I’m super happy. It’s been an incredible season and this is just another great moment to win a moto and to become the first Slovenian rider ever to do so.”

MXoN Gajser JK MXON
Tim Gajser – Team Slovenia – 2019 MXoN

Thomas Kjer-Olsen top MX2 performer

Placing a highly-creditable eighth overall in both the combined MXGP/MX2 and MX2/Open races, Kjer Olsen wrapped-up his 2019 season in style. Focused on enjoying the prestigious end-of-year event, as well as wanting to deliver winning MX2 class performances, the Dane remained positive throughout the day despite the dismal weather conditions, claiming two eighth place positions, which left him with the MX2 win.

Thomas Kjer-Olsen

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the season. Finishing as the best overall MX2 rider is amazing – it’s what I hoped to achieve but in these conditions anything can happen. We had so much rain here it’s hard to believe. I really tried to stay positive and just focus on riding as well as I could. The sand was so deep in places you really had to keep focused everywhere. The conditions were even harder on the 250 bikes, but my bike was perfect in both motos. I made some passes on a few 450 riders, which was cool, but I’m just pleased nothing crazy happened to me. Racing with the 450s is tough, but both motos went well. This is a great way to end the season.”

Thomas Kjer Olsen Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXoN
Thomas Kjer-Olsen – Team Denmark – 2019 MXoN

Glenn Coldenhoff dominates Open class

Team Netherlands’ triumph was thanks to a second consecutive 1-1 scorecard by Coldenhoff. The rider pushing his KTM 450 SX-F through the sandy swamp to repeat his success from RedBud in 2018 and bring a very bright second phase of 2019 to a close, having scored two GP wins and five podiums in the last five rounds.

Glenn Coldenhoff

“It was an amazing weekend and we had the crowd behind us: that gave us something ‘extra’. Tim rode well in the second moto and kept some pressure on me but I could keep him behind me. 1-1 again, and it definitely feels nicer than last year because of where we are.”

MXoN Coldenhoff JK MXON
Glenn Coldenhoff – 2019 MXoN

MXGP & MX2 Race 1

Jorge Prado led the opening MXGP/MX2 race from Tim Gajser, Ivo Monticelli, Tom Koch, and in fifth place was Jeremy Seewer. Jeffrey Herlings was in back 13th, Jason Anderson in 38th, and the other Team USA rider Justin Cooper was back in last place after the two crashed into each other.

MXoN Prado JK MXON
Jorge Prado – Team Spain – 2019 MXoN

After four laps Prado held a two second lead over Gajser, then came Jeremy Van Horebeek, Seewer, Monticelli, Herlings, Team Australia’s Dean Ferris, Gautier Paulin, Nathan Watson and Australia’s Kyle Webster 10th. Anderson moved into 20th while Team Great Britain’s Adam Sterry found himself in trouble and back in 33rd place.

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Jeremy Seewer – Team Switzerland – 2019 MXoN

Webster’s bike got stuck in the mud and dropped well back in the field to 16th place as Cooper was still riding, but dead last. Ferris went down and dropped to ninth place while after eight laps it was Prado leading with more than three seconds over Gajser.

At lap 10 Gajser passed Prado for the lead while Seewer was third, followed by Van Horebeek in fourth and Monticelli in fifth. Herlings moved into fifth place and then passed Van Horebeek to move into fourth closing up on the leaders.

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Gautier Paulin – Team France – 2019 MXoN

Herlings was on fire, two seconds a lap quicker than the leaders, but after 14 laps it was Gasjer with six seconds over Herlings, then came Seewer, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Prado, Monticelli, Olsen, Fredriksen, and Vlaanderen into the top ten. Anderson was up to 14th place and Ferris 17th.

Herlings was right up on Gajser with two laps to go, as he moved in to take the lead. Geerts found himself in 20th place and then out of the race with a broken bike, which saw Belgium suddenly dropped from second to fifth in the standings.

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Jago Geerts was knocked out of Race 1 with a broken bike – Team Belgium – 2019 MXoN

Anderson moved up to 13th as Gajser took the win from Herlings and Seewer. The Netherlands going 2-10 for a big lead with Switzerland on 23-points and third were France also with 23-points.


Open & MX2 Race 2

In the Open/MX2 Race 2 Harri Kullas took an early lead from Glenn Coldenhoff, Shaun Simpson, and Alessandro Lupino. Calvin Vlaanderen was 11th, Zach Osborne was 13th and his teammate Justin Cooper back in 32nd. Coldenhoff quickly moved into the lead as Simpson also moved past Kullas, then came Jonass and Ullrich.

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Hari Kullas – Team Estonia – 2019 MXoN

Jonass moved into third place as the race progressed and Vlaanderen flew into eighth place as he closed up on Osborne. Olsen also was on the move as he passed Vlaanderen and then Osborne. After four laps it was Coldenhoff with a 10 second lead, then Jonass, Simpson, Kullas and Ullrich.

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Pauls Jonass – Team Latvia – 2019 MXoN

Seven laps in and the top ten was Coldenhoff, Jonass, Simpson, Kullas, Ullrich, Olsen, Osborne, Campano, Geerts, and Tixier. Coldenhoff held a four second lead over Jonass, then came Simpson, Kullas, Ullrich, Osborne, Tixier, Olsen, Campano and Geerts.

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Zach Osborne – Team USA – 2019 MXoN

Coldenhoff continued to lead with more than five seconds over Jonass, then Simpson was a further 33 seconds back while Kullas was still fifth. Coldenhoff went on to win the second heat from Jonass and Simpson.


MXGP | Open Race 3

The MXGP/Open Race 3 start saw Gajser take the FOX Holeshot and lead from Van Horebeek, Monticelli, Jonass, Seewer, Coldenhoff, Watson, Simpson, Kullas and Anderson. Disaster struck for Herlings, who crashed and dropped back to 23rd place while Osborne was in 15th, Tixier 34th and Strijbos 36th.

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2019 MXoN Race Start

After a lap Gajser held a one second lead over Van Horebeek, Coldenhoff, Jonass, Monticelli, Seewer, Watson, Anderson, Simpson, and Bengtsson in 10th. Ferris was running 12th, Prado 13th and Herlings 14th.

Gajser rode well from the front with more than a two-second lead over Van Horebeek while Herlings was on the move as he passed Prado and Paulin, back up through the ranks. Gajser then crashed and Van Horebeek took the lead and Coldenhoff was into second place.

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Tim Gajser – Team Slovenia – 2019 MXoN

Coldenhoff next took the lead and the Dutch were on their way to the top of the podium, while Herlings continued to forge ahead moving into 10th place as the top ten was Coldenhoff, Van Horebeek, Gajser, Jonass, Seewer, Watson, Anderson, Simpson, Monticelli, and Herlings. Herlings then made the move into ninth as he passed Simpson and Anderson passed Watson for sixth position.

After six laps it was Coldenhoff with a six-second lead over Van Horebeek, with Gajser third. Herlings crashed once again and dropped back to 11th place, before moving back into the top 10 in ninth. His team-mate Coldenhoff continued to lead over Gajser and Van Horebeek meanwhile.

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Pauls Jonass – Team Latvia – 2019 MXoN

Jonass moved past Van Horebeek for third place while Osborne continued to struggle back in 16th position. Gajser started closing up on Coldenhoff for the lead, and Herlings moved into seventh place, with Prado eighth, Watson ninth and Paulin 10th.

Coldenhoff continued to control the race up front, leading by four seconds with Gajser second and Jonass third. Herlings moved into sixth place, dropping Anderson to seventh and Prado was also closing up on the American.

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Jason Anderson – Team USA – 2019 MXoN

Paulin dropped out of the race with mechanical problems and put Team Great Britain on the podium for the third year in a row. Coldenhoff won the race for The Netherlands ahead of Gajser and Jonass ensuring the first ever victory of Team Netherlands in history.


Ricky Carmichael MXoN youngest talent Award

Also receiving an award this weekend was Austria’s René Hofer who was the recipient of the Ricky Carmichael MXoN youngest talent Award. Hofer had a good ride and despite the tough track conditions and the disadvantage of riding a 250cc bike, the Austrian finished 12-26 in the races. Next season, Hofer will be making the move to the Red Bull Factory KTM squad to compete in the MX2 World Championship.

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Rene Hofer – Team Austria – 2019 MXoN

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | Watson wins 2019 Hawkstone Cross-Country

Moto News Weekly for September 24, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Watson conquers 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country
  • Briar Bauman crowned AFT Twins Champ
  • Mikey Rush wins AFT Singles at Minnesota Mile
  • Kolby Carlile tops AFT Production Twins at Canterbury Park
  • Toni Bou sweeps 2019 TrialGP championship
  • 2019 AORC Wrap-Up
  • Leon Madsen claims British SGP win in Cardiff
  • Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
  • Ben Kelley extends KTM contract
  • AMA announces 2020 rider numbers

Watson conquers 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country

Nathan Watson delivered the goods to claim a home win at round six of the World Enduro Super Series – Hawkstone Park Cross-Country in the UK. The rider showed his class on the physically demanding Shropshire course to take victory over Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker.

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2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

Saturday – Sprint Enduro

Britain’s Nathan Watson sprinted to victory on the opening day of racing at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. Delivering the goods on home soil, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider topped Saturday’s Sprint Enduro to claim pole position for Sunday’s Cross-Country race. Making it a 1-2 for KTM, teammate Josep Garcia – the 2018 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country winner – was second, with British wildcard entrant Alex Snow bringing his Gas Gas home in third on Saturday.

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Nathan Watson – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

Glorious weather greeted the 500-plus entry for the opening day of competition at round six of the WESS. Conditions were perfect for racing at the iconic venue with a two-stage Motocross and Enduro loop set to test competitors. The Enduro special test – ridden four times – weaved its way through the surrounding woodland, while the Motocross test – also ridden four times – saw riders blast their way around the famous, sandy motocross circuit.

At the head of the field Garcia was quick to lay down his marker. Despite riding with a recent hand injury, he showed no weakness on the bumpy Enduro test and led the way as they moved over to Motocross test.

Eager to close in on Garcia, Watson chipped away at the Spaniard’s lead to close the 10-second gap before increasing his own advantage to 10 seconds by the end of the day.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Josep Garcia
Josep Garcia – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media

With the leading duo breaking away from the chasing field, both Snow and Finland’s Romi Kytonen battled head-to-head for third. Snow held a slender four-second advantage at the end of the Enduro tests, but Kytonen fought back on the Motocross section. Closing the gap with each run, he came within one-tenth of a second of Snow for fourth.

The battle for top-five was equally fierce between Jonny Walker and championship leader Manuel Lettenbichler. Walker held the upper hand after the Enduro tests, but with Lettenbichler coming on strong in the Motocross portion, the duo went to the wire, with Walker just hanging on to take fifth.

Sunday – Cross-Country

Nathan Watson delivered the goods on Sunday of the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. The rider showed his class on the physically demanding Shropshire course to take victory over Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker. Placing as runner-up in Great Britain, Lettenbichler extends his lead in this year’s race to become the Ultimate Enduro World Champion.

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Nathan Watson claims 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

Saturday’s glorious weather gave way to scattered showers, but it did little to dampen the race action, as riders blasted off the Hawkstone Park start line, it was Alex Snow who took the initial holeshot with Walker and the ensuring pack of riders close behind. There was immediate drama when both Watson and 2018 winner Josep Garcia were slow to start. Watson fared better than his teammate and was quickly mid pack, while Garcia had work to do after leaving the start in last position.

By the end of lap one, Walker was in the lead but Watson was up to second with Lettenbichler, Taddy Blazusiak and Snow chasing. Garcia was battling through the field and closing in on the top-10. A lap later and Watson was out front.

Exiting the mid-distance fuel stop of the two-hour and 30-minute race, Watson had increased his advantage to over one-minute from Lettenbichler and Walker. Controlling the pace for the second half of the race, he rode on to take a memorable win with Lettenbichler and Walker rounding out the podium.

Behind the top three, Blazusiak put in a strong charge in the closing stages to take fourth, with Garcia regrouping following his bad start to place fifth. Snow showed his pace for sixth, while Will Hoare impressed with seventh.

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WESS Hawkstone Park XC Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

The World Enduro Super Series continues with round seven in Spain for the BR2 Enduro Solsona on October 4-6.

Nathan Watson – P1

“I’m super-happy to win today. I felt a lot of pressure coming into this weekend because it seems everyone expected me to win. Obviously, I got second here last year, so I was extra-motivated this weekend. Winning the Sprint Enduro gave me some confidence for today, but then I got a bad start and was near last. I made some aggressive passes early on to fight my way back up to the front. Once I got into the lead I felt so comfortable and was able to control the pace. I’m feeling pretty confident now going into BR2 Enduro Solsona.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Manuel Lettenbichler – P2

“I came into this round with no expectations at all, but the plan was to collect as many points as possible for the overall standings. I thought if I could do a little better than last year and get inside the top-five it would be amazing because there are so many fast guys out there. I got a really good start and managed to find a good rhythm, so the whole race went really well – I surprised myself a little. Although my result here gives me quite a confidence boost going into the next round, it’s going to be really different racing in Spain. I’ll give it my best as always and if we can get a good result it will be a boost heading to Getzenrodeo.”

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Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Jonny Walker – P3

“It’s great to get a podium at my home race. I led the race for a little bit too, which was good. I knew the guys would be fast so it was always going to be tough to be right up there. I made a really good start and set about chasing down the leader, he had a crash which put me in front and from then on I just tried to get into a good rhythm rather than push too hard early on because I knew it was going to be a really tough race. I’m looking forward to Solsona now, we’ve got a two-week break to rest a little then hopefully come back strong in Spain and challenge for the podium again.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

Placing as runner-up in Great Britain, Lettenbichler extends his lead in this year’s race to become the Ultimate Enduro World Champion.

Taddy Blazusiak – P4

“I really enjoyed the race today. I’m a little disappointed not to have finished on the podium again but all-in-all the race went well. I tried to settle into things early on and my speed was good. Mani got past me but then I could see I was closing in on Jonny for third. I got within about 10 seconds but then made a mistake and lost everything I had gained. Towards the end I still felt strong enough to push again but after one lap, I really started to suffer with the blisters on my hand and decided to settle for fourth. The next round in Spain is like a second home race for me so I’m going to try an heal my hand over the next two weeks then head to Solsona and give it all I have.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Josep Garcia – P5

“It was a really tough race for me today. I knew it would be hard coming into today so close after hurting my hand, but yesterday went really well and I felt quite confident. Unfortunately, I had trouble at the start and set off right at the back. It wasn’t too bad, but I knew I would have to push hard to make my way to the front. I made a few mistakes then and ended up crashing a few times, which knocked my confidence. Each time I felt comfortable to push again I ended up making another mistake. I’m not too happy with fifth but I’m looking forward to the next round in Spain now and hopefully come out of that one on top.”

Alfredo Gomez and Graham Jarvis both put in creditable rides at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country to finish in eighth and ninth places respectively, and currently hold second and third in the overall WESS standings.

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Alfredo Gomez – P8

“I tried my best today but had a few crashes, which knocked me back a little. The track became so rough and it was really tough to ride for over two hours. Overall, I’m happy with my performance – I got eighth, which is not bad and earned good points for the championship. I’m looking forward to the next one now.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media
Graham Jarvis – P9

“I felt good today, I got an okay start and managed to get into a good rhythm. I was around 12th or 13th but got past a few riders ahead of me, so I’m pleased to equal my result from last year and get ninth. The fitness is there, which is the main thing. It can really wear you down out there so I’m happy with the result. It’s always good to race in England, too. It’s a shame it didn’t suit my style a little better, but I’m glad to get some good points in the bag.”

WESS Hawkstone Park XC Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

The World Enduro Super Series continues with Round 7 in Spain for the BR2 Enduro Solsona on October 4-6.

Results: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country 2019

  1. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 14 laps, 2:30:41.111
  2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 2:33:19.480
  3. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 2:35:51.529
  4. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 2:36:36.306
  5. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 2:39:09.380
  6. Alex Snow (Gas Gas – GB) 2:40:25.430
  7. Will Hoare (KTM – GB) 2:42:21.589
  8. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 13 laps, 2:32:03.308
  9. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 2:33:22.425
  10. Suff Sella (KTM – ISR) 2:34:13.143
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Nathan Watson topped the podium from Manuel Lettenbichler and Jonny Walker – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country victory – Image by Future7Media

World Enduro Super Series 2019 standings (After round 6)

  1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4420 points
  2. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 3920
  3. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 3654
  4. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 3470
  5. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3280
  6. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 3165
  7. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3070
  8. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 3031
  9. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2725
  10. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 2270
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Briar Bauman crowned AFT Twins Champ

American Flat Track crowned Briar Bauman the 2019 AFT Twins Champion following Saturday evening’s wild and intense Minnesota Mile at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.

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2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium

Even though multi-time reigning champion Jared Mees did all he could by winning his seventh AFT Twins Main Event of the season in runaway fashion, both he and Bauman were well aware all Bauman needed to do to lock up the crown was finish on the podium — something he’d already accomplished 14 times in 16 attempts this season.

While he ultimately made it 15 to clinch the title, Bauman’s crowning achievement did not come without drama or adversity – not by a long shot. The first of Bauman’s obstacles came early, as he was involved in a high-speed crash in the early stages of the Main Event that also involved his brother, Bronson Bauman, Rookie of the Year Brandon Price, Stephen Vanderkuur and Sammy Halbert.

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Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mil

Bauman’s crew worked frantically during the stoppage to repair his heavily damaged machine, beating the odds and getting it back out for the restart. However, as a result of his crash, his path to the podium would have to begin from the back row as opposed to the front.

Immediately following the restart, a second red flag was issued due to another two-rider crash. The local curfew forced a 10-lap reduction in the Main for the third and final restart, which meant Bauman would only have 15 laps to feel out his rebuilt machine, master the tricky racing conditions, and fight his way forward past the world’s best dirt track racers.

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2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile

Nevertheless, he did so with gusto, owning a bold, high line which he used to claw his way up to the fight for second that was being waged by Bryan Smith and Jeffrey Carver Jr.

In one final breathtaking moment, Bauman and Smith came together exiting Turn 4 for the final time. That clash allowed Smith to just beat him to the line for second, but in the end, third was good enough for Bauman to realize his lifelong ambitions.

Briar Bauman

“I don’t know if I can put words on this right now. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. I used to have posters of Bryan and Jared hanging in my room growing up. And to win it… I can’t even put it into words. I don’t even know what else to say.”

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Twins Mees Briar Bauman ERV
Briar Bauman celebrated his victory with a lap on the back of Jared Mees’ bike

Mees showed his class by taking Bauman on his victory lap.

Jared Mees

“My goal was to win these last two races. Being 35 points down, it was really going to take some extremely bad luck for Briar — which almost happened to him. But he has a phenomenal team and they worked endlessly to get that bike put back together and back up front. I knew once he re-entered the race he was going to get third. Hats off to him and his team, and huge hats off to Indian Motorcycle for clinching their third championship. It’s hard to lose that #1 plate, especially after the domination we’ve had the last two years. But it went to the best guy this year, and I’m looking forward to next year to get it back.”

Carver – who scooped three holeshots on the night – finished fourth with Henry Wiles completing the top five.

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2019 AFT Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Jared Mees, 2) Bryan Smith, 3) Briar Bauman

AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result

# Rider Bike Gap
1 Jared Mees Indian FTR750 15 Laps
2 Bryan Smith Kawasaki Ninja 650 2.931
3 Briar Bauman Indian FTR750 3.038
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. Indian FTR750 3.73
5 Henry Wiles Indian FTR750 7.812
6 Bronson Bauman Indian FTR750 12.78
7 Brandon Robinson HD XG750R Rev X 14.075
8 Jarod Vanderkooi HD XG750R Rev X 17.534
9 Robert Pearson Indian FTR750 20.662
10 Davis Fisher Indian FTR750 23.37

AFT Twins Standings

# Rider Points
1 Briar Bauman 322
2 Jared Mees 295
3 Bronson Bauman 234
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. 210
5 Brandon Robinson 191
6 Jarod Vanderkooi 190
7 Henry Wiles 167
8 Robert Pearson 159
9 Sammy Halbert 153
10 Davis Fisher 148
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Mikey Rush wins AFT Singles at Minnesota Mile

Following 15 thrilling laps of AFT Singles action, Mikey Rush edged Ryan Wells by an impossibly close 0.004 seconds for victory at the checkered flag. Rush didn’t appear headed toward a photo finish on Saturday night when he opened up a 0.799-second lead on the opening lap. That only seemed even more obvious when he stretched that advantage out to more than 1.2 seconds a pair of laps later.

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Mikey Rush & Ryan Wells – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

However, ‘16 class champ Wells located a fast line that he used to successfully track Rush down, setting the stage for an incredible test of courage and tactics to determine the win between the two.

Wells looked to be exactly where he wanted to be on the final lap, lining Rush up for a drafting maneuver on the final straight. However, when he attempted to execute it, he managed to pull up alongside Rush but no further – running out of steam just a couple inches short of what he needed to beat his adversary to the stripe.

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Mikey Rush – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

The narrow victory was Rush’s third win of the season and a satisfying consolation prize on the night he was officially eliminated from contention for the ’19 Roof Systems AFT Singles crown.

Mikey Rush

“Ryan showed me a killer line, and I stuck with it after he got by me. I made it work, and I knew my Honda was on point tonight – it runs like a champ. Big thanks to the whole team and everyone who supports us.”

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Mikey Rush – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

Championship leader Dalton Gauthiermoved a big step closer to winning that title by finishing in fourth, one position behind rookie standout Dallas Daniels.

Gauthier may have been a bit too eager to lock the title up a round early; the ultra-talented rider actually jumped the start and was sent from Row 1 to Row 4. All that did was add a bit more drama to Gauthier’s ongoing championship pursuit, as he ultimately overhauled chief rival Dan Bromley – and everyone else that stood in his way short of the podium finishers.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Mikey Rush Ryan Wells ERV
Mikey Rush and Ryan Wells race to the finish line – 2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile

Meanwhile, defending class champ Bromley finished the Main down in 10th, dropping him to 21 points back (281-260). As a result, Bromley’s hopes of a repeat are still alive – albeit barely – with one race to go.

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2019 AFT Singles – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Mikey Rush, 2) Ryan Wells, 3) Dallas Daniels

AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result

# Rider Bike Gap
1 Mikey Rush Honda CRF450R 15 Laps
2 Ryan Wells Yamaha YZ450F 0.004
3 Dallas Daniels Yamaha YZ450F 1.489
4 Dalton Gauthier Husqvarna FC450 1.584
5 Trent Lowe Honda CRF450R 2.224
6 Morgen Mischler KTM 450 SX-F 2.648
7 Max Whale Kawasaki KX450F 3.541
8 Chad Cose Suzuki RMZ 450 6.153
9 Brandon Kitchen Honda CRF450R 6.275
10 Dan Bromley KTM 450 SX-F 8.766

AFT Singles Standings

# Rider Points
1 Dalton Gauthier 281
2 Dan Bromley 260
3 Mikey Rush 255
4 Chad Cose 186
5 Jesse Janisch 183
6 Ryan Wells 177
7 Shayna Texter 169
8 Morgen Mischler 158
9 Max Whale 132
10 Kevin Stollings 109
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Kolby Carlile tops AFT Production Twins at Canterbury Park

Kolby Carlile made certain the AFT Production Twins championship fight would go down to the season finale with a clutch performance to score his second victory of the season.

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2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

Chad Cose threatened to escape at the start, but Carlile put his head down and extracted the most from an evolving high line to systematically reel in Cose. On lap 8, Carlile finally drafted up alongside and dove up the inside of his quarry to snatch away the lead.

Cose attempted to return the favor a lap later but couldn’t quite make it stick. From there, he found himself on the back foot, as the two leaders’ battle stretched them more than a full straightaway out in front of the rest of the field.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins Chad Cose Kolby Carlile ERV
Chad Cose and Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

Carlile shook free at the end to claim the checkered flag with a 2.195-second margin of victory. Cose had nearly seven seconds on third as their intense battle for the win pushed the two more than a full straightaway out in front of the remainder of the field.

Kolby Carlile

“I really couldn’t have gone any faster. I just can’t thank my team enough… and I can’t thank them any better than by coming out here and getting the win, so that’s what I did today.”

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins Kolby Carlile ERV
Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

Cody Johncox picked up his second podium of the season in third, successfully outdueling title hopefuls Cory Texter and Ryan Varnes.

Varnes recovered from a rough start in which he nearly looped his Kawasaki coming off the line and plummeted back through the field at the start. With his title chances flashing before his eyes, Varnes quickly regrouped and somehow managed to weave all the way up to fourth and latch onto Johncox’s rear wheel in third.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Singles Dallas Daniels ERV
Dallas Daniels – 2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile

However, a subsequent mishap dropped Varnes out of podium contention and all the way down to an eventual sixth-place result. Even more crucially, it allowed Texter to get back around him and finish in fourth, further extending the points differential separating the two.

In fact, Varnes’ sixth-place finish combined with Carlile’s triumph saw Carilie step forward and seize control of second place in the title chase heading into next weekend’s season finale. The new runner-up now trails championship leader Texter by 15 points (180-165) with Varnes still very much in the mix in third at 162.

AFT Rnd Minnesota Mile Prod Twins Podium FA
2019 AFT Production Twins – Minnesota Mile Podium – 1) Kolby Carlile, 2) Chad Cose, 3) Cody Johncox

AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Minnesota Mile Result

# Rider Bike Gap
1 Kolby Carlile Yamaha MT-07 15 Laps
2 Chad Cose Kawasaki Ninja 650 2.195
3 Cody Johncox Yamaha MT-07 8.951
4 Cory Texter Yamaha MT-07 9.877
5 Dalton Gauthier HD XG750R Rev X 11.687
6 Ryan Varnes Kawasaki Ninja 650 17.788
7 Morgen Mischler Kawasaki Ninja 650 23.708
8 Jeffery Lowery Kawasaki Ninja 650 31.563
9 Andrew Luker Kawasaki Ninja 650 57.467
10 Brock Schwarzenbacher Kawasaki Ninja 650 14 Laps

AFT Production Twins Standings

# Rider Points
1 Cory Texter 180
2 Kolby Carlile 165
3 Ryan Varnes 162
4 Dalton Gauthier 136
5 James Rispoli 116
6 Chad Cose 114
7 J.R. Addison 111
8 Cody Johncox 109
9 Ben Lowe 100
10 Kevin Stollings 90
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Toni Bou sweeps 2019 TrialGP championship

With seven wins out of seven events, Toni Bou closed out the 2019 TrialGP World Championship. The Repsol Honda Team rider claimed top honours in the Spanish TrialGP held in the Ciudad Deportiva of La Nucía, where Takahisa Fujinami took the third step of the podium.

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Toni Bou – 2019 TrialGP – Spain

The final trial of the season was by no means easy. The steep areas and the lack of time to conclude the first lap proved a hindrance for riders. Toni Bou finished the day accruing the least marks, thus achieving a 14th consecutive victory in Trial World Championships and a 112th in elite competition. With the title already sealed in the previous outing in France, Bou has completed a full-house of wins in all the trials disputed this season.

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Takahisa Fujinami – 2019 TrialGP – Spain

Takahisa Fujinami fought hard for a place on the podium in La Nucía with his endeavours finally paying dividends.

Toni Bou

“Having a perfect season and winning all races has been spectacular. After exceeding 100 wins, this was the challenge that I was lacking and I am very happy to have achieved it. In addition, I am also very happy to be able to tie with Jordi Tarrés on 14th consecutive victories. We always want more, so we hope to start next season continuing this good spell. Today’s trial was tough, the sections were very slippery and we had very little time, so we made a lot of mistakes. Luckily, everyone made mistakes but our opponents picked up more marks. I am very happy to be able to finish the season this way. Thank you very much to the whole team for making it possible.”

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Toni Bou topped the podium from – 2019 TrialGP – Spain

2019 TrialGP of Spain Results

# Rider Nat. Points
1 BOU Toni SPA 160
2 RAGA Adam SPA 134
3 FUJINAMI Takahisa JPN 112
4 BUSTO Jaime SPA 96
5 CASALES Jorge SPA 81
6 DABILL James GBR 80
7 BINCAZ Benoit FRA 69
8 GELABERT Miquel SPA 66
9 KADLEC Franz GER 64
10 PRICE Jack GBR 49

2019 TrialGP Standings

# Rider Nat. Team Points
1 BOU Toni SPA Repsol Honda Team 36
2 RAGA Adam SPA TRRS Factory Team 43
3 FUJINAMI Takahisa JPN Repsol Honda Team 64
4 FAJARDO Jeroni SPA Gas Gas 65
5 BUSTO Jaime SPA Vertigo Factory Team 67
6 GELABERT Miquel SPA Sherco Factory Team 69
7 CASALES Jorge SPA Vertigo Factory Team 70
8 BINCAZ Benoit FRA Beta Factory Racing 83
9 DABILL James GBR Beta Factory Racing 89
10 PRICE Jack GBR Gas Gas 89
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2019 AORC Wrap-Up

After eleven rounds across six weekends the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) concluded last weekend at Hedley in Victoria. Here’s a look at the season that was…

E3

Its fair to say that Daniel Sanders simply dismantled his rivals this year in the E3 category. The 25-year-old was in a class of his own taking the round win in every race this year. Sanders’ stats in the E3 category continues to grow as he now has racked up 22 victories from a total of 35 round starts.

AORC Hedley Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders

This year’s championship marks Sanders’ fourth title in the AORC series. He now has taken out the 19 & Under Championship in 2014, E2 title in 2018 and the E3 championship this year and 2016.

Sanders’ nearest rival throughout the year was Andrew Wilksch, who was 63-points behind who managed to stand on the podium at every round, apart from round three.

The biggest upset for the year would have to be Beau Ralston, who injured himself. Ralston scored second place at the first six rounds of the year before his season was put on hold, so it’s a case of what could have been.

At the end of the championship, Ralston found himself in sixth place in the standings with 148-points to his name. Jesse Lawton was able to salvage third place in the championship and get back to finish in the championship and finish off his best season.

E2

Just like Sanders in the E3 class, Daniel Milner also made the season his own in the E2 class by romping to victory in every round this year. Josh Green tried everything he could to put up a fight to Milner but was unable to prevail and had to settle finishing second in all of the eleven rounds this year. Still, it was an improvement from last year as Green did finish third in 2018 with six second places and three third places.

Daniel Milner AORC Hedley
Daniel Milner

Jérémy Carpentier, who made the jump from E1 to E2 this year certainly put on a solid show in 2019. With seven visits to the podium this year and three top five finishes, it was enough to hand the Frenchman third place for the year finishing 37-points behind Green.

Brad Hardaker, who took out third place at round six, battled through injuries in the first part of the year and was still pretty consistent, which showed in his overall position for the year. At the end of the jigsaw puzzle Hardaker finished in fourth place, scoring 148-points for the year.

E1

Luke Styke has become the second rider in the sports history to win back-to-back championships in the E1 division. Styke, who now has 15 wins in the E1 class just held onto the championship win by 18-points, beating Lyndon Snodgrass, who last year finished second in the E2 championship.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Luke AORC rd
Luke Styke

Fraser Higlett this year dropped from second to third in the overall standings. Unlike last year, his season has not exactly been consistent. Last year saw Higlett scoring two race wins, six seconds and two thirds, while this year he has only been able to win one round, which came at the fifth round, one second and five thirds. The third place in the championship went all the way down to the wire between Higlett and last year’s EJ champion, Michael Driscoll. Driscoll just missed out on third place by three points.

EJ

For 2019, Kyron Bacon leaped up to the EJ class after finishing second in last year’s J4 category. A total of seven round wins, two second places and third places saw the 17-year-old winning the title beating Josh Brierley, who again finished second in the EJ class for another year running, by 30-points.

AORC Hedley Kyron Bacon Team
Kyron Bacon

Last years J4 champion, Korey McMahon, round the EJ championship in third place, eight points off Brierley and along the way picked up three second places and seven second place finishes to his credit.

Women

Once again Jess Gardiner proved just to good for the field, racking up her fifth championship, which has not been done in the sports history in the Women’s class. Not only that, but the 26-year-old of course has scored over 2000 championship points and after the weekend just gone, she now has a total of 2,063 championship points to her name.

AORC Rnd Coonalpyn Jess aorc rd
Jess Gardiner

While Gardiner might be the Queen at her game at the moment, Honda RideRed’s Emma Milesevic has proven to be a future star of the sport. After switching from motocross to AORC this year, the Victorian based rider came on strong from the word get go. Her first-round win came at Broken Hill and took out another win in South Australia at the ninth round of the championship. In total, nine podium finishes for the Honda rider who finished 28-points off from Gardiner.

Milesevic just hung onto second place in the championship tussle, beating Emelie Karlsson by just one slender point. What was looking like a winless year coming up for the Swedish rider, Karlsson broke through during Saturday’s cross-county event to win her fourteenth AORC round win, beating Milesevic and Gardiner.

Danielle Foot guided the #885V Motul Pirelli Sherco Off-Road machine to fourth place in the championship, which was also her first year in the AORC series.

Juniors

The J4 class was the closest finish out of all the championships in the AORC series. Mackenzie Johnson took out the championship by one point ahead of Blake Hollis. Round eight and nine which Hollis missed proved to be costly in the end. However, it is what it is…

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Blake Hollis
Blake Hollis – 2019 AORC

Riley McGillivray took out the J3 class by locking up ten round wins for the year. 44-points down on him was Kodi Stephens.

It was back-to-back championship wins for Billy Hargy in the J2 class, who finished 14-points ahead of Max Phillips and Campbell Hall who was 21-points down.

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Masters & Vets

Kirk Hutton won every round bar the final two rounds, purely because there was no need for him to roll up as he locked up the title the round before. This left Peter Rudd to finish second in the championship, but took out the final two rounds. It was really a two-horse race between the pair.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton
Kirk Hutton – 2019 AORC

Lee Stephens to had a great year. He took out a total of nine wins which handed him the title win over Chris Thomas and former 2017 Veterans champ Jason Perace.

This brings the 2019 AORC season to a close, proving that Australia’s Enduro talent is growing in leaps and bounds. Please stay tuned for further AORC updates as well as the 2020 calendar, which will be released in due course.


Leon Madsen claims British SGP win in Cardiff

British FIM Speedway Grand Prix winner Leon Madsen says completing a Warsaw and Cardiff golden double is an awesome feeling – whether or not he’s crowned world champion. The Dane topped the podium ahead of Emil Sayfutdinov, Bartosz Zmarzlik and Jason Doyle at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix

Madsen was delighted to have won at both of the SGP series’ biggest venues in his first full World Championship season. He’s currently third in the standings on 109 points – nine behind series leader Zmarzlik, who has 118 going into the title-deciding REVLINE Torun SGP of Poland on October 5. Sayfutdinov is second on 111.

While Madsen knows claiming the sport’s biggest prize in a fortnight will be no easy task, he admits his Warsaw and Cardiff wins would represent a sweet consolation prize.

Leon Madsen

“I had a talk with my girlfriend at home before the meeting; I said ‘I might not be world champion this year, but wouldn’t it be nice to win the two biggest events on the calendar and finish off as No.1 in the Polish Ekstraliga rankings. At the moment, I am No.1 in the Polish rankings. I have won the two biggest events and I am very happy about that and proud as well. If I don’t win the championship, it’s kind of a plaster on the wound to win those two big events.”

Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium

Madsen is determined to finish of SGP 2019 with at least a medal to show for an impressive debut season, which has seen him defy a disc problem in his back and an ankle injury to pile up the points.

Sayfutdinov heads to Torun seven points short of Zmarzlik. While he was gutted not to overtake Madsen for victory in the Cardiff final, he was content with a healthy 17-point haul. And now he’s determined to hunt down Zmarzlik for top spot.

Third-placed Zmarzlik is 15 points away from guaranteeing the SGP 2019 world title – irrespective of what his rivals score in Torun. This target will decrease with every point dropped by Sayfutdinov and Madsen.

With Zmarzlik racing the title decider in his homeland, there’s no doubt the spotlight will shine brightest on him. But he admits he felt more pressure in Cardiff, where he has reached the final on all of his four visits.

Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium

SGP World Championship Standings

  1. Bartosz Zmarzlik 118
  2. Emil Sayfutdinov 111
  3. Leon Madsen 109
  4. Fredrik Lindgren 98
  5. Martin Vaculik 88
  6. Maciej Janowski 80
  7. Patryk Dudek 75
  8. Matej Zagar 74
  9. Jason Doyle 73
  10. Artem Laguta 69
    …16 Max Fricke

2019 British SGP Scores

  1. Leon Madsen 17
  2. Emil Sayfutdinov 17
  3. Bartosz Zmarzlik 15
  4. Jason Doyle 13
  5. Fredrik Lindgren 11
  6. Martin Vaculik 9
  7. Antonio Lindback 9
  8. Matej Zagar 9
  9. Maciej Janowski 7
  10. Artem Laguta 6

Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend

This weekend the Nation’s best junior motorcycle riders from across the country will invade the Central Coast to battle it out in the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship for a two-day event on September 28-29 at Allen Park MVR Speedway, in Somersby, New South Wales.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship Somersby
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby – Image by David Lamont

Although some riders may be young in age, they are much older in experience, skills and talent if the results shown at the recent Central Coast Cup event were any indication. With strong competition likely from Queenslanders, Riley Nauta, Nate Hicks, Steph Connors, Lenny and Henry Snell.

Flying the flag for Victoria is Cooper Antone, Jed Fyffe and Oli Bergic, while Sam and Tom Drane, Noah Grabham and Beau Bailey will try and do the Central West NSW proud.

Being just a few riders to beat if they want to be crowned champion. Forbes brothers Tom and Sam Drane along with Queenslander Riley Nauta have just returned from 6 weeks of competition racing long track in America.

Riders from seven through to sixteen will compete in their individual classes to hold the title of 2019 National champion. Several previous winners of this event have continued on to hold World Championships.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship Somersby
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby – Image by David Lamont

The weekend entertainment will not only be provided by the high quality of the competitors but on the Sunday the crowd will be treated by a special appearance and demonstration ride by clinically blind Australian Ben Felten who is the current Guinness World Record and FIM record holder for the fastest land speed by a blind motorcycle rider.

Practice will commence at 9.30am followed by racing on the Saturday and racing opening from 9.30am on the Sunday. Entry fee of $10.00 per car will cover you for the two days of competition.


Ben Kelley extends KTM contract

KTM Motorsports is proud to announce the contract extension of recently-crowned back-to-back GNCC XC2 250 Pro Champion Ben Kelley, who will join the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team in 2020 to compete in the premier XC1 Open Pro class in the AMA Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series.

As a member of the KTM-Supported Trail Jesters KTM Racing Team since 2017, Kelley has spent a majority of his career with the KTM brand where he has achieved many great milestones as a young racer. Now a two-time GNCC XC2 Champion, Kelley remains undefeated in the current series as he continues to vie for a perfect season in 2019.

Ben Kelley

“I am really excited to be joining the FMF KTM Factory Racing team going into the 2020 season. I have high hopes for next year and look forward to moving up to the premier XC1 class in GNCC.”

GNCC Mason Dixon Ben Kelley KH
Ben Kelly – Image by Ken Hill
Antti Kallonen – FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager

“I’m very pleased to see Ben graduate from the Trail Jesters KTM Racing Team. We’ve been supporting him and the team for a few years now and this is the result of a great feeder program and now he’s ready to take on the premier class. Obviously, we’re looking for a very bright future for Ben as he’s already shown an enormous amount of potential in the XC2 class. Now he will be on a bigger bike in the premier class and our expectations are high, as are his, so we’re looking forward to the next three years and beyond.”

In addition to finishing out the last three rounds of the GNCC Series, the 23-year-old will go on to represent the U.S. Junior World Trophy Team on Nov. 11-16 at the 94th edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Portimao, Portugal.

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AMA announces 2020 rider numbers

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the professional competition numbers for pro-licensed riders competing in AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, for the 2020 season.

AMA Supercross FInal Osborne Baggett Starts JK SX Vegas Cover
2019 AMA Supercross – Image by Hoppenworld

Each rider uses the assigned professional number for competition. In addition, the current champion runs the No. 1 plate, instead of an assigned professional number when competing in the class or region in which the No. 1 plate was earned. When competing in a class other than the class in which the championship was earned, the rider must use the professional number assigned.

2020 Top 100 & Career Pro Numbers for SX and MX

* Career Numbers – ** New Career Number for 2020

Rider # (Class) Rider
1 (450SX) Cooper Webb
1 (450 Class) Eli Tomac
1 (250 Class) Adam Cianciarulo
1W (250SX) Dylan Ferrandis
1E (250SX) Chase Sexton
2* Cooper Webb
3* Eli Tomac
4* Blake Baggett
6* Jeremy Martin
7* Aaron Plessinger
9** Adam Cianciarulo
10* Justin Brayton
11* Kyle Chisholm
12* Shane McElrath
13 Colt Nichols
14** Dylan Ferrandis
15* Dean Wilson
16* Zach Osborne
17* Joey Savatgy
18* Weston Peick
19* Justin Bogle
20* Broc Tickle
21* Jason Anderson
22* Chad Reed
23* Chase Sexton
24** R.J. Hampshire
25* Marvin Musquin
26* Alex Martin
27* Malcolm Stewart
28 Michael Mosiman
29 Cameron McAdoo
30 Brandon Hartranft
31 Fredrik Noren
32** Justin Cooper
33* Josh Grant
34 Tyler Bowers
35 Hunter Lawrence
36 Garrett Marchbanks
37 Martin Davalos
38 Kyle Peters
39 Jordan Bailey
40 Mitchell Oldenburg
41 Ty Masterpool
42 Ben Lamay
43 John Short
44 Kyle Cunningham
45 Jacob Hayes
46* Justin Hill
47 Lorenzo Locurcio
48 Henry Miller
49 Chris Blose
50 Benny Bloss
51* Justin Barcia
52 Austin Forkner
53 Jimmy Decotis
54 Jordon Smith
55 Martin Castelo
56 Justin Starling
57 Derek Drake
58 Sean Cantrell
59 Josh Osby
60 Mitchell Falk
61 Alex Ray
62 Christian Craig
63 Jess Pettis
64 Vince Friese
65 James Weeks
66 Enzo Lopes
67 Jerry Robin
68 Nick Gaines
69 Carlen Gardner
70 Dylan Merriam
71 Ryan Breece
72 Robbie Wageman
73 Chase Marquier
74 Mitchell Harrison
75 Coty Schock
76 Mike Alessi
77 Kevin Moranz
78 Jake Masterpool
79 Isaac Teasdale
80 Thomas Covington
81 Anthony Rodriguez
82 Cade Autenrieth
83 Jett Lawrence
84 Jo Shimoda
85 Cole Martinez
86 Josh Cartwright
87 Ramyller Alves
88 Logan Karnow
89 Marshal Weltin
90 Killian Auberson
91 Ryan Sipes
92 Austin Politelli
93 Blake Wharton
94* Ken Roczen
95 Carson Brown
96 Justin Thompson
97 Chris Howell
98 Bradley Lionnet
99 Brandan Leith
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Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | Freeman tops Czech EnduroGP | AORC | MXGP

Moto News Weekly for September 17, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Brad Freeman dominates EnduroGP of the Czech Republic
  • Sanders claims outright victory at Hedley AORC final
  • Daniel Milner crowned 2019 E2 AORC Champion at Hedley
  • Luke Styke claims back-to-back E1 AORC titles
  • 2019 NZ Vets & WMX Nationals decided at Central Hawkes Bay
  • Brian Anthony races to 21st in World Sidecar Motocross championship
  • Herlings tops MXGP final in Shanghai, China
  • Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
  • FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy new team award announced
  • 2020 Team Honda HRC rider line-up announced
  • Regan Duffy replaces injured Evans for Aussie MXoN Team
  • Shaun Simpson announces 2020 MXGP team

Brad Freeman dominates EnduroGP of the Czech Republic

Ideal conditions welcomed competitors to the sixth round of the FIM Enduro World Championship. Glorious late summer sunshine, spectacular special tests, and big battles all came together to offer a high-level show to the many spectators.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Brad Freeman
Brad Freeman – Image courtesy of EnduroGP.org

For the second day was no difference as the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic continued to play out in Uhlirske Janovice, where the riding conditions were different thanks to the large number of entrants churning up the track on Day 1. Different pitfalls had appeared, ruts became deeper, and new stones were unearthed.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Dany McCanney
Danny McCanney

It was a strong weekend for Brad Freeman taking the wins across both days from Steve Holcombe, and claiming the 2019 E1 Championship title in the process.

Brad Freeman

“This season has not been easy, and winning this second senior title in my career really means a lot to me. It’s a reward for all the hard work with my great team. Now all we have to do is finish the job in two weeks’ time in France…”

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Brad Freeman
Brad Freeman – Image courtesy of EnduroGP.org

In E2 meanwhile a new winner emerged on Day 1 – Joe Wootton, with Alex Salvini cleaning up on Day 2, with an eye on that E2 title.

Alex Salvini

“What a race! I’m really happy to have won E2 today. I have retained my championship lead this weekend, despite losing it briefly yesterday. As everyone saw last year, the title can be won or lost until the last second, so I will go to the final round with the will to do my best.”

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini

Steve Holcombe couldn’t overcome Freeman on the overall, but he still took the E3 victories, and is obviously aiming to claim the title, with Danny McCanney in the running as well.

Steve Holcombe

“It’s been good to get back to racing again after the summer break. I’ve worked hard to return to fitness but coming to Czech I was still unsure of how fast I could be across the whole weekend. Despite wanting to win, it unfortunately didn’t work out that way. My fitness is not yet in a position to properly challenge for that top step and on Friday I also hurt my ankle in the super test, which didn’t help matters. I struggled to get going on Saturday morning, but came good towards the end of the day and felt like I kept that going during Sunday. I’ve a bit more to find in the enduro test but know that with the more races I get under my belt, the more I can build that fitness and strength back. As things stand, I’ve got an 18-point lead in Enduro 3, so the focus heading to the final round in France is to lock that title up. Although I’m 10 points behind in EnduroGP, all is not lost. There are still 40 points up for grabs, so I’ll keep pushing as best I can.”

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe

Aussie Wil Ruprecht took the Junior overall win on Day 1 too, along with the J1 victory, with New Zealand’s Hamish Macdonald close to clinching the Youth 125cc class, but not quite making it.

Hamish Macdonald

“It was so good to get back on top of the podium, It’s been a long road back from breaking my shoulder and to take the double win was excellent. It just would not have been possible without my family backing me and the Edmondson’s help. Of course, the Sherco Team supporting me as well. I just love riding and it’s fun to be back racing. I’m ready to fight for the Championship in France.”

The final two days of racing in the 2019 Enduro World Championship GP season will take place in Ambert, France on September 28 and 29, here’s a run down of the EnduroGP of the Czech Republic first however:

Day 1 – EnduroGP of the Czech Republic

Brad Freeman put in a performance worthy of his EnduroGP leader status; he set the best time on seven of the day’s tests on Day 1. The young Brit did not make any mistakes, always featuring at the top of the timesheets. In addition to taking the day victory, his greatest satisfaction was to have been able to hold off his closest title rival, compatriot Steve Holcombe.

Holcombe has shown that he has returned in better shape and as determined as ever, but a catastrophic start to the first day in the Czech Republic ruined his hopes of catching up with Freeman. A broken brake cable and crooked handlebars cost Holcombe a lot of time.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe

Another Brit completed the overall podium! Danny McCanney took third in Uhlriske Janovice, 53 seconds behind Freeman. And if three Brits weren’t enough, this English trio were joined by Joe Wootton! The young rider took his best result so far in Senior with fourth overall and a class victory.

Brad Freeman took E1 victory on Day 1 ahead of Matteo Cavallo and Davide Guarneri. The E2 class had a brand new winner in the form of Joe Wootton, from Larrieu and Salvini.  Steve Holcombe won in E3 ahead of McCanney and David Abgrall.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini

The Czech GP also saw the return to competition of the Wil Ruprecht. In the absence of Verona, and now fully fit, he dominated the overall class. Leading from start to finish, he left no chance to any of his rivals to challenge him.

The Australian won in front of an impressive Antoine Magain, who snatched second place from Theo Espinasse at the end of the day by just one and a half seconds!

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Joe Wootton
Joe Wootton

In J1 the podium was the same as that of Junior Overall: Ruprecht, Magain and Espinasse. The J2 class went to Enric Fransisco, ahead of Ruy Barbosa and Léo Le Quere.

New Zealand’s Hamish Macdonald made it his mission to come back from his broken shoulder with a vengeance. He won the Youth 125 class ahead of Matteo Pavoni and Nathan Bererd.

In the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup, Tom Elwood took another victory in the Open 4-Stroke category. In Open 2-Stroke, Patrick Halgas manage the win. David Knight gave more reason for British fans to cheer today, winning the Open Senior category.

EnduroGP of the Czech Republic – Day 1 Top 15

Rider Nat Bike Time
1. FREEMAN, Bradley GBR Beta 1:01:18.48
2. HOLCOMBE, Steve GBR Beta 1:01:50.75
3. McCANNEY, Daniel GBR TM 1:02:11.74
4. WOOTTON, Joe GBR Husq 1:02:25.16
5. CAVALLO, Matteo ITA Sherco 1:02:29.34
6. LARRIEU, Loic FRA TM 1:02:37.12
7. SALVINI, Alex ITA Honda 1:02:55.17
8. CHARLIER, Christophe FRA Honda 1:03:17.07
9. HERRERA, Benjamin CHL Beta 1:03:17.30
10. GUARNERI, Davide ITA Honda 1:03:25.54
11. OLDRATI, Thomas ITA Honda 1:03:33.70
12. BASSET, Antoine FRA Husq 1:03:50.69
13. MIRABET, Kirian ESP Honda 1:04:03.76
14. ABGRALL, David FRA Beta 1:04:10.65
15. GESLIN, Anthony FRA Beta 1:04:17.71
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Day 2 – EnduroGP of the Czech Republic

Brad Freeman delivered another perfect performance in the EnduroGP class on Day 2. The Brit barely had to look over his shoulder all day, despite exchanging special tests with his major rival Steve Holcombe. He goes into the final round of the season in Ambert (France) with a 10-point lead over Holcombe.  Danny McCanney, consistent and quick, took another EnduroGP podium on Sunday.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe

The weekend was filled with emotion for Brad Freeman – in addition to his two EnduroGP wins, he also took two victories in the E1 class and simultaneously won the world title for the second time in his career! Cavallo and Oldrati completed the E1 podium on Day 2, and France will see which of these two Italians will be runner up in the championship.

In E2, Salvini can consider himself back in business after Day 2. The Italian had to bring all his talent, power, and determination to win. He took the class victory in front of main title rival, Larrieu, while Redondi completed the top three today.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini

For Steve Holcombe the goal is clear: the E3 title. However, he needs be wary because Danny McCanney, second placed in the standings, has all the skill and speed to snatch the crown from him in France. David Abgrall completed the E3 podium on Sunday.

In Juniors, it was Theo Espinasse who took his first overall class success in 2019. The Frenchman had to go all out to claim this feat, and there was an intense fight between Espinasse and the ever-impressive Antoine Magain, as well as with Enric Francisco.

EnduroGP Rnd Czech Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona

In J1, Espinasse won ahead of Magain, and the likeable Dan Mundell took a great third place after graduating from EY to EJ this weekend. Enric Francisco did the double in J2. In fact the podium was the same of that on Day 1 with Ruy Barbosa second, and Leo Le Quere third.

Coming into the weekend there was a good chance that New Zealand’s Hamish Macdonald would be crowned Youth 125cc Champion. But after meticulous points calculations, it turns out that the ever cheerful Kiwi will have to wait a bit longer yet!

Tom Elwood continued the British success in 2019. By winning again he became the first Open 4-Stroke winner in the Enduro Open World Cup. In Senior David Knight took his 12th victory in as many race days. The giant from the Isle of Man could do a ‘clean sweep’ if he gets the double win in France.

EnduroGP returns in two-weeks for the grand finale of the 2019 EnduroGP season in Ambert (France).

EnduroGP of the Czech Republic – Day 2 Top 15

Rider Nat Bike Time
1. FREEMAN, Bradley GBR Beta 59:59.13
2. HOLCOMBE, Steve GBR Beta 1:00:35.25
3. McCANNEY, Daniel GBR TM 1:00:55.08
4. SALVINI, Alex ITA Honda 1:01:20.99
5. LARRIEU, Loic FRA TM 1:01:34.15
6. CAVALLO, Matteo ITA Sherco 1:01:46.97
7. OLDRATI, Thomas ITA Honda 1:01:49.31
8. REDONDI, Giacomo ITA Husq 1:01:51.91
9. HERRERA, Benjamin CHL Beta 1:02:00.37
10. CHARLIER, Christophe FRA Honda 1:02:02.38
11. WOOTTON, Joe GBR Husq 1:02:10.30
12. BASSET, Antoine FRA Husq 1:02:23.90
13. VERONA, Andrea ITA TM 1:02:48.26
14. GUARNERI, Davide ITA Honda 1:03:19.25
15. MIRABET, Kirian ESP Honda 1:03:33.33

2019 EnduroGP Standings

1 Brad FREEMAN 204
2 Steve HOLCOMBE 194
3 Daniel MCCANNEY 171
4 Alex SALVINI 118
5 Loïc LARRIEU 114
6 Matteo CAVALLO 112
7 Thomas OLDRATI 105
8 Christophe CHARLIER 93
9 Benjamin HERRERA 73
10 Davide GUARNERI 67

2019 E1 Standings

1 Brad FREEMAN 210
2 Thomas OLDRATI 181
3 Matteo CAVALLO 176
4 Davide GUARNERI 148
5 Patrik MARKVART 110

2019 E2 Standings

1 Alex SALVINI 177
2 Loïc LARRIEU 175
3 Christophe CHARLIER 158
4 Benjamin HERRERA 146
5 Eero REMES 121

2019 E3 Standings

1 Steve HOLCOMBE 231
2 Daniel MCCANNEY 213
3 David ABGRALL 166
4 Anthony GESLIN 166
5 Jiri HADEK 35

Sanders claims outright victory at Hedley AORC final

Daniel Sanders earned top outright honours as the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) concluded at Hedley, Victoria over the weekend of 14-15 September. Sanders also earned the double victory in E3 at Hedley’s final rounds of the AORC series, just two weeks after clinching his class championship aboard the factory Husqvarna FE 501.

AORC Hedley Daniel Sanders celebration
Daniel Sanders took overall honours and the E2 Championship

It was Sanders who stormed to victory in class during Saturday’s penultimate round of the championship, finishing second in the outright classification following a hard-fought battle in the three-hour Cross Country format with Daniel Milner.

Newly-crowned champion Sanders maintained his perfect winning record in Sunday’s E3 finale, going undefeated in the series by securing the win while also topping the outright times to round off the year on a particularly high note.

Daniel Sanders

“It was an awesome season, not only for me, but everyone in the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team as well. We pushed really hard and got the FE 501 working really well this season, so it’s good to get it done here in Victoria and to deliver for everybody at Husqvarna Motorcycles. My family and friends were here this weekend as well, so it’s a great reward to get it all wrapped up.”

AORC Hedley Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders overall AORC winnner 2019

2019 AORC Round 10 Saturday- Overall Result

Pos Rider Time
1 Daniel MILNER 2:53:09.502
2 Daniel SANDERS 2:53:24.753
3 Lyndon SNODGRASS 3:00:02.306
4 Joshua GREEN 3:02:30.827
5 Luke STYKE 3:04:23.821
6 Fraser HIGLETT 3:05:17.731
7 Michael DRISCOLL 3:06:16.043
8 Jeremy CARPENTIER 3:07:49.770
9 Stefan GRANQUIST 3:08:45.811
10 Mason SEMMENS 3:08:57.934

2019 AORC Round 11 Sunday – Overall Result

Rider Rider R1-R5 Total Time
1 Daniel SANDERS 44:51.820
2 Daniel MILNER 45:13.653
3 Joshua GREEN 46:16.689
4 Luke STYKE 46:35.735
5 Michael DRISCOLL 46:52.326
6 Lyndon SNODGRASS 46:54.350
7 Mason SEMMENS 47:14.738
8 Stefan GRANQUIST 47:53.683
9 Jeremy CARPENTIER 47:55.038
10 Andrew WILKSCH 47:56.764

2019 AORC – E3 Final Standings

Pos Name Total
1 Daniel SANDERS 275
2 Andrew WILKSCH 212
3 Jesse LAWTON 198
4 Matt MURRY 177
5 Beau RALSTON 148
6 Luke BUNNIK 104
7 Daniel WELSH 84
8 Nathan DELAWARE 62
9 Alexander BOLTON 58
10 Timothy LONSDALE 56
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Daniel Milner crowned 2019 E2 AORC Champion at Hedley

Daniel Milner claimed the E2 Crown in the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championship, following the final rounds over the weekend at Hedley, Victoria. Saturday’s 10th round saw Milner emerge victorious in his class, while also topping the outright times. In the process, he was crowned the 2019 AORC E2 champion aboard the KTM 450 EXC-F.

Daniel Milner AORC Hedley
Daniel Milner

Multiple national champion Milner was able to make it a clean-sweep in the E2 division after taking out another class victory in round 11. This time around, he was runner-up in the outright classification.

Daniel Milner

“And just like that it’s all over for another year. Unfortunately I pulled up short of the outright title but was fortunate enough to still come away with the E2 title. It has been a roller coaster of a season with plenty of ups and downs, but all I can do it take the positives out of the year and build on them for next season. The weekend was really good at Hedley for me. Halfway through the year, having the problems that I had, it’s been a struggle to get back on top. I’m starting to ride back to where I felt I could, so in Saturday’s Cross Country I was fired up and pushed hard! This is my third year in a row that I’ve actually had a clean-sweep in class, so I’m stoked to have done that and am really happy to bring home the E2 title with KTM.”

Daniel Milner AORC Hedley
Daniel Milner

The ever consistent Josh Green with Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing did what he does and rode his way to more podium finishes over the weekend in the E2 division. Green finished second both days in class and inside the top four Outright to finish off another good season for the experienced campaigner.

Josh Green

“I gave it my best all season, Sanders and Milner are riding at such a high level at the moment and are just a bit above the rest of the pack. They are two world class riders and deserve their success, so congratulations to them. I’m satisfied with my year and think we did a great job as a team to stay in the hunt all year and remain consistent at every round. Racing the WR450F has been awesome fun and the bike has handled all the conditions well with no dramas at any stage. Thank you to everyone at Yamaha and our team sponsors for making 2019 enjoyable and look forward doing it again next year,” Green ends.

AORC Hedley Josh Green
Josh Green

2019 AORC – E2 Final Standings

Pos Name Total
1 Daniel MILNER 275
2 Joshua GREEN 242
3 Jeremy CARPENTIER 205
4 Brad HARDAKER 148
5 William PRICE 117
6 Stefan GRANQUIST 102
7 Harrison TEED 91
8 Brent DEAN 88
9 Nathan DALBOSCO 73
10 Broc GRABHAM 70
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Luke Styke claims back-to-back E1 AORC titles

Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing’s Luke Styke has surged to back to back E1 class championships after securing victory at the final round of the Australian Off Road Championship, at Hedley in Victoria, over the weekend.

AORC Hedley Luke Styke
Luke Styke

Styke came into the final weekend of racing carrying a 16-point lead in the E1 (250cc) category but couldn’t afford to take it easy as a gruelling weekend was ahead and plenty of hours of racing still to be completed.

In Saturday’s Cross-Country event, Styke started strongly and was leading the E1 class but made mistakes in the later stages of the three-hour race to allow his championship rival, Lyndon Snodgrass, to steal the round victory and move three points closer.

With the gap now at 13-points, Styke needed to finish inside the top five on Sunday to win the class if Snodgrass snatched the final round victory. But in typical Styke style, he won the final round in another strong performance and rolled across the finish line with his fist in the air celebrating another successful AORC campaign.

Luke Styke

“Its good to get the championship win and go back to back in the E1 class. I struggled a bit on Saturday as my energy dropped dramatically in the final stages and I wasn’t at my best, but I was able to regroup overnight, get some food and hydration in and felt much better on Sunday morning. The team did a great job again and the bike was prefect all weekend. Three hours on a 250 on a fast and sandy course is hard work and then the boys put some hours in on Saturday night and it ran strongly and was perfect all weekend. Thanks to the event organisers and sponsors on another great series and I also would like to congratulate Lyndon, Fraser and Michael on making the E1 class a great race and exciting challenge this year.”

AORC Hedley Luke Styke celebration
Luke Styke

Riding the KTM 250 EXC-F, Snodgrass experienced great success during round 10, overcoming a pair of early falls to emerge victorious in the E1 division, while also finishing third outright. Sunday proved to be a more difficult outing, as a heavy fall saw him forced to climb the order to salvage a podium in E1. He managed to round out the day third in class and sixth outright.

Lyndon Snodgrass

“Saturday was really good being a Cross Country. I was feeling comfortable and, despite crashing twice after a bad start, I had to come through the pack and worked my up to third Outright and first in class. Today started off good with the two sprints, but then I had a crash and it sort of went downhill from there. I ended up second overall in the E1 championship, so I’ll take it and hopefully we go one better next year.”

Lyndon Snodgrass AORC Hedley
Lyndon Snodgrass

2019 AORC – E1 Final Standings

Pos Name Total
1 Luke STYKE 259
2 Lyndon SNODGRASS 241
3 Fraser HIGLETT 219
4 Michael DRISCOLL 216
5 Lachlan ALLAN 169
6 Alexander RUDLOFF 140
7 Jonte REYNDERS 63
8 Joseph COLE 51
9 Kye MALONE 48
10 Jeremy FRANKLIN 46
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2019 NZ Vets & WMX Nationals decided at Central Hawkes Bay

Report by Catherine Pattison

The overwhelming feedback from the popular 2019 New Zealand Veterans’ and Women’s Motocross Nationals revolved around a well-run weekend – where the champions of the future and the past converged to enjoy the natural Otane track.

It was a case of the who’s who and who-used-to-be-who turning up for some intense racing between the country’s elite females, in both the junior and senior grades, and also the top male riders aged over 30 years.

Hosted on the Twist’s property, by the Central Hawkes Bay Motorcycle Club, the fast-flowing circuit earned a favourable review from two-time, former motocross world No.2 Josh Coppins. The Motueka-based, ex-international star comfortably cleaned up the Vets 40-44 years category, winning all five races and heading home runner-up Cambridge’s Damien King, a former multiple national champion and Barry Morris, in third.

NZ MX Josh Coppins
Josh Coppins – Image by Chris Ritchie

While he won The Gathering of the Gods feature race for the top four riders from each Vet class, on outright speed, the final result was determined by adding the riders’ ages together with their points earned. The 70-79-year-old competitors were at an advantage here and consequently claimed some well-justified glory ending up on the podium. Peter Palmer topped the score sheet, followed by Reg Davey – the pair also finishing second and third respectively in the Vets 70-79 years class.

The Vets’ 40 to 54 years categories were headed by some seriously big names. British-born former Grand Prix star Kurt Nicoll, a four-time 500cc motocross world No.2, was one of them and only dropped to second once, winning the other four races to lift the Vets 50-54 years trophy.

Hamilton’s Amie Roberts was utterly dominant on her YZ250F in the Senior Women’s class, winning all five races to claim her first national title. The 20-year-old credited riding and training with her partner, top Kiwi MX1 rider Kayne Lamont, for helping her to reach the top of the podium.

The 1996 500cc motocross world champion Shayne King, from New Plymouth was expected to feature strongly in the 45-49 years class but it was ex-GP racer Cameron Negus, of Rotorua who claimed the honours. Former veterans’ world champion Pukekohe’s Tony Cooksley, demonstrated he still had the goods, claiming the Vets 60-69 years title amongst a field of seven other riders.

Taupo’s Nick Saunders enjoyed a successful return to racing after taking the past four years off to start a family. He clean-swept the Vets 30 to 34 years category on his Kawasaki KX450 and is now considering re-entering the competitive motocross scene.

Next year’s New Zealand Veterans’ and Women’s Motocross Championships will be hosted by the Gore and Districts Motorcycle Club.

Women’s Results – Class Winners

  • Junior 8-12 years 85cc – Ticayla Manson
  • 13-16 years 85cc – Avalon Smith
  • Junior 12-16 years 125cc/250F – Zara Gray
  • Senior – Amie Roberts
  • Vets 30-39 years – Kylie Foreman
  • Vets 40 years + -Shelley Hickman

Men’s Results – Class Winners

  • Vets 30-34 years – Nick Saunders
  • Vets 35-39 years – James Robinson
  • Vets 40-44 years – Josh Coppins
  • Vets 45-49 years – Cameron Negus
  • Vets 50-54 years – Kurt Nicoll
  • Vets 55-59 years – David Wallace
  • Vets 60-69 years – Tony Cooksley
  • Vets 70-79 years – Neil Boniface
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Brian Anthony races to 21st in World Sidecar Motocross championship

Brian Anthony and Gary Moulds have completed the World Sidecar Motocross championship in 21st place, despite running only four of the 14 GPs. The title was claimed by Etienne Bax and Kaspars Stupelis.

Brian Anthony

“Eventful, good start in qualy but unfortunately a crash on the first lap left us a bit banged up. We got back on and a long way back, and started fighting for a direct qualification position. We made some awesome passes and got up to P10 so was happy with the end result. Unfortunately second row start and another broken knee brace but better that than me. 21st in the world championship and only riding four of the 14 GP’s together, well proud, thanks to the whole team and everyone who supported us.”

2019 World Sidecar Motocross Championship Standings

World Sidecar Motocross Standings

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Herlings tops MXGP final in Shanghai, China

For the full report see:
Herlings wins MXGP of China | Prado goes 1-1 in MX2 (link)

The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship concluded over the weekend in China, with Red Bull Jeffrey Herlings winning his second MXGP Overall of the season while Jorge Prado made a statement winning the last round of the season.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Prado start qual
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of China

Being the last round of the season, the Shanghai Off Road International Circuit also witnessed the conclusion of one of the most spectacular seasons ever. Taking the top three spots in the final MXGP Championship standings were Tim Gajser, Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff while in MX2 classJorge Prado, Thomas Kjer Olsen and Jago Geerts finalized the MX2 Championship standings.

Tim Gajser

“I am very happy to win my third World championship title. We had a great off-season, the beginning was just amazing and then I won seven rounds in a row which was so special. Now at the end of the season I am struggling and not finding the flow unfortunately. Coming to this weekend I felt good, yesterday I was fast on the track and enjoyed it. In the qualifying race I had the holeshot and then made a mistake and hit my neck and I was sore. From 11th gate pick today I took two solid starts and we were close to Jeffrey and Glenn. Second race I was feeling good but jumped off the track and unfortunately I just missed the podium.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Gajser shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of China
Jeremy Seewer

“I felt really good all weekend on the track, and it was a really nice dirt today. I wasn’t going for the championship but I was pushing in the first race because I felt amazing, but things happen. I got a rock in my eye and then cut my chin when I crashed and I was fighting hard to get third position. I didn’t want to risk too much anymore. That’s amazing to get second in the championship. A big thank to my team for this season.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of China
Glenn Coldenhoff

“I feel like we did a great job this weekend. It was a solid start in the second race and I was second and led all the races, I started making mistakes and I was looking at the bigger picture that is the bronze medal and I got a podium, which was good. First race was great. I am so pumped, I knew I needed a great gate pick and I was able to hold of Jeffrey (Herlings) and Tim (Gajser).

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Glenn Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoff
Round Overall Winner – Jeffrey Herlings

“The first race I just couldn’t make to win but I am very thankful to win the last two races of the season and I am looking forward to next year. I wanted to save some energy in the first race, but the second race I missed the start a bit and it was a bit tricky. I managed to win it at the end, and I am pretty happy. I want to thank the team and my personal sponsors.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings topped the MXGP of China podium

2019 MXGP of China Round Overall

# Rider Nat. Bike R1 R2 Total
1 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KTM 22 25 47
2 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KTM 25 22 47
3 Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 18 20 38
4 Gajser, Tim SLO HON 20 18 38
5 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL HON 14 16 30
6 Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 16 14 30
7 Paulin, Gautier FRA YAM 13 15 28
8 Jasikonis, Arminas LTU HUS 15 11 26
9 Monticelli, Ivo ITA KTM 11 13 24
10 Tixier, Jordi FRA KTM 12 12 24

2019 MXGP Final Standings

Pos Rider Bike Total
1 Gajser, Tim HON 782
2 Seewer, Jeremy YAM 580
3 Coldenhoff, G. KTM 535
4 Paulin, G. YAM 527
5 Tonus, Arnaud YAM 462
6 Jonass, Pauls HUS 458
7 Jasikonis, A. HUS 442
8 Van Horebeek, J. HON 433
9 Febvre, Romain YAM 384
10 Cairoli, A. KTM 358
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MX2

In the MX2 class Jorge Prado’s winning streak continued in China, to top off an exceptional season.

Jorge Prado

“I’m happy to finish my MX2 career this way. I want to thank everybody from my team and everyone who helps me. It was an incredible season, many race wins and Grand Prix wins, and it is exciting to move to the MXGP class, we will work hard for that.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Prado podium championship
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of China
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“It was a consistent season, the first part of the year was just amazing, the second part of the season was not as I wanted but overall I’m happy with my second position. I’m already thinking of how to improve next season.“

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Olsen action
Thomas Kjer Olsen – 2019 MXGP of China
Jago Geerts

“I arrived in China with a few points and I managed to win, my season had some ups and down but I’m very happy about my third position. I’m looking forward to the Monster Energy FIM MXoN now and I hope Team Belgium can be again on the podium.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Jago Geerts
Jago Geerts – 2019 MXGP of China

2019 MX2 of China – Round Overall

# Rider Nat. Bike R1 R2 Total
1 Prado, Jorge ESP KTM 25 25 50
2 Vialle, Tom FRA KTM 20 22 42
3 Vlaanderen, Calvin NED HON 22 18 40
4 Geerts, Jago BEL YAM 18 20 38
5 Olsen, Thomas Kjer DEN HUS 16 16 32
6 Renaux, Maxime FRA YAM 15 14 29
7 Sterry, Adam GBR KAW 13 13 26
8 Larranaga Olano, Iker ESP KTM 14 12 26
9 Forato, Alberto ITA HUS 9 11 20
10 Harrison, Mitchell USA KAW 10 10 20
18 Evans, Mitchell AUS HON 0 8 8

2019 MX2 Final Standings

Pos Rider Bike Total
1 Prado, Jorge KTM 837
2 Olsen, T. HUS 624
3 Geerts, Jago YAM 543
4 Vialle, Tom KTM 537
5 Jacobi, Henry KAW 442
6 Sterry, Adam KAW 410
7 Renaux, Maxime YAM 405
8 Vlaanderen, C. HON 399
9 Boisrame, M. HON 303
10 Watson, Ben YAM 282
11 Evans, M. HON 279
12 Beaton, Jed HUS 250
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Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend

This weekend the Nation’s best junior motor cycle riders from across the country will head to the Central Coast to contest the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship for a two-day event over September 28-29, at Allen Park MVR Speedway, Debenham Road North, in Somersby.

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

Although some riders may be young in age they are much older in experience, skills and talent if the results shown at the recent Central Coast Cup event were any indication. Many of these young riders seem to have raised the standard for all riders if they are to have any chance of taking the championship.

With strong competition likely from Queenslanders – Riley Nauta, Nate Hicks, Lenny & Henry Snell and Steph Connors; Victorians – Cooper Antone, Jed Fyffe and Oli Bergic; and Central West NSW riders – Sam and Tom Drane, Noah Grabham and Beau Bailey being just a few riders to beat if they want to be crowned champion.

Forbes brothers Tom and Sam Drane along with Queenslander Riley Nauta have just returned from six-weeks of competition racing long track in America.

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

Riders from age-seven through to 16 will compete in their individual classes to hold the title of 2019 National champion. Several previous winners of this event have continued on to hold world championships.

The weekend entertainment will not only be provided by the high quality of the competitors but on the Sunday the crowd will be treated by a special appearance and demonstration ride by clinically blind Australian Ben Felten who is the current Guinness World Record and FIM record holder for the fastest land speed by a blind motor cycle rider.

Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships Somersby Poster
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships

Practice will commence at 9.30am followed by racing on the Saturday and racing opening from 9.30 am on the Sunday. Entry fee of $10.00 per car will cover you for the two-days of competition. So fill your car and be treated by the champions of tomorrow.

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FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy new team award announced

It is now less than sixty days to go until the 2019 FIM International Six Days of Enduro takes place in Portimao, Portugal from November 11-16. As well as remaining the ultimate test of man and machine, the event in November will also incorporate the fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy. This will be contested over the final four days of the main event, starting with an initial acceleration test before three days of intense racing.

FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy
FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy – Image by Nuno Laranjeira

This edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy will welcome the introduction of a new category – The Vintage Veterans Trophy Team. This will comprise of one team per country, nominated by the respective national federation.

Each team must include three riders, each aged at least fifty-years-old. These three riders must represent two of the classic categories (excluding EVO 86) of the Vintage Trophy. All three riders’ times will count in the overall results. The best three teams will be awarded according to their accumulative rankings.


2020 Team Honda HRC rider line-up announced

Team Honda HRC have announced their roster of racers for the 2020 race season, with a unique arrangement that will see two different riders competing in separate series alongside Ken Roczen, who earlier this year signed an extension to his agreement.

AMA MX Rnd Roczen JK MX Ironman
Ken Roczen

Joining the factory squad during the AMA Supercross series will be Justin Brayton, who has ridden for the Smartop/MotoConcepts/Bullfrog Spas Honda team for the past three years and had planned to continue in that partnership until this opportunity arose.

For the AMA Pro Motocross series, Brayton will pass the baton to current GEICO Honda rider and reigning 250SX East Champion Chase Sexton, who will join the factory 450 effort fulltime at that point.

A veteran rider with a solid résumé, Brayton brings experience and consistency to the table for the 17-race Supercross series. This isn’t his first stint with the team, as he raced with the factory Honda squad in 2012, when he scored his career-best series-overall placing of fourth, achieved with the help of five podium finishes and six additional top-five results. Since Brayton’s return to the Honda brand in 2017, he and the MotoConcepts team have opted to race Supercross only. The Iowa native is also a two-time Australian Supercross Champion and will in fact return Down Under this fall to defend that title with the Penrite Honda squad before turning his attention to preparing for 2020 aboard a Team Honda HRC CRF450R.

Justin Brayton

“I’m beyond excited to be riding for factory Honda in the 2020 Supercross season. Riding with the team in 2012 was the achievement of a dream for me, and I had my best season so far that year. Now I feel like I’m living my dream all over again, just a little older and more experienced to be able to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

AMA SX Rnd Brayton JK SX NJ
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld

Meanwhile, Sexton will have the opportunity to once again campaign the 2020 250SX series with GEICO Honda before moving up to the CRF450R for AMA Pro Motocross. The Illinois native will not defend his East crown in Supercross, but will instead ride a CRF250R in the West region before beginning his Team Honda HRC agreement, which currently runs through the 2023 season. There’s also a possibility of him periodically competing in the 450SX class at East rounds, as a wildcard rider.

Chase Sexton

“I’m super excited to be joining Team Honda HRC. Factory Honda is a team that I’ve wanted to ride for since I was a kid, so to have this opportunity is honestly a dream come true. I’m looking forward to starting this journey with them, and I think it will be a successful one. I think the CRF450R suits me because I’m a bigger guy and I ride it well. Still, 2020 is going to be a learning year for sure. I’m just getting my feet wet in the 450 class, and it will be good to have an outdoor series under my belt to get me ready for a full 17-round 2021 Supercross series. I’m also looking forward to being teammates with Ken. We’re pretty close friends and train together every day, so I think this will push us both and take us to the next level. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to have under the tent, with his speed and knowledge.”

AMA MX Rnd Sexton JK MX Ironman
Chase Sexton
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Regan Duffy replaces injured Evans for Aussie MXoN Team

Western Australian youngster, Regan Duffy (Raceline Motorsports), has been confirmed as part of the 2019 MXStore MXoN Australian team to compete at the 2019 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Duffy will represent Australia at Assen, the Netherlands on September 28-29.

Duffy, who took out the 2019 MX Nationals MXD Championship will get his chance to impress on the world stage, and was understandably excited about the opportunity.

Regan Duffy

“I’m super excited to be able to partner both Dean [Ferris] and Kyle [Webster] on the 2019 Motocross Des Nations at Assen. I’m really looking forward to tackling the deep sand at Assen on a KTM 450 and hoping to do Australia proud.”

MX Nationals Rnd Coolum MXD Regan Duffy
Regan Duffy

Duffy will replace Mitch Evans, World MX2 rider due to ongoing medical concerns. The line up will now consist of Dean Ferris, Kyle Webster and Duffy.


Shaun Simpson announces 2020 MXGP team

Shaun Simpson has announced that for the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season he is planning to establish his own Grand Prix and British Championship race team using KTM and WP Suspension equipment. The 31-year-old will leave the RFX KTM team to race under his own ‘SS24’ banner next year.

MXGP Rnd Belgium MXGP Shaun Simpson
Shaun Simpson

The veteran struggled with the set-up of his race machine as well as basic technical issues in the last rounds of the current campaign and after recovering from a broken hand that forced to Scot to miss five Grands Prix in the mid-part of the season. Simpson has decided to tailor a racing operation around his needs and return to the modus operandi that served him brightly in 2014 and 2015 for GP success.

Shaun Simpson

“I have almost fifteen years experience in the world championship and still totally believe I have the speed and the knowledge to run as high as possible in MXGP; definitely to get in amongst the factory boys,” he said. “Now is the time to do things the right way that will allow me to do my best on the track. For what feels like many reasons it simply hasn’t happened for me in the last month in MXGP but we have already taken some steps to reorganise and make sure we’re in the right direction for the Motocross of Nations and the last British Championship round. Thanks to the people involved at RFX KTM, but I know I can keep progressing in my career if we make this move. It will be far from easy but I can count on great support from KTM and it’s a brand that is a natural fit for me with the most competitive equipment. It’s exciting. We’ll start small but we want a high level of presentation because we know what sponsors and fans will expect. The goal will be a strong world championship campaign, the British title and a few surprise race appearances and then who knows where the team will grow for ’21.”

Shaun Simpson, Loket, 2016
Shaun Simpson in 2016

Simpson, who is the last privateer winner of a premier class Grand Prix when he triumphed at the 2013 Grand Prix of Benelux with a stock Yamaha, is likely to run as the sole rider in the new team but is beginning to confirm the scale and full ambition of the project.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Herlings wins MXGP of China | Prado goes 1-1 in MX2

Round 18 – Shanghai, China


The final round of the 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship arrived at the Shanghai Off Road Circuit in China over the weekend, with big crowds turning out to witness the world’s best duke it out.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Gajser shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

Jeffrey Herlings proved his return to form with the MXGP round overall win – his second of the season – while Jorge Prado’s untouchable form continued with another MX2 win, giving KTM the first ever MXGP of China round wins.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

Being the last round of the season, the Shanghai off road international circuit witnessed the conclusion of one of the most spectacular seasons ever. Taking the top three spots in the final MXGP Championship standings were Tim Gajser, Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff while in MX2 class Jorge Prado, Thomas Kjer Olsen and Jago Geerts finalised the MX2 Championship standings.


MXGP Race 1

In the opening MXGP race it was Glenn Coldenhoff who led from Jeremy Seewer, Tim Gajser, Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass. Herlings was quickly into third place and relegating the MXGP champion to fourth. After a lap the battle for first place between Coldenhoff and Seewer was intense, with Herlings three seconds back in third.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Seewer start
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

Seewer had passed Coldenhoff but was repassed and then crashed in a corner as Herlings moved into second place. Seewer again crashed as he dropped to seventh place.

Coldenhoff continued to control the race, although after five laps the lead was down to just over two seconds and Gajser was five seconds back in third place while the two Arminas Jasikonis and Pauls Jonass filled the remaining top five positions.

Seewer was sixth, Ivo Monticelli seventh, Jeremy Van Horebeek eight, Gautier Paulin ninth and Jordi Tixier in 10th. After nine laps Herlings was just over two seconds behind Coldenhoff and made a move for the lead. 11 laps in and Paulin dropped back to eight while Tixier moved into ninth place.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

Herlings was suddenly all over Coldenhoff as the race heated up and to make it even more exciting, Gajser joined the party. For a couple of laps the big three battled for the top spot, and the pace clearly went to another gear.

MXGP came alive again as Coldenhoff tried to fight off Herlings and Gajser. Coldenhoff hung in there to win it from Herlings and Gajser.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Gajser action
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

MXGP Race 2

The second MXGP gate dropped and Seewer took the FOX Holeshot, but got passed by Coldenhoff who lead again, Gajser was in third, then Van Horebeek, Herlings, Bogers, Jonass, Paulin, Monticelli and Jasikonis who rounded up the top 10. Herlings quickly passed Van Horebeek and was onto Gajser for third.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Gajser start qual
2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

After a lap Coldenhoff was a second and a half ahead of Seewer who was fighting off Gajser, with Herlings fourth and Van Horebeek fifth. Tixier had worked his way into 10th place as Jasikonis dropped to 12th.

After three laps the lead remained a little over a minute while Gajser miscalculating a jump ran off the track, having to pull the board from his machine and lost places to Herlings, Van Horebeek and Jonass as he dropped to sixth position. On lap nine Gajser passed Jonass for fifth, and Seewer was still a second and a half behind Coldenhoff.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Seewer Gajser action
Jeremy Seewer and Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

Herlings was all over Seewer for second place as he tried to get an overall victory while Coldenhoff continued to ride in cruise control and at the pace he was comfortable. Herlings made a move to take second place from Seewer and the race of the Dutchman would continue.

Coldenhoff remained calm and continued to lead Herlings, with Seewer third, Van Horebeek fourth and Gajser fifth. After 14 laps Coldenhoff was nearly three-second lead over Herlings and seemingly did enough to win the race and the Grand Prix while Gajser passed Van Horebeek for fourth position.

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX VanHorebeek action
Jeremy Van Horebeek – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

Herlings turned it up in the final three laps and caught Coldenhoff, then he pulled into the lead on the last lap as he won the Grand Prix with 2-1 results.

Jeffrey Herlings has won the MXGP of China with a stunning 2-1 result leading his Motocross of Nations team-mate Glenn Coldenhoff who scored 1-2 results. Third overall was Jeremy Seewer.

Jeffrey Herlings – Round Winner

“I wanted to finish the year strongly: I owed Red Bull, KTM and all my partners that after the injury. I gave everything I had and I’m very grateful to have won the last two GPs. I’ll race in the sand next week for the final preparation for Assen. Hopefully with Team Holland we can go for the win. Then, next year in MXGP, I want to fight hard to get the title back. I really enjoyed the track here – it was tough to pass in places – but we won the GP and that’s the most important thing.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18

While Tim Gajser climbed again the MXGP Podium to be awarded with the Gold Medal, Jeremy Seewer celebrated the 18th round of the Championship with a silver media ensured just after race 1 and Glenn Coldenhoff clinched the bronze medal after an unpredictable season.

Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP Champion

“First of all, I am super happy to have my third world title this year, especially winning it in front of so many fans in Imola. It was really something special. Now, after that my level maybe hasn’t been as high and I’ve struggled to find the flow but overall I’m super happy with the year and I must say a big thank you to the team for their part in that. They have been amazing this year, but they also stood behind me these past two years when things didn’t go my way, and that is when you know you have a good team around you. I must also thank all the fans who have supported this season, they have followed me around the world and it is so great to have people at the track cheering you on. People from Slovenia even came all the way here to China and I am so thankful for that. As for this Shanghai race, I really enjoyed the layout and the dirt and I really felt good out on the track. I was fast in practice and grabbed a holeshot yesterday but a mistake a couple of laps later cost me positions. This meant I had 11th gate pick but I was still able to get two good starts, inside the top three. In the first moto we were all close together and it was tight racing but it was difficult to find a place to pass so I finished third. Then in the second moto, I was running third again but I jumped off the track and got tangled in a banner and by the time I was free from that I had lost a lot of time and positions. I was still able to get back to fourth which was good enough for fourth overall. I would have loved to have been on the podium, but it was still amazing to get handed the gold medal as champion and overall it has been a great, great season.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Gajser shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18
Jeremy Seewer – P2 Overall

“It has been incredible. My winter preparation for this season was horrible. I was in bed sick for three weeks. I came into the season battling to be in the top-ten and I had to fight my way back. I am really happy to be here now. It was a process, I started to break into the top five after the few weeks we had off in May, and then eventually got on the podium and then got six podiums and now I am here, second in the world!”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai MX Seewer action
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18
Glenn Coldenhoff – P3 Overall

“I feel like we did a great job this weekend. It was a solid start in the second race and I was second and led all the races, I started making mistakes and I was looking at the bigger picture that is the bronze medal and I got a podium, which was good. First race was great. I am so pumped, I knew I needed a great gate pick and I was able to hold of Jeffrey (Herlings) and Tim (Gajser).

Gautier Paulin – P4 Overall

“I really want to thank my team first of all, Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP team. We have had a tough season and have worked hard all year long as a satellite team. We were fighting for second in the championship to begin with and then second, and then third, and finally we came up short in fourth. It was a good year for my first year back on the Yamaha. We have some experience for the future. The bike was working good today, although it was not the best day for me. I am happy I put in a full season without injuries and could fight to the finish.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin – 2019 MXGP of China, Round 18
Pauls Jonass – P6 Overall

“I have some mixed feelings after this MXGP of China. With some podium results in recent races I really wanted the same here, to end the year on a high note. But I didn’t feel as sharp as I have been feeling. I’m not sure it’s the travel, but anyway it certainly wasn’t a bad way to end the series. I got pretty ok starts in both races but dropped back a little. Both races were like that. But sixth overall is a pretty decent result. Also, to finish sixth in the MXGP championship is very positive. It was a steady start to the year, coming back from injury and also adjusting to the MXGP bike. The second half of the year was very positive – I started to improve my strength, feeling with the bike, starts and results. Now we’ll focus on the Nations, before some time at home and then preparations for next season.”

MXGP Rnd China Shanghai Arminas Jasikonis


Source: MCNews.com.au

Herlings returns to form at 2019 MXGP of Turkey

2019 MXGP of Turkey

Round 17 – Afyonkarahisar


The MXGP of Turkey proved a brilliant return to form for KTM’s Jeffrey Herlings, under perfect weather conditions and in front of large crowds. The penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Championship marked the 85th GP win for Herlings, his first GP win of the season on a hard park track he fitted well.

MXGP Rnd Turkey Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings – 2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17

Herlings won the MXGP of Turkey in the MXGP class with 1-1 results, while second was fellow Dutchman Glenn Coldenhoff with 3-2 and third Pauls Jonass with 2-5. Herlings came to Turkey with further mileage under his belt after a domestic race appearance in Germany the previous weekend, with the 2018 world champion rapidly gaining shape and form at the highest level.

MXGP Rnd Turkey Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17

In the MX2 class it was Jorge Prado who once again went 1-1 for his 30th GP win of his career, while Jago Geerts was second overall with 2-5 and third was Roan Van De Moosdijk who went 5-3. Aussie Mitch Evans went 14-9 for 11th overall.


MXGP Race 1

In the first MXGP race, it was Pauls Jonass who took his first FOX Holeshot of the season and led from Glenn Coldenhoff, Jeffrey Herlings, Jeremy Seewer and Tim Gajser. Further back was Arnaud Tonus, Brian Bogers, Alessandro Lupino, Kevin Strijbos and Jeremy Van Horebeek.

MXGP Rnd Turkey MX Herlings start
2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17

Herlings quickly moved into second place, and Gautier Paulin entered the top ten in ninth position. Herlings took the lead as the riders entered the second lap while Gajser moved into fourth place, then went down hard and dropped well back in 14th position.

Three laps in and the lead by Herlings was two seconds from Jonass, followed by Coldenhoff. Seewer was fourth and Bogers in fifth place. While Herlings led, Jonass, Coldenhoff and Seewer were not letting the KTM rider get too far ahead with just three seconds separating the top four.

MXGP Rnd Turkey Glenn Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoff – 2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17

After seven laps Herlings had opened the lead up to two seconds over Jonass, and Gajser moved back into the top ten as he rounded in 10th place, while Tonus moved past Bogers for fifth, and Gajser did the same to move into ninth position. Paulin and Van Horebeek also both passed Bogers.

After 10 laps the lead by Herlings was three seconds over Jonass but Herlings made a mistake and slipped over while Jonass caught right up to his back wheel.

MXGP Rnd Turkey Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – 2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17

Gajser moved back into seventh place as he passed both Bogers and Van Horebeek and he managed to finish in sixth position while Paulin moved into fifth place. Herlings meanwhile won his second race of the season from Jonass and Coldenhoff.

MXGP Race 2

When the second MXGP gate dropped and Coldenhoff led from Seewer and Herlings, with Gajser in fourth and Bogers in fifth place. Herlings was quickly past Seewer, who dropped to sixth place, and Gajser moved to third on the first lap.

MXGP Rnd Turkey MX Seewer start
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17

Seewer crashed hard and dropped to 16th position and after three laps it was Coldenhoff, Herlings, Gajser, Monticelli, and Bogers rounding up the top five. Ivo Monticelli passed Gajser for third place, as the World MXGP champion crashed and dropped to fifth position.

Herlings was all over the leader Coldenhoff for the lead on lap seven, as the two Dutch riders showed they are in great form for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in three-week’s time. Bogers and Jonass had battled with Jonass moving into fifth and Bogers dropped back to sixth.

MXGP Rnd Turkey Tim Gajser
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17

Herlings started reeling in Coldenhoff for the lead and on lap 10 they were locked together while Gajser moved into third place followed by Monticelli and Jonass. Coldenhoff continued to lead, but Herlings was hounding him, and Gajser was 23 seconds further back in third place.

A few seconds before the end of the race a sensational pass was made by Herlings as he took the lead on the final lap and took the third race win of the season and the GP overall for the first time in 2019.

MXGP Rnd Turkey MX Herlings Tonus action
Jeffrey Herlings & Arnaud Tonus – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17

Tommy Searle after a crash during the warm up on Sunday morning wasn’t able to race this 17th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship and he was forced to withdraw from the race.

Tommy Searle posted the twelfth fastest lap in both practice sessions on Saturday and later qualified in eleventh position for the GP. But during the warm up on Sunday morning Tommy crashed and suffered a shoulder contusion which forced him to withdraws from the GP. Tommy Searle normally will be back on track next weekend in China for the final round of the 2019 championship.

Jeffrey Herlings – P1

“It is getting better and better, in Sweden I wasn’t that prepared, but now just after three weeks on the bike, it is amazing what I can do. It has been a crazy weekend and I am super happy with my win. I had that line and I knew I had to make it perfect. I want to thank my mum the team and everyone who supported me and I wish to congratulate Glenn, he rode amazingly.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17
Glenn Coldenhoff – P2

“We are close to the end of the Championship and I really need those points as I still have a chance for third in the standings. I’m pushing hard for that. I don’t like to get passed on the last lap but it’s really amazing to see two Dutch flags on the box so I am really happy.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey MX Coldenhoff Herlings action
Glenn Coldenhoff – 2019 MXGP of Turkey – Round 17
Pauls Jonass – P3

“It’s been a really good GP, but it didn’t start the best way. I had to work really hard to come back from my start crash in my qualifying race on Saturday, but it also gave me some good confidence coming into today’s motos as I knew I had good speed and I also liked the track. Getting the holeshot in the first moto today was awesome – I’ve been working hard on my starts and to get a first MXGP holeshot is really positive. I felt good the whole race. After Herlings passed me I rode well and, yeah, second place was great. The second race was also good – a good start but then I made a few small mistakes and dropped a few positions. I kept a good pace and managed to move into a position to get on the overall podium, which is a great way to finish the GP. I’m looking forward to China now.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17
Tim Gajser – P4

“It was a tough weekend, but yesterday I felt okay. My speed was good, I just had that crash in the qualification race which meant I wasn’t completely 100% today. I got a good start in the first race, but crashed in the wave section and managed to climb back to sixth place after remounting in around 15th. I still knew I could better and I wanted to prove that in race two and again I got a good start, in the top three where again I felt I could I run with the leaders. However I made a small mistake in a corner, tipped over and dropped to fifth. By the time I got back to third they were gone so that’s where I finished. I am disappointed but I will try to take some positive things from this GP and do better next weekend in China. A big thanks to the whole team for their work again and helping me feel comfortable out on the track, and thanks for all the birthday wishes from everyone.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey MX Gajser Herlings action
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17
Gautier Paulin – P6

“Actually my starts cost me a good result this weekend. A good start was important today with the track being so rutty it was difficult to change your line to make a pass. Everything else was there. The track was really rough, but I enjoyed it and I felt good. My YZ450F was really good too, both suspension and engine. Physically I felt awesome, so I am looking forward to China.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17
Jeremy Seewer – P7

“Overall today I had the speed to be on the podium. Fourth in the first moto with a gap to the riders behind me and I could control the position. In the second moto, I took the holeshot and for some reason it felt like I was standing still, and a lot of riders passed me. I made a small mistake, and I tried to keep Pauls Jonass behind me, but neither of us closed the throttle and I got put over the berm. After that I had a good pace and came back to eighth. I am sad because I could have been on the podium today, but happy because my second place in the championship is pretty safe now.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17
Arnaud Tonus – P11

“Race 1 was alright considering I had a bad feeling on the track yesterday. In the second moto, I was completely ‘off’ and tired for some reason. I don’t even know how I ended up, but I was completely drained of energy. So, I will try to recover and regain some energy for China next week.”

MXGP Rnd Turkey Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – 2019 MXGP of Turkey
– Round 17

Source: MCNews.com.au

Courtney Duncan crowned Women’s Motocross World Champion

2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion


New Zealand motocross sensation Courtney Duncan has done it – crossing the finish line of the Women’s Motocross World Championship’s first race, punching both firsts in the air, index fingers pointed skyward in the international symbol for number one.

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

After riding immaculately throughout the MXGP of Turkey’s 20-minute, plus two laps race, she stamped her global dominance on the 10 other WMX riders, winning it by a whopping 12.818secs and earning herself an unassailable lead, with one race still to run tonight (NZ time).

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

An emotional Duncan entered the pit lane area on her Kawasaki KX250, where her British-based Kawasaki team Bike It Dixon Racing Team (DRT), friends and family were waiting to envelope her with hugs. She shouted out one word that summed up the three long, hard years she has been waiting for this moment.

“Yeah!”

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

Tears of joy quickly spilled into her helmet as she absorbed all that she has achieved.

“What a day! What a day! It’s indescribable right now. There were some big emotions after the race. So much gets built into this. This goes way back to when I started when I was 7-years of age. Everything goes into this. So much effort from my family – they did so much for me growing up to get me to this point. All my team, my sponsors everyone back over home. I have a huge team at home, and everyone plays a huge part in this championship. It was definitely a team effort. I can’t thank everyone enough,” Duncan says.

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

The 23-year-old Otago rider could not have scripted her maiden championship victory any more perfectly. After topping both timed practise outings, she was confident lining up in the start gates in the 30degC heat, facing the well-watered circuit for the WMX’s first time racing at the Afyonkarahisar track.

She started off steadily, taking her time to find the right lines, initially settling into fourth place. Duncan then demonstrated her racing smarts by gradually picking off her main championship rivals German Larissa Papenmeier and Dutch woman Nancy Van De Ven over the first five laps.

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Duncan went wide, making a outside passing move on Van De Ven and wobbled in a deep rut, but she held strong and began hunting down Denmark rider Sara Andersen.

Although the pair concertinaed for the lead over half a lap, Duncan soon out-classed Andersen, shot out in front and never looked back.

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

“Moto one was really good. I got asked did I feel pressure going into the race and I’ve got to be completely honest with you, lining up I felt so comfortable and confident. After the sight lap, I knew the track had changed a lot. I had it in my mind that I was going to warm up into the race, so I took a few laps, found some good lines and made the passes. Then I just kind of cruised and maintained the lead. It was good enough to win the championship in the first moto. It feels amazing! Duncan says.

“I don’t know how to describe it – the journey to get here has been tough. Man, it’s been tough! After winning my first pro race on debut [in 2016] I felt like I couldn’t do nothing wrong. Since then it’s been a downward slope but this year, we changed that and we turned it around and made it happen,” she adds.

Duncan picked up the maximum 25 points to bring her total to 214, which is 31 clear of Van de Ven on 183, meaning the last race at 8.30pm tonight (NZ time) is merely a formality. The race win today was Duncan’s eighth victory out of nine races this season, where she has been imperious, except for the second race in at the first round in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, where she slipped to fourth.

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

Duncan credited her new team, new-found motivation and commuting back home to New Zealand between rounds for her iron-clad control of the 2019 WMX season.

“I haven’t had to think about the races. I haven’t been waiting for them. I’ve been putting in the work and enjoying life outside of it,’’she says.

Contacting Duncan in the early hours of the morning here in New Zealand, it was late in the evening in Turkey. She was still at the track, with her team, soaking it all in.

“I’m enjoying the night, just celebrating and enjoying this championship. Everyone put so much work into it – it was a big team effort. It’s going to take a bit of time to fully settle in, what we have just achieved. I know I’m going to look back and realise that this was pretty special.”

Courtney Duncan WMX Champ
Courtney Duncan
2019 Women’s Motocross World Champion

Duncan races again tonight in the final race 10 of the WMX’s five-round championship.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | MXGP | EMX | AMA MX | SGP

Moto News Weekly for August 27, 2019

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What happened this week

  • 2019 MXGP of Sweden wrap-up
  • Van De Moosdijk & Guadagnini claim EMX titles
  • 2019 AMA Ironman National MX Wrap
  • Matej Zagar tops Croatian FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualifier
  • Brook & Hendrickson dominate Australian Senior Track Championships
  • American Flat Track set for Springfield triple-header
  • Hunter Lawrence injured in training
  • Tasmania to host 2019 Australian Trial Championship
  • Romain Febvre breaks femur at Swedish GP
  • 2019 Sultans of Slide Announced – NSW Flat Track Cup

2019 MXGP of Sweden wrap-up

With sunshine and a large Swedish crowd in attendance at the beautifully prepared Uddevalla circuit, another sensational weekend of motocross was played out at the MXGP of Sweden.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla gajser uddevalla hondaproracing shotbybavo
2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

For the full report see:
Jorge Prado crowned 2019 MX2 Champion in Sweden (link)

Glenn Coldenhoff won his second GP of the season in MXGP, with Tim Gajser having to settle for second, while Pauls Jonass completed the top three overall.

Glenn Coldenhoff took the Race 1 win from Romain Febvre by over a minute, while Tim Gajser completed the podium. Race 2 would see Gajser come back for the win, this time over Coldenhoff, with Pauls Jonass completing the top three.

Glenn Coldenhoff

“It was a tough weekend but I’m very satisfied. Jeffrey was in front of me in the beginning of the first race, and it is really difficult and Febvre was close at the end and I got a little nervous, but I kept it on for the win. I’m very happy about my riding now”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Glenn Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoof – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Tim Gajser

“I am really happy. The first race I made a mistake and a lost two places. The second race I was pushing Romain and then I thought five minutes before the end I had to pass him, and I took the lead and with one lap to go I was leading the GP, but congratulations to Glenn, he deserved it.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla gajser uddevalla hondaproracing shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Pauls Jonass

“You know its been a while since I was on the box and we worked hard to get here. The starts are the key, and they are better now, but we still need to improve them. It feels good to be up front and thanks to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team and all my sponsors.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Pauls Jonas PDA
Pauls Jonass – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

MXGP Round Overall – Top 10

Pos Rider Race 1 Race 2 Total
1 Coldenhoff, Glenn 25 22 47
2 Gajser, Tim 20 25 45
3 Jonass, Pauls 18 20 38
4 Seewer, Jeremy 14 16 30
5 Van Horebeek, Jeremy 16 14 30
6 Paulin, Gautier 15 13 28
7 Tonus, Arnaud 9 15 24
8 Strijbos, Kevin 12 12 24
9 Searle, Tommy 13 11 24
10 Febvre, Romain 22 0 22

MXGP Standings after Sweden – Top 10

Pos Rider Total
1 Gajser, Tim 709
2 Seewer, Jeremy 511
3 Paulin, G. 468
4 Coldenhoff, G. 446
5 Tonus, Arnaud 443
6 Jasikonis, A. 397
7 Jonass, Pauls 390
8 Febvre, Romain 384
9 Van Horebeek, J. 377
10 Cairoli, A. 358
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MX2

In the opening MX2 moto on Sunday fans surrounding the tight, hardpack Uddevalla track witnessed a special FIM World Championship celebration as Prado obtained the points necessary to confirm his second #1 plate in the MX2 class. Prado ranks as the eighth different Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2 World Champion since the creation of the category in 2004; KTM has now claimed the MX2 titles 11 times from 16 seasons.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

With a lead of 145 points and just 100 left to win in the series Prado, who hails from Lugo in Spain, has been confirmed as only the third double-winning champion in the history of the MX2 division. The star has won 27 of the 32 motos contested so far this season, despite missing a round with injury and has scored 12 1-1 victories from 16 rounds.

In what was another memorable weekend, Prado’s MX2 teammate Tom Vialle scored his very first Grand Prix victory with a 2-2 scorecard aboard his KTM 250 SX-F. The FIM Motocross World championship now heads to Turkey and China for the last two rounds of the season.

Tom Vialle

“It is a fantastic weekend I took two holeshots and I got the round win. For sure it is fantastic the first race I pushed and lost a lot of energy and in the second race I took the holeshot and finished second and I won the overall. I did not expect that but it is a great feeling”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Tom Vialle KTM SX F Uddevalla
Tom Vialle – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Calvin Vlaanderen

“First race I didn’t’ feel really comfortable as I had a bad start but in the second race I rode well and the two guys in front made mistakes and I was able to get the race win. Thanks to the team and my family and girlfriend to support me.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Vlaanderen bybavo
Calvin Vlaanderen – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Jorge Prado

“I have no words to explain this. This year has been a great season, winning every single round I rode except this one (laugh). Thanks to everyone who is there everyday with me and supporting me. Two World titles, if you think of it, it is incredible. The second race was one of the best races of the year for me, I came from the back to fourth place and I couldn’t use the clutch because the level was bent.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Jorge Prado KTM SX F World Champion
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

MX2 Round Overall

Pos Rider R1 R2 Total
1 Vialle, Tom 22 22 44
2 Vlaanderen, Calvin 18 25 43
3 Prado, Jorge 25 18 43
4 Sterry, Adam 16 20 36
5 Renaux, Maxime 15 16 31
6 Olsen, Thomas Kjer 13 15 28
7 Evans, Mitchell 10 14 24
8 Walsh, Dylan 11 12 23
9 Boisrame, Mathys 14 9 23
10 Sanayei, Darian 12 10 22

MX2 Standings following Sweden

Pos Rider Total
1 Prado, Jorge 737
2 Olsen, T. 592
3 Geerts, Jago 467
4 Vialle, Tom 460
5 Jacobi, Henry 442
6 Sterry, Adam 356
7 Renaux, Maxime 340
8 Vlaanderen, C. 324
9 Watson, Ben 282
10 Boisrame, M. 278
11 Evans, M. 252
12 Beaton, Jed 250
20 Walsh, Dylan 137
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Van De Moosdijk & Guadagnini claim EMX titles

Uddevalla was the field where the final rounds of the EMX250 and EMX125 championships were decided as both titles went down to the wire as a handful of riders fought for victory. Run over Saturday and Sunday the racing was very unpredictable with both champions taking their titles without winning the overall or a race on the weekend.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla ËMX EMX Podium
Van De Moosdijk & Guadagnini claim the EMX titles in Sweden

In the EMX250 Championship it was Roan van de Moosdijk who took the championship with a solid third place overall in Sweden with 2-6 results. The overall winner in Sweden was Stephen Rubini with 3-2 and finishing second in the championship. Third overall in the championship was Alberto Forato who finished with 7-1 results for second overall for the weekend.

In the EMX125 it was Tom Guyon who won the final round with 2-1 results, but Mattia Guadagnini is the 2019 EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Champion. Guadagnini didn’t take too many risks throughout the two races and finished third overall with 3-3 on the weekend and it was enough to win the championship with a tally of 305 points, 13 points more than second placed rider Guyon.

EMX250

Mikkel Haarup won the opening race from Roan van de Moosdijk and Stephen Rubini in a rather uneventful affair for the race winner, but for Rubini it was a crash-fest as he had a bad start, then crashed a couple of times and lost points to Van De Moosdijk.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla EMX Start
EMX250 Start

Haarup led the whole EMX250 Race 1 while Bastian Boegh Damm started second and had the chance to maintain his position until a motivated Van De Moosdijk passed him on lap 12. Riding in third was the Swedish Isak Gifting while the battle for the Championship was back in 4th position among Van De Moosdijk, Rubini and Forato.

At the end of Race 1 Van De Moosdijk led the championship points by 13 points on Rubini while Forato finished race 1 in 7th but still in contention for the championship.

In the second EMX250 it was Jeremy Sydow who led from Rene Hofer, Bastian Boegh Damm, Pontus Jonsson and Ruben Fernandez, but the title contenders were back with Forato sixth, Rubini ninth and Van De Moosdijk 12th.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla hi VAN DE MOOSDIJK GP PH
Roan van de Moosdijk

Forato moved into the lead after a couple of laps, and Rubini was up to fourth, with Van De Moosdijk sixth. The championship contenders were all working their way to the front and after four laps the top five was Forato, Hofer, Sydow, Rubini and Fernandez.

Hofer crashed in lap eight but managed to keep the third place while Van De Moosdijk moved into fifth place. Rubini passed Hofer for second place and after nine laps race leader Forato was followed by Rubini, Hofer, Fernandez and Van De Moosdijk. Forato won the second race from Rubini and Hofer, with Van De Moosdijk back in sixth position that for the Dutch were enough to endure the EMX250 Title.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla hi VAN DE MOOSDIJK GP PH
Roan van de Moosdijk

Roan Van De Moosdijk won three rounds in 2019 and managed to hold the Red Plate for the first time this season in Lommel. He won the 2019 Edition of one of the most thrilling European Championships ever, the EMX250, 6 points ahead Stephan Rubini and 11 from Alberto Forato.

Roan Van De Moosdijk

It was a little stressful the last few days but I have had a good time the last couple of months and won a lot of races so I was confident going into this last round of the series. Of course I was a little nervous before the second race this morning, but I think that’s normal! My start was pretty good but in the second corner Haarup crashed and I had to stop and lost five or six places. Then I saw Rubini just one or two positions in front of me, so when he passed somebody I did the same. I controlled the race; I knew it was enough. In my mind I was thinking during the last few laps ‘just don’t crash, don’t make any mistake’ so I let one guy pass me back on the last lap to make sure nothing strange could happen to prevent me securing the title. I want to thank everyone around me – Kawasaki, my team, my sponsors, my family, my girlfriend. Now I will race the MX2 GPs in Turkey and China to prepare for next year as I didn’t race any overseas GPs yet. It will also be a good preparation if the Dutch federation finally select me for the MX of Nations; of course both overseas races are hard-pack and Assen is sand but I showed already what I can do in the sand.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla hi VAN DE MOOSDIJK GP PH
Roan van de Moosdijk
Stephen Rubini

“Of course I am a little disappointed about the championship. I wanted to bring a second title for Honda, but I gave everything and I am happy with second overall. Looking forward to seeing you all next year in MX2.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Stephen Rubini
Stephen Rubini
Alberto Forato

“I had a good start to the season with four wins and then I had little issues. Today I enjoyed a lot riding. I’m third overall in the championship and I’m happy with it even if I was hoping to be Champion”

EMX250 Overall Top Ten

# Rider R1 R2 Tot.
1 Rubini, Stephen 20 22 42
2 Forato, Alberto 14 25 39
3 Van De Moosdijk, Roan 22 15 37
4 Hofer, Rene 12 20 32
5 Gifting, Isak 16 16 32
6 Haarup, Mikkel 25 7 32
7 Fernandez, Ruben 13 18 31
8 Boegh Damm, Bastian 18 13 31
9 Sydow, Jeremy 10 14 24
10 Benistant, Thibault 15 9 24

EMX250 Standings

Pos Rider Nat. Bike Total
1 Van De Moosdijk, R. NED KAW 325
2 Rubini, S. FRA HON 319
3 Forato, A. ITA HUS 314
4 Hofer, Rene AUT KTM 227
5 Benistant, T. FRA YAM 161
6 Sydow, Jeremy GER HUS 155
7 Tropepe, G. ITA YAM 133
8 Gilbert, Josh GBR HON 127
9 Fernandez, R. ESP YAM 113
10 Elzinga, Rick NED YAM 104
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EMX125

Simon Laengenfelder opened the account for the EMX125, with a victory in the opening race, the German rider displayed good control, leading the race on lap one until the finish.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla EMX Tom Guyon
Tom Guyon

Mattia Guadagnini had a good start with the goal to keep his second position until the very end of the race, but the #27 of Team VRT’s and championship rival Tom Guyon was closing in putting pressure on Guadagnini. The Italian didn’t push too hard considering his 20 points lead and Guyon made it to pass him on lap four.

Going into the last couple of laps Laengenfelder led 12 seconds on Guyon with Guadagnini, Gwerder and Talviku round out the top five.

When the gate dropped at the second race of the EMX125 class it was Tom Guyon who controlled the race from lap one and took a comfortable victory ahead of Laengenfelder and Guadagnini.

Guyon and Laengenfelder pulling away out front while Guadagnini kept his comfortable third place that could ensure his Championship title. Kay de Wolf put pressure on Guadagnini as the Italian made a small mistake. Tom Guyon won race 2 and the overall victory in Uddevalla while Mattia Guadagnini has been crowned 2019 EMX125 champion.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla EMX Podium
EMX125 Podium – MXGP of Sweden
Mattia Guadagnini

“I am super happy, I can’t believe it. It is amazing, I don’t know what to say. I want to thank all the people who helped me. It was an amazing season, almost perfect. I had very good races and I just had to control the second race and have fun. I want to thank the team and my family and everyone who helped me.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla EMX Mattia Guadagnini
Mattia Guadagnini
Tom Guyon

“I am happy about my weekend, because I finished first, but I am a bit disappointed about my season as I could won the title but I finished second. But still, I am really happy about this season.

Simon Laengenfelder

“You could see I got better and better until the end. This was a good season for me in EMX125 and I am happy I now got some wins and I want to thank all my team and sponsors.”

EMX125 Overall Top Ten

# Rider R1 R2 Tot.
1 Guyon, Tom 22 25 47
2 Laengenfelder, Simon 25 22 47
3 Guadagnini, Mattia 20 20 40
4 de Wolf, Kay 15 18 33
5 Talviku, Jorgen-Matthias 16 16 32
6 Vettik, Meico 13 14 27
7 Everts, Liam 11 15 26
8 Nilsson, Samuel 10 10 20
9 Gwerder, Mike 18 0 18
10 Oliver, Oriol 14 0 14

EMX125 Standings

Pos. Rider Nat Bike Tot.
1 Guadagnini, M. ITA HUS 305
2 Guyon, Tom FRA KTM 292
3 Laengenfelder, S. GER KTM 222
4 Talviku, J. EST HUS 197
5 Gwerder, Mike SUI KTM 192
6 de Wolf, Kay NED HUS 188
7 Oliver, Oriol ESP KTM 170
8 Everts, Liam BEL KTM 149
9 Farres, G. ESP KTM 112
10 Bonacorsi, A. ITA KTM 95

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2019 AMA Ironman National MX Wrap

A highly competitive and captivating 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship came to a thrilling conclusion just outside the racing mecca of Indianapolis, where the Ironman Raceway provided the setting for a showdown to capture the Gary Jones Cup in the 250 Class. Picture-perfect weather conditions and an energetic crowd created a stellar atmosphere for the fifth anniversary at Ironman, and the racing lived up to expectations.

AMA MX Rnd Starts JK MX Ironman
2019 Ironman National – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross –
Round 12

For the full report see:
Cianciarulo claims 250 title at 2019 Ironman National (link)

250

Adam Cianciarulo and Dylan Ferrandis entered the Ironman National separated by 30 points. The two most successful riders in the 250 Class were both on their game, with the Frenchman doing exactly what he needed to do by posting an impressive 1-1 outing. However, Cianciarulo responded to capture his first professional title and end his time in the class in the most memorable way possible.

AMA MX Cianciarulo Mosiman Multiple JK MX BuddsCreek
Adam Cianciarulo & Michael Mosiman – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
Dylan Ferrandis

“I knew [winning today] wasn’t going to be enough to win the championship today. AC [Cianciarulo] rode great all season, and he deserved [the title]. He was too hard to beat. This was the best season of my career. We showed good things this year. We won races and we showed that next season everyone can look at me to possibly win the championship.”

AMA MX Rnd Ferrandis JK MX Ironman
Dylan Ferrandis – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
Adam Cianciarulo

“It’s been a journey, for sure. Like I’ve said, when I was a kid I knew I’d be here [winning championships], but then things got taken from me and I didn’t know if I could anymore. I would have rather gone through what I went through to get to this point, because it made me a better human. I’ve learned so much about myself and I’ve had to grow. The [adversity] has catapulted me into doing something I didn’t think I could do, which is win this outdoor title. I’ll hold onto this forever. No one can ever take this from me.”

AMA MX Rnd Cianciarulo JK MX Ironman
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National

250 Round Overall

# Rider R1-R2
1 Dylan Ferrandis 1 – 1
2 Justin Cooper 3 – 2
3 Adam Cianciarulo 2 – 4
4 Chase Sexton 4 – 3
5 Michael Mosiman 5 – 5
6 Alex Martin 6 – 8
7 R.J. Hampshire 9 – 6
8 Shane McElrath 8 – 9
9 Garrett Marchbanks 11 – 7
10 Cameron McAdoo 7 – 13
11  Ty Masterpool 10 – 12
12 Brandon Hartranft 15 – 11
13  Jett Lawrence 12 – 14

250 Standings

# Rider Points
1 Adam Cianciarulo 519
2 Dylan Ferrandis 499
3 Justin Cooper 461
4 R.J. Hampshire 337
5 Chase Sexton 316
6 Alex Martin 305
7 Colt Nichols 292
8 Michael Mosiman 290
9 Shane McElrath 285
10 Hunter Lawrence 252
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450

In the 450 Class, the “Big 3” of Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, and Marvin Musquin put on a show for the fans. All three riders showed why they’re amongst the best in the world, but it was the newly crowned champion aboard the Kawasaki who emerged triumphant, as Tomac capped off his historic three-peat with a sixth victory.

AMA MX Rnd Tomac JK MX Ironman
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National

It provided a fitting end to a season to remember for Kawasaki, which became the first manufacturer to sweep both class championships since 2011.

Eli Tomac

“Even though the title was clinched it was still a fun day. We came in here with the plan to do the same thing. The mindset was to attack,” said Tomac. “The first lap [in Moto 2] was chaos with Marv [Musquin’s crash] and then Kenny [Roczen] got by. He’s just so good in the early laps. I was able to stay on him and then got by. What a day and what a year.”

AMA MX Rnd Tomac JK MX Ironman
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National

450 Round Overall

# Rider R1-R2
1 Eli Tomac 3 – 1
2 Ken Roczen 2 – 3
3 Zach Osborne 5 – 2
4 Joey Savatgy 4 – 6
5 Justin Barcia 7 – 4
6 Jason Anderson 6 – 5
7 Dean Wilson 9 – 7
8 Benny Bloss 8 – 8
9 Marvin Musquin 1 – 40
10 Fredrik Noren 10 – 10

450 Standings

# Rider Points
1 Eli Tomac 521
2 Ken Roczen 463
3 Marvin Musquin 451
4 Jason Anderson 407
5 Zach Osborne 403
6 Cooper Webb 324
7 Justin Barcia 315
8 Fredrik Noren 240
9 Justin Bogle 222
10 Blake Baggett 175

Brook & Hendrickson dominate
Australian Senior Track Championships

Jarred Brook and Briony Hendrickson have proved why they’re two of the best track riders in the country with dominate performances at the 2019 Mildura Solar Australian Senior Track Championships.

Mildura Solar Australian Senior Track Championships
2019 Mildura Solar Australian Senior Track Championships – Image courtesy of Mildura Motorsport

With all eyes on Koorlong’s Jambaroo Park, Brook was too strong in the men’s events, defending his Pro 450cc and MX open crowns, while also adding the Pro Open trophy to his bulging trophy cabinet. In the women’s Pro Open competition, Hendrickson retained her title with a typically impressive display.

Marg Tegart from the Northwest Victoria Motorcycling club said the event was a huge success with over 1000 spectators cheering on the action at the two-day event.

Marg Tegar

“It was a really successful weekend for the club in our first attempt at holding the Australian Senior Track Championships. Everything ran like clockwork, and it was great to see the sidecar category return after a few years of being absent from the Championships.”

Pro Open Championship

  1. Jarred Brook (QLD)
  2. Ty Lynch (SA)
  3. Connor Ryan (NSW)

Pro Open Women Championship:

  1. Briony Hendrickson (QLD)
  2. Tayla Street (VIC)
  3. Brooke Goulding (QLD)

Pro 450cc Championship:

  1. Jarred Brook (QLD)
  2. Rowan Tegart (VIC)
  3. Connor Ryan (NSW)

MX Open Championship:

  1. Jarred Brook (QLD)
  2. Rowan Tegart (VIC)
  3. Daniel Wicks (NSW)

Pro 250cc Championship

  1. Bradley Burns (VIC)
  2. Ty Lynch (SA)
  3. Harrison Ryan (NSW)

Under 19’s Championship

  1. Harrison Ryan (NSW)
  2. Wade O’Keefe (NSW)
  3. Jake Farnsworth (NSW)

Sidecars Championship

  1. Brodie Gebhart / Rodney Gebhart (VIC)
  2. Kai Frame / Michael Vecchi (NSW)
  3. Justin Foot / Melissa Foot (VIC)

Matej Zagar tops Croatian FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualifier

Slovenian star Matej Zagar booked his place in SGP 2020 and admitted his GP Challenge victory in Gorican is “bigger than winning a GP.” Zagar topped the podium at the FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualification round in Croatia on Saturday and joins runner-up Niels-Kristian Iversen and third-placed Max Fricke in securing a World Championship place for next year.

FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualification Croatia
Croatian FIM Speedway Grand Prix Qualifier top three

Ljubljana-born Zagar beat Iversen in a run-off for first spot after they tied on 11 points. But the result still ensures both current SGP riders have guaranteed their place in the 2020 series, regardless of where they finish this term.

Fricke then joined them on the podium by winning a run-off with Slovak star Martin Vaculik for third after they finished level on 10. Vaculik is currently fourth in the World Championship and could still qualify for SGP 2020 by finishing inside this year’s top eight.

But victory on this night belonged to Zagar, who celebrated with the army of Slovenian fans who made the trek across the border to Croatia. This is his second GP Challenge win following his 2014 triumph in Lonigo, Italy. It’s also the second time he has booked his SGP spot in Gorican, having finished second in the 2012 GP Challenge there.

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Zagar is currently 12th in the World Championship on 37 points, while Iversen is 11th on 41. After an indifferent start to SGP 2019, he’s elated to have secured his place in the series for next year.

Matej Zagar

“These meetings are always tough – we’ve seen it before. I have managed to win two now in my career. I think this is bigger than winning a GP. If you win a GP, that doesn’t give you a qualifying place for next year. It just gives you victory in one meeting. Winning this is big for me. Like always, this is one of the toughest, most intense meetings of the year on all levels. You need to keep yourself together if you want to qualify; there is no room for mistakes. I’ve lost count how many times I have qualified through the Challenge, but it’s good. I am happy about it. It gives you less stress as you try to sort things out in the series for the last four GPs this year. It has been a tough year for me. I have struggled quite heavily on some occasions, but the last couple of weeks have been better. I feel better on the bike and I feel I have more speed. That’s starting to be reflected in my results.”

Fricke will make his full-time SGP debut in 2020, having served as this season’s second reserve, racing all but one of the opening six rounds to claim 13th spot in the standings on 36 points. The Aussie international says taking third spot in Croatia will see him fulfil a childhood dream.

Max Fricke

“I’m super excited. It has always been a goal to be in the Grand Prix series as a full-time rider. When I was a kid and I first started watching speedway, it was the GPs. So it’s pretty awesome to see myself in it for next year. Hopefully I can get some stuff together during the off-season and put together a strong outfit for next year.”

Croatia SGP Challenge Scores

  1. Matej Zagar 11+3
  2. Niels-Kristian Iversen 11+2
  3. Max Fricke 10+3
  4. Martin Vaculik 10+2
  5. Anders Thomsen 9
  6. Pontus Aspgren 9
  7. Jurica Pavlic 9
  8. Aleksandr Loktaev 9
  9. Kenneth Bjerre 8
  10. Martin Smolinski 7
  11. Craig Cook 6
  12. Peter Ljung 6
  13. Robert Lambert 5
  14. Mikkel Michelsen 5
  15. David Bellego 3
  16. Chris Harris 2
  17. Matic Ivacic DNR
  18. Norbert Magosi DNR

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American Flat Track set for Springfield triple-header

American Flat Track is set to unleash a dirt track racing extravaganza on the hallowed grounds of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in the form of a Springfield AFT tripleheader this upcoming Labor Day weekend in Springfield, Ill.

Friday night will see the running of the Springfield Short Track starring the AFT Singles before the AFT Twins and AFT Production Twins take center stage on the “World’s Fastest Mile” with Saturday’s Springfield Mile I and Sunday’s Springfield Mile II.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Jared Mees ERV
Jared Mees – Image by Scott Hunter

AFT Twins title leader Briar Bauman comes into Springfield with freight train-like momentum and eyeing two opportunities to claim his first-career Mile victory. Doing so would not only cement both a career and season Grand Slam, it would also place that much more pressure on multi-time defending champion Jared Mees, who currently trails Bauman by 38 points with just five races remaining in which to make up that ground.

Mees was victorious at the two Miles run thus far in ‘19. He’ll likely need that trend to continue if he hopes to complete the championship threepeat with four of the final five remaining races on the calendar taking place on high-speed Miles. Considering that two of the four Miles are packed into one high-profile weekend, this year’s visit to Springfield has massive championship implications.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Briar Bronson Bauman FA
Briar and Bronson Bauman – Image by Scott Hunter

The list of potential spoilers is long and decorated, right at the top of that list are Bryan Smith and Jeffrey Carver Jr. .

The savvy Smith has established himself as one of the greatest Mile competitors the sport has ever known, and his next Springfield Mile win will be his tenth in the iconic race. Home-state favorite Carver, meanwhile, aced all his competitors to score a hugely popular win at the venue last season.

AFT Twins Standings

1 Briar Bauman 243
2 Jared Mees 205
3 Bronson Bauman 183
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. 155
5 Jarod Vanderkooi 146
6 Brandon Robinson 144
7 Henry Wiles 129
8 Jake Johnson 128
9 Robert Pearson 121
10 Sammy Halbert 115
11 JD Beach 104
12 Davis Fisher 101
13 Brandon Price 90
14 Bryan Smith 84
15 Larry Pegram 71
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AFT Singles

The AFT Singles title fight couldn’t be any closer with Dalton Gauthier and Dan Bromley equal at 216 points apiece. Both riders have put themselves in their respective positions by running up front consistently, no matter the style of track, but Friday’s Short Track showdown will truly be a matchup of strength versus strength.

AFT Bufallo Chip TT Singles Dalton Gauthier ERV
Dalton Gauthier – Image by Scott Hunter

Gauthier has taken four short track wins during his career, including two of the three contested this season, while Bromley reigned supreme at the Springfield Short Track in both 2017 and 2018.

In the AFT Production Twins championship outlook, Cory Texter maintains a comfortable 27-point advantage. That said, he no longer has a stranglehold on the class in the way he enjoyed earlier this season.

After opening the year by stringing together three straight weekends in which he was the top qualifier, lap leader, and Main Event winner, Texter has seen three different riders — Chad Cose, Ryan Varnes and Dalton Gauthier – split the three available wins since.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Singles Don Bromley ERV
Dan Bromley

Texter could be primed to return to his winning ways, however, considering he’s shown to be strong enough at the Springfield Mile to podium there even in the premier class.

Not surprisingly, AFT’s Springfield tripleheader will serve as an unofficial celebration of the sport supported by a number of highly anticipated related activities. The on-track action in Springfield will actually kick off on Thursday, August 29, with AMA Amateur Short Track, Vintage National, and Astro Bultaco Invitational racing.

AFT Twins New York Short Track Singles Shayna Texter FA
Shayna Texter – Image by Scott Hunter

During Saturday’s Springfield Mile I, ‘97 and ‘99 Springfield Mile winner Kevin Atherton will serve as Grand Marshal. That same honor will go to legendary Harley (and Springfield event) t-shirt designer Ron “RK” Stratman during Sunday’s Springfield Mile II.

Rookies of ’79 – American Flat Track’s Official Charity – will play a big role during the weekend as well. The Class of ‘79 will host an afterparty following Saturday’s Mile in the Orr Building, while the proceeds of the “Gus Miller Ride the Mile” charity parade lap will go to the Class of ‘79 on Sunday.

Tickets for the Springfield ST, Springfield Mile I and Springfield II are on sale now at www.springfieldmile.org. All tickets purchased for the postponed May 26 Springfield Mile I will be honored for Saturday’s event.

AFT Singles Standings

1 Dalton Gauthier 216
2 Dan Bromley 216
3 Mikey Rush 202
4 Jesse Janisch 174
5 Shayna Texter 153
6 Chad Cose 151
7 Ryan Wells 143
8 Morgen Mischler 125
9 Max Whale 100
10 Kevin Stollings 93
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Hunter Lawrence injured in training

In a devastating blow for the 20-year-old Australian motocross star just as he was shining brightly after recently returning from injuries sustained earlier in the year, Hunter Lawrence has announced an injury during training.

The full extent of his injuries is currently unknown, but safe to say has put the brakes on the end of his current season. Here’s what he had to say on social media:

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Lawrence JK MX RedBud
Hunter Lawrence – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross
Hunter Lawrence (Instagram)

“When it rains it pours… been a very rough past month, two days ago whilst training long story short, my foot hit the ground and twisted the wrong way, to say I’m gutted is an understatement, bit of a rock bottom moment for the year. I don’t doubt I will be back. Nothing but another little bump in our road to success, plan now is simple, rehabilitation and get back to 100%. Thank you to all of my supporters, sponsors and team, appreciate you guys so much. Not how we wanted to end the year, but hey.. sh#t happens I will be back.”

AMA MX SpringCreek Hunter Lawrence
2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Eight – Spring Creek – Hunter Lawrence

Tasmania to host 2019 Australian Trial Championship

Get set Tasmania, the 2019 Huon Aquaculture Australian Trial Championship is heading to the Apple Isle on the second weekend of October (12th and 13th), which will be a cracking two days of competition. All up, eighteen different championship classes will do battle at the spectacular Mt Joy property, thirty minutes’ drive from Launceston.

Tasmania Huon Aquaculture Australian Trial Championship
Tasmania to host 2019 Australian Trial Championship

The event will feature the newly established classes for: Trial 1, Trial 2, Trial 3 and Trial 4 replacing the Solo class, along with a class for Masters 35+ for Senior riders and a new Junior Women’s class. Trial 1, Trial 2 and Sidecar will do two laps with a total of 15 sections each day, all other classes will do three laps on the 15 sections. Meanwhile, the Mini Trial will do three laps on five special sections laid out.

On the opening day of competition on the Saturday, sections will open at 9:30am, while on Sunday it will be 9am sharp.

Senior Classes:

  • Trial 1
  • Trial 2
  • Trial 3
  • Trial 4
  • Sidecar
  • Classic
  • Twin – Shock
  • Youth 13 to Under 19
  • Masters 35+
  • Veteran 40 to 55
  • Veteran 55+
  • Women

Junior Classes:

  • Junior 7 to under 11 (Up to 85cc / 1.5kW)
  • 9 to under 13 (Up to 125cc / 10kW)
  • Junior Open 12 to under 16 (Up to 125cc / 10kW)
  • Junior Women 7 to under 11 (Up to 125cc / 10kW)
  • Junior Women 9 to under 13 (Up to 125cc / 10kW)
  • Junior Women 12 to under 16 (Up to 125cc / 10kW)

Entries are now open and close Friday, 27th of September. Late entries will be accepted up until 9PM Friday, 4th of October. All entries are to be done through Ridernet (link). Supplementary Regulations are available for download www.ma.org.au (link)

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Romain Febvre breaks femur at Swedish GP

Following a heavy fall in the final race at the 16th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Uddevalla, Sweden, Romain Febvre has suffered a broken left femur.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre

After finishing second position in the opening race, Febvre was chasing the Grand Prix victory in Race 2. The former World Champion took the holeshot onboard his YZ450FM and led the first 13-laps before high-siding over a single-jump after changing his line to pass a rider that was one lap down. He landed heavily on his left thigh and was immediately taken to the trackside Medical Centre for observation.

The doctors and paramedic’s onsite confirmed that his left Femur was broken and transferred him to Trollhättan hospital where he underwent an operation Monday 26th August, to have a rod surgically inserted into the bone for stability.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre

Febvre will recover from the operation under the watchful eye of his surgeon at the Trollhättan hospital in Sweden until he is fit enough to travel back to his residence in Belgium. Sadly, the injury will rule the ‘461’ out of the final two MXGP rounds as well as the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where he was hoping to take Team France to a sixth consecutive victory.

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2019 Sultans of Slide Announced – NSW Flat Track Cup

MNSW has announced that the 2019 NSW Flat Track Cup ‘Sultans Of Slide’ will see riders racing in one class, using one bike, over seven races, varying from four to 15 laps, on two different track layouts, on both oil and loose dirt, under sunshine and lights, at three different venues across NSW. Plus they’ll be running 19” wheels and Flat Track style tyres on everything from the junior lites and up, just like they use in the USA. And there’s in excess of $10,000 in the prize kitty.

With fresh, new ideas, that will hopefully revitalize the sport for those already in it, and attract a whole new generation of riders to come and join in, the NSW Flat Track Cup is looking to draw a crowd

For those who love the old Dirt Track format, don’t worry, nobody is taking it away. The new setup is all about trying something new, which can be added to the sport as an additional style of event for clubs to run, not as a replacement for good old-fashioned Dirt Track. Ultimately, the riders will decide what they want. MNSW will continue to seek out new products to offer the motorcycle racing community, to try new things, create new ideas to grow the sport.

2019 NSW Flat Track Cup Calendar

  • Round 1 – November 23, Wagga Wagga
  • Round 2 – November 30, Appin
  • Round 3 – December 7, Macleay
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Source: MCNews.com.au

Jorge Prado crowned 2019 MX2 Champion in Sweden

2019 MXGP of Sweden

Round 16 – Uddevalla


The sun shone down on the Uddevalla circuit for Round 16 of the MXGP championship, with Jorge Prado laying claim to the MX2 championship in front of a large Swedish crowd.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Jorge Prado KTM SX F Uddevalla
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

It wasn’t all Prado’s day however, with Tom Vialle taking the round win, his first in the MX2 class on the back of a 2-2 result, while Calvin Vlaanderen was second for the round, with Prado third, still on the podium. Aussie Mitchell Evans finished 11th in Race 1, improving to seventh in Race 2, while New Zealand’s Dylan Walsh went 10-9.

Glenn Coldenhoff won his second GP of the season in MXGP ahead of Tim Gajser and Pauls Jonass.


MXGP Race 1

Jeffrey Herlings marked his return not only with a pole position from Saturday’s qualifying, he took the FOX Holeshot and led the opening MXGP race from Glenn Coldenhoff, Pauls Jonass and Romain Febvre. Gajser was quickly into second place after passing Coldenhoff while Jeremy Seewer slipped over in the first lap.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Jeffrey Herlings RA
Jeffrey Herlings – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

Gajser was all over Herlings, but the Dutchman remained calm and in the lead at this debut after a few weeks off the bike. Gajser went down in a corner and dropped back to fourth place giving Herlings a major lead. After two laps the lead was more than two seconds as Coldenhoff and Febvre battled for second place.

Herlings held the control of the race, but wasn’t getting far away from Coldenhoff while Febvre and Gajser closed in on the Dutch riders while Jonass remained in fifth place. Coldenhoff moved into the lead on lap 10 after Herlings’ mistake and Febvre was also all over Herlings. Febvre and Gajser both went past Herlings, who started to really struggle with arm-pump.

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Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

After 12 laps Coldenhoff continued to lead followed by Febvre, Gajser, Jonass, and Herlings in fifth place found himself fighting with Arnaud Tonus for fifth when suddenly Herlings crashed and Tonus ran into him and both went down. Herlings got going again, although Tonus was done for the race as his bike started blowing smoke. Herlings decided to retire from the race.

Coldenhoff and Febvre battled side by side in the last laps but Coldenhoff managed to hang on and he won his third race of the season ahead of Febvre and Gajser.

MXGP Race 2

The second MXGP gate dropped and Febvre took the FOX holeshot followed by Gajser, Tonus, Seewer, Jonass, Tommy Searle, Gautier Paulin, Herlings and Coldenhoff.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

Febvre and Gajser were pushing hard to ensure the lead as the French held only a bunch of seconds lead over the Slovenian after five laps while back in the leading pack Seewer and Coldenhoff battled for fifth place. Finally, on lap nine Coldenhoff moved past Seewer while Gajser was still looking for a way past Febvre.

Gajser went for a wild pass on Febvre, but the Frenchman managed to remain in the lead. In the meantime Herlings managed to reach the sixth position after a start in 8th as Tonus dropped back in the field in seventh. On lap 13 Gajser eventually moved into the lead followed by Jonass, Coldenhoff and Seewer.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

JWR Yamaha rider Kevin Strijbos moved into 10th place in the late stages of the race and Herlings was closing up on Seewer for fifth position. Febvre crashed down hard and was forced to a DNF; Febvre has been taken to the hospital for further examinations.

Coldenhoff was all over Jonass in the last lap and was fighting hard for the overall victory. Coldenhoff went through Jonass ensuring a second GP win of the season while Gajser won his 16th race of the season from Coldenhoff and Jonass.

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla MXGP podium
Glenn Coldenhoof topped the MXGP podium – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

Glenn Coldenhoff won the MXGP of Sweden ahead of Tim Gajser and Pauls Jonass.

Glenn Coldenhoff – P1

“It was a tough weekend but I’m very satisfied. Jeffrey was in front of me in the beginning of the first race, and it is really difficult and Febvre was close at the end and I got a little nervous, but I kept it on for the win. I’m very happy about my riding now”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Glenn Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoof – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Tim Gajser – P2

“Overall I was quite happy with the weekend. In the first moto I had a solid start and was in second place, but then I made a mistake and two guys passed me. It was really difficult to pass them back but I was able to finish in third. The second moto went a lot better, with another good start putting me in second once again. My riding was good and I was feeling comfortable but I didn’t want to pass him too early in the race because I saw that we had a good pace and I didn’t want to give him any lines. Then with five laps from the end, I made a push to pass him and I made it happen, immediately pulling out a gap. I could then see the battle behind and I could see the battle for second, so I knew when Glenn passed Pauls that I would finish second overall. Still, it was a good performance and I’m happy with the day.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla gajser uddevalla hondaproracing shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Pauls Jonass – P3

“I’m really happy with my performance today – it feels great to be back on the podium again. It makes all the hard work by myself and the whole of the team worth it and it shows we are definitely making progress, which was the goal this season. My starts were better this weekend, which helps a lot at this track, and I was then able to keep a good pace and stay with the top guys. The bike was great all weekend – we were able to make some changes to the suspension settings, which helped a lot here in Sweden. There was a lot of Latvian fans here this weekend and they made it feel like a home race for me, so thanks to them and I’m glad I was able to give them a good result.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Pauls Jonass Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Pauls Jonass – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Jeremy Seewer – P4

“This weekend I am taking away a lot of positives, but also a lot of negatives. I am extremely happy to come out of this weekend alive because I felt like the track was really sketchy. I didn’t feel good on the track, I felt quite far off from my level, although I did feel better in the races today even though I crashed twice in the warm-up trying to find the limit. I got two good starts, I crashed in the middle of a Yamaha sandwich in the first race and came back to seventh, which for me was a good finish, especially on this kind of track. In the second race, I got another good start but I immediately felt uncomfortable on the sketchy track, so I just rode smart with no mistakes, playing with the bumps and took absolutely no risk. I did not even know where I finished because so many guys crashed. So, I am just happy to finish safely.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Gautier Paulin – P6

“The rain coming into this weekend was good for the track. The track was nice and my bike was working good. I had a really good start in the first race, but then I stalled the bike in front of the pit lane and that cost me a few places. The second moto was a bit harder. My start was not as good and I struggled to make some passes and move forward, so I finished around eighth, I think. Anyway, we keep moving forward.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Arnaud Tonus – P7

“It was a tough day. First race was going alright but I had bad luck with Jeffrey (Herlings) crashing in front of me, and my bike got stuck there. That was a shame. I only finished 12th. In the second race I rode really good the whole moto and crashed at the end and that was also a shame. Another tough weekend. There has been a few in a row now but all I can do is learn from it and come back next weekend.”

Jeffrey Herlings

“The problem was that I took the holeshot! Yesterday [leading] was fine for twenty minutes but in the first moto I was really struggling with arm-pump. We made some changes to the bike to have the suspension a bit softer because I was not at my normal pace. I led for the first twenty and then couldn’t hold on so well and had a small tip-over. Another rider hit my bike and damaged it pretty bad so I couldn’t finish, which was a shame because I think I could have been fifth-sixth. In the second moto I didn’t get a holeshot: which was pretty good because I don’t feel comfortable leading yet. I was around 8th and worked my way up to 4th. Together with 1st yesterday it hasn’t been bad practice for less than two weeks on the bike. We can still work for a few more races until the ultimate goal in Assen.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Jeffrey Herlings RA
Jeffrey Herlings – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Arminas Jasikonis – P12

“It was a really tough day for me here in Sweden. Qualifying went okay and the bike felt good, I was just suffering with my stomach a little and didn’t have the strength to push any harder. It’s a shame because there were a lot of Lithuanian fans here today to support me. There’s two weeks now till the next round, so I hope to come back stronger in Turkey.”

MXGP Sweden Rnd Uddevalla Arminas Jasikonis Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Arminas Jasikonis – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla

2019 MXGP of Sweden Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News Weekly | AFT Peoria TT | AMA MX | MXGP | WMX | SGP

Moto News Weekly for August 20, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Briar Bauman wins 2019 Peoria TT
  • Dallas Daniels takes maiden AFT Singles win
  • Tomac & McElrath top Budds Creek National 2019
  • Tim Gajser clinches 2019 MXGP Championship title
  • Glenn Coldenhoff sweeps MXGP of Italy
  • Courtney Duncan takes double WMX win in Italy
  • Fredrik Lindgren tops Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand
  • Courtney Duncan extends Kawasaki and Bike It DRT contract into 2020
  • Arminas Jasikonis extends Husqvarna contract
  • 2020 Yamaha Factory MXGP effort announced

Briar Bauman wins 2019 Peoria TT

Briar Bauman took another big step toward claiming the 2019 AFT Twins championship by winning Saturday’s 73rd Peoria TT in Peoria, Ill. The victory was Bauman’s fourth triumph of the ‘19 American Flat Track season.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Main Event FA
AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

It also just so happened to be the first time any rider other than “the King of Peoria,” Henry Wiles had stood atop the premier-class podium here going all the way back to 2003.

Wiles, who had assembled a truly remarkable 14-race Peoria TT win streak coming into this year’s event, was forced to watch from the fences after undergoing surgery for an injury suffered less than two weeks ago at the Black Hills Half-Mile.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Main Event ERV
AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

With Wiles out of the running, the race quickly took shape as a battle of brothers. Briar and younger brother Bronson Bauman appeared to be on a collision course in Turn 1 of the opening lap around the Peoria Motorcycle Club’s 5/8-mile TT track.

While they both made it through cleanly, that feeling of an imminent collision wouldn’t go away for the next 10 or so laps. The two went back and forth up front, ripping the lead away from one another multiple times before Briar finally muscled his way back into first in Turn 4 on lap nine.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Briar Bronson Bauman ERV
Briar Bauman & Bronson Bauman – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Bronson again looked to counter, but Briar strung together a few perfect corners to stretch open a small gap. He’d go on to build that advantage up to just over a second before first encountering lapped traffic on lap 13 of 25.

That padding allowed him to be aggressive as he cut his way forward, eventually lapping all the way up to eighth position and backing down to a 2.967-second margin of victory at the checkered flag.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Roger Hayden ERV
Roger Hayden – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT
Briar Bauman

“I was trying to just be as smooth as possible and not hit any of these holes and get too out of shape. It’s a bittersweet win… What could have happened between Henry and I? He owns this place, and I give a lot of respect to him. You don’t do something like that without being the greatest guy to ever race here. Hopefully next year we’re both healthy, and we can give the crowd a show.”

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Briar Bauman ERV
Briar Bauman – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Bronson Bauman cruised to second, taking the position with nearly five seconds in hand on third place. It was a different story for the final spot on the box, however. A titanic final lap showdown ultimately saw JD Beach storm past both Robert Pearson and defending champion Jared Mees in a desperate lunge to the stripe.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Briar Bronson Bauman ERV
Briar Bauman & Bronson Bauman – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Beach had spent nearly the entire race looking for a way around Mees for third before Pearson closed in and displaced him to fifth with a lap-and-a-half remaining. Illinois-native Pearson also attempted to get the better of Mees in a final corner attempt at a home-state podium, but Beach was perfectly positioned to take advantage of their clash.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins JD Beach ERV
JD Beach – AFT Twins Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Beach finished 0.049 seconds ahead of Pearson, who in turn bettered Mees by 0.034 seconds. It was a costly double demotion for Mees, who ran in third from the Main Event’s start until the final meters. As a result, he now trails Bauman by 38 points (243-205) with just five races in which to make up the deficit.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Twins Victory Lane FA
AFT Twins Main Event Podium – 2019 Peoria TT

AFT Twins – 2019 Peoria TT Result

1 Briar Bauman Indian FTR750 0.000
2 Bronson Bauman Indian FTR750 2.967
3 JD Beach Yamaha MT-07 7.670
4 Robert Pearson Indian FTR750 7.720
5 Jared Mees Indian FTR750 7.754
6 Jarod Vanderkooi HD XG750R Rev X 8.678
7 Jake Johnson Yamaha MT-07 11.07
8 Jeffrey Carver Jr. Indian FTR750 17.878
9 Sammy Halbert HD XG750R Rev X +1 lap
10 Kolby Carlile Yamaha MT-07 +1 lap

AFT Twins Standings

1 Briar Bauman 243
2 Jared Mees 205
3 Bronson Bauman 183
4 Jeffrey Carver Jr. 155
5 Jarod Vanderkooi 146
6 Brandon Robinson 144
7 Henry Wiles 129
8 Jake Johnson 128
9 Robert Pearson 121
10 Sammy Halbert 115
11 JD Beach 104
12 Davis Fisher 101
13 Brandon Price 90
14 Bryan Smith 84
15 Larry Pegram 71
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Dallas Daniels takes maiden AFT Singles win

16-year-old phenomenon Dallas Daniels earned his maiden American Flat Track victory, obliterating a AFT Singles field stacked with TT superstars in Saturday’s 15-lap Main Event.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Singles Dallas Daniels ERV
Dallas Daniels – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Daniels got away in fifth but wasted no time in slashing his way through the decorated pack. He drove up the inside of three-time Peoria TT winner Jesse Janisch for third on lap 2, providing an early demonstration of just how serious the youngster’s challenge would be on this day.

Pre-race favorite Janisch responded the next time around, but Daniels immediately criss-crossed him and also overhauled offroad legend Ryan Sipes in one epic maneuver to take control of second. Daniels then proceeded to run down reigning class champion Dan Bromley and dive up the inside of him the next time into Turn 4 to take the lead on lap 4.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Singles Main ERV
AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Daniels raced off into the distance from that point forward, ultimately sealing his first-career AFT win in the same season he also claimed his first-career MotoAmerica victory.

Dallas Daniels

“The track was pretty treacherous and slick today, so it was really tough. I was just trying to find certain lines, and I think I found a few before the rest of the guys did. My bike was just working so good — it was perfect. I love my team and everything they’ve done for me, and also all the people who have helped get me to this point even before this year. I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life, and to do it so soon… We’re just going to keep going.”

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Singles Dallas Daniels FA
Dallas Daniels – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Bromley held on for a solid second, which, when factored in with the sixth-place finish of Dalton Gauthier, sees the two riders sit equal atop the points chase (216-216) with just four races remaining to decide the 2019 AFT Singles crown.

Janisch was heading in the wrong direction midway through the Main, being passed by both James Rispoli and Jacob Lehmann. Despite sitting fifth with just a couple short laps remaining, Janisch dug deep. He fought his way back past ‘14 Peoria TT winner Lehmann, and then snuck past Rispoli – who was nursing a flat tire the last two laps – by a scant 0.003 seconds at the checkered to steal away the final spot on the podium.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Singles Dallas Daniels FA
Dallas Daniels – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Rispoli was forced to accept fourth, followed by Lehmann in fifth and Gauthier in sixth. Buffalo Chip TT winner Sipes finished a further spot back in seventh.

AFT Peoria TT Rnd Singles Max Whale Chad Cose ERV
Max Whale and Chad Cose – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

Aussie Max Whale came home in ninth, and currently holds the same position in the overall standings, with 100 championship points.

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Dallas Daniels on the podium – AFT Singles Main Event – 2019 Peoria TT

AFT Singles – 2019 Peoria TT Result

1 Dallas Daniels Yamaha YZ450F 0.000
2 Dan Bromley KTM 450 SX-F 2.124
3 Jesse Janisch Yamaha YZ450F 4.741
4 James Rispoli Honda CRF450R 4.745
5 Jacob Lehmann Honda CRF450R 4.893
6 Dalton Gauthier Husqvarna FC450 6.051
7 Ryan Sipes KTM 450 SX-F 6.636
8 Morgen Mischler Yamaha YZ450F 9.314
9 Max Whale Kawasaki KX450F 10.014
10 Mikey Rush Honda CRF450R 10.614

AFT Singles Standings

1 Dalton Gauthier 216
2 Dan Bromley 216
3 Mikey Rush 202
4 Jesse Janisch 174
5 Shayna Texter 153
6 Chad Cose 151
7 Ryan Wells 143
8 Morgen Mischler 125
9 Max Whale 100
10 Kevin Stollings 93
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Tomac & McElrath top Budds Creek National 2019

For the full report see:
Eli Tomac wins Budds Creek and takes third consecutive AMA MX Title (link)

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship made its annual visit to Southern Maryland for the 30th running of the Budds Creek National at the historic Budds Creek Motocross Park, with huge crowd filling the hillsides as they watched the racers face challenging conditions throughout the day.

450

It was all about Eli Tomac in the 450 Class, becoming just the fourth rider to clinch a third consecutive title. Tomac proved to be unstoppable en route to a dominant 1-1 performance for a class-leading fifth victory of the season.

AMA MX Tomac Roczen Osborne Musquin Multiple JK MX BuddsCreek
Eli Tomac – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld

The win marked the 22nd of his career and puts him in a tie with Ricky Johnson for fourth on the all-time 450 Class win list. Jason Anderson used an impressive second moto charge for second overall (4-2), while Marvin Musquin completed the podium in third (3-3).

AMA MX Podium Tomac Anderson Musquin JK MX BuddsCreek
Eli Tomac – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (1-1)
  2. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (4-2)
  3. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (3-3)
  4. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (2-7)
  5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (5-4)
  6. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-5)
  7. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Husqvarna (8-6)
  8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha (9-9)
  9. Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM (7-11)
  10. Kyle Cunningham, Willow Park, Texas, Honda (11-8)
450 Class Championship Standings
  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 476
  2. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 426
  3. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 421
  4. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 376
  5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 365
  6. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 324
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 283
  8. Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Suzuki – 218
  9. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 210
  10. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 175
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250

In the 250 Class Shane McElrath was the surprise winner by sweeping both motos for the second overall victory of his career and first this season. Championship point leader Adam Cianciarulo’s 2-5 moto scores were good enough for second on the day, extending his lead to 30-points with just one round remaining.

AMA MX McElrath JK MX BuddsCreek
Shane McElrath – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld

Cianciarulo continues to lead Dylan Ferrandis in the standings, while Ferrandis suffered from poor starts and finished fourth (4-4), with Justin Cooper taking third overall with his 6-2 result.

AMA MX Trophy McElrathJK MX BuddsCreek
Shane McElrath – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld

Hunter Lawrence was just outside the top 10 overall for the weekend, after claiming a 10-12 result.

Hunter Lawrence (Instagram)

“All you keyboard warriors, I smoked @jettson49 in timed qualy and first moto despite getting caught up in first turn crash! So suck it, big bro still rules the castle, first race back and we went P2 and P4 in qualifying which was good! I was already faced with a tough day ahead after my time off so both motos being involved in the first turn crashes coming from pretty much last both motos wasn’t a great way to start my races, summary of today though, speed is good, working on fitness and strength I lost whilst being out for two and a bit weeks! Thanks to my boy @snyder_50 out here sweating his ring out, it was scorching today! And thank you team @fchonda and everyone else supporting us! We appreciate all of you!”

AMA MX Hunter Lawrence JK MX BuddsCreek
Hunter Lawrence – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld

Recently turned 16-years-old younger brother Jett raced to a 24-30 placing, for 26th overall.

Jett Lawrence (Instagram)

“Had my best qualifying so far with a ninth gate pick and was feeling good. First moto started off with not the best start and was able to come through to 15th and pulled off right before the finish line so I didn’t get any points with the amateur rule. Second moto started off with a pretty good start in 12th and made my way to fifth and was feeling good but then the heat started getting to me and was starting to feel a little light headed and not good round the 20 minute mark, 90% humidity and scorching heat was gnarly! Was really bummed about that cause I was in a really good spot and don’t worry @hunterlawrence this ain’t over bud.”

AMA MX Jett Lawrence Pits JK MX BuddsCreek
Jett Lawrence – Budds Creek MX National 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (1-1)
  2. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (2-5)
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (6-2)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (4-4)
  5. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (3-8)
  6. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, KTM (8-9)
  7. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (12-6)
  8. Ty Masterpool, Paradise, Texas, Yamaha (7-11)
  9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (18-3)
  10. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna (5-14)
    …12. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (10-13)
    …26. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (24-30)

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 479
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 449
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 419
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 310
  5. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 292
  6. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 278
  7. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 277
  8. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 260
  9. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 258
  10. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 252
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Tim Gajser clinches 2019 MXGP Championship title

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has won his third world motocross championship of his career (two-times MXGP, one time MX2) after dominating this 2019 MXGP season. Clinching the title with three and a half rounds still remaining, Gajser has been almost unbeatable at stages of the year, including going on a record-breaking seven round win-streak, which is now the longest in Honda’s illustrious history of Grand Prix motocross.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola

Starting the season off with solid results in Argentina, Great Britain and the Netherlands, Gajser’s campaign sparked into life after winning an enthralling battle at the MXGP of Trentino. On the tight track nestled in the Alpine region, the Slovenian rider was almost flawless as he fought for almost the entirety of both motos with the early-season leader, eventually coming out victorious with one-one results and ensuring the massive Slovenian fan contingent went home happy.

After a tough round in Mantova, the Honda CRF450RW then went on a run that saw him win overalls in Portugal, France, Russia, Latvia, Germany, Indonesia and Asia (also Indonesia), taking 12 moto wins out of a possible 14 and turning a 40 point deficit into 173 point lead. He powered his way to multiple holeshots and led almost 70% of the laps during that period and fully cemented his place as the man to beat in this 2019 world motocross championship.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola

Returning to Europe, he then backed up his title claim by riding to a controlled second place at the Czech GP, extending the point’s gap to 177 with five rounds left to race. A week after Loket, he won his eighth GP in nine rounds but taking victory at the toughest race on the calendar in the deep sand of Lommel, Belgium. This meant he only needed 13 points from the first MXGP moto (or 12 less than his nearest rival), a target he was able to achieve with ease, sparking wild celebrations at the famous racing circuit of Imola, Italy.

After his back-to-back titles in 2015 (MX2) and 2016 (MXGP), the #243 now joins a very select list of riders who have won three world championships on-board a Honda, with Andre Malherbe (1980, 1981, 1984), David Thorpe (1985, 1986, 1989), Georges Jobe (1987, 1991, 1992) and Eric Geboers (1987, 1988, 1990) the only other men to have achieved this feat.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola

He moved to joint-second in the all-time Honda wins list with 24 (after Lommel), sitting level with Stefan Everts (24) and Malherbe who has 27, and with four rounds still remaining (including Imola) there is still a possibility he can move to the top of the list, were he to win-out the rest of the season.

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Glenn Coldenhoff sweeps MXGP of Italy

For the full round report see:
Tim Gajser clinches 2019 MXGP title for Honda at Imola (link)

Tim Gajser may have celebrated the MXGP title win, but KTM’s Glenn Coldenhoff was celebrating his own GP win, having taken both race wins for a perfect 50-points, ahead of Jeremy Seewer and third placed Tim Gajser. Gautier Paulin narrowly missed the podium, on 38-points, the same as Gajser, but better placings ensured Gajser took the final step.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Glenn Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoff – Image by Ray Archer

Gajser now holds the lead and title, however Jeremy Seewer sits second on 481-points, with Gautier Paulin on 440 and Arnaud Tonus on 419.

Glenn Coldenhoff

“I won a race and the overall in 2015, but now going 1-1 here it is amazing and I wish to thank my team. We had a tough time and a lot of negatives, but now I’m happy and my boss too. I won my first GP with him and also my third today. It means a lot. I never got 1-1 in the MXGP class and I want to thank everyone for helping me out.”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Glenn Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoff – Image by Ray Archer
Jeremy Seewer

“I had two amazing races, I was consistend and I tried to make zero mistakes. The heat was brutal but we go one step higher every time. I want to thank the team, my fans and my girlfriend.”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Tim Gajser

“It was crazy. I am super happy, and I couldn’t wish for a better season or a team around me. I didn’t sleep a lot last night but today is a big day and I tried to take this race the same as all the others. I was fast in the first race even if I didn’t have the best start but I got to second and tried to win the race, but I was quite nervous and I couldn’t. Second race was better. I’m really happy to finish on the podium and to get the 2019 MXGP Title. Also, I want to thank my family and my girlfriend, and all the fans who follow me.”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola HRC Gajser Imola bybavo F
Tim Gajser and the HRC team celebrate the MXGP title win – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola

MXGP Round Overall

# Rider R1 R2 Total
1 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KTM 25 25 50
2 Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 22 20 42
3 Gajser, Tim SLO HON 16 22 38
4 Paulin, Gautier FRA YAM 20 18 38
5 Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 15 16 31
6 Searle, Tommy GBR KAW 13 14 27
7 Febvre, Romain FRA YAM 11 15 26
8 Lupino, Alessandro ITA KAW 12 12 24
9 Tonus, Arnaud SUI YAM 18 5 23
10 Tixier, Jordi FRA KTM 9 13 22

MXGP Standings (Top 20)

# Rider Total
1 Gajser, Tim 664
2 Seewer, Jeremy 481
3 Paulin, G. 440
4 Tonus, Arnaud 419
5 Coldenhoff, G. 399
6 Jasikonis, A. 377
7 Febvre, Romain 362
8 Cairoli, A. 358
9 Jonass, Pauls 352
10 Van Horebeek, J. 347
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MX2

Jorge Prado’s domination of the MX2 category continued in Italy, with the KTM rider taking both race wins for 50-points, extending his championship lead to 130-points over Thomas Kjer Olsen. Olsen was runner up for the MX2 class going 2-2, with Maxime Renaux claiming the final podium position. Jago Geerts took fourth for the round, and currently sits third in the standings, 117-points behind Olsen.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Jorge Prado

“It was an amazing day and yesterday it was very good. We are having a fantastic 2019 season. I’m very happy to get the win and next weekend will hopefully be a good one. I’m very happy to get two races wins and I am really excited. In the first race I got a good start, the first lap I was behind Darian and tried to pass and I made it. I just wanted to be safe out of this race and hopefully we can do the same in the second race.”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“It was an amazing comeback because Lommel was tough for me. We made some small changes to the bike and I want to thank the team for getting me comfortable. I showed I was back and could push the whole weekend. I want to thank all the people who always support me.”

MXGP Rnd Belgium Pirelli MX Olsen action
Thomas Kjer Olsen – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Maxime Renaux

“It is really special getting a podium finish. These last couple of years were though and I hope I’ll keep improving.”

MX2 Round Overall

# Rider R1 R2 Total
1 Prado, Jorge 25 25 50
2 Olsen, Thomas Kjer 22 22 44
3 Renaux, Maxime 20 18 38
4 Geerts, Jago 18 16 34
5 Vlaanderen, Calvin 13 20 33
6 Larranaga Olano, Iker 14 14 28
7 Hofer, Rene 15 10 25
8 Jacobi, Henry 8 15 23
9 Boisrame, Mathys 16 6 22
10 Östlund, Alvin 9 12 21

MX2 Standings

# Rider Points
1 Prado, Jorge 694
2 Olsen, T. 564
3 Geerts, Jago 447
4 Jacobi, Henry 422
5 Vialle, Tom 416
6 Sterry, Adam 320
7 Renaux, Maxime 309
8 Watson, Ben 282
9 Vlaanderen, C. 281
10 Boisrame, M. 255

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Courtney Duncan takes double WMX win in Italy

There’s no stopping Kiwi motocross sensation Courtney Duncan as she hones in on her first Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) title, after notching up her third double set of wins at the MXGP of Italy this weekend.

The Otago-born, Bike It Dixon Racing Team Kawasaki rider has extended her overall lead out to a huge 23-points, with only one round left to run early next month, claiming a 1-1 result. Second overall was Larissa Papenmeier with 2-2 scores and third Nancy Van De Ven with 3-4 scores.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola DUNCAN GP PH
Courtney Duncan – 2019 MXGP of Italy

Duncan didn’t have it easy, as she fought tooth and nail for her two victories at the epic ‘Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ Italian circuit in Imola. After qualifying first – making her debut on the hard-pack slick track – she elbowed her way into the lead early in the hot race, where temperatures soared up over 30degC.

A small fall saw Duncan drop behind Nancy Van De Ven, before she caught and passed the Dutch woman mid-race, leaving her to eventually finish third behind German rider Larissa Papenmeier, who was second. Duncan showed her world-class pedigree, recovering to win by 8.2secs, while not putting undue pressure on herself.

She went out and hit repeat on the second race, notching up her seventh race win and third overall round victory in 2019, leaving her rivals to pick up the podium spots. Papenmeier was again runner-up and Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen was third.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola DUNCAN GP PH
Courtney Duncan – 2019 MXGP of Italy
Courtney Duncan

“It was really difficult for me. The track changed a lot from qualifying to the first moto. It took a while to adapt to the conditions. I wasn’t willing to do anything more than I had to do to protect my championship lead. It’s a good weekend if you can extend your lead in the championship and get two wins. It didn’t come easy for me though. I found the track difficult. It was hard pack and slick, but they put a lot of water down, so I had to be careful not to make too many mistakes because it could catch me out. I didn’t get into that nice rhythm until about halfway through the races. It feels even better when you win like that. I’m in a good position heading into the final round in Turkey in three weeks’ time. The Kawasaki KX250 was super good. I’m really gelling with the bike – like I’ve said all season, its set up really nicely for me. Its good to put the green on top for sure!”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola DUNCAN GP PH
Courtney Duncan – 2019 MXGP of Italy

Duncan will remain in Europe to train with the experienced British Kawasaki squad Bike It DRT, who she has been racing for this season.

WMX – Overall Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 44
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 38
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 35
  5. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
  6. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 30
  7. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 29
  8. Emelie Dahl (SWE, YAM), 23
  9. Sandra Karlsson (SWE, KAW), 23
  10. Britt Van Der Werff (NED, HUS), 20

WMX – Championship Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 189 points
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 166
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 163
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 135
  5. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 122
  6. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 120
  7. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 109
  8. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 82
  9. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 81
  10. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 65
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Fredrik Lindgren tops Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand

Swedish hero Fredrik Lindgren admits the energy generated by his home fans helped him defy a horror crash to top the Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand Prix podium in Malilla on Saturday. Lindgren triumphed in the final ahead of new World Championship leader Leon Madsen, Maciej Janowski and Artem Laguta, with Fast Freddie claiming his first SGP success on home shale since his Gothenburg victory in 2012.

Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand Prix
Fredrik Lindgren topped the 2019 Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand

It was a moment to savour for Lindgren as the yellow and blue flags flew high at the G&B Arena. Despite sustaining a suspected right knee injury in heat six, Lindgren picked up the pace as the meeting progressed and admits the excitement in the stands only inspired him on the bike.

Fredrik Lindgren

“It’s always great to win, but it’s always extra nice to win in front of your home crowd. I could see the atmosphere building because I think the fans saw my form was picking up going into the semi. I think they had big hopes for the final, as I did, and I think everyone just went crazy as I crossed the line. I was focused all night, especially with the crowd – it helps me and gives me a lot of good energy. I know for a fact they wanted me to win, but I don’t feel any extra pressure. I just went out and performed for them. I enjoy it.”

Lindgren was forced to do it the hard way after being involved in an ugly three-rider spill in heat six, when Patryk Dudek ran out of room as he challenged Mikkel Michelsen for the lead.

Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand Prix
2019 Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand

Dudek bounced off the back-straight fence with his bike falling across the path of Lindgren and Max Fricke. Both men jumped the stricken machine motocross-style, barely missing Dudek and careered into the air fence.

Miraculously, all three riders walked away from the crash, but Lindgren is set to be assessed with concerns over his right knee. Lindgren is now fifth in the World Championship on 63 points – 12 behind leader Madsen, but just six adrift of Bartosz Zmarzlik in second.

Runner-up Madsen received a pain-killing injection in his ankle ahead of the meeting and admits it made all the difference as he racked up 14 points to go six points clear at the World Championship summit. The European champion, also defied shoulder and back problems to produce an extraordinary performance.

Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand Prix
Fredrik Lindgren topped the 2019 Scandinavian FIM Speedway Grand

Third-placed Janowski edged up to seventh in the standings with his 15-point haul. While he was somewhat disappointed not to top the box on his Swedish home track, he was content with a third straight double-figure return.

Next up is the German SGP in Teterow on August 31.

SGP World Championship Standings

  1. Leon Madsen 75
  2. Bartosz Zmarzlik 69
  3. Emil Sayfutdinov 68
  4. Martin Vaculik 68
  5. Fredrik Lindgren 63
  6. Patryk Dudek 61
  7. Maciej Janowski 51
  8. Artem Laguta 50
  9. Janusz Kolodziej 48
  10. Jason Doyle 42
  11. Niels-Kristian Iversen 41
  12. Matej Zagar 37
  13. Max Fricke 36
  14. Antonio Lindback 30
  15. Tai Woffinden 27
  16. Robert Lambert 24
  17. Bartosz Smektala 10
  18. Mikkel Michelsen 9
  19. Oliver Berntzon 7
  20. Vaclav Milik 4
  21. Maksym Drabik 4
  22. Matic Ivacic 2
  23. Jacob Thorssell 2.

2019 Scandinavian SGP Scores

  1. Fredrik Lindgren 16
  2. Leon Madsen 14
  3. Maciej Janowski 15
  4. Artem Laguta 16
  5. Mikkel Michelsen 9
  6. Martin Vaculik 9
  7. Bartosz Zmarzlik 8
  8. Matej Zagar 7
  9. Jason Doyle 7
  10. Niels-Kristian Iversen 7
  11. Emil Sayfutdinov 7
  12. Patryk Dudek 6
  13. Tai Woffinden 6
  14. Max Fricke 5
  15. Janusz Kolodziej 4
  16. Jacob Thorssell 2
  17. Kim Nilsson DNR
  18. Victor Palovaara DNR
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Duncan extends Kawasaki and Bike It DRT contract into 2020

Immediately after celebrating her third consecutive double-moto GP success at Imola Courtney Duncan extended her contract with Kawasaki Motors Europe and the Bike It DRT squad into the 2020 season.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola DRT GP PH
Courtney Duncan extends her partnership with Bike It DRT into 2020 – 2019 MXGP of Italy

The 2019 season has been excellent so far for both Courtney and DRT manager Steve Dixon, who collected the podium honours at each of the last three rounds of the FIM World WMX Women’s Motocross Championship and have led the series since the Portuguese GP in May.

Victorious in every moto bar one at the opening round of the series, the twenty-three-year-old New Zealander quickly adapted to her new bike and team and is now close to her first-ever world title as she leads the series by twenty-three points headed for the final round in Turkey on September 7/8. Successfully racing the new 2020 KX250 to victory in the last two rounds, Courtney was so happy with her new environment that she has already extended her contract for the future.

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola DUNCAN GP PH
New Zealander Courtney Duncan has been blazing ahead in the WMX – 2019 MXGP of Italy
Courtney Duncan

“I’m very thankful and excited to announce that I have extended my contract with Kawasaki and DRT through 2020. I really feel at home with the team and feel the KX250 suits me perfectly. This is just the start and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can continue to achieve together in the future.”

Steve Guttridge (Kawasaki Europe Racing Manager)

“Courtney’s arrival this season at Kawasaki and within the DRT set-up was an instant success. She has gelled with both the KX250 and the team and we can see positive proof in her winning performances on the track so far this season. She is a pleasure to work with both on and off the track, so we are very happy that she has committed herself to continue to race with Kawasaki in the future.”

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Arminas Jasikonis extends Husqvarna contract

Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced that Arminas Jasikonis has signed a one-year extension to his current contract with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. This new agreement will see the Lithuanian continue to compete in the MXGP category through to the end of the 2020 season.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Arminas Jasikonis Action
Arminas Jasikonis

21-year-old Jasikonis signed to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team at the end of 2018. Marking his third full year of competition in the premier MXGP class in 2019, the Husqvarna FC 450 mounted rider claimed a number of top-five race results including a third-place finish in the first moto at the GP of Lombardia.

Despite a number of small crashes hampering his progress, Arminas sits sixth overall in the FIM MXGP World Championship classification with four rounds left to race. Jasikonis will once again compete alongside Pauls Jonass in 2020, under the expert guidance of team manager Antti Pyrhönen.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Arminas Jasikonis
Arminas Jasikonis
Arminas Jasikonis

“It means so much to me to be given the opportunity to ride for such a great team. It feels great to know that the team believes in me and what I can achieve. Admittedly, 2019 has not been the best year for me, a few mistakes have affected my results, but I’m happy with my progress on the bike and I’m keen to deliver the results I know I’m capable of. For 2020, remaining with the same team takes a lot of pressure off – we already have a very good set-up for the races and a good atmosphere within the team. I’m really looking forward to continuing to improve and hopefully securing some top results.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing ARMINAS JASIKONIS
Arminas Jasikonis
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2020 Yamaha Factory MXGP effort announced

Following the announcement of Yamaha Motor Europe’s reformed Racing Strategy that will see the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 take on Factory status in 2020, it is with great pleasure that Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. can confirm that next seasons rider rostrum will consist of Jeremy Seewer, Gautier Paulin, Arnaud Tonus, Jago Geerts and Ben Watson.

Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX
2020 Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 rider line-ups announced

Currently making up the top-four in the 2019 MXGP World Championship with four rounds remaining, Seewer, Paulin and Tonus have put in some outstanding performances this season where between them they have accumulated 14 podium finishes in as many rounds.

Seewer has enjoyed a second full season with Yamaha inside the premier class, where he has taken his YZ450FM to four podium finishes and is currently second position in the Championship Standings with a 37-points advantage over Paulin.

Jeremy Seewer – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP

“It feels really good to stay with Yamaha for another season, especially after what happened to me at the end of 2017, I really feel like Yamaha helped me out of that situation and gave me an opportunity to grow into the MXGP class, and also to grow with a Factory team again. I really enjoyed my time with the Rinaldi team where I had a really good relationship with everyone there and we’ve had a good season. Going into 2020, I am happy to remain on the Factory team even though the team will be different. It will be a new chapter and I look forward to building on it.”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer

Paulin is currently third and has also accumulated four podium successes onboard his YZ450F, while teammate Tonus is 6-points further adrift in fourth position and has crested the podium on six occasions this season.

Gautier Paulin – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP

“Already this season, Yamaha and I have made some really big goals and have put together a big testing plan that we feel will get me back to the top. We have worked hard to have a good feeling on the motorcycle, which I have, and I am now third position in the championship. There have been many races where my Yamaha has been up front, and I have a lot of confidence in the brand and in my team. It feels really good to continue with Yamaha. One year moves quickly, and it is always a positive feeling to sign another year where we can improve the plan by making it stronger. Yamaha have put in a huge amount of effort to restructure the strategy for 2020, and I am very excited to move in this direction with them, and I am excited for what is yet to come.”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin
Arnaud Tonus – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP

“It feels amazing to stay with Yamaha. We have been through a lot together, many highs, many lows. Yamaha supported me at my lowest, and this year we were rewarded with many good times and a lot of success too. I am so happy to continue with the team for another season. It feels like home to me. I feel it’s very important to have the Yamaha Family behind me, and with extra support in 2020 as a Factory team. This will mean we have access to even better material, and extra technical support which will help us evolve the bike further. I am super excited for the 2020 season!”

MXGP Italy Rnd Imola Tonus
Arnaud Tonus

All three riders will make up the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team where they will line up on YZ450FM machinery determined to challenge the MXGP crown in 2020.

Strengthening Yamaha’s 2020 Strategy, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team has retained its strong contingent of MX2 riders for yet another season, Jago Geerts and Ben Watson.

Widely recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the world, Geerts is one of only three race winners this season. The 19-year-old is in his second full MX2 season and has managed to celebrate five podium finishes this year. He is currently 3-points from securing a place inside the top-three in the 2019 MX2 World Championship with four rounds remaining.

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Jago Geerts
Jago Geerts

Fresh off a maiden podium in 2019, Watson has proven he still has what it takes to challenge the crown despite facing some adversity this season. The 22-year-old is currently seventh in the championship standings after suffering from a broken hand that required surgical repair.

Both riders are looking forward to the 2020 season where they aim to challenge a place on the top step of the podium on Yamaha’s cutting edge YZ250FM.

Jago Geerts – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2

“I am happy to sign with Yamaha for another season. I really look forward to 2020 where we will receive extra support from Yamaha as the Factory MX2 team, which will mean we will receive special material and added technical support. This will make a big difference in the development of the bike. I can’t wait to ride the Factory bike, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve next season.”

MXGP Rnd Czech Loket Jago Geerts
Jago Geerts
Ben Watson – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2

“It’s great to sign a new contract with Yamaha for next season, and that they still believe in me. I have always dreamed of being a factory rider, and next year I will have the opportunity. I am already looking forward to 2020 where I hope to achieve what I know I am capable of achieving. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the new deal is that we will have Factory support and I look forward to developing the YZ250FM and taking the bike to the next level. I am really grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to make the most of it.”

MXGP Rnd Belgium WATSON MOTOCROSS GP B
Ben Watson
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Source: MCNews.com.au